Calendar
Calendar - Events of Interest and Grant Deadlines
December 5 - December 9, this week!
2023 Vermont Maple Conference
Online or In Person
Cost $20-$75
The 2023 Vermont Maple Conference promises to be one of the year’s most exciting and informative educational and networking events for sugar makers from every corner of our industry. Whether you’re at30 taps or 30,000, if you’re interested in expanding your knowledge, sharing ideas, and networking with fellow sugar makers,don’t miss this opportunity.
Once again this year we will offer a hybrid option. Join us online Dec 5-8 to get a glimpse into the latest research, hear about locally successful business practices and re-engage with some of the fundamentals of sugar making. Our in-person conference on December 9th at Vermont State University (formerly the VTC) promises to give attendees many opportunities to connect to other sugar makers, build relationships with manufacturers at our trade show, and learn more about the latest research and best practices from topics including climate resiliency, succession planning and more! New this year,we'll also offer a full day Quality School with Mark Isselhardt, UVM Extension, and Jason Lilley, UMaine Extension on Tuesday, December 5from 8:30am-4:30pm.
December 6-7, Wednesday & Thursday
High Tunnel Workshop: Revitalize Your Tunnel Vision
Fireside Inn & Suites, 25 Airport Road, West Lebanon, NH
This high tunnel conference will help new and experienced growers improve their high tunnel yields and quality with better production practices. Hosted by UVM, UNH and UME. Pesticide credits awarded. See full program at:
https://www.uvm.edu/~htunnel/High%20Tunnel%20Conference%20Registration%20Flyer%20v9-28-2023.pdf
https://www.vtfarmtoplate.com/events/revitalize-your-tunnel-vision
December 7, Thursday
NH Conservation Districts - 2024 Climate Resilience Grants: information session, 6pm
Applications due Feb 1, 2024. Learn about it now.
Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptations to projected climate conditions. Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate strong potential in mitigation and adaptation.
You can learn more during an optional zoom informational session on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:00PM. Registration required for the information session.
December 7, Thursday
Food & Climate Panel: Beyond Carbon Markets
6 pm - 7:30 pm
Join NOFA-NH and Seacoast Permaculture for a panel discussion and Q&A that asks:if not carbon markets and other payment for ecosystem (PES) programs,then what would work to support farmers who responsibly care for our ecosystem while feeding people? A previous panel addressed issues with current carbon market and PES programs and the challenges of trying to monetize carbon sequestration or best ecological farming practices. In this program, we welcome back our panelists tolook at the alternatives we know work and ones being proposed that hold promise to truly support healthy growing practices. How we grow food has serious implications for the climate, biodiversity and human health. We need to make changes now, whether on our own farms or by supporting growers as they shift practices. There are solutions - let's talk about how to reach them!
Panel: Cat Buxton, Julie Davenson, Earl Hatley, Caroline Gordon,and Stephen Leslie
December 7, Thursday
Tactical Basin Planning: Deerfield River, Ag & Forestry working group for the Deerfield / B12 plan.
10:45 am, Community Room at the Brooks Memorial Library, 224 Main St, Brattleboro VT [or Zoom]
We will discuss the Tactical Basin Planning Process for Basin 12. This Agriculture and Forestry Workgroup Meeting will be an opportunity for you to provide your input on watershed needs and priorities, including where and how to carry out priority actions to protect, maintain, enhance, and restore water quality in the Basin. This plan provides an assessment of watershed conditions and identifies current and future strategies to protect high quality waters and restore impaired water resources based on the approaches set forward in the Vermont Surface Water Management Strategy. Basin 12 includes the Deerfield and Green Rivers and the East Branch of the North River which all flow into central Massachusetts to the Connecticut River. The tributary streams that flow directly into the Connecticut River include Whetstone Brook, Broad Brook and Newton Brook. For more information on the basin planning process in Vermont, please visit: https://dec.vermont.gov/water-investment/watershed-planning/tactical-basin-planning.
Please RSVP here or by emailing Blunk.wcnrcd@gmail.com
December 8, Friday
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program - water quality grants, 12 pm - 1:30pm
Information session for these grants ($5,000 - $50,000).
