Archive for February, 2008

This past month the Lamoille Union High School Crew explored the cycle of food and fiber products throughout Lamoille County. The crew began their quest by attending the Vermont Farm Show in Barre where they met many farmers, business people, and organizations dedicated to the future of Vermont agriculture. The crew then set out to visit many different farms in Lamoille County and helped out with a few chores while there.

They visited goat and sheep farms such as the Kaiser farm in Moscow and the Squire farm in Stowe. They learned about the care and use of the adult animals and got to play with the newborns.

Instructor Calley Hastings said, “We had a great time seeing day-old goat kids and witnessing the lambing season at its peak!”

The crew also had the opportunity to visit traditional bovine dairies like the Rooney organic dairy in Hyde Park and the Jones farm in Eden. For a change of pace the crew visited Applecheek Farm in Hyde Park they met some less common animals such as miniature goats, emus, and llamas while learning about their growing niche in the Vermont farming system.

The crew then visited local companies to see how the products of these animals were processed. At the Johnson Woolen Mill they leaned how wool is processed and made into some of their favorite winter clothes. At Vermont Milk Company they watched as milk and cream were processed into cheese, butter and ice cream. They learned about dairy alternatives at Vermont Soy and how uncommon animals generate demand for specialty products, such as emu eggs, at Applecheek Farm.

After all of these visits the six interns created projects based on the knowledge they’d gained, including felting, crafting woolen wallets and churning fresh butter.

During all of the farm visits the crew helped out with some chores. At Applecheek Farm they ran tap lines for the upcoming sugaring season. At Rooney Farm they moved sawdust bedding to its curing bin before they toured the farm and met the cattle.

The crew also took the Trapper Education class with the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department and each earned their certification in January. The interns hope to be able to use their certification to help local farmers protect their crops and animals from over- abundant pests. In the near future the crew will be helping local farmers with sugaring and starting seeds for spring planting.