Spring
2001
WAgN:
LOOKING BACK AND FORWARD
By Mary Peabody, WAgN Director
Spring will be here by the time you read this (well, on the calendar at
least). Somehow I continue to be surprised at how fast the seasons seem
to fly. Five years seemed like such a long time when we started the Women’s
Ag Network. Although it doesn’t seem possible, we have reached the final
stretch of the WAgN five-year pilot. Poised here, between the past and
the future, it seems an appropriate time to update you on a little of
what’s happened since 1995 and what we hope for the future.
We started out with a mailing list of about 20 individuals, all in Vermont.
We now mail our newsletter to over 1200 individuals, the majority of you
are still in Vermont but we also count women from many other states and
several foreign countries among our friends. We have a sister program
in Maine and another underway in New Hampshire. Over 150 individuals have
completed Growing Places, another 55 have completed StartUp. Over 100
individuals participate in a discussion group and over 600 individuals
have participated in workshops, conferences and other learning opportunities.
In short, businesses have been starting and growing all over the state.
The number of female owned farms and ag-related businesses in Vermont
increased by 123 between 1992 and 1997 and we expect that number to continue
to increase in the next census of agriculture. All in all, we have fulfilled
our missionand then some!
Those of you who have been with us since the beginning know that the one
luxury we have never enjoyed is an abundance of funding. Every year it
seems we have patched together a funding strategy and, except for one
nine-month stretch, we’ve been able to keep the doors open. We’ve even
managed to stretch our funding to last an extra six months, but by September
30, 2001 our original funding source will end.
So what’s next? Well, we’ll be looking for additional funding to keep the program operating. And, thanks to all the feedback from you, we have plenty of new ideas for continued growth and programming. We will continue to keep you posted through the summer with our efforts. With the right combination of skill and luck, we’ll find additional funding to keep WAgN growing. If that strategy doesn’t work, we’ll consider other creative solutions. Regardless of the future funding outcome however, we can’t lose sight of all that we have learned, and continue to learn, from each other. Working with each and every one of you is a pleasure and a privilege that I will always treasure. Sometimes we need to remember to celebrate our accomplishments without worrying about tomorrow. My challenge to you this spring is to find something in your life worth celebrating and just do it!
GROWING PLACES STARTING SOON !
Cycle 11 of Growing Places is set for six consecutive Wednesday Evenings
starting on April 18th and running through May 23rd from 5-9pm at the
UVM Extension Office in Berlin. Some of the topics will include goal-setting,
marketing, finances and networking.
The purpose of Growing Places is to help you evaluate the possibilities
and realities of starting an agriculturally based business. The cost of
the workshop is $75 and financial assistance is available, if needed.
Contact the WAgN Office or go to our website for further information and
an on-line printable registration form.
ALTERNATIVE ENTERPRISES FOR HIGHER PROFITS AND HEALTHIER
LAND
Source: US Dept of Ag Natural Resources Conservation Service Alternative
Enterprises Brochure
What’s the Big Idea?
Choosing the right alternative enterprise can bring you higher profits,
which means more money and more opportunities to keep your family on the
farm, and your farm in your family. Making the right choice can produce
a stronger economy for your community, and increase awareness of the many
values and uses of natural resources
Here are some alternative enterprises. One of them might be right for
you!
Recreational Enterprises
Hunting, skeet-shooting, archery and paintball; fishing, kayaking, and
canoeing; hiking and biking; rock climbing and cave exploration; picnicking
and camping; bed and breakfasts; pony rides, petting zoos, and other animal
attractions; birdwatching; nature photography; farm and ranch vacations
Crops/Horticultural Enterprises
Herbs and dried flowers; bedding plants; pick-your-own fruit, berries
and vegetable Operations; community gardens; seed production; wildlife
feeds; organic food products
Agroforestry Enterprises
Maple syrup production; nut, herb, mushroom, and fruit growing; Christmas
tree farms and nurseries; home decorations; furniture making and part
production
Livestock Enterprises
Specialty meats; leather, feathers, wool, and mohair; breeding animals
for resale; organic range-fed meat, poultry, and dairy products
Aquaculture
Fish and shellfish farming; reptile and amphibian products; aquatic plants
Non-Farm Enterprises
Self-storage units for recreational vehicles, boats, motorcycles, and
furniture; animal boarding and facilities for field trials and trail riding;
insect production; outdoor classrooms; plays, concerts, and celebrations
of historical events; fairs, farmers markets, arts and crafts shows, and
re-enactments
Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA’s)
CSA is a new way to put the power of partnerships to work for people,
farms, and the environment. Through CSA, farmers and consumers make annual
agreements with each other that benefit local agriculture, economies,
and natural resources.
