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The Fabulous Beekman Boys: Gay urbanites turned organic farmers
A new Planet Green docu-series features an out and proud urban couple turned awkward but eager organic farmers.
Thu, Jan 14 2010 at 2:49 PM
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Photo: Planet Green/Chris Ramirez

Can a fabby gay couple from the city become fabby biodynamic farmers? Apparently yes, at least in a new Planet Green show dubbed The Fabulous Beekman Boys. Those boys are Josh Kilmer-Purcell and Brent Ridge, two out and proud urban men who decide to try homesteading at an upstate New York farm, a.k.a. Beekman 1802.
 
“Who says gays can’t raise kids?” say the couple — while bottle-feeding a baby goat! The Fabulous Beekman Boys doesn’t begin airing until June, but I got to see a few clips at the Television Critics Association Cable Tour Panel earlier today. What I learned: Urbanites look funny when they try to farm. We see Josh and Brent buy a pair of cute piglets — that nimbly escape and tear across the farm, with the would-be farmers chasing after them in wide-eyed panic.
 
Beekman boys
 
Luckily, the guys have the help of one Farmer John, who loves his goats so much he tears up while talking about them. On a panel at the TCA event, Josh and Brent talked about how the milk from Farmer John’s 80 goats got them making yogurt and cheese — then crafting goat milk soap (“It really was the best soap that we’d ever used”) — then starting a small soap business — then getting into arguments about all the work this eco-friendly endeavor entails. Because Josh still works full time in the city while Brent plans big events and projects at the farm, the couple ends up bickering fairly often on the show about how they spend their weekends.
 
Organic farming may not always be idyllic, but from what I’ve seen, The Fabulous Beekman Boys promises to be entertaining, often hilarious, and hopefully full of tasty organic, homegrown food. I’m told we’ll get to taste some food from the Beekman farm at a reception tonight; I’ll report back with a taste test!
 
Related on MNN:
Bottom photo by Planet Green / Joao Canziani

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Comments: 146
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anonymous
lezleywhitaker Jun 01 2011 at 5:20 PM

i'M UPSET OVER THE AWFUL AND NEGATIVE COMMENTS. MY SISTERS AND I ARE IN OUR SIXTIES AND HAVE A NINETY YEAR OLD MOTHER. THE SHOW IS VERY TASTEFULLY DONE. WE ALL ENJOYED GOING TO THE FESTIVAL AND NEXT TIME WANT TO STAY IN HOTEL. THANK YOU BRENT AND JOSH. WE HAVE A LOT OF FUN DISCUSSING YOU BOYS WITH OUR HUSBANDS AND SONS. THEY DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHAT WE GET OUT OF YOUR SHOW. BUT THEY PUT UP WITH US. LOVE YA

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anonymous
Lisa Green Ft. ... Mar 16 2012 at 9:56 PM

I completely agree. My husband and I watched every week, faithfully. We are wondering when you will be back, you are all missed.

P.S. The black ash cheese was excellent

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anonymous
michael in pa Apr 12 2011 at 12:44 PM

boys will be boys so much beter then jersey shore

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anonymous
Guest Jun 02 2011 at 7:56 AM
I came to this site because I used to watch this show several years ago and was curious if it was still on the air. After reading the article above I started reading the comments to see if others loved the show as much as I do. Just a little background info. I am a mother of 5, 32 yrs. old and if it matters straight and in a loving relationship of 16 years. I gave birth to a baby boy last November that I carried for my cousin and her partner. It really saddens me to know that this kind of ignorance (
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and I use this word purposely) still exists. It is people like those on here that will some day be sitting next to my cousin, her partner and their son in a restaurant one day and make a comment that will damage the otherwise healthy mind of an innocent child. I have never been so honored before in my life as I was the day I helped my cousin make her family complete. They are two of the most wonderful parents I have ever seen. Their boy is so loved and happy. Please just keep this little story in the back of your minds when you are making these hateful statements. Your IGNORANCE and HATRED of something you do not understand effects many people in more ways than you realize, it is like a virus infecting the minds of all that you encounter. You spread this hatred to your children, friends, family and to those you may not even know. What difference does it make who I or the gay man standing in the checkout line at the supermarket choose to share OUR LIVES with? You wouldn't appreciate me making such a statement about your wife, husband or child so how do you justify in your mind making these statements about two men you will probably never meet. Keep in mind they are the child, brother, uncle and loved ones or fathers of someone. To each their own and to you, yours. How many times have you leaned over and kissed your significant other in public? Don't they deserve the same rights as you or are you some superhuman being? And as long as they are spreading love and not hate who are you to interject? Just food for thought.
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anonymous
Billy Apr 11 2011 at 12:17 PM

Come on people, are you kidding, this is probably the best show on TV right now!!!

