Milk prices skid as COVID-19 reduces demand

VERMONT — The universe has found yet another way to ding dairy farmers. Global disruptions caused by the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 disease have reduced demand for dairy overseas and in the U.S., and milk prices are declining as a result. “We’re seeing significant impacts right now,” said Agri-Mark Chief Economist Catherine de Ronde during a phone interview late last week. “It’s been happening for about six weeks.” Boston Blend milk prices climbed steadily in the last quarter of 2019, from $18.7 … (read more)

MIDDLEBURY — Agriculture was an important topic addressed by Gov. Phil Scott and Agriculture Secretary Anson Tebbetts when they spent Monday in Addison County for a “Capital for a Day.” In an meeting with the Addison Independent, the two men gave their in … (read more)

ST. ALBANS — A large group of local dairy farmers who voted to merge their Vermont milk marketing and processing cooperative with a national competitor are now waiting to see if the move will pay off.  Their hope is that the bigger operation will enable V … (read more)

In reference to the letter to the editor that ran under the headline “Dairy not necessarily healthy” in your Aug. 26 edition, the statements made by Pat Davies against dairy consumption and for an alternative, plant-based diet are compelling. Particularly … (read more)

After reading several times the front page of the Addison Independent’s Aug. 5 article on Marie Audet’s induction into the Vermont Agricultural Hall of Fame, as well as Angelo Lynn’s editorial on dairy farms and Dan Monger’s letter, I realized something w … (read more)

MONTPELIER — A new record was set for Vermont cheeses at the prestigious American Cheese Society’s 36th Annual Awards competition (ACS) in Richmond, Va., early this month. Vermont producers, big and small, collectively took home 44 ribbons, marking Vermon … (read more)

NEW HAVEN — Aislynn Farr shook-up an aerosol can of livestock skin conditioner and sprayed a few strokes on the side of her Ayrshire “Cheerio.” “This stuff is for the shine,” the 18-year-old explained. “You use it to highlight the cow’s ribs, kind of like … (read more)

Eight-year-old Ava Alice Wood from Shoreham showed a big smile when she took first place in her dairy Showmanship class at Field Days this past Thursday, Aug. 8. The date was a particularly significant one for the New Haven 4-H club member. Aug. 8 marked … (read more)