The Vermont Agency of Agriculture and the Windham Foundation jointly sponsored the Grafton Dairy Conference on March 6-7. This was the 33rd Grafton Conference.
Over 30 people participated, representing all aspects of the Vermont dairy industry: farmers, co-ops, processors, buyers, government, education, finance and nonprofits. There was respectful, honest and vigorous discussion in groups both large and small, in organized meetings and otherwise, during nearly all waking hours. Everyone who was present deeply cares about the Vermont dairy industry.
Participants discussed the vital importance of the dairy industry to Vermont, the vital importance of the Boston market to the Vermont dairy industry, milk prices that on average are insufficient to cover costs and provide a "fair" return on farmers' capital and labor, and highly volatile milk prices.
Additional posts about the Grafton Dairy Conference: This Milk Problem, Apple Pie for Breakfast.
UPDATE: There was a follow-up meeting of the Grafton Dairy Conference on December 15-16, 2008. Click here for a report.
