Land Treatment Plan (LTP): A Land Treatment Plan (LTP) is a comprehensive farm analysis including landowner objectives; a natural resources inventory and documentation of sensitive areas; soil fact sheets; production area maps; slope and soil loss estimates; soil sampling on all fields receiving nutrient inputs; manure production and storage capacity; and conservation recommendations. It forms the basis of a Nutrient Management Plan, and provides a valuable foundation for maximizing crop yields while reducing excess nutrient loading to surface and groundwater. We can provide LTPs to farmers at no cost. Email your Agricultural Program Specialist for more information!

Nutrient Management Planning (NMP): A Nutrient Management Plan (NMP) is required of all Certified Small Farm Operations (CSFOs), Medium Farm Operations (MFOs), and Large Farm Operations (LFOs). A NMP is a certified plan for applying nutrients using the right amount, source, timing and method, based on regular soil tests and management strategies, in order to reduce erosion, runoff, and leaching of excess nutrients into our waterways. We can provide financial and technical assistance for producers going through the UVM Extension’s six-week NMP course and writing an NMP for the first time. We also provide assistance with soil and manure sampling and updates to existing plans. For more information, visit the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Market’s NMP webpage.

Soil and Manure Sampling: Whether needed to update a Nutrient Management Plan or to better understand the health of your soils, we provide soil and manure sampling services to Lamoille County farmers. Understanding the results and recommendations can help guide nutrient application and land management decisions that better protect our most valuable resources: soil and water. It can also lead to increased crop yields and decreased costs associated with unnecessary fertilizers. Soil samples are typically taken in the early spring or late fall, or at least two weeks after manure or fertilizer application. Reach out to your LCCD Agricultural Program Specialist to schedule a time!

Guide to Assistance for Agricultural Producers of Vermont: The Franklin County Natural Resources Conservation District (NRCD) annually updates and distributes a Guide to Assistance for Agricultural Producers of Vermont. This comprehensive guide contains detailed information about a multitude of technical and financial opportunities available to Vermont farmers and landowners. Stop by our office to get your copy, or email to schedule a time to meet! We can help identify the best programs for your project, as well as assist with grant writing and applications.