Our Farm
The Essex County Sheriff's Department is proud of its working farm at our Pre-release and Re-Entry Center in Lawrence. This farm produces thousands of pounds of fresh produce each growing season, much of which is donated to local charities and schools. In 2021, over 5,300 pounds of produce was donated to those in need in Essex County. About 3,500 pounds of what was grown was used by food services in meals served at our three facilities.
Corrections Specialist/retired Sergeant Dennis Laubner oversees the farm and works with inmates who volunteer to plant, tend to, and harvest the crops. Some of the produce grown include tomatoes, cucumbers, potatoes, melons, corn, and peppers. What our farm is probably best known for is its pumpkins. In 2022, our farm yielded over 7,000 pounds of pumpkins which were donated to local schools, charities, nursing homes, and other organizations.
If you organization is interested in receiving donations of fresh produce or pumpkins during the summer season, please click here and include your contact information.
