Vermont dairy producers tell agriculture committee they need help on pricing, workforce, neonics and energy projects

Members of the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance and local dairy operators said Tuesday the state should act to help farms remain viable as milk prices, workforce shortages, state seed rules and energy transitions squeeze margins.

The producers appeared before the Senate Agriculture Committee in Montpelier to outline priorities for the 2025 legislative session including fiscal supports, workforce development, access to technical expertise and clarity about state regulations such as the recently passed restriction on neonicotinoid-treated seed. "We want Vermont to have a vibrant agriculture sector and the decisions you make affect our dairy businesses the very most," said Amanda Saint Pierre, who identified herself as a dairy farmer in Berkshire and a representative of the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance.

The producers urged the committee to coordinate more with extension and research programs in neighboring states and with Cornell’s ProDairy to bring expertise into Montpelier. Kevin Corey, director of nutrition and sales at Phoenix Feeds in New Haven, said his company serves dairies across New England and worries that…