Vermont

As the landscape of Vermont's farming continues to change, VT AgrAbility is seeing many more diversified farms. The number of dairy farms in Vermont is decreasing every year, but the number of cows is not; which is to say bigger farms are taking over and absorbing a lot of the smaller farms. Vermont is seeing many more diversified farms as well as farms with value add-on products. Staff are seeing many more female farm owners, and a lot of younger farmers entering this diversified field.

With these changes comes a change to Vermont AgrAbility as well. Staff are seeing a lot more women as clients, as well as veterans that are in some type of production or wanting to get into it.

In the past year Vermont AgrAbility has seen 50% more women applying for services, and about a 25% increase in veterans wanting to get into farming, or wanting to help support other veterans in agriculture. Pictured is a Vermont goat farmer with a farm add-on product.

Submitted by Tom Younkman