Vermont agricultural producers interested in working with a farm advisory team to make strategic planning decisions are encouraged to apply to the University of Vermont Farm Management Team Program. 

The UVM Agricultural Risk Management and Crop Insurance Education Program, which coordinates this program, will accept applications until Jan. 15. There is no cost to participate, and all types of farm operations are eligible.

A limited number of teams will be enrolled with spaces filled on a first-come, first-served basis. To download the online application, visit go.uvm.edu/ag-risk and click on the FMT Producer Application link under Farm Management Team Program. Or contact Jake Jacobs, coordinator, at [email protected] or 802-656-7356 to request an application.

Participants will select their own team members, which could include crop consultants, financial advisers, UVM Extension specialists, veterinarians, farmers and other experts. Team members will help producers set priorities and will make recommendations to solve problems, as well as make changes to improve management practices, efficiency and profitability.

Teams will consist of four to eight members, in addition to a trained facilitator who will oversee the team, including managing meetings, assigning tasks and monitoring progress. Additional experts may be invited to participate to help address a specific problem or issue.

Producers must commit to a minimum of three to five meetings over a nine-month period, although they may opt to meet more frequently or for a longer period. Meetings will be scheduled every two to five months, depending on the individual's goals and needs, with each regularly scheduled meeting lasting 60 to 90 minutes.

All information shared at team meetings will remain confidential with the producer having the final say regarding implementation of ideas.

The UVM Agricultural Risk Management and Crop Insurance Education Program is supported by funding from USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, and Northeast Extension Risk Management Education.

Source: University of Vermont Extension, which is solely responsible for the information provided and is wholly owned by the source. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.