Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program
Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program supports Vermont farmers with grazing assistance and pasture infrastructure funding to improve water quality and keep livestock out of surface waters.
Funder: Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets
Due Dates: Rolling (Applications)
Funding Amounts: 90% reimbursement up to $15,000 per farm; up to $20,000 total with approved additional exclusion-fence funding
Summary: Supports Vermont farmers with grazing technical assistance and pasture infrastructure funding to improve water quality and exclude livestock from surface waters.
Key Information: A grant agreement must be signed before construction, and farmers must finance construction until certified completion.
Description
The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets (VAAFM). It pairs no-cost pasture management assistance from experienced grazing specialists with financial assistance for infrastructure that improves pasture management and water quality statewide. Projects must support livestock exclusion from surface waters, implementation of a rotational grazing plan, or both.
Supported infrastructure includes fences, livestock pipelines, watering facilities, improved permanent water areas, stream crossings, electric fence chargers, and trails and walkways. VAAFM staff and partner technical assistance providers help farmers determine eligibility and develop project maps, budgets, and grazing plans where applicable. Assistance can include grazing management planning, pasture inventories, mapping, and record keeping.
