Jack Algiere talks about farming in cold weather and recruiting young farmers

Published: Dec. 13, 2017, 2 p.m.

Jack Algiere is the farm director at Stone Barns Center. Jack graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in horticulture and has been actively farming since the early 1990s. His lifetime of experience in organic, biodynamic and ecological systems brings a broad diversity of experience in greenhouses, orchards, fields and pastures. Jack oversees the diverse farming operations, multispecies pastured livestock, grains, field crops, greenhouse, fruit, flowers and compost in a four-season agroecological system.  In the Stone Barns Center's new book, Letters to a Young Farmer, some of the most influential farmers, writers and leaders of our time share their wisdom and insight in an anthology of 36 essays and letters. There are now more farmers over the age of 75 than between the ages of 35 and 44 and we are about to witness the largest retirement of farmers in U.S. history. The future hinges on the investments we make today in the next generation of farmers. If we invest in farming that is adaptable and regenerative; that respects the limits of season; that builds soil and economies—we can grow a vibrant way of farming that delivers good food to more Americans while being resilient in the face of a shifting, highly variable climate. Helping beginning farmers succeed is crucial to creating a sustainable food future.  Find out more at www.STONEBARNSCENTER.ORG or follow them on social media at facebook.com/stonebarns or on twitter @stonebarns