By Anson Tebbetts | Vermont Secretary of Agriculture
As we close out 2023, I suspect many are not disappointed to see this year leave us and welcome in the year 2024. This past year will be the year remembered for severe weather. From a hard freeze in May to a soggy filled summer this year which tested our farmers and producers like no other. Vermont’s farmers sustained millions of dollars in damage because of these two weather events. Recovering from the flood will be the focus of much of our work in 2024. We will continue to seek aid from federal and state programs that help our farmers get back on track.
We will be keeping a close eye on feed issues for livestock. The summer was not kind to those harvesting feed for cows, sheep, goats, and horses. In case you have not seen it we now do have an on-line resource for those selling feed or those looking for feed. The feed finder has been a popular resource for those in need of hay, corn, or silage. This resource includes prices and contact information for those looking for feed this winter. You can find it at here: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/new-feed-finder-marketplace-connects-farmers-need-available-feed This service is free and we hope to continue this service well into the future.
It is the season for your local Christmas Tree grower. Our growers support our working landscape and work year-round to provide us with that perfect tree for our home or office. If you get a chance, take a few hours to visit a choose or cut operation, or even send a tree in the mail. Some of our growers provide that service as well. Nothing screams Vermont like a fresh Christmas tree this time of year.
We will encourage the public to support our farmers and small businesses during the holiday season and into 2024. Vermont is blessed with incredible high quality nutritious food and products. From meat to dairy to maple these products can easily be found in retail stores, co-ops, winter farmers markets and farm stands. If you want to send something special to a friend or family far away, many of our businesses can do it for you. E-Commerce is another way you can support our small businesses across the Green Mountains. You can ship just about anything these days.
We are grateful for those who continue to feed us and those who support Agriculture. Wishing you a safe, productive, and healthy December and we are looking forward to a calm and prosperous 2024.
Vermont has earned it.
Anson Tebbetts
Secretary