About This Event
Local Voices, Urgent Lessons
In Northwest Connecticut, the changing climate isn’t an abstract debate; it’s in the fields, the greenhouses, and the creeks that run through them. Farmers here are adjusting planting schedules, managing unpredictable rainfall, and finding new ways to protect soil and water. These adaptations are as much about survival as they are about stewardship.
On Wednesday, September 24, the public will have a chance to hear directly from the people on the front lines of these shifts. Berkshire Agricultural Ventures will present its third annual climate-focused forum, hosted this year by The Farmer’s Table and the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy at De Hoek Farm in New Milford.
The evening will open with an optional guided tour of De Hoek Farm, led by owner Margery Feldberg. She’ll share how the farm raises and processes grass-fed cattle using humane, low-stress practices that work in harmony with the land. The operation is built on a foundation of animal welfare and land stewardship, aligning herd management with the health of the pastures and the surrounding ecosystem. By balancing animal care with soil health, De Hoek adapts to changing weather patterns and pasture conditions, maintaining both productivity and ecological resilience.
Following the tour, Ben Crockett, BAV Climate Smart Agriculture Program Manager, will moderate a panel featuring three local farmers — James Shepherd of Smokedown Farm, Paul Bucciaglia of Fort Hill Farm, and Kelley Babbin of Howling Flats Farm. Each will share how climate change is shaping their work and the practical steps they are taking to adapt. Special remarks will be offered by Bryan Hurlburt, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Agriculture, bringing a statewide perspective to local challenges and solutions.
The event is free and runs from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., with an optional tour with Margery Feldberg starting at 4:00 and the presentation beginning at 5:00. Expect farm-to-table fare from the host farm and panel farms. This is a chance to taste and hear from the farms.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
About This Event
Local Voices, Urgent Lessons
In Northwest Connecticut, the changing climate isn’t an abstract debate; it’s in the fields, the greenhouses, and the creeks that run through them. Farmers here are adjusting planting schedules, managing unpredictable rainfall, and finding new ways to protect soil and water. These adaptations are as much about survival as they are about stewardship.
On Wednesday, September 24, the public will have a chance to hear directly from the people on the front lines of these shifts. Berkshire Agricultural Ventures will present its third annual climate-focused forum, hosted this year by The Farmer’s Table and the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy at De Hoek Farm in New Milford.
The evening will open with an optional guided tour of De Hoek Farm, led by owner Margery Feldberg. She’ll share how the farm raises and processes grass-fed cattle using humane, low-stress practices that work in harmony with the land. The operation is built on a foundation of animal welfare and land stewardship, aligning herd management with the health of the pastures and the surrounding ecosystem. By balancing animal care with soil health, De Hoek adapts to changing weather patterns and pasture conditions, maintaining both productivity and ecological resilience.
Following the tour, Ben Crockett, BAV Climate Smart Agriculture Program Manager, will moderate a panel featuring three local farmers — James Shepherd of Smokedown Farm, Paul Bucciaglia of Fort Hill Farm, and Kelley Babbin of Howling Flats Farm. Each will share how climate change is shaping their work and the practical steps they are taking to adapt. Special remarks will be offered by Bryan Hurlburt, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Agriculture, bringing a statewide perspective to local challenges and solutions.
The event is free and runs from 4:00 to 7:30 p.m., with an optional tour with Margery Feldberg starting at 4:00 and the presentation beginning at 5:00. Expect farm-to-table fare from the host farm and panel farms. This is a chance to taste and hear from the farms.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.