NEAFA Executive Pen: National Dairy Month

Dairy Day, Image Courtesy NYS Assembly

By Bonnie Bargstedt, NEAFA Vice President

National Dairy Month activities have been happening across New York. Many organizations and farms have hosted consumers, legislators, neighbors and classrooms. There have been events at the State Capitol, family-friendly festivals, farm tours, educational programs, ice cream trails and county parades. These events highlight NY Dairy Farms, agricultural traditions, as well as the contributions of Dairy Farming to local economies and the environment. According to the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets New York has 2,730 dairy farms. Making the most out of these activities can benefit all farms and the allied industries that serve them.

Dairy Day was celebrated on June 2 at the NY State Capitol. Dairy farmers and industry leaders celebrated while sharing dairy’s story and the dairy industry's importance to New York. NEAFA, NEDPA, NYFB, NYAAC and other stakeholders collaborated for another successful day with Legislators from across the state.

The state budget extended New York’s Investment Tax Credit (ITC) for five more years, thanks to the leadership of our Ag Chairs and Ranking committee members Senator Michelle Hinchey, Donna Lupardo, Chris Tague and Senator George Borrello. The ITC extension, Cornell Pro Dairy and capital funding requests, along with many other budget approvals, help dairy farms and all of agriculture. Farms can continue to grow, innovate and make investments for the long-term survival of their operations. This in turn benefits rural communities and economies that depend on those farms. Thank you to everyone who attended and advocated for our industry.

The Mobile Dairy Experience continues traveling across NY making stops in urban areas to reach consumers and legislators.  The factual messaging on modern dairy farm practices and demonstrating how milk gets from farm to fridge engages visitors in conversations with exhibit staff and volunteers. Sponsored by the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, this engaging exhibit is our link to hard to reach consumers by taking our message to their front door.

They will be in the Hudson Valley the last weekend in June at the 10th anniversary of Zoe’s Ice Cream Barn in LaGrangeville – once a farming community, but now a developed area full of our targeted consumers. From there they will travel to the Jones Beach airshow on Long Island for the 4 day July 4th weekend. Talk about going into an area where we want to tell our story – Thank you to Eileen Jensen and her team for making this happen! They have visited multiple schools, the CNY Regional Market ON Farm Fest Kickoff and Evening Market, FFA events, the State Capitol and many other celebrations. If you have not seen it, I would encourage you to walk through next time it is in your area. This million dollar plus investment is doing exactly what we hoped – opening honest and transparent dialog with our consumers who otherwise would not meet a farmer to ask their questions.

The Ward W. O'Hara Agricultural & Country Living Museum in Auburn has Dairy-Themed Museum Exhibits throughout June. They have hands-on exhibits covering cheese-making, butter-making, and ice cream history.

I could write pages on the activities. Know that every single one makes a difference! There is still a lot going on to celebrate Dairy Month here in New York. If you have a chance to attend, volunteer or help promote any as we wrap up June, please reach out to any of the organizers. I am sure they would appreciate seeing you or having an extra pair of hands to help.

Cheers to Dairy!
Bonnie           

NEAFA Member Highlight: Randy Schwalke, Feed Marketing Advisors

Randy Schwalke, Courtesy Feed Marketing Advisors

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

For June, NEAFA caught up with Randy Schwalke, Founder and Managing Partner of Feed Marketing Advisors. “Feed Marketing Advisors (FMA) is a feed industry business advisory group,” said Schwalke. “Our firm consists of two partners, myself and Mark Stephens, the Director of M&A Services. Additionally, we have forty advisors that make up the rest of the team. We work with seventy select clients, which makes up our feed marketing group. It’s a mix of feed companies, premix companies, ingredient companies, grain traders, packaging and bag companies. We work with all aspects of the feed industry’s supply chain.”

FMA was founded in 2008, though Schwalke’s career in the agribusiness sector goes back to 1973. “I live in Chester, NH today, but I grew up in Missouri,” said Schwalke. “I received a fellowship from Moorman Manufacturing Company, which was a large feed company at the time to attend Culver-Stockton College in Canton, Missouri. Later they became ADM Alliance Nutrition, and I was involved in a number of different positions with the company over the years. I had an opportunity to become involved with Blue Seal, where I served as Vice President and President. In 2008 I left Blue Seal to found Feed Marketing Advisors.”

FMA has two different divisions; Merger and Acquisitions, as well as Strategic Market Development. “With merger and acquisitions, we represent buyers and sellers within the feed industry supply chain. We then help them find buyers and sellers as needed, and we help facilitate those related transactions. Part of that is giving a financial analysis of a business, so that they have a better idea of what their valuation should be, and how to solicit prospective buyers or sellers based off of that. On the strategic services side, we provide strategic planning, personnel development/training, financial analysis, operational efficiency and compliance, networking, and advocacy. For networking our clients inherently don’t compete with each other. The membership isn’t geographic based like NEAFA; membership eligibility is determined in part by not competing with our other members directly for the niches they fill in the agricultural market. We advocate for intra member business connections and relationships, as well as working with a number of international clients, where we’re helping them bring their products from Europe, Australia, etc., to establish distribution in the USA.”

Schwalke has a long history with NEAFA, going back to his time as President of Blue Seal. “I wanted to be involved with regional activities and groups,” said Schwalke. “I was President of the New England Grain and Feed Council, and I was on the board during the merger with the Eastern Federation of Feed Merchants. I like the networking that NEAFA offers, and the regional policy influence that the group has. I’m proud that the industry has a voice with our legislators because of the work that NEAFA does. They’re behind the scenes, they really have a finger on the pulse of what’s going on with legislative bodies in the Northeast.”

To learn more about Feed Marketing Advisors, you can visit their website at https://www.feedadvisors.com/

State Fiscal Year 2027 Budget Brings Major Policy Changes Across Insurance, Litigation, Energy, Tax, Environment, Immigration and Procurement Policies

By Hinman Straub

On Thursday, May 28, lawmakers in Albany completed voting on the 10 bills that make up the State Fiscal Year 2027 Enacted Budget. At more than $268.5 billion, the budget is the largest in state history and marks the latest budget passage in 16 years. Negotiations were significantly delayed following the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal in January, as Lawmakers and the Executive worked through major disagreements over tax policy, immigration enforcement, greenhouse gas reduction timelines, and proposals intended to ease rising automobile insurance costs.

For NEAFA members and stakeholders, the final agreement includes several provisions worth watching closely. The most relevant items fall into six major areas: insurance reform, litigation, energy affordability and utility regulation, tax policy, environmental policy, immigration-related protections, drone restrictions, and procurement.

Key Funding Additions and Restorations

The final budget included critical new investments in Cornell CALS. In the coming state fiscal year they will receive $2.5 million in capital as well as $3.4 million in operational funding. Cornell University Pro-Dairy Program was funded at $1.551million, and increase of $213,000 over the Executive, a full restoration of the Executive cut and an increase of  $88,000 over last year’s Executive budget.  The proposed $30 million in tariff relief funds for famers impacted by federal tariff’s was adopted. Farmnet funding was restored to  $1.5 million, $100,000 over the executive and flat funded to last year. The Occupational Health Clinics Network (OHCN) was funded at $14.56 million an increase of $5 million.

