In This Issue Policy & Advocacy Updates . . . 4 A Trip Through Vermont’s Agricultural Past . . . . . . . . . . . 6 New Farm to Community Mentors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 NOFA-VT’s Journey Farmer Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 The Quarterly Newsletter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont
Conventional Crop Farmer Says Goodbye to Agribusiness By Cheryl Cesario, UVM Extension
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oyden Farm is nestled in the Lamoille Valley, along the river, with mountains rising in the distance. The farm buildings and houses are immaculately maintained – not a blade of grass out of place. There are crops and beef cows, a winery, and a banquet hall. Mark Boyden is the 4th generation farming this land, growing the crops and raising beef cows under the name Boyden Farm. His wife Lauri is in charge of “The Barn,” handling weddings and various events and festivals throughout the year. Mark’s brother David is the owner and manager of the Boyden Winery. In 2009, Mark began the process of transitioning his cropland to organic production. For land to qualify for organic certification, it must not have applied “prohibited” materials, such as synthetic fertilizers and herbicides, for three years prior to harvest of the organic crop. The first year Mark entered the certification program, he was able to certify approximately 100 acres of land that already qualified. Each year, as fields have finished their three year transition, he has added onto that acreage significantly. This season, Mark will have successfully converted close to 800 acres to organic production.
History of the Farm
Mark’s great-grandfather purchased the original farmstead in 1914, and it ran as a dairy farm for over 80 years. In the 1970s Mark’s father purchased two neighboring farms, expanding the home farm significantly. Another farm was purchased at the other end of town to add to the acreage, and the Boydens also rent additional parcels throughout the valley.
Mark Boyden in front of the renovated barn used for weddings and events - Photo by Cheryl Cesario
Mark describes the 1990s as “a crossroads” for the farm. Mark explains, “We were at a turning point. Having 130 animals is just too much for a pipeline [milking system].” They figured out the cash flow of expanding to a 500-cow free-stall dairy system while looking at current milk prices. He says, “You’re looking at a million dollars before you put a cow in the barn. It wasn’t worth doing. That’s when we decided to sell the cows.” Mark also entertained the idea of selling the entire farm and purchasing a farm in the Midwest. He looked at farms in northern Missouri and North Dakota where the acreages for growing row crops are much larger. Mark says, “The thing about North Dakota is that you can run 20,000 acres, but you have to live in North Dakota.” He decided to stay in Vermont because “home is home.” The farm was too much to walk away from. The family continued to raise dairy heifers and sell horse hay, but Mark says, “We always wanted something where Continued on page 3 »