Get Off to a Smart Start
Before you choose an alternative enterprise, contact your USDA Resource
Conservation and Development (RC&D) area office. They can help you discover
opportunities for diversifying into new enterprises or expanding those
that you already have. Together you will assess the natural, economic,
and social resources on your operation. You will: Identify the potential
of the resources on your land or operation; evaluate the possible effects
that the enterprise could have on your resources and operation; examine
the capabilities and limits of your resources; assure that your alternative
enterprise is sustainable and compatible with resources on your operation
and in your community; learn about laws and regulations regarding your
choice of enterprise
Alternative Enterprises Can Mean Higher Profits and Healthier Land
To find out more about alternative enterprises, contact your USDA Resource
Conservation and Development (RC&D) area office. To find the location
of your RC&D office, contact your local USDA service center or visit our
website: http://www.nhq.nrcs.usda.gov/RESS/econ/ressd.htm
MEET SOME OF OUR FARMERS!
Each month, we profile one of our many, wonderful farmers on our WAgN
web page. Here are the women we have featured in the past months:
Jennifer Gilligan--Andrews Farm in Richmond--Jennifer operates
a farm store selling homegrown vegetables, homemade pies and breads, local
maple syrup, honey, Vermont cheeses, as well as antiques and local handmade
crafts. Although the store is the most visible of Jennifer's businesses,
she also runs a kitchen design business and raises sheep.
The sheep business came from a strong belief that a working landscape
means livestock on the land. In 1999 she was awarded a Sustainable Agriculture
Research and Education (SARE) grant to research marketing of lamb to ethnic
groups in Vermont. She had noticed that a number of immigrants asked to
buy sheep for meat directly from the her farm, and learned that there
is a growing population of people of other heritages in the Burlington
area.
Jennifer started the store at the farm five years ago and is open seven
days a week May through October. They sell food and other items, but a
really important "product" here is that glimpse of local history and a
working farm.
Jennifer got involved with WAgN through the 'Growing Places' program several
years ago. She is also involved in the Burlington Area Discussion Group.
Jennifer appreciates the other resources available to her from WAgN. She’s
used the WAgN Resource Library and found it very helpful. Mary Peabody,
WAgN's Director, has been a valuable advisor and a good devil's advocate
to help her look at all sides of issues. When she first got involved with
producer associations (graziers, sheep breeders, organic farmers) she
was pleasantly surprised to see WAgN represented at meetings and conferences.
It proved to her that WAgN was interested in knowing what was going on
in the agricultural community, in being visible and approachable, not
just interested in theory of business, but its practice.
Jennifer's store is closed for the winter but will reopen in May 2001
for the season. If you would like more information about Jennifer's businesses
(kitchen design, the Andrews Farm Store or the sheep) and/or be placed
on her mailing list, please call her at (802) 434-2999 or email her at
jeng@together.net
Robin Russell--New
Acadia Farm in Tunbridge--In 1994, Robin purchased the property that
is now known as New Acadia Farm (Acadia means "Heaven on Earth"). Robin
was looking for an historical farm setting to start her own summer camp
and year-round retreat while raising her two young children. Lacking any
business background, Robin wrote a business plan and graduated from the
Women’s Small Business Program Start Up course offered that year in Rutland.
That spring she opened Happy Hearts Day Camp for children ages 7-13 and
eventually turned it into Ash Tree Knoll Overnight Camp. With the dual
purpose of offering camp programs and managing the land, the farm has
had a diversified mix of animals including sheep, goats, a pot-bellied
pig, pastured poultry, cows, horses and border collies.
This past year saw the third phase of Robin’s plan--the addition of year-round
accommodations for retreats and farm vacationers. She and her husband,
Joe Sykes, an experienced carpenter, decided not to run Happy Hearts Camp
and instead spent six weeks renovating the 1,500 square foot, three bedroom
Retreat House, originally built as the previous landowner’s residence.
