Congratulations to the 2023 Inductees!
Andy Birch
Andy Birch
With his wife, Sarah, Andy has revived his family’s farm in the beautiful hills of Derby, VT.
Over the last ten years Andy has spent much time giving back to his coop and community.
Within his local community, Andy donates to the Red Cross as much as possible, even providing healthy cheese snacks to other donators. His passion for Vermont’s dairy industry extends past the Northeast Kingdom as voice of reason and ideas whenever called upon by groups ranging from his own Young Cooperative Agri-mark program, The Orleans Country Farm Bureau, and to the state house when important matters arise. Andy has always been very open about the current state of dairy not only in Vermont, but Nationally when interviewed by USA Today and featured in other ag news and blogs. This exposed rawness has earned Andy a trusted and respected voice that Vermont dairy farmers are thankful to have!
Over the last ten years Andy has spent much time giving back to his coop and community.
Within his local community, Andy donates to the Red Cross as much as possible, even providing healthy cheese snacks to other donators. His passion for Vermont’s dairy industry extends past the Northeast Kingdom as voice of reason and ideas whenever called upon by groups ranging from his own Young Cooperative Agri-mark program, The Orleans Country Farm Bureau, and to the state house when important matters arise. Andy has always been very open about the current state of dairy not only in Vermont, but Nationally when interviewed by USA Today and featured in other ag news and blogs. This exposed rawness has earned Andy a trusted and respected voice that Vermont dairy farmers are thankful to have!
Diane Bothfield
Diane Bothfeld
Diane made it her life’s work to improve economic conditions within agriculture for current and
future generations. Her love for agriculture led her to find her best contributions would come
from state positions, where many considered her the unofficial “dairy expert”. Diane used her
well-read knowledge to seek betterment within agriculture from the state house to the USDA and
through federal efforts. During the last few years, Diane was instrumental in getting farmers the
information needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was only a quick call away with
answers to the current financial resources. Cheryl Cook described Diane as “trailblazer for
women in agriculture,” making sacrifices to have a seat and make opportunities for herself and
others. Diane is already missed at the Agency of Agriculture but is hopefully enjoying her
retirement!
Jed Davis
Jed Davis
Jed Davis
“Living within our means, and ensuring the means to live.” -Wise words spoken and lived by
Jed Davis. Jed grew up on a Cabot Creamery/Agri-mark dairy farm and later joined the Agri-
mark team. He developed the Sustainability Department and served as the first director. From
there, Jed has worked hard within the company using data to mitigate forward thinking
change. Jed brings everything back to the farmers; working for the best bottom line and to
facilitate smart collaborations not just within the cooperative, but beyond. Jed has become a
sought-out resource which has networked into many great friendships. In addition, Jed is also
a Board Member on the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and a Governance
Committee Member for Hunger Mountain Co-op. Jed is teaches at the University of Vermont,
and has a long history of volunteering, including blood donation at the American Red Cross.
Richard Lawrence
Richard Lawrence
Richard Lawrence
Richard grew up on a farm and at a young age had the opportunity to become involved with
4H showing cattle at the Caledonia County Fair. After that, he could not stay away from the
fair! First, he began working as the Cattle Superintendent, then later as Board Director and
lastly, fair president for 37 years. Richard was a man of many roles, serving his community
and state. During his time in the State Legislator, Richard served as Vice Chair on the
Vermont Agriculture and Forestry Committee. Due to his local service, Richard received the
Paul Harris award for his involvement in the town of Lyndon where he spent time as a
selectman, the town moderator, a trustee for Lyndon Institute, part of the advisory board for
Community National Bank, and the rotary club, all while owning and operating the local
Agway Farm and Garden store that supports local farmers of all kinds. Richard is missed by
his community, but the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame is excited to recognize his
achievements this year!
Jake Guest
Jake Guest
Jake and Liz Guest have been operating Killdeer Farm since 1980 where they grew the farm and
business to over sixty owned and rented acres of vegetable, berry, and rotational crops.
In 2019 Jake and Liz decided to sell the Norwich farm to a young willing and able couple. Jake
and Liz now reside on their twenty-four acre river-bottom land in Thetford that they have owned
and farmed for many years. Though now semi-retired, Jake continues to grow organic Spinach,
Cilantro and Carrots for the Coop supermarkets.
