A conserved organic dairy in Washington, Vermont protects additional land as they diversify
Farmers Jesse and Jen Lambert of Lambert Farm began working with us about a decade ago when they conserved their 152-acre Washington, Vermont farm. This year, we celebrate another conservation milestone: They have protected an additional 78 acres that adjoins the home farm.
Getting beginning farmers on conserved farmland
When they were beginning farmers, Jen and Jesse ran their organic dairy on leased land. They were renting land on Lambert Road in Washington, from Jesse’s uncle, but were looking to own and manage it themselves. So, they began working with our Farmland Access Program.
Once a plan was in place, and after several years of sound business management, they bought the farm and conserved it with us in 2014. The conservation funding made the purchase more affordable for their business.
Jen Lambert with one of their cows at a farm event in 2017.
Over the years, Jesse and Jen continued to rent additional cropland to grow hay and feed for their dairy cows. They also added custom cropping to their business.
Adapting to changes in dairy farming
In 2023, they took the difficult decision of selling their milking herd because of high costs and a lack of farm labor. And they doubled down on the other parts of their diversified farm business.
Their custom feed harvesting business continues to thrive. The barn remains full with the replacement heifers that the Lamberts raise for other dairy farms. They also sell hay and raise beef cows, selling halves and cuts of meat from their farmstand on Lambert Road.
This fall, they partnered with us to protect a 78-acre parcel across the road from their conserved home farm.
The new land straddles both Washington and Orange towns. With elevations in the 1,400- to 1,600-foot range, there are sweeping views to the north and south. The property includes approximately 60 acres of organic hayland that Jen and Jesse use for their farm operation.
“Jen and Jesse are great farmers who work hard at—and clearly love—what they do,” says VLT’s Britt Haselton. “Their presence in the Vermont agricultural community extends well beyond their own farm, and VLT is lucky to count them as partners in conservation.”
The new conservation project was funded by the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board with matching funds from the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service.