Robin's business is at a crossroads as she considers what's next for New
Acadia Farm. She is seeking creative ways to bring others on board who
share her vision, either through cooperatives, farm transfers, partnerships
or management teams. Robin also plans to host a series of Discussion Groups
through WAgN, as there are others in the region looking at the same possibilities
for agri-tourism, education, and organic methods of farming to become
a part of their farm management.
If you're interested in learning more about New Acadia Farm, please contact
Robin at (802) 889-3246 or e-mail her at acadia@together.net
. You can view the Retreat House and learn more by visiting the web site
at http://www2.cyberrentals.com/VTCEN/RussCEN.html.
For this month’s interview, click here on Spotlight
on a Farmer; for the complete version of past interviews click here
on Archives.
SPOTLIGHT ON AN AGENCY
The Vermont Development Credit Union (VDCU) was founded in 1989. Situated
in the Old North End of Burlington, VDCU is a state-wide community development
credit union that uses counseling-based financial services to foster economic
development among moderate and lower-income Vermonters and other groups
not served by the traditional financial services industry. In addition
to personal banking services, VDCU also provides loans to small businesses
that are just getting started, expanding or restructuring. Loan funds
through VDCU can be used for working capital, inventory financing, equipment
purchase, vehicle purchase and debt restructuring or consolidation.
A unique component to their loan programs is the technical assistance
they provide to clients, to help them develop and build their business
skills in order to increase their success as business owners. Their premise
that “we don’t say no, we say when” is supported through these counseling-based
services, which provides the necessary training to get individuals prepared
for the responsibility of taking out a loan.
For more information about the small business loan program at VDCU, contact
Dede Schlageter, Loan Officer, at (800) 865-VDCU or visit their website
at www.vdcu.org.
SBDC OFFERS FREE FINANCIAL ANALYSIS
FOR BUSINESSES
The Vermont Small Business Development Center is now offering a free financial
health checkup for any business in Vermont. This free financial analysis
can identify areas where your business is strong or weak, evaluate its
cash flow position, indicate trends affecting profitability and compare
your business, from a financial standpoint, to those that are similar
in your industry.
The analysis is accomplished through the Compare2 software program developed
by Robert Morris Associates (RMA). RMA is one of the foremost sources
of commercial financial data in the country and RMA data is often the
tool that a commercial loan officer uses in evaluating whether to lend
money to a business asking for financing. The SBDC has been licensed by
RMA to perform the Compare2 analysis for businesses in Vermont. The way
the analysis works is, information from income statements, balance sheets,
cash flow statements or tax returns is entered into the Compare2 spreadsheet.
The information is then compared to a database of similar businesses throughout
the country. The Compare2 program will determine, from a financial standpoint,
where a business is strong, average or needing improvement. With this
information, the business owner can decide where to make changes to improve
the financial condition of the business.
If you are interested in determining how well your agricultural business
is doing financially, contact your local SBDC Business Specialist for
a free Compare2 analysis. SBDC counselors are located at all twelve Regional
Development Corporations around the state. To locate the SBDC advisor
for your area, contact the SBDC Lead Center in Randolph Center at (800)
464-SBDC or visit www.vtsbdc.org.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!
Meghan Giroux, a documentary film maker, is currently in pre-production
on a film about Vermont women in agriculture. Meghan feels that "farmers,
women in particular, are the saving graces, keeping the agricultural integrity
of Vermont intact." For more information, or to find out how you can get
involved, please contact Meghan at (802) 233-5874 or meghanjuno@aol.com
NEW FINANCING OPTIONS WEB PAGE
Click here to check out our new Financing
Options Page on the WAgN site. You’ll find information on a variety
of agencies that offer loan programs to help you finance your business.
WAgN DISCUSSION LIST
Would you like to join WAgN’s e-mail discussion list? Just e-mail Maria.Erb@uvm.edu
and indicate that you would like to be subscribed to the list. This is
an excellent opportunity to post questions to other members, receive pertinent
ag info/updates, and post your classifieds for items related to your ag-based
business. Join today!
