By Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts
November, 2019 - Summer is behind us but it was a busy one for us at the Agency. We did our best to visit as many farmers and producers as we could. We appreciate all those who dropped the chores for us so we could talk and explore. These field trips are important to all of us because that’s where we learn what’s working and what’s not working.
We spent two days visiting dairy farms as a follow up to the Vermont Dairy Summit. Farmers asked us to organize tours for lawmakers and policy makers so they could see firsthand what it’s like to operate a farm in 2019. We saw how the animals are cared for and it was impressive. We witnessed healthy animals that are free to roam inside and outside barns. We saw big fans cooling them down while bedding was stacked high. How animals are treated is important to consumers. Buyers of dairy want to know how their milk, cheese, butter and yogurt is made. Vermont can be proud of its commitment to quality. It was great to see Senators and Representatives asking the tough questions and welcoming the feedback from Vermont’s farmers.
Regardless of the size of the operation, all of the farmers told us it’s difficult to pay the bills each month when they are faced with five years of low milk prices. Milk prices have been rising but they need to continue to rise and stay there to make up for the losses over the past five years. Organic farmers are facing price cuts, quotas and some are worried they may lose their market altogether. These facts were important to hear as they prepare for a new legislative session in January.
Many thanks to Governor Scott and Lt. Governor David Zuckerman for also joining us on the tours. They too were learning and listening and asking the tough questions to Vermont’s farmers. The knowledge they gathered on these stops will help them develop policies in 2020 and beyond.
Keep up the conversation, reach out to us and engage with your local Representative and Senators. You can influence what’s happening in Montpelier and beyond. Wishing you and your families of a productive and prosperous fall.
