Hello everyone! I’m Ashley Harwood, and I’m honored to introduce myself as the new Project Manager for the Bennington Veteran Incubator Farm.

I was born and raised right here in Bennington, and my connection to service and agriculture runs deep. From August 2000 through October 2004, I proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. During my service, I deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Service is a big part of my family as well. I come from a proud military family, with a grandfather, two brothers, and an uncle who served in the Navy, and a grandfather who also served in the Marine Corps.

My journey into agriculture started as a homesteader, growing food and learning the ins and outs of working the land. What began as a passion eventually grew into farming as a business, and that experience has given me an even greater appreciation for sustainable agriculture and the opportunities it can provide.

Now, I’m excited to bring those experiences together through the Bennington Veteran Incubator Farm.

— Ashley Harwood