Insurance Reforms Aim to Increase Transparency and Address Auto Premiums

A central focus of the SFY 2027 budget is automobile insurance affordability and transparency. Under the final agreement, insurers must notify policyholders before renewal when a premium increase will exceed 10 percent of the previous policy. The notice must appear on the accompanying premium bill and explain the primary rating factors behind the increase, such as claims history, policy changes, changes in address, anticipated losses in a rating territory, repair costs, claims processing costs, or medical costs. If a policyholder receives a premium reduction because of SFY 2027 reforms, insurers must also disclose that the reduction is tied to those reforms.

The budget also extends the Excess Profit Law for motor vehicle insurance rates for three years and incorporates language similar to Florida’s auto insurance excess profits framework. The updated provisions define excess profit as an underwriting gain over the three most recent calendar years that exceeds anticipated underwriting profit plus five percent of earned premiums. When excess profits occur, insurers must provide credits to policyholders and report those credits to the Department of Financial Services.

Budget Updates No-Fault and Comparative Negligence Rules

The enacted budget makes several changes intended to reduce unnecessary litigation involving automobile accidents. It amends New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law and the Civil Practice Law and Rules, including changes to the definition of “serious injury.” Specifically, the final budget removes the 90/180-day provision for injuries or impairments of a non-permanent nature, which allowed injury victims to sue for "pain and suffering" if a non-permanent impairment prevented them from doing their usual activities for at least 90 of the first 180 days post-accident.

The final budget also caps non-economic loss payments at $100,000 in certain circumstances. The cap applies to the injured person rather than the covered person at fault and is limited by new comparative negligence rules. It also applies in cases involving uninsured vehicles, impaired driving convictions, or operation of a vehicle during the commission of a felony or immediate flight from one.

In addition, New York will move from a pure comparative negligence standard to a modified comparative negligence standard. Under the new rule, an injured driver may seek additional compensation only if that driver is found to be less than 50 percent at fault. Non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, are no longer available to individuals found to be more than 50 percent at fault. The budget does not repeal the Motor Vehicle Accident exception from the Joint and Several Liability Law.

Tax Changes Extend Farm Credits and Temporary Business Tax Rates

The final budget extends the refundability of the Investment Tax Credit for farmers from January 1, 2028, to January 1, 2033. Eligible farmers may continue to elect to receive unused investment tax credits as a refund rather than carrying them forward. The extension applies under both the corporate franchise tax and the personal income tax.

The final budget also creates a uniform definition of “eligible farmer” across several farm-related tax credits. The standardized definition applies to the Agricultural Property Tax Credit and is cross-referenced for the Farm Workforce Retention Credit, Farm Employer Overtime Credit, and Credit for Farm Donations to Food Pantries.

For businesses, the final agreement extends the temporary Article 9-A tax rates for three years. The 7.25 percent business income tax rate for taxpayers with a business income base over $5 million will continue through tax year 2029, as will the 0.1875 percent capital base tax rate. The Farm Donation Tax Credit is also enhanced. The credit for food donations made by farmers increases from 25 percent to 50 percent of the market value of the donated food, and the maximum allowable credit increases from $5,000 to $20,000.

Environmental Updates Revise Climate Law Timelines and SEQRA Review

The final budget includes amendments to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act of 2019. The measure extends the timeline for greenhouse gas reduction regulations until 2028, establishes a soft target of reducing emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2040, and maintains the hard deadline of an 85 percent reduction by 2050. The 2040 target must be achieved to the maximum extent feasible and cost-effective.

The amendments also direct the Department of Environmental Conservation to consider several factors when developing regulations, including the feasibility and affordability of cap-and-invest, the impact on energy costs, cost-containment measures, economic growth and competitiveness, job creation, public health, environmental benefits, equitable use of revenue, available funding, and the development of low- and zero-emission technologies.

One of the most significant changes is the shift in greenhouse gas emissions accounting from a 20-year standard to a 100-year standard. Under the 100-year accounting method, the State would be considered to have reduced emissions by 24 percent from 1990 levels, compared with 15 percent under the prior 20-year standard.

Additional climate-related changes include excluding emissions from biogenic sources from certain calculations, removing extraction and transmission emissions from fossil fuels imported into the state, requiring the Climate Action Council to update the Scoping Plan in 2028 and every six years thereafter, requiring separate reporting of carbon dioxide emissions from biogenic sources, and increasing programmatic benefits for disadvantaged communities by five percent.

The budget also includes State Environmental Quality Review Act language intended to help certain sustainable housing projects move more quickly through review when they are located on previously disturbed sites. A site may qualify if it is not currently used for agriculture and has not been used for agricultural purposes either in the immediately preceding two years or during three of the last five years.

Additional Measures Address Immigration Enforcement and Procurement

The final budget creates the Sensitive Location Protection Act, which allows certain privately owned or operated entities to adopt policies denying civil immigration enforcement access to non-public areas of sensitive locations unless a valid judicial warrant or court order is presented. Sensitive locations include childcare programs, health care facilities, houses of worship, residences, non-public schools, 853 and 4201 schools, institutions of higher education, nursery schools, summer camps, senior centers, parks, playgrounds, athletic fields, recreation centers, and polling places.

The Act authorizes the Attorney General to enforce its provisions through the courts. The Attorney General, the Office of Immigrant Trust, an individual, or the owner or operator of a sensitive location may seek relief for violations, including injunctions to stop unauthorized civil immigration enforcement actions or court declarations regarding the legality of access requests or policies.

The final budget establishes the Immigrant Trust Office within the Department of Law, led by an appointee of the Attorney General. The office is charged with creating a process to receive public complaints and investigate intentional violations of state law by state and local entities and their officers, employees, or contractors, including violations involving the denial of a free public education.

On procurement, the final budget extends the existing procurement lobbying framework and its advisory council for two additional years, through June 30, 2028.

The Procurement Stewardship Act is extended for five years, through June 30, 2031. The law governs how state contracts are competitively bid and made available for use by local governments and school districts. It provides that commodity contracts are awarded based on lowest price, service contracts are awarded based on best value, and all contract awards must be made to responsible and responsive bidders.

Overall, the FY 2027 Enacted Budget makes substantial changes across several policy areas that will affect insurers, utilities, agricultural producers, public institutions, and local governments. NEAFA members should continue to monitor agency implementation, forthcoming PSC and DFS actions, and any guidance issued as these provisions take effect.

Vermont Legislative Session End – May 29, 2026

Courtesy Shouldice & Associates LLC

The 2026 Legislative Session closed tonight around 6:30pm and it was a “doozy”.  This legislative session has been unusually contentious because Vermont is confronting several major, interconnected challenges at once most tied to affordability, taxation, and the balance between state authority and local control. At the center is education reform, which remains both the largest driver of property taxes and the most politically sensitive issue. While there is broad agreement that the current system is unsustainable, lawmakers are deeply divided on how to fix it. Proposals involving school district consolidation and new statewide funding formulas have exposed sharp disagreements between the Governor, legislative leadership, and local communities about how far reform should go and who should ultimately make those decisions. In many cases, House Democrats resisted or rejected proposals that emphasized stronger cost controls or structural mandates, reflecting a preference for more incremental change and preserving local governance even as pressure mounted for more immediate tax relief.

Affordability concerns are the throughline connecting nearly every issue before the Legislature. Rising property taxes, housing costs, and everyday expenses are putting pressure on families and businesses, forcing policymakers to consider structural changes that would have been politically difficult in the past. Transportation funding reflects the same tension: the state faces real infrastructure needs, but any new revenue mechanism runs directly into demand for tax relief. This has contributed to growing frustration among stakeholders who argue that workable proposals to contain costs were diluted or blocked, reinforcing a broader sense of gridlock at a time when Vermonters are looking for tangible relief.

