Editor’s note: This op-ed is by Chuck Ross, secretary of the Vermont Agency of Agriculture. He lives in Hinesburg.
Vermont is renowned as a “dairy” state – June is national dairy month, a time to recognize and celebrate the economic, cultural and historic importance of Vermont’s dairy industry. Our state is home to over 1000 cow, sheep and goat dairy farms producing over 2.5 billion pounds or 293 million gallons of milk each year. A key component to our economy, Vermont’s dairy industry, generates over $2 billion dollars through production, employment and business interaction. Dairy is also the foundation of the state’s agriculture industry, supporting the infrastructure needed for farmers in all sectors.
It is the hard work and creativity of the men and women on our dairy farms that makes Vermont the leading milk producer in New England. The majority of Vermont dairy farms are family farms, representing multiple generations working together on land that has been in their family for decades. We hold our farmers’ commitment and resilience to the working landscape in the highest esteem.
We know our dairy farmers provide us with wholesome, fresh and nutritious products. They are also dedicated to the welfare of their animals and the stewardship of our environment. Vermont dairy farms of all sizes are exploring on-farm renewable energy sources – Vermont has more methane digesters per capita than any other state, showing again how our farmers are on the forefront of new ideas and technology that supports our land, communities and economy.
The dairy industry in our state continues to expand even after two of the worst economic years on record for dairy farmers across America due to extremely low prices. This year, the Agency of Agriculture has licensed a record 18 new dairy processors with ten additional processor licenses pending. These processing facilities vary from a farm with two cows making artisan cheese to a multi-million dollar yogurt processor. Business owners consistently cite the quality and abundance of Vermont milk as a deciding factor in locating or expanding here. This product “quality” which continuously builds on the Vermont ‘brand’, supports job growth and market development within and outside Vermont’s borders.
Vermont is also known nationally and internationally for its award-winning cheeses, many of which will be the focus of the Vermont Cheese Makers Festival on July 24 held at Shelburne Farms. Again, we hear consistently from Vermont cheese makers that it is the quality of the milk that contributes to the success of their products.
During National Dairy Month, let’s pay tribute to the hard-working and dedicated dairy farmers who invest their lives in caring for their animals, creating high quality products, and sustaining the working landscape we cherish here in Vermont.
