Center for Sustainable Agriculture - UVM Extension

08/03/2026

Too much water in some places and not enough in others?

Managing this common situation is becoming more important as Vermont farmers navigate the impacts of a changing climate.

Join farmer Makail Tipton and UVM’s Joshua Faulkner, Director of Center for Sustainable Agriculture - UVM Extension, for an afternoon at Firefly Farm at Burke Hollow on August 12 to understand how soils and landscape influence drainage issues and water supply constraints.

Together, we’ll discuss how hydrology informs strategies and solutions to increase water quality and resilience. We’ll explore best practices for livestock and vegetable production, approaches to building soil health for years of excess precipitation, irrigation efficiencies, and key considerations when developing water sources.

Please pre-register at NOFAVT.ORG/SUMMER2026

This workshop is free for farmers, thanks to generous support from the Transition to Organic Partnership Program.

05/27/2026

Do you need help with fencing or building your livestock watering system?

Join UVM Extension and partners for two upcoming hands-on workshops at Vermont State University in Randolph Center focused on practical pasture infrastructure for grazing animals.

Tuesday, June 23rd: The Livestock Fencing Workshop will cover fence options, power and grounding, troubleshooting, wire selection, bracing, and permanent and temporary fencing systems, including an outdoor demonstration on building an H brace. Register: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=879083&

Tuesday, June 30th: The Livestock Water Workshop will cover water system design, pumps, pressure tanks, tubs, float valves, alternative water systems, available grant assistance, and include hands-on demonstrations. Register: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=879086&

These workshops are designed for farmers and ag producers looking for practical information they can use on their own farms. Registration is $20 and includes lunch.

04/21/2026

03/06/2026

Upcoming Workshops: Farming Sheep with Coyotes

Join us for these practical workshops on livestock predation prevention with Chris Schadler, a wild canid ecologist, retired UNH professor, and sheep farmer. Learn how understanding coyote behavior can help farmers successfully coexist with predators and protect livestock. The workshop will also cover mortality composting and current Vermont RAPs to help reduce predation risk. There is a choice of two dates and locations:

March 17, 10 AM–12 PM: UVM Extension Berlin Classroom 327 US Route 302, Berlin, VT 05641

March 20 10 AM–12 PM: UVM Extension Middlebury Office 23 Pond Lane, Suite 300, Middlebury, VT 05753

Who it’s for: Sheep and livestock farmers, agricultural service providers, and anyone interested in practical predator coexistence strategies.

Register: https://na.eventscloud.com/ereg/index.php?eventid=874634&

03/06/2026

Community Outreach

03/06/2026

Vermont's climate is changing, and our farmers are experiencing the impacts of these changes. Past climate trends, current observations, and future projections can help Vermont's farmers to continue to thrive despite challenges. This new fact sheet tracks some of these changes and their potential impacts to agriculture.

09/19/2025

We are hiring an agronomy specialist!

https://www.uvmjobs.com/postings/81945

Seeking a motivated and qualified individual to serve as an Agronomy Specialist in the Connecticut River Valley of Vermont and be located in the Extension St. Johnsbury’s Office. This person would lead agronomy outreach and technical assistance work in the eastern portion of the state.

Do you know someone who would be a good fit? Please share!

Outreach Education

09/04/2025

WED OCT 1: Learn about dairy farming in Ireland with Dr. Padraig French, Head of LIvestock Systems and the Dairy Enterprise Leader at the Teagasc (the Irish version of USDA) in this upcoming workshop at Harrison's Homegrown Dairy in Addison VT. Includes lunch!

06/26/2025

05/21/2025

Anaerobic Digestion & Food Waste: Farmer Perspectives, Benefits, and Challenges

🗓️ Friday, May 23, 2025
🕘 9:00 – 10:00 AM
💻 Free Webinar

Join UVM researchers Eric Roy & Matt Scarborough for an overview of an EPA-funded study on co-digestion of food waste in farm-based anaerobic digesters. Hear key findings from farmer surveys, biomethane testing, nutrient analysis, and microplastics research. Q\&A to follow!

Ideal for farmers with digesters or anyone exploring anaerobic digestion.

Register here: 0b050d0f-ae08-41f3-ba29-4c76a9a5b3f8@1c177758-4d6b-43dc-aaeb-3b9c42562967" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/0b050d0f-ae08-41f3-ba29-4c76a9a5b3f8@1c177758-4d6b-43dc-aaeb-3b9c42562967

Questions? Contact Matt at [email protected]

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