Our purpose is to understand what is and what isn't working in grass-based farming systems now, and to explore, understand, and share promising practices for a resilient future.
UVM Extension Grazing Programming work across three teams throughout Vermont to be the go-to resource for all your grazing needs. Please visit our shared
for more information.
Current research topics include:
- Implementing and Evaluating Woodchip Heavy-use Areas for Livestock in the Northeast
- Timing of Supplementation for Dairy Cows
- Connecticut River Watershed Assistance (Long Island Sound RCPP)
- Enhancing Research and Education for Grass Farmers (Philo Ridge Project)
- Tools for grass farmers to monitor grazing behavior and forage utilization in real time
- Increasing Ecosystem Services and Climate Change Resilience In Dominant Agroecosystems of the Northeast
- Demonstrating effects of biological and mechanical compaction best management practices on soil properties and water movement
- Biodiversity & Cattle Wellbeing
- Soil quality impacts of farming methods, through trials of forage species, agroforestry projects, and research into compaction.
- Grass-fed beef production
- How small adjustments in management practices can affect milk production, in trials examining the timing of supplementation for organic dairy cows
- Investigating Vermont wool for non-traditional uses, including pellets for farms and gardens.
- The potential for alternative management practices to provide ecosystem services while increasing farm resiliency to climate change
- How we can affect water quality in the entire Connecticut River watershed by bringing a team problem-solving approach to work with individual farms
- Tools for grass farmers to monitor grazing behavior and forage utilization in real time.
- Understanding the potential for wood-chip pads to relieve pressure on recovering pastures and as out-wintering areas.
- Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program to help keep new and young livestock farmers learning what they need to be successful graziers.
- What impact we can have on the whole region's farm and food system, economy and ecosystem by a networked regional approach to good grazing.
- How we can improve grazing practices in order to support water quality.
Recently completed projects:
- Findings from Farmer Mini-Grants in partnership with the Vermont Grass Farmers Association.
- Vermont Organic Custom Grazing project (with report)
Bedded Pack Survey Report (PDF download)- Dairy Systems & Sustainability (PDF download)
- Equine Pasture Management Project (opens in a new window)
- Pasture forage quality and yield response to irrigation, N fertilizer, and organic amendments
- Biodiversity & Cattle Wellbeing
