UMass Extension and Plymouth County Cooperative Extension are sponsoring an important daylong symposium for Green Industry professionals and municipal employees with horticultural responsibilities. Landscapers, arborists, garden center personnel, foresters, tree wardens, and state and town agency personnel that work in the areas of pest management and public relations will all benefit from this program.

For almost 100 years, UMass Extension, in collaboration with USDA and local County Government, has conducted applied and basic research that addresses the needs of citizens, businesses, and public agencies in Massachusetts. This Extension Conference, “Extending the Research” will highlight some of that research that is currently relevant to the Green Industry. UMass faculty and Extension specialists, along with staff from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, will present updates on the Asian Longhorned Beetle, Winter Moth, Mile-a-minute vine, non-invasive weed control, new invasive turf pests and much more, to prepare Green Industry professionals to meet the challenges of the 2010 growing season.

Six pesticide contact hours available for categories 29, 36, and Applicators License. 1 MCA, 1 MCH, 2 MCLP, and 5 CFE credits available. ISA credit has been requested.

For a registration form or to register online, go to http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/programs/conferences.html

A copy of the agenda is available online by clicking "To register by mail with check or PO#: Download registration form" under the description.

Contact: Ellen Weeks
Phone: (413) 545-0895
http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/

December 14, 1:00 p.m.-5:00 P.m., GAPS Training for Growers, Manchester, N.H.

This training will provide an introduction to the USDA Good Agricultural Practices
(GAP) program. GAP certification is verification of practices on the farm to
minimize microbial contamination in the production of fresh fruits and
vegetables, and it is now required by some wholesale buyers.

In this training, you will learn about the USDA third-party audit process and how
to prepare a farm GAP plan. You will also receive a manual filled with GAP
resources and a CD loaded with templates that will be useful in helping you keep
the records you need to verify your GAP plan.

There will be a registration fee for each set of educational materials
needed; participants that do not need educational materials will be able to
register at a reduced rate.

To register or for additional information, please contact Shirley Mietlicki-Floyd at
413-545-4420 or mietlicki@umext.umass.edu. For questions regarding the
program, contact Rich Bonanno at 978-361-5650 or rbonanno@umext.umass.edu
or Becky Grube at 603-862-3203 or becky.grube@unh.

December 15-17, New England Vegetable & Fruit Growers Conference, Radisson Hotel, Manchester, N.H.

Includes 27 educational sessions over 3 days, covering major vegetable, berry and tree fruit crops as well as various special topics. A Farmer to Farmer meeting after each morning and afternoon session will bring speakers and farmers together for informal, in-depth discussion on certain issues.

There is also an extensive Trade Show with over 100 exhibitors. We hope that you will enjoy your time here, and meet with fellow growers, advisors, researchers, and industry representatives. We want you to leave with new ideas and new information that will have a positive impact on your farm.

This conference is special because it is put together with close collaboration between growers and Extension from across the region. The steering committee gathers the best speakers from within our region and across the country to tell you about the latest innovations and advances in the fruit and vegetable industry. Almost every session includes both farmers and research or extension personnel, so you are getting the “best of both worlds.”

Our sponsors invite you to visit the Trade Show during the conference. We invite businesses and organizations to exhibit at the Trade Show for the purpose of providing information to the participants. While we make reasonable efforts to assure the integrity of the exhibitors, the conference sponsors do not guarantee or warranty any product exhibited; neither do the sponsors imply approval or endorsement of any product to the exclusion of others that may be available.

The pre-registration fee to attend any part or all of the conference or trade show is $90 for the first member of the farm or business and $60 for each additional member (family or employee) when pre-registered with first member. The pre-registration fee for students (high school or college) is $40 each when pre-registered by the instructor. Pre-registration must be received by November 30, 2009. There is an additional fee of $10 per person for late registration or walk-ins. Please bring your checkbook or cash if registering at the door – sorry, no credit cards accepted. There is an ATM machine available in the hotel.

Please note: You will not receive a registration receipt in the mail. Your registration package will be available at the registration desk when you arrive at the conference.

January 5 & 19 or February 9. Digging Deep an Advanced Soils Course for Vegetable Growers, Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee.

