Author Archives: sbhodgso

Spotlight on Arbor Farmstead & Alisha Utter

Posted on March 11, 2019 by sbhodgso

In 2016, Alisha Utter launched Arbor Farmstead in the Champlain Islands with her partner, Kyle Bowley. Arbor Farmstead focuses on plant-based agriculture, following the practices of “veganic” farming which builds on organic practices but eschews all animal products/byproducts from fish meal to animal manure. A diverse mix of plants and practices, flexibility in responding to customers, and strategic planning in balancing farm and off-farm work, all work together to help Alisha and Kyle build their farm’s resilience to production, market, financial and human risks. Continue reading →

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Gender Differences in Farmer Perspectives on Viability and Impacts of Regulation

Posted on February 21, 2019 by sbhodgso

Women farmers reported significantly less confidence in their ability to make a living farming than their male counterparts By Melissa Pasanen & Beth Holtzman A recent UVM study on the impacts of regulation and agricultural policy on farmers revealed that … Continue reading →

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Spotlight on Lydia Smith: Growing a Business while Growing Up

Posted on October 21, 2018 by sbhodgso

Originally published in UVM New Farmer Blog With her prize-winning registered Border Leicester sheep flock, Lydia Smith is a beginning farmer to watch. Lydia’s business, Echo Ridge Flock, sells breeding stock, feeder lambs, raw fleeces, wool blankets, pelts and meat, and … Continue reading →

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