December 12, Tuesday
Listening Session for CCFAP Self-Employment Policies
The Child Development Division (CDD) is interested in hearing from those who earn self-employment income and who have received or have an interest in receiving financial assistance through the Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP).
Please join us for an online, 45-minute listening session on December 12 or December 14, 2023, to provide feedback on the self-employment policies as they relate to CCFAP eligibility.
Registerfor the Listening Session on December 12, 2023 at 3pm
December 12, Tuesday
Managing Neonicotinoids in Row Crops Webinar Series, 12 pm - 1 pm
Intro to Agricultural Innovation Board (AIB) and their work
This series is to educate policy-makers, farmers and educators on the role of neonicotinoids in managing pests and how best to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. You will hear from educators, researchers, and state agencies as we navigate this important topic.
Pre-registrationfor the Neonicotinoid events is required. To register, please have this flyer on hand to view dates and topics,and go online to— https://bit.ly/3QKw9v3
Or contact Susan Brouillette at susan.brouillette@uvm.eduor 802-524-6501
December 12, Tuesday
Specialty Crop grant information session, 3 pm - 4 pm
Grants to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops (vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, honey, hops, maple, mushrooms…). 2024 Vermont SCBGP Information Session Webinar. Register here for the event.
December 13, Wednesday
Business Planning for Agritourism Enterprises, 1 pm - 3 pm
Online
Business planning is critical for any type of enterprise, and agritourism is no exception. Hosted by Vermont Fresh Network and University of Vermont Extension, this webinar will cover key steps for business planning and introduce you to a new online tool. AgPlanis a free, easy-to-use business planning app designed to provide customized assistance for different types of businesses, including agritourism. In this webinar, we'll provide a general overview of business planning for agritourism as well as information about registering for an online training series in February and March for those who would like to develop a business plan this winter with guidance from Extension business planning experts.
December 14, Thursday
Managing Neonicotinoids in Row Crops Webinar Series, 12 pm - 1 pm
Neonicotinoids and Pollinators, CEUIPM 1 credit. 1 PAT credit.
This series is to educate policy-makers, farmers and educators on the role of neonicotinoids in managing pests and how best to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. You will hear from educators, researchers, and state agencies as we navigate this important topic. CEUPD and PAT credits available.
Pre-registration for the Neonicotinoid events is required. To register, please have this flyer on hand to view dates and topics,and go online to— https://bit.ly/3QKw9v3
Or contact Susan Brouillette at susan.brouillette@uvm.eduor 802-524-6501
December 14, Thursday
Listening Session for CCFAP Self-Employment Policies
The Child Development Division (CDD) is interested in hearing from those who earn self-employment income and who have received or have an interest in receiving financial assistance through the Vermont Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP).
Please join us for an online, 45-minute listening session on December 12 or December 14, 2023, to provide feedback on the self-employment policies as they relate to CCFAP eligibility.
Registerfor the Listening Session on December 14, 2023 at 6:30pm
December 15, Friday
Managing Neonicotinoids in Row Crops Webinar Series, 12 pm - 1 pm
Using No-Till, Cover Crops, and IPM to Control Insects and Slugs, Jon Tooker, PENN State. CEUIPM 1 credit. 1 PAT credit.
This series is to educate policy-makers, farmers and educators on the role of neonicotinoids in managing pests and how best to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. You will hear from educators, researchers, and state agencies as we navigate this important topic. CEUPD and PAT credits available.
Pre-registrationfor the Neonicotinoid events is required. To register, please have this flyer on hand to view dates and topics,and go online to— https://bit.ly/3QKw9v3
Or contact Susan Brouillette at susan.brouillette@uvm.eduor 802-524-6501
December 15, Friday
Beekeepers and Pesticide Applicators Info Session, 1 pm - 2 pm
The VT Bee Lab and UVM Extension are hosting a webinar on December 15th, 2023 from 1pm-2pm. This webinar is open to all who are interested. Learn about a new Vermont pesticide applicator rule, Section 5.04 Protection of Bees, and a free communication platform called FieldWatch. FieldWatch is a tool that may help aid in the required communication between farms applying pesticides and honey beekeepers nearby. Agenda is outlined below.
