Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition

Pasture Walk @ Larson Farm
2023-07-22 13:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York) | Larson Farm, 661 South Street, Wells, VT, 05774, United States
Please join Larson Farm for a pasture walk highlighting the use of automatic gate openers and innovative seeding strategies to improve soil fertility, pasture dry matter intake, and overall farm sustainability. These technologies were implemented as part of a grant with the Dairy Business Innovation Center in collaboration with 5 other farms and the Center for an Agricultural Economy. The pasture walk will take place from 1-3, with a potluck to follow. Bring a dish and dishes to eat on. Please register in advance.

Birds, Bees, and Beneficial Bugs in Our Livestock Systems
2023-07-19 10:00 - 12:00 | Rebop Farm, 1320 Sunset Lake Rd, Brattleboro, Vermont, 05301, United States
Join UVM Extension specialists for two farm tours this summer to learn about ways to enhance bird, bee, and beneficial insect habitats in your rotational grazing systems.
Register for these free events by calling or emailing Kelsie Meehan at 802-656-4829 or Kelsie.meehan@uvm.edu

Drought Management
2023-07-14 11:00 - 13:00 | Ken Leach and Joanne Chickering, 2710 VT Route 30, Pawlet, VT, 05251, United States
Discussion of drought stress and management considerations for following year as well as strategies to improve drought resiliency.

Dairy Herd Health Workshop with Dr. Dayna Locitzer
2023-07-13 09:00 - 14:00 | Cedar Mountain Farm, 25 Linden Rd, Hartland, 05048, United States
Join us for a hands-on dairy herd health workshop hosted by Cedar Mountain Farm and led by veterinarian Dr. Dayna Locitzer, DVM.
With a mix of time in the classroom, on pasture, and in the barn, we’ll discuss the many facets of herd health: prevention, detection, and treatment of disease, a cow’s daily time budget, physical exam of the cow, practice of veterinary care techniques, and calving and when to intervene.
Co-owners Kerry Gawalt and Stephen Leslie established Cedar Mountain Farm in 1999. The farm includes a pasture-based dairy that supplies milk to Cobb Hill Cheese, and produces year-round vegetables, beef, and raw milk. Cedar Mountain practices rotational grazing and agroforestry to enhance the health of their herd, soils, and land.
Dr. Dayna Locitzer has over 10 years’ experience working with pasture-based dairies in the Northeast. She currently works as a large animal veterinarian at Green Mountain Bovine Clinic in Chesterfield, N.H. and worked on organic dairy farms in New York’s Hudson Valley for 6 years before starting veterinary school.
This workshop is free and lunch will be provided.
To request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, contact Kelsie Meehan at 802-656-4829 or kelsie.meehan@uvm.edu at least two weeks before the event so we may assist you. Contact Kelsie with program questions or for additional information.
This event is sponsored by UVM Extension and the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center.

Manure Injection Demo
2023-07-11 10:00 - 11:00 | Allandra Farm, 1565 Monkton Rd., Ferrisburgh, VT, 05734, United States
At last month’s Farmers Connect, we learned all about manure injection: how it works, the science behind it, and how to find funding to support the practice on your farm.

This month, we’re headed to Allandra Farm in Ferrisburgh for a live demonstration of manure injection by Allan Brisson.

It’s all happening on Tuesday, July 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Space is limited, so register to save your spot. Kindly RSVP to info@cvfc-vt.com.

This event has been approved for 2 hours of Water Quality Training Credit and 2 hours of Custom Applicator Training Credit with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Farmers Connect: Manure Injection
2023-06-26 17:00 - 19:00 | Champlain Valley Farmer Coalitio, 7056 US-7, Unit C, Ferrisburgh, VT, 05473
Join us for Farmers Connect, an after hours gathering for Vermont farmers. Connect with other farmers, ask questions, share ideas, and learn something new! Delicious food and beverage provided.
This month, we’re talking all things manure injection!
For the first hour, we’ll be joined by Allan Brisson of Allandra Farm, who’ll share more about the environmental and economic benefits he’s experienced by using this practice. Abby Augarten, Agronomy Outreach Specialist at UVM Extension, will be on hand to discuss the science behind manure injection. And for farmers who are wondering how they might implement the practice on their own farms, Sonia Howlett of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets will have details about funding and technical assistance programs for implementation.
The second hour is open for informal socializing and networking with your fellow farmers. Free pizza and beverages provided.
Space is limited, so register early to save your spot. Kindly RSVP to info@cvfc-vt.com
Note: An on-farm demonstration of manure injection will follow later in the summer, so stay tuned for details!
This event has been approved for 2 hours of Water Quality Training Credit and 2 hours of Custom Applicator Training Credit with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Pasture Improvements and Non-lethal Beaver Control
2023-06-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Howmars Farm, 348 Beaver Meadow Road, Franklin, VT, 05457, United States
An event focused on pasture and hayland improvement with soil fertility amendments and seedings, as well as non-lethal beaver deterrent to control water table in pastures. This is part of a DBIC cohort and farmer innovation project.

Grazing with Robotic Milking Systems
2023-06-16 11:00 | Wonder Why Farm, 1608 Churchill Road, Cabot, VT, 05647, United States
Enjoy a tour and discussion of grazing system design and management when utilizing robotic milking system.

Birds, Bees, and Beneficial Bugs in Our Livestock Systems
2023-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Owl’s Head Blueberry Farm, 263 Blueberry Farm Road, Richmond, Vermont, 05477

Milk Quality Workshop
2023-05-06 08:00 - 17:00 | UVM Miller Farm, 500 Spear Street, So. Burlington, VT, 05403, United States
Presented by the UVM Ag Viability Program. Details to be determined. Contact Whitney at whitney.hull@uvm.edu or 802-279-7517 for more details and to sign up.

Tile Drainage Workshop
2023-04-18 13:00 - 15:00 | Virtual
This virtual workshop, hosted by Cornell University, features researchers Laura Klaiber of Miner Institute and Dr. Joshua Faulkner from University of Vermont, who will share information related to tile drainage on farms in the Northeast as well as help give context to the larger topic of water, soil and nutrients in our agricultural watersheds. Strategies to understand and mitigate impacts to water quality will be presented.
There is no cost to attend this workshop, but pre-registration is required by April 14, 2023.

Navigating Biological Products on Your Farm
2023-04-18 10:00 - 11:30 | UVM Extension – Middlebury, 23 Pond Lane, Middlebury, VT, 05753
There is growing interest in biological products as tools to increase crop yields, improve nutrient use efficiency, or bolster crop resilience to stress, but a lot of uncertainty remains if these products are a worthwhile investment for farmers. UVM Extension’s Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture team will provide a brief presentation on biological products, research on their efficacy from other institutions, and important considerations when deciding if a biological product is right for your farm. For farmers interested in trialing a product, this session will cover tips for setting up an on-farm trial and what assistance UVM Extension can provide. There will be time for discussion and for everyone to share their experiences and interests regarding biological products.
Coffee and donuts will be provided! Kindly RSVP to Abby Augarten at abigail.augarten@uvm.edu or via phone at 802-656-7544. Unable to make the meeting and interested in learning more? Email Abby to receive an informational handout.

Dairy Financial Tri-state Workshop
2023-04-03 10:00 - 2023-04-04 14:00 | UVM Extension – Barre, 327 U.S. 302, Barre, VT, 05641, United States
In this two-day event hosted by UVM Extension, educators Joanna Lidback and Tony Kitsos will help farmers calculate cost of production and breakeven milk price, discuss and learn about diversification options, and explore risk management.
This is a free event with lunch included. Ag service providers are encouraged to register, but priority will be given to dairy producers. Space is limited, and registration is required.
Contact Whitney Hull at whitney.hull@uvm.edu with questions.

Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) Update Session
2023-02-28 10:00 - 14:00, 2023-02-17 10:00 - 14:00 | UVM Extension – Middlebury, 23 Pond Lane, Middlebury, VT, 05753
Update sessions are for farmers who have already created an NMP and have a goCrop account. NMP’s must be updated every year to stay in compliance with State of Vermont Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs).
You’ll be able to:
-update your spring/summer/fall 2022 records in goCrop
-roll over your 2022 into a 2023 plan and make any necessary changes
-print reports and records and fill out any reporting required for the state
These are informal sessions where you can get technical support from UVM Extension and work in a quiet space to get your updates done. NMP update sessions are free, but the goCrop account must be renewed every year online for $249. Coupon codes may be available; please contact UVM Extension for more information.

Custom Applicator Training
2023-02-10 10:00 - 11:30 | UVM Extension – Middlebury, 23 Pond Lane, Middlebury, VT, 05753
If your custom applicator certification has lapsed or you have a new employee that needs to be certified, you may be interested in attending this custom applicator certification opportunity. Contact Lindsey Ruhl at lruhl@uvm.edu or (802) 391-4546 by Feb 3rd to reserve your spot. The event is free but please be aware that there is a $30 certification fee to VAAFM.

Annual Meeting
2023-01-31 18:00 - 21:00 | VFW Post 7823, 530 Exchange Street, Middlebury, VT, 05753
Agenda

6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Registration + Cocktails (Cash Bar)

6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Dinner (Choice of Ham or Lasagna)

7:00 – 7:15 p.m. Welcome

Introduction and Welcome, Brian Kemp

CVFC Plans & Priorities, Vijay Nazareth

7:15 – 8:15 p.m. Featured Speakers

Anson Tebbetts, VAAFM

Julie Moore, ANR

Travis Thomason, NRCS

Roy Beckford, UVM Ext

8:15 – 9:00 p.m. Business Matters

Media & Communications Update, Sarah Audet

UVM Ext. Introductions, Abigail Augarten & Anna Elewski

Board Nominations, Brian Kemp

Marie Audet, Blue Spruce Farm*

Ray Brands, Deer Valley Farm*

Eric Clifford, Clifford Farm*

LeAnna Compagna, Scholten Farm

David Conant, Conant’s Riverside Farm*

Ben Dykema, Wilcon Farm*

Peter James, Monument Farms*

Jon Lucas, Lucas Dairy

Ramsay Mellish, Cutting Hill Beef Company

*Indicates Current Board Member

9:00 p.m. Meeting Adjourned

Click here to register

Nutrient Management Planning (NMP) Update Session
2023-01-31 10:00 - 14:00 | UVM Extension – Middlebury, 23 Pond Lane, Middlebury, VT, 05753
Update sessions are for farmers who have already created an NMP and have a goCrop account. NMPs must be updated every year to stay in compliance with State of Vermont Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs).
You’ll be able to:
-update your spring/summer/fall 2022 records in goCrop
-roll over your 2022 into a 2023 plan and make any necessary changes
-print reports and records and fill out any reporting required for the state
These are informal sessions where you can get technical support from UVM Extension and work in a quiet space to get your updates done. NMP update sessions are free, but the goCrop account must be renewed every year online for $249. Coupon codes may be available; please contact UVM Extension for more information.

Addison County Farm Bureau Legislative Forum
2022-09-22 19:00 - 20:30 | St. Peter’s Parish Hall, 85 S Maple St., Vergennes, VT, 05491
The Addison County Farm Bureau would like to cordially invite you as an Addison County voter to our Public Forum on Thursday, September 22, 2022 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at St. Peter’s Parish Hall in Vergennes. This will be an opportunity to meet directly with legislative candidates, introduce yourselves, find out why they are running and answer your questions.
The format will be: Moderated, In Person, timed, and informal. The Moderator will ask each candidate to introduce themselves and summarize their candidacy within a two minute time limit. The audience will be asked to clearly print questions on a 3X5 card provided at entry for the Moderator to ask. There will be an answer time limit of two minutes for each candidate that wishes to answer.
Ice Cream Social to follow.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. The Hall will be open until 9 p.m. for those of you who would like to visit with your potential representatives.

