This summer, UVM Extension’s Future-Ready Dairy Tours brought farmers, researchers, service providers, and community members together to explore how Vermont dairy farms are adapting for the future. From automation and herd health monitoring to grazing, new markets, and succession planning, the tours offered opportunities to see different approaches in practice and learn directly from dairy producers. 

At Severy Farm in Cornwall, participants explored recycling agricultural wastewater for pasture irrigation on a 100% grass-fed dairy. A two-stop tour in Alburgh featured autonomous weeding robots at Henry Bros. Wolf Ridge Dairy, followed by a visit to Ladd Farm to learn about smaXtec herd health monitoring, the family’s small-scale feed center and grazing management. The Rowley family shared their approach to facility design, automation and long-term planning, alongside a discussion of farm transfer and succession strategies with UVM Extension’s Elisa Clancy. At Stony Pond Farm, the Webb family highlighted seasonal calving, grazing and youngstock management, compost bedded pack housing, and reaching new markets through product distribution and agritourism. Skyline Holsteins owners Sheena Brown and Ben Farrow shared their transition to organic production as participants celebrated the farm’s first day of organic certification. 

Join us for the final farm tour of the year tomorrow, Tuesday, September 22, at noon at Rockbottom Farm in Strafford. Second- and third-generation farmers Earl and Jackson Ransom will discuss how automated grain feeders and sort gates have modernized their feeding, grazing strategies, forage production, succession planning, and grants and funding opportunities. Enjoy milk from Strafford Organic Creamery and connect with fellow farmers and service providers. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.

The average cost of U.S. diesel keeps rising after hitting a new all-time record last week at $6.20 a gallon, or 68% higher than a year ago, according to AAA. For dairy producers, higher diesel prices mean added costs for harvesting forage, hauling crops and spreading manure this fall. Penn State Extension’s corn and hay examples show that increasing diesel from $3 to $6 per gallon doubles fuel expenses for the operations included in each estimate. Transportation costs also rise, with every $1 increase in diesel prices adding approximately $0.16 to $0.20 per mile in operating costs. Click the link below for cost examples and practical ways to improve fuel efficiency this harvest season.

A U.S. ban on certain Canadian dairy imports, scheduled to take effect September 29, could reduce competition for domestic processors but carries risks for U.S. dairy exports and milk prices. The ban also conflicts with the U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), raising concerns about the agreement’s integrity and trade relations with both neighboring countries. Canadian retaliatory tariffs could limit U.S. dairy sales to Canada, while strained relations with Mexico could jeopardize opportunities in an important and growing export market. These risks could outweigh the benefits of reduced import competition and put downward pressure on U.S. milk prices over time.

Tuesday, September 22, 12:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
53 Rockbottom Rd, Strafford, VT 05072

Join us for a farm tour and discussion at Rockbottom Farm to learn from second- and third-generation farmers Earl and Jackson Ransom about how they are staying innovative in a changing dairy landscape. Learn about the new technologies and pasture management strategies being implemented on the farm, as well as how this family is keeping things sweet with value-added dairy production and their successful Strafford Creamery business.

Automation in the Barn: Calf Feeding Technologies with Dr. Melissa Cantor 

Wednesday, September 30

11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Automated calf feeders are changing how dairy producers raise and manage calves, helping save labor while providing valuable information on calf feeding behavior and performance. These systems can track milk intake, drinking speed, and feeding patterns, giving producers new tools to monitor calf health and identify potential issues earlier. Join Dr. Melissa Cantor as she discusses how automated calf feeding technology is being used on dairy farms and what producers should consider when evaluating and implementing these systems.