More and more Vermont farmers are using creative ways to acquire capital for land acquisition, start-up and operation. At the same time, increasing numbers of individuals seek alternative investment vehicles and ways to help finance small businesses within communities. A grant from NE-SARE allowed the Center's New Farmer Project to explore the legal, accounting, environmental and social ramifications involved in these practices by producing this book, available for free download here or via the New Farmer Project website.

The entire book

Introduction

Chapter 1: Federal Securities Laws

Chapter 2: State Securities Laws

Chapter 3: Owner Financed Sales and Land Contracts

Chapter 4: Considerations for Dealing with Farmland Investors

Chapter 5: The Promissory Note

Chapter 6: Demystifying Equity Financing

Chapter 7: Revenue-Based Financing

Chapter 8: The "Multi-Year CSA" Financing Model

Chapter 9: The Share Lease Agreement

Appendices: Community Financing Theory, Profit vs Non-Profit and Different Ways of Raising Capital, Contract Basics and Sample Promissory Notes

Farm Case Studies: Bloomfield Farm, Highlighting Cohousing and Cooperative Land Ownership; Fair Food Farm, Highlighting Creative use of Promissory Notes; Bread and Butter Farm, Highlighting Purchasing the Farm and Community Financial Support; Sugar Mountain Farm, Highlighting Bootstrapping, Vendor Financing, Pre-buys and the Quest to Build On-Farm Slaughter Infrastructure

Turning a passion into a viable business is a line-in-the-sand decision, and a new book by Northeast SARE Farmer Grant Specialist Carol Delaney, A Guide to Starting a Commercial Goat Dairy, covers what farmers should consider when planning a goat dairy startup. It also fills a gap—there are many periodicals and books with information about cow dairying, and this adds some needed weight on the small ruminant side of the scale.

Delaney has taken information developed over her ten years as the Vermont small ruminant dairy specialist and enriched it with practical, science-based information. Topics are illustrated with many photos and tables and include time and financial management, recordkeeping, goat selection, the cost of raising replacements, nutrition, grazing and marketing.

Delaney wrote most of the chapters, but there are also contributors from Extension, the Vermont Dairy Herd Improvement Association, Vermont Butter and Cheese Creamery, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets, and private dairy consultants. These chapters offer material on equipment, barn and cheese facilities, udder health, out-of-season breeding, and milk measurement recording. The guide ends with a list of recommended books and contacts that draws on local, national, and international resources.

The result is a clear, close look at the needs of dairy goats and how goat farms connect to regional milk, meat, and livestock markets, along with an emphasis on how to set up records that measure success in terms of time and money. And while the guide was written with the Vermont farmer in mind and includes contributions from Vermont farmers, the content will be useful to any farmer in the Northeast. $25, including shipping, for a bound print copy.

Download for free, or to order a print copy send us an email with your daytime phone number and number of Guides you'd like to order, or download and print this form to mail in with your check.

Carol is also available for more information or to answer questions at cdhornofplenty@gmail.com.

A book written by Vernon P. Grubinger, vegetable and berry specialist for the University of Vermont Extension and director of the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Provides practical information on such essential matters as selecting a farm site; planning and record keeping; marketing options; and systems for starting, planting, protecting and harvesting crops. Individual chapters cover fundamental aspects of economic and environmental practices essential to planning and launching a business; the practical implications of sustainability; getting started; farm business management; and marketing. The chapters that follow discuss essential production processes, focusing on soil fertility, composting, crop rotation, cover crops, tillage equipment and field preparation, seeds and transplants, irrigation and spraying systems, harvest and post-harvest handling, season extension, integrated pest management, and environmentally friendly strategies for managing insects, diseases, weeds, and wildlife.

A resource for aspiring and beginning vegetable growers, experienced growers, extension personnel, and serious gardeners, and a useful text for college-level vegetable production courses.

280 pages, 91 illustrations, 36 sidebars, 20 tables. $38.00 postpaid. Download and print this form to mail in with your check.

This directory was developed through the Center's Small Ruminant Dairy Project, and lists producers, service providers, and resources for farming with dairy goats, dairy sheep, and meat goats in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts. Producers are listed alphabetically by state/town, and indexed by breed; and service providers are listed alphabetically and indexed by state/town. The directory also lists resources including programs, associations, and periodicals. Download the free PDF here or print this form to mail with $5.00 postpaid if you'd prefer for us to send you a copy.

