Letter to the Editor: Let’s keep talking about farming

“Fluid milk dairy is the only sector that has been able to scale in Vermont.”

“I challenge Mr. Schubart to name a farm in Addison County that isn’t operated daily by the owners with the owners putting in 10-15 hours a day of work.”

Farmers are changing their offerings and membership models in the face of extreme weather.

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has launched a new grant that provides comprehensive farm to school training, technical assistance, professional development, and resources to schools and early childhood programs across the state.

“Farming is a difficult and challenging business, which has to survive in an economy where consumers and governments are unwilling to reimburse farmers for the true cost of their labor and investment.”

“We will need to address the fact that healthy, environmentally sound agricultural crops and livestock cost more to produce and thus will cost more to buy.”

Krista and Chris Diego raise animals, offer educational barn visits, and sell artisan products at Wiggly Goat Farm.

Addison County residents and farmers are dealing with high temperatures, dry ground, and increased fire risk.

Between Dec. 15 and April 1, no manure or other agricultural waste (including compost and spoiled feed) may be spread on agricultural fields throughout Vermont.

VERMONT — Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education, known as SARE, is accepting preproposals to distribute $5 million in funding across its three largest grant programs: Research and Education, Research for Novel Approaches, and Profession … (read more)

The Hescocks, who milk 325 cows at their Shoreham farm, have been producing for Horizon since 1999. It’s been about a month since they received the letter, and they don’t know what their future holds, or whether they’ll be able to continue farming at all.

SHOREHAM — It’s one of those stunning, late-August afternoons to which Vermonters subconsciously transport themselves when the mercury dives below zero in early February. The sun is grudgingly obeying its celestial mandate as it ebbs on the western horizo … (read more)

VERMONT — After the great promise hemp held out for Vermont farmers last year was dashed by poor planting weather, questionable plant genetics, limited drying and processing capacity, and the occasional dodgy contract, state officials are reporting a sign … (read more)

VERMONT — If you have a farm, forest or maple business and are experiencing disruptions or challenges due to the COVID-19 situation, University of Vermont Extension can help. Agricultural business experts are available to answer questions, assist with loc … (read more)

Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has not put out legally required reports on pesticide use since 2013, blaming the lapse on a database change gone wrong. The reports that are publicly available on the amount of pesticides applied to golf … (read more)