The controversy surrounding the Stowe Charter change is a clear example of how these broader dynamics play out locally. What might otherwise have been a technical adjustment became highly political because of concerns that House leadership was effectively trying to “rob Peter to pay Paul” by extracting a disproportionate share of Stowe’s local option tax revenue. That raised fundamental questions about fairness and local control, particularly for a community that depends on those revenues to fund its own priorities. In many ways, the Stowe debate mirrors the statewide education conversation: how much revenue should be redistributed to achieve equity, and how much should remain under local control.

Healthcare reform and particularly the ongoing “eyeball wars” over optometry scope expansion fits squarely into this same pattern. Lawmakers did enact a major structural reform law aimed at reshaping how care is paid for and delivered, but most of those changes will take years to materialize and will not lower costs in the near term. In the larger health care space both primary care and referenced based pricing remained priorities for everyone except how to make reforms that made care more affordable and accessible will never be completely understood or frankly noticeable in rates.  This could lower costs but only if it’s implemented carefully and doesn’t create chaos in the system. An eye towards aligning the cost-control and deeply focused on execution risk and practicality.

At the same time, optometrists fought tooth and nail this session to secure scope expansion, arguing it would improve access to care, especially in rural areas, and help bring down costs by allowing providers to practice at the top of their training. That effort ran directly into fierce resistance from ophthalmologists, who mobilized aggressively to block the proposal widely viewed by supporters as an effort to protect both professional turf and existing revenue streams. The result has been one of the clearest examples of how even targeted reforms can devolve into high-stakes battles over control, cost, and who ultimately delivers care.  The bill passed the House 93-36 and the Senate 27-3 so why did House Leadership take such exception to modernizing the scope of practice?

Taken together, these issues have made for a session defined less by any single bill and more by overlapping debates about who pays, who decides, and who benefits. Whether the focus is education reform, transportation funding, local taxation in Stowe, health care costs, or scope-of-practice fights, the same underlying tensions are driving the conversation and helping explain why the session has been so contentious and, in many cases, so difficult to resolve.

Signed Legislation

H 723 - An Act Relating To Posting Of Land

House message: Governor approved bill on April 30, 2026 (05/01/26)

H 739 - An Act Relating To Prohibiting The Use And Sale Of The Herbicide Paraquat

House message: Governor approved bill on May 26, 2026 (05/26/26)

Bill Note:
This bill bans the sale and use of paraquat, a herbicide that has been widely used in certain crop systems but is far less common in dairy forage production. Vermont is now the first state in the country to fully prohibit paraquat, though the law does allow narrow, one‑year emergency exemptions if no viable alternative exists for a specific use.

H 933 - An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Administrative And Policy Changes To The Tax Laws

Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
H.933, a miscellaneous tax bill that combines technical tax updates, federal tax conformity changes, and several revenue adjustments to keep the education, transportation, and general funds balanced. The bill includes fee provisions added by the House, redirects a portion of the purchase and use tax to transportation on a permanent basis, increases the rooms and meals tax to protect the education fund, and raises additional general fund revenue through federal tax coupling and decoupling changes. Lawmakers also debated whether to opt into a new federal Scholarship Granting Organization tax credit, ultimately reaching a compromise that allows the governor to authorize SGOs with oversight and a focus on disadvantaged students, while broader concerns remain about future transportation and education funding gaps.

• The bill combines technical tax corrections, federal tax conformity changes, and fee updates.

• A portion of the purchase and use tax is permanently redirected to transportation funding.

• The rooms and meals tax increase helps keep the education fund whole.

• About $10 million in added revenue is expected for the general fund through coupling and decoupling changes.

• Lawmakers remain concerned about future transportation shortfalls and a possible new education funding gap next year.

• The final SGO compromise permits governor-authorized scholarship organizations with public oversight and a focus on disadvantaged students.

H 941 - An Act Relating To Municipal Regulation Of Agriculture

Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
This bill amends existing statutes, to reestablish that local governments cannot regulate farming practices or the building of farm structures, provided those activities meet state-defined criteria. However, the text outlines specific exceptions, allowing towns to oversee livestock on properties smaller than one acre and manage swine waste in certain designated downtown areas. Ultimately, this serves to protect the autonomy of the agricultural sector while establishing clear boundaries for municipal intervention regarding small-scale operations and public health impacts.

• Clarifies municipal authority to regulate certain agricultural activities through zoning, ordinances, and enforcement.

• Establishes clearer boundaries between state agricultural jurisdiction and local regulatory powers.

• Ensures municipalities can address public safety, nuisance, and land‑use impacts without conflicting with state rules.

• Provides a more consistent statewide framework for farmers and towns navigating regulatory responsibilities.

• Incorporates multiple negotiated amendments between House and Senate to refine scope and language.

Effective Dates: July 1, 2026

H 942 - An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Agricultural Subjects

Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
H.942 is the House miscellaneous agriculture bill, a broad housekeeping package that updates statutes administered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food Resiliency, and Forestry. It includes technical corrections, program updates, and regulatory clarifications across weights and measures, consumer protection, agricultural programs, and cross‑agency coordination.

This bill is much different than it was introduced. Of note is the tax department has been charged with studying equine farming and including them in current use. This also directs them to take a bigger look at current use. It will be interesting to see what they come back with and how they will look at current use, although the door is open for changes. We will stay appraised to these discussions and ensure that we are included.

H 951 - An Act Relating To Making Appropriations For The Support Of The Government

House message: Governor approved bill on June 16, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
Vermont State Budget Highlights Meeting Budget Agreement & Process

Overall, the budget represents a spending increase while prioritizing targeted investments in higher education, health and human services, housing stability, food access, disaster recovery, and education support across Vermont.

• Budget agreement and process: The House and Senate unanimously agreed on the FY26 budget (H951) after late-night negotiations, and final documentation was completed the same night.

• Overall budget growth: The budget reflects a 2.88% increase, with total unduplicated appropriations increasing by 2.1%.

• UVM multi-complex facility: $12 million was appropriated, including $2 million from the Higher Ed Trust Fund and $10 million from unclaimed property funds, while minimizing impacts on scholarships for Vermonters.

• SNAP and Medicaid support: $3.5 million in previously reserved federal funds was allocated to community organizations helping Vermonters affected by federal changes.

• Primary care investments: The budget continues loan repayment incentives, provider placement services, and restored funding for free clinics, referral clinics, and primary care payments.

• Food and support services: 211 services and Meals on Wheels were fully funded, and $1.4 million was directed to food assistance organizations including NOFA, Vermont Foodbank, and Vermonters Feeding Vermonters.

• Flood recovery support: Northeast Kingdom communities affected by 2025 flooding but not eligible for FEMA assistance will receive support.

• Housing stability: The Rental Arrears Assistance Fund was maintained, and the Disabilities Housing Coordinator position was retained.

• Restored and added positions: Funding was restored or added for a Labor Relations Board mediator, Ethics Commission staff attorney, flood safety position, immigration attorney for Vermont Legal Aid, and helpline support.

• Education funding: $700,000 was added to address an Agency of Education shortfall for the Read Vermont program, along with about $1.5 million for education transformation initiatives.

• Rural industrial development: The program was funded with expanded eligibility for properties impacted by flooding or EB-5 issues.

The bill also clarified that the $2 million from the Higher Ed Endowment Trust Fund complied with fund guidelines because it represented a small portion of the overall project and UVM had already secured significant outside matching funds.