Pivot Bio Demo at Foster Brothers Farm
2022-09-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Foster Brothers Farm, 58 Lower Foote St., Middlebury, VT, 05734, United States
Join us at Foster Brothers Farm in Middlebury to learn more about Pivot Bio, a new product that delivers plant-ready nitrogen as an alternative to synthetic nitrogen fertilizer.
Nitrogen is a critical building block for all life, including plants. Farmers have come to rely on synthetic nitrogen fertilizer in order to feed the world’s growing population. Without it, 50% of our food supply would not exist!
Unfortunately, the production of synthetic nitrogen accounts for 2% of all greenhouse gas emissions and much of it winds up in our waterways, lakes, and oceans.
To address these mounting concerns, Pivot Bio has created a product that aims to boost farmer productivity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air and water quality, and sustainably feed the world’s increasing population.
Dan Mower, Territory Sales Manager for Pivot Bio, will be on hand to talk about the story behind the product and how the company provides an efficient nitrogen source for farmers. We’ll take a close look at a field at Foster Brothers Farm where Pivot Bio has been applied. We’ll also check out the farm’s robotic milking system.
RSVP: By Friday, September 2, email info@cvfc-vt.com or call/text 802-989-6712
Light refreshments will be served.

#Farm24VT
2022-05-18 05:00 - 2022-05-19 05:00
#Farm24VT is a 24-hour social media celebration of agriculture, food, and dairy in Vermont. Farmers, agribusinesses, food producers, and others in the agricultural community will be sharing photos, videos, and stories on social media to show how your favorite local foods get to your table. You can easily find their posts by searching for the #Farm24VT hashtag. We’re also giving away lots of great Vermont food and farm products during our celebration, including a year’s supply of Cabot Cheese!

Follow #Farm24VT on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you’re a Vermont farmer, agribusiness, food producer, or involved in the Vermont agricultural community, you’re welcome to participate! Learn More + Register

If you’re an individual or family hungry to learn more about Vermont agriculture, then you’re invited, too! Sit back, relax, and enjoy all the behind-the-scenes photos, videos, and stories from the Vermont farming community. Learn More + Register

#Farm24VT is a project of the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition and the Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance.

Take Your Social Media Presence to the Next Level: An Intermediate’s Guide
2022-04-07 10:00 - 11:15 | Zoom
To help Vermont farmers, food producers, and agribusinesses get ready for #Farm24VT, our friends at New England Dairy are offering a series of social media workshops this spring. All workshops are free and open to anyone involved in Vermont agriculture (not just dairy). Registration is now open!
If you manage your farm or agribusiness’ social media account and want to create more impactful and engaging content, this training is for you! You’ll learn proven ways to increase your followers, create more engaging content, and be sure that your “likes” aren’t just from your friends in agriculture.
After you complete this FREE 75-minute training you’ll know how to:

Best utilize advanced functions of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Dip your toe into the world of TikTok videos and Instagram Reels
Look like a pro when you “go live” on Facebook and Instagram
Get out of the “ag bubble” and reach a larger target audience
Develop post ideas and topics for the upcoming #Farm24VT campaign

Register Here

Take the Mystery Out of Social Media Marketing: A Beginner’s Guide
2022-03-30 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
To help Vermont farmers, food producers, and agribusinesses get ready for #Farm24VT, our friends at New England Dairy are offering a series of social media workshops this spring. All workshops are free and open to anyone involved in Vermont agriculture (not just dairy). Registration is now open!
You’re short on time and building a social media following for your farm or agribusiness seems overwhelming. We’re here to take the mystery and stress out of building a successful social media following and will help you turn it into something you enjoy doing to build trust and transparency in your business.
After you complete this FREE 60-minute training you’ll know how to:

Use the most important features of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Create compelling content that your followers will engage with
Build your following and bring in new followers consistently
Participate in the upcoming #Farm24VT campaign

