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Southern Vermont Nutrient Management

Agriculture Resource Specialist

Land Treatment Planning

Aerators

Land Treatment Planning

A land treatment plan is the base of a nutrient management plan (NMP). It is an assessment of a farm's soil and water resources and current land-based management practices. A land treatment plan provides recommendations for continued resource stewardship and for compliance with State and Federal regulations.

A nutrient management plan is required of all Large Farm Operations (LFOs) (greater than 700 mature dairy cows) and will be required of all Medium Farm Operations (MFOs) (200-699 mature dairy cows) by March, 2008. Nutrient management plans are also required for farms receiving assistance through Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) programs.

Five Land Treatment Planners are employed by Conservation Districts throughout the State. Their positions are funded through a cooperative partnership between Conservation Districts; USDA NRCS; and the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food, and Markets. These planners provide Land Treatment Plans free of charge to farmers. All farmers are encouraged to sign up for a land treatment plan even if it is not required due to farm size or cost-share contracts.

The Land Treatment Planner in our area is Cindy Watrous.

For more information about the Land Treatment Planner program and its employees contact the PMNRCD office or view the Land Treatment Planner Brochure.