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.
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 Ask ELSIE
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Q: ELSIE...
I hear lots of people talking about using wood ash instead of lime on their fields...is this a good idea?
A:
We talked about lime last month, so this is a great follow-up.
Wood ash is the by-product of wood-fired electicral-generating power plants. Farmers have used this product have used this product for a long time as an alternative to or in combination with normal agricultural lime (CaCO3).
As with most soil amendments there are positives and negatives. As a liming agent, wood-ash can increase pH faster than calcium carbonate, however, it also takes a lot more ash to raise pH than it would lime.
You should always ask for the Calcium Carbonate Equivalency (CCE) from your wood ash source. You thaen divide your lime recommendation by that number to come up with the amount of wood ash needed to raise your pH appropriately (per your soil test recommendations). Keep in mind, however, that applications should be limited to two to three tons/acre at a time.
In addition to being a liming agent, wood ash also contains other nutrients. This can be especially advantageous for Organic growers, who are looking for additional nutrients in addition to raising pH. An analysis of the wood ash coming from the Burlington area through Resource Management, Inc. shows the following:
Nutrients in lbs/ton
Phosphorus (Avail.) = 1.0 lb
Potassium = 51 lbs
Calcium = 137 lbs
Magnesium = 14 lbs
Copper = 0.10 lbs
Zinc = 0.8 lbs Some things to remember when applying wood ash:
- Get the most recent nutrient analysis from your wood ash source...values vary drastically depending on the fuel being burned.
- As with lime, it is best to apply wood ash when it can be incorporated, either through tillage or rain.
- Use caution when handling this product. It can be fairly dry. Avoid inhaling the dust and spreading on windy days.
For questions about using wood ash contact us at the UVM Extension Office.
(802) 388-4969
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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
- USDA-Risk Management Agency
- NE-SARE
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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.
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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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Greetings!
Spring planting is going great, corn is up, new seedings are in and the pasture season is rolling along. The UVM Extension Team in Middlebury is very busy as well. Right now I have five (5) UVM Extension outreach people working with farmers on all the grant projects we have in place. You just may see Kirsten, Rico, Cheryl, John or Justin out at your farm, or driving by with a no-till planter behind the Red UVM Extension truck going to the next farm. We are helping farmers with a lot of different projects: >> The Manure Quicktest (Agros Meter) for instant results in the field, paired with samples sent to the UVM lab for comparison. Manure samples with N and P results right at spreading time can make for a better fertilizer plan. >> A mini Nutrient Plan on five fields can get you started to better crops if you don't have soil or manure tests, Good maps and field records go hand-in-hand for tightening up your crop budget. >> No-Till corn planters and No-Till Grain drills save soil, save fuel and save time. Yes, even on clay soils. The BMP challenge that Rico is helping farmers with can prove the value of no-till planting while providing a guarantee against crop loss from trying no-till for the first time on your farm. >> I ordered up some new cover crop seed for research trials that will be planted with the No-Till grain drills starting next month. More on-farm strip trials with Tillage Radish, Clovers, Millet, Sudex, and alternative legumes like Sunn Hemp, Peas and Vetch. Planted in pasture for added forage, or after wheat, or after corn,... You decide what else we should try. Call us. >> Assistance with NRCS project certification, finishing up Livestock Exclusion fencing along streams, VT Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) applications for seeding, no-till, cover crop,reduced tillage, manure incorporation. Kirsten, Cheryl, Rico, they're all in the mix to help farmers plan and implement new practices. >> The Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition represents local farmers and is gaining recognition as a positive voice in the debates about clean water, strong agriculture and sensible agriculture regulation and legislation. CVFC Board members had input in the discussions and recommendations to the legislature and EPA about a variety of farm water quality issues through the Vermont Agricultural Working Group Recommendations. Join the Coalition and Show your support for Vermont Agriculture at
>> UVM Extension really is here to help farmers. We have a very active program reaching out, let us know what else interests you.
Jeff Carter
UVM Extension Agronomy Specialist |
| News and Events
For Vermont Farmers in the Lake Champlain Watershed
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STRATEGIC WATERSHED ACTION TEAM
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Innovation is Key for Vermont Farmersby Kirsten Workman, SWAT Agronomy OutreachAs Spring rolls into full swing, the Champlain Valley Crop, Soil & Pasture Team is busy trying to keep up with the many hard-working farmers we provide assistance to. This season we have observed just how innovate Vermont farmers are. As we all know, farming is a moving target, especially in the challenging landscape of the Green Mountain State. Technology changes, weather changes, information changes...and as all good farmers do, you have adapted. Many of the innovations we see farmers using these days are being tried in an effort to help the farm's bottom line and water quality. Here are just a few things we are already seeing this spring
 | | Ashley Farr of Farr Farms (Richmond) stands next to his newly built manure injector in a no-till corn field that was no-till drilled with winter rye last fall. |
. Conservation Tillage
As fuel prices continue to be high and more attention is being paid to preventing erosion, conservation tillage practices are started to be adopted. This season we are already seeing great examples of this. Zone-till, no-till, aeration tillage are all being used as folks are planting their crops this season.  | |
Deer Valley Farm harvesting their Winter Rye crop before planting corn.
