SPRINGFIELD, Vt. — “It is an incredibly challenging time to be a farmer, but there’s a lot of support – and a lot of tools and resources available to help farmers and growers here in Vermont.”
That’s the message that UVM Extension Agronomy Outreach Professional Laura Johnson is hoping to share in the upcoming 2020 Winter Farmer Meetings.
Johnson says, “Our goal is to provide the most current and useful information we have available to support farmers as they seek financial viability and environmental sustainability.” Two sessions will be offered:
- March 25, 2020 Hartness House, Springfield, VT 10:00 – 4:00 (includes custom manure applicator exam) Register for this free event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-crops-soils-meetings-tickets-93132813753
- March 27, 2020 Masonic Hall, 1958 Waits River Road Bradford VT 10:00 – 3:00 Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/winter-crops-soils-meeting-bradford-tickets-93309159207
Guests will join farmer presenters who will share their lessons from the field, the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, UVM Extension, and other community partners in a full day of learning that will address:
- How farms consider alternative revenue stream opportunities by diversifying their enterprise
- Growing small grains
- Risk Management information
- Payment for Ecosystem Services working group update
- Wood-chip barnyards
- Forage and crop pests
- 8+ years in no-till corn & cover cropping
- The economics of conservation practices on farms
Attendees can bring either a bag lunch or $10 cash to order lunch that morning. Those interested in renewing their manure applicator certification should plan to attend the March 25 session in Springfield, and should email Lindsey Ruhl at lindsey.ruhl@uvm.edu for more information. Pending is one (1) pesticide credit and one (1) water quality credit to help farmers comply with the education requirements for Required Agricultural Practices.
Contact Laura Johnson with any questions about the workshops at laura.o.johnson@uvm.edu or 802-751-8307, ext. 356. If you require a disability-related accommodation to participate in this event, please contact Cheryl Herrick at 802-656-5459 or cheryl.herrick@uvm.edu by March 6 so we may assist you.
Established in 1994, the Center for Sustainable Agriculture provides timely information to Vermont communities and the UVM campus. Part of the University of Vermont College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Extension, the Center cultivates partnerships, supports innovative research and practices, and informs policy to advance sustainable food and farming systems. Learn more at http://www.uvm.edu/~susagctr/.
The Winter Crops & Soils Meetings are sponsored by USDA Risk Management Agency and Northeast Ag. Sales, Inc. This material is funded in partnership by USDA, Risk Management Agency, under award number RM18RMETS524C022.
Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.
–UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
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