Not just a farmer's daughter

Seventh-generation farmer Heather Darby to speak at Women in Ag conference

Family Farm

Attendees of the third annual Women in Agriculture will benefit from the hands-on knowledge and experience of Keynote speaker Heather Darby, a farmer who considers beekeeping one of the most "peaceful and relaxing" tasks on her multi-generational Vermont farm.

As you start hearing her farming tales, it's no wonder Heather's so at ease with whatever agricultural task comes her way. You're reminded it's not every day you speak with one who at only 39 years, has weathered a bit of it all: expanding her produce to match rising needs, trying her hand at flax (Vermont crop coveted for the nutritional value of its oil), and overseeing employees to help cultivate the land.

By the time she reached the third grade, Heather already knew she wanted to family uphold tradition in becoming the seventh-generation proprietor of her family's 130-acre farm. As the second of three girls, she realized there would be one difference this time: after generational father-to-son exchanges, she'd be the first daughter to run the farm.

Out of the Darby girls, she was the one with the natural interest, and her sisters, she says, were nothing but supportive as she learned how to work the land. During her high school years her parents entrusted her with the farm, comfortable enough to leave it in her care over weekends here and there.

When Darby Farm was transferred to her in 2003, Heather knew her family history well: she'd heard how Jonathan Darby travelled by ox cart to the shores of Lake Champlain and then by barge to the west shores of Alburgh to become a farmer back in 1800. She'd acquired an early respect for her roots as she pored over black-and-white photographs of days gone by: when her great-grandfather Aubrey had his own apiary and kept sheep. Heather gained dairy knowledge while watching her grandfather Arthur till the fields. She gained first-hand experience milking the cows alongside her father Alan as she grew up.

Her love of the land led her to pursue book knowledge on the subject as well; Heather earned her M.S. in Agronomy from University of Wisconsin and went on to complete her Ph.D. in Crops and Soils from Oregon State University. Her education serves her well not only on her 130 acres, but also as Associate Professor of Agronomy/Soil Specialist at the University of Vermont Extension. Heather has pioneered outreach programs that focus on fuel, forage, and grain production.

As she took over Darby Farm alongside husband/fellow farmer Ron Hermann, Vermont locals knew the well-loved, diversified farm had passed to the most capable hands. The organic farm with more than a 200 year history was known for their plentiful farm stand (which includes potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, squash), their organic strawberries ("a must in June"), their glorious sunflower beds and their thriving Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Darby Farm also does custom grazing service for local organic dairies. Their herd of 80 cattle rotationally grazes from May through November. 

Same Farm, New Challenges

Though she knew the farm inside and out, Heather says that the transfer didn't come without its own set of challenges. "I look back at growing up and thought I'd never have to work that hard again. It sounds wonderful to transfer a farm from one generation to the next, but there are still lessons to be learned. It's not as easy a transaction as one might think, trying to make everyone happy and keep long-term customers pleased as well." That said, Heather is grateful for the early challenges which have now become "part of my story."

Long fascinated with the bees her great grandfather Aubrey kept, Heather was thrilled when an older farming couple approached her with a request of keeping their bees on her land.

"I never got to meet my great-grandfather (Aubrey), but I'd heard a lot about him and looked at photos of him often," Heather says. "When the older couple asked me if I was interested in keeping bees, I thought it must be destiny. They showed me how to take care of the hives and really mentored me until I was able to do it alone. "

Heather laughs while saying that "bees are not domesticated" and gives examples of not being able to pinpoint their tendencies. "They swarm when you least expect." Sometimes the hives die all of a sudden. Other times she's opted to split hives to encourage production. In making two colonies, she must ensure that each has a queen. Though she's well-acquainted with the insects now, beekeeping is a task that keeps Heather on her toes.

The many requirements of beekeeping: ensuring they have enough food, checking on them once the pollen starts to flow and monitoring for diseases and predators is quite an undertaking. Heather has workers responsible for collecting nectar from the flowers and the woodlands as well. The diverse nectar they accumulate makes for a sweet and unique honey. As intensive as beekeeping might seem, Heather says that of all farm-related tasks on her list, tending her small apiary is one of her favorite.

Family and Farming

In considering the many responsibilities required in keeping Darby Farm flourishing, Heather and her husband never imagined they'd become parents. But lo and behold, their son Flint joined them 13 months ago. The couple's dedication to environmental stewardship has never been stronger.

"We didn't think we'd ever have children, but he's given me even more of a reason to do things right," Heather says. "Home and work life is definitely a 'balancing act' for us, but we're pretty efficient."

Though she and her husband Ron (who grew up on a farm in the Midwest and holds agricultural degrees himself) handle the lion's share of the work at Darby Farm, they are fortunate in the outside help they receive.

"We provide opportunities for young folk interested in learning how to farm smarter, not harder," Heather says.

In working with these future farmers (high school and college students), Heather's primary reward is the ability to practice what she teaches, on her own history-rich farm, no less.

Through presenting at the upcoming Women in Agriculture event Heather hopes to inspire new and seasoned farmers alike through telling her story as a seventh generation farmer, one who cherishes the "old" and embraces the sustainable practices of today.