Jake has a long history of personal involvement with Vermont Agriculture, especially the
vegetable growing sector: In 1971 Jake was a founding member of NOFA, the Northeast Organic
Farmers' Association, and in the early seventies developed and published the first organic
certification standards for NOFA. Jake also managed the first NOFA bulk fertilizer order,
researching and developing sources for bulk organic fertilizers. In 1976 Jake was a co-founder of
the Norwich Farmers' Market, one of the first farmers' markets in Vermont, and one that
continues to be successful. In the early eighties, Jake was the local coordinator for the Upper
Valley bulk food buying Coop while also working for the Vermont Food Coops. Jake is a
longtime member, past president, and current board member of the Vermont Vegetable and
Berry Growers Association. Currently Jake is a farmer-member of the Real Organic Project, a
nation-wide farmer-led movement advocating for the honest and accurate adherence to the
National Organic Standards.
Jake has had a great impact on many but feels his greatest contribution to Vermont Agriculture is
having several Killdeer employees move on to establish successful farms of their own, thanks to
the experience and knowledge learned at Killdeer Farms.
2022
Taylor Mendell
Taylor Mendell
Since moving back to Vermont about 10 years ago, Taylor and her husband Jake, have worked Footprint Farm to provide high quality pork and organic veggies to the surrounding communities. They have over 100 subscribers to their coordinated CSA, as well as a presence at the Shelburne Farmers Market and in local restaurants. Taylor stands out when it comes to community involvement and young farmer advocacy. She is always willing to share her knowledge or offer assistance to farmers, service providers and consumers. Taylor is on the Board of Vermont’s National Young Farmer Coalition chapter and documents her experiences on her personal website: http://habitfarming.weebly.com/
Eric Parris
Eric Parris
Eric and his family have deep dairy roots in the Lyndon area. Which started as a conventional dairy farm in 1988, Eric transitioned the farm to organic and continued to diversity the family business. In 2005 Eric started a commercial composting operation which has grown to greatly benefit the community by accepting food waste as part of Act 148. Using an aerated static pile composting system, Eric was able to double intake, now accepting 400 tons of annual food waste! Aside from selling compost, the farm also sells grass-fed organic dairy and beef, owns and operates the Lyndonville Friegthouse and founded the Lyndon Farmers Market in 2011. Eric was a selectman for the town of Lyndon from 2003-2006, currently a representative to the county FSA/USDA and serves as Vice President of the Lyndon Historical Society.
Paul Percy
Paul Percy
Over the last 40 years, Paul has been the longest tenured director of Agri-mark. In those 37 years (1980-2011, 2015-2021) Paul has been part of every major decision the cooperative has been faced with. His insight and knowledge is second to none! He has helped shape and groom the next generation of coop leaders as he is more than willing to share every bit of information one might need to be successful. In his devotion to his farming community he also served as an officer and member of the New England Dairy Promotion Board and remains the Town of Stowe’s Lister. To sum up Paul, he is quoted, “I like working with the cattle. I like working with the crops. I like the challenges. I like being involved in the co-op and meeting people. I think I can have an impact. I enjoy it. I guess that’s what’s important, isn’t it?” It goes without saying, yes, that is what’s important!
Jackie Folsom
Jackie Folsom
Jackie has spent nearly the last 40 years truly dedicated to Vermont agriculture. Her vast involvement includes all types of farm chores, ag promotion, advocacy, education and role modeling. Her long career holds the trust of many Vermonters as she worked tirelessly with farmers and legislatures in policy development and reform. Most know Jackie for her more recent roles as the manager for the Vermont Farm Show and passionate involvement in Washington County’s Farm Bureau. Jackie has spent her most recent years lobbying for the Vermont Farm Bureau where she will be greatly missed in her planned retirement this year.
Senator Robert "Bobby" Starr
Senator Robert "Bobby" Starr
Bobby began service in the VT House in 1985 and was then elected to the VT Senate in 2005, chairing the Agricultural committee in both. Bobby has also chaired the Senate Education committee and currently serves on the Senate Appropriations committee. His leadership in issues addressing water quality, land use, dairy policy and education have been paramount for Vermont farmers, especially dairy farmers. Working closely with U.S. Senator Leahy, Bobby was instrumental in development of the Regional Dairy Compact which afforded Vermont farmers six years of milk price stability. His ongoing efforts behind the scenes provided significant influence at the federal level on many issues of milk pricing policy. In 1998 Bobby began his support of the development of the 2+2 UVM/VTC scholarship program for students studying dairy management. 2+2 has developed into a permanently funded program supporting Vermont students entering careers in dairy management and dairy related businesses and services.
