Our 2026 Vermont Land Steward Awards

Elia “Lula” Gage, Randolph

Elia “Lula” Gage of Randolph, VT is a graduating senior at River Bend Career and Technical Center in Bradford, VT and at Thetford Academy. Ian Blackmer, her Diversified Agriculture and Natural Resources instructor at River Bend, nominated her for the award.

“Lula is focused on leaving things in better condition than when she found them,” Ian said. “She appreciates the importance of healthy, safe, and secure local food systems, as well as the gift of balance that nature provides.”

Lula has worked on several local farms, gaining experience with livestock as well as vegetable, fruit, and berry production. Whether she is pruning blueberry bushes, setting up new pasture fencing, or pulling taps at a large sugaring operation, she finds joy in the work of land stewardship.

At River Bend, Lula managed the school’s high-tunnel seedling production and supported sugaring operations. She also showed great interest in understanding northern forest ecosystems, water quality, and soil health, and has become proficient at tree identification. She’s been recognized throughout her high school career for academic achievement, earning high honors at Thetford Academy and becoming a member of the National Technical Honor Society. She balances academics and hands-on farm experience with running track and cross-country, and mentoring others as a Girls on the Run coach.

Lula will spend the summer working at Cedar Circle Farm and Education Center, an organic, conserved farm in Thetford, VT before attending Appalachian State University in the fall to study environmental studies and outdoor education.

“The natural environment has always been a large part of my life,” Lula said. “I love Vermont communities, and I love Vermont ecosystems, and my hope is for both to continue to support one another.”

Photo courtesy of Lula.

Ella Kane, Sheldon

Ella Kane of Sheldon, VT will graduate this year from the Cold Hollow Career Center in Enosburg Falls.

Her Forestry and Natural Resources instructor, Josh Goss, recognized her dedication to the land and to her family farm, where she has been taking care of animals and helping with cropping for several years. He nominated her for the award.

“Ella has a true passion for working on her family farm, not just the land and the animals, but the generational commitment of working with family to make the farm successful,” Josh said.

According to Josh, Ella has thrived both in and out of the classroom while advancing her education in agriculture and forestry. She earned a place in the National Technical Honor Society for her time at Cold Hollow Career Center. At the same time, she served as an officer of the local chapter of FFA (Future Farmers of America) and ranked highly in statewide competitions.

She also played varsity soccer, basketball, and lacrosse.

In the fall, Ella plans to study agricultural science at SUNY Morrisville, then bring her experience back to strengthen the family farm. Her passion extends beyond her own family’s farm to the future of agriculture in Vermont.

“I hope to be part of the larger conversation about preserving Vermont’s agricultural landscape,” said Ella. “When a farm disappears, the community loses open land, local food production, and a way of life. I want to be part of the solution — helping farms remain profitable, sustainable, and resilient.”

Photo courtesy of Ella.

Ephraim Elmer, Lowell

Ephraim Elmer of Lowell, VT will be graduating from the Green Mountain Technical and Career Center (GMTCC) in Hyde Park, VT. He has spent two years in the Center’s Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program, and has also been working on his family’s farm.

He was nominated for the award by program instructor, Sam Rowley, for his academic achievement, innovative vision, and focus on sustainable farming.

“Ephraim views his work on the family farm as an inherited legacy and a fundamental part of his identity,” Sam said. “I see motivation, innovation, and a spark in Ephraim.”

Ephraim helps produce raw milk and pork on the family farm, working with heritage breeds selected for their ability to thrive in the local climate. He plans to take on the pig operation at the family farm, and is preparing to travel to Spain to learn more about cured meats so he can add that expertise and offering at the family farm.

Students in Sam’s full-day, full-year program work and learn on Robtoy Farm (located at VLT’s Brewster Uplands). While there, Ephraim developed a wide range of skills, from caring for cows, goats, and laying chickens to all aspects of vegetable farming. He became a reliable member of the farm team, skilled at fixing problems.

During his last school year, he interned at Green Mountain Farm to School in Newport where he had various responsibilities, including educational outreach to elementary students and working at the Farm Connex warehouse preparing pallets of food for delivery.

“I have loved working with animals for as long as I can remember,” Ephraim said. “For the past few years I have wanted to become a farmer and knowing the importance of sustainable agriculture has only given me more incentive.”

Photo courtesy of Ephraim.

