Fall brings changing leaves, a busy harvest season, and opportunities to plan for your farm's future. Have a project in mind but aren't sure how to fund it? Join the UVM Extension Dairy Team and partners for a workshop on funding opportunities for Vermont dairy producers, with practical guidance to help you navigate the application process. 

With so many funding sources and application requirements to sort through, knowing where to start can be a challenge. These workshops will cover the 2026-2027 funding schedule and the types of projects eligible for support. Understanding these details can help you identify programs that fit your goals and plan ahead for application deadlines. 

Bring your ideas and questions! You'll have the chance to talk with representatives from funding and lending organizations and connect with fellow dairy producers. Whether you are preparing an application or are just exploring new opportunities, you'll leave with resources to help you take the next step. 

All workshops will run from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, with lunch and snacks provided at each location. Each workshop will cover the same content, so please register for the location most convenient for you. 

November 3: St. Albans, VT

November 5: Middlebury, VT

November 10: Woodstock, VT

November 12: Derby, VT 

USDA announced a new $8 billion Harvest Fuel Relief program on October 19 to help farmers offset increased fuel and other input costs during the 2026 harvest season. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), the program will provide one-time payments to eligible producers. Payments will use a formula based on reported planted acres and USDA estimates of production costs, yields, and prices to cover a portion of estimated losses. 

Details are still being developed, with payment rates for Title I commodities expected in November and information for other commodities to follow. The application period has not yet been announced. In the meantime, USDA encourages producers to create a Login.gov account linked to USDA so they can access pre-filled applications when enrollment opens. Crop insurance will not be required to participate. For more information, read USDA's program announcement.

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn "GT" Thompson is urging Congress to advance the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act (SAWA), a proposal to update the H-2A agricultural guest worker program. Thompson has pointed to rising labor costs and workforce shortages as pressing challenges for farmers. He said the legislation has support from more than 600 organizations and 60 congressional cosponsors. 

To date, the bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee but has not advanced. Thompson hopes to rebuild support for action after the midterm elections, with a goal of passing the legislation by year's end alongside other agricultural priorities, such as the Farm Bill. 

Wednesday, October 28, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Topic: Enhancing Dairy Farm Employee Management

Speaker: Emily Skowronski, Cattle Care Inc.

Learn how Cattle Care Inc. parlor assessment tools and on-farm  data collection can help identify opportunities to improve milking procedures, cow flow, equipment function, udder health, and overall parlor efficiency.

Explore funding opportunities, review the 2026–2027 funding schedule, and learn what types of projects are eligible for funding. Connect with representatives from relevant funding organizations and get answers to your project-specific questions.

Each workshop will cover the same content, so please register for the location that is most convenient for you.⁠

Workshop #1: Tuesday, November 3, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., People’s Trust Company, 59 Franklin Park West, St. Albans, VT 05478  

Workshop #2: Thursday, November 5, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Middlebury Extension Office, 23 Pond Lane, Middlebury, VT 05753  

Workshop #3: Tuesday, November 10, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Billings Farm, 69 Old River Road, Woodstock, VT 05091  

Workshop #4: Thursday, November 12, 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., Poulin Grain, 3916 US Route 5, Derby, VT 05829