Berkshire Agricultural Ventures Announces New Staff Hires

Print Story | Email Story
Hackett and Robertson
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire Agricultural Ventures (BAV) announced the hiring of two staff members: Kallie Robertson, who joins BAV as Finance Manager, and Audrey Hackett, who steps into the role of Communications & Development Associate.
 
The new hires expand BAV's staff team to nine, adding capacity to the nonprofit's service to local farmers and food producers in the Berkshire-Taconic region of Massachusetts, New York, and Connecticut.
 
Robertson comes to BAV with a diverse background in farming, nonprofit financial management, and design experience. For over a decade, Robertson and her husband have owned and managed Sawkill Farm, a diverse pasture-based livestock farm in the Hudson Valley. They currently raise sheep and make yarn from the fiber. Most recently, Robertson worked as the Finance & Administrative Director of NOFA/Mass, managing the budget and financial health of the organization whose mission is to promote organic agriculture and food access in Massachusetts.
 
Hackett joins BAV with over two decades of diverse experience in writing, editing, nonprofit communications, and community journalism. Most recently, she worked for a regenerative agriculture nonprofit in Ohio as editor and writer. Hackett is relocating back to the Berkshires, where she previously was editor of The Women's Times and worked on staff and as an independent consultant for Norman Rockwell Museum, The Mount, and other organizations. Prior to accepting this position, Hackett served BAV as a communications consultant beginning in early 2024.
 
"BAV is thrilled to welcome these two passionate and talented professionals to our team. Kallie adds new depth and expertise to our organizational financial management and grants management, as well as bringing valuable firsthand farming knowledge and experience. This newly created role will support BAV's growth and enable us to serve more farmers," Executive Director Rebecca Busansky said.
 
"BAV is also delighted to deepen our work with Audrey, who has been BAV's communications consultant since February. In her staff position, Audrey will work closely with BAV's leadership, program staff, and Board to increase public awareness of BAV and expand our community of supporters and friends," Busansky continued.
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Butternut Fire Expands to Sheffield, Covering 1,100 Acres

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

The fire expanded during to the night to cover more than 1,100 acres. 

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Butternut Fire has expanded tenfold, now covering almost 1,100 acres of forest and spreading to Sheffield.

Just before noon on Wednesday, the town reported that the wildfire near Brush Hill Road off East Mountain had unexpected growth overnight. It spread over 100 acres on Tuesday and on Wednesday, was estimated to cover slightly less than 1,100 acres.

The town remains in a state of emergency, as declared by the Select Board on Tuesday, but first responders assure that Great Barrington is not in danger.

Around 2 p.m., the Great Barrington Fire Department reported via Facebook that "significant fire" was extinguished by using a Blackhawk helicopter to drop 600 gallons of water. Water is now being pulled from Three Mile Pond in Sheffield.

The blaze is being referred to as the Butternut Fire due to its proximity to Ski Butternut, which has confirmed there is no damage to the ski area.

"At this time the fire is more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest structures and there are not any immediate threats to the public. There have NOT been any evacuation orders at this time. We have strategically placed structural fire crews in the areas where there is the POTENTIAL for us to operate in a protection mode to protect homes and property," the town's press release reads.

"In the event of a need for an evacuation order, residents will be notified through Code RED along with in-person door-to-door notifications of the affected area — an information post will be shared on how to sign up if you are already not signed up."

The fire was first reported Monday evening and by 9 p.m., firefighters were pulled from the mountain because of the hazardous conditions. On Tuesday morning, neighboring departments were called in to help contain the blaze.

View Full Story

More South Berkshire Stories