Vermont’s horticultural farms are diverse (PDF), with many types of crops, production systems, markets, and growers. Our team uses multiple communication channels and educational tools to build social capital in the community while providing technical support to address an array of needs identified by growers and/or required by regulations. This approach focuses on sharing best practices developed by growers and people that work with them.
Our Team
- Terry Bradshaw, Tree Fruit and Grape Specialist, maintains information on the commercial horticulture site, edits a monthly e-newsletter, and advises growers on production issues.
- Chris Callahan, Agricultural Engineer, leads the Agricultural Engineering program, provides growers with guidance on high tunnels and greenhouses, post-harvest facilities, renewable energy, and more. He also leads the Northeast Center to Advance Food Safety (NECAFS) which supports education and outreach related to the FSMA Produce Safety Rule and Preventive Controls for Human Foods Rule.
- Julie Callahan, Farmer Engagement Specialist, helps growers understand, and when appropriate, apply to state, federal and private funding programs that can provide financial support for sustainable production practices and infrastructure investments needed to help their farms thrive.
- Andy Chamberlin, Outreach Professional, supports growers with advice on post-harvest projects, and shares grower experiences through the Farmers Share podcast. He also supports the development of post-harvest resources.
- Hans Estrin, Produce Safety Specialist, supports growers with produce safety plans and activities, post- harvest handling issues, and he coordinates the Community Accreditation for Produce Safety (CAPS) program.
- Vern Grubinger, Vegetable and Berry Specialist, maintains information on the commercial horticulture site, edits a monthly e-newsletter, and advises growers on production issues. He collaborates closely with the Vermont Vegetable and Berry Growers Association to develop educational resources on their website.
- Ann Hazelrigg, Plant Pathologist and director of Plant Diagnostic Clinic, supports growers with integrated pest management advice and pest identification. She also leads the Pesticide Safety Education Program at UVM that provides education for certified pesticide applicators.
- Laura Johnson, Pollinator Support Specialist, provides education and conducts applied research on farming practices that help insect pollinators thrive in agricultural settings. She develops and curates publications and protocols related to pollinator well-being on farms, and helps growers design pollinator support plans for their farms.
- Becky Maden, Vegetable Nutrient Management Specialist, supports growers with soil health activities and plans, including cover cropping, soil testing, fertilizer and soil amendment selection and rates, as well as general production issues.
- Margaret Skinner, Research Professor, and Cheryl Sullivan, Research Assistant Professor, of the UVM Entomology Research Lab, provide education and conduct applied research for commercial growers, with a focus on biocontrols. They also provide insect pest identification in collaboration with the UVM Plant Diagnostic Clinic.
- Rachel Stievater, NRCS Outreach Specialist, helps growers understand, and if appropriate, enroll in Natural Resources Conservation Service programs such as the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP).
Other UVM resources for growers include:
- UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing Lab offers soil testing and fertilizer recommendations for fruits, vegetables, and many other crops.
- UVM Extension’s Agricultural Business Management team and the New Farmer project offer financial and business planning and management education.
- The UVM Vermont Entomology and Participatory Action Research Team conducts on-farm research on vegetable insect pests.