1. CONDUCTING A UVM EXTENSION FARM VIABILITY PROGRAM© IN VERMONT LeVitre, R.A. Director, UVM Extension Farm Viability Program©, 278 South Main Street, Suite 2, St. Albans, VT 05478-1866

2. What is the UVM Extension Farm Viability Program© ?

3. Provides farmers with a business plan service

4. FV Program… Uses specialists to provide technical assistance –In areas identified by farmers –To fulfill specific business goals

5. Specialists… UVM Extension Faculty & Staff Extension colleagues from neighboring states Private sector –Consultants Examples –Ag engineers –Veterinarians –Marketing experts –Attorneys

6. Business Goals… New farm enterprise Added value Estate & farm transfer Labor management Expansion Improved management

7. At the Beginning… Business Plan Writer Conducts SWOT Builds trust Facilitates Brings in T.A. Puts the plan together The Farm Family Active participants Bring everything to the table Time commitment Develops their plan

8. The Process… SWOT analysis Data collection Financial information Market description Labor details Construction projects Projected ideas & strategies

9. End Results… Farm Family is able to: Make informed decisions Clearer knowledge of farm’s assets Fine-tuned working document for financial institutions

10. Evaluation… Third party review by SBDC Each farmer completes written survey –Evaluate progress & effectiveness of work Year 2 evaluation –Implementation of the plan –Update for future direction –Review balance sheet –Questions on lifestyle changes

11. How We Have Grown… Since 2004 $67,000 to over $550,000 1 new employee, 1 contractor & 1 faculty –To 3 hires, 10 contractors, & 3 faculty

12. New Projects… Dairy Management Teams Northeast Kingdom Dairy ViabilityProgram ©

13. Dairy Management Teams… Facilitated discussion Trained facilitators Farmer priorities Selected team members Goals established with timelines

14. NEK Dairy Viability Program © USDA RD RBEG Economic Development Distressed area of the state “REAP” zone 3 rd largest dairy area of state –Approximately 250 farms

15. Funding is provided by… VHCB –In collaboration with the VT Agency of Agriculture USDA NRCS –Through Senator Leahy & Congressman Welch USDA RME Anonymous Donor UVM Extension base dollars

16. Future… Loss of “earmarks” Outcome based !!! New “spins” Multi-agency/organization collaborations Multi-state Marketing

17. Next Steps… Grants, contracts, donors Marketing –Press –Radio –TV –WEB, Blog, social media Significant evaluation

18. In Summary… Key feature to Farm Viability is development of a business plan Other services are provided: –Farm Transfer information & assistance –Farm systems management planning –Technical assistance: ag engineering, marketing –Referrals to extension specialists

19. RICK LEVITRE RICHARD.LEVITRE@UVM.EDU 802-524-6501 X451 RICHARD.LEVITRE@UVM.EDU Thank You

20. Questions?