UVM Extension and USDA Risk Management Agency. Agriculture/Legislative Farm Tour. Public policies directly affect dairy agriculture profitability and sustainability in Vermont. A legislative farm tour brought together key decision-makers who strongly influence land use, environmental, and agricultural policy to view and discuss agricultural practices. Participants reported high satisfaction with the tour, indicating an increased knowledge and awareness of farm-based soil and water resource issues and efforts, and the relationship between policy and agricultural effects. . (J. Carter, H. Smith, K. Hartline, C. Miner)
UVM Extension. Dairy Customer Satisfaction Survey. UVM Extension employees serving the dairy community must better understand customer perceptions and needs to more effectively deliver educational programs to this clientele. The survey will determine whether Extension dairy educational efforts have made a perceived difference to farmers in production, finance, and other categories. It will provide information about dairy education relevance and quality. This survey was mailed to all known dairy farmers and resulted in a 25 percent response rate. Preliminary results have been tabulated. . (G. Deziel, K. Norris)
John Merck Fund, Robison Foundation, Sands Foundation, Heifer International. Land Link Vermont. A serious obstacle to the success of new farming ventures is acquisition of land. This project of the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture connects farm seekers with farming opportunities. We also provide training on farm transitions. This year, 376 people attended our workshops. We responded to 171 program inquiries and provided outreach to more than 600. Our matching service includes 275 people (204 seekers, and 71 owners representing 14,933 acres). We received 130 requests to pursue a match. Since 1998, 17 matches have been made affecting 3,312 acres. (D. Heleba, H. Buzeman, V. Grubinger, C. Huber, D. Randall)
UVM Extension. Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. The general population is removed from production agriculture. The public should understand modern farms are operated in a financially and environmentally sound way. The Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year program, in conjunction with the New England Green Pastures Program, presents the farm to the public. An efficient family operated dairy business is recognized for its management practices, industry and community involvement. The farm is highlighted via press, radio and TV. By gaining an understanding of modern agriculture, a more informed public is better able to participate in public policy affecting agriculture. (R. LeVitre, C. Leonard)
USDA-SARE. Vermont New Farmer Network. New farmers are critical to the future of Vermont's agriculture. The UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture has facilitated the development of a network of organizations to enhance the delivery of services to new farmers. Information about these services has been compiled into a New Farmer packet, available from the Center, or on-line at www.vermontagriculture.com/newfarm.htm. Technical support is being offered to new farmers through educational programs such as the Women's Agricultural Network's 'Growing Places,' other trainings, and consultations. New farmers are better informed of the resources available to help them succeed. (A. Matthews, B.Holtzman, D. Heleba)
USDA-Other Grant,. Women's Agricultural Network (WAgN). Women are less likely to apply for, and use, the services provided by the USDA agricultural programs. WAgN offers education and support to individuals starting ag-related businesses. Our goal is to improve business management skills and increase awareness of the many USDA programs. 18 individuals completed a pre-business planning course, 11 individuals from previous classes completed their business plans, and the WAgN program model was replicated in Pennsylvania. 618 individuals received assistance allowing them to make better business decisions and access USDA services more effectively. (M. Peabody, B. Holtzman)
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