John Rixey

My name is Jack Rixey and I am the owner and operator of Dog Days Farm in Fitzwilliam, NH. As a vegetable farmer who has accessed funds from the NH Conservation Districts Climate Resilience Grant, I fully support increased funding of this important resource for NH farmers. In 2023, our farm used funds from this grant to purchase an agricultural flame weeder--a vital piece of equipment that keeps us farming efficiently and profitably. This implement improved our ability to control weeds on the farm, allowing us to operate within a wider range of environmental conditions than traditional cultivation would allow. After years of extreme and record setting weather events, the ability to maintain our cultivation schedule using a flame weeder has proven invaluable to the health of our business and farm operations. The Climate Resilience Grant provides farms and farmers access to equipment and infrastructure that would otherwise be financially out of reach. I began farming at Dog Days Farm as a farm-hand in 2016 and purchased the business in 2022. Any business owner can attest to the high costs of starting, purchasing, and running a business, and farm equipment is notoriously expensive. Traditional loans are often used to finance equipment costs, but during the early stages of our business when we are already faced with startup loans, it is hard to justify the purchase of additional equipment, regardless of its need. The Climate Resilience Grant addresses these issues by providing the funds needed to farm profitably in NH without taking on additional debt. This grant program promotes, supports, and uplifts the farms and the agricultural economy in NH. It is a worthwhile investment for our state, for our farms, and for our businesses. I hope you will all consider passing this important piece of legislation.