S 60 - An Act Relating To Establishing The Farm And Forestry Operations Security Special Fund To Provide Payments For Farm And Forestry Operation Losses Due To Weather Conditions

Signed by Governor on March 26, 2026 (03/26/26)

S 223 - An Act Relating To Water Quality Of The Waters Of Vermont

Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
S.223 became significantly narrower proposal focused on study, evaluation, and future recommendations rather than immediate statutory changes. The amendment creates:

1. A Water Quality, Lake Classification, and Antidegradation Study Group charged with evaluating Vermont’s water classification system, antidegradation policy, and regulatory framework for Class A waters.

2. An ANR report on whether Vermont should establish a certification program for wetlands professionals, including impacts on permitting, service availability, and liability.

The proposal delays any substantive regulatory changes until at least 2027, signaling a preference for additional analysis and stakeholder engagement before altering Vermont’s water quality or wetlands permitting frameworks.

Water Quality, Lake Classification, and Antidegradation Study Group

The House amendment establishes a 13‑member study group with representation from the Legislature, ANR, technical experts, business and industry, and environmental organizations.

Primary responsibilities include:

• Conducting a statewide inventory of waters, including current classifications and candidates for reclassification.

• Assessing Vermont’s obligations under the federal Clean Water Act, particularly regarding antidegradation requirements.

• Evaluating whether current statutes and rules adequately support reclassification of high‑quality waters.

• Reviewing whether the existing classification system provides sufficient protection and regulatory certainty for lakes and ponds.

• Recommending legislative or regulatory changes.

Administrative details:

• ANR provides technical and administrative support; Legislative Counsel provides drafting support.

• First meeting must occur by August 1, 2026.

• Report due December 15, 2026.

• Group sunsets February 15, 2027.

• Members receive per diem and expenses for up to eight meetings.

Implications:
This structure signals that the House wants a comprehensive, consensus‑driven review before pursuing changes to water classification or antidegradation policy. It also ensures that both environmental and regulated‑community perspectives are formally represented.

ANR Report on Certification of Wetlands Professionals

The House directs ANR to evaluate whether Vermont should establish a certification program for wetlands professionals who delineate and identify wetlands.

The report must address:

• Benefits and drawbacks of certification.

• Impacts on permitting timelines and service availability.

• Potential cost implications for applicants and clients.

• Liability considerations for certified professionals.

• If certification is recommended, ANR must outline program design, requirements, and benefits.

Consultation requirement:
ANR must consult with wetlands professionals and others knowledgeable about wetlands permitting.

Report due: January 15, 2027.

Implications:
This provision responds to ongoing concerns about wetlands permitting capacity and consistency. A certification program could standardize practices but may also affect availability of qualified professionals and increase costs.

The act takes effect upon passage.

Key Impacts for Stakeholders

Regulated Community (Contractors, Developers, Engineers)

• No immediate changes to permitting or classification.

• Potential future changes to wetlands delineation practices if certification is recommended.

• Study Group outcomes could influence future regulatory certainty around lake and pond classifications.

Municipalities

• Possible future adjustments to planning, zoning, and permitting depending on Study Group recommendations.

• Inventory and classification work may identify waters requiring additional local coordination.

Environmental and Watershed Organizations

• The Study Group provides a structured venue to advance stronger protections for high‑quality waters.

• Broad representation ensures environmental perspectives are included in shaping future policy.

Legislators and Policy Leaders

• The House approach defers major policy decisions to 2027.

• The Study Group is positioned to deliver consensus‑based recommendations that could support more durable legislative outcomes.

Overall Assessment

The House Proposal of Amendment to S.223 shifts the bill from immediate statutory action to a deliberate, research‑driven approach. By establishing a broad Study Group and requiring a wetlands certification analysis, the House aims to build a stronger factual and stakeholder foundation before pursuing substantive regulatory changes.

For clients, the key takeaway is that no immediate operational or compliance changes occur, but significant policy developments are likely in 2027 based on the Study Group’s recommendations and ANR’s wetlands certification report.

S 323 - An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Agricultural Subjects

Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
S.323 is a Senate miscellaneous agriculture bill that updates numerous Vermont Agriculture statutes

Key Provisions for VDPA:

• Milk producers

• Technical changes to definitions of producers.

• Farm to School Program Contracts

• Changes these from grants to contracts to allow AAFM, along with the Agency of Education and Department of health to develop farm to school meal programs on a contract basis.

• Pest Control Compact Repeal and Pesticide Exam Requirements

• This removed limitation on frequency for retaking the pesticide exam for all applicators

• Consolidation of Vermont Agriculture Credit Program (VACP) within VEDA

• VACP is repealed and moved into the VEDA program

• AAFM hopes this will streamline loans and grants

• CAFO Permit Working Group

• The Agency of Natural Resources and the Agency of Agriculture Food and Markets shall convene a working group of interested parties to provide advice and recommendations on the implementation and transitions of the CAFO permit.

• The Working Group shall consist of:

• five livestock farmers who are in good standing, appointed by the Speaker of the House as follows:

• (A) one representative of the Champlain Valley Farmer Coalition;

• (B) one representative of the Franklin and Grand Isle Farmers Watershed Alliance;

• (C) one representative of the Connecticut River Watershed Farmers Alliance

• (D) one representative of the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance; and

• (E) one representative of farmers from the Northeast Kingdom;

• (2) three agricultural technical service providers, appointed by the Governor;

• (3) three representatives from the environmental advocate community, appointed by the Committee on Committees; and

• (4) the executive director or designee from the Vermont Association of Conservation Districts.

• Members from ANR and AAFM shall participate on the working group only on an administrative and advisory role, no appointed members.

• Repeal of LFO and MFO permit fees

• Beginning July 1, 2026, large and medium farms shall not be required to pay an annual operating fee to the Agency of Agriculture.

Effective Date: July 1, 2026

S 325 - An Act Relating To Regional Planning And Act 250 Tier Jurisdiction

Signed by Governor on June 16, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
After the committee of conference was named, they hashed out the differences quite quickly. The debate was really around the “events” allowed that would be on farms. Importantly, no permit or permit amendment is required for an AFOB of educational, recreational, or social events that feature agriculture practices or qualifying products or both. Events can include concerts and farm stays with 5 or fewer dwelling units. To qualify for this exemption the AFOB shall not have noise exceed 70 dB at the property boundaries and have a curfew of 10pm.

Key Points relating to Agriculture in Vermont:

This bill would make corrections and clarifications and adjust the implementation timeline of various parts of Act 181 including:

• Sections 1-4, 8:

• repealing the “road rule” Act 250 jurisdictional trigger;

• repealing the implementation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 areas; and

• extending the deadline for rulemaking for and the implementation of forest block and habitat connectors by one year to June 15, 2027 and January 1, 2028 respectively.

• Section 6:

• expanding the Act 250 exemption for accessory on-farm businesses to include construction of facilities that host educational, recreational, or social events that feature agricultural practices or qualifying products or both;

• Section 9:

• creating a public engagement plan to gather input from Vermonters on land use policy.

• Section 10:

• creating the Joint Environmental Oversight Committee, which would be comprised of five legislative members and would be responsible for oversight over the Land Use Review Board (LURB) and Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) permitting processes through July 1, 2029.

• Section 11:

• requiring LURB to issue various reports on protections for primary agricultural soils, sprawl and strip development, and Act 250 jurisdiction over farm commercial activity.

We expect some changes to come next biennium on this, although without Amy Sheldon at the helm of house environment, it could be a more fair discussion.

