Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame today announced the 2023 inductees. For more than 20 years, over 95 contributors of Vermont agricultural have been celebrated with the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame honor. A celebratory luncheon is scheduled during the Champlain Valley Fair on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, at 12pm.
2023 Emerging Leader: This category highlights those who are stepping up to become the next generation of agricultural leaders in Vermont. Age 40 or younger (born after June 1, 1983), these individuals demonstrate a deep commitment to Vermont’s working landscape and are poised to lead our Ag community into the future. They are remarkable for their service, youthful energy, and dedication to Vermont agriculture.
Andy Birch, Farmer. Derby, VT
2023 Ag Innovator: Those in consideration for this category have demonstrated a fresh and forward-thinking approach to agriculture. They are making or have made a significant, positive impact on Vermont, in areas such as but not limited to: growing the local economy, promoting stewardship and conservation, improving community health and nutrition, developing new tools and practices, and using alternative models in business and land ownership. They are notable for their unique perspective and unconventional approach. (Age is not a factor for consideration in this category.)
Jed Davis, Agri-Mark VP Strategic Engagement & Sustainability, South Burlington, VT
2023 Lifetime Achievement: This category recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to the advancement, improvement, or development of Vermont agriculture over the course of their long career. Nominees shall have played an active role in Vermont agriculture for at least thirty years.
- Richard Lawrence, Legislator, Farmer. Lyndonville, VT
- Diane Bothfeld, Former Director of Agriculture Development. Cabot, VT
- Jake Guest, Organic farmer. Fairlee, VT
About the Inductees
2023 Emerging Leader: Andy Birch.
With his wife, Sarah, Andy has revived his family’s farm in the beautiful hills of Derby, VT. Over the last ten years Andy has spent much time giving back to his coop and community. Within his local community, Andy donates to the Red Cross as much as possible, even providing healthy cheese snacks to other donators. His passion for Vermont’s dairy industry extends past the Northeast Kingdom as voice of reason and ideas whenever called upon by groups ranging from his own Young Cooperative Agri-mark program, The Orleans Country Farm Bureau, and to the state house when important matters arise. Andy has always been very open about the current state of dairy not only in Vermont, but Nationally when interviewed by USA Today and featured in other ag news and blogs. This exposed rawness has earned Andy a trusted and respected voice that Vermont dairy farmers are thankful to have!
2023 Ag Innovator: Jed Davis
“Living within our means, and ensuring the means to live.” -Wise words spoken and lived by Jed Davis. Jed grew up on a Cabot Creamery/Agri-mark dairy farm and later joined the Agri-mark team. He developed the Sustainability Department and served as the first director. From there, Jed has worked hard within the company using data to mitigate forward thinking change. Jed brings everything back to the farmers; working for the best bottom line and to facilitate smart collaborations not just within the cooperative, but beyond. Jed has become a sought-out resource which has networked into many great friendships. In addition, Jed is also a Board Member on the Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility and a Governance Committee Member for Hunger Mountain Co-op. Jed is teaches at the University of Vermont, and has a long history of volunteering, including blood donation at the American Red Cross.
2023 Lifetime Achievement: Richard Lawrence
Richard grew up on a farm and at a young age had the opportunity to become involved with 4H showing cattle at the Caledonia County Fair. After that, he could not stay away from the fair! First, he began working as the Cattle Superintendent, then later as Board Director and lastly, fair president for 37 years. Richard was a man of many roles, serving his community and state. During his time in the State Legislator, Richard served as Vice Chair on the Vermont Agriculture and Forestry Committee. Due to his local service, Richard received the Paul Harris award for his involvement in the town of Lyndon where he spent time as a selectman, the town moderator, a trustee for Lyndon Institute, part of the advisory board for Community National Bank, and the rotary club, all while owning and operating the local Agway Farm and Garden store that supports local farmers of all kinds. Richard is missed by his community, but the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame is excited to recognize his achievements this year!
Lifetime Achievement: Diane Bothfeld
Diane made it her life’s work to improve economic conditions within agriculture for current and future generations. Her love for agriculture led her to find her best contributions would come from state positions, where many considered her the unofficial “dairy expert”. Diane used her well-read knowledge to seek betterment within agriculture from the state house to the USDA and through federal efforts. During the last few years, Diane was instrumental in getting farmers the information needed during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was only a quick call away with answers to the current financial resources. Cheryl Cook described Diane as “trailblazer for women in agriculture,” making sacrifices to have a seat and make opportunities for herself and others. Diane is already missed at the Agency of Agriculture but is hopefully enjoying her retirement!
Lifetime Achievement: Jake Guest
Jake and Liz Guest have been operating Killdeer Farm since 1980 where they grew the farm and business to over sixty owned and rented acres of vegetable, berry, and rotational crops.
In 2019 Jake and Liz decided to sell the Norwich farm to a young willing and able couple. Jake and Liz now reside on their twenty-four acre river-bottom land in Thetford that they have owned and farmed for many years. Though now semi-retired, Jake continues to grow organic Spinach, Cilantro and Carrots for the Coop supermarkets.
Jake has a long history of personal involvement with Vermont Agriculture, especially the vegetable growing sector: In 1971 Jake was a founding member of NOFA, the Northeast Organic Farmers' Association, and in the early seventies developed and published the first organic certification standards for NOFA. Jake also managed the first NOFA bulk fertilizer order, researching and developing sources for bulk organic fertilizers. In 1976 Jake was a co-founder of the Norwich Farmers' Market, one of the first farmers' markets in Vermont, and one that continues to be successful. In the early eighties, Jake was the local coordinator for the Upper Valley bulk food buying Coop while also working for the Vermont Food Coops. Jake is a longtime member, past president, and current board member of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association. Currently Jake is a farmer-member of the Real Organic Project, a nation-wide farmer-led movement advocating for the honest and accurate adherence to the National Organic Standards.
Jake has had a great impact on many but feels his greatest contribution to Vermont Agriculture is having several Killdeer employees move on to establish successful farms of their own, thanks to the experience and knowledge learned at Killdeer Farm.
About the Champlain Valley Expo
The Champlain Valley Exposition is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization with a mission of serving the people of Vermont and the region by promoting agriculture, education, arts and culture, commerce, and entertainment activities. Since 2003, the Expo has hosted the Vermont Ag Hall of Fame, which honors Vermonters who have made significant achievements to Vermont’s working landscape. For more information, visit https://www.vtaghalloffame.org
Congratulations to the 2023 inductees and a big thank you to the presenting sponsors!
Source: 5.23.2023. Essex Junction, VT- Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame
