UVM research and outreach projects
    are aimed at
    ensuring the
    profitability of
    Vermont's
    agricultural
    enterprises.

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    UVM faculty and staff are ...

    in DAIRY (17 projects) >>> Learn More

  • providing agricultural engineering expertise to Vermont dairy farmers to increase farm efficiency and profitability
  • collecting information on Vermont dairy farm production practices to make recommendations on model farm operations: use of VT-DHIA (Dairy Herd Improvement Association), rBST, computers, manure storage mechanisms, and debt structuring
  • correlating colostrum quality with herd management practices to control Johne’s Disease
  • teaching and demonstrating calf management skills to improve the health and performance of dairy calves
  • evaluating whether inclusion of the iron-binding protein, lactoferrin, in calf diets improves calf health, development, and later milk production
  • understanding the mechanisms and regulation of glucose transport process in bovine mammary gland to improve nutrient utilization and increase milk production efficiency
  • identifying genes that control mammary development, colostrum formation, and milk yield to enhance the efficiency of milk production and improve calf health
  • raising biosecurity awareness and promoting adoption of management practices to prevent the introduction of diseases
  • developing, applying, and evaluating novel genes designed to
  • developing new genes that enable cows to prevent bacterial
  • studying how bovine mammary cells respond to infection by onto livestock farms enhance mastitis resistance in cows growth in milk mastitis-causing pathogens
  • developing new methods for estrus (heat) detection in dairy cows
  • developing a practical method for predicting forage quality of the first harvest Annual Report for the Fiscal Year 2004
  • developing alternative cropping systems to decrease the potential for phosphorus buildup and runoff
  • demonstrating how management-intensive grazing can help reduce costs and environmental impacts on livestock farms
  • evaluating the performance of the forage, fenugreek, as an annual rotation crop

    in MAPLE (8 projects) >>> Learn More
  • determining nutrient status of sugar maple stands and the role of fertilization and liming on sugar production
  • determining the biochemical changes that occur during maple syrup processing that contribute to off-flavors
  • developing methods to detect adulterants and contaminants of maple syrup
  • aiding maple sugarmakers and forest managers to reduce the impact of forest insects and diseases on stands used for maple syrup production
  • developing educational materials for the general public, landscapers, and sugarmakers to promote awareness about the Asian Longhorned Beetle and enhance detection of infestations
  • monitoring and evaluating pear thrips levels across the state to aid maple sugarmakers in making decisions regarding sugarbush tapping and management
  • providing researchbased information to maple producers through regional conferences

    • Research at UVM's Proctor Maple Research Center helps sugarmakers assure a top-quality product.

    in LIVESTOCK (OTHER THAN DAIRY COWS) AND POULTRY (14 projects) >>> Learn More

  • providing technical information about dairy goats (such as nutritional requirements) to lower feed costs, improve milk production, and engage more feed companies to provide this service
  • establishing how hormones (such as prolactin) regulate mammary gland growth and physiology in swine
  • educating producers of existing value-added markets and practices that improve sustainability of small beef herds
  • determining nutritional effects on hormone secretion and growth in chicks
  • conducting applied research and sharing results with the equine industry to demonstrate that different breeds do not have the same growth rates and nutritional needs
  • demonstrating methods and techniques for equine land management to maintain water and pasture quality
  • providing education on various equine topics including economics, safety, and disease prevention

    in FRUITS AND VEGETABLES (12 projects) >>> Learn More

  • providing the scientific and technical expertise necessary to help apple growers remain competitive while maintaining a sustainable agriculture system
  • encouraging growers to plant the apple cultivar Honeycrisp because of its adaptability, fruit quality, and high farm-gate value
  • researching and communicating how cold-tolerant apple and grape cultivars can present valueadded economic opportunities
  • promoting sustainable production practices that improve soil stewardship and pest management to enhance the long-term viability of Vermont's vegetable and berry farms
  • verifying the absence of quarantined pests to certify Vermont plant products free of exotic pests
  • providing commercial growers and home gardeners with sciencebased pest and disease information and management strategies that employ Integrated Pest Management techniques, and determining the value and impact of that information
  • determining the most effective uses of compost for vegetable production in a horticultural setting

    • At a cover crop workshop in Brattleboro, Vern Grubinger (left), Extension vegetable and berry specialist, discusses legumes that fix nitrogen for use by subsequent vegetable crops.

    in ORNAMENTAL HORTICULTURE (10 projects) >>> Learn More

  • demonstrating improved methods of pest and disease management for the greenhouse industry in northern New England
  • developing cultural techniques for elimination of overwintering thrips and plant viruses from greenhouses
  • determining effects of fall acclimation on perennials to increase survival and decrease losses
  • implementing the Master Gardener Program to educate Vermont gardeners about the benefits of low-impact gardening
  • creating an Internet resource for greenhouse science educators
  • developing salt-tolerant, grafted sugar maples for ornamental use in urban locations of northern states
  • evaluating the effectiveness of different mulches as a top-dress application to control growth of liverworts

    in AGRICULTURAL SYSTEMS (6 projects) >>> Learn More

  • increasing decision makers' knowledge of dairy profitability, sustainability, and water quality to achieve informed, state-wide agricultural policy
  • addressing and reducing the barriers faced by new farmers, especially women, in accessing USDA programs
  • helping new farmers succeed by connecting them to appropriate training and information resources
  • demonstrating how modern dairy farms can be operated in financially and environmentally sound ways
  • facilitating farm transitions, and providing training and support for new farmers to help keep farmland in production
  • assessing dairy community members' perceptions and needs to more effectively deliver educational programs to this clientele