Mission : To improve the quality of life of Vermonters by bringing the benefits of research and technology to them, and to provide educational programs and practical information concerning Vermont communities, families and homes, farms, businesses, and the natural environment.

UVM Extension's Values :

The values that guide Extension include the following:

• Deep respect for people -- those served and those within the organization.
• Dedication to the stewardship of Vermont's natural resources and the working landscape.
• Commitment to high-quality research and outreach education.
• Regard for the essential role of good communication -- personal and technical -- within Extension and with every audience served.
• Commitment to the most efficient use of Extension's resources to meet the educational needs of Vermont citizens.

Local Extension Offices (Toll-free in Vermont)

Bennington 800-287-1552

Berlin 866-860-1382

Brattleboro 800-278-5480

Burlington 800-571-0668

Guildhall 800-639-1207

Middlebury 800-956-1125

Morrisville 866-260-5603

Newport 866-260-5561

Randolph Center 800-698-1581

Rutland 800-281-6977

St. Albans 800-639-2130

St. Johnsbury 800-545-8920

White River Jct. 800-278-5471

Programs of Benefit to New Farmers

UVM Extension has a number of people and programs that benefit new farmers. Most Extension faculty members work one-on-one with individuals on the farm, or by phone, letter or email; some host discussion groups; offer larger group meetings and/or workshops; have web sites and participate with organizations to get education out to people who want it. Here is a short list of topics that could be particularly useful.

• Soil Testing . UVM has an agricultural testing lab geared for Vermont to test soils, foliage, forages, manure, compost and maple products for a fee. Sample bags and mailers are available at local Extension Offices. http://pss.uvm.edu/ag_testing/.

• Maple . Extension specialists work with local sugarmakers to develop day-long programs for maple producers. There is a 2-day maple educational event with a day of tours held each summer in a different Vermont county. Maple specialists also work one-on-one with producers on production and marketing of maple products. www.uvm.edu/~uvmaple/.

• Vegetables and Small Fruit . Vern Grubinger is the state’s Extension Vegetable and Small Fruit specialist and plans twilight grower meetings and annual state-wide meetings for growers. He also works directly with growers, conducts on-farm research, and writes. His recent book ‘Sustainable Vegetable Production from Start-up to Market’ is available at from the Center for Sustainable Agriculture. www.uvm.edu/vtvegandberry/.

• Livestock . Extension specialists work with sheep producers, beef producers, and farmers who milk sheep or goats. They have newsletters, conduct educational programs, and work directly with farmers. More information can be found on their website at www.uvm.edu/livestock.

• Forages . The Extension forage staff conduct educational sessions and work directly with growers. This includes planning, fertilizers, manure and pest management. Their website is pss.uvm.edu/vtcrops/.

• Plant Diagnostic Clinic . This is a fee-based service at the Department of Plant and Soil Science that works with Vermont greenhouses, farms and orchards by assisting in the identification and control of pests and diseases. They also coordinate the state’s Pesticide Applicator Training. More information can be found on their website at pss.uvm.edu/pd/pdc.

• Dairy . Specialists conduct programs for farmers with dairy cattle: breeding, feeding, diseases, recordkeeping, production, and cow comfort.

• Farm Business Management . Bob Parsons, Glenn Rogers, and Dennis Kauppila run one Ag Business Management Course each winter. Other events are offered on topics like business planning, balance sheet and budgeting, farm transfer, and Quicken. They also make farm visits on farm financial topics.

• Greenhouse and Nursery . Leonard Perry conducts research and writes about ornamental plants. His website is www.uvm.edu/~pass/perry/.
• Master Gardener Hotline . 1-800-639-2230. Free information for home gardeners, not commercial growers. Volunteers are trained during the winter and then volunteer their time to share what they learned.

• 4-H Youth . There is an active 4-H Club program throughout the state. Visit www.uvm.edu/extension/4h or call your local Extension Office.
  
• Vermont Farm Show . UVM Extension collaborates with the Vermont Agency of Agriculture and others to organize this annual event held in Barre the last week of January. Many equipment dealers, farm organizations, and others involved with agriculture have booths there during the show. Several farm organizations plan their annual meetings to occur during the show. It is a great opportunity to make contacts and learn about Vermont agriculture