The DC Farm for Vets is asking for community help this weekend as work continues on a major fencing project designed to improve operations and protect crops at the veteran-focused farm.  The self-imposed deadline for its completion is Saturday December 20.

Farm founder Jake VandenPlas says volunteers are needed Saturday and possibly Sunday, weather permitting, to assist with installing fencing across the property. While the work isn’t physically demanding, it does require time and teamwork.

“The work really isn’t hard, it’s just time-consuming, and tedious,” VandenPlas said. “If folks can give us a few hours, it makes a huge difference. Every set of hands helps us move this project forward.”

Vandenplas says the fencing is a key step in strengthening the farm’s infrastructure and long-term sustainability. Volunteers can help by showing up at the DC Farm for Vets property this Saturday (6418 Vignes Rd, Sturgeon Bay), and those interested can contact VanDenplas directly through the DC Farm for Vets social media pages or by calling or texting Jake at (920) 604-4074.

The call for help comes after a challenging hunting season at the farm. VanDenplas says poor deer movement and lower-than-expected harvest numbers forced the cancellation of several planned deer hunting and wild game production classes. “I see them all over my cameras and none in sight during the days and times I’m in the stand.”

“It was a tough deer season here,” he said. “Because of that, we had to cancel our deer hunting and production classes, which was disappointing for everyone involved.”

Despite those setbacks, VanDenplas says optimism remains high moving into the New Year. He hints that the farm’s January newsletter will include a major announcement that could significantly impact not only the DC Farm for Vets, but agriculture and the Wisconsin political landscape.

More information about volunteering and upcoming projects can be found through the DC Farm for Vets website.