Contact a Member of the TEAM!!
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SWAT Program
(802) 388-4969 ext. 346
Agronomy Outreach Professional
ACAP Program
(802) 558-6470  | | CV Crop, Soil & Pasture Team |
UVM Extension helps individuals and communities put research-based knowledge to work. * Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the United States Department of Agriculture. University of Vermont Extension, Burlington, Vermont. * University of Vermont Extension, and U.S. Department of Agriculture, cooperating, offer education and employment to everyone without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, and marital or familial status.
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 Ask ELSIE
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| Q: ELSIE...Is it true that Vermont law requires me to have current soil tests for my fields?
A: The short answer is "YES." But let's start at the beginning. Vermont has a law on the books called the Accepted Agricultural Practice Regulations (AAPs). These rules apply to all farms in Vermont and are designed to reduce non-point source pollution discharges through improved farming techniques. The rules cover
- discharges,
- nutrient and pesticide storage,
- nutrient and pesticide application,
- soil cultivation,
- agricultural waste management,
- buffer zones,
- construction of farm structures,
- ground water quality,
- streambank stabilization.
In the part of the rules dealing with nutrient and pesticide applications (Section 4.03), it states,
"All sources of nutrients shall be accounted for when determining recommended application rates for crops. Nutrient applications shall be based on soil testing by field. All fields receiving mechanical application of manure shall be soil tested at least once every five years. Records of soil tests shall be maintained for five years. Recommendations and applications may be adjusted based on manure testing and/or leaf analysis. Nutrient applications shall be consistent with university recommendations, standard agricultural practices or a nutrient management plan for the farm approved by the Secretary."
If you are a Medium Farm Operation (MFO), you are required to update your soil tests every three years.
If you don't have current soil tests, then Spring is the time. UVM Extension can help you get your soil testing up to date. They can teach you how to take a soil sample, provide you with soil test kits and often deliver them to the lab for you. Some offices may even be able to loan you a soil probe to collect your samples. A soil test at the UVM Agricultural and Environmental Testing lab will cost you $14.00 and includes recommendations for nutrient applications for one crop.
For questions about soil testing, contact Kirsten Workman at
(802) 388-4969 or kirsten.workman@uvm.edu
Here are a few resources for AAPs and Soil Testing in Vermont:
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If you would like to Ask ELSIE? a question, please email her by clicking HERE.
Funding for the Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Team and the programs and resources we offer is provided by the following organizations:
- UVM Extension
- Lake Champlain Basin Program
- Great Lakes Fishery Commission
- USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
- VT Agency of Natural Resources
- VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
If you would no longer like to receive this newsletter, feel free to Unsubscribe by clicking the SafeUnsubscribe™ button at the bottom of this newsletter. Although, we hope you won't!
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Dear (Contact First Name),
The image of a duck floating on a pond, maybe a little nervous, but slowly moving across the water. Under the surface his feet are going like crazy under the water to move forward, and all seems calm on the surface. He may be nervous because pike and muskies like to eat ducks. This month I keep thinking about how Farming in Vermont seems to be like that little duck. Looks good on the surface, but underlying issues of finance and water quality are serious concerns for farmers today.
Planting season is fast approaching, and feed supplies are tight. Everyone is looking forward to spring greenup and planting spring crops. Manure spreading starts in just a few weeks. The uncertainty of weather and cash flow make us all a bit nervous. What I have seen this month is that the water under that duck is moving like crazy, and maybe that little duck is not aware how much focus there is on water quality issues.
The opportunity for farmers to highlight what they can do to help water quality in streams and lakes is here. and now. In the next few weeks it would be a good thing to go to a meeting and talk with a more farmers about what is going on with water quality. New regulations for clean water, and reminders about current laws that are already in place. The discussion group meeting in Panton next friday is all about tile drainage for better crops, but the topic of CAFO permits, Small Farm Inspections, TMDL Rules and AAP enforcement are sure to come up. The UVM Extension Nutrient Management
classes and the meeting in Pawlet go right to the heart of the issue with reducing Phosphorus pollution in the Lake. We all know that growing better crops and saving soil are the best answer to achieve both financial profitability and water quality.
Now, the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition is a group of farmers from Addison, Chittenden and Rutland counties. Your neighbors. They are concerned about telling the story of what farmers are doing, or should continue to do, or new things that should be done on farms to address water quality concerns. You will hear more about local watershed farmer meetings like the one coming up in Richmond March 27 and in Shoreham April 2. These are for farmers to talk to each other about what is going on.
Go to one. Details are on the next page.
