As soon as you know you want to raise livestock, the first step is to learn what's possible, what's working on Vermont farms (and what isn't) by connecting with other farmers. This is the right time to start attending pasture walks, workshops, conferences, and any other learning opportunity you can find. By seeing and hearing from those who are at different stages of developing their operations, you can get your own farm started in the ways most likely to work for your own goals.

• Sign up for the Pasture Calendar to receive a monthly email with details of pasture walks and other chances to learn.
• Subscribe to OnPasture.com (paid subscription)
• Connect with and/or join local farmer organizations:
  • Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition: a group of Farmers in the Lake Champlain Basin who have taken on a leadership role to show that a strong Local Farm Economy and a clean Lake Champlain can work together.
  • Connecticut River Farmers Watershed Alliance: a farmer-led group aimed at helping farmers implement environmentally sound practices in Vermont & New Hampshire.
  • Farmers' Watershed Alliance: a Franklin and Grand Isle based organization that provides assistance and funding to farmers to help minimize environmental impacts.
  • Vermont Sheep and Goat Association: aim is to promote humane treatment of animals, a high-level of animal health, and sustainable farmland stewardship on all farms, as producers of meat, dairy and fiber.
  • Vermont Beef Producers: a service based non-profit organization that strives to be the foundation of a profitable and sustainable beef industry in Vermont.
  • American Pastured Poultry Producers Association: a membership based organization that provides education, collaboration, and networking opportunities for pastured poultry farmers.
  • Maryland Small Ruminant Program: an information portal for sheep and goat producers.

Describe your Goals and the Current State of the Farm: Document your goals & priorities, in clear and quantifiable terms. Then describe the current state of the farm by attempting to capture this moment in time​; Find other business planning resources below:

• Holistic Management International: To envision and realize healthy, resilient lands and thriving communities by serving people in the practice of Holistic Decision Making & Management
• Intervale Business Planning Services: offers information, assistance, and encouragement to beginning and aspiring farmers in the state of Vermont through one-on-one coaching and business planning. Coaching sessions last from one to two hours; at the end, you’ll come away with a learning plan that includes prioritized learning areas, objectives, and steps to reach those objectives.

The following books are great resources for those needing an overview and introduction to livestock and grazing:

• The Art and Science of Grazing book by Sarah Flack offers a great overview of grazing and information for grazing in VT’s climate & topography
• Sheep Care Guide: Covers information on stress and well-being criteria, facilities & handling, transportation, managing predation, nutrition, flock health program, shearing, hoof trimming, lambing & care of the lamb and ewe, exhibition practices, harvest practices, and additional resources.
• Carol Delaney’s A Guide to Starting a Commercial Goat Dairy: is an excellent overview and reference guide for all aspects of goat dairy enterprises