S 328 - An Act Relating To Housing And Common Interest Communities

Signed by Governor on June 18, 2026 (05/29/26)

Bill Note:
S.328 is a broad housing and municipal‑planning bill that updates Vermont’s land‑use framework, strengthens local planning requirements, adjusts state‑level financing tools, and makes targeted changes to housing incentive programs. The bill aims to improve municipal capacity, clarify planning constraints, and refine state programs that support housing development.

What the Bill Does

• Modernizes municipal planning requirements, including clearer expectations for how towns address housing, infrastructure, and now labor constraints in their plans.

• Adjusts the Treasurer’s credit facility, raising the cap to 12.5% to expand financing flexibility for state‑supported housing and infrastructure investments.

• Removes the off‑site construction housing carve‑out, returning the program to a uniform statewide structure.

• Refines the Vermont Housing Improvement Program (VHIP) by striking the Senate’s proposed upfront funding authority.

• Reinstates the vegetable gardens study, requiring analysis of how local regulation affects small‑scale food production.

• Updates the effective date to January 1, 2028, giving municipalities and state agencies additional time to prepare for implementation.

Golf for Good Works Slated for Wednesday, August 12!

By Jenny Mills, Former NEAFA President

Mark your calendars and dust off your clubs—our annual Golf for Good Works tournament returns on Wednesday, August 12, and we’re excited to once again host this special event at Turning Stone Resort’s renowned Shenendoah Golf Course.  Over the past 15 plus years, over $175,000 has been raised to support various youth events, with the goal of supporting agricultural education initatives.

Shenendoah offers an exceptional 18 holes of PGA-level golf set within a breathtaking natural landscape. Designed, constructed, and meticulously maintained to PGA standards, the course delivers both a challenging and enjoyable experience for golfers of all skill levels. Its prestige is well established—Shenendoah Golf Club has proudly hosted the PGA National Club Professional Championship and continues to earn top honors across the golf community.

Among its many accolades, Shenendoah has been recognized as:

• Golfweek Best Casino Courses (2018, 2022)

• Casino Player Magazine Best Golf Course in New York (2017)

• Northeast Golf Magazine Best in New York Golf – Public Courses (#7, 2018)

• Golfer’s Choice by Golf Pass Best Casino Golf Course (2022)

Beyond the outstanding golf experience, what truly makes this event meaningful is its impact. Proceeds from Golf for Good Works directly support vital agricultural outreach and education programs that nurture the next generation of leaders in agriculture.

Thanks to last year’s event, we are proud to support the following programs so far this year: 

• Northeast Regional Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge

• Future Farmers of America Foundation - Four $1000 scholarships were awarded to high school seniors who have an agricultural focus

• NYS 4-H Foundation’s Junior Dairy Leader Program

• New York State Fair Dairy Cow Birthing Center

• LEAD New York

• NY Holstein Spring Dairy Carousel youth activities

• Northeast All Breeds Spring Show youth judging contest

Your participation helps sustain these impactful programs and ensures continued opportunities for education, leadership, and innovation in agriculture.

Join us on August 12 for a day of outstanding golf, great company, and meaningful giving. Together, we can make a difference—one swing at a time.

For more information on registering for the Golf for Good Works tournament, or sponsorship of this first class event, please click here.

NEAFA Member Highlight: Jim Carter, Reisdorf Bros., Inc.

(L to R) Patrick Carter Reisdorf Bros., Inc, Scott Gaedner, President./CEO of Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, Norb Fuest, Chair, Wyoming Co. Chamber of Commerce, Jim Carter Reisdorf Bros., Inc. The company was named the 2022/2023 "Agri-Business of the Year" by the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. Photo Provided

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

For May, NEAFA spoke with Jim Carter, President of Reisdorf Bros., Inc., for our member highlight. “Reisdorf Bros. was founded in North Java, NY, in 1912 by John F. Reisdorf,” said Carter. “I met my wife, Rebecca Reisdorf, at Canisius University, where I was studying business management. I’ve been involved with the family business since 1987; 39 years. I didn’t grow up on a farm, I learned the animal feed industry from Richard Reisdorf. Our son, Patrick, is currently the treasurer for the company, and our oldest son, James Richard, also works for the mill. Our other children, Tyler and Courtney, have brought their talents to other agricultural companies in the Northeast. Tyler works for Bordeaux Bros in Vermont, and Courtney works for Baskins in Batavia. Working in agriculture is fun. It’s never dull. There’s always something going on, there’s always growth happening in the industry. I get to the mill at 5 in the morning, making animal feed and loading trucks.

Reisdorf Bros. has a 110 mile service radius around North Java. “We are the one stop shop for North Java,” said Carter. “We employee approximately 50 people year-round. We make dog food, agronomy seed corn, fertilizer, and do custom applications and have grain banking facilities for our local growers. We service the Finger Lakes region and Northern Pennsylvania.”

Carter is a member of NEAFA’s Board of Directors as well. “Reisdorf Bros. is always involved in agricultural groups,” said Carter. “It’s important for the future of agriculture to be involved. With NEAFA, everyone that you normally do business with is in this group. It’s interesting to me as well that there are people involved with transportation in NEAFA. I was worried originally that being on the board would be difficult with my busy schedule, but NEAFA is great about working around that. My son Patrick has gone to Golf for Good Works, which he likes. When I got the email from Charlie Elrod (NEAFA President), to be on the board, my son told me to get involved, and I’m glad I did.”

For Carter, NYS Dairy has a bright future. “There’s a lot of growth in the industry right now,” said Carter. “It’s going to get bigger. There’s a lot of vertical integration going on. New York State has an endless supply of fresh water and a huge population, there’s a lot of growth potential because of that. New York State gave dairy producers a twenty percent tax credit to grow, and we’ve definitely seen a lot of growth recently. Where we were selling a truckload of feed a week, now we’re selling three truckloads to the same farms. It’s exciting to see.”

For more information on Reisdorf Bros., visit https://www.reisdorfbros.com/

You can also find a YouTube video made by Chris Duffy (Duffy Ag) titled "Tour of our American Feed Mill operation" at the following link: https://share.google/k8xGVSsG3MseN0d7K

Have You Renewed?

By Charlie Elrod, NEAFA President

I often say that “the world is run by those who show up.” That principle remains as true today as ever. In a time when our businesses and the customers we serve are facing significant challenges, the need for a strong, engaged, and effective Alliance has never been greater. NEAFA plays a vital role in helping members navigate uncertainty, advocate for our industry, and stay informed. One of the simplest—and most important—ways to “show up” right now is by ensuring your membership is renewed.

Membership invoices were initially distributed in December, with follow-ups sent in February to those who had yet to renew. Currently, 48 memberships remain outstanding. Our membership committee has been working diligently, personally reaching out to those members. It should go without saying, but without the continued support of membership dues, our ability to sustain essential advocacy, education, and industry initiatives is at risk.

If you are unsure of your membership status, I encourage you to contact Sue Van Amburgh at your earliest convenience. While you are reviewing your membership, please also take a moment to confirm that your company’s contact information in last year’s Membership Directory is accurate. Consider whether any updates are needed—adding or removing team members as appropriate. The directory is an invaluable resource that many of us rely on regularly. (Visit the Members Only section of www.northeastalliance.com to view your listing in the Directory if you can't find your printed copy). Please note that companies with unpaid dues as of the end of June will not be included in the upcoming directory.

