DUMMERSTON — Rural Vermont's “Free Enterprise Farming” series will continue throughout Vermont this fall with its “From Cow to Customer” workshops.
These classes will provide an in-depth look at the production and sale of raw milk in Vermont. “Producing Raw Milk for Direct Sale,” appropriate for those operating at or interested in selling up to 50 quarts per day, will be offered on Saturday, Oct. 2 at the Bunker Farm in Dummerston.
The workshop is from 1-4 p.m. and costs $10 for Rural Vermont members and $20 for all else. Space is limited. Register in advance by calling 802-223-7222 or e-mailing shelby@ruralvermont.org.
The “From Cow to Customer” workshops follow a pastured poultry class that was offered in August and kicked off the Free Enterprise Farming workshop series. Rural Vermont is sponsoring this series of events to engage farmers and consumers in the advocacy work that Rural Vermont has done and continues to do in pursuit of reasonable oversight and regulations for farms of all sizes. The workshops are highlighting recent changes to poultry and raw milk regulations and feature farms that are reaping the benefits of these new economic opportunities.
“From Cow to Customer” will illustrate the options available to those current and aspiring farmers considering the production and sale of raw milk. For the last several years, Rural Vermont has been advocating for common-sense raw milk regulations that are sensitive to the small scale of farming here in Vermont. In July 2009, a new law went into effect that established a set of reasonable and basic standards that all raw milk sellers are expected to follow. There are a few additional requirements for those selling more than 50 quarts per day, and/or making home deliveries.
At the workshop, participants will learn about the new regulations governing the sale of raw milk, and get to see them in practice on a successful raw milk microdairy. Farmer hosts will discuss production methods and lead a farm tour, followed by a raw milk and cookie session at the end of the day.
This workshop will be useful for anyone considering raw milk sales as a profitable farm addition. The information presented will be applicable for goat, sheep and cow dairies. Bring a brown bag lunch and lots of questions! Informational materials will be provided by Rural Vermont, including a detailed seller's guide, outlining everything farmers need to know to sell raw milk within the confines of the law.
Rural Vermont is a statewide nonprofit group founded by farmers in 1985. For the last 25 years, Rural Vermont has been advancing its mission of economic justice for Vermont farmers through advocacy and education. For more info, call (802) 223-7222 or visit www.ruralvermont.org.