By Sonia Howlett, VT Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets
Are you a Vermont farm who rotationally grazes ruminant livestock like cows, goats or sheep? You may be eligible for $30/acre under the Farm Agronomic Practices (FAP) program.
In order to receive this annual payment, you need to develop a grazing plan, move your animals at least twice a week, fence them out of surface waters, and leave at least 3 inches of grass/vegetation on the field year-round. And do some paperwork… but likely less paperwork than you would have to for other payment programs. (Note: if you are already enrolled in any other program that pays for your rotational grazing, you are NOT eligible to get a second payment from the Farm Agronomic Practices program).
This year, applications which include rotational grazing (and other spring practices like frost seeding or no till planting) are due APRIL 1.
If you are considering applying for the rotational grazing practice under the FAP program, start now. To apply to FAP, you need to start by creating/compiling maps and developing a grazing plan in the new Vermont Grazing Plan Template, which can be downloaded at https://agriculture.vermont.gov/document/vermont-grazing-plan-template.
Even FAP grazers who have enrolled in the program in the past are being asked to update their grazing plans into the new template before submitting their 2025 application. It is important to update grazing plans regularly to include your current animal numbers, weights, and field productivity. Going through the planning process will help you make sure that your grazing meets your farm’s goals and provides enough food for your animals and enough rest for your pastures.
The Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets has posted the new grazing plan template on their website alongside the FAP application at agriculture.vermont.gov/fap.
Alternatively, you can reach out to Connor Steckel at Connor.Steckel@vermont.gov or 802-522-0065 to request help. Connor can share paper copies of the application, connect you to a grazing specialist who may be able to help you make or update your plan and apply to the FAP program, or point you in the direction of other grant programs that might be a good fit for your farm.
Sonia spent her teenage years on her family’s grazing-based dairy farm in Addison County and now manages several programs, including the Farm Agronomic Practices program, for the Water Quality division of the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets. Contact her at Sonia.Howlett@vermont.gov or 802-522-4655.