Produced by the Vermont New Farmer Project, the guide provides considerations and resources that address access to capital, access to production knowledge, access to land, and access to markets. This guide also provides descriptions of Vermont New Farmer Network member organizations including an overview of their services and contact information. (View individual sections on the New Farmer Project website, , download the entire guide, or print this form to mail in with $5.00 postpaid if you'd prefer for us to mail you a copy.

Lists member farms contact information and products available for sale, and highlights topics of interest related to grass-based agriculture. Produced by the Vermont Grass Farmers' Association and the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture Pasture Program, 52 pages. (Download the free PDF here)or print this form to mail in with $5.00 postpaid if you'd prefer for us to mail you a copy.

1998, by Kimberly Stoner, Vegetable Entomologist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. A discussion of natural controls of pest insects to minimize pesticide use as well as crop damage. 8 pages (Download this PDF file)

1999, by Cathy Roth, UMass Extension Educator, Agronomy Program; and Elizabeth Keen, Indian Line Farm in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Includes how a CSA works (budget, variety, land, distribution, community and communication, economic vitality) and suggestions for a successful CSA (production, membership, future of community-supported agriculture). 8 pages. (Download this PDF file)

1998, by Vern Grubinger, UVM Extension Vegetable & Berry Specialist and Director of the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Description of different methods of direct marketing, such as roadside stands, PYO operations, farmers' markets, community supported agriculture, mobile marketing, and mail order. 8 pages. (Download this PDF file)

1999, by Sarah Flack and Kate Duesterberg , UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture; and Stephanie Gilbert, American Farmland Trust in Northampton, Massachusetts . Provides helpful hints for anyone interested in organizing a Farmer Discussion Group. Includes case studies as well as tips for successful group interaction.6 pages (Download this PDF file)

1999, by Bill Murphy, UVM Department of Plant & Soil Science. An overview of management intensive grazing with practical tips for setting up a grazing system for all classes of ruminant livestock. 8 pages. (Download this PDF file)

2002, by Deb Heleba, Land Link Vermont; with David Major, Major Farm; and Bill Snow, University of Vermont Extension. Provides farmers and landowners with some of the basics involved in putting together an effective agreement to keep the state's "working landscape" open and productive. Includes descriptions of three types of agreements--verbal, lease, and letter of agreement, and considerations on liability, current use taxation, and Accepted Agricultural Practices (AAPs). 8 pages (Download this PDF file)

2013, by Juan Alvez, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Agroforestry integrates crops, trees and livestock in the same area at the same time. Together these components can create long-lasting sustainable farming practices which can provide short-, medium-, and long-range economic, environmental and social benefits for farmers. 1 page (Download this PDF file)

2013, by Juan Alvez, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Bedded packs (BP) are alternative livestock housing systems that can provide animal welfare, waste management, soil fertility and water quality protection from nutrient overloads. 1 page (Download this PDF file)

2012, Rachel Gilker, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Forage radishes produce a nutritious, high-yielding forage and large taproot capable of penetrating compact soil. Keyline plowing is a mechanical method to alleviate compaction, and a subsoiling practice that is refined in order to avoid turning over soil and decomposing organic matter. 2 pages (Download this PDF file)

2013, by Juan Alvez, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Livestock farms in Vermont can improve soil and water quality through pasture management. By keeping soils covered, and allowing pastures enough time for rest and recovery, soil health can be built and water quality can be improved. 1 page (Download this PDF file)

2012, by Jenn Colby, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Smooth bedstraw, goldenrod, Canada thistle, spotted knapweed, milkweed and wild chervil are usually considered undeirable weeds, but are nutritious plants found in many pastures. In animals learn to eat them, it can increase production - and reduce management efforts to get rid of them. 1 page (Download this PDF file)

2013, by Juan Alvez, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Water quality can be directly benefited by well-managed pastures. 1 page (Download this PDF file)

2013, by Juan Alvez, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Managment-intensive Grazing is an approach that rotates animals between 10 or more paddocks to ensure that animals are always receiving the most nutritious forage, while letting grazed paddocks get enough resting time for a vigorous re-growth. 1 page (Download this PDF file)

1997, by John Jemison, UMaine Extension Water Quality Specialist; and Chris Jones, Agronomist, Maine NRCS. An overview of watering systems for livestock, particularly useful in management intensive grazing systems. 4 pages. (Download this PDF file)

Compiled by Ginger Nickerson, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. Documents, links, videos and fact sheets to help produce farmers as they develop, implement, and update their produce safety plans. Includes sections on FSMA, GAPs Certification, Costs & Equipment, Design & Layout Considerations, and more.Visit the Produce Safety Resources page.

