VAAFM: Take part in this sweet event

Vermont Agriculture Agency Food and Markets Most of us know the joys of Vermont maple syrup poured over a stack of hot pancakes, but there are plenty of other creative (and delicious) ways to enjoy maple. From mid-September to mid-October, Vermont’s Maple 100 invites you to explore all the ways to enjoy one of the state’s most valuable treats – through themed fall activities, events and specialty products found throughout the state.

Vermonters and visitors are encouraged to indulge in maple products and learn more about this important part of Vermont culture. Meet a sugar bowl, discover a new maple-inspired drink, try a new fall maple recipe, join your friends on an educational tour of the maple woods, find the best place to creemee (be careful : there could be a lot!), or participate in one of the other dozens of activities and ideas.

Take a Bingo card to guide you on your maple adventure and take photos along the way for a chance to win one of three incredible local maple prizes.

New USDA Grant Program for COVID-19 Relief

The USDA Pandemic Response and Security Grant program provides grants to food processors, distributors, farmers’ markets and producers affected by COVID-19. The grants will cover eligible costs incurred between January 27, 2020 and December 31, 2021. The minimum award is $ 1,500 and the maximum award is $ 20,000. Eligible entities include small businesses and 501c (3) non-profit organizations. No cost sharing or matching funds are required.

Deadline to apply: November 8

Nothing says drop like fresh squeezed cider or baked apple pie. The seasons change and the trees are loaded in the orchards of Vermont! So go out and choose for yourself or find a farm stand near you. For more excitement, check out one of the season’s many harvest festivals. Find one to visit on your fall adventures through Vermont, from Bristol to Mount Snow to Cabot and more! And if you want to invite guests to your farm or orchard, check out this agro-tourism resource from the University of Vermont Extension.

Poultry processing and slaughtering workshops

Join Rural Vermont for a two-part educational workshop on poultry slaughter and processing, led by Elizabeth Roma of Putting Down Roots Farm. Participants can choose to attend one or both workshops, which take place one after the other with an hour’s break in between. Each workshop takes place at a different location in the South Royalton area, but a short distance from each other. Participants can take home their freshly slaughtered and cut chicken. Registration is required to attend.

Date of the event: September 25, from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Join the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship Program at the University of Vermont Extension for a pasture walk with Ashlyn Bristle from Rebop Farm in Brattleboro. The Rebop farm raises Jersey cows, Katahdin sheep and broilers. Learn how they intensively stack species with the goal of increasing soil organic matter, overall soil fertility, vigorous pasture growth, and animal nutrition. This event is free and lunch will be provided. Registration is required to attend. Contact Mary Ellen Franklin to register.

Event date: September 28 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.