Matthew 25 Farm

The Matthew 25 Farm, Inc. is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit public charity

The Farm Employees

Although the farm is run using mostly volunteer help, there are two permanent employees, Elizabeth Esmark, the farm administrator and Rick Rarick, the farm manager.


During the growing season the farm hires an assistant.

Elizabeth Esmark

Elizabeth, along with her son Jeff and husband Karl, founded the Matthew 25 Farm. Brought up on a dairy farm in LaFayette, she has always loved the hard work and rewards of farming. She is the mother of 4 adult children and 2 grandchildren. A graduate of SUNY Geneseo and the NY Paralegal Institute, she was one of the first certified paralegals in NYS, serving in that capacity for 34 years. Upon her retirement, she and her husband moved back to the CNY area. Elizabeth is secretary to Christ’s Chapel and the LaFayette Rural Cemetery Board. She is also the secretary/administrator to the farm, writing most of the grants. She loves to help on the farm as she is able.

Rick D. Rarick

I received my Bachelors of Art in Elementary Education from Salisbury University, Salisbury, Maryland, and my Masters in Elementary Education from Walden University.  I am a former Elder at Christ’s Chapel and served as the Chairman of the Property Committee. I enjoy so many aspects of the farm—from the plowing, disking and planting of the crops through the harvesting of thousands of pounds of fresh food.  I especially enjoy working with the various volunteers that come out to the farm.  Whether it is a church, school, fraternal, business or family group, each one brings something unique to the farm while they are helping out.  No two days are ever alike, which makes my job as manager interesting and challenging.  When I am not farming, I enjoy playing golf and am an avid sports fan.  I reside in LaFayette with my dogs Belushi and Minnie.