VAAFM: New Interactive Invasive Pest Status Map

Submitted by tim on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 03:42

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets The Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation’s Forest Health Program has unveiled a new tool to empower residents in the fight against invasive forest pests. The newly launched Vermont Forest Invasive Pest Status Map offers an interactive platform to track the spread of invasive species such as beech leaf disease, elm zigzag sawfly, elongate hemlock scale, emerald ash borer, and hemlock woolly adelgid across the state.

The m ap provides users with a comprehensive overview of town infestations and detection years for each invasive pest. One of the key features of the map is its user-friendly interface. Users can select a pest to learn where it has been identified, basic information about it, and how to report sightings.

This map allows Vermonters to access up-to-date information to aid in monitoring and mitigation efforts. With increased awareness and timely reporting, Vermonters can play a vital role in protecting the state’s forest health and ecological integrity.

View the Map

Dairy Marketing and Branding Services Grant

Are you looking to build customer awareness, develop new market channels, or build revenue for your dairy business? Check out this grant! Established value-added dairy processors and producer associations can apply for funding to access professional marketing and branding services.

Projects funded by this grant will be guided by marketing and branding professionals, focusing on increasing exposure and promotion of regionally produced dairy products.

Awards will range from $10,000 to $50,000 with a match requirement of 25%. Applications open April 25th.

Learn more

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 in U.S. Dairy Herds

Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), commonly known as Bird Flu, is a contagious viral disease that is spread by the mucous, saliva and feces of infected migratory birds. The H5N1 strain is known to have been prevalent in migratory birds for decades. The virus is highly transferrable between infected birds and other species including cats, racoons, and skunks.

Recently confirmed cases of HPAI have been documented in dairy cattle in eight states. A new factsheet by UVM Extension includes information on HPAI including animal signs and symptoms, treatment and testing, and prevention and biosecurity recommendations.

View the factsheet

18th Annual Vermont Organics Recycling Summit

The 2024 Vermont Organics Recycling Summit (VORS) is coming up April 29th - May 3rd! The summit will include an in-person program with a hybrid morning plenary on Monday, April 29th in Waterbury, VT. The rest of the program will take place virtually from Tuesday, April 30th - Friday, May 3rd.

This year, VORS will highlight the many roles of composting and compost use in climate change adaptation through sequestering carbon in the soil, enhancing soil health, promoting sustainable agriculture practices, promoting water conservation, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers, and nurturing biodiversity. Registration is required. Virtual events are free.

Register for the summit

The Risks of Producing Alternative Pesticides at Home

Any substance used to prevent, destroy, repel, or mitigate insects, weeds, fungi, rodents, or other unwanted pests is considered a pesticide, including when you mix it up in your kitchen.

Making your own pesticides (including herbicides) may put your family, pets, and the environment at greater risk due to the unknowns associated with the substance you’ve concocted. Learn more in a new blog post by VAAFM's Public Health and Agricultural Resource Management team.

Read the blog here

Upcoming Dates and Deadlines

April
4/24 - VAAFM Scale Testing Full Day (Middlebury)
4/25 - VAAFM Scale Testing Full Day (Derby)
4/25 - Dairy Marketing and Branding Services Grant application opens
4/26 - VAAFM Scale Testing Full Day (St. Johnsbury)

May
5/2 - VAAFM Scale Testing Full Day (Randolph Center)

June
6/1 - Harvest New England Day at the Big E application deadline
6/6 - Goat & Sheep Dairy Development Grant deadline

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar