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VPR's coverage of arts and culture in the region.

Farmers Go For Gold In NOFA's First Farmer Olympics

Steve Zind
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VPR
The NOFA-VT Farmer Olympics involved challenging twists to daily farm chores.

An event that took place last week on a field in Bolton gave new meaning to the term “farm team.”

The first-ever Farmer Olympics, sponsored by NOFA-VT, attracted 14 teams of athletes who competed in a series of whimsical agriculture-related events.  

What little spandex there was at this athletic event was worn strictly for comic effect. 

And the footwear tended more toward Muck Boots than Nike.

Of the 14 teams competing for the gold, perhaps the smallest was the trio from Last Resort Farm in Monkton.

Mike Proia and David Littlefield came for fun. But teammate Addy Campbell had her sights set higher.

“They’re doing this just to entertain me, but I’m pretty stoked to bring home some gold here!” Campbell said.

The Farmer Olympic opening ceremonies were something to behold. Each team took to the field of competition and introduced itself.

After that, there were chants directed to the spirits of agriculture. 

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

Some events took a little explaining.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

The first event involved assembling vegetable shipping boxes, racing across a field, breaking them down and reassembling them. Six times!

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

The team from Last Resort Farm came close to medaling in the egg race.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

 The 'Farm Calculations" event tested teams' problem-solving and math abilities.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

Teams combined efforts to compete in the bucket brigade event.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

A piggyback ride was just one part of the physically demanding final event.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

In the bonus round, the winner was the team that could bunch beets the fastest.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
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VPR

Farmer olympians David Littlefield, Addy Campbell and Mike Proia represented Last Resort Farm in Monkton.

Credit Steve Zind / VPR
/
VPR

Steve has been with VPR since 1994, first serving as host of VPR’s public affairs program and then as a reporter, based in Central Vermont. Many VPR listeners recognize Steve for his special reports from Iran, providing a glimpse of this country that is usually hidden from the rest of the world. Prior to working with VPR, Steve served as program director for WNCS for 17 years, and also worked as news director for WCVR in Randolph. A graduate of Northern Arizona University, Steve also worked for stations in Phoenix and Tucson before moving to Vermont in 1972. Steve has been honored multiple times with national and regional Edward R. Murrow Awards for his VPR reporting, including a 2011 win for best documentary for his report, Afghanistan's Other War.
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