Dec 27, 2024
Training, mentoring and support for small herd dairy farmers
Dairy farming has long been a cornerstone of the Northeast’s agricultural identity, yet small and mid-sized farms continue to face rising costs, volatile markets, and inflation, threatening their sustainability. To help address these challenges, the Hudson Valley AgriBusiness Development Corporation (HVADC) launched its Dairy Funding Accelerator (DFA) program in February 2024. Now at its halfway mark, this 20-month initiative has become a lifeline for participating farms, equipping them with tools, strategies, and networks to thrive.
Supported by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC), the DFA focuses on farms managing smaller herds (under 100 head) of cows, goats or sheep. It delivers tailored training, mentorship, and strategic guidance to help farmers navigate today’s challenges. Having the support of NE-DBIC allowed HVADC to extend the program regionally, to include dairy farmers in Vermont and Connecticut as well as all of New York State.
“Small and mid-sized dairy farms have been facing significant financial challenges,” said HVADC Deputy Director Mary Ann Johnson. “By providing Business Technical Assistance to help these farms position their expansion plans and access capital, we can bolster their viability and success.”
A comprehensive approach
The DFA curriculum addresses the multifaceted issues faced by small-scale dairies. Participants have spent the program’s first half developing detailed business plans aligned with their life and operational goals. Financial management has been a central focus, with sessions designed to help farmers refine budgets, optimize workforce strategies, and improve efficiency.
Expanding market reach is another major objective. Farmers have honed marketing techniques and distribution strategies to connect their products with broader consumer bases. To help the participants secure funding for growth, the DFA has provided guidance in crafting grant applications and investor pitches.
The program also emphasizes forward-looking strategies, including succession planning, to ensure the long-term viability of participants’ businesses. “This program represents more than an opportunity for its current participants,” Johnson noted. “It’s a model for how regional initiatives can support and sustain agriculture in the face of future challenges.”
The inaugural cohort
The DFA has brought together a diverse array of farms, each tackling unique challenges with a shared commitment to innovation and sustainability. Among them is North Country Creamery in Keeseville, New York. Since its founding in 2013, this woman-owned operation has produced value-added products from 100% grass-fed cows. Through the DFA, North Country is refining its expansion strategies for new cheese products and exploring infrastructure upgrades, including a mobile milking parlor. HVADC Business Services Coordinator and DFA program facilitator Duane Stanton noted that these efforts reflect their broader vision. “They’re also exploring transitioning into a worker-owned cooperative, a bold step that reflects their community-oriented approach,” he said.
In Sterling, Connecticut, Country Critters is creating a unique take on cajeta, a traditional Mexican caramel sauce. By blending sheep and goat milk, the farm, also known for its baked goods, is bringing an innovative twist to the market. The farm has used DFA resources to develop a plan for acquiring the equipment necessary to scale production and increase market reach. Stanton highlighted how the program is helping businesses like Country Critters to connect with broader audiences.
Hillside Springs Homestead in Middletown Springs, Vermont, has made a name for itself by producing what it calls the “tastiest and healthiest raw milk.” With meticulous on-site testing for safety, the farm also offers beef and goat meat sold through local markets and CSAs. Using the DFA, Hillside Springs is enhancing its marketing strategy to attract more customers while maintaining its high-quality production standards.
Meanwhile, in Bennington, Vermont, The Goat Project is undergoing a significant transformation. Farmer Becca Knouss, who initially focused on crafting raw goat milk soap, is expanding into cheese production. With support from DFA advisors, she is securing grant funding to grow her herd and develop the necessary infrastructure for diversification. Stanton praised her efforts, saying, “Her vision of sustainable growth and value-added products embodies the DFA’s mission.”
Shepard Moon Farm, located in Corinth, Vermont, is another engaged participant. Dani Glover, who started the farm in 2023, specializes in cave-aged sheep’s milk cheeses. Through the DFA, she is evaluating local market demand and strategically scaling her business to produce 35,000 pounds of cheese annually. Glover is also transitioning the farm into a worker cooperative, emphasizing sustainability and collaboration. Reflecting on the program’s benefits, she said, “Meeting other farmers with similar goals has been one of the most valuable aspects of the program.”
Collaboration and expert guidance
The DFA’s collaborative nature has been key to its success. Farmers are not only learning from expert advisors but also from each other. Stanton described the strong professional friendships formed during the program, with experienced participants mentoring newer farmers and fostering an environment of shared growth.
Participants have also benefited from the expertise of a team of advisors including business strategist Brian Zweig; Rose Wilson - who specializes in farm management; attorney Megan Harris-Pero, who has helped farmers navigate complex legal challenges, and Kim Hickok who focuses on marketing. Business coach Sylke Chesterfield has also provided crucial advice, while guest speaker Fons Smits founder of Tulip Tree Creamery shared insights into maximizing facility efficiency and developing value-added products. The Indiana maker of butter and cheese also provides consulting services. “His expertise offered participants practical solutions to enhance operations,” Stanton said.
A new program can have challenges too, including the geographical spread of participants and weather-related disruptions. Yet, through online sessions and regional site visits, such as a December visit to North Country Creamery, the DFA has maintained its momentum. Stanton emphasized the adaptability of the program, which has enabled it to address unexpected hurdles effectively.
With the final phase approaching, participants are focused on implementing their plans and exploring new growth opportunities. At the conclusion of the program, many may apply for grands provided by the NE-DBIC. As it progresses, the DFA program is poised to leave a lasting legacy, equipping farmers to meet the challenges of modern dairy farming while enriching their communities and strengthening the regional dairy industry.
Additional information about the Accelerator may be found at https://www.hvadc.org/dairy-funding-accelerator-program.