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The mission of the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team is to provide the best and most relevant cropping information, both research-based and experiential, delivered in the most practical and understandable ways to Vermont farmers.
OUT CROPPINGS: Important crop news from the field!
Check back regularly, or subscribe to our blog Outcroppings to receive updates!
WHAT’S NEW!
- Many conditions occurring in the fall, winter or spring can have an impact on the winter survival or injury of perennial forage stands, particularly alfalfa. Here is an article to assist you with assessing stands and to help you explore your options for managing winter injury – Evaluating and Managing Alfalfa Stands for Winter Injury
- The UVM Cereal Grain Testing Laboratory is now closed for routine maintenance. We will re-open in July 2013.
- Check out our 2012 research reports!
- Additional 2012 Reports and Executive Summaries
- An Evaluation to Determine the Feasibility of a Multi-Purpose Grain Processing Facility in Vermont
- Vermont Milled Grain Products Local Market Study Report, Executive Summary
- Improving and Increasing Technical Assistance to Vermont Grain and Hops Producers, Executive Summary
- Peer to Peer Networking to Grow a Viable Hops Industry in Vermont, Executive Summary
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR PROJECTS…
FORAGES
Forages are a staple of all livestock operations in Vermont. There are a wide variety of types that can be grown for feed in our area. These include perennial grasses and legumes, as well as annual forage crops such as cereal grains, corn and other warm season grasses. The type of forage the farmer selects for his or her operation will be dependent upon the needs of their animals. Our forage research and outreach program is focused on developing applied research and educational materials that assist producers with improving yields and growing high quality feed to improve herd health, soil quality and farm viability. Learn More…
GRAINS
Vermont farmers have been growing grains for animal feed on dairy farms for years. Our goal has been to give them the information they need to be able to grow higher yielding and quality grains. It is our hope that the information generated will result in the production of more nutritious feed for livestock and/or the ability for farmers to produce grains for human consumption. Learn More…
OILSEEDS
Oilseeds, such as sunflower and canola, are swiftly becoming a new diversifying crop for farming operations in Vermont. Oil extracted from the oilseeds is being used for on-farm fuel production, and the leftover meal is pelleted and used as a high protein livestock feed. Farmers are getting two bangs for their buck! Alternatively a few farmers are growing the oil and selling a high value food grade culinary oil. The goal of our Extension program is to develop best practices for oilseed production in a temperate climate. Learn More...
HOPS
Hop production was common throughout the Northeast in the 1800s. However, today most hop production occurs in the Pacific Northwest. Renewed interest and demand for local hops is breathing new life into an otherwise “historical” crop. To increase hop production in Vermont, the UVM Extension Crops and Soils Team is developing an outreach and applied research program for hops. Public interest in sourcing local foods also extends into beverages, and organic brewing is on the rise in conjunction with the expanding organic market. Learn More…
SOIL HEALTH AND NUTRIENT MANAGEMENT
Soils are the foundation of all farming operations and are therefore critical to long term sustainability. Healthy soils produce healthy crops and livestock, and are good for the environment. Our Extension program works to develop farmer friendly soil management tools. In addition our applied research, our program works to develop practical strategies like reduced tillage, cover cropping and alternative manure incorporation that farmers can implement to benefit the environment and farm economics. Our farmer nutrient management training curriculum is a one of a kind, science based, practical program developed specifically so farmers can create and implement their own nutrient management plan. Learn More…
ORGANIC FARMING
Organic farming is a prevalent sector in New England. Organic farming systems require special management considerations to produce high yields and quality. Our program works with organic producers to develop outreach materials and programs as well as on-farm research. Our organic research has focused on annual crop production, both variety selection and agronomic practice evaluations, such as specialized tillage and roller crimping. Learn More…
