Vermont Edition

Waitsfield farming retreat teaches people how to grow food—and a business

By Connor Cyrus,

Published August 11, 2022 at 1:09 PM EDT

A basket of farm producer from a Vermont CSA — Traditional CSA items are still popular, like those from 1000 Stone Farm in Brookfield (pictured), but many producers are now offering niche products like cheese, meat and more.

The number of family farms in Vermont continues to decline. But through an immersion program, that has been called a combination of a camp, retreat and worker training, people can sign up to learn how to be better farmers, and even how to start a farming businesses.

Amy Todisco started the multi-day program at Hartshorn Farm in Waitsfield last year. She spoke with host Connor Cyrus about it, and what solutions it could hold for the future of farming in Vermont and how its uniquely suited to meet a moment when many are clamoring for more freedom in their work life.

Todisco discusses leading retreats, green living, learning about organic farming, entrepreneurship, and getting in touch with nature. This year is from Aug. 15 through 19.

Broadcast at noon on Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.

Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or tweet us @vermontedition.

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Connor Cyrus

Connor Cyrus joined Vermont Public as host and senior producer in March 2021. He was a morning reporter at WJAR in Providence, Rhode Island. A graduate of Lyndon State College (now Northern Vermont University), he started his reporting career as an intern at WPTZ, later working for WAGM in Presque Isle, Maine, and WCAX Channel 3, where he covered a broad range of stories from Vermont’s dairy industry to the nurses’ strikes at UVM Medical Center. He’s passionate about journalism’s ability to shed light on complex or difficult topics, as well as giving voice to underrepresented communities.

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Matthew F Smith

Originally from Delaware, Matt moved to Alaska in 2010 for his first job in radio. He spent five years working as a radio and television reporter, radio producer, talk show host, and news director. His reporting received awards from the Alaska Press Club and the Alaska Broadcasters Association. Relocating to southwest Florida, he was a producer for television news and NPR member station WGCU for their daily radio show, Gulf Coast Live. He joined Vermont Public in October 2017 as producer of Vermont Edition.

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Tedra Meyer

Tedra joined Vermont Public as a producer for Vermont Edition in January 2022. Before moving to Vermont, she was a journalist in New York City for 20 years. She has a master’s degree in journalism from New York University.

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