Have you seen the workshop session line-up for the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit?
Today we’re highlighting the Farm Innovation Track. These workshops are designed for farmers and service providers looking to the future of dairy production.
If you’re wondering how others are implementing new strategies and improving their farm business, these sessions are for you.
Because innovation doesn’t happen by accident – and it doesn’t have to feel like guesswork. At the Northeast Dairy Innovation Summit, you can learn from and connect with other farmers and service providers. Think of it like a shortcut to improvement.
Check out the Farm Innovation workshops below – and register for the Summit today!
Leveraging Technical Assistance for Farm Innovation
One of the most transformative programs funded by NE-DBIC has been the Dairy Cohorts – where dairy farmers receive Technical Assistance (TA) both 1:1 and in a group. These cohorts have focused on a range of topics, including animal monitoring systems, forage improvement, calf management, and more.
But how does TA work? What do TA providers actually do? And how can working with TA support your farm?
In this session, Sarah Allen of the University of New Hampshire will share how she and other TA providers have worked with dairy farmers across New England, and how you can engage with local TA providers to make improvements on your farm.
Grazing Innovation: How a Regionally Proven Low Overhead Dairy Grazing Model Can Work For You
Low-overhead dairy grazing (LODG) is a system of dairy management that could help boost profitability on many Northeast dairy farms. While common in New Zealand and Ireland, this system is still rare in the Northeast US.
This session will explore how Northeast dairy farmers can adopt LODG methods to reduce production costs and increase yields.
You’ll hear from Dr. Jon Winsten, a technical service provider focusing on LODG, along with a farmer who’s implementing this system. You’ll leave with practical strategies to optimize your grazing system and boost your farm’s profitability.
Farm Innovation – Three Perspectives on Change
Join three dairy farmers to learn about how they have approached innovation and modernization on their dairy farm.
Jackson Ransom from Strafford Organic Creamery, Seth Leach from Woodlawn Holsteins, and Kiley Chittenden from Richville Farms will share their perspectives on implementing projects on their farms.
From parlor modifications and feed improvements to employee development and tapping into new markets, you will learn how these farmers plan for change, seek out technical assistance, and then implement the project, giving you insight to how dairy farmers at all scales are making decisions about the future of their farms.
Goat Farm Production & TA Development
As demand for goat dairy grows across the region, the University of Vermont Extension has been actively working to fill the gaps in research and technical assistance that many goat dairies face.
In this session, you’ll learn about the new support networks and technical assistance being developed to address the specific needs of dairy goat farmers. Ideal for dairy goat farmers and industry stakeholders, this workshop offers valuable insights into advancing farm practices and achieving sustainable growth.
