Norah Lake started Sweetland Farm in 2012 because she was inspired to offer Upper Valley residents an opportunity to engage with a local farm in a convenient, educational, and meaningful way. Norah grew up with a strong land ethic instilled in her by her nature-loving parents, and spent countless hours working in the family’s gardens and pastures.
While she was a student at Dartmouth College Norah explored the complex world of sustainability through the Environmental Studies Department. She was also intimately involved in student-led projects at the college’s organic farm, helping to start the first Dartmouth Farm CSA, researching the possibilities of partnering the dining halls with local food producers, and guiding many fellow students through their first introduction to an agrarian landscape.
After graduating in 2006 Norah became a partner at Sunrise Farm in Hartford, VT where she worked for 5 years and gained a crucial farm-management skills. In 2012, after living in the Upper Valley for 10 years, she and her husband Chris were honored to purchase the newly conserved Sweetland Farm from the Vermont Land Trust and to begin growing great food for the community.
Why I Farm
Recently, I was on a hike with a friend and she asked me to tell her why I farm…in 3 words or less! That question, and the lively conversation that ensued, gave me a chance to consider the big picture behind the day-to-day farm chores.
Nourishing
When I started Sweetland I wanted to create a business that made my community healthier. I knew the importance of feeding our physical selves with nutrient-rich food, while at the same time feeding our hearts and minds with the simple pleasures of being outdoors on a working farm. From enjoying the crunch of a just-pulled carrot, to giggling at the rambunctious piglets, to sighing as the sun dips behind the zinnias, my goal is for Sweetland’s CSA members to feel completely nourished by their time at the farm, just like I do.
Vermont
My roots are in Vermont’s soil, and it is Vermont’s sweet soil (an agricultural term for good soil with the perfect pH for growing plants) that sustains our farm. Get it…Sweet land?!? Vermont is a state that supports and promotes local farming, and I am proud to be among the ranks of the current generation of Vermont farmers feeding Vermonters (and our Granite State neighbors!)
Traditions
As life in the 21st century seems to speed up more and more every year, I believe that having certain places and endeavors that harken back to another time creates an important tie to our past. The agricultural history of New England reaches back through many generations of people, methods, and equipment. When I plant seeds, feed the animals, serve a plate of fresh sweet corn, or tinker on our “reliable” old 1950’s tractor I feel like I’ve added myself to a long line of agrarians.
So there you have it. Nourishing Vermont Traditions. That’s what we are trying to do each season!