Farmers are used to powering through unwelcome weather events, so those who attended the National Young Farmers Coalition event on Saturday, Aug. 11 didn’t seem the least bit daunted by the muck and downpours outside the party tent at the Letterbox Farm Collective. The NYFC is a national advocacy network of young farmers fighting for the future of agriculture, and since 2010, has built a network of 41 local chapters in 29 states. Following appetizers, drinks and a farmer panel featuring young farmers from California, Texas and Hudson, supporters enjoyed a meal provided by Great Performances and its chefs, who donated their time to the cause. Farming is a public service, stressed the panelists, and as Will Yandik, NYFC’s director of philanthropy, added, this organization is a beacon of “youthful optimism for what agriculture can and must be.”

Lindsey Lusher Shute, executive director and co-founder, with Will Yandik, director of philanthropy.
Chris Hausman and Marykate Chillemi of Meadlowland Farm in Clinton Corners, New York.
Christian Sweningsen with Faith Gilbert, founder of Letterbox Collective, the event's location.
Christie Little, Ashley Rafalow and Sarah Ann Horton of Square Roots, an urban farming company in Brooklyn.
Joshua Arnow and Michelle Hughes, director of investments and partnerships.
Isabella Randuzzo, Erin Wright and Joan McAuley from Otto's Market in Germantown, New York, one of the event sponsors.
Natana Roots, NYFC operations manager, and Martin Lemos, deputy director.
Zach Seely, Stephanie Bailis and Rachelle Robinett, a holistic health practitioner.

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Written by
Lisa Green