HARTFORD, CT — A farmer whose commitment to soil health, community partnerships, and year-round diversified food production has reshaped a corner of southeastern Connecticut was honored today at Ag Day at the Capitol. Baylee Drown, owner of Long Table Farm in Lyme, has been named the 2026 Connecticut Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year.
“I am pleased to accept this honor, and acknowledge that there are many outstanding Connecticut farmers, who care for their land, crops, livestock, and communities daily. I had the privilege of choosing where to start my career as a farmer, and I chose Connecticut,” said Drown. “Connecticut has a social safety net that most other state’s lack, the state is committed to improving the health of our environment, we are proximal to populations of eaters, and I’ve witnessed the growing support of the government of CT for farms.”
Drown’s agricultural roots run deep. Raised on a Michigan dairy farm, they were immersed in daily chores, FFA, and 4-H from an early age. In college, they competed on Michigan State University’s winning Dairy Challenge and dairy judging teams, later managing Green Mountain College’s 25-acre farm while completing a master’s degree in Sustainable Food Systems. Drown founded what would become Long Table Farm in 2014, bringing their academic training and hands-on experience to Connecticut.
What started as a test of whether sustainable agriculture could also be economically viable has matured into a thriving, diversified operation. Over the past twelve years, Drown and their partner, Ryan Quinn, have raised vegetables, fruit, Berkshire hogs, ducks for eggs, grass-fed beef and milk, and pasture-raised poultry. Compost production has become a growing part of the business, with sales set to begin this year. Looking ahead, the pair is exploring aquaculture, as well as grain and legume production, aiming to become a full-diet farm within the next eight years.
Their barn on Beaver Brook Road already functions as a seasonal farmers’ market and will soon host a community commercial kitchen in partnership with the New London Community Meal Center and River Valley Food Collective.
Every choice at Long Table Farm is guided by soil and water conservation. Drown’s soil tests show consistent improvement, reflected in growing bird and insect diversity. The farm has completed a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan, expanded cover cropping, added pollinator habitat, and upgraded irrigation through federal conservation programs. Drown and Quinn also partner with the Lyme Land Trust on meadow care and safeguard endangered turtle habitat along the Eight Mile River.
The farm has used no chemical pest controls—organic or otherwise—since 2019. Instead, Drown relies on biological and mechanical methods, livestock integration, and soil‑building practices that have reduced pests and strengthened natural predator populations. Wildlife habitat is encouraged through standing dead trees for cavity‑nesting birds, maintained biodiversity zones for overwintering insects, bluebird boxes, and carefully timed mowing and grazing.
Drown’s service to the broader agricultural community is equally extensive. They serve on the boards or steering committees of the Connecticut Farmland Trust, Lyme Planning and Zoning, the Connecticut Compost Alliance, and co-lead the NCTFA Queer Farmers Circle. The farm partners regularly with local nonprofits, schools, and food‑access organizations. In 2026, Drown spoke at multiple statewide and regional conferences.
Administered by the CT Ag Info Council (CAIC), the purpose of the Outstanding Young Farmers (OYF) Program is to bring about a greater interest in the farmer to foster better urban-rural relations through the understanding of the farmers’ endeavors, to develop further appreciation for their contributions and achievements, and to inform the agribusiness community of the growing urban awareness of farmers’ importance and impact on America’s economy. The Connecticut OYF program is modeled directly on the National OYF program. Drown can now apply to compete for the National OYF award.
“Baylee shows what’s possible when thoughtful land stewardship, innovation, and community connection all move in the same direction,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Their leadership is helping shape the future of Connecticut agriculture, and we’re proud to recognize their achievements.”
