Summer Farm Tours

Join us for VLT’s first-ever summer farm tour series!

Throughout the growing season, we’ll host monthly farm tours to showcase conservation-minded producers from around the state. Each tour will highlight the incredible work of one farming team. We’ll learn about how they steward the land while producing some of the finest food and farm products around — from apples to veggies to goat cheese.

Join us in Cornwall, South Hero, Jericho, Bennington, and Plainfield.

May – Sunrise Orchards, Cornwall

Sunrise Orchards is a family-owned, pick-your-own apple orchard in Cornwall. They produce a wide variety of apples: from classics like Cortland and Granny Smith to less-common varieties like Esopus Spitzenburg and Harry Master’s Jersey. They are part of the Eco-Apple Program, have been GAP (Good Agricultural Practices) certified farm since 2010, and have been third-party certified by IPM Institute of North America since 2005. Last year, they opened a new farmstand in a repurposed circa 1890 barn where they serve prepared food, host musical performances, and more.

June – Pigasus Meats, South Hero

Pigasus Meats raises pastured pork (and a small lamb flock) on a 170-acre property in South Hero. They sell their pork in a variety of cuts wholesale or online (with delivery!) and are famous for their “All Day” sandwiches at local farmer’s markets. They also sell weaned piglets to commercial operations and homesteads. They see themselves as stewards of the soil and have been working to continually improve the land since they took over the farm in 2017. They do this mainly through rotational grazing of their animals, all while experimenting with innovative tillage/planting techniques and use intentional landscape design to enhance the ecosystem of their landbase.

July – The Farm Upstream, Jericho

The Farm Upstream is a collectively owned and operated organic farm growing produce and native plants. In 2024 the farm merged with Tucker Andrews of Bone Mountain Farm to buy and conserve a parcel in Jericho where they now have 20 acres of rich soil along the Lee River on which to grow. This summer will be their biggest yet as they ramp up production, offer CSA shares, and expand their farmstand offerings. On this tour, the farmers will share their approach to farming and their aspirations to use the land for the benefit of the community. Learn more HERE.

August – The Goat Project, Bennington

The Goat Project is located on an 80-acre parcel within Pleasant Valley, in Bennington. Farmer Becca Knouss purchased the property in 2016 and has since been milking goats and crafting soap there. She worked with VLT to conserve the property in 2024. This year, she’s expanded into cheesemaking. Starting with fresh chevre and feta before exploring raw milk cheeses, her products will be sold at local farmers’ markets and through partnerships with shops throughout New England. Learn more HERE.

September – Blackbird Organics, Plainfield

Blackbird Organics is operated by Kagen Dewey and Elise Magnant, who grow certified organic produce, strawberries, and bedding plants in Plainfield. From 2018 to 2023, they grew their farm on leased land before purchasing their own conserved property on Maple Hill in 2023. They sell through local co-ops, the Capital City Farmers market, and offer a CSA that will run for an expanded 22 weeks this year. They view farms “from a holistic perspective, with our food production and selves as part of the ecosystem,” and strive to produce as much food for their community as is sustainably possible. Learn more HERE.