Pasture Walk at Bobolink Farm with Bruce Howlett

2395 Towne Hill Road,East Montpelier VT 05651

09 October, 2021

Description

Considering your fencing options? Trying to reclaim some old pasture and wondering if you can go without perimeter fence? Join Vermont Grass Farmers Association for a pasture walk with Bruce Howlett at his farm in East Montpelier, VT. We will explore Bruce's innovative approaches to: Mobile FencingPasture ReclamationTransition from late-summer grazing to the fall grazing systemWinter infrastructure/systemsBruce and his wife Carol own Bobolink Farm, a grass-based livestock and maple operation in East Montpelier. They currently produce lamb and maple syrup for direct sales to consumers. They manage a flock of over 100 ewes using intensive rotational grazing with no perimeter fencing. We will view the impact the sheep are having on revitalizing a neglected field. We will also explore their winter systems. Come walk their fields and hear how Bruce and Carol are rehabilitating the farm’s aging infrastructure and neglected pasture land while seeking to maintain a healthy ecosystem that provides diverse natural habitat for the bobolink and other wildlife, maintains productive farmland, and creates a dynamic hub for their local community. If you are looking for fresh ideas to solve some common New England grazing farm issues, come walk the pastures at Bobolink Farm and be a part of the lively discussion. To request a disability- related accommodation to participate in the program please contact Meghan Sheradin, [email protected] or 802-989-0534, so we may assist you. Registration is appreciated, it will help us gauge the crowd size. The Vermont Grass Farmers’ Association (VGFA) was founded in 1996 with support from the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture and USDA-NRCS. The VGFA is a 501(c)3 non‐profit with the mission to promote, manage and oversee grazing outreach and education programs in Vermont. VGFA’s members are farmers, landowners and citizens who seek to: Support farming that enhances soil health and water quality Build farmer-to-farmers learning opportunities Uphold the viability and resiliency of Vermont’s livestock farms