The Natural Farmer (TNF) is published quarterly as the seasons change and each issue centers on a specific theme. TNF welcomes contributions from writers, story tellers, scientists, growers, conservationists, food justice activists, eaters, visionaries, and the like!? As long as your content relates to agriculture, food, or the land - TNF wants to hear from you.
NOFA-VT has been hearing from Vermont farmers about the unique challenges of farming and caregiving. Throughout the pandemic, the increased demand for local food coupled with child care and schools being closed highlighted the need for farmer caregiver support.
Members are the heart of NOFA-VT and your membership is a vote for organic farming practices that sustain communities, nourish land, and build a just food system.?Your participation adds power and momentum to this movement, and your membership ensures we can
Abbie Corse, an owner and operator of the Corse Farm Dairy, has been learning to juggle mothering and farming for ten years, and it has not always been easy. Mother of Eli, 10, and Niko, 7, and stepmama to Grey, 14, Abbie is finally becoming clear headed about what pressure points exist at the intersection of farming and parenting. “I’m an unusual dairy farmer,” shared Abbie in a recent interview, “because I don’t farm with my partner. This has literally defined how I am able to farm; needing to be the primary caregiver and farmer all at once.”
Are you farming and caregiving? NOFA-VT wants to share your stories! Caregiving is often overlooked and undervalued. NOFA-VT seeks to bring attention to the critical work of caregiving and the unique challenges posed for farmers who are also caregivers. We hope this work will build farmer-to-farmer relationships and support networks, and also provide a basis for future advocacy and coalition work to bring the unique challenges of farming and caregiving to light.
As part of our year-long celebration of 50 years of NOFA Vermont, we crowdsourced testimonials from various stakeholders talking about why they love NOFA and what kind of impact it has had on them. Enjoy!
Do you struggle with getting all the work done on your farm?? Do you have challenges attracting and retaining employees?? Are you interested in working with other farmers to design solutions to labor challenges?? If so, consider attending the farmer focu