Farm in Morrisville Conserved and Sold to New Farmers

May 6, 2021

The Stowe area welcomed the conservation of the Valcour farm in Morristown and its sale to new farm owners. The 175-acre farm was conserved in mid-April by family members and sold to long-time farmers Jesse and Marlene Hursh. The Hurshes have rented a dairy farm and operated a popular farm stand on the other side of town for over 20 years. They will grow corn and cover crops on the new farm, which has excellent agricultural soils. They also plan to use the former Valcour barn for raising young cattle.

”Assuming stewardship of this farm is special to us as we fondly remember Andre Valcour, Sr. Andre was a friend and mentor who went out of his way to help us succeed in agriculture,” said Jesse Hursh. “The location is ideal for expanding our retail sales of produce, fruits, and dairy products.”

The property also includes a maple sugarbush and access to the Catamount Trail, a haven for wildlife and cross-country skiers. A 20-acre wetland protection zone harbors a well-known heron rookery. The Valcour family is thrilled that Jesse and Marlene can own the farm after renting for many years, and that the land is protected for wildlife and future generations. The farm’s conservation and affordable transfer to the next generation of farmers would not have been possible without the Vermont Land Trust, Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Stowe Land Trust.