Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Program

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Program is administered by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets as part of its Water Quality Division initiatives. The program is designed to support Vermont farmers in improving pasture management practices that directly contribute to enhanced water quality outcomes. By focusing on livestock exclusion from surface waters and the implementation of rotational grazing systems, the program aligns agricultural productivity with environmental stewardship goals across the state. It is supported by a network of partners including the University of Vermont Extension, Vermont Association of Conservation Districts, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, which collectively provide technical expertise and outreach support. The primary purpose of the program is to reduce agricultural runoff and protect surface water resources by funding infrastructure and planning activities that prevent livestock from directly accessing streams, rivers, and other water bodies. The program provides both technical assistance and financial reimbursement to eligible farms. Technical assistance is delivered at no cost by experienced grazing specialists who work directly with farm operators to design and implement grazing systems and conservation practices. Financial assistance reimburses up to 90 percent of eligible project costs, with a standard maximum award of $15,000 per farm and up to $20,000 for projects focused exclusively on exclusion fencing, subject to program approval. Eligible expenditures under the program include a range of infrastructure improvements necessary to implement rotational grazing and water exclusion systems. These include fencing, livestock pipelines, watering facilities, improved permanent water areas, stream crossings, electric fence chargers, and trails or walkways. Each practice has defined cost share limits or maximum reimbursement caps, such as $4.00 per foot for fencing and up to $10,000 for trails and walkways. There is no cost share cap for certain practices such as livestock pipelines and watering facilities, allowing flexibility for more complex or large-scale projects. Farmers are required to finance project costs upfront and are reimbursed upon completion based on documented expenses. Eligibility is limited to Vermont farm operations that comply with the state’s Required Agricultural Practices and demonstrate that proposed projects will improve water quality through better pasture management. Priority is given to farms meeting specific livestock and acreage thresholds, such as maintaining at least four acres of pasture and a minimum number of livestock depending on species. Applicants must have ownership or control of the land for at least ten years, and written lease agreements are required for leased properties. Additional requirements include providing a certificate of liability insurance for larger awards, although this requirement may be waived for smaller grants under certain conditions. The application process involves multiple stages beginning with submission of an initial application by the farm operator. Following submission, applicants are assigned a staff member or partner organization to assist with eligibility verification and application development. This includes creating a project plan, developing a grazing plan if applicable, and assembling budget estimates or contractor quotes. The program then reviews the complete application package, including maps and supporting documentation, before making an award determination. Successful applicants enter into a grant agreement with the agency prior to beginning any project activities or purchasing materials. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed year-round, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Submission of an application does not guarantee funding, and projects must align closely with program goals to be considered. Once a grant agreement is executed, the project may begin, and reimbursement is issued after project completion and verification of costs through itemized invoices. The program emphasizes compliance, documentation, and alignment with conservation objectives throughout the lifecycle of each funded project. For additional information or assistance, applicants may contact the program coordinator directly via phone or email.

Ensure project clearly improves water quality and aligns with livestock exclusion or rotational grazing goals; secure land control documentation early; prepare detailed budget and plan before submission