Cornell Cooperative Extension and American Farmland Trust invited dairy producers across the state to join a free webinar focused on the Dairy Forward grant program. This program aims to help dairy farm families in New York access information and professional services to plan for farm transitions in the face of tremendous challenges such as a weak dairy economy, disruptions from severe weather, and an aging farmer population. This virtual learning opportunity was held on Wednesday, February 24th from 12noon – 12:30pm. The webinar recording and supporting resources are available below.
The main presenter, Molly Johnston-Heck, Regional Farmland for a New Generation Manager with American Farmland Trust, gave an overview of Dairy Forward and answered many questions from the webinar participants. American Farmland Trust is joining Chobani to support dairy farmers in planning for the future. The Dairy Forward program offers grants of $500 to $5,000 that can be used to help NY dairy farm families plan for farm transfer and generational succession, general farm business planning, permanently protect their land, and adopt regenerative farming practices. These funds are available on a first come, first serve basis. Eligible farms must be located in New York state and be a dairy operation, have sold more than $1,000 in agricultural products in 2020, and have a service provider identified for their proposed project.
Attending this webinar is not a requirement to apply for Dairy Forward funds. For more information visit farmland.org/dairy-forward or contact Molly Johnston-Heck with American Farmland Trust by emailing dairy@farmland.org or calling 315-565-1538. Your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Business Management Specialist is also available for guidance.