Meet Kelly, Kim and Deb
Owners & Operators of Justamere Tree Farm
Justamere Tree Farm, located in the Hilltowns of Western Massachusetts is an all women-owned maple business that runs on clean, renewable energy. Situated on 60 acres of rolling hills filled with maples and birch, the land is home to pileated woodpeckers, black bears, wild turkeys and the farm’s stewards, Kelly, Kim and Deb.
Kelly
Kelly grew up outdoors as a competitive ski and mountain bike racer. She is passionate about a life focused on nature and the environment. In all the places Kelly has lived, she is happiest on the uphill. After spending time in her childhood on a farm in Ohio, Kelly has returned to her roots.
Kim
Kim grew up riding horses through the fields and forests of rural Alabama. She lived in Alaska for over 20 years where, among other things, she did backcountry search and rescue with her dog. Her lifelong passion of the outdoors, and the beauty of New England drew her to this new adventure. She's excited to be part of a small, women-owned business living a life based on sustainability and purpose.
Deb
Deb grew up just a short drive from Justamere Tree Farm in Connecticut and is most at home in the country. Her love for the environment translated into a career in conservation. She believes that private landowners and sustainable agriculture play an integral role in conservation. That is why she fell in love with Justamere Tree Farm and the ethic behind the business.
Deb and Kelly have lived all over the country, including Alaska. They loved the vastness and wildness of the land and it will always be one of their favorite places — maybe because that is where they met Kim. Deb and Kelly returned to Massachusetts, where they met over 25 years ago, and started syruping with 30 taps and a pan over an outdoor fire pit. They have owned 4 “evaporators” since then. Justamere’s makes 5!
Our Roots
For 38 years, Justamere Tree Farm was owned and operated by JP and Marian Welch. In 2020, they retired and passed their maple farming legacy on to Kelly, Kim and Deb. JP and Marian are never far away and continue to be our mentors and friends.
Justamere Tree Farm in the News
Three women loving life on the land as Worthington maple farm owners
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Feb 2, 2022
Interview: Justamere Tree Farm
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture, Mar 26, 2019
Valley Bounty Meet the Farmers
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Mar 22, 2019
Maple Syrup Food Friday
WAMC Food Friday, Feb 15, 2019
Massachusetts Maple Syrup Producers Have Another Record Year
Daily Hampshire Gazette, Jun 11, 2017
Cream of the Crop
Boston Globe, May 18, 2011