North Country Farming Network
Organizes for New Season

On Monday, May 5, 21 people gathered at the Chelsea Public Library, some members of the North Country Farming Network for several years and some who were there for the first time.

General discussion centered on how to distribute the grant money that has been awarded to NCFN by Heifer Project International and Ben and Jerry’s. Among the projects that will be funded are livestock placement for lower and middle-income families, training in raising livestock, making cheese and gardening, and maintaining a virtual presence through an interactive website. They also talked about purchasing equipment to share, such as for cheese making, wool processing and poultry processing (already purchased) and much more.

Several people volunteered to take on jobs like equipment librarian, book librarian, program director, livestock placement coordinator, legal assistance (looking over by-laws, helping with confidentiality issues, etc.), website updating and other help, wherever it’s needed. The group discussed the balance between local focus and wanting to include as many people as possible.

A three-ton grain bin has been purchased and NCFN discussed where to place it for maximum member accessibility, and what kind of grain to put in it. The goal is to install the grain bin Memorial Day weekend. Raising poultry is a popular interest, so the grain bin will be geared towards providing chicken feed. NCFN will distribute a survey on preferences for location and type of grain, and plan a program on raising poultry, most likely for early June.

North Country Farming Network has three double-county chapters, Orange-Washington, Lamoille-Franklin and Caledonia-Orleans, striving to promote small scale commercial or homestead farming by providing funds for projects, equipment, training and other opportunities and encouraging farmers to work together.

Heifer Project International, a major funder of NCFN, promotes sustainable practices and self-sufficiency among families and communities by empowering people to not only provide for themselves, but also to share with others or pass on the gift.

For more information on North Country Farming Network, contact Dawn Hancy at 685-7752 or agricolasfarm@gmail.com.