Gathering of Good Graziers: Hosted by the Northeast Pasture Consortium and New England Grazing Network 

Date: January 25 - 27, 2024

Location: University of Massachusetts Amherst

The ‘Gathering of Good Graziers’ (confluence of the Northeast Grazing and Livestock Conference and the Northeast Pasture Consortium Annual Meeting) will take place virtually and at UMass Amherst from 1/27-1/27. Agenda and registration linked here. AFT New England staff will be there in many different roles - will we see you there?

No More Normal: A Dairy Farmer Roundtable Discussion on Climate Adaptation  

Date: January 22nd, 11 am to 1:30 pm 

Location: Barstow’s Dairy Store and Bakery, 172 Hockanum Road, Hadley, MA 01035 

Remaining registration is reserved for farmers only.

Let’s face it– there is no more ‘normal’ growing season anymore. The first and last frosts are erratic, and precipitation is all over the place– heavy rains one summer and droughts the next. Join American Farmland Trust’s New England Climate and Agriculture team and Steven Barstow for a dairy farmer roundtable discussion of strategies and ideas for building resilience on our farmlands. Steven will kick off the conversation with some of his observations and approaches to farming in increasingly variable weather conditions and the role that soil health plays in managing dairy farm resilience.  

This is a farmer-focused, peer-to-peer event. Lunch will be provided. Please RSVP to ensure there are enough chairs and food for all!  Questions?  Contact Julie Fine, jfine@farmland.org, 413-531-0425 

Improve Soil Health by Learning from Other Farmers

The New England Farmer-to-Farmer Soil Health Cohort Program is now accepting applications! You can improve your farm's yields by nurturing the health of your soil. Learn new techniques for improving soil health directly from peers with support from our professional network. We are currently accepting applications for vegetable producers in Massachusetts and will have other open applications soon.

Meet Our Farmer Consultants!

Looking for help accessing financial assistance programs for healthy soils practices? We can connect you with someone who can help identify existing financial assistance opportunities, understand eligibility and the application process, and provide support towards crafting a competitive application. To get started, contact Caro Roszell: croszell@farmland.org 

Learn more about our roster of farmer consultants by clicking here to download the pdf.

State issues "Challenge Grants" to implement the Healthy Soils Action Plan, Due January 19th 

Time sensitive and great news!

On December 8th, 2023, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs released the details of the Healthy Soils Challenge Grants Initiative, an effort to implement the Healthy Soils Action Plan. They are inviting "interested public and private organizations, research institutions, and community groups to submit proposals for projects that promote and implement innovative solutions for improving soil health and sustainable land management practices." Grants range from $3,000 to $100,000, with grant durations of 6 – 18 months. Applications are due January 19th.

Grants to Support Farmland Acquisition and Succession (Deadline to Apply: January 31st!) 

We are still accepting applications for our Farmland Access, Succession, and Transfer Support (“FAST”) Grants, which provide up to $5,000 to farmers located in Maine, Rhode Island, and the 9 eastern counties of Massachusetts, specifically for projects that facilitate farmland acquisition, succession, or transfer. Some examples of eligible projects include farmland purchase or leasing transaction costs, consultant and attorney fees, surveys, appraisals, and agriculture conservation easement fees.  

Applications for the 2024 FAST cycle will continue to be accepted on a rolling basis until January 31st, 5:00 pm. We prefer online applications submitted through our Survey Monkey Apply portal. We strongly encourage early applications, as funding is limited. Applicants are required to include a letter of support from a service provider, as well as cost estimates and an estimated project timeline. Please reach out to Kristen Irvin, Program Coordinator, with any questions: kirvin@farmland.org or 413-419-0023. 

Land Management and Land Rental Funding Available to Livestock Producers through the American Farmland Trust in Select New Hampshire Counties!  

AFT is accepting applications for financial assistance for Land Management and Land Rental activities under this program for livestock producers in Cheshire, Sullivan, Grafton, and Coos Counties. While applications are accepted year-round, the deadline for fiscal year 2024 is February 23, 2024. The funding is part of the Western New England Regenerative Agriculture RCPP project, focused on increasing the adoption of regenerative agriculture practices in Western New England livestock farms through technical and financial assistance opportunities. The funding aims to assist livestock producers in implementing conservation practices to improve soil health or protect water quality. Examples of eligible projects include prescribed grazing, pasture, and hay planting, cover crop planting, pollinator habitats, and more.  

To apply, eligible producers should contact Bill Fosher (bfosher@farmland.org, 413-335-5275) for assistance. 

Apply for a Massachusetts Soil Health Support MiniGrant

Application closes March 1!

This program provides minigrants of up to $1500 to producers in Massachusetts to overcome specific, clearly-defined obstacles to implementing soil health goals. Suggested categories include: modifying or upgrading implements, purchasing soil covers or soil carbon inputs, improving cover crop practices, hiring a consultant, or other specific needs related to soil health obstacles.  

Applicants who are advanced in their soil health practices may opt to answer a few additional questions to apply for an additional $1000 Soil Health Innovators (SHI) Award.