Women's Agricultural Network Blog

If you have visited the Women’s Agricultural Network website before then you are probably wondering if you typed in the wrong url. Not to worry…you are just seeing our new website. Actually, we have been working on this upgrade for months now behind the scenes but the public switch just took place this week.
Change is hard and it took us awhile to let go of a site that had been very homey and comfortable for a long time. But the way we all use websites is evolving and we wanted our site to do more. In order for that to happen we had to make some dramatic changes.
Some new features that you will find include a link to this blog where we post about issues of interest to the women farmers we work with. There’s also a form where you can sign up to receive information from us electronically. We are trying to manage resources wisely and that means cutting back on printed newsletters, workshop announcements and other mailings in favor of more electronic communications.
You will see a new and improved business card section where you can post your farm’s contact information. You will also find information on funding resources you can ask questions using the Ask an Expert feature all one click away.
Our new website is a work in progress so please check back often. In the coming months we’ll be adding more content, more photos, and more opportunities for you to interact with us and with one another. We hope you like it!

I recently had the opportunity to revisit Peter Miller’s work in Vermont Farm Women. The photographs are outstanding and the stories of the 44 farmers featured in the book continue to touch me in ways it is hard to explain if you are not part of Vermont’s agricultural scene. The book really is timeless so if you need a special gift for Mother’s Day consider picking up a copy.

I had an opportunity last week to meet with a dozen or so young UVMers that, incredibly enough, want to be farmers. In spite of the “doom ‘n’ gloom” that so often accompanies any discussion of farming these future farmers were excited by the opportunity to grow food and fiber. They were smart, thoughtful, and passionate…all important qualities in future farmers. Even more to the point they seemed quite aware that their path to a farm of their own might be a long one and that they were going to be expected to pay some dues along the way. They were practical and realistic about the work that lies ahead.
What were they concerned about? Land prices, regulatory environments that would make their jobs harder, and being able to sustain the necessary infrastructure that farms rely on — livestock veterinarians, equipment dealers, supply stores…
What were they jazzed about? The technical assistance available to them, the educated consumers, the growing “localvore” movement, great networks and a “Vermont” brand that just screams quality.
It’s our job to get the roadblocks out of the way of this next generation. If we do our work our future food system will be in great shape.