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Dairy is a primary source of agricultural output in the state of Vermont. As of December 2021, the state had 568 dairy farms milking cattle, sheep, and/or goats which produced 2.5 billion pounds of milk annually.[1] Vermont ranks 15th in the United States for raw milk production.[2]

Dairy farming in Vermont, like in much of the US, is increasingly scaling upwards due to market and governmental pressures. Each year, Vermont loses dairy farms.[3] In 2021, the number of dairy farms shrunk by 6.9%, a decline of 68 farms from the previous year.[1]

Family farms with small herds of dairy cows historically defined Vermont agriculture and the cultural landscape of the state. A 2019 survey found that Vermont's dairy industry is considered very important to 72% of Vermonters.[4]

Vermont produces cheese, butter, and yogurt that are consumed across the United States. There are over 140 firms in the state that process milk into dairy products.[5] Some of its better known producers are Vermont Creamery, Cabot Creamery, Ehrmann Commonwealth Dairy, Jasper Hill Farm, and the Grafton Village Cheese Company. The Crowley Cheese Factory in Healdville, Vermont is believed to be the oldest indigenous manufacturer of cheese in the United States.

The dairy industry is celebrated in various parades and festivals throughout the year, the two most notable being the Vermont Dairy Festival in Enosburg Falls and the Strolling of the Heifers parade in Brattleboro. Each year, the Vermont Cheese Council runs the Vermont Cheesemakers Festival.[6]

History

Dairy farming is the primary source of agricultural income in Vermont. In the second half of the 20th century, developers had plans to build condos and houses on what was relatively inexpensive, open land. Vermont's government responded with a series of laws controlling development and with some pioneering initiatives to prevent the loss of Vermont's dairy industry. Still, the number of Vermont dairy farms has declined more than 85% from the 11,206 dairy farms operating in 1947. In 2003 there were fewer than 1,500 dairy farms in the state; in 2006 there were 1,138; in 2019 there were 658.[7] The number of dairy farms has been diminishing by 10% annually.[8] 80% of open land is controlled by dairy farms.[7]

The number of cattle in Vermont had declined by 40%; however, milk production doubled in the same period due to tripling of production per cow.[9] While milk production rose, Vermont's market share declined. Within a group of states supplying the Boston and New York City markets (called "Federal order Class I"),[10] Vermont was third in market share, with 10.6%; New York has 44.9% and Pennsylvania has 32.9%.[11] In 2007 dairy farmers received a record $23.60 for 100 pounds (45 kg) (11.63 gallons at $2.03/gallon) of milk. This dropped in 2008 to $17 ($1.46/gallon).[12] The average dairy farm produced 1.3 million pounds of milk annually in 2008.[13]

The dairy barn remains an iconic image of Vermont, but the 87% decrease in active dairy farms between 1947 and 2003[14] means that preservation of the dairy barns has increasingly become dependent upon a commitment to maintaining a legacy rather than basic need in the agricultural economy. The Vermont Barn Census, organized by a collaboration of educational and nonprofit state and local historic preservation programs, has developed educational and administrative systems for recording the number, condition, and features of barns throughout Vermont.[15]

In 2009, there were 543 organic farms. Twenty percent of the dairy farms were organic and 23% (128) vegetable farms were organic. Organic farming increased in 2006–07, but leveled off in 2008–09.[16]

A significant amount of milk is shipped into the Boston market. Therefore, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts certifies that Vermont farms meet Massachusetts sanitary standards. Without this certification, a farmer may not sell milk for distribution into the bulk market.[17] In 2019, two-thirds of all milk in New England was produced by Vermont dairies.[7]

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the dumping of milk.[18] Vermont dairy farms donated milk to schools during the pandemic.[19]

References

  1. ^ a b "Vermont Dairy Data" (PDF). Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets. 2022-02-02. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  2. ^ "Price slump is crushing dairy farms". vtcng.com. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  3. ^ "Number of Vermont dairy farms drops to an average of 677". apnews.com. 30 January 2020. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  4. ^ "Poll: Vermont's Dairy Industry Very Important to 72% of Vermonters | Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets". agriculture.vermont.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-02.
  5. ^ "Milk & Dairy | Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets".
  6. ^ vtcheesefest. "INDEX - 2018". Vermont Cheesemakers Festival. Retrieved 2023-04-29.
  7. ^ a b c Starr, Tena (January 29, 2020). "Report says agriculture faces challenges in new climate". The Chronicle. Barton, Vermont. pp. 1A, 18A–19A.
  8. ^ Dunbar, Bethany M. (September 10, 2008). Vermont Milk Commission considers price premium. the Chronicle.
  9. ^ "Dairy Farm Numbers—Vermont Dairy". Vermontdairy.com. Archived from the original on October 2, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  10. ^ Mielke, Lee (May 28, 2019). "US butter prices climbing". capitalpress.com. Retrieved May 30, 2019.
  11. ^ Dunbar, Bethany (November 14, 2007). Vermont Milk Commission takes a look at hauling costs. the Chronicle.
  12. ^ Dunbar, Bethany M. quoting from book by James Maroney Jr. (December 4, 2008). Former farmer has a plan for profits in Vermont dairying. the Chronicle.
  13. ^ Lefebvre, Paul (February 11, 2009). Average Vermont dairy farmer expected to lose $92,000. the Chronicle.
  14. ^ "Dairy Farm Numbers". Vermont Dairy. Archived from the original on October 2, 2010. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  15. ^ "Vermont Barn Census". Uvm.edu. Retrieved July 31, 2010.
  16. ^ Hallenbeck, Terri (September 6, 2009). "A look at Vermont organic farming". Burlington Free Press. Burlington, Vermont. pp. 5D.
  17. ^ LeClair vs Saunders Archived May 24, 2013, at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved April 21, 1980.
  18. ^ "Farmers' interest in grants falls under expectations; will $30 million revert to feds?". 2 November 2020.
  19. ^ "Vermont & New England Dairy Farmers Support VT Schools During COVID-19 Pandemic Meal Relief". New England Dairy. Retrieved 2023-04-29.

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