Don’t forget to send Lisa Moreno any extra pictures you took of the fun you had with your horse this summer. We’re continuing to stuff scrap books with member’s happy faces!
Lisa Moreno
2042 River Road
Montpelier, VT  05602
Our next meeting will be November 16th at 7:00 at Lynne Miller’s house in Thetford. 759 Stevens Rd.; East Thetford, VT 05043 phone: 785-4410 or email: cwf152@valley.net
Hope to see you soon!

Sincerely, Terry Rose, President

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BOOK REVIEWS
by Lynne A. Miller

The Hunt, by Jan Neuharth, Paper Chase Farms Publishing Group, Middleburg, Virginia, 2003, 347 pages, hardcover, $24.95.
The Hunt gallops along at a sharp hunting pace. Set in the heart of hunt country around Middleburg, Virginia, Jan Neuharth manages to weave the traditions of fox hunting, issues like the PETA movement and the dwindling of open spaces, into this fast-paced mystery. The author’s familiarity and love of the sport of fox hunting is obvious. Readers will feel the exhilaration of the chase as the hunt field follows the hounds cross country through woods and fields. For those not familiar with the terminology involved in fox hunting, Neuharth has thoughtfully included a two page glossary.
The plot centers around Doug Cummings, a well-to-do bachelor, who divides his time between his law office in Washington, DC and his horse farm in Middleburg. Early on, Neuharth sets the scene and suspense builds bit by bit. Thought at first to be merely coincidences, Cummings eventually concludes that various events, which are causing his life to come apart at the seams, are being instigated by someone. But, who? And why would anyone be manipulating his life causing this out of control, downward spiraling? Readers will share Cummings’ disappointments, confusion, and anger as his orderly life unravels. Neuharth works the twists and turns of the story with alacrity that rivets the reader’s attention.
The Hunt is a book you will find hard to put down. Whether you ride to hounds, seek out books on horse related topics, or relish a good suspense, give this book a try. You might consider this first novel by Neuharth a ‘sleeper’ only in light of the fact that first time authors have no established name recognition. Note, however, that The Hunt was one of the three finalists in the mystery/suspense category of the Publisher’s Marketing Association’s Benjamin Franklin Awards. If this first novel by Jan Neuharth is any indication, she is certain to develop a following and be on her way to becoming a best selling mystery writer. In fact, an unexpected surprise at the end leaves the door wide open for novel number two.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Horse in Winter by Susan McBane, The Lyons Press, Guilford, Connecticut, 2003, 203 pages, hardcover, $27.95.
The Horse in Winter is a comprehensive book covering every area of horse care for the colder times of the year. In its eleven chapters, from Climate and Weather to Winter Pursuits and Activities, McBane explains the whys and wherefores of animal husbandry practices which will help the reader get his horse through the winter safe and sound.
The Horse in Winter is an informative and knowledgeable book containing many full color photographs. Several of these were taken at stables in east-central Vermont. Interspersed throughout the book are little known facts, such as the official birthday of Thoroughbreds originally was May 1, that horse’s skin may be as much as 1/4 inch thick, and the best grasses for winter pastures.
An especially interesting section deals with the differences between ‘northern’ and ‘southern’ horses. McBane refers to this at several later points in the book. The Horse in Winter emphasizes that all horses need extra attention in the winter even if they live in the more temperate zones. Keeping horses in a happy frame of mind as well as suitable physical condition is every horse owner’s responsibility. McBane offers realistic ideas appropriate for various types of facilities.
The Horse in Winter would be a worthy addition to your bookshelf. If you have years of horse experience, you will discover many interesting tidbits of information. If you are a new horse owner, The Horse in Winter can act as a manual to guide you through horsekeeping in this challenging season.

