COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR NH FARMS
In an effort to provide a central source for reliable, accurate, and complete information about resources available to NH farms trying to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic, Granite State Graziers will work to provide verified information about financial, technical, and community resources. We'll also provide information about the operational status of agricltural supply and service businesses that do business in New Hamsphire, as well as local, state, and federal agricultural agencies.
While we're working diligently to ensure that all the information posted here is current, accurate, and complete, bear in mind that the situation is fluid and what was accurate yesterday may have changed by today.
OPERATIONAL UPDATES
USDA field offices
Natural Resources Conservation Service, Farm Service Agency, and Rural Development are currently operating primarily in telework mode. Employees are reachable by telephone and email. All three agencies are accepting applications for all programs as usual, but without meetings in the office or in the applicants' homes or farm buildings. Read more here.
UNH Cooperative Extension
Extension staff are in telework mode, reachable by phone or email. Educational events have been converted to teleconfernces, video conferences, or have been postponed or canceled. Read more here.
Wellscroft Farm Fence Systems
Retail shop is temporarily closed. Asks that customers place orders online or by phone. Pickup by appointment only. Read more here.
Northampton Cooperative Auction Association
Normal Tuesday sales are still happening. Snack bar is closed, and the arena is open only to buyers, with a maximum attendance of 25 people. Read more here.
GENERAL INFORMATION AND SUPPORT
UNH Cooperative Extension farm map
This map offers farmers and consumers a way to connect. You can enter a listing for your farm, and the searchable map will show the public how to find you and what you have to offer. Read more here.
UNH Cooperative Extension teleconferences
An open forum using Zoom online & phone conferencing for discussion among farmers twice a week. Sessions currently scheduled for Mondays from 10 to 11 a.m. and Wednesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. A special session focusing on dairy and livestock producers' concerns is set for Wednesday, April 8, from 7 to 8 p.m. Read more here.
UNH Cooperative Extension Q&A page
An interactive page with questions and answers about COVID-19's impact on farms and farm businesses. Read more here.
UNH Cooperative Extension Livestock & Dairy advice
A blog post about how to protect yourself and your farm from COVID-19. Read more here.
Advice on farm resiliency
From University of Maine Extension, a helpful blog post about how to organize your farm's labor needs in case someone needs to take over for you. Read more here.
Farm Animal Concerns Trust Webinar
Panelists will share their experiences with various online platforms, and also offer tips for navigating the logistical challenges that come with online stores. Happened Wednesday, April 1 at 3 p.m. eastern time. The recording will be posted shortly. Read more here.
Niche Meat Processors Assistance Network Webinar
Recording of a webinar that covers "Selling Meat Farm to Freezer." The presentation starts at about the 1:20 mark of the video. See the webinar here.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Small Business Administration
UPDATE: FARMERS ARE NOW ELIGIBLE FOR THIS PROGRAM! The SBA's economic injury disaster loan program provides operating capital to allow businesses to meet pay their bills, meet payroll, and cover other necessary operating expenses. New Hampshire is under a disaster declaration because of COVID-19. Read more here.
American Farmland Trust
The American Farmland Trust has launched the Farmer Relief Fund to provide cash grants to direct marketing farmers with annual gross revenue of between $10,000 and $1 million from sales at farmers markets and/or direct sales to restaurants, caterers, schools, stores, or makers who use farm products as inputs. Initial funding round is April 23, and the group expects to start making grants as early as May 1. Read more here.
Farm Animal Concerns Trust
The Farm animal concerns trust is offering mini-grants to farms to help them gear up for direct marketing or maintain or enhance operational safety. Mini grants are capped at $500 per farm. Read more here.