New Tool to Bolster Livestock and Poultry Disease Prevention

Submitted by tim on Mon, 07/20/2026 - 07:37

New Tool to Bolster Livestock and Poultry Disease Prevention

Every day, livestock and poultry producers put time and effort into keeping their animals disease-free. It can be a monumental goal considering how many people, vehicles, and even animals enter and exit a farm daily. Some of the pathways for disease transmission are not so obvious. A new mapping tool called the Secure Ag Farm Emergency Mapping App (SAFE MApp) gives producers the ability to visualize the potential entry points for diseases to the farm, and then strategize methods to keep them out.

This free and easy-to-use application can be accessed with an internet connection and a web browser; there is no need to purchase software. SAFE MApp uses Google Maps and Open Street Maps as a familiar base, and users simply enter an address to automatically pull up an aerial view of a location.

SAFE MApp accommodates many types of farm operations and needs such as:

A farm of any size.
Raising one or more types of farm animals.
Planning for daily disease prevention, foreign animal disease outbreak response, or natural disaster emergency response.

Although producers may not frequently encounter foreign animal disease (FAD) outbreaks, SAFE MApp was designed with these in mind to support the creation of Secure Food Supply plans. Producers, farm consultants, and state animal health officials are using SAFE MApp as they build “enhanced” plans that detail how a farm will prepare for and respond to an FAD outbreak.

Explore the tool

Native Prairie for Yield and Healthy Land, Livestock, and People

Join Dale Strickler, Russ Wilson, and Vermont farmers on July 22 to explore how native prairie can strengthen Vermont agriculture, ecology, and water resilience. The day begins at 10 a.m. in New Haven with presentations, followed by a visit to Jillian Farm to see three‑year prairie conversion projects in action. Dale and Russ will share their deep, practical knowledge about establishing and managing native prairie for yield and livestock performance, minimizing drought and flood, reducing input costs, and more. A bus will provide transport and lunch is included. Pre‑registration is required.

Register now

Franklin County Dairy Facility to Reopen this Fall

A former Franklin Foods dairy facility will reopen this fall as Franklin County Cheese, preserving local jobs and dairy manufacturing capacity. Led by longtime industry veteran John Ovitt, the company will employ about 20 workers and expand as it grows. It will continue producing Baker’s Cheese, along with plant-based products through an established co-manufacturing partnership. The company will also offer commercial truck washing and food‑grade warehousing. Operations are expected to begin in early September, with services and employment opportunities expanding over time.

Learn more

Applied Meat Processing and Butchery Arts Certificate

Vermont State University (VTSU) has a new hybrid training program for a career in the meat industry. The meat industry demands technical expertise with a deep understanding of safety and ethical standards. As consumers increasingly seek transparency and quality, professionals who can merge skills and regulatory knowledge are in high demand. This new certificate will give participants the chance to build a robust foundation while adapting to the ever-changing landscape of food production and processing.

Learn more

Free Legal Assistance for Farms and Food Businesses

Running a farm or food business is tough, and finding and paying for industry-specific legal assistance makes it even harder. The Legal Food Hub connects eligible farmers, food entrepreneurs, and food and farm organizations throughout New England to free legal assistance. Expert attorneys work with participants on transactional legal matters, such as contracts, real estate transactions, entity formations, and more. The Legal Food Hub also provides free education on a wide range of legal topics relevant to food professionals and attorneys.

Learn more

Upcoming Dates & Deadlines

August
8/1 - Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) application due
8/13 - D airy Processor Modernization Grant pre-application due

September
9/4 - Vermont Dairy Promotion Council project proposals due

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