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GROTON STATE FOREST
EQUESTRIAN USERS’ MEETING
Osmore Pond Picnic Shelter
June 30, 2004 6:00pm
Meeting Notes

How can ANR better accommodate equestrian users in Groton State Forest?
Good trail system consisting of (1) 3-4 leaf clover layout (3-4 loops), (2) one 5 mile loop, one 10 mile loop and several other increments, (3) existing trails are set to VAST standards and distances, and (4) equine watering sources.
It would be great to have a spot to leave horses at Seyon while eating. Nice to have small paddocks. Currently New Discovery only has tierails. Some campground users set up a small fenced are for their horses at their campsites.
- lean-tos for horses at campground that users would be responsible for cleaning.
- A 25 mile loop is an all day ride.
- add a second “primitive” campsite along the trail system’
- Could New Discovery be Horse camping exclusive?
- Currently there is room for 14 horses at New Discovery and this should be increased.
- need more space between campsites at New Discovery.
- “single track” horse trails would be a nice addition to the trail system.
- Need to consider separating different types of campground users for safety reasons. Horses and other users may not be compatible.
- Trucks and trailers are big rigs and need to be accommodated for.
- Trails can be multi-use and shared with VAST
- Signage along existing and future trails needs to be better managed.
- Additional trails would be higher priority for equestrian users than parking and camping facilities.
Other topics that were discussed:
- Is there an organization that would take responsibility for management of a more developed trail system. The comparison was made between Groton and the Champion Lands arrangement that the Vermont Horse Council has accepted responsibility for. Brenda Lasell, president of the Dog River Horse Club, was going to discuss this with the local club.
- Insurance requirements were a concern for potential management organizations.
- Places where horseback riders are currently using that are located off of gravel surface roads. It seems that our (ANR staff) assumptions about what a horse needs for a trail might be wrong.
- Attendees were asked to indicate on the sign-in sheet whether or not they would be interested in helping with refining the trail proposal with input from FPR staff. FPR will develop a map showing trails that are currently open and what we think will make reasonable trails and circulate copies to get comments from those attendees that have experience riding on the forest.
- ANR will develop an email distribution list to keep equestrian users informaed as we move forward with the planning process for Groton State Forest.

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Vermont Horse Council
Meeting of August 30, 2004
Minutes