RECIPE FOR SUCCESS CLASS
At the Highgate Community Center, Sky Line Drive, Barre, Vermont May 15
June 7, 2001 Tuesday and Thursday evenings 6-8pm Sponsored by CENTRAL
VERMONT COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL (CVCAC) Do you want to be your own boss?
Do you want to start your own specialty food business? The Micro Business
Development Program with the help of the Vermont Food Venture Center is
offering a wonderful program to help you find out! This class will give
you the information you need to start your own food business.
Recipe for Success will offer training on: Finding a Specialty Food Niche;
Labeling & Nutritional Analysis; Regulations; Recipe Scaling; Food Math;
Production Planning and Cost; Safe Food Handling and Serv-Safe Certification.
For more information, contact Margaret Ferguson, Central Vermont Community
Action Council, 195 US Route 302, Barre, VT 05641 (802) 479-1053 or toll
free (800) 639-1053. This project is funded by a grant from the JOLI Program
of the US Dept. of Health and Human Services.
NEW ENGLAND WAgN NEWS
Maine WAgN
By Stephanie Gilbert, WAgN Coordinator
We’re digging out from under snowbanks, moving boxes and confusion to
explore new possibilities. In February, the University of Maine Cooperative
Extension office serving Androscoggin and Sagadahoc counties relocated
and so did WAgN. Our newly renovated building, formerly the Lisbon Falls
town hall, is very sunny and welcoming; it is handicapped accessible and
includes two large conference rooms and plenty of work space to grow into.
Our new address and phone info is: Maine WAgN c/o UMCE, 24 Main Street,
Lisbon Falls, ME 04252-1505 Phone(207) 353-5550 Fax (207) 353-5558
WAgN’s March 15th meeting was the inaugural evening meeting at our new
office and was very well attended. Eight WAgN members met for one hour
and were then joined by 32 other people to learn about beginning organic
gardening from Dr. Eric Sideman, technical advisor for Maine Organic Farmers
and Gardeners.
WAgN is celebrating other new beginnings as well. After two unsuccessful
bids for other grants, we have a success to report! The Rural Microenterprise
Assistance Project (RMAP) was recently awarded funding from Maine’s newly
legislated Microenterprise Initiative Fund which is administered by the
Maine State Department of Economic and Community Development. The RMAP
project will bring WAgN, the Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community
and the Maine Small Business Development Centers together as partners
to provide outreach, education, technical assistance and one-on-one business
counseling to 200 participants statewide. WAgN will function as an outreach
mechanism for the project. WAgN’s director and coordinator will serve
on the project’s management team and anticipate guiding many WAgN members
into the 2-year project.
WAgN is also working on its first annual report and gearing up for a major
fundraising effort please stay tuned for more good news in the next newsletter.
Happy Spring!
Beginner Farmers of NH
By Elizabeth Obelenus, Council Member &
Jennifer Mayo, State Coordinator
The snowed-out poultry workshop in February was the only time winter got
the better of Beginner Farmers of NH! We’ve been carefully traveling over
our winding, frost heaved roads to attend county planning meetings and
monthly workshops, covering subjects from sheep breeding to organic certification.
Late Winter has brought more snow than anyone remembers. Farmers have
been heard grumbling about the prospects of a spectacular mud-season.
(Is anyone tapping?) Beginner Farmers (BF) in five counties have planned
or are about to plan their spring/summer meetings/workshops. The excitement
builds as we take the time to identify and envision just what they want
to learn this year. BF then goes forth and with the help of our volunteer
council, finds the speakers and places, and makes the interchange happen.
It has been a busy time for conferences several members have been sponsored
to attend a variety of conferences in order to bring back the info to
share at the county meetings. One BF has traveled to Texas to learn all
the in’s & outs of cashmere goats and the basics of getting money for
your fiber. Two others attended the New England Direct Marketing Conference
and Trade Show held in Manchester, NH at the end of February. They split
up the schedule and spent the day in a combination of workshops. Another
event was an all day workshop designed for beginning farmers, learning
about goal setting, how to access land, and how to develop a market for
farm products. Because the presentation was done so well, our group hopes
to sponsor the workshop for its members this year.
