Cluck and Trowel farm has announced that it will be up and running in time for the 2019 CSA and market season following a devastating fire earlier this year.

The fire destroyed the farm’s barn, which housed a variety of equipment as well as their flock of egg-laying hens.

The farm has taken months to get back on its feet — although a hugely successful GoFundMe and other community fundraisers have gone towards replacing the equipment and livestock that were lost in the fire.

In a statement, farm owners Kate Levin, Massimo Vliet, and Sarah Cogswell said, “We are so very grateful for the donations, kind words, love and support that our community has shown us. Thanks to your generosity we have been able to replace a lot of the equipment that was lost in the fire. Your love and kindness has lifted our spirits and kept us focused on the future.”

The farm owners were able to seed this year’s crops after replacing their walk behind tractor and “through the kindness of farmer friends” who helped them harrow their field. 

“We sincerely would not be in business this season if it weren’t for our community stepping in to support us,” they said.

“Clean-up of what remained of the barn was completed only a few weeks ago,” the statement continued.

Although Cluck and Trowel may not be able to supply eggs wholesale this season — they said that they were unable to replace the lost hens, as they would not have been certified organic — they hope to start it up again in early 2020.

They have also announced plans to relocate after this season, and are “actively seeking a long-term lease for farmland in the South Dartmouth/Westport area.”

This is because they were unable to secure an Agricultural Preservation Restriction for the development rights to the land.

The Cluck and Trowel CSA will kick off in mid-June with weekly deliveries of certified organic vegetables available in the Dartmouth area.

• Meanwhile their Farm Stand at 777 Horseneck Rd., South Dartmouth opened for the season on May 28.