Dairy Farming in Vermont
Dairy farming has long been a staple and symbol of Vermont's economy and family life. Starting in the early 20th century, dairy farming has supported many families as well as provided them with a sense of community. Long hours and taxing manual labor have proved to be characteristics that have consumed farmers for the past hundred years, from the time dairy farming grew to become a major industry for Vermont. New advances in technology and techniques have revolutionized dairy farming and helped it to grow into the economic force that it is today.
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This is a picture of the silos located at the former Fairdale Farms, now run by Edward Holden. These silos store and preserve the grain harvested in the 500 acres of the farm. |
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The farm also tends to over 175 cows. These are the sheds that house the new-born calves. These calves will grow to be the main suppliers of milk for the farm as well as continue the cycle of producing new calves for continued milk production. |
The dairy farming process has undergone many changes over the last century. For instance, the technological advancements that have occurred have enabled farms to grow and expand and lowered the labor requirements for each farm. Farming practices have also undergone change. Farmers have adjusted their techniques to match the more advanced technology. For example, the computer has revolutionized the dairy farming industry. Computers are now used to identify cows and monitor their daily milk production. The use of computers has made dairy farming infinitely more efficient.
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This is one of the barns located on the former grounds of Fairdale Farms. It is still run by Edward Holden and his son, Rob. |
In order to learn more about the dairy farming process and its effects on Vermont, we conducted an interview with Edward Holden. Mr. Holden is the former manager of Fairdale Farms and is currently running another farm, on the same land as Fairdale, with his son. Mr. Holden was raised on a farm and has been involved in dairy farming for his entire life. He grew up on the land that he currently manages and has gained a great amount of knowledge about the dairy farming process.
