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Orleans County NRCD to Host Annual Locally Led Meeting: Evolution of Vermont Agriculture and Conservation

IRASBURG, VT – The Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District (OCNRCD) is pleased to announce its annual Locally Led Community Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM. This year's event will be hosted at the impressive Nelson’s Farm, located at 2742 VT-14, Irasburg, VT 05845, and will explore the essential theme of the Evolution of Agriculture in Vermont.

The tentative agenda is as follows:

• Farm Rotary Milking Tour 
• Gather, Mingle, and Enjoy a Bite to Eat
• OCNRCD Presentation of Locally Led Updates and Recap of Last Year’s Work
• Brief Locally Led Survey on working landscape and natural resource priorities
• Guest Speaker – Roger Allbee
• Closing

 

The meeting is centered on the idea that agriculture in Vermont is in a constant state of evolution. This is powerfully demonstrated by Nelson’s Farm, which has embraced massive technological change by installing a new rotary milking parlor. With a herd of approximately 2,600 cows, the Nelsons’ felt their decision to centralize and expand is a necessary strategy to survive in the modern dairy market. They feel that the parlor’s ability to milk 500 cows in a single hour highlights the scale required to remain viable today. This move underscores the challenging economic reality faced by farmers compelling them to get bigger to sustain their operations.

 

The event is designed to seamlessly integrate the locally led conservation planning process with this theme of evolution.The OCNRCD is deeply honored to welcome former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture and author, Roger Allbee, to speak about the history of agriculture in Vermont, drawing on the topics of his recent book, Turning the Soil 250 of Vermont Agriculture. Roger Allbee, is a lifelong champion of Vermont's working landscape and agricultural heritage, received the Vermont Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the state's rural communities. His career highlights include serving as Secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, where he launched the "Buy Local" campaign and processing initiatives, and as a congressional staffer for Jim Jeffords, focusing on dairy policy and the first Agricultural Land Protection Act.

 

His talk will specifically highlight the history of struggle in Vermont agriculture—the difficulty of getting products to market, producing at quantity, and adapting to new technologies and human development. He will touch on key historical elements and the vital role of local engagement, including local creameries and garages, which served as significant contributors to VT ag successes—a theme that strongly resonates with the local, community-based role of the NRCD. Roger will also highlight the pivotal adoption of the environmental and conservation movement by the ag community despite common cultural issues and barriers. 

 

The Orleans County NRCD will provide an overview of our work including the county's USDA NRCS locally led program 2026 $600k funding. Orleans County NRCD itself has a rich history, established in 1946 following the 1937 federal law that created Conservation Districts in response to the devastating Dust Bowl era. Founded as a non-regulatory organization led by local landowners for soil erosion prevention, its mandate has since expanded to encompass all natural resources. Consistent programming over the years has included the Annual Plant Sale since 1984, Nutrient Management services, riparian restoration and the Annual Locally Led Conservation Planning process with NRCS.

 

All farmers, agricultural professionals, conservation partners, and community members interested in the future of farming and conservation are encouraged to attend this important meeting.

 

Event Details:

What: Orleans County NRCD Annual Locally Led Meeting

When: Wednesday, February 11th, 2026, 4:00 PM

Where: Nelson’s Farm, 2742 VT-14, Irasburg, VT 05845

Theme: The Evolution of Vermont Agriculture and Conservation

For more information, please visit the OCNRCD website or contact the Orleans County NRCD Executive Director, Sarah Damsell at sarah.damsell@orleanscountynrcd.org

Space is limited and RSVP is strongly requested. https://forms.gle/sS4HNfYB5zhTWTWh6