Contacts:
Betsy Greene, Chittenden County Farm Bureau, 802-656-2108

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Burlington, VT – The Vermont Farm Bureau wants to recognize equine operations that contribute to Vermont’s agricultural industry and beautiful, rural landscape. Chittenden County Farm Bureau is piloting the Horse Farm of Distinction program to recognize horse farms which have been judged on a number of criteria within the categories of horse health, farm management, and public standards.

Eligible farms must engage in equine activities as outlined in the definition of farming (10VSA Section 6001(22)(G), the raising, feeding, or management of four or more equines owned or boarded by the farmer, including training, showing, and instruction and lessons in riding, training, and management of equines). Farms will be evaluated for safe and secure housing and fencing for equines, pasture and farm management, animal care and maintenance, and “curb appeal.” The size of the farm does not matter, however, the farm must demonstrate a relationship with the community, i.e. hold clinics, open houses, welcome visitors, etc. Recipients of the Horse Farm of Distinction Award will receive a distinctive sign to be mounted for display.

The Vermont Farm Bureau is a grassroots organization with policies and priorities set at the County level by individual farmer members in a democratic process that dates back to our beginning. Farm Bureau began as an arm of the Chamber of Commerce in Broome County, New York in 1911.

For additional information and an application go to: http://www.vtfb.org/vermont-farm-bureau-Chittenden.html or Contact: betsy.greene@uvm.edu, phone: 802-656-2108.