Cheryl has put together a great conference for grazing in Vergennes. Some good speakers and a really positive attitude about using pasture to make money. Rico has a good review on alternative cropping with BMR summer annuals. Jennifer tells me the gen-tills in Rutland county are available for rent. Anyone who has worked with Kirsten can see the fire in her eyes when it comes to helping farmers, passionate about helping you with your business. We are already scheduling the no-till drills and aerways for this spring, so it promises to be a busy season. Call if you want us to get a manure sample tested.
Jeff Carter
UVM Extension Agronomy Specialist |
| News and Events
For Vermont Farmers in the Lake Champlain Watershed
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FARM NEWS
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OPPORTUNITY FOR FARMER PARTICIPATION
Call us if you need more information. 388-4969
2013 NW Crops & Soils Dairy Workshop 
March 12th * American Legion * St. Albans
High grain prices now and for the foreseeable future make it even more critical to focus on forage management skills. The goal of this program is to look at soil, forage and feeding management practices.
Transferring the Farm Workshop
March 13th * South Station Restaurant * Rutland
The workshop will address details on setting family goals, estate planning, wills,trusts, asset transfer, business organizations and agreements, conservation easements, and provide guidance on leasing property to potential new farmers.
2013 Vermont Grains Conference March 14th * Essex Resort * Essex Come to the annual grain conference to learn about growing and processing a variety of grains. We will also hear about some challenges and successes of bringing small grains production back to regions like the Northeast, as well as the ways wheat has changed for the better. Green Mountain Dairy Discussion Group March 15th * Vorsteveld Farm * Panton Best Management Practices for Tile Drainage: Subsurface tile drainage is a key practice utilized to improve soil drainage, increase crop yields and reduce surface runoff and erosion. Learn more and find out what other farmers doing to address drainage. Contact Kristi Wood to RSVP and for more details: 802-3588-3692 or kristi.wood@yankeeaca.com 2013 Oilseed Producers Meeting March 19th * Comfort Inn * Berlin Attend the annual meeting and check in with growers, biofuel producers, oilseed enthusiasts, and researchers from around the Northeast. Find out about the latest research and production strategies!
Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition - Watershed Chapter Meetings March 27th * Conant's Riverside Farm * Richmond April 2nd * Woodnotch Farm * Shoreham Come join your neighbors for lunch and learn more about the Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition, issues that affect farms in your watershed, and how to become a CVFC member. Contact Kirsten Workman for more information: 802-388-4969 x347 or kirsten.workman@uvm.edu CAFO Permit Public Hearings March 26th * Yankee Farm Credit * St. Albans March 27th * UVM Extension * St. Johnsbury March 29th * UVM Extension * Middlebury The Vermont Agency of Natural Resources is proposing to issue the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit for medium concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs). This proposed permit authorizes and sets conditions for the discharge of pollutants from CAFOs to waters of the state of Vermont. The Secretary has scheduled three meetings to take public input (in addition to accepting written input). For more information, contact Marli Rupe, Ag Water Quality Specialist: 802-490-6171 or marli.rupe@state.vt.us2013 Champlain Valley Grazing Symposium April 1st * American Legion * Vergennes Sharpen your grazing skills, hear what other grazing farmers are doing on their pastures, and enjoy a great hot lunch. See our article below! Nutrient Management Planning Workshop April 9th * Pawlet Library * Pawlet * 10am-2pm Come to this workshop to learn about nutrient management planning and how it might benefit your farm. You'll also hear from UVM Extension and Conservation District staff about resources available to farms to help with nutrient management planning and implementation. Contact Jennifer Alexander or Rico Balzano for more information:
802-558-6470 or jad0403@yahoo.com, 802-388-4969 or rico.balzano@uvm.edu Key Crop Insurance Dates by Pamela Smith, UVM Extension As you peruse the seed catalogs and dream about spring field work, don't forget that now is the time to review your crop insurance coverage. Listed below are some important dates for enrollment. March 15th!!! Enrollment and/or policy changes for the following crops are due on March 15, 2013: - Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite
- Barley
- Corn
- Spring seeded forage
- Soybeans
- Sweet Corn
- Spring Wheat
Why not take some time prior to the March 15 enrollment deadline evaluate your current coverage, explore increases in insurance levels or consider whole farm insurance through AGR-Lite? A list of agents can be found at http://www3.rma.usda.gov/tools/agents/. UVM Extension can also provide assistance; contact Pam Smith at 802-349-2966 or pamela.smith@uvm.edu. There are still some opportunities coming up for farmers to weigh in on important issues that will affect how you farm in Vermont, or might spur your imagination when it comes to crops, grazing or other aspects of your farm. |
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STRATEGIC WATERSHED ACTION TEAM
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CHAMPLAIN VALLEY GRAZING SYMPOSIUM
Monday, April 1st * 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
American Legion, Vergennes, VT
$20 registration includes a hot lunch and some great door prizes.
