our farm
Saltbox Farm, located in Concord, Massachusetts, is a beautiful 10-acre working farm owned and operated by Chef Ben Elliott. Built in the 1940s by Ben’s grandparents, Ben and his family made it their home and began the work of restoring the farm nearly a decade ago.
A professional chef by training, Ben learned how to become a farmer those first couple of years, driven by the idea that by returning to his roots and honoring the land he was so lucky to have, he would somehow connect his passion for cooking with farming. Today, he has achieved that with Saltbox Farm which is both an anchor for all that he and his teams create and an inspiration that connects Saltbox’s farmers, chefs, brewers, and teachers who share a mission to provide the community with true farm-to-table (and glass!) experiences.
agricultural practices
Our passionate team of farmers and apprentices in the year-round care of the farm’s greenhouse, fields, bees, chickens, and lambs. These systems provide endless inspiration for how we share what’s grown and nurtured at Saltbox with our volunteer programs, guests and clients who dine and drink at our restaurant, and at catered events.
Here at the farm, we use only organic and regenerative farming practices with no synthetic herbicides or pesticides. We believe that the best quality produce comes from the best quality soil. Through crop rotations, low- and no-till practices, cover crops, and compost and bio-nutrient-dense applications, we can build healthy and fertile soil to produce the most nutrient-rich and delicious vegetables possible.
Biodiversity on the farm plays an important role for the regenerative agriculture practices we implement. All of our animals are raised with multiple pastures for our chickens and lambs to roam, as well as pollinator gardens for our bees. We strive to protect the land and its natural ecosystems.
From our farm to your table
We value cooking and eating according to the seasons, choosing local ingredients whenever possible, and supporting local artisans dedicated to their craft. For us, phrases like “shop local” and “farm-to-table” aren’t just trendy ideas but guiding principles.
Everything we cook and share is inspired by what’s happening at the farm. Our own produce, eggs, flowers, lamb, and honey are featured on our menus at Saltbox Kitchen, our restaurant, and at events catered by Saltbox Catering, while Saltbox Brewery beers are brewed using hops and other ingredients grown here on the farm. During the growing season, we also offer a wide variety of fresh, local produce at our farm stand.
Land Acknowledgement
Saltbox Farm is located on the unceded ancestral lands of the Nipmuc, Massachusett, Pawtucket, and Agawam peoples, and the team at Saltbox works to cultivate this land in partnership with nature and the creatures and plants that knew this space before colonization. The food, flowers, animals, soil, air, and energy that comes forth from this land nourishes staff and patrons of Saltbox Farm. Indigenous peoples around the world are the most impactful and important protectors of biodiversity, and we as organic, regenerative farmers owe many of the principles and practices of our craft to generations of Indigenous wisdom. The farm crew strives to honor indigenous stewardship by farming in reciprocity with the land—giving as we humbly receive. Gratitude for how the land nurtures and cares for us endows a responsibility to act with respect and love toward every aspect of this ecosystem, looking to each creature, plant, and the land itself as a teacher and companion.
Please visit the Nipmuc Nation’s website and the Massachusett Tribe at Ponkapoag tribal website to learn about the history of Nipmuc and Massachusett people as well as current Nipmuc and Massachusett communities. We recommend monetarily contributing to the Hassanamisco Band of the Nipmuc Nation and Massachusett tribe, especially if you live or work on Nipmuc and/or Massachusett land. Please note that the Hassanamisco Band of the Nipmuc people requests that all donations are mailed directly to the Nipmuc Indian Development Corporation, or made digitally through the Western Massachusetts SURJ website. You can also encourage your representatives to support the Massachusetts Indigenous Legislative Agenda.
Learn more about Nipmuc community events, campaigns, and projects at nippi.org/, https://www.ohketeau.org/, and at the Nipmuc Nation Instagram account. Visit the MA Center for Native American Awareness and the Native American Indian Center of Boston websites for more information about local indigenous efforts.
Contact Us
Location / 40 Westford Road Concord MA 01742
Email / info@saltboxfarmconcord.com