***12/17/23 UPDATE The popcorn is picked and drying in the bin, equipment is in the barn, and it’s fair to call the ‘23 season wrapped. So…time to review and as we do there is one important note that jumps to the top of the page: THANK YOU!!!! This year was tough for Ag in VT and many growers are wondering how to carry on as we head deeper into the wilds of climate change. Late frost, relentless rain, and for some of us, floods. We were set back by all of these, most notably the flood, we had full loss on a number of crops and extensive damage to many others. But as the year comes to a close, we’re in a pretty good way all things considered. We made pivots, replanted some things, and took extra care of the crops we didn’t lose. We also received quick support from NOFA Vermont and Center for an Agricultural Economy after the flood in the form of grants and loans. Disaster Relief money from the good ol’ State of VT did eventually come through and we are hugely glad to be living and working in a place that has the ability and willingness to allocate resources toward supporting agriculture and small business. But most incredible for us has been the shower of support from individuals. Impossible to encapsulate the web of people and the multitude of thoughtful acts, it truly ran the gamut! From friends and neighbors stopping by with flowers, cold beer, hot food, work gloves and their time; to our amazing community back in the Hudson Valley sending along kind words and bux; to family members near and far helping out and hanging with our kids while we got our wits about us; to our market customers continuing to shop + often laying down more than they owed; to our amazing farm crew riding the roller coaster; to all the people we’ve met in Royalton in the short time we’ve been here that helped or cheered us on; to ourwholesale customers who flexed with us and continued to purchase; to our fellow growers that reached out, came by, or lent counsel; to people we don’t even know that got connected to us and offered their services. And the list goes on! The financial support and the sense of care helped us along, kept everyone employed, and allowed us to end the season gracefully. THANK YOU!
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