Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center Grants
By Katie Spring, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center at VAAFM
Dairy Processor Expansion Grant
The Existing Dairy Processor Expansion Grant is now open to applicants across the Northeast. With a total of $12 million in funding, this grant will fund specialized equipment to help processors increase the use of regionally sourced milk and expand regional dairy processing capacity.
To accommodate processors of all scales, this grant is broken into three tiers. Tiers 1 and 2 are invited to submit pre-applications now through May 11. Tier 3 processors are invited to submit a single-stage application, which is open now.
Processors can view a recording of an informational webinar and access the Request for
Applications for all Tiers on our website: agriculture.vermont.gov/dbic/grants/existing-dairy-processor-expansion-grant
Dairy Farm Cohort Technical Assistance Contract
The NE-DBIC seeks Requests for Proposals for Dairy Farm Cohorts, our innovative approach to Technical Assistance.
Interested contractors may submit a proposal to offer cohort-based TA for dairy farmers in one or more of these areas: increased grazing quality or quantity, home-grown forage enhancement, alternative herd management, innovative staffing and business management, and marketing and education of dairy production practices.
Contractors will have the flexibility to work with dairy farmers of any scale, type of dairy animal, certification status, and current condition of the farm. Contracts will be issued for up to $150,000. Total funds available $450,000.
The Request for Proposal deadline is Friday, May 26 at 4:30 p.m. Learn more on our website: agriculture.vermont.gov/dbic/grants/cohort-dairy-technical-assistance-contract
Dairy Marketing & Branding Services Grant
The Dairy Marketing and Branding Services Grant Program is open now to established value-added dairy processors and producer associations. With funds to access professional marketing and branding services, this grant helps value-added processors increase the exposure and promotion of regionally produced dairy products through support from marketing and branding professionals.
Past grantees have used grant funding to develop digital and print marketing materials, branded packaging, and create and launch a digital marketing strategy. Awards will range from $10,000 - $50,000 with a match requirement of 25%. Additionally, up to 25% of the grant funds may be used to implement the strategy and/or content developed by the contractor.
Application deadline is Thursday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. Learn more on our website: agriculture.vermont.gov/dbic/grants/cohort-dairy-technical-assistance-contract
Visit a Commercial Goat Dairy with UVM Extension
By Kelsie Meehan, UVM Extension
Join UVM Extension this spring for a series of farm tours at commercial goat dairies across the state. Tour participants will connect with other goat dairy producers and with Extension dairy specialists to see and discuss parlor and barn design, herd health, goat dairy financials, grazing, considerations for value-added production, and more. Goat dairy producers of all sizes, those interested in starting or transitioning to goat dairy production, and agricultural service providers are all welcome!
May Goat Farm Tour Dates & Locations:
- May 10, 2023: Bridgman Hill Farm, Hardwick, 12noon to 2 p.m.
- May 23, 2023: Tup's Crossing Farm, Orwell, 12noon to 2 p.m.
- May 26, 2023: Ayers Brook Goat Dairy, Randolph, 12noon to 2 p.m.
- May 31, 2023: Blue Ledge Farm, Salisbury, 12noon to 2 p.m.
All events are free, and registration is requested. Coffee and light snacks will be provided. Register at go.uvm.edu/goatdairytours
This event is sponsored by UVM Extension, the Center for Rural Studies at UVM, Vermont Creamery, and the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center. For more information, to request a disability-related accommodation to participate in this program, or to ask program questions, contact Kelsie Meehan at kelsie.meehan@uvm.edu