KENT, Conn.—In Northwest Connecticut, the changing climate isn’t an abstract debate; it’s in the fields, the greenhouses, and the creeks that run through them.
Farmers are adjusting planting schedules, managing unpredictable rainfall and finding new ways to protect soil and water. These adaptations are as much about survival as they are about stewardship.
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, the public will have a chance to hear directly from the people on the front lines of these shifts when Berkshire Agricultural Ventures presents its third annual climate-focused forum.
It will be hosted this year by The Farmer’s Table and the Northwest Connecticut Land Conservancy at De Hoek Farm in New Milford.
The event is free and runs from 4 to 7:30 p.m., with the optional tour with De Hoek Farm owner Margery Feldberg starting at 4 p.m. and the presentation beginning at 5 p.m. There will be farm-to-table fare from the host farm and panel farms.
The evening will open with an optional guided tour of De Hoek Farm. Feldberg will share how the farm raises and processes grass-fed cattle using humane, low-stress practices that work in harmony with the land.
The operation is built on a foundation of animal welfare and land stewardship, aligning herd management with the health of the pastures and the surrounding ecosystem. By balancing animal care with soil health, De Hoek adapts to changing weather patterns and pasture conditions, maintaining both productivity and ecological resilience.
Following the tour, Ben Crockett, BAV Climate Smart Agriculture program manager, will moderate a panel featuring three local farmers—James Shepherd of Smokedown Farm, Paul Bucciaglia of Fort Hill Farm, and Kelley Babbin of Howling Flats Farm. Each will share how climate change is shaping their work and the practical steps they are taking to adapt.
Special remarks will be offered by Bryan Hurlburt, Connecticut’s Commissioner of Agriculture, bringing a statewide perspective to local challenges and solutions.
Space is limited, and advance registration is required.
