Our thanks to all who supported the 2+2 Farm Program this year.

3/8/17 Contest Winners have been posted. Congratulations to all!

As we say goodbye to the 87th Show, thanks to all who participated and attended. Jackie is happy to say that attendance was up over a thousand people from 2016 numbers. Media coverage was wonderful and vendors report it was profitable from their side. Attendance at the meetings was great, with the Vermont Beekeepers having 180 attendees. Contest entries showed an increase also. The waiting list has grown already as new names are added and current vendors ask for additional space. What a way to start planning for 2018!

The Capitol Cook-off Team of Dr. Kristen Haas's VAAFM staff placed first with venison sliders and kale salad. A second team from VAAFM
bested Senate Agriculture which came in third. House members were
still on the floor in debate and missed the contest. Thanks to LedgEnd Farm of Middlebury Vermont. Hank Dimuso and his family donated the venison that was used in the Capital Cook-Off this year. Salvation Farms provided the vegetables.

Despite the weather, the Dairy Banquet on Thursday was well attended. Congratulations to the Houde farm in St. Johnsbury for their hard work in winning the Best Quality Milk Award for the entire State of Vermont.

The Vermont Farm Show Board and Staff wish Jenny Nelson a fun-filled retirement. We appreciate her many years and efforts on behalf of farm families and agricultural businesses.

We are continuing to add photos and video to the 2017 Highlights page.

For agricultural professionals and rural homeowners, the Vermont Farm Show is still the best opportunity to meet with vendors, preview products and machinery, attend trade association meetings, seminars and network within the greater agricultural community all under the same roof.

This midwinter break continues to hold wide appeal for the general public. Family friendly with tractors, the latest innovations in technology for rural lifestyles, equipment, agricultural products and information on display, there is something for everyone at the Farm Show. Shelburne Farms is bringing calves, the Vt Bird Fancier's will be there along with Vermont's own State Horse, the Morgan plus sheep and other surprises.. 


Each year, young and old alike flock to Wednesday's Consumer Night to see, taste and buy the best of Vermont during the Buy Local Market. this indoor farmers market showcases a wide array of Vermont food and beverage products. The Capital Cook-off allows Legislative and Agency personnel the opportunity to create a signature dish utilizing fresh local ingredients from the market during a timed competition. Plan to pull up a chair and watch the hands on preparation and judging. 

The Vermont Farm Show is many different things to our diverse rural population. As J.E. Carrigan, Dean of the UVM College of Agriculture stated in 1956, "We believe this event has been very profitable to Vermont farmers, not only from an educational standpoint, but also because it stimulated a great many to improve their practices and to profit accordingly." We believe that he would agree that the Vermont Farm Show continues to exemplify both the creative spirit of Vermonters and our shared rural heritage, linking the past to the future.We
believe the same holds true today.

The Lanphear Family Farm, a 530-cow Holstein dairy in Hyde Park, embodies all that a topnotch dairy operation should including a well-managed herd, high quality milk production, efficient management and strong work ethics. Owners Kirk and Katrina Lanphear pay meticulous attention to detail when it comes to their herd and daily operation of the farm. But they are also deeply committed to family, not only managing the farm to allow time for family activities but making decisions to ensure that their agricultural enterprise remains sustainable and affordable for the next generation. Congratulations to all!

We are proud to partner with the Chittenden Emergency Food Shelf- so even though parking and admission to the Farm Show is free, we are asking all those attending to donate a canned or non-perishable goods or cash donations to the greeters as you walk in the front door of the Miller Building. The response was wonderful last year, and we hope to again help fill the shelves.

Thanks to the Vermont Historical Society and all who shared memories and images, knowingly or otherwise, through Google Images, UTube and personal blogs and scrapbooks.