While Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (FCNRCD) focused on capacity building over the past year, it was with an eye towards providing better aid to their agricultural community. As with other conservation districts, agricultural support is essential to their mission to nurture connections that benefit natural resources, water quality, soil health, and the working landscape in Franklin County and across Northwest Vermont. District Manager, Lauren Weston remarked, “with more staff we can switch from being reactive to proactive in our assistance to farmers. This year, we were able to dive deep with a handful of farmers by working with them through different programs throughout the entire year through a soil health cohort, Pay for Performance program, nutrient management plan creations and updates, and assistance with grants that would help them achieve their goals; we were really able to serve as a partner for the farm as they navigate the breadth of opportunities available to them.”
Throughout the year, FCNRCD staff assisted 111 farms in both their district and neighboring Grand Isle County NRCD. The farms ranged from small vegetable growers to dairy producers to tree nurseries. And of course, maple producers, as Franklin County produces the most maple syrup in the country!
For River Berry Farm, the assistance came in the form of organizing volunteers to plant trees (pictured above). The farm, which sits on the banks of the Lamoille River, was hit hard by last year’s flooding in July and December. Through a collaboration with US Fish and Wildlife, VT Agency of Ag, and FCNRCD, it was determined that planting trees and shrubs to assist with root structure in the riparian areas and trunks and branches as a form of barrier for flood debris would be beneficial for the farm in the long run. Six volunteers donated 24 hours of their collective time to plant 1350 trees over 3 acres. The planting was performed in celebration of Earth Day in 2024 which continues several years of tree plantings in Franklin County to celebrate the holiday.
Support to farmers also included 153 on-site farm assistance visits. During these visits, soil samples might be taken and current practices reviewed. It could also look like a casual conversation around a kitchen table that involves staff helping farmers navigate technical and financial support opportunities in their own home through use of the Guide to Assistance for Agricultural Producers of Vermont, which FCNRCD produces annually. Farmers are often not aware of all the programs available to them nor have the time to research them on their own. This year, FCNRCD started working with a farmer they hadn’t connected with previously, Gene Branon of Branon’s West View Maples. Through a partnership with the District, Gene successfully applied to the Capital Equipment Assistance Program (CEAP) for funding to purchase a manure injector as part of his custom application business. He also participated in the 2023 Nutrient Management Planning course to help him understand his field conditions and prioritize future nutrient management goals as he considers what the future of his farm will look like.