About Us
Winter Moon Roots grows certified organic root vegetables on 30 acres in beautiful Hadley, MA. Our crops—carrots, beets, radishes, turnips, rutabagas, and parsnips—are available November through March. We grow our crops all summer long, then harvest in the fall. The roots are stored all winter long and washed and packed to order.
The farm is owned and operated by Rosendo Santizo, who worked at Winter Moon Roots for many years alongside the farm’s founder, Michael Docter. Michael built the farm with a focus on flavor, sustainability, and community — values that continue to shape everything we do today.
A Focus on Flavor
We harvest our root vegetables as late in the fall as possible. This exposure to cold fall temperatures allows the roots to accumulate natural sugars, giving them their signature sweetness and amazing flavor.
We choose our crop varieties carefully for flavor and tenderness so every root you enjoy from Winter Moon Roots tastes vibrant, fresh, and alive.
Environmentally Conscious
We take pride in growing our crops with no pesticides and in caring for our incredible Hadley soil. We minimize tillage and plant lush cover crops in every field every year, feeding the soil microbes that keep our land healthy and productive for generations to come.
After harvest, we bring our roots into our unique storage system that uses the cold winter air to keep the roots cool and fresh. The electricity use to run the system is offset by solar panels on our storage barn roof. This allows us to maintain the ideal temperature for freshness while minimizing our carbon footprint.
Rooted in Community
Winter Moon Roots is proud to be part of the Pioneer Valley’s local food system. We supply co-ops, restaurants, and families who care about where their food comes from and how it’s grown. By offering locally grown produce through the winter months, we help keep nutritious, flavorful food available year-round—grown right here in Hadley soil.
Our Vision
We believe good food starts with healthy soil, thoughtful stewardship, and respect for the New England seasons. Our goal is simple: to grow the most flavorful, sustainable root vegetables possible, and to share them with our community throughout the heart of winter.
