The Center for an Agricultural Economy (CAE) is hosting a series of on-farm events featuring pasture-based livestock and dairy production in the Northeast Kingdom. The hilly terrain and short growing season in this part of the state does not lend itself to easy farming or much annual cropland, but it does grow grass well. In northern Vermont, perennial grasses provide many small farms with their livelihood and we wish to celebrate and educate about this conversion of sunlight to grass to food. 

Join us July 23 at Northwind Farm, and July 30 at Hillside Farm. Each farm uses pasture to produce meat and milk. These events are an opportunity for the general public to learn about pastured livestock, perennial pasture management, and engage in conversation with neighbors and local farmers. All events will take place in the late afternoon and be followed by dinner and conversation. Events and meals are FREE; registration is required.

Read more about each farm and register for the pasture walks at caevt.org/walks

July 23, 4:30pm
Northwind Farm
497 Olney Hill Road, Walden, VT 05647

Pasture walk focusing on rotationally grazed dairy production followed by a casual burger and sides gathering.

Register Here.

Northwind Farm is an organic dairy in South Walden, Vermont run by Geordie Lynd and Silene DeCiucies. Their herd of 80 cows calve in March and April, graze most of their diet on 100 hilly acres from May to October, eat bales on the pastures in the late fall, and take the winter off–the whole herd is dry together in January and February. The farm strives to produce a high quality product and run a profitable business by focusing on pasture ecology and the cow’s ability to harvest their own feed and distribute nutrients.

Hillside Farm
July 30, 4:30pm
919 Barton Rd, East Albany, VT 05875

Pasture walk focusing on pastured poultry followed by by a locally raised and catered feast (by Shepherd's Hearth featuring Hillside Farm chicken) and conversation.

Register Here.

Hillside Farm's Bill and Hannah Pearce, a father/daughter team, grow poultry and pork on pasture in East Albany. Their chickens and turkeys are raised on daily fresh pasture, and processed on-farm by growers who care deeply about the health of their livestock, consumers, and the greater community.