June also marks Dairy Month, a time to celebrate the strength, innovation, and contributions of the dairy industry. Established in 1937 to promote milk consumption during peak production, Dairy Month continues to highlight the essential role dairy producers play in supporting rural communities, strengthening local economies, and providing nutritious food. As in recent years, NEAFA leadership will join partners from NEDPA, the New York Farm Bureau, and the Department of Agriculture and Markets to participate in a regional Dairy Day celebration.

While there is much to celebrate—including expanding processing capacity and increased milk production across our region—we must also recognize the challenges ahead. Global conflict, such as the war in Iran, along with inflationary pressures driven by tariffs, rising fuel costs, and increased fertilizer prices, continues to impact our industry. These factors may well reduce crop yields and drive up production costs, placing further strain on profitability for many producers.

The work we do collectively to support dairy producers across the Northeast is critical. Your involvement strengthens our voice and our impact. Beyond maintaining your membership, I encourage you to consider further supporting NEAFA through a sustaining sponsorship.

Together, by remaining engaged and committed, we can ensure that the Northeast continues to be a thriving and competitive region for dairy production.

NEAFA Member Highlight: Aurelio Ferreira Henriques, Ontario Dehy

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

For April, NEAFA caught up with Aurelio Ferreira Henriques, President of Canadian based company Ontario Dehy Inc, located in Goderich, Ontario. “I’m from Portugal originally,” Said Henriques. “I came to Canada as an electronic technician in 1987, because I knew that there were opportunities here that I wanted to explore. I always liked agriculture; my parents lived in the countryside in Portugal. During school breaks, my mother would have us work the land with our own hands, just small tracts of land. That work, it stays with you. I loved the country, but I also liked the innovation that is part of technology. I wanted to become involved in an agricultural endeavor that involved technology, but I couldn’t find the right opportunity to do so in Portugal. In life, we just like to do some things. I like farms, I like the bucolic thing, I have that in me, and that’s what I want to focus on. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

After working with several companies in Canada, Henriques had the chance to open his own business, Ontario Dehy (dehy being short for dehydration), focused on hay cubing with alfalfa and later other pellet and cubed based forage products as well. “We started with joint ventures with other Canadian companies,” said Henriques. “First, we started working with a cubing plant in Saskatchewan, and then with another company in Ontario making pellets. After a while both companies started making products only for us. Instead of buying plants, we focused on joint ventures, including in Nebraska when we expanded to working in the United States. When the operator of the Saskatchewan plant decided to retire in 2015, we did buy the plant outright to continue operating it ourselves.”

Ontario Dehy is a long-time member of NEAFA as well. “NEAFA, they’re an organization filled with a bunch of good people,” said Henriques. “And good people bring good people in. It has good culture, they serve a good purpose, and organizations like this are important so that our voices can be heard louder by lawmakers and others.”

Looking at the future, Henriques tries to find opportunities when things become difficult. “These days, life is a lot about making the right choices,” said Henriques. “It’s always the case, but perhaps even more important now with the current economic landscape. I don’t like change, I’m very skeptical of it. Normally, I resist it to an extent to keep the status quo. That’s what I really like. But having said that, I like challenges, and they can become exciting opportunities to do things better and grow. The more challenges that we face, the more opportunities also open up. And I make sure that I look every time I see challenges – what are the opportunities that surround them? Because they always do. One never comes without the other. You just need to look at it from a different perspective.”

For more information, visit: http://www.ontariodehy.com/index.html

The Fundamental Importance of Dirt

By Julie C. Suarez, Associate Dean, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Anyone deeply involved in agriculture in any context knows the fundamental importance of the dirt beneath our feet. While it tends to be somewhat romanticized in policymaking and ‘foodie elite’ circles, the reality is that great soil health is foundational to every crop grown in NYS and beyond. 

That’s why I’m so proud to showcase two soil health related programs for NEAFA members in this newsletter.  First, we have co-created with NYS Department of Environmental Conservation a new program, the New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE); and secondly, we have new ‘ish’ leadership of the New York Soil Health (NYSHI) Initiative. 

Recognizing that NYS has an abundance of natural resources in the form of organics (food waste, etc.,) that can be diverted from landfills and utilized as soil amendments like compost and biochar where appropriate, Cornell CALS and DEC worked together to find a more permanent solution to ensuring that farmers and land managers have better access to technical assistance and education.  https://cals.cornell.edu/ny-center-organics-recycling-education.  The Center is now fully staffed with Dr. Deborah Aller, a soil scientist with a plethora of extension-based expertise leading our activities.  One of her primary goals is to increase technical assistance to farmers and service professionals seeking to learn more, as well as to respond to emerging challenges and confront them head on with the science-based solutions.  For instance, one of the first actions the NY CORE is taking is responding to farmer concerns around PFAS and PFOS.  You can find more information about a planned webinar (which will be recorded) on the website above, which aims to provide knowledge around these forever chemicals, what we know, the research and education gaps that exist (they’re large) and what DEC’s rules and regulations are on the usage of biosolids. 

Another great Cornell CALS program is the NY Soil Health Initiative, co-created with NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets.  While this news may not be news to some of you, Dr. Joseph Amsili has assumed the leadership role in the Initiative.  Under Joseph’s leadership, we’re continuing to work on the NY Soil Health Partnership (interested individuals and organizations are all welcome to participate in these quarterly meetings comparing soil health and resiliency strategies and news) and have continued to partner with farmers in applied research establishing soil health quality benchmarks, providing soil health and resiliency education through field days all throughout the state of NY, as well as providing very specific, farmer-tailored information on strategies to help steward soil resources.  You can find more information about the program here: https://www.newyorksoilhealth.org/category/soil-health-news/

Every farmer and agribusiness professional I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing is passionate about the health of their soil, and the extraordinary importance of the ground beneath all of our feet.  I hope these resources are helpful to you if you’re not already aware, and I’m always pleased for the opportunity to share Cornell CALS resources with the communities we seek to serve.  Feel free to get in touch with our programs should you have questions, concerns.

New York State Budget Update

By Hinman Straub, Special to NEAFA

As of the drafting of this article, the New York State Budget is twenty-four days late. It is currently anticipated that it could be several more weeks before there is a resolution.

The issues inhibiting progress are primarily related to policy issues, not financial ones. One of the most prominent issues of contention is the Governor’s proposals to reform New York’s auto insurance industry.

As a part of her broader “Affordability Agenda,” Governor Hochul is proposing a series of reforms targeted at combating fraud and bad actors, with the aim to lower insurance costs while still protecting legitimate victims. The proposals include the following provisions.

Proposals to amend New York’s No-Fault Insurance Law and the Civil Procedure Law and Rules to:

·         Modify the definition of “serious injury” to eliminate often manipulated criteria;

·         Limit the amount of non-economic damages from being awarded to uninsured motorists, individuals convicted of driving while impaired, and individuals committing a felony or fleeing one at the time of the accident;

·         Adopt a common-sense rule that permits recovery of non-economic damages only if a plaintiff is not primarily at fault for causing an accident; and

·         Ensure that defendants in multi-party personal injury auto cases are held responsible only for the damage they cause, not damages caused by other unrelated defendants.

·         Impose Market-Based Interest Rate on Court Judgments.

In addition, there is also a proposal to require that interest on judgments and accrued claims be calculated using the one-year U.S. Treasury bill rate defined as “the weekly average one-year constant maturity treasury yield, as published in the Federal Reserve System, for the calendar week preceding the date of the entry of the judgment awarding damages.” The proposal would create an exemption when the tax law provides for an annual rate of interest to be paid on a judgment or an accrued claim.

