Extension Professor: Agronomy Specialist

Heather Darby is an agronomic and soils specialist for the University of Vermont Extension. She received her MS from the University of Wisconsin in Agronomy and her Ph.D. in Crops and Soils at Oregon State University. Being raised on a dairy farm in Northwestern Vermont has also allowed her to play an active role in all aspects of dairy farming as well as gain knowledge of the land and create an awareness of the hard work and dedication required to operate a farm. These practical experiences complemented by her education have focused her attention towards sustainable agriculture and promotion of environmental stewardship of the land. Heather is involved with implementing many research and outreach programs in the areas of fuel, forage and grain production systems in New England. Outreach programs have focused on delivering on-farm education in the areas of soil health, nutrient management, organic grain and forage production, and oilseed production. Research has focused on traditional and niche crop variety trials, weed management strategies and cropping systems development.

Publications

Research reports and project information can be found at www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil

  • Darby, H., S. Bosworth, and K. Hills. 2009. Digging In: A Nutrient Management Course for Farmers. University of Vermont Extension.
  • Behar, H., C. Daley, H. Darby, S. Flack, E. Maltby, L. McCrory, 2010. How to Comply with the Pasture Rule on Your Organic Dairy Farm: A 10 Step Summary. eXtension Foundation [Online]. Available at: http://www.extension.org/article/30340 (verified 10 Oct 2010).
  • Darby, H., P. Halteman, V. Grubinger. 2010. Sunflowers for Biofuel Production. eXtension Foundation [Online]. Available at: http://www.extension.org/article/29605 (verified 07 Nov 2010).
  • Darby, H.M. 2009. Organic Dairy Cropping Systems. eXtension Foundation [Online]. Available at: http://www.extension.org/article/18324 (verified 22 Sept 2009).
  • Darby, H.M. and Gamroth, M. 2009. Strategies for Extending the Grazing Season on Organic Farms [Online]. eXtension Foundation. Available at: http://www.extension.org/article/18648 (verified 22 Sept 2009).
  • Sexton, P., N. Currie, H. Darby, J. Jemison, and J. Cancelarich. 2009. A Case Study of Small Scale Biodiesel Production in Northern New England. April 2009. Crop Management Journal.
  • Stone, A.G., S. J. Scheuerell, and H. M. Darby. 2004.  Suppression of soil-borne plant diseases in field agricultural systems: organic matter management, cover cropping, and cultural practices. In: F. Magdoff, and R. Weil (ed.) Soil Organic Matter in Sustainable Agriculture. CRC Press, Boca Raton.

Awards and Recognition

  • 2010 Governor's Award for Environmental Excellence
Heather Darby

Areas of Expertise and/or Research

  • Soil quality and nutrient management
  • Grain production
  • Organic farming
  • Forages
  • Hops
  • Oilseed crops
  • Biofuel production
     

Education

  • PhD, Oregon State University
  • MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison
  • BS, University of New Hampshire

Contact

Phone:
  • 02-656-7613
Office Location:

278 S. Main Street, St. Albans, VT 05478

Courses Taught

  • Digging In: A Nutrient Management Course for Farmers
  • Biomass to Biofuels (PSS 296)