1999, by Dennis Kauppila, UVM Extension Farm Business Management Specialist. Describes the three ways farmers can transfer assets accumulated over years of farming. Especially helpful to farmers who are planning for retirement or who are getting out of farming. 8 pages (Download this PDF file)

1997, by John Jemison, UMaine Extension Water Quality Specialist; and Chris Jones, Agronomist, Maine NRCS. An overview of watering systems for livestock, particularly useful in management intensive grazing systems. 4 pages. (Download this PDF file)

2000, by Dennis Kauppila, UVM Extension Farm Business Management Specialist. Describes types of loans, getting approval for your loan, business plans, the 5 C's of credit, what lenders look for, and what to do if your loan is denied. 4 pages (Download this PDF file)

2012, by Rachel Gilker, Josh Bakelaar, Mark Cannella, and Deb Neher. Happy, healthy, profitable animals are the central goal of livestock farmers. Bedded pack housing can be a path to that goal. 14 pages. (Download this PDF file.)

2006, by Betsy Greene and Rachel Gilker. This full-color publication is an in-depth description of how UVM's Ellen A. Hardacre Equine Facility addressed chronic ice and mud issues to help other farmers find ways to improve their own paddocks. 12 pages. (Order from UVM Equine Science Dept.)

2008, by Betsy Greene and Rachel Gilker. Practical strategies for high traffic area renovation are shared in this full color publication by Rachel Gilker and Betsey Greene. 10 pages. (Order from UVM Equine Science Dept.)

A 49-minute educational DVD featuring 8 farms in 4 northeastern states produced by Vern Grubinger University of Vermont Extension, with funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, USDA

Content:

Roadside Stand, Jack and Karen Manix, Walker Farm, Dummerston VT

Farmer's Market, Paul and Sandy Arnold, Pleasant Valley Farm, Argyle NY

Large-Scale CSA, Michael Docter and Linda Hildebrand, Food Bank Farm, Hadley MA

Multiple Markets, Jan Goranson and Rob Johanson, Goranson Farm, Dresden ME

Internet Sales, Rich Romer, Gourmet Greens, Chester VT

Pick-Your-Own, Norm Grieg, Grieg Farm, Red Hook NY

Restaurant Sales, Chris and Dave Colson, New Leaf Farm, Durham ME

Wholesale Cooperative, Paul Harlow and Dennis Sauer, Harlow Farm, Westminster VT

To order, download and print this form to mail in with your check.

A 42-minute educational DVD featuring 10 farms in 4 northeastern states produced by Vern Grubinger of University of Vermont Extension, and Ruth Hazzard of University of Massachusetts Extension with funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, U.S.D.A.

Content:

Hairy Vetch Cover Crop: Alex MacLennan, MacLennan Farm, Windsor VT

Soil Fertility for Organic Sweet Corn: Tom Harlow, Kestrel Farm, Westminster VT

Soil Heat Monitor & June (or Pre-Sidedress) Nitrate Test, Chris Anderson, Anderson Farms , Wethersfield CT

Floating Row Cover: Jeff Bober, Blossoming Acres Farm, Southwick MA

Scouting for European Corn Borer & Getting Good Spray Coverage: Sandy Williams, Williams Farm, S. Deerfield MA

Mechanical cultivation for Weed Control and Spraying B.t. for European Corn Borer: Gordon Bemis, Hutchins Farm, Concord MA

Banded Herbicide Application: Jim Ward, Ward's Berry Farm, Sharon MA

Mapping Fields for P and K Fertilization and Pesticide Mixing and Loading Facility: Chip Hardy, Brookdale Farm, Hollis NH

Using a Crop Consultant and Trichogramma ostriniae for Corn Borer: Rich Moses, Moses Farm, Eagle Bridge NY

Zea-Later Oil Applicator for Corn Earworm: Jack and Kristen Manix, Walker Farm , Dummerston VT

To order, download and print this form to mail in with your check.

A 70-minute educational DVD featuring 10 farms from 5 northeastern states produced by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension, with funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, U.S.D.A.

