Connecticut Names Young Farmer of the Year

On Wednesday, March 16, 2011, the Legislative Office Building in Hartford was abuzz with eggs, flowers, honey, maple syrup, and displays as Connecticut’s lawmakers took pause to acknowledge the value of agriculture in the state.

This year’s Ag Day at the Capitol was a success for the people who were there to impress upon those who govern our state the importance of what they do – especially because they had the opportunity to see one of their own honored by the Governor and the media.

Matthew Peckham, of Elm Farm, in Woodstock was named 2011’s Young Farmer of the Year. This award is based on progressive agriculture sustainability while utilizing environmentally conscious technology.

Peckham, who milks about 140 Holstein and Jersey cows twice daily, has been involved with the farm since his youth. He worked with his grandfather, and after college, he took the farm over from his dad. He now operates it with his wife, Christine, and their four children. Elm Farm has been in his family for generations; and he, himself, hopes to pass it down to his own children.

Peckham is currently working with NRCS on an Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) contract to improve his manure and waste water handling and improve water quality for the Town of Putnam and the Little River Watershed. He is greatly concerned with improving the efficiency of his farming operation and having a positive impact the area’s natural resources.

Peckham was nominated by the Windham County Farm Service Agency Committee for his commitment to the present and future of agriculture in Connecticut.

< Back to Conservation Showcase