Contacts:
Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829
Lini Wollenberg, University of Vermont, (802) 656-9891

Monday, January 5, 2009

Highgate Center, Vt - The Choiniere Family Farm in Highgate Center has won the Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council’s coveted Sustainable Farm Award for 2008. A third generation dairy farm, the Choiniere Farm is operated by Guy and Beth Choiniere and their parents. Like many dairies around the state, the farm has increased its financial viability in recent years by transitioning to organic milk and reducing expensive grain imports. The Choinieres have completely eliminated off-farm protein purchases and reduced energy inputs by adopting many innovations to improve soil health and forage quality.

The Choiniere family is a true steward of the land. Located on the steep banks of the Rock River, one of the most impaired watersheds in the state of Vermont, the Choiniere’s have implemented many projects to aid in the clean-up of the river. The Choinieres’ projects include fencing the cows, enrolling the steep river banks into the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program Conservation (CREP), creating a nutrient management plan, and improving crop rotation to reduce erosion.

This family is committed to education for themselves and for other farms in Vermont. They attend many educational workshops, host field days at their farm and have worked with UVM undergraduates on applied projects. This year they joined a new UVM project measuring the effects of winter pasture management strategies including grazing season extension through specialized forages and bedded pack management.

Farm selection is based on having a significant commitment to environmental stewardship, innovative farming or marketing practices, economic viability, and a commitment to contributing to education and community. Past recipients include Shelburne Orchards of Shelburne; Harlow Farm of Westminster; Intervale Community Farm of Burlington, Butterworks Farm of Westfield, Lilac Ridge Farm of West Brattleboro, Adams Farm of Wilmington, Golden Russet Farm of Shoreham, Blue Spruce Farm of Bridport, Someday Farm of East Dorset and La Platte River Angus of Shelburne.

The Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council identifies needs, sets goals, selects priorities and makes annual recommendations regarding sustainable agriculture research, demonstration, education and financing for the state. It is co-chaired by the Agency of Agriculture and UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture.

For further information, contact Lini Wollenberg, (802) 656-9891, lini.wollenberg@uvm.edu or Kelly Loftus, Agency of Agriculture, (802) 828-3829 Kelly.Loftus@state.vt.us.