Three Farmerts
Win Awards
For Conservation

The White River Natural Resources Conservation District has presented its 2007 Conservation Farmer of the Year awards to three area producers.

Awards were given during the White River NRCD Annual Dinner held in November at the Middle Branch Grange Hall in East Bethel.

The three farmers who received awards were Linda Doane of Maple Ridge Sheep Farm in Braintree, Holly Wolff of Broadbrook Mountain Farm in Royalton, and Kyle Jones and Jennifer Megyesi of Fat Rooster Farm in South Royalton.

The White River Natural Resources Conservation District is a locally led and operated organization that promotes and supports soil and water conservation. For more than 30 years, it has given awards to farmers and landowners who appear to be making progress with the conservation of natural resources. Over the years, much of the recognition has been directed toward traditional dairy operations and beef producers. During 2007, the district selected sheep operations that focus on natural resource conservation, maintenance of a working landscape, and/or diversified farming.

Maple Ridge Sheep Farm raises Shetland sheep for breeding stock, wool and wool products (fleeces, yarn, roving, blankets, batting, sheepskins), and meat. In doing so, this farm is maintaining land in production which may not otherwise be farmed.

Broadbrook Mountain Farm raises Romney sheep for breeding stock, wool and wool products, and pasture lambs, thus maintaining 622 acres of land in production, as has been done since 1932.

Fat Rooster Farm raises a South Down Heritage breed crossed with Tunis and/or Dorset sheep. In addition to raising sheep for meat, the farm has a diversified agricultural operation, raising sheep, ducks, guinea hens, chickens, pigs, and beef animals, as well as organic vegetables.