Vermont Business Magazine The Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame is proud to announce its 2026 class of inductees, recognizing individuals whose dedication, leadership, and innovation have made a lasting impact on Vermont agriculture.
For more than two decades, the Hall of Fame has celebrated the achievements of farmers, growers, agricultural professionals, service providers, and industry advocates who have helped strengthen Vermont’s agricultural community. Since its founding, the Hall of Fame has honored more than 120 individuals whose contributions continue to shape the state's agricultural legacy.
In recent years, the program has expanded to recognize excellence across a broader range of accomplishments, including categories for Emerging Leader (under age 40), Agricultural Innovator, and up to three Lifetime Achievement honorees. The strength and diversity of this year’s nominations once again reflected the talent, commitment, and passion found throughout Vermont agriculture.
The Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame extends its appreciation to everyone who submitted nominations and helped recognize deserving individuals across the industry. The organization looks forward to receiving another outstanding group of nominations in 2027.
The 2026 inductees will be formally recognized and celebrated during the Champlain Valley Fair later this summer.
2026 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 January 1, 1986), 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.
Courtney Banach, Farm worker. Addison, VT
2026 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.)
Heather Darby, Service provider in agronomic and soil science. Alburgh, VT
2026 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.
• Dr Ann Hazelrigg, Service Provider. Williston, VT
• Paul Harlow, Farmer. Westminster, VT
• Doug Flack, Farmer. Enosburg, VT
About the Inductees
2026 Emerging Leader: Courney Banach
2026 Ag Innovator: Heather Darby
2026 Lifetime Achievement: Dr Ann Hazelrigg
2026 Lifetime Achievement: Paul Harlow
2026 Lifetime Achievement: Doug Flack
Congratulations to the 2026 inductees and a big thank you to the presenting sponsors!
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
6.3.2026. Essex Junction, VT- Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame
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