Content:

Hank Bissell, Lewis Creek Farm, Starksboro VT:

Winter cover: hairy vetch and rye

Winter cover: hairy vetch and oats

Inter-seeding winter rye in fall

Will Stevens, Golden Russett Farm, Shoreham: VT:

Winter cover: wheat

Frost seeded red clover

Summer-seeded hairy vetch

Cliff Hatch, Upinngill, Gill MA:

Winter rye for strawberry mulch

Delayed berry planting after rye harvest

Eero Ruuttila, Nesenkeag Farm, Litchfield NH:

Spring cover: field pea and oats

Vetch/rye strips between crops

Vetch/rye to suppress potato beetles

Soil spader for incorporating covers

Lou Johns and Robin Ostfeld, Blue Heron Farm, Lodi NY

Permanent sod for wheel tracks

Drilled field peas and broadcast oats

Mowing hairy vetch and rye

Lou Lego, Elderberry Pond Country Foods, Auburn NY:

Living mulch between plastic mulch

Lockwood 'Pooh' Sprague, Edgewater Farm, Plainfield NH:

Summer cover: buckwheat

Summer cover: Japanese millet

White clover strips between crops

Bob Muth, Muth Farms, Williamstown, NJ:

Long-term rotation with cover crops

Summer cover: Sudex

Leaf mulching and cover crops

Eileen Droescher, Ol' Turtle Farm, Easthampton MA:

Permanent beds and crop rotation

Sudex undersown with red clover

Steve Groff, Cedar Meadow Farm, Holtwood, PA:

Planting no-till cover crops

Managing residues for no-till

Planting no-till vegetables

To order, download and print this form to mail in with your check.

A 43-minute educational video featuring 6 farms in 5 northeastern states, produced by Ted Blomgren, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, and Tracy Frisch, Regional Farm and Food Project, with funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, U.S.D.A.

Content:

Cut Flowers: Keith Cramer, Cramer's Posie Patch, Elizabethtown PA

Sweet Cherries: Ed Weaver, Weaver's Orchard, Morgantown WV

Tomatoes: Steve Groff, Cedar Meadow Farm, Holt PA

Tomatoes: Andy Jones, Intervale Community Farm, Burlington VT

Greens: David and Ty Zemelsky, Starlight Gardens, Durham CT

Greens: Seth Jacobs, Slack Hollow Farm, Argyle NY

Also see the manual that accompanies this DVD.

To order, download and print this form to mail in with your check.

A 45-minute educational DVD featuring 9 farms in 4 northeastern states, produced by: Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension with funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program, U.S.D.A.

Content:

Effects of Tillage on Soil Health: Dr. Harold van Es, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Soil Spader to Incorporate Cover Crops and Compost: Jean-Paul Cortens and Jody Bolluyt, Roxbury Farm, Kinderhook NY

Chisel Plow and Field Cultivator to Prepare Fields: Ed Person, Ledgewood Farm, Moultonboro NH

Small-Scale No-Till Using Compost as Mulch: Jay and Polly Armour, Four Winds Farm, Gardiner NY

Zone Tillage: Dr. Anu Rangaranjan, Dept. of Horticulture, Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Custom-made zone-tiller: George Ayers, Fresh Ayr Farm, Farmington NY

No-Till Using Killed Ryegrass: Erik Buzby, A.T. Buzby Farm, Woodstown NJ

Ridge Till Research: Dr. Charles Mohler, Dept. of Crop and Soil Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Ridge Till and Cover Crops: Eric and Anne Nordell, Beech Grove Farm, Trout Run PA

To order, download and print this form to mail in with your check.

A 75-minute educational DVD on weed cultivation and flaming equipment, featuring 9 farms in three northeastern states produced by Vern Grubinger, University of Vermont Extension, and Mary Jane Else, University of Massachusetts Extension with funding from Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE), USDA

Content:
Bob Gray, Four Corners Farm, Newbury VT:

Custom cultivator for plastic

Rolling cultivator

Finger weeder

John Arena Jr., Arena Farms, Concord MA:

Custom cultivator for plastic mulch edges

Tim Taylor, Crossroad Farm, Fairlee VT:

Basket weeder

Rotary hoe

Batwing shovels

Field cultivator

Chuck Armstrong, Fiddlehead Farm, Brownsville VT:

Bezzerides tools

Flex-tine weeder

Lockwood 'Pooh' Sprague, Edgewater Farm, Plainfield NH:

Flex-tine weeder

Basket weeder

Sweeps

Gary Gemme, Harvest Farm, Whately MA:

Basket weeder

Sweeps

Tom Harlow, Kestrel Farm, Westminster VT:

Custom flame weeder

Stale seed bed roller

Steve and Ray Mong, Applefield Farm, Stow MA:

Bezzerides' tools

Flame weeders

Jake Guest, Killdeer Farm, Norwich VT:

Backpack flame weeder

Tractor-mounted flame weeder

To order, download and print this form to mail in with your check.