Middlebury—To reduce purchased feed costs, many Vermont dairy farmers are considering growing their own corn and soybeans for grain. But for some, the decision to produce their own forages may also raise questions about what varieties to grow and how to optimize resources for best results.
On March 21, University of Vermont Extension (¶¶Òõ̽̽) and the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition will co-host a free workshop from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Middlebury Extension Office to provide them with practical information on growing, harvesting and storing grains as well as the impact on water quality and soil health.
This workshop is a collaboration among the ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension Agricultural Business, Northwest Crops and Soils and Champlain Valley Crop, Soil and Pasture teams. It is the second in an ongoing series related to grain production for dairy farms.
Farmers have until March 19 to register at . Lunch will be provided. In the event of inclement weather, this workshop will be rescheduled to March 28 at the same location and time.
Extension Agronomist Heather Darby and her members of her Northwest Crops and Soils team will discuss varieties of corn and soybeans optimal for growing in the Northeast. Abby Augarten and Joshua Faulkner from the Champlain Valley Crop, Soil and Pasture team will present preliminary data on nutrient balances and the water quality impacts of growing soybeans.
The workshop will conclude with a farmer panel of Vermont dairy producers who have integrated grain production into their operation. They will share their experiences, including their successes and challenges.
If questions, contact Whitney Hull at (802) 279-7517 or whitney.hull@uvm.edu. To request a disability-related accommodation, contact her by March 1.