Join the discussion and step up your grazing skills this coming season!
by Cheryl Cesario, SWAT Grazing Outreach Specialist
Come hear grazing expert, Sarah Flack provide helpful tips to fine-tune your e  xisting grazing system. She'll also discuss the most common grazing mistakes and how to avoid them for increased pasture potential. Sarah has a diverse background in sustainable agriculture, which includes both on-farm and academic experience. Her current work includes writing, public speaking and consulting with farms and organization to help farmers transition to new methods of farming including grass based, diversified, and organic. She also works with several organic certification organizations as a consultant, and inspector. She received her master's degree in Plant and Soil Science from the University of Vermont, where she studied grazing management with Dr. Bill Murphy.
Farmer Guy Choiniere of Highgate,Vermont will share  his strategies for producing top quality forage, which allows him to maintain a 50-55 pound per cow production average on 6 pounds of grain per cow. Guy is passionate about soil health and building soil fertility. By making the soil a priority, it forms a foundation for him to build crop, animal and human health, as well. Guy says, "A successful farming system is a sustainable farming system."
Farmer Brent Beidler of Randolph Center, Vermont will discuss his successes with annu al crops such as millet, forage oats, turnips and others to increase overall pasture productivity. Brent will also cover the importance of variable paddock sizes and how he maximizes forages to minimize grain feeding. In addition to dairy production, the Beidlers have also ventured into growing grains and milling flour on the farm. Brent has played an important role in the formation of the Northern Grain Growers Association
Register at:http://grazingsymposium.eventbrite.com
or call Donna at 388-4969.
See you there!
Funding for this program is provided by USDA-RMA, USDA-NRCS, and UVM Extension
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Agronomy & Conservation Assistance Program
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Summer Annuals Provide More Feed Options
by Rico Balzano, ACAP Agronomy Outreach Professional
Brown Midrib Sorghum Sudangrass (BMR SxS), with the BMR-6 gene, is a warm season, annual grass that produces a low lignin, highly digestible feed. Phosphorus digestibility is also higher, reducing phosphorus levels in manure as compared to corn silage. Studies have shown 4 lbs. less excretion per cow per 305 day lactation. BMR SxS has the potential to have a significant economic and environmental impact by reducing phosphorus loading rates, and reducing the potential for surface water contam ination.
When planted early enough, BMR SxS can yield three cuts and match the yield of corn silage. But planted too early, and germination will be poor due to cool soils. Because of that, BMR SxS is ideal for a double crop system, planted into prepared or herbicide killed hay ground after first cut. One disadvantage is that BMR SxS is a heavy feeder, and needs 110-130lbs. of N for each cut. Manure can fit well into this system, providing an outlet for higher nutrient rates through the summer months, but may not supply all the needed nitrogen before recommended phosphorus rates are exceeded.
Both BMR SxS and pearl millet, another warm season annual, can help fill the "summer slump" of the grazing season. If BMR SxS is going to be grazed, it must reach 24" to avoid prussic acid poisoning. Pearl millet is an excellent choice for grazing, as there is no issue with prussic acid. Pearl millet seeding rates are 30-35lbs./ac.
Planting Date: June 1-July1 (or when the soil temps reach 60F or greater)
Seeding Rate: 60-70lbs./ ac.
Fertilizer: N: without manure 110-130 lbs./ac. (at planting and after each cutting)
with manure: 35-55lbs./ac.(at planting and after each cutting w/manure)
Note: manure should be applied within two days after cutting to minimize damage to regrowth
P: at planting, based on soil test corn recommendations
K: at planting, based on soil test corn recommendations
Harvest Height: 36"-48"
Harvest Management:
Mow into full width swath and use roller conditioner to promote rapid drying. Chop at 3/4"-1", slightly longer for uprights, baggers, and auger mixers. If frosted, BMR SxS needs to be ensiled several weeks before feeding.
Feed Management:
Forage analysis should be with In-Vitro digestibility analysis (standard NIR analysis will underestimate energy, which could result in overfeeding grain.) BMR SxS is best used in a high forage diet (>70%)to help maintain effective fiber levels. Higher phosphorus digestibility when compared to corn, reducing manure phosphorus.
Grazing:
Plants must be 24" tall to avoid prussic acid poisoning. Compatiblewith rotational grazing: can fill in the "summer slump." Do Not graze Horses on BMR SxS.
by K
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If you know someone else who might be interested in receiving this  newsletter, please share it and encourage them to join our mailing list.
Sincerely, 
Jeff Carter,
Extension Agronomist
UVM Extension- Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Team
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