Business Skills for Logging Professionals: Workshops November 8th and 9th

UVM Extension will offer this free workshop for logging companies on November 8th (Chester, VT) and November 9th (Hardwick,VT). The workshop builds beyond topics covered in seminars last year. Presenters include: Sam Lincoln (VT Dept of Forests, Parks & Recreation), Paul Frederick (VT Dept of Forests, Parks & Recreation), Chris Lindgren (UVM), Christine McGowan ( VT Sustainable Jobs Fund) and Steve Bick (Northeast Forest LLC.). Topics this year include: current legislative issues, 5 smartphone apps for loggers, market/industry updates, business planning, personal finance and much more! Register Now!

 

New Factsheet on Farm Business Entity Formation and Conservation Payment Limits

UVM Extension has posted a new fact sheet describing the  federal conservation program payment limitations related to different types of farm business entities. The Farm Business Entities and Conservation Payment Limits fact sheet provides an overview of the opportunities and limitations facing  individuals, partnerships and limited liability entities that apply for NRCS conservation programs.

This new fact sheet and other legal education materials related to Vermont’s water quality regulations can be found on the Legal Education and Environmental Regulations web page.

Dairy Improvement and Water Quality Grants

The Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program, a program of the Vermont Housing & Conservation Board, announced the availability of grant funds for on-farm capital improvement projects. Eligible farmers can apply for Water Quality Grants or Dairy Improvement Grants, both of which allow up to $40,000 in funding.

Water Quality Grants will help farmers make water quality-related capital improvements in on-farm infrastructure.The grants will assist with the costs of improvements required to comply with new regulations and are designed to complement existing federal and state grant programs that address soil health and water quality.

Funding for the Dairy Improvement Grants comes from Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, LLC, whose Brattleboro plant produces Green Mountain Creamery Greek yogurt from Vermont milk. To be eligible for Dairy Improvement Grants, farmers are required to provide a business plan and be members of the St. Albans Cooperative Creamery or Dairy Farmers of America.

You can find more information about grant opportunities at the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program website.