The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.
Eligible Practices
- Fence
- Livestock Pipeline
- Watering Facility
- Improved Permanent Water Area
- Stream Crossing
- Electric Fence Chargers
- Trails & Walkways
Program Details
- The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists
- PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount.
- Up to $15,000 grant award per farm.
- Additional funding is available for exclusion fence only, up to $20,000 total grant award, as approved by PSWF program.
Eligibility
- Projects must implement practices that support at least one of the following:
- Excluding livestock from surface waters
- Implementing a Rotational Grazing Plan
- Be a Vermont farm as defined in the Required Agricultural Practices
- Priority is given to farms that have at least 4 acres for the raising, feeding and management of at least five cattle or cows, 15 goats or sheep, four equine, or three camelids
- Manage pastureland where water quality will benefit from implementation of improved pasture management and eligible and/or necessary conservation practices
- Have ownership or land control for the lifespan of the practice (10 years)
- Have an insurance policy that allows for the State and its employees and officers to be listed as additional insured
How To Apply
All applications are received on a rolling basis. Awards are determined based on a complete application and alignment of project with program goals.
The application process follows 5 main steps:
- Initial Application - Farm Operator submits a PSWF Application
- Assigned VAAFM Staff or Partner - VAAFM Staff or Partner Technical Assistance (TA) provider follow up with applicant to determine eligibility and assist with the application process and paperwork
- Project Planning - Farm Operator, with assistance from VAAFM Staff or Partner TA provider, develops a Project Plan Map, Estimated Budget/Contractor Quotes, and a Grazing Plan as applicable.
- Project Review - VAAFM Program reviews project application, plan, and budget. Finalizes application paperwork with applicant. Makes an award determination and provides notification of award to Farm Operator.
- Grant Award - Farm Operator and VAAFM sign Grant Agreement. Project begins!
A complete project application includes:
- Submitted Application
- Project Map
- Project Budget
- Grazing Plan if applicable*
- W9
- State of Vermont Good Standing Form
- Certificate of Liability Insurance if applicable
- Land Lease Agreement if applicable
*Applications which include rotational grazing must include a Grazing Plan. If the applicant has a full Grazing Plan developed with NRCS or a Grazing Specialist, submit that. Otherwise, use the VAAFM Grazing Plan Template, which can either be filled in on your computer or printed and filled in by hand. A VAAFM Staff or Partner TA Provider can help you complete a grazing plan. The Grazing Plan can also be used to apply to the VAAFM Farm Agronomic Practice Program.
Start Your Application Now
Prior to applying, please read the important information below:
- Submitting an application does not ensure an award.
- Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.
- Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and will only receive reimbursement upon certified project completion.
- Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.
- Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.
Contact For More Information
Connor Steckel, Agricultural Water Quality Program Coordinator/Grazing Specialist
PHONE: 802-522-0065
EMAIL: Connor.Steckel@Vermont.Gov