Eva Bury, Derby

At the North Country Career Center in Newport, Eva Bury of Derby, VT has earned a reputation for thoughtful, attentive stewardship.

These qualities inspired Animal and Environmental Systems Science (AESS) instructor Emily Dehoff to nominate the rising senior for a Land Stewards Award.

“Eva consistently demonstrates care for both the animals and the land through her thoughtful and attentive actions,” Emily said. “I have watched her grow into one of the most conscientious students I have had the pleasure to teach.”

Eva has immersed herself in agriculture while excelling academically. She earned high honors throughout high school and completed three college credits for her AESS coursework. She strengthened her leadership skills serving as Secretary for the local chapter of FFA. Her efforts have been rewarded with local and national awards through the 4-H program.

Over four years working at a local dairy farm, she has developed strong skills in animal care and herd management while milking a herd of about 140 cows and helping care for nearly 100 calves. She has also spent several years breeding her own line of show cows, using her classroom and practical experience to foster a high-quality herd.

After studying animal science in college, Eva hopes to work alongside farmers to improve the overall health and quality of their herds.

For Eva, caring for animals is a calling and a passion. “Stewarding the land means caring for something bigger than me — nurturing the earth that sustains us and giving back to it with intention,” she said. “I love looking after dairy animals, giving them quality care, patience, and the deepest of love.”

Photos: Left, Eva with VLT’s Kerry O’Brien after receiving her award; right, courtesy of Eva.

Hailey Chase, Monkton

Hailey Chase of Monkton, VT, was nominated by Aaron Townshend, who teaches Natural Resources Management and Agricultural Sciences at Hannaford Career Center in Middlebury, VT. Hailey is a graduating senior who has excelled academically and who also works on her family’s homestead.

“Hailey frequently exceeds expectations,” Aaron said. “She is a student of the natural world, fluent in the scientific process, and passionate about agriculture education.”

In the classroom, Hailey has mastered materials, earning ‘outstanding student’ awards in several classes, and been nominated to the National Technical Honor Society. She brings quiet commitment and focus to her studies and class projects.

Hailey is active in FFA at both the local and state levels, where she has served in top-tier leadership roles and competed in agricultural career development events. She takes the initiative to launch new programs and works diligently to ensure their success.

On her family homestead in Monkton, Hailey furthers her commitment to stewardship by caring for the dairy cows, chickens, and goats, and by maple sugaring in the spring.

In the fall, she plans to study natural resource management at Paul Smith’s College and use her degree to share her knowledge with future land stewards.

“I enjoy working in land stewardship because I believe everything we do circles back to the land we live on,” Hailey said. “Through my agricultural courses at the Career Center, I have learned the importance of understanding our lands, how to preserve what we have, and make the most of what there is. I hope to become an agriculture teacher, to teach the youth of tomorrow about our lands.”

Photo: Hailey Chase (middle) with her mother Jaqueline (left) and VLT’s Al Karnatz (right) after receiving her award.

Jacob Beauregard, Franklin

Jacob Beauregard of Franklin, VT, is a rising senior at Missisquoi Valley Union High School (MVU) in Swanton, VT. He was nominated for the award by his Agriculture Sciences teacher, Elizabeth Sweet, who noted his strong work ethic, forward-thinking mindset, and hands-on connection to the land.

In addition to his MVU schoolwork, Jacob is working his family land: managing a herd of cattle, restoring pasture for healthy grazing and soil health, and sugaring with a wood-fired evaporator while managing the woods to set up more taps.

“Jacob represents the next generation of agricultural leaders,” Elizabeth said. “He is not only working the land, but actively caring for it, improving it, and ensuring its sustainability for the future. He has both the passion and the perseverance needed to succeed in the agricultural industry.”

Jacob is a member of the FFA program at the Cold Hollow Career Center in Enosburg Falls, VT, and earned a Greenhand FFA Degree after his first year as an Agriculture Science student. He also attends the Forestry Program at CHCC. And he is a leader in and out of school: serving both on the school council and as a Junior Selectboard member for the Town of Franklin.

After high school, Jacob plans to have his own business raising beef cattle and sugaring, rooted in the land he already cares for and improves each day.

“The land is the foundation — it provides,” said Jacob. “As stewards of the land, it’s our responsibility to maintain and improve it, so we can continue to successfully feed future generations and leave the world a better place than we found it.”

Photo courtesy of Jacob.