Montpelier, Vermont: Vermont dairy producers form new Alliance to strengthen the voice of farming in Vermont
The Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance was formed to increase the voice of dairy farming in both the Regulatory and Legislative arenas. Membership is growing and attracting dairy farmers from working farms of all sizes. The Alliance will work together with members, industry partners and state government to adopt regulations that won’t cripple the economic viability of the Vermont dairy industry.
The Alliance serves to promote both the growth and vitality of agriculture here in Vermont while being mindful of its environmental impacts to Vermont's working landscape and waterways. It is important to recognize that within Vermont agriculture, dairy farming alone contributes $2.2 billion in economic activity each year.
“Dairy farming has become increasingly difficult both financially and agriculturally. Milk pricing reflects a supply/demand balance of markets, both domestic and global, which at times fall below the cost of doing business. At the same time Vermont farmers have been working to improve farm practices for cost efficiencies, productivity, and concerns pertaining to environmental quality”. Richard Hall; Fairmont Farm
Successful dairy producers set realistic goals and use a systemic process for decision making. They know their production costs, practice good record keeping for evaluating alternatives, and monitor the outcome of their decisions. Each day on the farm new challenges arise and Vermont dairy farmers address them.
“With any new organization, having a strong Board of Directors committed to our dairy producers, the industry, and its infrastructure, will be integral to achieving our goals. We are proud to announce the founding board members of the Alliance”. Bill Rowell; Green Mountain Dairy
Founding Board Members:
· Bill Rowell; Green Mountain Dairy, Sheldon
· Richard Hall; Fairmont Farm, East Montpelier
· Ralph McNall; Two Rivers Farm, Fairfax
· Travis Michaud; Kingdom Creamery, East Hardwick
· Margaret Gladstone; Newmont Farm, LLC, Bradford
· Brian Carpenter; Champlain Valley Equipment, Middlebury
“The dairy industry is the backbone of Vermont 's economy from the dairy farmers themselves to the dairy processors, feed companies and all the other businesses that support the dairy industry representing nearly 7,000 jobs. Dairy farmers are working very hard in tough economic times to produce the highest quality product while doing their part to protect and conserve the environment.” Travis Michaud; Kingdom Creamery.
The Alliance acknowledges and accepts that everyone needs to continue to implement effective measures that protect the waters of our state. Each year millions of dollars are spent on those improvements. We, as an industry, are better today than in previous years. Dairy farmers are committed to supporting new regulations which are crafted in a way that is measurable, effective, achievable, and affordable.
The dairy industry needs to strengthen and unite to effectively represent working dairies around the state. Raising the bar for agriculture through care for the environment is crucial to our success. Information about the Alliance, and membership, will be available at vendor booths throughout the state at local county fairs. The Alliance also has a Facebook page: @VTDPA
Together we can make a difference. Invest in the work necessary to create well thought out regulations that work, subscribe and help shape our future.
###
*About the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance: The Alliance is comprised of dairy farmers and industry partners in the farming industry, representing dairy farms of all sizes throughout Vermont.
P.O. Box 1531, Montpelier, Vermont 0560
Source: Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance