By Dana Ruppert
Extension Working Lands Professional
University of Vermont

Jon Deloge and Lizzie Devane started Slipstream Farm in Newfane, Vermont, in 2021 to grow and sell organic, gourmet mushrooms at farmers markets, restaurants and specialty markets. They currently grow five varieties of fresh mushrooms and also produce mushroom-based medicinal tinctures.

Their goal is to expand their business operations and increase production and sales by 50 to 75 percent. They’re also exploring the production and sale of compost using the nutrient-dense byproducts of their mushroom cultivation process.

The growers reached out to the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board to enroll in its Farm and Forest Viability program to seek help revising their business plan. They wanted to learn more about marketing, product diversification and how to make Slipstream Farm’s energy-intense operation more efficient.

Through the program, they were connected with the University of Vermont (UVM) Extension Farm Viability team and currently are working with Jeremy Russo, an Extension farm and forest business educator.

Russo is helping Slipstream Farm refine its business plan and has connected the growers with other technical assistance providers based on the farm’s specific needs. For example, they are consulting with UVM Extension’s Agricultural Engineering team to enhance the energy efficiency of their operation. In addition, they are receiving help from the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont’s Marketing Technical Assistance Services to update their tincture labels.

According to Deloge and Devane, "The Farm and Forest Viability program has been invaluable to our small farm, connecting us with experts we wouldn't have otherwise had access to and helping us brainstorm, strategize and develop as a business. We are grateful to UVM Extension and to the state for supporting small producers with programs like this."

To learn more or register for business planning services available through the UVM Extension Farm Viability and Forest Business programs, visit "Farm, Forest, and Maple Business Coaching Sessions."