President Terry Rose called the meeting to order at 7:05 pm
Officers Present: Terry Rose (President), Robyn Barabe (Secretary), Cindy Rose (Treasurer)
Directors/Members Present: Lynn Dow, Morris Lasell, Karen Blow, Lynne Miller, Steve Noble, Lucie Noble
Secretary’s Report: Minutes of the June 14, 2004 meeting read by Secretary Robyn Barabe. Lynn Dow made minor corrections to minutes. Motion to approve amended minutes made by Lynne Miller, seconded by Morris Laselle. All in favor, all approved.
Treasurer’s Report: Cindy Rose, Treasurer reported that as of August 2004 total assets (including all accounts) is $13,750.52. All Factory Point accounts now closed and all monies in NSB account.
Lynn Dow asked for clarification of the Adult Clinic fees/amounts and about the cost of website maintenance for Gina Lancaster. Motion was made by Lynn Dow to accept amended treasurer’s report, seconded by Lynne Miller. All in favor, all approved
Green Mountain National Forest:Steve and Lucie Noble Steve and Lucie Noble attended the meeting to discuss the situation and problems they have been having with authorities regarding trail riding in the Green Mountain National Forest. Steve has been in constant contact with the authorities at the GMNF regarding this issue and has been lead in several different directions. He explained the history of the problem, and the GMNF’s concerns about erosion, and getting a consistent message on what is allowable and what is not allowable for horse back riding. Some of the land is private and some belongs to the National Forest Service. Steve presented VHC with several maps of the locations he was referring to and discussed what other uses the land has historically had (bikers, joggers, hikers, etc) Steve has been and continues to meet with the trails manager and another forestry gentleman out of the Middlebury Forest Service office. He said that he has been given conflicting answers by the same enforcement agencies and is, at this point, understandably frustrated. Clearly no one at the Forest Service wants to make a concrete decision. Steve has a meeting planned for 08/31/04 with the trail planners and supervisors to present what he would like the GMNF to make available to horseback riders.
The question of “where does VHC come in” came up. Steve would like to have the support of VHC as an organization to help develop the trails and maintain them for riding. A proposal was made by Robyn Barabe for Steve to draft a letter to go into the newsletter regarding horseback riding accessibility on multiuse trails in the GMNF and to form a committee with Steve as the chairperson and revisit the issue at the next meeting to see what, if any, progress had been made. Morris Lasell seconded that motion. All in favor all approved.
President Terry Rose appointed Steve Noble as a director for the Addison County area.
Committee Reports:
Annual Trail Ride Committee, Karen Blow: Karen discussed the trail ride, expressing disappointment that only 58 people had committed to the ride so far. She discussed that the Tunbridge Fairgrounds wanted a copy of the insurance policy a minimum of 12 days before the event. She was looking forward to having another 30 entries possible. A discussion ensued regarding discontinuing the ride unless we made a profit. Lynne Miller also discussed wanting to take photographs of riders for her newspaper. It was suggested that the best time would be when the riders stopped for lunch. Karen also let everyone know that 3 people had overpaid and she asked that these 3 people be reimbursed by VHC. It was mentioned that the ride was listed in the New England Horse and Trail magazine.
Scholarship Committee, Lynn Dow: No report given
Membership Committee, Terry Rose: No report given
Newsletter Committee, Virginia Lancaster: No report given. However, a discussion did ensue about sending newsletters out more often. A comment was also made that there is a tremendous amount of old information on the website that does not seem to be getting updated. It was determined that a newsflash could be done at any time in between regular newsletter publications.
NEKET, No report given
New Business:
Insurance Policy/General Liability: President Terry Rose discussed the upcoming insurance renewal. At a certain cost VHC could renew the general $1,000,000 liability policy, which the organization must have to host the Tunbridge Trail Ride. At a higher cost VHC could have a $2,000,000 policy. Lynne Miller made a motion that we renew for the $2,000,000 policy. Motion was seconded by Morris Lasell. All in favor, all approved.
Industry Committee: Betsy Greene and Lynn Dow will be involved in this group that will be doing many of the same things that VHC is doing, but will be more politically charged. Judy Livingston has been the driving force behind the group. The VT Farm Bureau wants to be included in the horse industry in Vermont. The committee is putting together a huge mailing and wants to produce a “Did you know” book with a donation from VHC.
Lynne Miller had questions and information regarding the following topics:
- Equestrian Land Conservation Resource-was this an organization that VHC should join?
- She wanted clarification of what VHC’s role is vs. Equine Industry
- Lynne mentioned that the Equine Sales in Jackson would have a free information booth and that she had made flyers for saddle shops in her area and would be interested in helping VHC to make flyers on upcoming events for the public.
Old Business
Fencing and Water Quality Seminar-Lynn Dow: Lynn discussed the workshop, held at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph. She said that the turn out was great, the feed back was great, and that everyone had a great time. The next seminar will be held in September at UVM with Betsy Greene. Lynn Dow has also organized a barn tour of barns in the Warren/Waitsfield area on November 20, 2004.
Equine Affaire- The dates for this event are 11/11-11/14. Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding and VHC was not able to reserve a booth for the event.
Everything Equine VHC needs to select a chairperson for this event and send in the application for the event. Lucie Noble mentioned that she may be able to chair the committee if necessary.
Insurance for NEKET/VHC: Terry reported that the general liability insurance will be up for renewal soon and that it was a very time consuming and difficult process last year. The topic will continue to come up on each meeting agenda until such time as we have received a request for renewal.
Equine Ambulance- Lynne Miller said that the fire department and her vet would like to have training and would like a couple of locations set up with emergency equipment.
Next Meeting Scheduled: November 16, 2004, 7 pm at Lynne Miller’s house in Thetford.
Motion made by Lynn Dow to close meeting, seconded by Morris. Meeting closed at 9:15 pm.

