Fill Out the Northeast Dairy Workforce Survey
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center is exploring how we can best support dairy workforce development, and we want your input. If you’re an employer or manager in the dairy industry, please fill out the Workforce Survey for Northeast Dairy Industry Employers.
This brief survey seeks to identify workforce challenges facing employers across the Northeast’s dairy industry. Findings will be used to inform the design, and plan for the launch of, a pilot workforce program that will be developed in collaboration with regional dairy employers and stakeholders. KK&P, a food systems consultancy, is leading this research and workforce program design process.
This survey is intended for dairy industry employers and managers only, across the dairy supply chain (including farmers, processors, haulers, and distributors). Fill out the survey at bit.ly/dairy-workforce
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Current Grants for Dairy Farmers Across the Northeast
By Ali Boochever, Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center
The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces two upcoming grants for cow, goat, and sheep dairy farmers. Look for the Request for Applications (RFA) for the grants below this month, plus our full funding calendar, on our website: nedairyinnovation.com/grants
Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant
This grant for dairy farmers will fund a wide range of projects that prioritize long term farm viability and their ability to adapt to climate and economic challenges. Projects at all stages and levels of complexity will be considered, but the most competitive projects will include direct involvement of a service provider, business planner, farm succession planner, or technical assistance provider to demonstrate a strategic, long-term approach to their grant project investment.
The application period will be open until December 7, 2023 at 2PM ET. Awards will range from $15,000 - $100,000 with a 25% match commitment.
Dairy farmers across the 11-states of the Northeast are eligible to apply. Current and former farmer participants from NE-DBIC cohort farmers will receive priority for $695,000 of the funds from this grant. Total funds available in this round: $1,495,000.
Milk Storage & Handling Grant
Northeast dairy farmers looking to access funds that support the purchase of equipment and other related costs that will improve milk storage, handling, and energy efficiencies will be able to apply for this upcoming funding opportunity in the fall. This grant provides funds for farmers to purchase needed supplies related to long-term farm viability including streamlined milk pickup, efficient milk storage, and improved handling abilities for both farmers and their processors.
The RFA for this application is expected to be released on November 7, 2023. Awards will range from $15,000 to $50,000 with a 25% cash or in-kind match requirement. Total funds available in this round: $800,000.
For more information about these grants, visit nedairyinnovation.com/grants or contact the NE-DBIC team at agr.dairyinnovation@vermont.gov
Dairy Technical Assistance Cohorts
The NE-DBIC seeks Requests for Proposals for the next round of Dairy Technical Assistance Cohorts. The upcoming cohorts may be focused on either dairy farming or dairy processing.
TA providers can submit proposals for one or more of the following topics: increased grazing quality or quantity, home-grown forage enhancement, alternative herd management, innovative staffing and business management, marketing and education of dairy production practices, food safety and processed product production practices, value-added product marketing/sales, and production management.
Contracts will be issued for up to $150,000. The Request for Proposals is expected to be released in November.