UVM Extension Farm Viability Program©
Agricultural Economics & Community Development
Rick Levitre
Director, UVM Extension Farm Viability Program
UVM Extension, University of Vermont
St. Albans
Abstract
The University of Vermont Extension Farm Viability Program© provides farmers the opportunity to develop successful whole farm business plans establishing clear goals and objectives with achievable strategies. Applicants supply data on farm description, ownership structure, assets, labor, production practices and financial information. Market description and assessment, alternative products, proposed construction projects are used in refining projected business ideas and strategies. The client is able to make informed decisions about the farm’s future and the feasibility of proposed changes. The farmer gains confidence with clearer knowledge of farm assets and a working document valuable when working with financial institutions. Under the umbrella of Farm Viability a Dairy Management Team program was designed and implemented to bring a facilitated team approach to problem solving on Vermont’s dairy farms. Crunching Your Farm Numbers, given the financial challenges of the year, was launched to help farmers manage their cash flow. Each farmer completing a Farm Business Plan is requested to complete a written survey designed to evaluate the progress and effectiveness of the work and a Year 2 formal evaluation is conducted to determine implementation of the plan, assist in securing funding for implementation where needed and to update business plans for future direction. Since its inception in 2004 with an initial grant of $67,000, UVM has worked with over 400 farm families, produced 188 business plans and funding has increased to over $550,000.
Authors: Levitre, R.
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Levitre, R. Director, Uvm Extension Farm Viability Program, Uvm Extension, University Of Vermont, Vermont, 05478