Operators who are new, or have been in business less than 10 years, often have specific needs that require a unique set of resources. We have gathered this list of the most useful resources to get you started, and we hope you will contact us so we can help as you work on and improve your operation.

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Start learning from other farmers immediately

Farmer Explaining his Fencing System to Visitors

As soon as you know you want to raise livestock, the first step is to learn what's possible, what's working on Vermont farms (and what isn't) by connecting with other farmers. This is the right time to start attending pasture walks, workshops, conferences, and any other learning opportunity you can find. By seeing and hearing from those who are at different stages of developing their operations, you can get your own farm started in the ways most likely to work for your own goals.

Opportunities for learning from other farmers:

  • to receive a monthly email with details of pasture walks and other chances to learn, or .
  • Connect with and/or join local farmer organizations:
    • , a farmer-driven organization that promotes, manages and oversees managed grazing outreach and education programs for Vermont producers.
    • : a group of Farmers in the Lake Champlain Basin who have taken on a leadership role to show that a strong Local Farm Economy and a clean Lake Champlain can work together.
    • : a farmer-led group aimed at helping farmers implement environmentally sound practices in Vermont & New Hampshire.
    • : a Franklin and Grand Isle based organization that provides assistance and funding to farmers to help minimize environmental impacts.
    • :Ìýaim is to promote humane treatment of animals, a high-level of animal health, and sustainable farmland stewardship on all farms, as producers of meat, dairy and fiber.
    • Ìýa service based non-profit organization that strives to be the foundation of a profitable and sustainable beef industry in Vermont.
    • Ìýa membership based organization that provides education, collaboration, and networking opportunities for pastured poultry farmers.
    • :Ìýan information portal for sheep and goat producers.

Business Planning

sheep grazing

Describe your Goals and the Current State of the Farm: Document your goals & priorities, in clear and quantifiable terms. Then describe the current state of the farm by attempting to capture this moment in time​; Find other business planning resoures below:

: To envision and realize healthy, resilient lands and thriving communities by serving people in the practice of Holistic Decision Making & Management

offers information, assistance, and encouragement to beginning and aspiring farmers in the state of Vermont through one-on-one coaching and business planning. Coaching sessions last from one to two hours; at the end, you’ll come away with a learning plan that includes prioritized learning areas, objectives, and steps to reach those objectives.

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Introductory Readings

sprout

The following books are great resources for those needing an overview and introduction to livestock and grazing:

  • Ìýoffers a great overview of grazing and information for grazing in VT’s climate & topography
  • :ÌýCovers information on stress and well-being criteria, facilities & handling, transportation, managing predation, nutrition, flock health program, shearing, hoof trimming, lambing & care of the lamb and ewe, exhibition practices, harvest practices, and additional resources.
  • Carol Delaney’s : is an excellent overview and reference guide for all aspects of goat dairy enterprises

Interested in knowing more about Extension’s Grazing and Livestock work, or do you have a question we haven't answered here? Contact Us and we'll do our best to help.