Bobby is well loved by the farming community for his efforts and reachability. He is always
willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
2021
Caleb Fisher
Caleb Fisher
Since moving back to Vermont about 10 years ago, Taylor and her husband Jake, have worked Footprint Farm to provide high quality pork and organic veggies to the surrounding communities. They have over 100 subscribers to their coordinated CSA, as well as a presence at the Shelburne Farmers Market and in local restaurants. Taylor stands out when it comes to community involvement and young farmer advocacy. She is always willing to share her knowledge or offer assistance to farmers, service providers and consumers. Taylor is on the Board of Vermont’s National Young Farmer Coalition chapter and documents her experiences on her personal website: http://habitfarming.weebly.com/Bobby is well loved by the farming community for his efforts and reachability. He is always
willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
Amy Richardson
Amy Richardson
Eric and his family have deep dairy roots in the Lyndon area. Which started as a conventional dairy farm in 1988, Eric transitioned the farm to organic and continued to diversity the family business. In 2005 Eric started a commercial composting operation which has grown to greatly benefit the community by accepting food waste as part of Act 148. Using an aerated static pile composting system, Eric was able to double intake, now accepting 400 tons of annual food waste! Aside from selling compost, the farm also sells grass-fed organic dairy and beef, owns and operates the Lyndonville Friegthouse and founded the Lyndon Farmers Market in 2011. Eric was a selectman for the town of Lyndon from 2003-2006, currently a representative to the county FSA/USDA and serves as Vice President of the Lyndon Historical Society.willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
Robert "Bob" D. Wellington
Robert "Bob" D. Wellington
Over the last 40 years, Paul has been the longest tenured director of Agri-mark. In those 37 years (1980-2011, 2015-2021) Paul has been part of every major decision the cooperative has been faced with. His insight and knowledge is second to none! He has helped shape and groom the next generation of coop leaders as he is more than willing to share every bit of information one might need to be successful. In his devotion to his farming community he also served as an officer and member of the New England Dairy Promotion Board and remains the Town of Stowe’s Lister. To sum up Paul, he is quoted, “I like working with the cattle. I like working with the crops. I like the challenges. I like being involved in the co-op and meeting people. I think I can have an impact. I enjoy it. I guess that’s what’s important, isn’t it?” It goes without saying, yes, that is what’s important!willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
Polly Whitcomb McEwing
Polly Whitcomb McEwing
Since moving back to Vermont about 10 years ago, Taylor and her husband Jake, have worked Footprint Farm to provide high quality pork and organic veggies to the surrounding communities. They have over 100 subscribers to their coordinated CSA, as well as a presence at the Shelburne Farmers Market and in local restaurants. Taylor stands out when it comes to community involvement and young farmer advocacy. She is always willing to share her knowledge or offer assistance to farmers, service providers and consumers. Taylor is on the Board of Vermont’s National Young Farmer Coalition chapter and documents her experiences on her personal website: http://habitfarming.weebly.com/
Roberta McDonald
Roberta McDonald
Roberta McDonald of Burlington. Anson Tebbetts, Vermont Secretary of Agriculture, Food, and Markets, states, "Roberta McDonald loves her farmers and wakes up every day trying to improve their lives." As the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Brand Strategy at Cabot Creamery Cooperative and over 40 years of consumer product marketing experience, Roberta has been an integral part of Cabot's national success and award-winning products. Roberta also volunteers her time with the Vermont Historical Society, the Vermont Cheese Council, the Vermont Ski Area Association, the University of Vermont and the State of Vermont.
2020
Harold J. Howrigan Jr.
Harold J. Howrigan Jr.
Harold J. Howrigan Jr.
