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

Eligible Projects:

• Fence 

• Livestock Pipeline

• Watering Facility 

• Improved Permanent Water Area 

• Stream Crossing 

• Electric Fence Chargers 

• Trails & Walkways

• 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. Awards are determined based on a complete application and alignment of project with program goals.  

The application process follows 5 main steps:

1. Initial Application - Farm Operator submits a PSWF Application 

2. Assigned VAAFM Staff or Partner - VAAFM Staff or Partner Technical Assistance (TA) provider follow up with applicant to determine eligibility and assist with the application process and paperwork

3. Project Planning - Farm Operator, with assistance from VAAFM Staff or Partner TA provider, develops a Project Plan Map, Estimated Budget/Contractor Quotes, and a Grazing Plan as applicable. 

4. Project Review - VAAFM Program reviews project application, plan, and budget. Finalizes application paperwork with applicant. Makes an award determination and provides notification of award to Farm Operator. 

5. Grant Award - Farm Operator and VAAFM sign Grant Agreement. Project begins! 

A complete project application includes:

• Submitted Application

• Project Map 

• Project Budget 

• Grazing Plan if applicable*

• W9 

• State of Vermont Good Standing Form 

• Certificate of Liability Insurance if applicable

• Land Lease Agreement if applicable

*Applications which include rotational grazing must include a Grazing Plan. If the applicant has a full Grazing Plan developed with NRCS or a Grazing Specialist, submit that. Otherwise, use the VAAFM Grazing Plan Template, which can either be filled in on your computer or printed and filled in by hand.  A VAAFM Staff or Partner TA Provider can help you complete a grazing plan. The Grazing Plan can also be used to apply to the VAAFM Farm Agronomic Practice Program.

• Online Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Grant Application 

• Printable Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Grant Application

• VAAFM Grazing Plan Template

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.

Contact For More Information

Connor Steckel, Agricultural Water Quality Program Coordinator/Grazing Specialist

PHONE: 802-522-0065

EMAIL: Connor.Steckel@Vermont.Gov 

• Pasture and Surface Water Fencing Information Handout - 2025