In July, Vermont was hit hard by flooding. Farm fields and crops throughout the state were flooded with their fate unclear. We have posted flood related resources on our Northwest Crops & Soils webpage and just added a few more timely resources there on managing flooded corn silage at harvest and mitigating silt and microbe …
Author Archives: outcropn
Free Soil Testing, Heavy Metal Screening, and Soil Nitrate Analysis for Flood-impacted Farms
Now through August 15th, routine soil testing, heavy metal screening, and soil nitrate analysis will be free of charge for flood-impacted farms. Please write ‘FLOODED‘ on sample submission forms accompanying any soil samples. More information can be found on the UVM Extension Agricultural and Environmental Testing webpage: https://uvm.edu/extension/agricultural-and-environmental-testing-lab
Flood Resources and Help for the Farming Community
Vermont has been hit hard by this recent round of storms, as some know and have experience more closely than others. It has left a devastating mark on the agricultural landscape of our small state. As a Team, we have always helped our community through difficult times and this will be no different! If you …
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July On-farm Field Day Opportunities
It’s July already, and we wanted to share a few on-farm workshops coming up this month that UVM Extension Northwest Crops & Soils Program is organizing or collaborating on… Friday, July 14, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Ken Leach and Joanne Chickering, Pawlet, VT. Discussion of drought stress and management considerations for following year as …
Extension Professor Heather Darby Receives the 2023 Hubert W. Vogelmann Award
Vermont farmers depend on expert advice for crop production and soil nutrient management; it could mean the difference between a healthy crop of nutritious livestock forage or a field full of weeds. For many years, Extension Professor and Agronomy Specialist Heather Darby has been a well-known and reliable source of applied research, and field-tested crops and soils …
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Birds, Bees, and Beneficial Bugs in Our Livestock Systems
Join UVM Extension specialists for two farm tours this summer to learn about ways to enhance bird, bee and beneficial insect habitats in your rotational grazing systems. Friday, June 9, 2023 from 10 a.m. − 12 p.m. at Owl’s Head Farm, 263 Blueberry Farm Road, Richmond, VT Wednesday, July 19, 2023 from 10 a.m. − …
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FAP Program Application’s are due by June 15th
The grass has been growing fast and many folks are starting to get cows out on pasture. Before things get too crazy, don’t forget to submit your Farm Agronomic Practices Program rotational grazing application through the VT Agency of Agriculture. Applications are due by June 15th. If you’ve never applied, don’t worry! All the information …
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Influence of Cutting Height on Forage Quality
Harvest management is an integral component of producing high-quality forage. Often harvest timing and speed are discussed but equally important is the cutting height. While many grazing farmers have adopted the practice of leaving more un-grazed material in the pasture, many hay fields are still harvested as low as possible. This, in combination with frequent …
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It’s time for Frost Seeding!
Spring is right around the corner, but it isn’t too late to think about forage improvements! Frost seeding is a simple practice that can help improve pasture and hay field yield, quality, and composition over time. The general principle of frost seeding is to broadcast forage seed onto pastures or hay fields in early spring when the …
2022 Organic Black Bean Seeding Rate Trial’s results are in!
In 2022 the UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted a new research trial to investigate the impact of black bean seeding rate on crop productivity and weed suppression under different tillage regimes. Planting dry beans into rolled down rye can reduce weed pressure but can also result in reduced seed yields because of …
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