About Us

The Land

We are extremely lucky to have found the farm that we purchased in May 2015: we were actually driving home from looking at another piece of land, and we took the 'scenic' way home and happened upon an auction sign... 2 months later, we won the auction!

122 total acres, some of which is prime muck soil from a ice-age glacial lake bottom, an equal mix of forest and pasture, and a 200+ year-old stone farmhouse with hand hewn beams. We unfortunately had to tear down the old barn, as it was too damaged from years of exposure and hurricane Sandy, but we salvaged as much barn wood as we could. It's a preserved farm as well, so it will remain as agricultural land into the future that can't be subdivided and developed.

The land has been farmed since the house was built in 1790, so far as we know, and has been through everything from vegetables to soy & corn, timber harvesting, and even sod. This has been hard on the land, and many nutrients have been stripped away, including some topsoil from sod cutting.

Our intensive pasture based farming style, also known know as 'mob grazing', actually builds topsoil and replenishes nutrients over time. We won't need to buy any fertilizers, or spreaders, as the animals will do that themselves, and the deep rooted pastures will bring up minerals from the soil to improve the fertility as well.

The center of the land is a 70 acre wetlands preserve, where the previous owner sold farming rights back to the state. While we can't farm it, we couldn't be happier! We can still hike through its forest, go bird watching, or just have some peace & quiet time. We feel it's important to set aside some land & spare it from intensive agriculture - after all, the wildlife needs a home too!

A group of fluffy yellow chicks huddled together in a warm, wooden enclosure, surrounded by wood shavings. The scene captures the lively and adorable nature of young chickens in a farm setting.
Happy dog running through a field of yellow wildflowers, showcasing playful energy and a vibrant outdoor setting.
Two pigs eating a mixture of vegetables and fruits from a feeding bowl, surrounded by natural foliage. The scene captures the pigs foraging for food, highlighting their diet and behavior in a farm setting.
Free-range chickens foraging in a lush green field, surrounded by trees, with a feeding bucket in the center. The scene highlights sustainable farming practices and the natural habitat of poultry.
Two pigs resting together on straw in a barn, showcasing their peaceful demeanor and farm life environment.
Two adorable lambs, one white and one brown, cuddle together on a bed of straw, with adult sheep in the background on a farm. The serene rural setting highlights the bond between the young animals.
Group of playful piglets foraging in a grassy area, showcasing their distinctive black and white markings amidst a natural setting.
A variety of fresh mushrooms displayed at a farmers market, including colorful oyster mushrooms, lion's mane, and golden chanterelles, arranged on a checkered tablecloth.
A collection of handcrafted wooden spatulas arranged on a rustic wooden surface, showcasing their unique grain patterns and rich, warm tones. Ideal for cooking and serving, these durable kitchen utensils highlight artisanal craftsmanship.
Free-range chickens in a pasture with a metal nesting box filled with freshly laid eggs. The scene showcases healthy hens foraging outdoors, emphasizing sustainable farming practices and egg production.

The Farmers

Ryan Lacz

Ryan has always had a great passion for animals and a love of nature. He was working at the National Zoo in Washington DC, when he and his wife, Liz, decided get back to nature and start a farm! So Ryan and Liz moved up to New Jersey to be closer to family and to begin Four Fields Farm.

Fun farm fact: The farm was named after the Irish pub where Ryan and Liz first met in Washington DC.

Liz Balchin

Liz is a graduate form Bath Spa University in England with a degree in Ceramics. She has alway had a love for animals and getting dirty. She was a manager at a store in Washington, DC when she and her husband, Ryan, decided to move up to New Jersey to start a farm.

Fun farm fact: Liz really gets a crack out of how the pigs scratch themselves on anything that is stationary.

A man stands confidently on a pile of gravel with two dogs, a spotted black and white dog and a white dog with brown markings, against a clear blue sky and sparse trees in the background.
Happy black and white dog with a spotted coat standing in a vibrant green field with tall grass and wildflowers, enjoying a sunny day outdoors.
A man cuddles with a black and white dog on a cozy couch, showcasing a warm moment of companionship. A glass is visible in the foreground, adding to the relaxed atmosphere of the scene.
Woman holding a young goat in a pastoral setting, surrounded by trees and fields, showcasing a connection between humans and farm animals.
Close-up profile of a happy, tri-color dog with a black and brown face, white snout, and tongue out, set against a lush green background with wildflowers.
Sheep grazing in a lush green field under a clear blue sky, with a greenhouse visible in the background.
Five pigs lounging in muddy water troughs, surrounded by lush greenery and dirt, showcasing a rustic farm setting.
Freshly baked whole grain bread loaf on a wooden cutting board, with a slice cut off and a knife placed beside it. The bread features a crusty exterior with distinctive slashes on top, showcasing its artisanal quality.
Close-up of a handcrafted wooden table showcasing rich walnut grain and live edge detailing, with visible joinery and contrasting lighter wood accents. The table is set in a cozy interior space featuring a stone wall and black leather chair.
A mother pig nursing a litter of piglets in a farmyard setting, with several piglets clustered around her, displaying a mix of black and brown fur. The ground is covered with straw and dirt, typical of a rural environment.