Recent comments in /f/vermont

Nutmegdog1959 t1_j4o0114 wrote

Reply to comment by thisoneisnotasbad in Work Exchange Programs? by Berrymorerue

Your information is outdated. There are only about 600 dairy farms (cow, sheep, goat) in VT currently. And the ones that employ non-family members often hire Central Americans.

There's around 500 SFO (small farm operations w/ under 200 head) that tend to be family only run farms. There are 35 LFO > 700 head and about 100 MFO 200->700 head.

So, of the +/- 135 Medium & Large Farm Operations, these are the farms that hire the 1500-2000 Central American workers. About 10 per farm.

I am a UVM College of Ag & Life Sci (CALS) grad. I am reasonably conversant with VT's agricultural economy. I have been accused of many things, but naivete is not one.

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MamboTB88 t1_j4nyn2n wrote

Reply to Maple Syrup Shipping by DDozar

I didn’t look up their options/pricing before posting but I ordered the little nip bottles for my wedding favors from Sugarbush Farm in Woodstock, and had a pleasant buying experience :)

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thisoneisnotasbad t1_j4nx122 wrote

Reply to comment by Nutmegdog1959 in Work Exchange Programs? by Berrymorerue

> Most white folk can't handle the work on a dairy farm,

What? 1200 migrant workers, 1000 farms, in a state that is like 94% white. Yes, migrants help keep VT farms running but your comment is naive. Having worked many years on a farm in various capacities, rest assured, there are plenty of white dudes working on farms in VT.

Source. https://migrantjustice.net/sites/default/files/mythsandrealities.pdf

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kingblow1 t1_j4nslq3 wrote

Reply to So buying is unaffordable...what about building? by thebaerfetus

The way to build in Vermont is to find somebody who can process wood in exchange for other services or goods. Buy land on the cheap in a super rural area on forested land for as many acres as you can afford. Clear out the trees and brush with friends and family, get GMP (or other) to run lines, drill a well and build a septic system. These three things will be your largest costs. Build the place yourself, and you can slowly add on when you have the money. Buy common products for building so they will always be around when you go to add on. If you develop a piece of land into a homested, you can easily double or triple your input when you go to sell. This is how my immediate family developed middle class wealth through property ownership in Vermont.

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endeavour3d t1_j4nqoy4 wrote

Reply to Off-Grid solar solution? by Impressive-Parfait18

It would help if you could explain your needs, solar exposure, personal electrical skills/DIY mindset, and financial requirements before anyone can really give you viable solutions.

If you're in anyway handy, I'd suggest watching vids by Will Prowse who wrote a book on this stuff and regularly posts videos about solar setups, inverters, batteries etc and does reviews for them, he goes from newbie level all the way to advanced stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/@WillProwse

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Nutmegdog1959 t1_j4nq60h wrote

Reply to Work Exchange Programs? by Berrymorerue

Just about EVERY dairy farm in VT is hiring and many, many provide housing. Spanish speaking a plus. You won't confuse the housing with the Plaza Hotel, but if you're in a bad way it's better than nothing.

Most white folk can't handle the work on a dairy farm, that's why they hire Central Americans to do the dirty work. It's hard scrabble but it beats the alternative.

You could call Migrant Justice in Burlington if you wanted more insight. They're NOT an employment service, but they know some stuff. migrantjustice.org

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buried_lede t1_j4np3gq wrote

Reply to So buying is unaffordable...what about building? by thebaerfetus

I think there are alternative building types that can be more affordable but even they might be a bit risky these days because a lot of them are going up in price too plus getting and paying a contractor/crew and the cost of site work etc. I am thinking of modular, kit homes, stuff like that. You have to really research it.

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