The “Agricultural Policy and its Effect on NH Dairy Producers” quarterly forum, presented by Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition, takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 28, from 5:30 to – 7:30 p.m., at Stonewall Farm in Keene.
Prolonged low milk prices coupled with the drought have made for tough times for many dairy farmers. Others struggle to survive amidst the competition with baby kale and heirloom tomatoes.
Join the Monadnock Farm and Community Coalition in a discussion with NH Commissioner of Agriculture, Markets & Food, Lorraine Merrill, a dairy farmer, unpacking the issues affecting different types of dairy production and what the public can do to help. Joining Commissioner Merrill in the conversation are local dairy farmers, Stuart Adams of Windyhurst Farm, Melissa Benedikt of Benedikt Dairy and Beth Hodge of Echo Farm Pudding.
The forum will open with a brief historical overview of dairy farms in New Hampshire followed by two, 45-minute sessions exploring issues of pricing, myths, marketing and competing in the local food movement. Keene Agricultural Commissioner and MFCC Chair, Mark Florenz, will moderate the discussion. Audience participation is encouraged.
The event is free and open to the public. Dinner will be served.
Please RSVP! Email coordinator@mfccoalition.org or online at www.mfccoalition.org.