The Artists' Way

When I was invited to a cookout at Robin and Allen Cockerline's picturesque Whippoorwill Farm, I was expecting awesome burgers (because the Cockerlines raise extraordinary grass-fed beef) and endless beer (because they know how to party.) What I didn't expect was the enormous pot luck buffet provided by scores of Falls Village friends who had come to help them celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary and first anniversary at their farm on Salmon Kill Road in Salisbury. (I did not expect the amazing firefly show in their pasture either.)
When the Cockerlines packed up and moved to the other side of the Housatonic they apparently left their hearts in Falls Village. Living in a different Zip Code hasn't changed them. Allen and Robin remain warm, open, opinionated, funny and passionate. They generously share their wisdom and expertise with Dan and Tracy Hayhurst at Chubby Bunny Farm and with Shamu Sadeh, who runs the organic farming program at the Isabella Freedman Jewish Retreat Center. The Cockerlines are the ideal neighbors, because their way of life preserves ours. As Allen said at a public forum last fall on protecting the rural character of our region: "I AM the rural character." They are trailblazing Farm Artists (and Artistic Farmers) who are role models for anyone who wants to make a creative and honest living off the land.