Skyrocketing insurance cost have been a focus of the NEAFA legislative agenda for the past two years. Increased litigation, combined with skyrocketing settlements and jury awards are impacting all insured, regardless of their own claim history. Reforms that control cost and reduce fraud would benefit all insured individuals, including NEAFA members.

Strong opposition to these proposals has been offered, primarily by the trial lawyers. These and other policy issues are under ongoing negotiations among legislative leaders.

NEAFA Executive Pen: Spring Update

By Sarah LaCount, NEAFA Executive Committee

After a stretch of wacky weather, it finally feels like spring has arrived—and may even be here to stay across New York and the Northeast. As we move into the busy planting season, it’s fitting that the past month has been full of planning, learning, and collaboration through key industry events. March brought both the Northeast Dairy Management Conference and the Herd Health and Nutrition Conference, each drawing strong attendance from farmers, nutritionists, and industry professionals.

Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as co-chair of NEAFA’s Education Committee. For this year’s Herd Health and Nutrition Conference, in partnership with PRO-DAIRY, we developed a program focused on timely, relevant topics with practical application. Sessions covered areas such as cow behavior, silage management, and strategies for feeding for higher components. We explored high components from both scientific and economic perspectives, concluding with a panel discussion featuring conference speakers alongside a nutritionist and producer who shared real-world insights, practical goals, and answered audience questions.

At a time when farm profitability is more critical than ever, our goal was to provide information that helps farms reach their full potential. Whether through improving forage quality and yields, designing systems that align with a cow’s innate behavior, or defining and refining nutritional and genetic strategies to maximize feed efficiency and components, we hope attendees left with ideas they can implement on their farms as they navigate an ever-evolving industry.

Just prior to the Herd Health and Nutrition Conference, NEAFA held its Annual Business Meeting. During the meeting, we welcomed three new members to the board—Sean Dieumegard, Jim Carter, and Aurelio Henriques—and we are excited about the perspectives and experience they bring to the organization. I was also elected to serve as Secretary, following the completion of Mike Thresher’s term. I’m grateful for the opportunity to take on this role and to contribute more directly as part of the executive committee. As someone who did not grow up on a farm or within a traditional agricultural background, I hope to help NEAFA connect with a wider audience of representatives and consumers who may not fully understand who we are, what we do, and why our work matters.

Takeaways from the Northeast Dairy Management Conference

By Allyson Jones-Brimmer, NEDPA Executive Director

NEDPA and PRO-DAIRY’s Northeast Dairy Management Conference brought together nearly 350 dairy producers and industry professionals for networking opportunities and a strong and engaging lineup of speakers. Centered on the theme Shaping Tomorrow’s Dairy: Leadership, Innovation and Stewardship, the conference focused on positioning New York’s dairy industry for long-term success amid significant investment in processing capacity. Speakers approached dairy farm growth from multiple angles, including people management, environmental stewardship, animal care, and community engagement.

Greg Bethard of High Plains Ponderosa Dairy in Kansas shared practical insights from his own operation’s growth. He emphasized that successful expansion starts with building and developing a strong management team. His message centered on focusing on total margin and putting systems in place that drive sustainable financial performance over time.

Dr. Tom Overton and Karl Czymmek of Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY highlighted how expanding processing capacity in New York creates real opportunity, but there will likely not be a one-size-fits-all approach to growth. Their analysis showed that future milk demand could be met in large part through gains in productivity and components, rather than herd expansion alone. Their session also sparked thoughtful discussion around community engagement and the importance of maintaining a strong social license to farm.

Leadership and workforce development were consistent themes throughout the conference. Keynote speaker Jason Hunt encouraged attendees to think about leadership as influence rather than authority, noting that retention and performance are built through showing care, building strong relationships, and focusing on intentional communication. Dr. Richard Stup of Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development built on that idea, explaining that as dairies grow, leaders must shift from focusing on day-to-day tasks to developing people and systems.

A panel on the workforce pipeline highlighted a challenge: agriculture can no longer rely solely on traditional, multi-generational labor sources. Panelists emphasized the need for proactive engagement – creating accessible, hands-on opportunities and building connections through schools, FFA, 4-H, Junior Dairy Leaders, and other community programs. For farmers and agribusinesses alike, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity to help cultivate the next generation of talent.

Environmental stewardship must be a core business strategy as the industry expands. A panel on expansion stressed the importance of aligning herd growth with land access, nutrient management, and infrastructure – particularly manure storage. Tools like animal density metrics and stronger crop partnerships were identified as key to managing risk and maintaining community trust.

That focus on trust carried through to the closing keynote from Bruce Vincent, a former logger from Montana. He challenged the audience to think differently about public perception, emphasizing that maintaining agriculture’s social license will depend on proactive, local engagement. Transparency, empathy, and clear communication – not defensiveness – will shape how the industry is understood. His message left the audience both energized and reflective.

Looking ahead, watch for details on the next Northeast Dairy Management Conference, scheduled for March 2028. In the meantime, NEDPA and PRO-DAIRY will co-host the Operations Managers Conference on January 27–28, 2027. We hope you’ll join us!

NEAFA Member Highlight: David King, Holtz-Nelson Consulting

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

For March, NEAFA had the pleasure of catching up with David King of Holtz Nelson-Consulting. “We’re independent dairy nutrition consultants, and I’ve been with the business since we started in 2004,” said King. “We handle all facets of dairy management. Whether it’s labor, records, nutrition, or planning needs, we’re here for our clients. We handle most of the East Coast; our sister company, Nelson Dairy Consultants, covers the Midwest and the West, and we both work in Canada as well. We were one of the first independent consulting businesses in the dairy market in the Northeast, and we’re proud of the energy that we’ve kept going for the past 22 years. We’ve got some really vibrant young people that have become part of our consulting group, and we’re lucky to have their passion and enthusiasm.”

King has a lifelong connection to agriculture, and is based out of Waddington, NY. “I grew up on a dairy farm, my whole family is dairy farmers,” said King. “I went to Cornell for Animal Science, and before joining Holtz Nelson, I worked at Agway for 16 years.  I love working with dairymen, helping our clients to be better each and every day.

Holtz Nelson has a long relationship with NEAFA. “I’ve been a member for years,” said King. “Corwin Holtz was on the NEAFA board for a number of years, and Jason Zimmerman is on the board currently. Through those guys we’ve participated in a lot of different aspects of NEAFA, and we’ve been aware of NEAFA’s efforts in lobbying and working on feed industry issues. Working with NEAFA just makes sense. I think it’s all about strength in numbers; it’s good to have a major voice that is speaking to your elected officials. Otherwise, you’re not heard. Having one unified voice makes a big difference.”

For more information Holtz-Nelson Consulting, visit https://nelsondairyconsultants.com/

Change is Afoot (as it always has been)

By Charlie Elrod, NEAFA President

Wow, to say this is a challenging spring would be quite the understatement.  One bright spot is that milk prices are trending upward, albeit slowly, over the year.  On the negative side of the ledger though are the chaotic tariff situation and significant increases in the cost of electricity, fuel, fertilizer, freight, etc., many of which can be traced to the recently-erupted war in the Middle East.  How and when that is resolved is anybody’s guess but will impact agricultural producers and consumers for many months to come.  All that said, what we can do as agribusinesses is to stay focused on what each of us does best and continue to serve our customers as best we can.

