The Challenge to Vermont Farms Economic trends have pushed many Vermont farms over the brink in recent years. Between 1950 and 1992 the number of farms in the state declined from over 10,000 to 5,436. Economic forces have driven the price paid to many Vermont farmers below their production costs.
Risk is the farmer's constant companion.
Farming is unpredictable. From the ancient world to the present day, farmers have been fending off ruin and coping with the volatility of sun, rain, pests, and diseases. When the hay is ready to cut, it might rain every other day. A mid-summer heat wave could burn up the lettuce crop. Perishable items all too frequently go bac before a market can be found.