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Cropping InnovationsWhether its using cover crops as cash crops, planting new varieties of summer annuals, using cover crop 'cocktails' or growing crops brand new to our area...Vermont farmers are always looki ng for something new. Manure Incorporation
Incorporating manure saves money, time, and water quality!! Vermont farmers are doing all sorts of innovative practices to capture the nutrients in their manure. Draglines, injection, aeration tillage are all benefiting crops, soil health, and water quality. GPS Technology | |
Rico shows Paul Mazza how to set up a field in a tractor-mounted GPS system with auto-steering for his zone-till system.
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As farmers adopt new practices, GPS has become a valuable tool in accomplishing those practices. GPS systems in the tractor and on implements is helping farmers be more accurate with planting and manure & fertilizer applications; it assists farmers with no-till planting; and is an invaluable tool for record-keeping...keeping track of planting, fertilizing, harvesting and all sorts of information field-by-field.
Grazing Techniques
Intensive rotational grazing is helping Vermont farmers make the most of one of Vermont's best crops...Pasture. By planning appropriately, being flexible in your rotational grazing system, and paying attention to the details grazers are getting lots of high quality feed off each acre of ground...all while letting their animals do the harvesting.
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The new wind turbine at Blue Spruce Farm in Bridport.
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Alternative EnergyManure digesters, wind energy, solar power, biofuel and more. Farms are adopting alternative energy more and more. Whether it is recycling theirmanure, capturing the wind that blows so plentifully through the valleys and over the ridges, taking advantage of roof areas to capture the sun, or growing crops for fuel...Vermont farms are on the cutting edge of alternative energy. If you are interested in any of these innovative farming practices (and potential cost-share dollars to help you get started), contact Kirsten Workman at (802) 388-4969 x347 or kirsten.workman@uvm.edu
Ins and Outs of Livestock Fence Systems
by Cheryl Cesario, SWAT Grazing Outreach Specialist
Last weekend I was able to attend a great fence workshop hosted by Dave Kennard at Wellscroft Farm and Fence Systems in Harrisville, NH. It was an information filled day with lots of helpful hints and tips on topics such as proper grounding, choosing the right sized energizer, locating it in the right spot, how to ensure lightning protection, and the latest and greatest types of fence and gates. There was really something for everyone, with a brush up on the basics as well as advanced tips to fine tune an existing system.
Here are the 6 most common mistakes with electric fence that Dave outlined for us that day:
1. Improper grounding: One thing that can help ensure your fence is well grounded is to have enough ground rods in place. The rods should be in a line and at least 10 feet apart. Galvanized rods are preferred. How many do you need? A rule of thumb is to figure 3-6' of ground rod per joule of energizer. So a 3J energizer could require up to 18 feet of ground rods depending on soil moisture and fence resistance. Your ground field should be at least 40 feet away from utility grounds.
2. Having the wrong sized or type of energizer: Energizers are either 110 V plug-in, battery, or solar powered. Their effectiveness is measured in joules. The size of the area that is fenced, the type of animal, and type of fence used will determine what size energizer is needed. They increase from small 0.5 joule units up to 50 joules (and so does the cost). Choose one based not just on where you're at right now, but where you might be a few years down the road, so that you don't 'outgrow' it and have to buy a new one. It is recommended to install the energizer outside of buildings in a protected three sided enclosure.
3. Improper livestock training: Since electric fence is a psychological fence, not a physical one, animals must learn to respect it, rather than run through it. Most livestock when shocked for the first time will instinctively back up. That is, except for pigs! They will keep charging ahead. For pigs, you'll want to train them to electric fence inside an enclosed area (such as a barnyard) which will give them a physical barrier as well.
