You are invited to join an informational session on Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (PRF) crop insurance on October 26th at 11:30 AM.   Please register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYkf-qpqjooH9Lj5rAuSTFRalz1f5KezMBR 

PRF is a year-round low-rainfall protection program, with a sign up deadline of December 1st.  Coverage is based on historic rainfall averages.  Even in this wet year, there have been some indemnity payments through this program.  We will also touch on whole farm/micro farm insurance, and will host a separate meeting to prepare for that deadline in the winter.

Please share this widely with other people (farmers, service providers) who may be interested.  This meeting will be recorded and available on our website! 

The cost is $25 + taxes and fees.  Pre-registration is required at:  

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/697492186907?aff=oddtdtcreator

Come learn hands-on how the VT ripsower works and fits into a larger, holistic program of community cooperation to heal our watershed homes, grow topsoil and biodiversity, recharge and purify groundwater and surface waters, and  reduce flooding.

BYO Brown Bag Lunch. 

Also, bring a cooler to stock up on delicious fresh and frozen North Hollow Farm all-forage-finished, organic beef. 

The address is 1831 Route 100, Rochester Vermont.  https://goo.gl/maps/7dqCPb1wjPLUPEnr8

There is no Verizon service, so preload your maps, and let loved ones know that you will be out of touch.  

Scholarships are available for those who need a hand.  Nobody gets left behind for this program. 

Mentors in agroforestry design and practice will discuss the benefits of trees in grazing systems as we tour and discuss various agroforestry systems including hedgerows, forest farming, silvopasture, and alleycropping. 

Amber Reed, Grazing Specialist with White River NRCD and UVM Extension, will be leading an interactive discussion on advanced planned grazing techniques, fencing and water system strategies, drought reserves and rest periods, bale grazing, and how to support our birds and bees. 

Free and open to the public!

On April 6, 2023, our District co-hosted an info session on the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) and the new state funded CSP Assist program.

Key Takeaways:

• Apply to CSP with USDA-NRCS by April 21.  This round is focused on "climate-smart" activities, listed here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/sites/default/files/2023-01/CSAF%20Mitigation%20Activities_2023.pdf 

• Find your local service center here: https://www.farmers.gov/working-with-us/service-center-locator 

• Apply to CSP Assist with VAAFM by May 8th: https://agriculture.vermont.gov/CSP-Assist  Remember, existing CSP contract holders may also apply to increase their yearly payment.

• Consider signing up for a Farm Team with the Conservation Districts to get assistance with coordinating the many available grant opportunities on your farm. 

In April 2023, our District co-hosted a mini series with the Franklin County NRCD and the VT Healthy Soils Coalition featuring Juan Alvez, Agroforestry Specialist at University of Vermont Extension. 

Watch his presentations here:

1. Rotational Grazing in Silvopasture:  Research Lessons from Brazil

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rgmqviz7M_U

2. Proposal to Advance Agroforestry among Vermont Farmers

On Sunday, March 26th at noon, come to the Briggs Opera House in downtown White River Junction to the White River Indie Film Festival to view the film, Whitman Brook.  

Whitman Brook Orchard is an oasis which stands ready to receive, unfolding its lessons season by season. This film is about the pacing of life and the close observation of our natural environment. It's about land stewardship as well as a tribute to a love lost and a place rejuvenated. Hailing from Norwich, VT, director Ben Silberfarb was named New Hampshire Filmmaker of the year at this year's New Hampshire Film Festival.  Presented by White River Natural Resources Conservation District.

On February 21, 2023 our District Manager testified to the Senate and House Agriculture Committees as part of the Small Farm Advocacy Days, presenting the results of our series of farmer focus groups on payment for ecosystem services.   The focus groups discussion included, but was not limited to, the perceived ecosystem services farms can offer, strengths and weaknesses of existing PES programs, and suggestions for and considerations around PES program design.  View full group presentation starting at 34:00 minutes.

Supervisors for the Conservation District board will be elected for a term of five (5) years beginning January 1, 2023.  The Board meets monthly and supervisors are paid a stipend of $50 per meeting, plus eligible expenses.  The deadline for submitting nominating petitions to your local Conservation District office is February 7, 2023.  Elections will be held on February 14, 2023.  https://www.vnews.com/White-River-Conservation-District-To-Hold-Board-Election-49683273 

In 2019, the Tactical Basin plan for Basin 14 (pictured left) was updated to reflect the current status and goals of the basin.  

Click here to read the basin plan and learn more!