Three different day long sessions:
January 5th, Soil Testing Tools and Their Use
January 19th, Using Soil Fertility Practices to Solve Problems on Your Farm
February 9th, Putting a System Together on Your Farm
Sessions will focus on tools and practices available to help farmers solve soil and soil fertility problems on their farms. Farmers will develop a soil fertility management plan that addresses nutrient needs, compaction, rotations and tillage.

Contact NOFA Vermont at 802-434-4122 or info@nofavt.org to be added to our mailing list. Watch the website for more information: http://www.nofavt.org/annual-events/digging-deep

NOFA Vermont holds an annual Direct Marketing Conference to provide a networking and educational opportunity for farmers’ market managers and vendors and farmers marketing through Community Supported Agriculture and farm stands.

More details coming soon or contact the office with questions: 802-434-4122

January 11, 9:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m, Introduction to QuickBooks for Farmers, USDA Service Center, Rutland.

This course is designed for agricultural operators who are beginning with QuickBooks to those with an early working knowledge of the program. Specifically it’s designed for those not yet owning the program to those using QuickBooks as a check register who are seeking additional features in the computer program.

The course is sponsored by the Rutland Natural Resources Conservation District, Farm Service Agency, and, USDA Risk Management Agency, and UVM Extension. The class will be taught by Pam Smith and Glenn Rogers of UVM Extension. Sign up early as this is being offered on a first come-first serve basis. For sign up and further information contact Nanci McGuire at 775-7192 ext. 17, or e-mail: nanci.mcguire@vt.nacdnet.net.

$45 for an individual or $80 for 2 people from the same farm. A light lunch will be provided.

January 22 & 23, 2010. 14th Annual Grazing & Livestock Conference: Farming for Modern Markets, Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee.

Featuring Brian Moyer, Executive Director Rural Vermont

Pre-conference workshops Friday, January 22, 2010 and main Conference Saturday, January 23, 2010

Online registration, by credit card, electronic funds transfer (EFT) or personal check will open mid November.

The conference is coordinated by the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture's Pasture Program.

Keynote speaker Brian Moyer will highlight the conference theme of Farming for the Modern Market, speaking to the changing economic times and how we are positioned locally to address these challenges. Mr. Moyer became the Executive Director of Rural Vermont9 in July of 2009. For the last six years he has served on the board of directors of Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA), for the last 2 years as the Vice President. He also served as Vice President and President of American Pastured Poultry Producers Association (APPPA). Mr. Moyer and his wife Holley have been farming for twelve years raising broilers, layers, turkeys, sheep, goats and pigs on the pastures of their 27-acre farm in Berks County, Pennsylvania. They marketed their farm fresh food at their farm, through CSAs and farmers markets, and to restaurants.

The schedule on Friday January 22 will include three day-long workshops, focusing on business planning, farm visits and a weed management intensive with nationally known animal behaviorist Kathy Voth. Ms. Voth is the founder of Livestock for Landscapes, LLC10 and provides consulting services for farms and ranches as well performing research on grazing livestock behavior. Her in-depth workshop will focus on teaching livestock to become weed managers, and each attendee will leave with an individualized plan. The main conference Saturday January 23 will offer over 30 workshops on sustainable livestock production, with topics such as pasture-based research, grazing season extension, soil fertility & productivity, local beef marketing, high quality hay production, transitioning dairy farms to rotational grazing, small ruminant parasite management, swine, poultry and more. A concurrent kids’ conference includes indoor and outdoor activities. Lake Morey Resort’s chefs will highlight the bounty and quality of local and grass-fed foods.

Contact: Jenn Colby
Phone: (802) 656-0858
jcolby@uvm.edu
http://www.uvm.edu/pasture

February 13-15, NOFA Vermont Winter Conference, University of Vermont, Burlington.

Celebrating the Heart of Organic, will explore how local and organic agriculture provide a response to the national “Agenda for Change;” how climate challenges, inequities in food access, and increased demand for food grown closer to home are being addressed by innovative farmers, gardeners, and communities throughout Vermont.

The Winter Conference is the pre-eminent gathering of Vermont's local food community: the farmers, homesteaders, gardeners, localvores, educators, and citizens that are re-localizing Vermont's food system and leading the nation. Please join us for over 75 workshops, a Children's Conference, two great keynote speakers, a farmers' market, and much, much more.