Harold J. Howrigan Jr. of Sheldon is a respected leader across the agricultural industry, and follows in his fathers footsteps, Harold Howrigan Sr. who was inducted to the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2004. Harold has been a lifelong dairy farmer and serves locally, regionally and nationally on Franklin County Maples Cooperative, and on the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council, New England Dairy Promotion Board, Green Mountain Dairy Farmers Board, United Dairy Industry Association, Dairy Management Inc., and the Advisory Board of the Vermont Milk Commission. The U.S. Secretary of Agriculture also appointed him to serve on the National Dairy Promotion Research Board.Bobby is well loved by the farming community for his efforts and reachability. He is always
willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
Jacques & Pauline Couture
Jacques & Pauline Couture
Married for over 50 years, Jacques and Pauline Couture of Westfield, have been part of Vermont agriculture since 1970, operating their certified organic 425 -acres with 70 -plus milking cows. They also operate the successful Couture’s Maple Shop and Bed & Breakfast, selling their world - famous Vermont maple syrup, harvested from 7,500 taps and promoting Vermont agri-tourism. The couple volunteer in conservation, scouting, church programs, 4H, FFA, USDA and more. In 2014, the Couture ’s were named Sugar Makers of the Year by Vermont Sugar Makers Association.willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
Alan Curler
Alan Curler
Alan Curler of New Haven was best known in the agriculture community as a selfless volunteer, always working the grill at the Dusty Chuck 4-H food booth at the Addison County Fair and Field Days. It was just one of countless agriculture organizations he served including Vermont Dairy Industry Association, FFA, 4-H, Eastern States Exposition, the VTC Alumni Association, and the Vermont Farm Show. Alan has worked many jobs within agriculture but his greatest impact came through his many decades as a consultant and lender within the USDA, Chittenden Bank, and Vermont Economic Development Authority.
willing to lend his ears to an issue even if the call is coming from outside Orleans County!
Abbie Corse
Abbie Corse
Abbie Corse of Whitingham is a sixthgeneration dairy farmer who works alongside her parents Leon and Linda on the family’s 270-acre farm in Whitingham. Aside from farm successor, Abbie is also involved with a number of agricultural and environmental organizations, including the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board,/ Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program Advisory Board, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, Dairy Advisory Council, the Vermont Act 250 District 2 Environmental Commission and is on the board of directors for Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA). In 2019, Abbie was recognized as one of Vermont’s 40 most accomplished young leaders under the age of 40 by Vermont Business Magazine, receiving its Rising Stars Award.
Reg & Mike Chaput
Reg & Mike Chaput
Reg and Mike Chaput of Newport operate a 900-cow operation that adopts new technology in the production of high quality milk. The farm was an early adopter of methane digestion, cover cropping and dragline manure application, all of which demonstrate a commitment to soil health and water quality. Reg serves in leadership positions on the Dairy Farmers Association board, the Green Mountain Federation board and the Vermont Milk Commission.
2019
Joanna Samuelson Lidback
Joanna Samuelson Lidback
Joanna is a farmer, agricultural business consultant, 4-H volunteer, and family farm advocate. Together with her husband Adam, she owns The Farm at Wheeler Mountain, a family dairy farm located in Westmore. Joanna earned a BS in Applied Economics and Business Management from Cornell, and an MBA from Babson F.W. Olin Graduate School of Business. She is currently employed as Business Consultant for Yankee Farm Credit. In this role, she helps dairy farmers with the challenges of developing business, estate, and succession plans. Joanna has testified on behalf of Vermont farmers before the US House and Agriculture Committee and Senate Agriculture Committee in Washington, D.C. In 2016, she was honored by the American Jersey Cattle Association with the Young Jersey Breeder Award in 2016. Joanna is also active in the Vermont Farm Bureau and currently serves as First Vice President of the Orleans County Farm Bureau.
Marie Audet
Marie Audet
Marie is a farmer, agricultural advocate, and sustainability leader from Bridport. Marie, her husband Eugene, and their multi-generational family operate Blue Spruce Farm, an Agrimark dairy encompassing more than 3500 acres. Blue Spruce was the first farm to participate in Green Mountain Power’s Cow Power initiative. The Audets currently power nearly 400 area homes with the energy captured by the farm’s biodigester. They’ve also installed a 100-kilowatt wind turbine on the farm. The Innovation Center for US Dairy awarded Marie and her family the first-ever National Award for Outstanding Dairy Farm Sustainability. Renewable Energy Vermont also honored Marie with the prestigious Jim Grundy award.
Bill Rowell
Bill Rowell
Bill is a dairy farmer and agricultural advocate from Franklin County who farms together with his brother’s family, Brian, Tammy, Matthew, and Megan at Green Mountain Dairy Farm in Sheldon. In an effort to give the general public an opportunity to visit and understand today's farm, Green Mountain Dairy has hosted tours for more than 31,000 visitors from 44 countries over the past 12 years. In 2008, Green Mountain Dairy was named Vermont's Dairy Farm of the Year. Bill was appointed by Governor Douglas to serve on Green Mountain Power's Executive Committee for Rural Development and is a founding member and board chair of Vermont Dairy Producer's Alliance.
