Massachusetts Agricultural Risk Management Forum

When: Friday, February 13, 2026, 2pm to 4pm

Where: Brigham Hill Community Farm, Community Harvest Project, 37 Wheeler Rd, N. Grafton, MA 01536

Registration: REGISTER HERE – This event is free to attend but please register in advance

Extreme weather and other risks to the stability of farm businesses have taken a toll on Massachusetts’ farmers in recent years. There are government support programs aimed at addressing some of these risks. UMass Extension is organizing this forum to bring together representatives from the USDA Risk Management Agency and the Farm Service Agency to give updates on available federal risk management options for regional specialty crop growers. A representative from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources will also give an update on the state’s efforts to offset losses for farmers affected by natural disasters and invest in the resilience of farm businesses to future disruptions. There will be significant time for the growers and others in attendance to ask questions and share feedback about their needs and concerns.

Speakers:

• Kevin Wooten, Regional Director, USDA Risk Management Agency, Raleigh, NC
• Julie Jacque, Agricultural Program Specialist, Farm Service Agency, Brattleboro, VT
• Winton Pitcoff, Deputy Agriculture Commissioner/Legislative and Policy Director, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Boston, MA

Questions? Contact Lisa McKeag, lmckeag@umass.edu or 413-658-8631