adapted with permission from Jenn Colby, Vermont Grass Farmers Association
Vermont Grass Farmers Association and the world lost a great friend, advocate, educator, and leader on December 18 in the passing of Eric Noel, after a long illness.
Eric was a dairy farm kid turned race car mechanic turned soil-building, regenerative-grazing beef farmer, success coach, and technical innovator. Eric served on the Vermont Grass Farmers Association (VGFA) board for the maximum number of years (5), four of those as President. He participated in the VT NRCS State Technical Committee and represented VGFA every year learning about NE regional grazing research through the Northeast Pasture Consortium. He actively hosted workshops, events, and on-farm research. He spoke widely about his experiences and shared his story about the power of livestock grazing and soil health. Most recently, Eric was part of an engineering team developing new technology on vertical takeoff aircraft, which will be on display in the Smithsonian later in the year.
This is just a tiny glimpse into the caring, giving, visionary husband, parent and person we knew. Rest in Peace.
A celebration of life for Eric will be held in June. You can read his full obituary in the St. Albans Messenger.
[Eric was the son of Conservation District Treasurer Richard Noel and long-time Farm Services Agency Program Technician Maggie Noel. He was the brother of NRCS Soil Conservationist Sarah Noel Larose. Our hearts are with all Eric’s family as we remember his joyous life.]