In order to receive credits, you must log in individually with your Pesticide Applicator ID Number (entered at registration). You must be logged in by 12:50pm, remain logged in for the duration of the program, and complete the survey provided at the end of the session. If you are watching with someone else and you both want credit, you will need to each have a device logged in and each complete the survey separately.
Please pre-register at:
*Contact Sydney Miller at vbl@uvm.edu for more information.
~ AGENDA ~
12:50am Check-in (required for pesticide credits)
1:00pm Introduction, Sydney Miller, Vermont Bee Lab UVM
1:05pm Section 5.04, ‘Protection of Bees’ rule review, Laura Johnson, Sarah Kingsley-Richards, UVM Ext
1:20pm FieldWatch program overview, Bob Walters, CEO FieldWatch
1:35pm BeeCheck, DriftWatch, and FieldWatch registries, Curt Hadley, FieldWatch
1:50pm Q&A / Survey
2:00pm Adjourn
Vermont rule, Section 5.04 Protection of Bees and FieldWatch Info session: One pesticide applicator credit available for categories 1A, 2A, 3A, 3B, 7A, 7B, 10, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
December 18, Monday
Managing Neonicotinoids in Row Crops Webinar Series, 12 pm - 1:30 pm
Integrated Management Strategy for Seed Corn Maggot in New York, to include three speakers from Cornell University. Ken Wise, Dr. Alejandro Calixto, and Dr. Katja Poveda. CEUIPM 1.5 credits. 1 PAT credit.
This series is to educate policy-makers, farmers and educators on the role of neonicotinoids in managing pests and how best to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. You will hear from educators, researchers, and state agencies as we navigate this important topic. CEUPD and PAT credits available.
Pre-registrationfor the Neonicotinoid events is required. To register, please have this flyer on hand to view dates and topics,and go online to— https://bit.ly/3QKw9v3
Or contact Susan Brouillette at susan.brouillette@uvm.eduor 802-524-6501
December 20, Wednesday
Vermont AgCWIP applications due, 4:30 pm
December 20, Wednesday
Managing Neonicotinoids in Row Crops Webinar Series, 12 pm - 1 pm
Reducing Bee Exposure to Insecticidal Corn Seed Treatment Dust, Reed Johnson, Ohio State University. CEUCM 1 credit. 1 PAT credit.
This series is to educate policy-makers, farmers and educators on the role of neonicotinoids in managing pests and how best to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. You will hear from educators, researchers, and state agencies as we navigate this important topic. CEUPD and PAT credits available.
Pre-registrationfor the Neonicotinoid events is required. To register, please have this flyer on hand to view dates and topics,and go online to— https://bit.ly/3QKw9v3
Or contact Susan Brouillette at susan.brouillette@uvm.eduor 802-524-6501
December 21, Thursday
Managing Neonicotinoids in Row Crops Webinar Series, 12 pm - 1 pm
Questions and Feedback. Provide Valuable Feedback to the VAAFM to Inform Regulation on Neonics. Steve Dwinell, VAAFM and Heather Darby, UVM. CEUPD 1 credit.
This series is to educate policy-makers, farmers and educators on the role of neonicotinoids in managing pests and how best to minimize impacts on the surrounding environment. You will hear from educators, researchers, and state agencies as we navigate this important topic. CEUPD and PAT credits available.
Pre-registrationfor the Neonicotinoid events is required. To register, please have this flyer on hand to view dates and topics,and go online to— https://bit.ly/3QKw9v3
Or contact Susan Brouillette at susan.brouillette@uvm.eduor 802-524-6501
January 8, Monday
VFFV - water quality grant information session, 12 pm - 1:30pm
Information session for these grants ($5,000 - $50,000).
January 13, Saturday
VTeen 4-H Science Pathways Cafe, 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Join us this school year for in-person cafes where you will meetscientists, learn about their work, explore different science pathways, and engage in hands-on activities and informal discussions. Cafes will be held during the 2023-2034 school year on the following Saturdays from 5-7 pm at the University of Vermont. This program is FREE but registration is required; open to youth in grades 7-12. Learn more at www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements<http://www.uvm.edu/extension/youth/announcements> and register.