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Healthy Horses, Healthy Land Part III.
November 20, 2004 Fall Barn Tour.

Co-sponsored by the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, Vermont Pasture Network, the Vermont Horse Council, the Winooski Natural Resource Conservation District, UVM Extension, and the Department of
Animal Science, with support from and the USDA NaturalResources Conservation Service.

VHC encourages you to take advantage of the November 20th opportunity to visit several farms in the Central Vermont Region. State experts will walk participants through a variety of horse farm situations describing good practices to promote healthy horses and healthy land.
Barnyard areas, manure management, water and pasture quality will all be discussed. Plan to gather some friends, car pool, and join us for what is sure to be informative and extremely fun.
$5.00 will cover the workshop and lunch.
Please preregister - Directions will be mailed or emailed to all participants.

CONTACT: Gwyneth Harris, Vermont Pasture Network Coordinator,

802-728-5561 - gwyneth.harris@uvm.edu, or Lynn Dow, 802-728-9007- vthorseland@yahoo.com.
--Lynn Dow Access Services
Vermont Law School, Cornell Library P.O.Box 60, Chelsea St, South Royalton, VT 05068. Tel: 802-831-1403
fax802-763-7159 Ariel 216.107.228.72

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INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE
NATIONAL ECONOMIC IMPACT STUDY
OF HORSE INDUSTRY

The following is a press release from the American Horse Council announcing that the postcard invitations to participate in the update of the national economic study of the horse industry have been distributed. We want as many participants in the industry as possible to know about the study and that it is supported by their organizations. This will help in getting the recipients to participate and answer the surveys. A good representative response is encouraged.
The American Horse Council reports that approximately 160,000 postcard-invitations have been distributed asking people to participate in the national economic impact study of the horse industry. Those selected should receive the invitation in mid-October. The glossy postcard includes an Internet link that will direct the recipient to an on-line survey, where the information requested can be provided in a secure web-site. “We hope that this electronic approach will make it easy for people to participate and maximize the overall response,” said AHC President Jay Hickey.
“The individuals, who were randomly invited to participate, and the other equine operations have an opportunity to support their horse industry by completing the online survey,” said Hickey. “It won’t take much time, but it will greatly help the horse world. The more horse owners, breeders, riders, trainers, racetracks, shows, rodeos and other service providers that participate, the better the data will be that is included in the final results.”
Deloitte Consulting LLP was selected to do the study, which has a targeted completion date of February, 2005. Deloitte Consulting developed a stratified sample of people to participate working from a list of 1.6 million names. The list of names was developed from horse association membership lists, magazine subscription lists and other horse industry retailer lists. Deloitte eliminated duplicates and developed a representative industry sample of approximately 160,000 individuals, farms, racetracks, shows and service providers to participate.
The 1996 National Economic Study established that the horse industry in all its segments, including racing, showing, and recreation, had a $112 billion effect on the U.S. economy, involved more than 7 million Americans, 6.9 million horses, and supported 1.4 million full-time jobs. The study has been extremely helpful to the industry’s efforts in documenting its size, diversity and economic importance to public officials, the press and other media.
Many organizations, including the AHC Foundation, American Quarter Horse Association, The Jockey Club, the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, Keeneland Association, American Paint Horse Association, American Association of Equine Practitioners, U.S. Trotting Association, U.S. Equestrian Federation and others, have supported the study.
If you would like to contribute to the update of the national study, you can make a tax-deductible contribution to the American Horse Council Foundation. Please call the AHC (202-296-4031) with any questions.

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RIDING IN BECANCOUR, QUEBEC, CANADA
by Lynne A. Miller

So, you think that you would like to go on a riding vacation. Perhaps the six day, five night ride at La Ferme du Joual Vair, in Ste. Gertrude, Quebec, is for you.
Sunday was the day of arrival, meeting the others in my group, and getting horse assignments. This is always a bit of an anxious time. You wonder, “What will these other people be like?” “Will my very little bit of French be enough?” “Will I like my horse?” Thanks to Bernard Giles, the outfitter, and his staff, you are quickly put at ease. After settling your things in the guest house, Giles directs you to the barn where you meet and greet your horse and some of the nine staff members that help the rides run smoothly.
Horses, horses, horses of all colors and patterns. In fact, loosely translated La Ferme du Joual Vair means the farm of the spotted horse. The riding string consists of about 40 horses of varying sizes. Some are Quarter horses, some Appaloosas, some Paints, some Canadians, grade horses, and some draft breed crosses. All are seasoned trail horses and wise to the ways of the world. An experienced, asking rider who could ‘ride’ his horse would get a willing response. Every horse in our group knew its business and safely negotiated the trails
By late afternoon, all seven riders for this trip had reported in. Genevieve Alix was the tri-lingual staff person assigned to take us to dinner in town. She soon had us laughing and talking to each other like we had known one another for some time. The ambiance which began upon arrival was such that we quickly felt at ease to practice our French conversational skills.
Back at the ranch, when asked what the program for the next day was, Giles deadpanned, “W-e-l-l, we ride, ride, ride, then eat, then ride, ride, ride.” And, ride we did. Five to six hours a day over hill and dale, through woods and water.
Before the 8 o’clock breakfast Monday morning, we were up and eager to be in the saddle. Meanwhile, in the stable, the horses had been brought up from their huge night pasture and were in their matted tie stalls. The staff was busy doing the morning chores and readying for a busy day. But, hold on. First, pointers on grooming our horse and saddling. Whatever we could do made it quicker for us to get on the move. Everyone was provided with a small saddle case. In these, we carried a bottle of water, an apple, and some small personal items. After the horses were led out to the paddock where we mounted, a staff member adjusted the stirrup length for us and did the final girth check. All set to head out with our guides, Genny and her mother, Lise.
This first day’s ride gave us a taste of what’s to come. We forded the swiftly running Gentilly River, high from the deluge the previous day, to get to the large acreage at the back of the farm. Weaving between the evergreens, scrambling up banks and down, trotting and galloping in some of the open areas, we quickly got acquainted with our horses and appreciated their unwavering negotiation of the obstacles.
We rode over all types of terrain. At the farm it was mainly pastureland, woods and brushy meadows. Our skill was tested by some short slides down to a stream crossing, riding into the river to let the horses drink, and weaving in and out between the trees on some of the more narrow trails. Riding to the back of the farm, lunch was at a spot along the same river. This first day’s ride was just a warm-up for the days to come.
The next three days our base was a cabin in the woods which was about 12 miles from the farm and adjacent to the Parc de la Riviere Gentilly. This is a large, multiuse area that includes an equestrian camping area and is the site for TREC competitions. The horses were trailered over, as alas, some development had taken place and it was no longer possible to ride there from the farm. The horses had an open-air stable with a nearby shady turnout area. We people fell in love with the six bedroom, cozy, cabin. There was minimal generator provided electricity for the bathrooms and the soft glow of candles lighted the great room.
Each day we rode in a different direction with a break to eat our pack lunches. For one lunch, we followed Le Grand Tronc trail to a restaurant in Ste. Gertrude where the horses waited patiently tethered in a quiet, grassy area. Some routes took us over sand dunes deposited from glacial action. Other routes were more like bridle trails and carriage roads. However, the real challenge came from the trails. There were some narrow, knee knockers where you had to really guide your horse and a river crossing where we almost had to swim. At one watering spot, one of the horses decided he needed a refreshing roll. A quick dismount plus action from the guide saved the day. The weather cooperated with daytime temperatures in the 70’s and only one afternoon with brief, light showers. Just enough for us to model our rain gear. Blueberries alongside the trails enticed us to finally stop for a snack. A sense of adventure and humor saw us all through, with thanks to our trusty steeds. the evenings were a time of sharing. After a well-earned dinner with plenty of joking, we entertained each other. Everyone joined in the sing-a-longs of popular music from the sixties, French Canadian ballads, old camp songs, or whatever came to mind. A favorite of everyone’s was Giles’ rendition of “A Lion Sleeps Tonight” enhanced with his mimicry of jungle calls.

