Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829

Thursday, January 8, 2009

The annual Vermont Farm Show kicks off this month. This is the 75th year of the Vermont Farm Show which will run January 27, 28 and 29 at the Barre Civic Center in Barre, Vermont.

The largest agricultural showcase in the state, the Farm Show is a farmer focused trade show held each January. It gives agricultural professionals an opportunity to explore new products and machinery, meet with dealers and industry leaders, attend trade association meetings or enter a recipe or product in one of the many competitions scheduled. More than 200 dealers will be on hand giving farmers a chance to talk to the experts about equipment, seed, feed or any other of the many products represented at he show. Last year, the Farm Show hosted over 30,000 attendees.

The Farm Show is also a good place to connect with service groups such as the Farm Service Agency, the Farm Bureau and the Agency of Agriculture to learn about services available to producers. It’s also a good way to learn about policies and procedures and how the Agency can offer technical assistance to make your business more profitable.

This year, the agency is offering a series of free workshops. Topics that will be covered include renewable energy opportunities on the farm, animal mortality management, nutrient management, land conservation and farm labor housing. A full list of workshops with times and descriptions is available on the schedule of events page at: http://www.vermontagriculture.com/FarmShow/FarmShow2009/calendar.html

These workshops are free, open to the public and no registration is required. Just show up!

The Farm Show will again feature the Young Agricultural Ambassador Competition. The Young Agriculture Ambassador represents Vermont agriculture in promotion and publicity at events throughout the year. The winner is selected by a panel of judges at the Farm Show. To sponsor someone for the competition, contact Koi Boynton at 802-828-2084. Deadline for submissions is January 23, 2009.

Producers also have an opportunity to enter the Vermont Farm Show Product Contest. All entries must be produced in Vermont by resident Vermonters with the exception of members of the VT-NH associations. Categories include jam, jelly and pickle, honey, Christmas trees and wreathes, apples, vegetables, maple products and many more. All products must be delivered and presented to attendants between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday, January 26 in the basement of the Barre Auditorium. For more information and additional drop off locations, call 802-828-2421.Winners receive up to a $50 prize!

On Wednesday night at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium basement, members of the House and Senate Agriculture Committees will square off in the Political Pull Milking Contest and there will be a celebration open to the public commemorating the 75th anniversary of the show. As always, admission is free. The show opens Tuesday, January 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., hours on Wednesday, January 28 are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Thursday, January 29 the show is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For a complete list of Farm Show events and meetings, visit www.vermontagriculture.com or call 802-828-2421.