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anonymous
Rebekah Apr 06 2011 at 1:27 PM

These guys are cute, funny and living my goat farming dream. I just love them and wish I could be their neighbor. You guys should move to Northern California and have a farm here!

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anonymous
j0npaul Apr 06 2011 at 1:34 AM

thank you guys for sharing your lives with us the show is great keep up the great work and i pray every thing works out for y'all yes i live in the south and said y'all lol

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anonymous
jKfromchi Mar 15 2011 at 1:16 PM
I am not here to comment on the show. Haven't seen it, nor will I watch it.Question is why are straight people always called homophobes or gay bashers if they disagree with the gay community? I don't flaunt my straight marrage in public we keep our private lives in our house. What the gays do in thier own homes I couldn't care but what I don't like is their life style being forced in my face. Like I said my choice not to watch so I won't....but just don't call me a homophobe or gay basher, I still
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live in America and have a right to state my on opinion.
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anonymous
Scott Apr 16 2011 at 2:42 AM

thank you for your opinions, for they mirror mine

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anonymous
Judi Mar 12 2011 at 7:56 AM

We are farmers, goat, geese, checkins,bees and organic vertabiles. We are a older straght couple and we enjoy the show for just what it is, entertainment. I like the idia of using a small farm as the base for a organic business. We are thinking about fellowing their example.

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anonymous
Beverly Mar 11 2011 at 10:32 PM
I don't know if you have thought of this or if anyone else has brought this up but you could sell the wool from you Llama, and possibly some of your other animals. You don't have to do that much to it. I am sure there are other local farmers that may be able to help you in doing this and making a nice profit from it. I am a knitter and I also crochet sometimes it is difficult to find the yarn I want for a project, however if I could purchase the raw goods direct from a farmer that doesn't want to
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clean, card and spin it into yarn we could both win. I have two cousins that really want to learn how to card and spin these fibers into yarn we can use for our projects. Just a thought. I think you show is great and very educational. I want a small farm for Alpacas. Have a blessed day.
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anonymous
lewis Nov 20 2010 at 7:13 AM

we love of your products. you have shown america it is possible to own, work, and live on a farm. this has to be the best reality show i enjoy watching.

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anonymous
David Nov 19 2010 at 4:29 AM
I got to see this show once in Maryland and loved it. Up here in wouthwest PA I have not been able to see the show as there is no channel here that shows it. My partner and I have given up the metro life a bit over a year ago and we have started a goat farm. It is all new to us and at times things get crazy. The 8 girls I have are all registered Oberhasli and Sables except one that is mixed. All are pregnant now and will start kidding in mid March. Then all hell will break loose with milking the
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mothers and bottle feeding the kids. I have learned with the 8 girls I have it is better to bottle feed as the bonding continues for life with them. My girls are sweet as can be and a bit ornry. We also have to baby mini sicilian donkeys, 40 chickens, 5 guineas, a cat and 4 dogs. Our barn is new and we have all new milking equipment. The plan come spring is to have pasturized milk, make cheese, soaps and sell eggs. Our friends out of state are all surprised that we have taken this on and to be honest I don't need the city and would never think of going back. This was a dream and now I am living it. We have each other and that is all that matters. More people should consider this.........give up the trendy clothes and restaurant and get down in the poo and take care of those animals.....................CaprineFarmer@aol.com
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anonymous
Larry Williams Nov 05 2010 at 11:30 PM
Two years ago I gave up the corporate world and started farming (moved from FL to upstate NY - my northeast roots - NJ) - Did I snap? All I ever did before was planting a small urban veggie patch. Now I have 38 acres, 12 Alpaca, 2 cows, 2 goats, 13 chickens and (naturally) a dog and a parrot. My wife is still working in FL supporting my wild ride. I am learning as I go and probably do more wrong than right. Spent six months of the first year doing all the farm chores with a farm induced broken leg (
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don't ever loose your balance on one leg over a fresh dung pile) I just heard about the show but can't find it on Direct TV but would love to see someone else who walked blindly into the time of their life. We're not nuts, just farm happy.
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anonymous
Linke Jan 25 2011 at 2:55 PM