For the last day, we were back at the farm. This time practicing herding cattle. We divided into two groups, each group having to bunch their cattle. Then it was ‘head’m up, move’m out! as we trailed them over to a fresher pasture for a few hours of grazing. After lunch, we rode back and once again gathered them, split them into two groups, and moved them back towards the main farm. However, this time there was a stop in a large, flat field where teams of two riders herded two head cut out by the guides. The object was to move, by two’s, the cattle from one group to the other, with all the riders having a turn. Success. I think the cows know this drill. Only the calves and the bull sometimes decided on their own course.
For information on this trip, contact Equitours or La Ferme du Joual Vair.
Websites: Equitours www.ridingtours.com
La Ferme du Joual Vair www.fermedujoualvair.com
La Ferme du Joual Vair is located in Ste-Gertrude, Ville de Becancour, Quebec, Canada. It is about halfway between Montreal and Quebec, not far from the Saint Lawrence River. From the US/Canadian border crossing on I 91, it is about a two hour drive. Or, fly to Montreal, take the bus to Trois Riviere, and some one from the farm will pick you up.
Merlot, my horse, moved ahead with a steady, sure-footed stride and was always ready and willing.

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Thanks to the rest of our members for renewing their dues!
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CENTERED RIDING CLINIC
June 20th with Sarah Seidman

We couldn’t have asked for a nicer day for a clinic, it was sunny a little cool in the morning but we kept warm. There were 9 riders and horses and two auditors. In the morning we worked on the human part of the equation, we took turns being the horse (wearing a bridle and all!!) so we could experience what our horses felt from the reins, the “horse” had to walk around with their eyes closed holding the bit in their hands with the head stall on our heads, the riders had to direct us in any way they wanted. Very enlightening experience.!! at least for me. At 11 am. three of us saddled up, 1st up a little nervous but excited. (Terry Rose, Caitlin Brown, and myself). We rode with our eyes closed with someone leading our horse to get the feel of our horses movement. We worked on using our bodies in transitions from walk to trot, and back down to walk. We maneuvered between cones using our “center” and “ soft eyes”. We broke for lunch and at 1:00 the next group was up. (Shannon Warden, John Rose and Dianne Tanner) this group did a lot of what the 1st group did with a few new things added. SO much information!!!! The last group was up at 2:00 ish (Janet Bissonette, Lynn Dow and Stephanie Ducharme) This last group did a little cantering along with what the other groups did. When all the riders were done we met as a group to discuss what we would take away from the day. If there is interest I would love to schedule another one either in the late fall or early next spring... oh we also raised about some money for the scholarship fund. The facilities at Water Tower Farm were excellent, stalls for our horses when we weren’t riding and a big indoor arena with lots of sunshine for the observers!! We even acquired a few new members!!! Sarah has joined us..Welcome!!! Please let me know if there is interest in another clinic. Here are some comments from participants:

“ I had a blast, I learned just how much I have learned in the past year and also things I need to work on. I even learned that my horse will respond better to a new Que than the one I was using.
Sarah was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor!!” Susan Mitchell and Rumor

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RIGHT TO RIDE LEGISLATION
From Alicia Cunningham
September 21, 2004

UPDATE

The Right to Ride bill (H.R. 2966) was passed today by the full House of Representatives.

