From 40 cows in a tie-stall barn to a 740-cow operation spanning four decades and three generations, New Haven's Rail View Dairy has been named UVM Extension and the New England Green Pastures 2026 Vermont Dairy Farm of the Year. The Livingston family's story includes creative barn retrofits, strong ties to their community, and a next generation already carving out their own path through genetics and showing cattle.

Recent dairy plant closures are adding to uncertainty for Vermont farmers, raising concerns about milk markets, hauling costs, and the state's long-term processing capacity. A recent Boston Globe article takes a closer look at these changes and what they could mean for the future of Vermont dairy, including perspectives from farmers, processors, and UVM Extension. 

The Senate Agriculture Committee failed to advance its 2026 Farm Bill on August 6. The committee could not come to an agreement regarding new language around year-round sales of E15, and revised provisions extending the timeline for states to share SNAP benefit costs. Chairman John Boozman (R-AR) recessed the panel indefinitely after it received a 10-11 vote, with Democrats standing united in demanding a longer, two-year delay before states take on the costs for SNAP. For dairy producers, a further delay in the Farm Bill means continued uncertainty around Dairy Margin Coverage and other risk management tools due for renewal. The committee plans to reconvene in September to continue working. 

While U.S. dairy products have seen exports increase in global markets, that growth could come with a tradeoff. U.S. dairy, particularly cheese, is moving because it is competitively priced. U.S. cheese has found an outlet around $1.50/lb, which supports export volume but leaves little room for price mobility. Much of the dairy export market relies on a fine balance of price vs. demand. According to Ben Buckner, an analyst at Ag Resource Comany, "We can't have both really strong demand and high prices. We can have one of the two."

Automation in the Barn: Managing Milk Quality in Automated Milking Systems 

Wednesday, August 26

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

Maintaining milk quality is a critical challenge as more dairy farms adopt automated milking systems. Dr. John Penry will examine the factors that influence milk quality in automated systems and share practical strategies for monitoring and improving outcomes. Topics will include udder health management, milking system hygiene, troubleshooting common quality issues, and best practices for farms transitioning to or operating automated milking.

Tuesday, September 1, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
3749 Nelson Hill Rd, Derby Center, VT, 05829

Skyline Holsteins is a 44-cow dairy farm in Derby Center, Vermont, owned and operated by fourth-generation farmer Sheena Brown and her family. Home to a registered Holstein, Jersey, and Brown Swiss herd, the farm is transitioning to organic production and will be certified as of September 1st. Tour the farm, ask questions, and learn what this family is doing to adapt and ensure a resilient future! This event includes a free lunch provided by Stonyfield Organic.

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.