Horsetail Herb Farm in Marathon, New York
Horsetail Herb Farm, located in Marathon, New York, is a certified organic herb farm cultivating over 20 medicinal and culinary herb species using sustainable, small-scale methods. Sole proprietor Becky Frye, with her partner Corey McNaughton, grows herbs like tulsi, calendula, oats, nettle, yarrow, and marshmallow, adding new species each year. At the heart of the farm’s operations is a hands-on approach, where sowing, harvesting, and packing are all done manually. To handle heavier tasks, Becky incorporates Suffolk draft horses, blending tradition with sustainability. This use of horse power not only minimizes environmental impact but also deepens the connection between farmer, plants, and animals, creating a holistic and regenerative farming system.
Becky’s passion for herbs grew out of personal hardship in 2016 when she began exploring herbal medicine as an accessible way to support her health. Frustrated by the prevalence of imported herbs in the U.S. market, she was inspired to grow high-quality, locally sourced plants. Horsetail Herb Farm operates with a commitment to no-till farming, regenerative soil practices, and biodynamic tendencies, fostering soil health while producing vibrant, healing herbs. Thanks to mentors Donn Hewes and Maryrose Livingston, as well as the Draft Animal Power Network (DAPNet), Becky has expanded her farm with the support of draft horses and a community of like-minded farmers.
Now a proud member of the Meeting House Farm Herb Growers Collaborative, Horsetail Herb Farm brings the terroir of New York State to a broader audience. Becky’s mission is to make herbal medicine more accessible, growing temperate, native, and naturalized plants that empower others to care for their health. Through the collaborative, she enjoys a sense of community and support, which helps her focus on farming while navigating marketing and distribution challenges. For Becky, it’s all about connection—between plants, people, and the land—with steadfast allies like yarrow and nettle always close to her heart.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/horsetailherbfarm/
