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VAAFM: Fairs and field days season in full swing

Submitted by tim on

Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets We don’t know about you but with the cancellation of fairs last year, we’re more excited than ever for this year’s Fairs and Field Days season. With the 84.7% of eligible Vermonters (and counting!) who have started the vaccine process, residents from every county are getting out and rewarding themselves with the excitement and traditions of Fairs and Field Days.

A few fairs have already taken place, and they have been tremendous successes. Lamoille County Field Days packed their brand new 4-H barn with art projects, crafts, posters, and more. Up north, Franklin County Field Days melted hearts with the Little Piggy Roundup, where kids under ten tried to wrangle a piglet. This past week, the Addison County Fair and Field Days hosted the largest agriculture fair in the state, with horse shows, cow shows, poultry shows, and more!

If you haven’t made it to a fair yet, don’t worry! There are still plenty of summertime celebrations to attend. And if you’re looking for some inspiration, read Secretary Tebbetts’ recent article on the return of Fairs and Field Days.

See the Fairs and Field Days Schedule

Save the date. Join the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food & Markets for an hour-long webinar, “How to Apply for a Working Lands Enterprise Fund Grant.” The Working Lands team will provide an overview of eligibility for the $5.594 million available in Fiscal Year 2022, tips on how to assemble a successful application, business resources and more. There will also be dedicated time to answer participant questions. This webinar is designed for Vermont working lands businesses and service provider organizations. Participants are encouraged to join by computer but there is also the option to call in.
Event Date: August 23 @ 12 Noon

NOFA-VT is now accepting applications for two year-long programs designed to support new and beginner farmers in launching and growing their farm businesses. The Farm Beginnings program is designed to help participants launch or grow their farm business and is led by Vermont-based service providers and farmers. The Journey Farmer program is for beginning farmers who are in the first few years of running their own farm business in Vermont. It enables new farmers to advance their farming skills while participating in a cohort learning community of other farmers and mentors.

Deadline to Apply: September 13

Join UVM Extension and Dr. Larry Tranel, of Iowa State University Extension, at Lynd Family Farm in Cabot for a discussion on the "Economics of Robotic Milking." Participants will learn about how to renovate an existing facility and discuss the feasibility of robotics. This will be a practical session with time for discussion and questions. This workshop is part of a series funded by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center.

Event Date: August 25, 10 am-12 Noon

Is your organization holding an event or conference that promotes sustainable and equitable food systems, agriculture workforce development, innovation in agricultural product development, or land access and stewardship? The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets (VAAFM) can show its support through sponsorship funding. Sponsorship requests are reviewed monthly and must be submitted at least twenty days prior to the event date.
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

Source: https://agriculture.vermont.gov