January 14, Sunday night
Specialty Crop grants to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops (vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, honey, hops, maple, mushrooms…). Here for more information. Submit your pre-application in WebGrants by January 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM.
January 17, Wednesday
CRWFA Annual Meeting, 11am - 3pm
January 19, Friday
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program (VHCB) grant applications due.
February 10, Saturday
NOFA-NH's 22nd Annual Winter Conference, 8am - 5pm
Southern NH University, 2500 N River Rd, Manchester, NH 03106
The future of food ripples beyond the production of sustenance -our food system is an intricate web of biological, physical, social,emotional, technological, and spiritual relationships. Developing a sustainable and equitable food system requires us to investigate these complex relationships and how they connect and tether our environment, economy, and communities. NOFA-NH’s 22nd annual Winter Conference will explore the ecosystem of food and invite participants to build skills that cultivate abundant businesses, communities,homes, and systems.
https://www.nofanh.org/nofawinterconference
February 17, Saturday
2024 NOFA-VT Winter Conference, 8am - 4pm
University of Vermont, Burlington
February 22, Thursday
No-Till and Cover Crop Conference, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Save the date! UVM Extension is hosting the annual No-Till & Cover Crop Conference on February 22, 2024. It’s all happening in-person at the Double Tree by Hilton in South Burlington. This year’s theme is: Building Resiliency and Profitability into your No-Till System. The extremely wet 2023 cropping season has made for a challenging crop season, leaving many farmers wondering what’s next for their fields. Conference attendees will consider subject matter ranging from what happens when you till a no-till field from a soil and fertility standpoint to the impact manure injection can have on your no-till program. They will also hear presentations on getting the most from your cover crops and the impact of using quality seed in your cover crop program. The conference website will be updated as presentations and guests speakers are finalized.
March 20, Wednesday
Grain Growers Conference, 9:00am – 5:00pm
Save the date! UVM Extension is gearing up to host the Grain Growers Conference on March 20, 2024 at The Essex Resort in Essex. This year’s theme is: Growing Collaborations. Stay tuned for more details!
VT Nutrient Management Planning
Nutrient Management Planning 2024 NMP classes in January and February (it is a 6-week course). They have not determined the schedule or locations yet. If you are interested in attending the class, please let me know at your earliest convenience.
[This may be for you if you are a small farm operation and need to do your nutrient management plan. There may be an online option.]
There are also basic NMP course requirements that need to be done prior to taking the class in January that include:
● Current manure analysis
● Current soil analysis (no older than3 years) for all fields on the farm
● A completed Land Treatment Plan(field maps, RUSLE2 values, etc.)
Given these course requirements and time to complete them,it is time now to start getting ready for the 2024 NMP classes. If interested in the NMP, or taking the 2024 class, or gaining help with completing the course requirements, or gaining help to update your current NMP, please feel free to reach out to UVM Extension (Susan) at 802-524-6501 or 802-656-7611 or your local Conservation District office.
Pesticide Applicator Certification Exams
● Montpelier:every Wednesday 9:00 am - 12 pm
● St.Johnsbury: 2nd Thursday every month 9:00 am - 12 pm
● Newport:1st Thursday every month 9:00 am - 12 pm
● Williston:1st & 3rd Thursday every month 9:00 am - 12 pm
● Rutland:1st Tuesday every month 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
● Brattleboro:1st Thursday every month 9:00 am - 12 pm
Grant Opportunities
New Hampshire
NH Conservation Districts, 2024 Climate Resilience Grants
Funds are available for projects that mitigate the impact of agriculture on climate change and enhance the on-farm adaptations to projected climate conditions. Preference will be given to projects that can demonstrate strong potential in mitigation and adaptation.
This year's applications are available now and are due on February 1,2024.
Contact your county conservation district for more information, or visit their website to view the full Request for Proposals and Application.
You can learn more during an optional zoom informational session on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 6:00PM. Registration required for the information session.
2. Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) 2024 Conservation Opportunity Fund. This grant provides up to $1,500 for wildlife habitat improvement projects in Cheshire County, NH.
