Dear Friends: 

It’s hard to believe October has nearly come and gone. Farmers markets wind-down their outdoor seasons, the last of the root vegetables are plucked from the soil, and livestock begin to receive extra layers of cozy bedding. Although it feels as though the agricultural season is slowing down, Berkshire Ag Ventures and our region's farmers remain as busy as Spring bees - always preparing for what's next.

Photo: Ciana Barnaba

Program Updates:

Local Meat Processing Support Program

Earlier this year BAV supported several USDA grant applications on behalf of a few different agribusinesses, two in particular: a Value Added Producers Grant’s (VAPG) on behalf of Raven and Boar Farm; and a Meat and Poultry Inspection Readiness Grant (MPIRG) on behalf of Down the Road Butchery. BAV is thrilled to announce that BOTH grants have been awarded totaling $450,000! 

To provide a sense of the two businesses we supported: Raven and Boar is a woman owned pig farm and processing facility in East Chatham, NY. They raise heritage breed pigs and process them in house producing fresh cuts, a plethora of unique fresh sausage varieties, and a few types of charcuterie. The VAPG award will support them in expanding their charcuterie and value added line. Down the Road Butchery is a small meat processing facility in Milan, NY that offers cut and wrap and sausage production services. The MPIRG will support plant improvements and expansion allowing the business to expand its service to farmers, as well as come under USDA Grant of Inspection. Both awards are huge wins, that will have positive ripple effects for our region’s livestock farmers and regional meat-processing supply chain.

Supporting the emergence of more value-added meat production as well as a new cut and wrap facility in the area was listed as medium term goals for the Local Meat Processing Support Program, in the Kitchen Table Consultants report that BAV commissioned in 2021. (Click HERE for a refresher on the Kitchen Table Consultants Report.)

Photo: Paige Storti

BAV also wanted to share that we updated the webpage for the Local Meat Processing Support Program. The updates include:  

• A directory of processors servicing the Berkshire-Taconic region;
• A link to the presentation explaining the Processor Technical Assistance & Financial assistance program and our theory of change; 
• And a link to the pamphlet BAV created explaining the various services we are offering to processors.  

Now, the directory may seem like a small thing, but it is something BAV learned is greatly needed - as there isn't really any existing directory for cut and wrap processing facilities. Most people - from homesteaders to livestock farmers - find navigating processor options quite overwhelming and confusing. BAV is excited to provide this tool, and we hope to continue building this webpage as more of a resource over time.

Technical Assistance Provider Highlight

BAV works with a number of trusted consultants, who provide specific technical assistance (TA) to our clients when a client's request cannot be met in-house by BAV Staff. This month BAV highlights Kristie Cabrera, who through BAV's support, worked with Rock Steady Farm this year.

1. Farm spaces, tasks, and work culture is created to maximize output which disregards the impact on the human body and mind. This leads to farming being a physically and mentally demanding job which can result in chronic illness and/or disability. Little education is provided on injury prevention and how to support one’s mental health during the growing season.
2. Disabled and neurodivergent folx often do not seek jobs within the farming industry, despite having the desire to work in this field, because it is assumed that the space and work culture is not accessible or inclusive. 
3. Disabled community members often do not participate in farm offerings such as community supported agriculture, farmers markets, U-Pick events, farm tours, public programs, apprenticeships, etc. because they are not accessible or inclusive. 

So, what can be done? A lot, actually! Farms would benefit from learning about disability issues, disability justice, and taking steps to be more accessible and inclusive. As a consultant, Kristie supports farmers in various ways including: 

• Identifying accessibility and inclusivity goals and action steps; 
• Providing staff education and training on disability justice and how to be accessible and inclusive;
• Completing an accessibility and inclusivity assessment for the farm’s physical site, work culture, programs, public offerings, and curriculums(recommendations on navigating areas for improvement are provided);
• Team building workshops;
• Education on injury prevention and stress management skills;
• Facilitating connections with disabled and neurodivergent community members, other disabled and neurodivergent consultants, etc.;

It is never too late to focus on accessibility and inclusivity. Reach out to Kristie at Kristiecab@gmail.com or visit her website at KristieCabrera.com to discuss how to get started. 

Farmer & Food Business Spotlight:

Uncle B and Katy Lou’s Farm



Uncle B And Katy Lou's Farm is located in Richmond, MA. The farm produces a variety of vegetables, cut flowers and maple syrup. Farm owners Brian and Katy grow nutrient-dense vegetables with focus on sustainable practices, and providing their crops the exact nutrients each plant needs in order to eliminate the need for chemical additives. Their philosophy is, “If you feed the plant, the plant will feed you.” 

In early summer of 2022, BAV assisted Uncle B’s Farm in building their first high tunnel by providing both a micro-grant, through BAV’s Resilience Fund, and a bridge loan through our Revolving Loan Fund. Implementation of this high tunnel assisted Uncle B’s Farm in moving their business into the next stage of growth - helping them extend their growing season. 

Why We Give

“Greylock Federal Credit Union is proud to support our local producers, small businesses and families through the Berkshire Agricultural Ventures’ commitment to building a vibrant local food system. Their work with local farmers and farmers markets is critical at this time when our families are seeing everyday costs skyrocket. Ensuring affordable access to locally grown and produced food products is critical to helping our community thrive.” 

Exciting News, Tell Your Friends!

BAV has been selected to be a part of the Big Y Community Bag Program! This program is designed to make it easy for customers to contribute to their local community while supporting the environment. 

For the month of November, each time a $2.50 reusable Community Bag is purchased at the Big Y located at 700 South Main Street, Great Barrington, $1 will be donated to Berkshire Ag Ventures. This is a great way to raise awareness, support the environment and support local farmers!

A Special Thank You 

Thank you to all of our generous donors from

the past two months, with special thanks to:

Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation

Hudson River Bank & Trust Foundation

Prospect Hill Foundation

Please join us in building the future of local food in our community.