United States Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is joining the conference as a special guest on Saturday. This is a great opportunity this is for Vermonters to show Secretary Vilsack Vermont's agricultural leadership in innovations, food security, grassroots organizing, and healthy food independence!

LaDonna Redmond joins us as our keynote speaker on Saturday!

Legendary Vermont dairy farmer, Jack Lazor, is our Sunday keynote speaker!

Monday features an intensive grower workshop with farmer Richard Wiswall, author of The Organic Farmer's Business Handbook.

Your crop insurance company may allow additional time to harvest when the following conditions are met:
(a) You give timely notice of loss to the crop insurance agent; and
(b) The crop insurance company determines and documents that the delay in harvest was due to an insured cause of loss; and
(c) You demonstrate to the crop insurance company that harvest was not possible due to insured causes; and
(d) The delay in harvest was not due to uninsured causes of loss, nor because you did not have sufficient equipment or manpower to harvest the crop by the calendar date for the end of the insurance period.

It is important that you document conditions for your acreage and the actions you take in order to receive an accurate claim payment if one is due. You must harvest your crop during the extension period if a window of opportunity arises. If you do not, the crop insurance company will appraise the acreage at that time and finalize the claim based on that appraisal. Damage occurring after the window of opportunity to harvest is uninsurable.

If there is significant snow cover, if the crop is under water, or if extreme wet conditions exist, the crop insurance company should not (and is not required to), perform final inspections when conditions make it impossible to obtain appraisals accurately.

If weather conditions are delaying your harvest, contact your crop insurance agent to report a loss and request additional time to harvest in order to protect your crop insurance coverage.

Risk is a natural part of any farming operation. Farm success depends so much on factors that a producer cannot control such as weather and global markets. In recent years, risks facing Vermont farmers have increased due to changes in the nation and the world.

* Increased globalization has created more intense competition for farmers due to importation of cheaper goods produced outside the United States.

* The development of new technologies has enabled increased production of goods leading to price decreases and thus increased competition. The new technologies and increased production has also led to specialization which means increased risk of large crop losses in the case of disease, pest infestation, or certain weather events.

* More volatile weather patterns are a threat to crops and livestock.

* The increasing cost of fuel and feed is influencing farm operations.

* The government is putting more responsibility for risk into the hands of farmers themselves. In other words, farmers cannot expect to receive a check if there is a disaster. Farmers must either be enrolled in the Non-Insured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, or have a crop insurance policy in order to be considered for assistance payments if a disaster should occur.

The intention of this weblog is to convey information to producers, consultants, educators, students, and other interested parties about current risks that Vermont farmers face and provide information about workshops, strategies, and other resources that can be used to manage those risks.

This blog was developed by UVM Extension.

The Guaranteed Loan Program allows commercial and farm credit lenders to extend credit to qualified applicants, who otherwise would not meet their standard lending criteria. Participating lenders can use the Guaranteed Loan Program to strengthen a loan's viability through a guarantee of up to 95 percent of the loan amount. Farmers interested in guaranteed loans should apply through a conventional lender.

FSA also offers the Direct Loan Program as an alternative for those unable to obtain financing from commercial credit sources. Direct farm loans are government-funded, and made by FSA. The loan limit for loans under the Direct Program is $300,000 (except for Emergency Loans). Farmers interested in applying for a direct loan should contact their local FSA office. To find an FSA office, visit http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov

2009 Vermont State Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

Introduction to Risk Management, RMA, 1997.

Risk Management Basics

Building a Risk Management Plan, RMA, 1998.

About the Risk Management Agency, RMA, 2008.

Risk and Risk Management, RMA, 2000.

Click Here for information on Contracts.

Do I Need Crop Insurance? self-evaluating crop insurance as a risk management tool in New York State, Steve Richards, Cornell University

2009 Crop Insurance Agents

How To File a Crop Insurance Claim

AGR-Lite Training

Presentations

Crop Insurance Briefing

Crop Insurance Briefing for Organic

Risk Management: What is it and How is it Done by Bob Parsons

Crop Insurance Making Good Business Sense: Vermont State Overview

Articles

General

"Building a Comprehensive Risk Management Plan"
"Crop Insurance Options for Limited Resource Producers and Producers of Noninsurable Crops"

Production Risk

"Production Risk: What Can You Do About It?"

