Timeshare Relief in Vermont Agency of Agriculture Report

Back in March of 2009, the Vermont Agency of AG (Agriculture) put out a report to give timeshare relief to the land with a rotational grazing model.  The Agriview Newsletter, published semimonthly by the Vermont Agency of Agriculture profiled the Laplatte River Angus Farm.

Originally started in 1971 by Jim Kleptz and his son Mark with a few head of cattle, the beef farm now averages between 250-300 mostly Angus cattle. 

The business innovation happens on the near 600 acres that the cattle graze on.  They use grazing lands that are leased or even donated by neighbors.  The reasons for the inexpensive grazing cost are the benefits that landowners reap of having no land maintenance fees and land fertilization from the cow-produced nutrients.  With the best business ideas resulting in win-win situations, the beef farm has grown significantly and grazing land has improved in quality.

In order to sustain the results, the grazing patterns are timeshared to give the land relief once the grazing has taken its toll on the grass.  In the Vermont Agency of AG report, the decision to rotate the herd depends on the condition of the grass, the soil and the animals.  The fields alternate between haying and direct grazing.  The hay is kept for the winter to feed the cattle.

Demand for locally raised grass-fed Vermont beef has increased substantially by 40 percent per year.  Supply for local beef has grown by 20-30 percent in 2009. 

“Jim and John Kleptz illustrate an excellent example of farming success, through their innovation, creativity, and good management,” said Jenn Colby, Outreach Coordinator for the Pasture Program at the UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture. “LaPlatte River Angus is a terrific example for us all to learn from.”

In 2007, the Kleptz family won the Sustainable Farm of the Year Award from the Vermont Sustainable Agriculture Council.  It's amazing what timeshare relief can do for Vermont Ag and the Vermont economy.