Thirteen-year-old Barn Again Farm owner Matt Gartelman recently announced plans to move their farm stand location from his Center Moriches home to the historic Ann Smith Duck Farm Tin Barn, at the corner of Bay Avenue and Montauk Highway, in East Moriches.

Back in October 2024, Gartelman went to the Ketcham Inn Foundation Book Barn and met some of the volunteers working there. When he told them he was looking to set up his farmstand in front of Gallery 90, he was immediately well-received and directed to the president of the foundation, Bert Seides.

“I spoke with Bert about my ideas, but he had some better ideas,” Gartelman said, explaining he allowed him to host his Christmas “Festive Farm Stands” in front of the book barn and then allowed him to eventually move to the Tin Barn at the property on Bay Avenue.

Currently, Gartelman, Seides, and all of the volunteers are working to prepare for the first farmstand of the season, which is expected to open on April 18 and 19.

Barn Again Farm will also donate a percentage of what they make to the Ketcham Inn Foundation to improve the quality and the restoration of the site.  

The stand, Gartelman said, will feature a variety of locally sourced and lovingly crafted items, including:

• Honey
• Fresh-cut flowers
• Flower Plants 
• Homemade jams and jellies
• Freshly baked bread
• Cold crop produce
• Garden kits
• And much more!

“I have been so incredibly blessed the past few years and I’m incredibly grateful for this great opportunity,” he said. “This new location is another big chapter for me and the farmstand.”

The spot, he explained, is better for a few reasons, including better traffic with more customers and the farmstand’s location at the historic barn giving the property some attention as well.

“I want to thank Bert and the Ketcham Inn Foundation for being so incredibly kind for helping me and my farmstand business,” Gartelman added.

ABOUT FARMER MATT

Matt Gartelman moved to the Moriches in 2022 from Wantagh in Nassau County with his family, seeking a life with more outdoors and space. As a first-generation farm manager, he found just that in Center Moriches by creating and co-owning Barn Again Farm. He lives on the just under two-acre farm, located at 87 Bernstein Boulevard, with his parents and older brother and sister. The farm is committed to sustainable and responsible farming practices. They use natural fertilizers and pest control methods to ensure the crops are healthy and free from harmful chemicals. Also, the animals are raised in spacious and clean environments, with plenty of access to fresh air and sunshine.