Merck Farmland
Sixty acres, managed using low-impact, ecologically-sensitive practices.
A century and a half ago, most of Vermont’s forests were open fields, including the farmsteads in Rupert which would become Merck Forest & Farmland. The remaining forests were managed as short-term woodlots, and decades-old agricultural practices were slowly degrading soil fertility, and harming natural resources and wildlife populations.
Today, the farm is both a working landscape and a field classroom for school groups. Our farm staff and apprentices use low-impact, ecologically-sensitive practices in order to integrate the 60-acre farm with the natural environment. The animals — pigs, sheep, chickens and horses — are raised according to the highest standards of humane animal management.
Animal Ambassador Program
Are you interested in developing a closer relationship with the animals at Merck Forest and Farmland Center? Our Animal Ambassador Program is designed to help facilitate just that.
To join our Ambassador Program:
- $20 per participant
- First, attend a Meet and Feed Program on either Thursday or Sunday afternoon as a participant
- Then attend a Meet and Feed program as an observer
- Finally, attend a workshop that will cover interactions with farm animals, including safety, hygiene, risk management – including disease and injury prevention for both humans and animals, and gear requirements.
Learn about animal nutrition, the nutrient cycle on the farm, waste
management, animal etiquette and how to read animal behavior – who to
act around them and how to treat them.
Have an opportunity to shadow our Farmers and EducatorsReceive an official Animal Ambassador T-shirt.
Graduates of our workshops will have the opportunity to be involved with and receive notification of:
- Animal care while working along-side MFFC staff
- Horse grooming
- Sheep shearing
- Veterinary visits
- Farrier visits
- Specialized events involving the farm and farm animals
- And more!
For more information, contact us at learn@merckforest.org.
Farm Products Available For Purchase
The farm offers pick-your-own blueberries and raspberries during the summer and into the fall (as the season allows). You-Pick hours are 9 am – 3:30 pm during the season. Berries are sold by the pound. Bring your own containers or stop by the Visitor Center to borrow a pint or quart container.
Call ahead for berry availability.
Our pigs are rotationally grazed through paddocks and forest, allowing them to express natural behaviors.
Premium cuts of pork as well as whole and half pigs are available for purchase.
Our lambs are raised on pasture from the day they are born. The Merck Forest flock of sheep is moved to fresh meadows every two-to-three days.
Premium lamb cuts or whole lambs are available for purchase.
We offer skeins of yarn and sheepski
ns all made entirely of our own flock’s fleece.
People from everywhere love Merck’s Vermont-Certified Organic Maple Syrup!
We consistently produce flavorful and delicious syrup in three Vermont Grades – each with unique characteristics and flavors.
Maple Syrup may be purchased in the online store.