We are delighted to introduce two new members of the Center team, here to help Extension (and all of Vermont) efforts towards a thriving agriculture sector. Andrew May joined us in May as the Grazing & Livestock Program Coordinator, and Kelsie Meehan became the Dairy Herd Management Educator as part of the Dairy Business Innovation Center.
They are both based in the UVM Extension Berlin office, and we hope you'll join us in welcoming them. Read on for just a little bit more about what they're each focusing on, and how to get in touch.
Andrew says,
"I am looking forward to engaging with a wide variety of food and ag folks throughout Vermont. UVM Extension works closely with so many networks filled with incredibly talented and motivated people, and I am excited to be a part of that community doing meaningful work.
"Working with diverse stakeholder groups has allowed me the privilege to practice the art of active listening and thinking systemically. Recognizing that Vermont food and ag folks are more than just the sum of their collective efforts will hopefully allow me find my footing in my work.
"I am excited to talk with people who are ready to help grazing and livestock succeed in Vermont at a bigger scale and with more support. There's never been a better or more important time to for Vermont's grass-based farmers to be able to succeed."
From Kelsie:
"I’m excited to be working with small dairies across the state—to learn from them, facilitate knowledge and resource sharing, and explore innovative approaches to the future of dairy farming in Vermont.
"My work is informed by the many years I’ve spent working on small scale, pasture-based dairies and farmstead creameries in Vermont and the Adirondacks. I’ve owned cows and a butter business, and have worked with herds ranging in size from 8 to 250 milking cows.
"I’m compelled by the question of how to make dairy farming work. That is, how can a farm be profitable? Ecologically regenerative? Respectful of the well-being of the animals it depends on? Provide a rewarding and dignified livelihood for farmers? I’ve followed these questions from Vermont to New York to New Zealand and back.
"I hope small and medium-sized cow, goat, and sheep dairies and processers will be in touch to work on creative approaches to pasture-based management, herd health, milk quality, and milk processing."