Making Hayfields Work Again
Thursday, August 27 | 10:30 AM-2:00 PM
Allstad Farm
2348 Center Road
Hardwick, VT
Light lunch provided.
RSVP Today
Wet areas don't just reduce yields. They delay harvest, limit equipment access, contribute to soil compaction, and can impact long-term land productivity.
Join us at Allstad Farm for a hands-on field day focused on practical strategies for improving hay land performance through better water management. This interactive workshop will explore tile drainage, hay land management, soil health, and nutrient management while helping participants understand the benefits, challenges, best management practices, and state and federal regulations surrounding drainage projects.
Tour working fields, hear directly from experienced farmers and technical experts, and leave with practical knowledge you can apply to your own land.
You'll Learn About
- Managing wet areas to improve productivity
- When tile drainage makes sense and when it may not
- Best management practices that protect water quality
- Improving soil health and hay production
- Lessons learned from real drainage projects
- Installation considerations and costs
- State and federal regulations surrounding tile drainage
- Protecting drainage outlets and reducing erosion risks
Farm Tour & Presentations
The day includes a guided tour of Allstad Farm, including an existing NRCS conservation project, followed by presentations from farmers and technical experts covering research, installation, and regulatory considerations.
Presenters
Chad Allaire
Grass & Beef Farmer and Host
Joshua Faulkner
Research Associate Professor and Faculty Fellow
UVM Extension Center for Sustainable Agriculture
Chad Machia
Machia & Sons Drainage, LLC
Jim Eikenberry
NRCS Wetlands Specialist
Who Should Attend?
This workshop is designed primarily for farmers but will also be valuable for woodland owners, agricultural landowners, and anyone interested in improving land productivity while protecting natural resources.
Whether you're considering installing tile drainage, managing recurring wet spots, or simply looking for practical approaches to improving your hay land, you'll leave with actionable information and opportunities to ask questions directly to experienced practitioners.
Registration is required. Lunch will be provided.
Ready to improve your land's productivity? Register today to reserve your spot at this free field day.

