June is Dairy Month: Vermont’s Dairy Industry Celebrates Health and Innovation
As June unfolds, Vermont celebrates Dairy Month, highlighting the state’s dairy industry, which significantly contributes $5.4 billion in economic activity. The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets has announced a vital achievement: Vermont dairy farms have been declared "unaffected" by Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in a recent USDA testing program. This initiative was designed to ensure the safety of milk production, confirming that no HPAI-infected dairy cattle were found across the 411 participating farms.
"This is a pivotal moment for Vermont’s dairy industry," stated Anson Tebbetts, Vermont’s Secretary of Agriculture. “You can always count on Vermont milk to be nutritious and safe.” The USDA’s designation not only reassures consumers but also strengthens confidence in Vermont’s dairy safety protocols.
The unique program involved rigorous testing of Grade A milk directly from farms, facilitated at no cost to farmers through federal funding. Furthermore, Vermont has pioneered a weekly milk sampling system for raw milk cheese makers, ensuring that the milk for their award-winning cheeses is also HPAI-free.
In addition to dairy updates, the Vermont Agency is addressing the threat of invasive species, particularly the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid (HWA). Quarantine rules are now in place to prevent HWA spread, essential for protecting the state’s forests.
As exciting summer events await, including the Vermont Dairy Festival and various county fairs, the hard work and dedication of Vermont’s farmers continue to contribute to the community’s agriculture and cultural heritage. For more information, visit www.vermontdairy.com.
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