4. Improper lightning and surge protection: Lightning can cause a voltage surge and damage the energizer if the unit is a plug-in type. If unplugging the fence is not an option before a big storm, plugging the unit into a 1,000 joule surge protector can help reduce the impact if a nearby utility wire is hit. Also, lightning can damage an energizer if the fence or an object near the fence is struck. High voltage will be carried along the fence wire and through the energizer on its way to the ground. Lightning choke/diverters can be installed at the start of the fence. For areas of 5 acres or more, additional ones can be installed with their own ground rods. The surge protector and the diverter each cost less than $15. Not a bad insurance policy for a several hundred dollar energizer.
 | | Cheryl helps Denny Lewis from Johnson Farm in Williston set up a flexible fence system to help facilitate intensive rotational grazing in his pasture. |
5. Not monitoring the voltage and condition of the fence: Use a volt meter or fence tester to monitor your voltage. If the fence is not adequately charged, you can start troubleshooting where the problem lies. Some volt meters are also fault finders and can point you in the direction of the problem - a definite timesaver! Monitor your fence for poor connections (snapping sounds) and keep excess vegetation off the fence which can ground it out.
6. Not choosing the right type of fence:
How many strands of high tensile wire do you need on your perimeter fence? For beef, you might need 2 or 3 strands. For goats, maybe 50 wires would hold them in? Just kidding! For temporary fences when making subdivisions, a single strand of polywire can do the trick for dairy cows, while sheep and chickens do well with electric netting.
Keeping these tips in mind can help minimize problems and keep both the animals and the people happy during the grazing season.....
If you would like help troubleshooting your fencing for grazing animals,
Contact Cheryl Cesario at the UVM Extension office, 802-388-4969 x 346 or Cheryl.Cesario@uvm.edu.
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Agronomy & Conservation Assistance Program
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No-Till Corn Corn Planting Season is Here!
by Rico Balzano, Agronomy Outreach
 | | No-Till Corn plants emerging at Foster Bros. Farm in Middlebury |
Corn planting is well under way in the Champlain Valley and the early plantings are up and growing. The sunny weather last week really warmed up the soil and got things moving, especially for no-till plantings. No-till soils warm up slower in the spring, so a couple of hot, sunny days this time year help no-till soils catch up with tilled soils. The corn pictured here was no-tilled into herbicide killed winter rye the first week of May. UVM Extension will be partnering with several farms around the state to participate in the BMP Challenge, where farmers plant no-till corn next to conventionally tilled corn to compare the results. Also, sixteen farmers around the state participated in the Capital Equipment Assistance Program to purchase no-till planters and help conserve our agricultural soils.
For more information about no-till corn contact
Rico Balzano (Middlebury Extension) at rico.balzano@uvm.edu
Jeff Sanders (St. Albans Extension) at jeffrey.sanders@uvm.edu
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CHAMPLAIN VALLEY FARMER COALITION NEWS
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
by John Roberts, President, Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition Inc.
The Coalition is up and running. Memberships are starting to be generated, although a lot of work has to be done. At this time of year, and particularly this year with the weather being so dry, most everybody is out in the field working the soil, planting or moving livestock to pasture. As I travel around the county, and beyond, I am meeting a lot of farmers and getting a good reception to the message of farmers working in unison to solve problems, particularly with water quality issues.
Coming up this month I will be attending a couple of
Conferences, one on May 14th & 15th 2013, the 24th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference, which has several presentations pertaining to our issues.
In addition, on May 28th & 29th 2013 there will be a broader conference at the ECHO center in Burlington also covering water quality issues. CVFC will have some information available there for the participants.
I hope you all have a good month of planting, and first cut harvesting, and timely rains come in sufficient quantities.
Call me at 802-989-0986 or email at john.roberts@uvm.edu with any suggestions or questions.
And don't forget to visit our website: www.champlainvalleyfarmercoaltion.com
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FARM NEWS & EVENTS
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Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition - Directors Meeting
June 5 * UVM Extension Office * Middlebury, VT * 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Come join your neighbors to learn more about the Champlain Valley Farmers Coalition, issues that affect farms in your watershed, and how to become a CVFC member.
For more information contact:
Jeff Carter or John Roberts (802) 388-4969 or
Key Crop Insurance Dates
Final Planting Dates for Field Crops.
- Barley (spring): May 10th
- Corn (silage/grain): June 10th
- Forage (spring seeded): May 10th
- Soybeans: June 10th
- Sweet Corn: June 10 - 30th
- Wheat (spring): May 31st
For more information contact:
Pam Smith at 802-349-2966 or pamela.smith@uvm.edu .
Conservation District Tests Drinking Water 
The Otter Creek NRCD staff have been testing wells throughout Vermont for the past 15 years with hundreds of wells tested for bacteria, nitrate and pesticides. Risk assessments for drinking water quality can also be completed. The tests are free and primarily for agricultural landowners.
For more information contact:
Pamela Stefanek at 802-388-6746 x26 or
pam.stefanek@vt.nacdnet.net
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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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