This vote is a critical victory for the horse industry, particularly for recreational riders. It is a recognition of the unique place that horses and saddle stock have on our heritage and in recreation on public lands. This bill informs land managers that the use of horses on public lands is entrenched in the history of this country and there are groups of people across the United States and working on Capitol Hill that are keeping that history and tradition alive.

After the bill passed, Representative Radanovich (R-CA), the author of the bill, stated that he introduced this bill to help people who ride horses and other pack animals, who are being severely restricted on certain federal lands. “H.R. 2966, recognizes the historical precedent of this recreational activity and ensures that people can still ride pack and saddle stock animals on federal land.  Specifically, H.R. 2966 makes certain that our public lands will be managed to preserve and facilitate the continued recreational use of pack and saddle stock animals,” Radanovich said. 
The bill will now go to the Senate for further action.

BACKGROUND

The legislation applies to all federal lands managed by the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Forest Service.

Specifically the legislation mandates that the lands should be managed by the federal agencies “to preserve and facilitate the continued use and access of pack and saddle stock animals on such lands, including wilderness areas, national monuments, and other specifically designated areas, where there is a historical tradition of such use.”

In addition, the legislation requires that “as a general rule, all trails, routes, and areas used by pack and saddle stock shall remain open and accessible for such use.”

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A NEW TWIST TO SUSTAINABILITY:
HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT FOUNDER ALLAN SAVORY TO KEYNOTE VERMONT GRAZING CONFERENCE

Randolph Center, Vermont-Sustainability. The word has become a buzz over the past years, in agricultural, business, and community circles. While definitions abound, concrete methods for reaching sustainability-of developing systems that appropriately value and achieve economic, environmental, and social success concomitantly-are few.
Enter Allan Savory, a biologist, farmer, soldier, politician and eventual management consultant from former Rhodesia, today Zimbabwe and Zambia. In the course of fifty years, Allan’s work to reverse desertification in Africa and around the world led him to develop a grazing planning process that effectively restored healthy ecosystem functioning on formerly degraded land. This led to a further insight that holistic perspective and decision-making were necessary to restore biodiversity in any environment. The outcome of his work is a decision making framework and set of management guidelines and planning procedures called Holistic Management©. Join us at the Ninth Annual Vermont Grazing Conference, January 22nd, 2005, at Vermont Technical College, to hear how Holistic Management© can help you create the life you want while building the environmental health that sustains us all.
While the conference workshops are oriented toward grass based farmers, old and new, Holistic Management has been adopted by corporations, families, international agencies, and farmers alike.
The conference theme this year, “Thinking Globally-Grazing Locally”, prompted the Vermont Grass Farmers to choose a local farmer for the afternoon keynote address. Vermont dairy farmer Teddy Yandow will talk about developing a holistic goal for the farm and how this has changed their management over the past year. Key topics will be creating a financial plan for the farm, matching herd size their holistic goal and land base, and implementing an ambitious and innovative Keyline irrigation system to rapidly build topsoil and help them through the Champlain Valley’s dry summers. The conference will be roundedout with ten workshop sessions, covering topics of interest to farmers, consumers,and agricultural professionals, and highlighting the vision of the Vermont Grass Farmers’ Association.
The conference is co-sponsored by the Vermont Grass Farmers Association (VGFA), the University of Vermont (UVM) Center for Sustainable Agriculture Vermont Pasture Network Program, and the Northeast Organic Farming Association of Vermont’s Dairy Technical Assistance Program, with support from the Natural Resources Conservation Service Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. It will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with registration and trade show from 8 to 9 a.m.
Early registration (before January 10th) is $30 per farm or family for VGFA members, $45 per farm or family for non-members. After that date, the cost is $35 for members, $50 for non-members. Lunch is $10 extra per person, free for kids under 8. Checks should be made payable to “Vermont Grass Farmers Association” and mailed to Grazing Conference, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, 63 Carrigan Drive, Burlington, VT 05405. For more information, to obtain a conference brochure, or if requiring special assistance to attend, please call (802) 656-5459.