CCCD seeks proposals from landowners/stewards of small tracts of land 25 acres or fewer who are interested in making a meaningful long-term impact on wildlife habitat and biodiversity. Eligible applicants include individuals, businesses, farmers, and/or forestland owners.
Past funded projects include the installation of native pollinator habitat, rain gardens, vegetated buffers along surface waters, early successional habitat creation/maintenance, forest management for wildlife, and conversion of lawns or fields to native plant landscapes. Others projects which benefit native wildlife habitat may be considered.
Grant information, 2024 application, project resources, and more can be found on CCCD’s website at https://www.cheshireconservation.org/cof
There will be an optional virtual informational session for interested applicants on Wednesday, December 6th at 6:00pm on Zoom. Visit the link above to sign up or watch the recording.
Completed applications are due to the CCCD no later than February 1, 2024 and can be submitted digitally or by mail. Applications must be postmarked or received by email by the due date. Proposals can be mailed to Conservation Opportunity Fund, Cheshire County Conservation District, 11 Industrial Park Dr. Walpole, NH 03608 or emailed to amanda@cheshireconservation.org Successful grant applicants will be notified of award by March 15, 2024.
The Conservation Opportunity Fund is a grant program that is privately funded and administered by the Cheshire County Conservation District. For further information, and to discuss project proposals contact: Matt Smetana at 603-756-9282 or matt@cheshireconservation.org
Vermont:
Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program - Water Quality Grants
The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program (Viability Program), a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, has grant awards available for on-farm capital improvement projects that have a positive impact on water quality.
Focus on waste management and nutrient management.
Construction, renovation, and equipment projects are eligible. The grants assist with the costs of improvements required to comply with regulations.
Eligible farm businesses can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in funding, an increase in the maximum award from prior years. Applications are due by January 19, 2024.
Can cover projects other programs might not cover.
Can use money to help fund other projects (like EQIP, BMP, CEAP)
There are two virtual information sessions to answer questions on Friday, December 8 from 12 pm to 1:30 pm and Monday, January 8 from 3:30 pm to 5 pm. More information, eligibility requirements, applications, and details to join the information sessions are available on the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program Website at: https://vhcb.org/WQG.
For questions regarding this grant opportunity, please contact: Betsy McGavisk at Betsy@VHCB.org or 802-828-5562.
AgCWIP - grants for local and regional partners to work with farms to improve water quality. To help come into compliance with regulations, reduce pollution, improve climate resiliency and/or soil health, improve economic and environmental viability of farms. This includes a wide range of projects! Ask Mike or your Conservation District if you have ideas and aren’t sure if they apply. Due December 20, 4:30 pm. Here for more information.
Best Management Practices - technical assistance and cost share to comply with RAPs. Here for more information.
Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program - technical assistance and cost share for pasture improvements and livestock exclusion from surface water. Here for more information.
Grassed Waterway and Filter Strip (SWFS) Program - technical assistance and cost share to create perennial vegetated areas (that can be harvested!), grassed waterways, filter strips and critical source areas. Here for more information.
Conservation Reserve Enhancement (CREP) - funds to reduce sediment runoff (erosion) and improve water quality, by taking land out of production for vegetated buffers. Here for more information.
Goat & Sheep Dairy Supply Chain Development Grants (opens in December?) - funds to develop or expand goat and/or sheep dairy products or markets that will positively impact multiple businesses within the goat and/or sheep dairy supply chain. Projects will increase the exposure and promotion of regionally produced goat/sheep dairy products through supply chain impacts. $15,000 - $50,000 with 25% match. Here for more information.
Dairy Food Safety & Certification Grant (opens in December?) - grants for dairy farmers, processors, and/or producer associations to take actionable steps to improve the safety of dairy products. Projects funded through this program will support increased production safety standards with the goal of accessing new markets. Here for more information.
Specialty Crop - grants to enhance competitiveness of specialty crops (vegetables, tree nuts, nursery crops, honey, hops, maple, mushrooms…). 2024 Vermont SCBGP Information Session Webinar. Register here for the event on December 12, 2023 at 3:00-4:00 PM. Submit your pre-application in WebGrants by January 14, 2023 at 11:59 PM. Here for more information.