Whately agricultural committee approves final proof for Right-to-Farm sign, plans placements

The Whately Agricultural Committee voted unanimously Oct. 14 to accept a final proof for a Right-to-Farm sign, clearing the way for color corrections and grammatical fixes and for the committee to obtain a production proof.

Committee member Doug Coldwell moved to accept the final version subject to those fixes; Tim Nourse seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The committee recorded an estimated printing cost of about $950 and agreed to pay a $170 artwork fee to obtain a production-ready proof.

David Chamutka will obtain the final color proof from the printer after Doug coordinates payment of the artwork fee with Peter. The committee said it will seek Select Board approval of the proof before placing the full sign order.

Committee members also discussed sign placement logistics. They agreed to prepare five recommended locations for the highway department to select from; initial candidates include both ends of River Road, a location near the school, the Haydenville/Williamsburg line and the Conway line near the reservoir. Mike Mahar and David Chamutka will contact the highway department to coordinate placement.

Doug said the committee plans outreach tied to the installation, including publishing Right-to-Farm information in the Whately Scoop and adding a note about Whately’s right-to-farm status on the back of the Shop Local Whately pamphlet. The committee will also update the town’s farm database for 2026 and revise pamphlet artwork for future runs.

The committee did not set a final production date; Select Board approval of the proof is required before full ordering.