Register Here

Vermont's Farmer Watershed Organizations Annual Meeting
2022-03-03 18:00 - 20:00 | Zoom
Come one, come all! Vermont’s farmer watershed organizations invite you to our joint Annual Meeting.
That’s right: the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition, the Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance, and the Franklin and Grand Isle Farmer’s Watershed Alliance will present an evening filled with hot topics, updates on Vermont’s agricultural landscape, lively discussion, networking, and door prizes. We’re also excited to tell you about the second annual #Farm24VT, a social media outreach event celebrating agriculture in Vermont later this spring.
At our Annual Meeting, you will learn about:

What’s happening in Vermont agriculture;
Successes and opportunities for stewardship from Farmers for Sustainable Food, a farmer-led organization based in Wisconsin;
The work our three organizations and our members have done over the past year to implement innovative agricultural practices that protect and improve water quality and soil health throughout the state;
The challenges we have faced as a result of the pandemic, and what opportunities exist for us as individual organizations and as collaborators;
How you can get involved with #Farm24VT;
and more!

Featured guests include Anson Tebbetts, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture, Food & Markets, as well as Lauren Brey, Farmer, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Sustainability of the Dairy Business Association, and Managing Director of Farmers for Sustainable Food in Wisconsin. Farmers for Sustainable Food is a collaborative, nonprofit organization that provides resources, advocacy, support and empowerment for farmers who are innovating and demonstrating sustainable farming practices during a time of increased interest in agriculture and food origins.
The evening will conclude with several door prize drawings to thank the community for joining in the discussion.
You won’t want to miss it!
Click here to register
Click here to download the agenda

VT Pay for Phosphorous Program Apps Due
2022-01-31
The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) is pleased to announce that it has recently opened applications for the new Vermont Pay for Phosphorus (VPFP) Program, which will be one of the first of its kind in the United States.

This statewide program, which is supported by a $7 million grant award from the national USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) Alternative Funding Arrangement (AFA), will provide $4.9 million in payments to Vermont farms over 4 years.

Applications are due January 31.

Farms must manage annual crop or hay land, have an up-to-date Nutrient Management Plan that meets the RAPs for their farm size, and meet state and federal eligibility requirements to participate for Calendar Year 2022.

There are two types of payment available:

First-time enrollees, regardless of phosphorus reductions, are eligible for a one-time management planning and data entry payment of $15 for every acre of data entry successfully completed — up to a cap of $4,000.

Farms whose data has been entered can choose to be entered into a competitive pool for annual contracts for performance-based phosphorus reduction payments. These annual payments will compensate farms with $100 per pound of eligible phosphorus reductions in 2022, up to an annual cap of $50,000.

Click here to learn more and apply online.

Questions? Contact Brodie Haenke at Brodie.Haenke@vermont.gov or (802) 636-7852.

VHCB Water Quality Grant Due
2022-01-21
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board’s Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program is offering grants of up to $40,000 to help Vermont farmers invest in water quality-related on-farm infrastructure. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on January 21, 2022. Learn More + Apply

Info Session: VHCB Water Quality Grants
2022-01-12 16:00 - 18:00, 2021-12-07 16:00 - 18:00 | Virtual
The Vermont Housing & Conservation Board’s Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program provides grants of up to $40,000 to help Vermont farmers invest in water quality-related on-farm infrastructure. Applications are due January 21, 2022. Learn More + Apply
Ahead of the deadline, VHCB will host two virtual information sessions on December 7 and January 12. Register

CVFC Board of Directors December Meeting
2021-12-08 09:30 - 12:00
The CVFC Board of Directors meets on the first Wednesday of each month. This month’s meeting will be held at a location TBD. Members of the coalition are welcome to arrive at 10:30 a.m., and the general public is welcome to arrive at 11:00 a.m. For full details or to RSVP, contact Kirsten Workman at Kirsten.Workman@uvm.edu.

CVFC Board of Directors November Meeting
2021-11-04 09:30 - 12:00
