About Us

When we (Eric and Mary) connected over board games and creative writing at college we had no idea we would soon be building a farm together. Eric hailed from Boulder, Colorado and I was from a tiny town in the NEK called Barnet where I brought Eric to visit. Though we tried to explore other places and occupations, something kept bringing us back to the welcoming Vermont landscape and the celebration of growing food.

The pull to farm and feed people was always there, we were just not sure how to make it happen. And then a beaten up farmhouse on Joe's Brook Road came on the market and naturally, with land came roots.

Joe’s Brook Farm started in 2009 with a small tomato greenhouse and an oversized garden along the banks of Joe's Brook. In 2012 the farm was certified organic. In 2013 the farm expanded to prime agricultural land along the Passumpsic River. Drive along Route 5 in Barnet and you will see the maintenance and harvesting of rows and rows of colorful peppers, garlic, strawberries, cucumbers and so much more. Currently, we grow 8 acres of vegetables, 3 acres of strawberries, and 6 acres of cover crops across our two locations.

Of course, Joe's Brook Farm is much more than just the literal land that it is built upon. As with any successful operation our farm exists because of all the people that are involved. Everyone in the immediate Skovsted family gets into the dirt including our daughters Anna and Harriet, and grandmother Marcelle ("Mop”).
  
Our team of employees changes throughout the years, but in 2022 we have been fortunate enough to employ Jessie, Aaron, Grace, Gabby, and Owen. We also hire three seasonal H2A workers from Jamaica: Ronaldo, Delvin and Godfrey who join us for the busiest 5 months of the season. (Check out our Meet the Crew page to meet everyone!)

We've been able to put vegetables on the tables of schools, hospitals, restaurants, and homes because the community has been receptive, encouraging and actively supportive. We get to do this job we love because this fellowship exists. Special thanks to our neighbors, friends, and loyal customers!


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