A New Direction for an Old Farm
“Get big or get out” is a common wisdom in the dairy industry. And many small-scale farms have gotten out. Northern New York has half the dairy farms it did 20 years ago, and the remaining farms are generally much bigger. Some are much, much bigger.
In Vermont, the number of dairy farms dropped below 1,000 in May. But not everybody getting out of dairy is leaving farming altogether. One family operation in Ferrisburgh is repurposing the farm, and starting small.
Joe Birkett, left, and his father Joe with a healthy hop vine.
This story aired on July 13, 2011 as part of North Country Public Radio’s series, Farmers Under 40. To stream the story, click here.
