Vermont Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Program (PSWF)

The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides pasture management technical assistance and financial assistance to Vermont farmers to improve water quality and on-farm livestock exclusion from surface waters statewide.

Eligible Practices

• Fence 

• Livestock Pipeline

• Water Source Development 

• Watering Facility 

• Improved Permanent Water Area 

• Stream Crossing 

• Electric Fence Chargers 

• Trails & Walkways

• Be a Vermont farm as defined in the Required Agricultural Practices

• Manage pastureland where water quality will benefit from implementation of improved pasture management and eligible and/or necessary conservation practices

• Have ownership or land control for the lifespan of the practice (10 years)

• Have an insurance policy that allows for the State and its employees and officers to be listed as additional insured

• The Pasture and Surface Water Fencing (PSWF) Program provides no-cost pasture management technical assistance from experienced grazing specialists

• PSWF also provides financial assistance that reimburses 90% of the cost to install infrastructure that will improve pasture management, up to the farm’s grant amount.

  • Maximum grant amount when the project has livestock exclusion from surface waters is $15,000 per farm.

  • Maximum grant amount when there is no livestock exclusion from surface waters, but where rotational grazing will be implemented or improved is $10,000 per farm. Rotational grazing requires at minimum moving livestock at least twice per week.

All applications are received on a rolling basis. 

The PSWF Application requires the following information:

• Farm Contact Information

• of acres

• of livestock and livestock type

• Practices proposed or interested in learning more about

• If applicable, partners or other organizations you are working with on the project

Prior to applying, please read the important information below:

• Submitting an application does not ensure an award.

• Grant agreements must be in place prior to the start of construction.

• Farmer is responsible for financing the project during construction and will only receive reimbursement upon certified project completion.

• Final cost share payment is determined by actual project costs as documented by itemized invoices.

• Farmer’s equipment and labor costs are eligible for reimbursement.

• Informational Sheet