Hey Larry! you can watch some episodes online at Hulu.com. Hulu is great for catching up on shows and past season episodes -- not just of FBboys, but ALL TV shows old and new. I love it! For some reason, FBboys only have one full episode available at the moment on Hulu, but there are TONS of great clips and commentary for the whole season.

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anonymous
Charla Cauthen Oct 10 2010 at 6:48 PM

I really do like the show. It is enjoyable to watch these guys learn to farm. I love the goats and the llama. I like everything about the show,, and of course the guys on there.

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anonymous
kc Oct 09 2010 at 4:25 PM

Love the goats and the Llama and all the activity on the farm!
I like the show, couldn't care less if they are gay...I am not watching it because of sex-what difference does that make anyway? It is just people.
I am in Deep South Mississippi, so there ya go :o)
Who couldn't love Polka Spot?

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anonymous
John Turner Sep 23 2010 at 5:05 AM

I was shocked after reading the rant from that homophobic sicko redneck. I know I should not be calling him names but it really upset me that someone could be so mean and vicious. Personally, I believe this person has some latent homosexual desires which makes him hate himself thus other gay people. Actually, I feel terribly sorry for this person. Such anger and hate cannot exist in a happy life. I bet he is lonely, hates himself and no one else cares for him.

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anonymous
John Turner Sep 23 2010 at 5:05 AM

I was shocked after reading the rant from that homophobic sicko redneck. I know I should not be calling him names but it really upset me that someone could be so mean and vicious. Personally, I believe this person has some latent homosexual desires which makes him hate himself thus other gay people. Actually, I feel terribly sorry for this person. Such anger and hate cannot exist in a happy life. I bet he is lonely, hates himself and no one else cares for him.

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anonymous
Judi Sep 22 2010 at 10:35 PM

I loved the show but it would be nice if you would explain how you do things, not just the funny parts. We have a goat and geese farm in Washington state, live off grid and have a big garden. The how toos make a difference.

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anonymous
Kelly Baker Sep 11 2010 at 11:13 AM
I really love the show. It is a great expression of true love and then they express it through their farming and preparing every dish of fresh farm food they serve their honored guests. They show how true hospitality is done. They really get down and dirty on the farm and show us all what they have to do to maintain their home-based business, which their farm is sustaining that too. And they do it while loving eachother openly. I think it is just great that they can bring such a topic to us
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in such a way that we get to see such a happy couple, working together for their common goals. Great show, Keep it up! I'll keep watching whenever you're on!!!
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anonymous
Kelly Baker Sep 11 2010 at 10:51 AM

Very good show. It shows us what really goes on in a farming situation and where some of our food comes from, which is really important. Especially in these times, this show is of major importance for information and just getting acquainted with an alternate lifestyle, which can be very shocking for some. Good going guys!!!

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anonymous
joan jay Sep 09 2010 at 2:17 PM
I came to say that I like the show. So I'll say it. I like the show. What I saw here was painful to read, and I read it all. What I find to particularly troubling is the fact that the opposing factions refuse to recognize that others may have a different opinion. The gay opponents are unabashedly insulting. The supporters are screaming for the bashers to get out, go away, kill yourselves, etc. Disagree. Nothing wrong with that. But you don't need to be disagreeable. Or do you? Good luck,
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Josh and Brent.
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anonymous
Posttedman Sep 07 2010 at 10:23 PM

Wonderful great show-can see why many like farmer John-the big cuddly bear but anyone else thing he may be a liitle slow or simple?

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anonymous
Guest Aug 29 2010 at 1:40 PM

Is there a way to order the goatmilk soap they make/sell? I think this would be a great Christmas gift.

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