Upcoming Dates Scheduled for Washington & South Royalton.
Rural Vermont’s popular series “From Cow to Customer” continues in August with two workshops in central Vermont on Thursday, August 11th at Symphony Farm, located at 405 Dow Road in Washington, and on Monday, August 22nd at Bob White Systems, located at 228 Chelsea Steet in South Royalton. Both workshops are from 11 am – 3 pm and cost $10 for Rural Vermont members and $20 for all else. Advance registration is not necessary, but appreciated – to sign up, call (802) 223-7222 or email shelby@ruralvermont.org.
Jersey cow at Symphony Farm in Washington
From Cow to Customer will illustrate the options available to those current and aspiring farmers considering the production and sale of raw milk. Participants can expect to learn about the regulations governing the sale of raw milk, tour microdairy operations, and learn about animal care and microdairy management. Each workshop will wrap up with a raw milk and cookie session!
The workshop at Symphony Farm will provide an opportunity to check out a successful microdairy and raw milk business, and see how they have incorporated the requirements of the new law by investing a limited amount of money and time. Jonathan and Meg will share what they’ve learned in getting their farm off the ground, and will welcome questions related to marketing, management, and anything else that comes up!
In addition to covering the new raw milk law, the workshop at Bob White Systems will introduce folks to this new business that provides microdairy consulting services and dairy equipment designed for small-scale operations. We’ll tour the facility and caravan to the off-site farm. Though not set up for raw milk sales, the farm tour will be an opportunity to learn about cow care and microdairy management, and get all your questions answered.
These workshops 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.
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.
There will be one final workshop in this series offered at New Village Farm in Shelburne on a to-be-determined date in September. Check www.ruralvermont.org for updates or call (802) 223-7222.
Jonathan Falby and Meaghan Kane gave birth to Symphony Farm in the summer of 2009. They are producing raw milk, grass-fed beef, savory garden products and a killer educational experience! For more info, check them out on Facebook or call (802) 883-2269.
Bob-White Systems provides micro dairy and cheese making supplies, equipment, and support for the farmstead, homestead, and small-scale production of local and farm fresh milk and cheese. Bob-White Systems is committed to making it possible for every small or rural community to enjoy safe, fresh, and delicious milk produced by local, micro dairy farms. By designing, equipping, and helping to manage small micro dairy operations, Bob-White Systems reduces dairy start-up and operating costs, helps farmers enjoy more profits, and enables communities to produce and purchase their own local milk. More information is available at www.bobwhitesystems.com.