Workshop topics will range from specific and technical, to expansive, big picture sessions. For example, ag professionals will discuss soil fertility, forage quality, and genetics for grass-based herds, while other presenters examine the links between grazing and human health, the possibilities of opening up a market for raw milk in Vermont, and how healthy pasture lands can help slow climate change. Conference favorites such as grazing basics and animal health will be covered, too!

Whether the grazing conference is a time to pick up technical hints for the season ahead, a chance to get reinspired about why you farm, a social event to reconnect with other farmers, a time to gather ideas for assisting clients with their farm systems, or your first introduction to this sensible and sustainable approach to food production, this year promises to fit your needs. As a 2004 participant wrote “A group of eight of us borrowed a van to car-pool to theconference. We range in age from 16-56 and ranged from 30-cow dairywoman to 30 sheep dairywoman to 130 poultry woman. We had wide ranging interests and yet we all had our interests addressed at the conference.”

CONTACT:Gwyneth Harris
Vermont Pasture Network
University of Vermont Center for Sustainable Agriculture
63 Carrigan Drive
Burlington, VT 05405
(802) 656-3834 -- gharris@uvm.edu

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ANIMALS AND BIOTERRORISM
WORKSHOP

There are currently three workshops sheduled: Rutland Fire Department at 7:00 pm on October 26, 2004; Essex Agricultural High School in Danvers at 12:00 pm, and The Doggie Den in Northboro at 14 Blake Street at 7:00 pm on November 4, 2004. The public is invited. For more information please call Maxene Armour, Bioterrorism Education Coordinator, Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health, Biosecurity and Dairy Services at 617-727-1722 or email: maxene.armour@state.ma.us.
The concept for the Animals and Bioterrorism Workshop is that animals will perform a significant sentinel function if a biologic agent were to be released or if a zoonotic foreign animal disease were introduced accidently. More than 59% of all American households have pets; in Massachusetts there are more animals than people. Also for a state with a dense population, we have a very high percentage per capita of preserved and protected open space, allowing for considerable overlap between domestic animals and wildlife, humans and wildlife. All but one of the Category A potential biowarfare agents, as classified by the Centers for Disease Control, are zoonotic diseases, which if released would probably be seen in animals prior to people, due to the nature of the disease. Therefore animals, even pets, may play a significant role in alerting the public health system, therefore potentially mitigating a catastrophe.
If your hospital, clinic, practice, agency or organization falls into one of these categories: Animal Control Officer, Animal Shelter Staff, Animal Laboratory Employee, Backyard Farmer, Companion Animal Owner, Companion Animal Groomer, Companion Animal Boarder, Companion Animal Trainer, Dairy Farmer, Emergency Management Personal, Feed and Grain Store Employee, Horse Stable Owner, Horse Trainer, Livestock Market Employee, Livestock Owner, Livestock Transporter, Municipal Animal Inspector, Municipal Board of Health Member, Municipal Health Officer, Pet Store Employee, Public Health Nurses, Riding Instructor or Veterinary Care Provider, or just about anyone who works with or cares for animals, the information presented in the Animals and Bioterrorism: Awareness and Response Workshop may be invaluable.
If your agency or organization is holding local, regional or statewide meetings, please consider including the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health, Biosecurity and Dairy Sources as one of your presenters. The presentation can be customized to suit specific audiences and time slots. The presentation is free and the presenter will travel anywhere in the state.
Please contact Maxene Armour at 617/626-1722 or email: maxene.armour@state.ma.us to request a presentation or additional information.
Sincerely,
Maxene Armour
Education Coordinator
Department of Agricultural Resources
Division of Animal Health, Biosecurity and Dairy Services
251 Causeway Street, 5th Floor
Boston,MA 02114
Fax: 617/626-1850

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