University of Vermont Extension

UVM Extension farm business educators work with dairy and livestock farm owners to assess and plan for business changes to meet water quality goals. Farm owners can work one-on-one with a business educator to evaluate the feasibility and impact of changes facing the farm and business. Topics for business support include strategic planning for your farm, integrated conservation business planning, and project support. 

Services offered include:

  • Cash flow and budget analysis
  • Current business situation analysis
  • Assessing the adoption of new practices and new investments
  • Short and long-term strategic planning
  • Farm transfer or exit planning
  • Referrals to other in-depth business planning programs and services when necessary

For more information on this program, see our Water Quality Business Analysis Best Practices for Project Planning (PDF).

If you are interested in this program, contact Zac Smith at zachary.m.smith@uvm.edu or 802-656-7624 for assistance.

Agricultural Business Library

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Haylage Cost of Production (PDF) 

A technical report for evaluating forage economics, feed value, and water quality considerations in Vermont dairy systems


Corn Silage Cost of Production (PDF)

A technical report for evaluating forage economics, feed value, and water quality considerations in Vermont dairy systems


Using Cost of Production Analyses to Evaluate Hay Improvement, Double Cropping, Corn-Hay Field Decisions, and Cropland Acquisition (PDF)

A field-level economic and agricultural water-quality decision guide


The Economics of High Quality Forage (PDF) 

This article examines what differentiates high-quality forage from low-quality forage, and its impact on milk production, herd health, and feed costs


Alternative Feed Sources (PDF)

Looking beyond feed cost to make better whole-farm decisions: a practical guide for dairy producers and service providers


Double Cropping: Harvesting Cover Crops for Forage (PDF)

When managed correctly, double-cropping can increase forage inventories, offset purchased feed costs, and improve the overall return from cover crop acres without requiring additional acres