Jack & Anne Lazor
Jack & Anne Lazor
Jack and Anne Lazor began farming in 1976. For more than forty years, they have built a reputation for producing outstanding organic yogurt, stewarding the land, and advocating for organic agriculture. Their Butterworks Farm grass-fed yogurt is sold in nearly 80 groceries and coops across Vermont and in neighboring states. Together with a dedicated team, they produce some of the finest organic yogurt available. Anne and Jack have been a steadfast team in farming, family, and life. Jack is a teacher and a member of the “Agrarian Elders,” a group of twenty-four pioneers considered to be the founders of organic agriculture in the U.S. Over the years, both he and Anne have devoted themselves to teaching the next generation of farmers how to raise animals, steward the land, and produce products ethically and sustainably.
2018
Clara Ayer
Clara Ayer
Clara is a third-generation dairy farmer and family farm advocate. She works alongside her family at Fairmount Farm, where she wears many hats – from overseeing human resources for their staff of fifty employees, to bookkeeping, to marketing, and events management. She plays an active role in shaping agricultural policy through her advocacy at the Vermont Statehouse, and in Washington D.C. as part of her work as an Agri-Mark Young Cooperator and member of the National Milk Producers’ Federation. She currently serves as the secretary of the Vermont Holstein Association, and is a delegate of both Vermont and New England Dairy Promotion. Clara also created and manages a “Life on the Farm” summer camp for youth, which offers kids the opportunity to experience agriculture through fun, educational on-farm activities. Clara graduated from Cornell University in 2010 with a B.A. in Dairy Science. She and her husband Dana are excited to be raising their two-year-old son, Carson, on the family farm.
Beth Kennett
Beth Kennett
Beth is a dairy farmer and innkeeper who helped forge the path for Vermont’s agritourism industry. For more than 30 years, she has helped educate Vermont farmers, government officials, and the public about the economic, social, and educational benefits of agritourism. As the former president of Vermont Farms!, she has traveled and spoken both nationally and internationally to build awareness for agritourism and create new opportunities for Vermont farmers. Her tireless outreach and desire to educate has enabled many farms to diversify and realize the economic advantages of connecting directly with the public. Since 1984, Beth, her husband Bob, and three generations of her family have opened their home for farm stays, providing educational, hands-on vacations for thousands of domestic and international guests.
Robert Foster
Robert Foster
Robert is a partner in Foster Brothers Farm, a fifth-generation dairy, who served on the Agrimark Board of Directors for 37 consecutive years, before retiring in 2015. He also chairs the University of Vermont, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences’ Board of Advisors. Sustainability has always been one of Robert’s passions. Foster Brothers Farm was the first in the state to install and operate a methane digester. Robert is also co-owner and operator of Vermont Natural Ag Products, a sustainable business which supplies wholesale products, formulated from cow, horse and poultry compost, to the horticultural, agricultural, and turf industries. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Soil Health Institute. Within the Agrimark Co-op, Robert has been a champion for renewable energy and sustainability, helping to pioneer the Vital Capital Index, which helps member farms measure and manage their impact on their community, the environment and their bottom line. He has been a tireless advocate for Vermont agriculture, and a mentor and leader to young farmers, over the course of his prestigious career. Together with his wife, Nancy, he has three grown daughters; Robin Cole, Jennifer Foster, and Heather Foster-Provencher, and six grandchildren.
Enid Wonnacott
Enid Wonnacott
Enid has served as the Executive Director of The Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont (NOFA-VT) since 1987. Over the course of her tenure, thanks to her leadership, Vermont’s organic industry has grown immensely, from just 57 certified farms in 1990, to more than 700, today. Enid has worked tirelessly to help ensure all Vermonters have access to local, organic foods, and began a pioneering farm share program more than 20 ago to provide subsidized farm shares for low-income Vermonters. As the National Organic Program was developed, Enid worked to implement a national certification program that kept the needs of Vermont's family farms at the forefront. Over the past three decades, she has nurtured and guided more than 70 staff and 20 interns, secured consistent grant and donor funding, and led NOFA-VT to become a national leader in organic advocacy, food access, and farm to school education. She has made an indelible mark on both the local, and national, organic movement. Enid grew up in Weybridge, and has lived on a small farmstead in Huntington with her husband, Harry, and children, Lila and Eli, for the past thirty years.