Every year at the Hootenanny to Benefit the Co-op’s Farm Fund, the Co-op and Sustainable Connections present Farmer Awards that recognize the achievements of deserving local farmers. Farmers are nominated by their fellow farmers, people who work with the farm community, and the CSA subscribers, customers, and fans of the farms and farmers.
Every one of these farmers received enthusiastic nominations and has made outstanding contributions to local food and farming, so we are honored to recognize this year’s Farmer Award nominees. In the October issue of our In Season magazine, we will share the 2017 award winners. Join us in celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of all these talented local farmers!
New Farmer Nominees
- Colin Fischer and Jen Finch, Wanderwood Farm
- Kevin and Briana Buck, Twin Cedars Farm
- Meghan Payne, Wild Rose Farm
- Michael Deitering, Chubby Bunny Farm
- Richard Kauffman, Riverhaven Farm
(2016 winner: Anna Morris and Jared Danilson, Slanted Sun Farm)
Innovator Farmer Nominees
- Anna and Geoff Martin, Osprey Hill Farm
- David Whittaker, Oak Meadows Farm
- Feliciano Lopez, Lopez Brothers Farm
- Griffin Berger, Sauk Farm
- Jason Weston, Joe’s Gardens
- John and Dorie Belisle, BelleWood Acres
(2016 winner: Susan and Harley Soltes, Bow Hill Blueberries)
Mentor Farmer Nominees
- Brent Harrison, Growing Garden
- Cheryl and Tom Thornton, Cloud Mountain Farm Center
- Clayton Burrows, Growing Washington
- Jason Weston, Joe’s Gardens
- Mike Boxx, Boxx Berry Farm
- Myrle Foster, Circle F Farms
(2016 winner: Mike and Kimberly Finger, Cedarville Farm)
