The award-winning yogurt producer Commonwealth Dairy will present the first of its annual $40,000 contributions to DairyVision Vermont, a new initiative designed by Vermont dairy farmers to support profitable and environmentally sustainable growth of the dairy industry.
Commonwealth President Thomas Moffitt will present the $40,000 check to the Chair of DairyVision’s Board of Directors, Fairfield dairy farmer Mark Magnan, on Friday, March 7 at 11:00am at the Commonwealth Dairy plant in Brattleboro, VT. Also speaking will be Roger Allbee, former Vermont Secretary of Agriculture and supporter of DairyVision Vermont.
DairyVision Vermont’s mission is to empower Vermont’s Dairy Farmers with the business skills and guidance needed to create successful dairy operations that will translate into a vibrant and profitable dairy industry for Vermont.
“Vermont dairy farmers embody the principles of highest quality, integrity and environmental sustainability that resonate with Commonwealth Dairy’s values, and are a key part of why we chose to locate our business here” said Thomas Moffitt, President of Commonwealth Dairy. “We also believe in DairyVision’s entrepreneurial approach, which is central to our own success. Commonwealth Dairy is proud to support this important initiative, which we believe will significantly enhance Vermont’s economic and environmental prosperity.”
DairyVision is comprised of a group of Vermont farmers, with input and support from private businesses and state government. Four dairy farms have stepped up to launch initial funding of the organization in addition to Vermont’s Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets and Agency of Commerce and Community Development, who recognize the great potential to improve farm management practices and profitability, and keep land open and productive in Vermont.
From cows to dairy processing, the dairy industry has a $2 billion dollar impact on Vermont’s economy and supports over 15,000 jobs. Current milk production levels in Vermont, however, have become static at 2.5 billion pounds of milk per year. National milk production statistics point to the opportunity for Vermont’s farmers to grow milk production per cow and do so profitably while positively managing the impact on their environmental footprint. DairyVision’s goal is to empower dairy farmers with business skills and guidance needed to increase milk supply, develop, implement and monitor long range plans to improve animal health and crop production, reduce operating costs, implement green technologies, reduce environmental impact, improve net profit and enhance the overall business operation.
“Commonwealth Dairy exemplifies the kind of entrepreneurial vision and spirit that DairyVision hopes to foster in Vermont farmers. We are so grateful for their operation here in Vermont, and their support for this initiative.” said Allbee.
Commonwealth Dairy, which produces high quality Greek and traditional yogurt products for a variety of retailers, as well as its own line of Green Mountain Creamery products, is known for its innovative approach to safe production methods, high quality products and commitment to environmental sustainability. The plant produces more than 125,000 cases of packaged yogurt per week, including its popular strained Greek yogurt
Commonwealth Dairy recently completed a $12 million expansion project at its original Brattleboro, Vermont plant, which began operations in March of 2011. Since its founding Commonwealth Dairy has regularly returned 5% of its net profits directly back to the farmers who supply its milk.