Farmers are under daily pressure to be ever more efficient with their resources and to adopt practices that are healthy for the environment.  Effective management of nutrients used to fertilize crops, for example, can lead to more productive crops and improved water quality.  The use of promising technology and data to achieve those goals, however, presents complex challenges, such as the adoption and effective use of remote sensing and soil sampling technologies, and the collection, use, and governance of data. 

UVM Extension research lead Heather Darby is partnering with farmer’s watershed groups across the state to establish an on-farm research network.  This network will develop a shared vision and set of goals related to their research and data needs that will support regenerative agriculture practices on their farms.  The network, working with UVM’s Food Systems Research Center data specialist, will develop a data clearinghouse farmers may use to upload data for research and to receive analysis in return.  In addition to formalizing a research network driven by farmers, this project creates a unique and useful database for farmers and researchers.  This project will provide new insight into education, research, and practical needs of Vermont’s farming community. 

“Giving farmers the ability to make better decisions will help make them stronger farmers.  Their success will contribute to the rich cultural fabric of Vermont.”

This project formalizes long standing relationships between UVM Extension and farmer’s watershed organizations throughout the state and creates a reciprocal relationship around the collection and use of data to boost farm production and environmental protection.  It leverages the expertise in data management and analysis that exists at UVM’s Food Systems Research Center.  This project elevates the participation of farmers in research and aspires to create a new resource integral for farm viability.

UVM Extension

UVM Food Systems Research Center

Franklin-Grand Isle Watershed Alliance

Connecticut River Farmer’s Watershed Alliance

Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition