Enroll in UVM's Dry Bean Production Course

Submitted by tim on Mon, 12/22/2025 - 05:35

Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets Organic Dry Bean Production is a free online short course brought to you by UVM Extension and ECOBEAN: East-Central Organic Dry Bean Collaborative. This course will provide an introductory overview of dry bean production for farmers, service providers, students, and anyone interested in growing dry beans.

Classes meet Mondays and Fridays from 12:00–1:15 p.m. EST, from February 2nd to February 20th.

Dry beans can be a valuable addition to your crop rotation, especially as public interest in alternative plant proteins continues to rise. Join this course to learn production strategies grounded in local research and real on-farm experience.

During this three-week course, participants will engage with content in five modules covering topics ranging from variety selection to marketing. For each module, participants will attend a virtual class session featuring an expert guest speaker, a live Q&A, and a research round-up segment highlighting current research in the field.

Spaces are limited, so don't delay!

Register today

Winter Manure Spreading Ban in Effect

A reminder to all farm operations that the annual winter manure spreading ban took effect on December 15th and runs through April 1st. During this period, manure, compost, and other agricultural wastes may not be applied to fields.

The ban, part of Vermont’s Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), helps protect water quality and natural resources. Farmers are also reminded that spreading on frozen, saturated, or snow-covered ground is prohibited year-round due to runoff risks.

Learn more

Northeast Grazing and Livestock Conference

The Northeast Grazing and Livestock Conference will be held January 30th–31st in Manchester, NH, hosted by the New England Grazing Network. This hybrid event welcomes farmers and service providers from across New England and New York.

Guest speakers Loren and Lisa Poncia of Stemple Creek Ranch will share insights from their ranching experience. The program features workshops by regional grazing experts, farmer panels, and sponsor/vendor exhibits. Attend in person or online.

Register today

FruitGuys Community Fund Grants

The FruitGuys Community Fund invites small farms (250 acres or less) and eligible agricultural nonprofits to apply for grants up to $5,000 to support projects that advance sustainable and equitable food systems.

Projects that promote sustainable practices and community impact will be prioritized. Awards will be announced in May, and projects must be completed by December 2026.

Apply by January 30th

Grants for On-Farm Infrastructure to Improve Water Quality

There's still time to apply for a Water Quality Grant through the Vermont Farm & Forest Viability Program! These grants are designed to help farm businesses undertake infrastructure projects that improve on-farm water quality, help farms comply with water quality regulations, and improve overall farm viability. Eligible farmers can apply for $5,000 to $50,000 in funding.

Apply by January 9

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

January
1/21 - Trade Show Assistance Grant application due

Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.

View the VAAFM Grants Calendar

To support vital journalism, access our archives and get unique features like our award-winning profiles, Book of Lists & Business-to-Business Directory, subscribe HERE!

Vermont Business Magazine