Come learn about on-farm research, and see how low-tech and high-tech come together to produce delicious beef while building soil health and protecting water quality as part of Vermont Open Farm Week!
Pasture Program and Farming & Climate Change staff from the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture and the farmers of Health Hero Farm (350 West Shore Rd. on South Hero) will host tours and visits from 10am – 2pm on Thursday, August 6. Farmer Eric Noel will invite guests to learn about his combination of traditional approaches and innovative adaptations. We’ll check out trial plots, learn new ways of seeing and understanding what’s happening on the pastures by looking at what’s growing there, and get a look at the soil moisture monitors that transmit information that is then used to both produce delicious meat and protect the water quality of nearby Lake Champlain. The farm-stand will have grass-fed beef and organic vegetables for sale, as well as offerings from other local farms.
Open Farm Week is a weeklong celebration of Vermont farms. Over 100 farms are participating, many of whom are not usually open to the public. Open Farm Week offers Vermonters and visitors alike educational opportunities to learn more about local food origins, authentic agritourism experiences, and the chance to build relationships with local farmers. Activities vary and may include milking cows and goats, harvesting vegetables, collecting eggs, tasting farm fresh food, scavenger hunts, hayrides, farm dinners, and live music.
Visit DigInVT for a map of participating farms by region. Many events are free and costs vary depending on what activities are offered. Everyone is invited to join the #VTOpenFarm conversations on social media. All participating farms, geographic location, and offerings are at www.DigInVT.com.
For more information, contact Cheryl at the Center at 802-656-5459 or cheryl.herrick@uvm.edu. Established in 1994, the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture advances sustainable food and farming systems in Vermont and beyond by cultivating partnership, supporting innovative research and practices, and informing policy to benefit Vermont communities and the UVM campus.
UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.