Massachusetts dairy farms are still here, but barely. There are only around 170 such farms now, compared to not so long ago when dairy farming was the major agricultural business in the state.  It is imperative that we support these remaining farmers that provide us a fresh supply of nutritious food, open space, habitat protection, and beautiful views. MA farmers have made significant gains through a monumental grass-roots effort a couple of years ago, and the result, the Dairy Farm Preservation Act, has been passed. However, gains are offset by the impossibly low price for milk, currently just above 10.00 per hundred weight, about half of what it should be for farmers to make even a modest living.

Although farmers now receive a tax credit, cost of production outweighs this benefit. If farmers don’t have savings or other means to bridge this gap, and/or if unforeseen expenses arise, many are forced to quit. The New England Dairy Compact that ordered processors to pay farmers the difference when milk prices fell, was allowed to dissolve in 2001, replaced by a national milk-income loss contract that comes out of tax money and pales in comparison. (Bringing the 10.00 mentioned above to a paltry 13.00 plus at this writing.)  In addition, the price of milk continues to be controlled by Federal Orders, an incredibly complex policy that favors milk-processing companies, and hinders the family farm.

Because of the economic downturn, recent federal and state laws favoring family dairy farms have not been carried out due to “lack of funding.”

You can help by urging the legislature, both state and federal, to support our dairy farms. (see below) You can buy products from local farmers. You can purchase postcards I have created, all proceeds going to MA dairy farmers. (See images entitled McMillan’s Farm 2, Rainville’s Farm, and Afternoon, Silos and Cows that are available in postcards. $.75 ea. Email me to order.)

Here are links to information relevant to preserving and growing local, privately owned dairy farms. You can keep informed of the issues, pursuing the following links (not a complete list):

Mass. Association of Dairy Farmers: www.massdairyfarmers.com

Mass. Ag. : www.mass.gov/agr/dairy/preservation.htm

Milkweed (dairy journal out of Wisconsin)  www.themilkweed.com

Kathleen Merrigan, USDA Deputy Secretary at www.usda.gov

You can email me at jmfriebert1@hotmail.com 

Dairyingdo: Preserve Massachusetts Dairy Farms