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Jeremy Russo, Operator of Southwind Farm in N. Rupert
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The Graf Farm in North Rupert has been owned by the same family for nine generations. This 70-cow dairy in the center of the Mettowee Valley was operated by Bob Graf, a former state legislator, until 1986. Following the VHCB-funded conservation of the farm in 1990, the Graf family leased it for several years to non-family members as an operating dairy. Sadly, both Bob Graf and his wife Lois died before seeing a family member back on the farm. Eventually, Bob’s grandson Jeremy Russo, took over the lease and began milking Holsteins on the farm and growing vegetables, including pumpkins, to sell at a roadside stand.
Jeremy developed a business plan with VHCB’s Farm Viability Program in 2004, laying the groundwork for eventual purchase of the farm from his grandparents’ estate. Since then, he has utilized the Farm Viability Program to help with an enterprise analysis for a farmstead cheese operation. An implementation award from the program helped him to rent a facility and purchase equipment for cheese making. Finally, in December 2007 VHCB awarded funds for an option to purchase at agricultural value for the Graf farm. This lowered the purchase price for Jeremy, making the farm affordable for him to own.
The Graf Farm in the Mettowee Valley landscape.
Vermont Land Trust photo.
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