Programs

Vermont Grass Farmers Association nurtures the success and resilience of Vermont’s grass-based livestock farmers by advancing and promoting managed grazing practices that result in healthy soils and clean water. 

Vermont Grazing and Livestock Conference

For 25 years, VGFA has partnered with The Center for Sustainable Agriculture (link to https://www.uvm.edu/extension/sustainableagriculture) at UVM Extension to host an annual grazing and livestock conference. The conference is the largest of its kind in New England, gathering over 300 participants from the northeast for two days of networking and educational workshops. 

Pasture Walks

Gathering farmers, technical assistance providers, land managers, neighbors and other interested parties to walk and talk pasture management on member farms. 

Annual Meeting/Picnic

VGFA members come together to network and review VGFA business. 

Educational Workshops

Face to face or virtual topic focused educational programs lead by an expert in the field.

Farmhouse to State House

Working with seven other organizations across Vermont to bring farmers and state legislators together to discuss the current state of diversified small farms and the practical impacts of agricultural legislation.

Pasture-based Beef Flavor Profiling 

A discrete grant project using flavor profiling to bring professionals within the value chain of pasture-raised beef together to find solutions for how to get more Vermont-raised pasture-raised beef to the market.

Merits of Grassfed Materials

Materials created to help farmers and the public connect with the most current research on the benefits of grass-based animal production. (link to pdf of the beef & dairy hand out)

DIY Videos

Short educational videos that assist land managers in various tasks related to managed grazing. (link to VGFA u-tube channel)

Public Events

Connecting directly with the public to be a resource for information about grass-based livestock farming.

Vermont Pasture Network

VGFA collaborates with the Pasture Program at the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI) to work cooperatively with farmers, other state and regional organizations, and agency personnel to promote and enhance successful grass-based livestock production throughout Vermont. 

• Regional Pasture Calendar

• Join the Vermont Pasture Network Listserv

New England Grazing Network - Founding Member 

The New England Grazing Network seeks to:

• Establish and develop region-wide coordination and communication methods with shared targets and evaluation methods. 


• Build capacity across the region through in-depth technical assistance, technical training events and farmer discussion groups.


• Reach out to consumers and environmental groups to increase support for and purchase of regeneratively grazed food and fiber products.