MARLBOROUGH, Mass. — For more than a century, Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has supported local dairy farmers by advocating on their behalf for policy that can help keep them farming. As June has been dubbed National Dairy Month and commodity milk prices remain low, consumers should consider showing their support for the local dairy farmer.
June 4, 2019 – For more than a century, Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation (MFBF) has supported local dairy farmers by advocating on their behalf for policy that can help keep them farming. As June has been dubbed National Dairy Month and commodity milk prices remain low, consumers should consider showing their support for the local dairy farmer.
“The 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture indicates that there were 220 operations with milk cows in Massachusetts at the time the data was collected,” said MFBF President Mark Amato. “This number is likely lower as dairy farmers have faced tough economic times with the cost of production exceeding the price paid to them. To assist these farmers during these tough times, MFBF worked with several other commodity organizations to lobby the legislature to increase the dairy tax credit to $6 million last legislative session and was successful.”
In addition to a tough financial situation impacting their business, dairy farmers are also concerned about legislation relative to animal shelter within the Commonwealth. As one-size-fits-all policy does not necessarily meet the needs of all ages and species of animals, MFBF members support HB 868, which would create a committee to develop guidelines for animal shelter. The group would come to consensus on guidelines for each animal specie based on age and more.
This is just one example of policy that MFBF supports that could be helpful to Commonwealth dairy producers. Other examples can be found online, at  http://www.farmbureau.co/
“Farm Bureau is a grassroots, member-driven organization,” Amato said. “Through the support of our members, we are able to continue to advocate their behalf.”
To join online and show your support for the Massachusetts dairy producers, please visit http://www.farmbureau.co/
–Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation
For more articles out of New England, click here.