Business Details
21 Years
experience
Sustainable Farming and Youth Education in Vermont
Unbound Grace was founded in 2005 with a vision to transform a neglected Vermont property into a model of sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Our team combines traditional farming methods with modern regenerative practices to produce nutrient-rich beef while fostering youth development through hands-on educational programs. With over 18 years of experience, we've established ourselves as leaders in retro-regenerational farming, emphasizing soil health, animal welfare, and community connections.Our expertise extends to designing immersive learning environments where young people develop life skills through farm work, animal care, and environmental stewardship. Recognized by Vermont's agricultural community, we maintain strict organic standards without synthetic inputs, earning trust through transparent operations and measurable social impact. Our commitment to quality is demonstrated through third-party certifications and partnerships with local businesses that support our mission.
Services
Sustainable Farming
Youth Education
Grass-Fed Beef
Summer Camps
Community Programs
Animal Husbandry
Land Stewardship
Workshops
Mentorship
Agricultural Training
Details
- Year established: 2005
Highlights and features
- Established in 2005 with proven success in youth agricultural education
- 100% grass-fed beef raised without hormones or antibiotics
- Award-winning youth mentorship programs with measurable outcomes
- Partnerships with 50+ Vermont businesses and organizations
- Certified humane animal husbandry practices
Associations and certifications
- 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
What people say
Life-changing programs
Healthy beef options
Positive role models
Safe learning environment
Measurable youth development
Services
Sustainable Farming
Our farming practices combine traditional methods with modern sustainability principles. We focus on soil health through crop rotation and natural fertilization while raising livestock humanely. This approach produces nutrient-dense food while maintaining ecological balance, demonstrating how agriculture can positively impact both human health and environmental conservation.
Youth Education
Our educational programs connect Vermont youth with nature through hands-on farming experiences. Participants learn animal care, crop management, and environmental stewardship while developing life skills. The curriculum emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, and healthy living through structured activities that combine practical work with reflective learning.
Summer Camps
Seasonal camps offer immersive agricultural experiences for Vermont youth. Activities include horseback riding, gardening, and farm maintenance combined with life skills development. These programs create safe spaces for personal growth while teaching sustainable practices that participants can apply throughout their lives.
Grass-Fed Beef
We produce 100% grass-fed beef raised without hormones or antibiotics. Our cattle graze on chemical-free pastures following regenerative land management practices. The meat is dry-aged for enhanced flavor and nutritional value, providing customers with a healthy, environmentally responsible protein option that supports local agriculture.
Community Programs
Our community initiatives connect diverse groups through shared agricultural experiences. We partner with local organizations to provide accessible programming that addresses youth development needs while promoting sustainable living. These efforts create networks of support that strengthen Vermont's social and environmental fabric.
People
Kerry Kurt
Founder & Director
Kerry established Unbound Grace in 2005 after recognizing the need for positive youth development opportunities in Vermont. With decades of agricultural experience, she has built a program that combines farming with life skills education, impacting thousands of young people through hands-on learning experiences that emphasize responsibility and community connection.
Ernie Pomerleau
Board Member
As President of Pomerleau Real Estate, Ernie contributes business expertise to support Unbound Grace' mission. He advocates for the program's community impact, emphasizing its role in providing Vermont youth with constructive alternatives to risky behaviors through meaningful agricultural engagement and mentorship opportunities.
Doug Racine
Advisor
Former Secretary of Vermont's Agency of Human Services, Doug brings policy expertise to support the organization's youth development initiatives. He emphasizes prevention through positive programming, helping shape policies that ensure the program's effectiveness in addressing Vermont's youth challenges through agricultural education and community building.
Michael Schirling
Community Supporter
As former Burlington Police Chief, Michael understands the importance of constructive youth activities. He supports Unbound Grace' approach to crime prevention through agricultural education, advocating for programs that build character and provide healthy alternatives to at-risk behaviors through meaningful farm-based learning experiences.
Bess O'Brien
Program Support
Award-winning filmmaker Bess contributes to program development and outreach. Her work highlights the organization's impact through documentary storytelling, helping share success stories that demonstrate how agricultural engagement creates positive life transformations for Vermont youth facing personal challenges.
Questions
What youth programs does Sentinel Farms offer?
We provide year-round agricultural education programs including summer camps, horseback riding instruction, and vocational training. These programs focus on life skills development, environmental stewardship, and healthy living through hands-on farming experiences for Vermont youth aged 8-18.
How is your beef raised?
Our cattle are 100% grass-fed and finished on chemical-free pastures using regenerative farming practices. We follow humane handling protocols with no added hormones, antibiotics, or grain supplements, ensuring high-quality meat production that supports environmental sustainability.
Are donations tax-deductible?
Yes, as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 26-087023), all donations to Sentinel Farms are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Contributions directly support our youth programs and sustainable agriculture initiatives in Vermont communities.
How can I purchase your beef?
Beef is available through farm purchases, summer shares, and half/whole animal orders. We offer custom cuts with pricing based on hanging weight. Contact us directly at (802) 377-1066 for current availability, pricing details, and pickup arrangements in Starksboro, VT.
What makes your farming practices sustainable?
We use crop rotation, natural fertilization, and managed grazing to improve soil health while avoiding synthetic chemicals. Our closed-loop systems minimize waste, and our animal husbandry practices prioritize welfare while maintaining ecological balance through regenerative agricultural methods.
Do you offer volunteer opportunities?
Yes, we welcome volunteers for farm maintenance, animal care, and program support. Opportunities are available for individuals and groups, with options for both short-term projects and ongoing commitments that directly support our youth development and sustainability missions.
Reviews (1)
Toddy T.
Sep 04, 2018
Report
Great little organic farm fresh burgers. You can taste the goodness! Kerry is the farmer, owner, operator and loves her beef cows and you can taste it in the burgers. She is only open on Wednesdays for lunch. Hours I believe are from noon to 3pm. So if you find yourself in the Starksboro area stop on by and have a Vermont Grass Fed beef burger. My only friendly helpful hint would be to offer more fixings like lettuce, mayo, bacon, etc. But that's coming from me a complete burger snob. LOL. All donations go to her Non-profit Unbound Grace camp for children.
