Flayvors of Cook Farm

About the Farm

Cook Farm's story began in 1909 when Joseph G. Cook purchased the property, starting a legacy that would span four generations. Joseph and his wife Ethel raised four children on the farm and struggled through the Great Depression, finding great gratitude in their ability to grow and raise food for their family during those incredibly difficult times. Their son Gordon, nicknamed "Pop," was born in the farmhouse in 1911 and took over the farm in 1947 after his father's tragic death, eventually passing it on to his children with great pride.

The third generation brought significant achievements to Cook Farm, particularly through Gordon Jr. "Gordy" and his wife Beth, who returned to help run the farm in 1984 with their four children. Under their stewardship, Cook Farm established itself as a premier breeder, winning Premier Breeder for 18 consecutive years at the Massachusetts State Show. Their Jerseys and Holsteins became recognized among the top 100 classified Holstein herds in the nation, with embryos from Cook Farm sought after by farmers around the world, from England to Japan to Canada.

Beth's longtime dream of opening an ice cream and dairy store became reality in 1998 when Flayvors of Cook Farm opened its doors. The fourth generation joined when Hank, Gordy's oldest son, returned home after one year of teaching to work full time on Cook Farm in 1993. Today, the farm continues to thrive as a working dairy operation that makes ice cream right on site, connecting local food and agriculture while being run predominantly by family members and supported by the wonderful Hadley community that has embraced this multigenerational farming legacy.