Marketing Risk

"The Challenge:Reducing Your Exposure to Marketing Risk"

Financial Risk

"Dealing With Financial Risk Management on the Farm"

Legal Risk

"An Explanation of the Legal Risks Facing Farmers"

"Farm Transitions Assistance Offered by Mediation Program and UVM Extension" by Matt Strassberg

"Keeping Farmland Working in Vermont: A Lease Agreements Guide for Landowners and Farmers"

"Transferring Ownership of Farm Assets or Retiring From Farming"

"Your First Farm Loan"

Human Resources Risk

"Risk Management on the Farm: Human Resource Issues"

"Human Resource Considerations for the Hiring Season"

Crop Insurance Factsheets

Corn (Silage or Grain)
Corn Silage
Corn-Crop Revenue Coverage
Forage Seeding
2009 Nursery National Factsheet
Small Grains
Apples
Fresh Market Sweet Corn
Peaches
Adjusted Gross Revenue
Adjusted Gross Revenue-Lite

Organic Farming Practices
Prevented Planting Provisions
Requesting Insurance not Available in Your County

Posters

Risk Management and Crop Insurance

The goals of the plan are to target enforcement to the most significant pollution problems, improve transparency and accountability by providing the public with access to better data on the water quality in their communities, and strengthen enforcement performance at the state and federal levels.

Source: Farm Futures, October 19, 2009

BENEFITS OF CROP INSURANCE:

Protects against losses from hail, drought, frost, wildlife, insects and other unavoidable natural occurrences

Provides loan collateral. Loss payments are assignable to a lender

Improves credit worthiness

Creates an income floor for a poor year

Increases farm profitability

Offers security and peace of mind

Customizable to fit your farm operation

NOVEMBER 20 is the last day to purchase insurance for apple, grapes, peaches, and pears. Contact a crop insurance agent for more information.

On October 28th restaurants, schools, food distributors, co-ops, supermarkets, and other commercial buyers are coming together in one place to connect with Vermont’s food producers.
This is your chance to explore options for selling to larger scale buyers through one-on-one conversations that you schedule based on who you want to connect with.
The Matchmaker is an event for anyone planning to expand to larger markets, anyone currently selling wholesale who wants to expand their clients, and anyone with surpluses who wants to learn where large quantities can be sold.
There is a registration fee of $20 per person for sellers (farmers, specialty food producers) and $50 per table for buyers. Distributors can register as sellers, buyers, or both. Registration fee includes breakfast, coffee and lunch.
SPACES ARE LIMITED.
Buyers Must Register by September 14th. Sellers Must Register by October 5th.
To request more information and a registration form please contact Kim at the Vermont Fresh Network: kim@vermontfresh.net or 802-434-2000. Registration information also available under “Hot Topics” at www.vermontagriculture.com.
This event co-presented by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Vermont Fresh Network, Vermont Grocers Association, Vermont Specialty Foods Association, Healthcare Without Harm and Vermont Hospitality Council.

What to do:
• Visually inspect each field for losses. Take photos of crop damage.
• Report crop damage promptly:

o Before replanting (many policies have replanting payments).
o Within 72 hours of discovery of damage.
o 15 days before harvest begins (if loss is possible) Within 15 days after harvesting is completed (by insurance unit) or the end of the insurance period.
o Retain crop records such as seed and herbicide receipts.

What not to do:

• Do not destroy evidence that is needed to support your claim, nor harvest your crop without clear direction from the insurance company, preferably in writing.

Contact your crop insurance agent for more information.

It is always a good idea to get a copy of your FSA acreage report so that the information on crop acreage planted and farm serial numbers is consistent. Keep in mind that your acreage report should include any added land and late planted acreage.

Over the last week I have received many reports of heavy cutworm damage in corn fields around the state. Although cutworms are not an unusual occurrence in Vermont this type of widespread damage certainly is an oddity. Several factors such as storm fronts, actively growing weeds, and cool temperatures have played a role in the widespread cutworm problem.

