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A template for creating a farm emergency plan. Includes emergency contact info, farm maps, animal census, biosecurity assessment, generator information, and overall emergency plan.

This worksheet is designed to help farmers go through the 5 step climate adaptation planning process and have a word document to produce a complete plan.

This fact sheet presents an overview of the most common components and options in drip irrigation systems, accompanied by estimated costs.

Researchers from MISTRA EviEM reviewed 351 published research studies looking at carbon(C) sequestration in the soil profile under different tillage management systems. They found C stock increases under no-tillage compared to full tillage in the upper soil (0-30 cm) in studies of 10 years or more, while no effect was detected in the full soil profile.

Also known as ‘transferred mulch,’ “cut and carry” refers to the practice of growing, harvesting and moving loads of mulch from one part of the farm (or a neighboring farm) to another, usually as loose greenchop or ensiled material. This practice has been used to reduce tillage in organic vegetable production systems by using thick mulch to suppress weeds. Cut and carry can also be used as a fertility strategy, through the harvest, application, and incorporation of legumes onto cropped acres.

A webinar on best practices where grazing systems and waterways interact on the farm.

High tunnels and greenhouses provide protection for crops, extend the growing season, and improve yield and quality. However, climate change brings both a higher frequency and increased intensity of extreme weather events. It is important to think about how high tunnel structures can best be built and modified to endure the extremes. The information below is a summary of experiences shared by the growers of the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association (VVBGA).

Andy Jones, Manager, Intervale Community Farm in Burlington, Vermont talks about farming successfully on the floodplain in the face of climate change. Andy talks about his strategies including managing water, protecting soils, and using high tunnels; the specifics about his seeding rates and timing for cover crops and see the equipment he uses; how he manages extended wet periods and dry periods with different irrigation methods and crop rotations.

On Upinngil Farm in Massachusetts they're growing strawberries and grapes and grazing livestock, using grass-based milk sales to provide income stability. High tunnels have provided both season extension and climate control. Farmer Clifford Hatch says, "We are working to manage the risks of this resource in the best possible way."

John Oliver humorously explains what carbon offsets are, what they claim to do, and how they might be making climate change even worse.

Farmer Pooh Sprague of Edgewater Farm in New Hampshire talks about his reliance on high tunnels, extreme weather as the new normal, and other strategies for protected growing of the farm's key crops. He notes the importance of practices that build the soil's health and resiliency.

Biodiversity for a Livable Climate presents a talk by Walter Jehne, Australian climate scientist and soil microbiologist who is the Director of Healthy Soils Australia.

Country-wide weather reports and forecasts.

Installing tile drainage on fields has the potential to pay for itself with more reliable and maybe improve crop yield. However, there are several factors to keep in mind that impact drainage efficiency or return on investment. This fact sheet outlines considerations and further resources.

Production, business, and funding resources from the University of Vermont.

This informative document explains the ways in which farmers can adapt to climate change, the potential current and future impacts of climate change on their farm, and how adapting will help them.

A still-relevant summary from 2015 of the observed past and projected future climate changes in the region that are relevant to wildlife and ecosystems, as well as what we know and don’t know in order to raise managers’ confidence in their planning.

This guide is written for anyone seeking help from federal programs to foster sustainable and innovative initiatives associated with agriculture and forestry in this country and territories. Sustainability can be understood to embrace the triple concepts of economic, environmental and social viability. A reader can find information about program resources pertaining to economic development; farm loans; insurance and risk management; local food systems, value added and marketing innovations; natural resources conservation and management; nutrition and consumer food access; renewable energy and energy conservation; and research and outreach. The guide can help farmers, researchers, entrepreneurs, community developers, private landowners, conservationists, and other individuals, as well as private and public businesses and organizations. It describes program resources ranging from grants and loans to technical assistance and information resources.

Current and historical US topographic maps available as digital files or printed to order. You can also create maps.

Policy and guidance on requesting a fee for service or denial of service from the Farm Service Agency, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Rural Business Service, the Rural Housing Service, or the Rural Utilities Service.

The 1990 Farm Bill created the 2501 Program to help underserved farmers, ranchers and foresters who have historically experienced limited access to USDA programs and services. Grants are awarded to community-based and non-profit organizations, higher education institutions and eligible tribal entities with at least 3 years of experience in working with socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers or veteran farmers and ranchers. Individual farmers and ranchers are not eligible to apply for 2501 Program grants.

The Disaster Resource Center provides information on how to prepare, recover and build long-term resilience during disasters and emergencies. Includes critical resources on specific disaster types, including drought, pest and disease, weather events, and fire.

A newsletter that is weekly during the growing season with crop conditions, pest alerts, news, events, and detailed articles on everything from pest management to labor issues to post-harvest best practices.

An educational program that improves the ability of Extension professionals and others to give management advice to farmers and ranchers based on a whole-farm analysis of their operation.