Vermont Open Farm Week (Aug 6-13) is a chance to get a behind-the-scenes look into Vermont's vibrant working agricultural landscape. As a part of Open Farm Week, the Farm at Wheeler Mountain in Westmore will be hosting a Dairy Fun Field Day on Tuesday, August 8. Come anytime between 10am - 2pm and enjoy a Cabot grilled cheese sandwich, go on a farm scavenger hunt, and learn about farming conservation practices.
Vermont Open Farm Week is a yearly celebration of Vermont's farm community and our agricultural heritage. During the week of August 6-13, Vermont farms will offer tours, dinners, classes, and many more family-friendly events. For a complete listing of events, go to: https://diginvt.com/events-in-vermont/vermont-open-farm-week-2023/
The event in Westmore is co-hosted by the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD), which collaborates with the owners of the farm to meet the Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs). RAP'S are standards set by the State for farms to help reduce the impact of agricultural activities on water quality. The standards are intended to reduce cropland erosion and nutrient losses though improved farm management techniques. Many Vermont farms are working on implementing farming conservation practices identified in the RAPs. You can visit the Farm at Wheeler Mountain during Vermont Open Farm Week to see these practices in action.
Adam and Joanna Lidback, owners of the Farm at Wheeler Mountain, have been working with the OCNRCD since 2017 to meet the RAPs on their farm. The Lidbacks have committed to employing various conservation practices including no-till and cover cropping of their corn fields, improving heifer manure storage, adding livestock exclusion fencing, and the planting of riparian areas.
For more information on the Lidback's Open Farm event, contact the Orleans County Conservation District at 802-624-7024 or bevin.barber-campbell@VT.nacdnet.net
About the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District
Since 1946, the Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD) has been working to protect and enhance the soil and waters of Orleans County by seeking solutions to local environmental concerns. OCNRCD provides leadership, education, and conservation program services for the implementation of sound land and water stewardship practices.