Storm fronts carry adult black cutworm moths to Vermont. Moths "drop out" of these storm fronts and seek attractive egg laying sites, especially common chickweed and other winter annuals. As planting is delayed, black cutworm larvae (worm) will hatch and begin feeding on the weeds. As the weeds are killed, the cutworms need additional food and will be large enough to cut corn plants as seedlings emerge from the soil. Fields that are most susceptible include late plantings, no-till plantings, weedy fields; low, wet areas; and fields previously in pasture or sod.

Cutworms larvae pass through six instars and require 28 to 35 days, depending on the temperature to become mature larvae. Degree-days are an effective tool to help determine black cutworm development. The black cutworm requires approximately 640 degree days to reach pupa stage and1000 degree days to reach maturity. Since the spring temperatures have been cool the development of larvae has been slow. The recent hot temperatures have pushed them to the cutting stage. The cutting stage will last until approximately 300 to 400 GDUs accumulate. This will push the larvae to the pupae stage at which time it stops destroying plants. To check cumulative GDDs in your area, go to the following websites:
http://pss.uvm.edu/grape/2009DDAccumulationGrape.html http://www.nass.usda.gov/Publications/State_Crop_Progress_and_Condition/current/current_eng.rtf.

Scouting for black cutworms is essential, even if products for control (seed treatment and Bt corn) have been used. Cut, missing, or wilted corn plants are typical symptoms of black cutworm larvae damage. Feeding mainly at night, larvae will move up the row as they feed. On average, one larva may cut three or four plants in its lifetime. To scout, check 20 plants in 5 locations for cutworm injury. According to Penn State Entomologist, widely accepted thresholds are 2, 3, 5, and 7 cut plants per 100 for seedling, V2, V3, and V4 stage plants, respectively. The staging number indicates fully formed leaves, so a V2 would mean a corn seedling that has two fully formed leaves although it may have an incomplete emerging third leaf.

Post-emergence rescue treatment is suggested when 5 percent or more of the plants are cut and larvae are one inch or less in size. If they are larger than an inch, it is less likely that a control treatment will help. Rescue treatments should be applied late in the day since cutworms feed at night. Only the infested area and a 20 to 40 foot surrounding buffer need to be treated. The spray should be directed to the vase of the plant. Approved treatments can be found at the Agency of
Agriculture website (www.vermontagriculture.com) or contact Dr. Heather Darby at 802-524-6501.

It appears the stage is set for black cutworm problems and a lack of vigilance could result in discovering the problem too late. Go and scout your fields! Even if it is too late, you should document the damage and, if possible, take pictures. You can download a corn scouting report at http://pss.uvm.edu/vtcrops/articles/FieldCornScoutingReport.pdf if you want to use this for your crop insurance records. Be sure to write down the date and extent of damage.

For additional information, refer to http://pss.uvm.edu/vtcrops/

Applications for the 2009 program will be accepted from June 22-July 2.

Farmers converting annually tilled land to a grazing system in the Otter Creek or Missisquoi watersheds will receive priority for funding. However, farmers statewide are eligible and encouraged to apply, including those with existing grazing systems who are prepared to make significant enhancements. To apply, please visit your local USDA Service Center by July 2.

Ranking Member of the Senate Environment Committee Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., says farmers could be hurt worst by this legislation.

"I can remember very well a few years ago when a friend of mine had standing water after a storm in one-forth of one acre," Inhofe said. "Because of that, they declared a wetland and took away the use of that farmer's 160 acres; that's how serious this thing is."

Inhofe says this measure will have a harder time on the Senate floor than it did in committee because of several coalitions that have been put together to block it and he thinks they will be successful.

As for the Waxman-Markey climate change bill that is of great concern to agriculture Inhofe noted that several people including House Ag Chair Collin Peterson, D-Minn., and Ranking Member Frank Lucas, R-Okla., are working to protect ag interests. Even so Inhofe say he believes Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., will get the votes she needs to advance the bill out of the House.

"I can assure you that they will not have the votes in the Senate," Inhofe said. "Right now they only have 34 votes and they have to have 60 votes in the Senate to make it happen."

Pelosi earlier this month placed a deadline on committee action on the climate change legislation. That deadline is Friday.

Reprinted from Farm Futures Magazine, 6/19/09.