In the next few months we will be focusing on a diverse array of topics
at our various county meetings: presentations on grafting of fruit trees,
herbs, mushrooms, poultry, how to buy used farm equipment, and sharing
home remedies for what ails us.
This is a particularly exciting time since we have embarked on a major
campaign to expand our resources and add to our human resources to meet
the needs of all those new and beginner farmers who keep on coming! We
are fortunate to have been able to bring on two of our members to assist
in this transition. If you have to work off the farm what could be more
fun then having a job to assist other farmers! To Contact us by phone
(603)364-5279 or by e-mail bf@cyberportal.net
.
WOMEN’S SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAM/
VT WOMEN’S BUSINESS CENTER
New Time and Location for Business Owner Marketing Group!
The bi-monthly Business Owner Marketing Group, co-sponsored by the Women’s
Small Business Program and the Micro Business Development Program, will
be switching to a new time and location. Starting Friday, March 2, the
group will meet from 8-9am at the Scrumptious Café in Burlington. As always,
this group provides an opportunity for women in business to share ideas
and meet other women business owners. Scrumptious Café is located at the
corner of North Champlain Street and North Street. Please call WSBP at
(802) 846-7338 if you need directions!
Start-Up
Learn to research and write a business plan while doing a market and financial
feasibility study of your business. This 15-week course will be offered
again in September 2001 and February 2002. The course can be taken for
9 college credits. Co-sponsored by the Vermont Women’s Business Center
and the Women’s Small Business Program. Cost is $1,250, with grants available
for eligible participants. For more information, contact the Vermont Women’s
Business Center: Toll Free (877) 770-VWBC or Local (802) 846-7160 or e-mail
at VWBC@trinityvt.edu
NEEDS ASSESSMENT RESULTS
Thanks to everyone who filled out our “Needs Assessment” survey that was
in the Winter 2001 WAgN newsletter! We gathered some very good information
from those of you who responded.
Here is a summary of the results:
· Ways people participated in WAgN 30% Discussion Group; 20%
Growing Places; 88% Newsletter; 5% Start Up; 5%
Tech Support; 12% Web Page; 30% Workshops; 15% Other
· 23% of those who responded have participated in Discussion Groups
that are held monthly around the state
· 45% of those who responded don’t attend Discussion Groups because
they are too busy in their daily lives
· 63% of respondents would be interested in attending a Discussion
Group if it were offered in their area
· 83% have regular access to e-mail and the Internet
· 45% are interested in receiving our mailings via e-mail
· 53% are interested in being on the WAgN e-mail discussion listserv
· 65% are interested in taking web-based on-line courses or workshops
· 85% currently operate an ag-related business
· Longevity in business 25% 0-4 Years; 27% 5-9 Years; 33%
10+ Years
· Types Of Businesses Owned By Respondents--Numerous responses including
diversified farms, dairy cow farms, sheep farms (dairy, meat & fiber),
goat farms (dairy & fiber), poultry farms (eggs & meat), llama farms (fiber),
horse farms, vegetable farms, straw and hay sales, Community Supported
Ag Farms (CSA), greenhouses/nurseries, landscaping, maple syrup, wood
products, herb growers & value added herb products, medicinal herbs, bed
and breakfasts, agri-tourism, farm stands/stores selling farm products
· Land based production breakdown 8% Less than 1 Acre; 22%
1-5 Acres; 3% 6-12 Acres; 45% 12+ Acres
· 33% of respondents feel their business is meeting their financial
expectations
You gave us lots of excellent ideas for workshops from the practical hands-on
courses like tool sharpening, chain saw safety, tractor maintenance, transitioning
to organic gardening, and lamb birthing clinics to the business management
courses like financial management, marketing, web page design, and tax
advantages and disadvantages for agriculturally based business.
Many thanks for the kudos to WAgN and for all your wonderful suggestions
on how we might serve you better in the future! Have a wonderful spring!
DISCUSSION GROUPS AND
WAgN's CALENDAR OF EVENTS
To view the complete list of upcoming Discussion Groups and our Calendar
of Events, click on the links below.
WAgN
Women's Agricultural Network
590 Main St., UVM
Burlington, VT 05405
(802) 656-3276
or wagn@zoo.uvm.edu
 |
University of Vermont Extension and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, notional orgin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status. |