Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets UVM Extension and the Northeast Cover Crops Council invite you to attend the 2026 No-Till and Cover Crop Conference on February 19 in Burlington, VT!
Every year, this event brings farmers, technical advisors, agricultural businesses, agencies, researchers, students, and consultants together to discuss updates and insights on reduced tillage and cover cropping practices. Topic highlights include soil compaction, soil health, nutrient management with no-till and cover crops, interseeding, and cover crop seed production.
New this year is a second afternoon track specific to vegetable farmers. Vegetable farmers are encouraged to join for the full day, as the morning sessions will be relevant for all cover cropping practitioners. The afternoon vegetable track will include sessions on cover crops and equipment used on vegetable farms for cover cropping, interseeding, and reduced tillage.
Registration is $75 per participant and $50 per student. Register online today or call the UVM Non-Credit Registration Office at 802-656-8407 to register by phone.
Get Mental Health Support with Farm First
Mental health—everyone has it. Taking care of it is what makes the difference.
Did you know, Farm First offers up to 10 free, confidential, remote counseling sessions for Vermont farmers and their family members? Support is available when you need it, from Vermont-based licensed counselors who understand the realities of farm life. If you're interested in getting connected, call Farm First at (802) 318-5538 or visit Farm First to learn more.
Perhaps you'd prefer talking with someone who’s been there? Connect with one of 15 peer-trained Vermont farmers to talk through stress, staffing challenges, work–life balance, the weather—or whatever’s on your mind. No question is too small or silly.
Learn more
The NOFA-VT Winter Conference returns February 14–15 at Saint Michael’s College, bringing together farmers, gardeners, educators, land stewards, and food system advocates for two days of learning and connection.
Saturday offers a full slate of workshops, speakers, roundtables, and a dedicated Children’s Conference. Sunday features immersive full‑day intensives on topics such as climate‑resilient land care, antiracist leadership, water planning, and community organizing. This year’s keynote speaker is Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange, a nationally recognized leader in organic seed stewardship.
Sliding‑scale registration is available, with free admission for BIPOC participants.
Register now
Windham Foundation Grants for Nonprofits
The Windham Foundation has announced its funding opportunities and updated guidelines for the 2026 Grants Program. The Foundation will offer two grant cycles—Spring and Fall. Each cycle will feature two mission‑driven focus areas. New this year, the Spring cycle will be open to nonprofits working in:
- Economic development, workforce development, and job readiness
- Cultivation of food; food security; food processing and distribution; healthy forests and streams; conservation; and climate change adaptation
Milk Quality for Small Ruminant Producers
Join UVM Extension’s Small Ruminant Team for an in-depth presentation focused on milk quality management for dairy goat and sheep producers. Dr. Michelle Buckley of Cornell University’s Quality Milk Production Services will discuss the key components of milk quality, common challenges faced by small ruminant dairies, and practical strategies producers can use to improve milk quality on their farms.
This free event will take place on February 14 from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the UVM Davis Center or online via Zoom. Lunch will be provided for in-person attendees.
Register now
Upcoming Dates & Deadlines
February
2/19 - Local Food in Schools and Child Care Food Hub Grant application due
March
3/1 - The Big E Vendor application due
Forwarded this newsletter? Subscribe to receive future editions straight to your inbox.
View the VAAFM Grants Calendar
Copyright © 2026, All rights reserved.
Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
116 State St. Montpelier, VT 05620
https://agriculture.vermont.gov
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!
