RYEGATE, Vt. (WCAX) – A dairy farm in Ryegate is being recognized as the Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year.
Ethan and Erin Nelson are eighth-generation farmers, operating the Scotch Burn Farm in the small Caledonia County town.
It’s a family affair with cousins, in-laws and the Nelsons’ children helping out.
The UVM Extension’s awards program coordinator says Scotch Burn stuck out because of the family’s support of the community, employing local high school students and investing in their farm for long-term success.
“They were able to expand their milk house, and they have a new manure pit that’s set up for expansion, so I think they really have a long-term picture for this farm not only for the next few years but into the next generation,” said Whitney Hull, a dairy expert with the UVM Extension.
The award is presented by the University of Vermont Extension and the Vermont Dairy Industry Association.