Join Orleans County Natural Resources Conservation District and Caledonia Conservation District at Allstad Farm for a hands-on field day exploring practical approaches to hayfield management, agricultural water management, and Vermont's Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs).
As growing seasons become increasingly unpredictable, practices like ditch maintenance and subsurface tile drainage are becoming important tools for maintaining productive hayfields and building resilient farming operations. At the same time, these practices require thoughtful planning to protect water quality and comply with state and federal regulations.
This field-based workshop will bring together farmers, researchers, contractors, and conservation professionals to share practical experience, the latest research, and technical guidance on managing water in agricultural landscapes.
Participants will:
- Tour Allstad Farm and hear firsthand lessons learned from improving existing drainage infrastructure and hayfield management.
- Explore UVM Extension research on tile drainage, nutrient movement, and Best Management Practices (BMPs) that help balance agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship.
- Learn about tile drainage design, installation considerations, and project planning from an experienced drainage contractor.
- Gain a better understanding of Vermont's Required Agricultural Practices (RAPs), state and federal regulations, and practical conservation approaches that support both working lands and water quality.
Presenters include:
- Chad Allaire, Allstad Farm
- Dr. Joshua Faulkner, UVM Extension
- Chad Machia, Machia & Sons Drainage, LLC
- Jim Eikenberry, NRCS Wetlands Specialist
Whether you're managing hayfields, considering improvements to existing drainage systems, or simply interested in learning more about agricultural water management, you'll leave with practical, research-backed information you can apply to your own operation.
Date: Thursday, August 27
Time: 10:30 AM–2:00 PM
Location: Allstad Farm, 2348 Center Road, Hardwick, VT
A light lunch & Kingdom Creamery ice cream will be provided.
