Keith Silva has been named the producer of “Across the Fence,” University of Vermont Extension’s long-running farm and home show.

Silva, who started as a videographer-editor for the show in 1995 and later was promoted to associate producer, most recently served as interim producer after the departure of Will Mikell in October 2023. His longevity with the program, which debuted on WCAX-TV 70 years ago, can be attributed to a number of factors, including his understanding of the evolving industry and the importance of keeping the show relevant for today’s audience. 

“When I started with ‘Across the Fence,’ the former producer and my first boss, Lyn Jarvis, aired a series called ‘Vermont People and Places.’ We would go to small towns and tell the story of that town and the people who lived there. We would always have a local as our co-host. And inevitably Lyn would ask the co-host, ‘What makes Montgomery or Danville or East Topsham special?’ And to a person, the answer was always the same, the people. And so, I’ll say the same about what makes the job special and why I’ve stayed, the people.”

Silva graduated from Norwich University with a bachelor’s degree in communications from the Department of Communication and Media Studies and was hired by Jarvis not long after graduation.

“My time as an undergraduate at Norwich University and what I learned there about time management, accountability and how to improvise in the moment when a situation goes sideways are all skills I’ve continued to cultivate through my time working with ‘Across the Fence,’ ” Silva says. “The show endures because it’s a good idea. My job is to adapt it to the times, to make this ‘50s curio relevant for an audience that is here now.”

The new producer admits that he is not someone who likes doing the same thing over and over again. So, the newsy aspect of the program appeals to him. While he is happy to schedule shows about maple every spring or celebrate the Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year winner each summer, he also is always thinking about how to do these legacy stories in a way that doesn’t bore and burden both the people who have to tell those stories but also engages the audience.

As to naming his favorite guests or episodes, Silva impishly replies, “Tomorrow’s guest and the next show.” He notes that he’s worked with many wonderful people, all of whom have inspired him to work as hard as they do to create a program or tell a story that honors their talent, passion and expertise.

“I believe ‘Across the Fence’ resonates with its audience because it is about Vermont and Vermonters, and it’s made in Vermont by Vermonters. I wish it was more complicated than that, but it probably isn’t,” he says. “There is something deeply satisfying in knowing tomorrow’s script is written, and the week ahead is booked. It’s intimidating, but profoundly satisfying.” 

“Across the Fence” airs weekdays at 12:15 p.m. on WCAX-TV. Past shows can be viewed at https://go.uvm.edu/atf-youtube.