Advocacy, Collaboration and Education are at the heart of everything that our alliance does.  This focus has never been more valuable than it is in today’s turbulent environment.  Next Tuesday, March 31st, I hope you will join us for the NEAFA Annual Business Meeting starting at 7:30 a.m. at the Doubletree Hotel in Syracuse, followed by the Herd Health and Nutrition Conference.  If you haven’t registered for the Herd Health Conference, you can do so at the link provided. The Education Committee and Pro-Dairy staff have put together a great program that will improve your ability to meet the needs of your customers, whether that’s working with customers in automated milking systems, optimizing milk fat yields, or improving on forage production.

Our advocacy efforts continue to bear fruit as we actively collaborate with VDPA in Vermont to support their lobbying efforts with Shouldice and Associates.  See Emma Shouldice’s article later in the newsletter.  In NY State, our lobbying in collaboration with CAO, NEDPA and NYFB has resulted in a One House budget that has proposed significant increases from the Governor’s budget for many of the programs we value like Pro-Dairy, the Diagnostic Lab and others.  Again, our collective efforts in supporting these programs are crucial to making sure our industry is getting the best research and education anywhere in the U.S.  As Julie Suarez said in her article last month, our industry needs more science, not less.

Lastly, I want to thank Jeff Matuszczak and Mike Thresher as they wrap up their terms on the NEAFA Board of Directors.  Both have made meaningful contributions to our deliberations throughout their tenure on the board.  With Mike’s departure, we also needed to fill the role of Secretary, so we welcome Sarah LaCount to the Executive Committee in that role.  We also want to thank Kevin Putnam whose other obligations necessitated his resignation from the board late last year.  Sean Dieumegard has been appointed to fill Kevin’s seat at our upcoming board meeting next week.  The nominating committee has put forward Jim Carter and Aurelio Henriques to fill Jeff and Sarah’s seats on the board.  We will vote on these nominations at the business meeting next Tuesday morning.  Again, thanks to both the retiring board members and those who are now stepping into these leadership positions.  Our alliance only works if we have strong, committed directors and committee members to help guide the organization into the future. 

One House Budgets Released in NY

By Hinman Straub

Both houses have released their legislative budget proposals, and started the process of negotiating a final state spending package with the Governor.

In both proposals, the houses propose much greater investments in agriculture.

In the Senate, they propose including $5 million in operating and another $5 million in capital for Cornell (new money).

The Senate also makes the following restorations and increases:

·         $2.1 million add for the Farm Viability Institute.

·         $662,000 add for Cornell Pro-Dairy.

·         $275,000 for Cornell Pro-Livestock.

·         $1.3 million for the Beginning Farmers Grant Program.

·         $1.3 million for the Socially/Economically Disadvantaged Farmers Grant Program.          

·         $31,250 add for the Cornell Ruminant Center.

·         $25,000 add for the FarmNet Program.

The Assembly took a slightly different approach providing the following:

·         $10 million for the New York State Statutory Colleges at Cornell University.

·         $5 million for Cornell AgriTech. 

·         $1.1 in new funding for Pro-Dairy.

·         $125,000 in additional funds for the Cornell Ruminant Center.

·         $250,000 restoration for Pro-Livestock.

The State fiscal year ends March 31st. The Legislature is currently slated to start a two=week recess on April 2, for observance of Easter and Passover; and it is unclear how that schedule will be affected if the parties fail to come to an agreement by the deadline.

Week 10 of the Vermont Legislative Session – March 20, 2026

By Shouldice Associates

As the Vermont Legislature enters what should feel like the third quarter of its “Super Bowl,” the pace instead resembles “March Madness.” Governor Phil Scott has grown increasingly vocal about what he views as slow progress and questionable direction in several committees. His recent warnings about stalled momentum and looming crossover deadlines signal a rising likelihood of veto confrontations as the session turns decisive.

Health care reform is at the center of this tension. Broad proposals expanding regulatory authority, introducing new cost containment tools, or advancing reference-based pricing are drawing heightened scrutiny from the administration. While the Governor continues to emphasize affordability, he remains wary of reforms that could raise premiums or destabilize the system. After years of debate, scope of practice expansion for optometry finally appears to be advancing, alongside renewed focus on rural health.

Climate legislation is following a similar pattern. The administration has criticized mandates and enforcement provisions that lack clear implementation plans or cost analyses. Proposals tied to the Global Warming Solutions Act—especially those expanding enforcement or litigation exposure—face elevated veto risk without significant revision.

Tax and revenue debates remain the most predictable flashpoint. Governor Scott continues to oppose broad based tax increases, particularly those linked to education spending or property tax shifts. Any package that raises Vermonters’ taxes without meaningful offsets will struggle to reach enactment.

Housing policy is more mixed. The Governor supports increasing housing production but is skeptical of proposals that add regulatory layers or slow development. Bills focused on process rather than capacity carry moderate veto risk, while infrastructure and financing tools aligned with administration priorities remain viable.

Across the State House, pressure is mounting. Mid-March typically marks the session’s midpoint, but this year feels like a sprint toward adjournment. Committees face tight deadlines, limited fiscal capacity, and competing priorities. House Appropriations spent the week reviewing major FY27 budget components—including opioid settlement allocations (H.660), corrections reforms (H.294), and revenue structure—underscoring how fiscal limits are shaping what can realistically advance.

Other policy areas moved quietly but meaningfully. A miscellaneous utilities bill underwent detailed review, hinting at future regulatory shifts. Education finance pressures continue to rise, with more than one third of approved school budgets increasing over 6%, driven by inflation, healthcare costs, and declining federal support. Debate over ending statewide PCB testing added another layer of tension.

Land use reform remains contentious, particularly in rural areas where Act 181 is viewed as a threat to growth. In response, the Senate Natural Resources Committee advanced S.325, delaying several components—including the “road rule” and Tier 3 provisions—some until 2030. Whether this eases rural concerns or simply postpones conflict is unclear.

Economic development also advanced. Senate Finance moved S.327, a broad workforce and competitiveness package, while the House advanced its sister state engagement bill (H.674) and consumer protection measures in ticket resale (H.512).

Health care committees remained among the busiest. Senate Health and Welfare advanced S.197 to strengthen primary care utilization as part of long-term cost containment efforts. Combined with ongoing work on hospital oversight and emerging issues like AI governance, lawmakers appear committed to modernizing the system while protecting access.

Committee agendas are increasingly filled with “TBD” placeholders—a hallmark of late session uncertainty as fiscal notes, legal reviews, and negotiations pile up. Bills are reaching a tipping point: they either get refined and positioned for passage or fall off the 2026 agenda.

Overall, the week highlights growing tension between legislative ambition and executive caution. The Governor has drawn a clear line favoring incremental, affordable, implementation ready policy over sweeping mandates. With no guarantee of veto proof majorities, the coming weeks will bring sharper debates, tighter timelines, and more intense negotiations as the Legislature races toward crossover and the final stretch of the session.

Bills Tracked

H 632 - An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Environmental Amendments
H.632~Michael O'Grady~House Committee on Ways and Means Committee Report (9-2-0)~3-9-2026.pdf (3-13)
H.632~Michael O'Grady~Section by Section Summary~3-9-2026.pdf (3-13)
H.632~Michael O'Grady~House Committee on Environment Committee Report (7-4-0)~3-9-2026.pdf (3-19)

Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Rule 35(a) (02/24/26)

Bill Note:
The latest draft of the bill has minimal effects on VDPA members.

H 723 - An Act Relating To Posting Of Land

NEW STATUS: Read 1st time & referred to Committee on Natural Resources and Energy (03/20/26)

Bill Note:
The legislation clarifies how property owners can legally restrict or permit hunting, fishing, and trapping on their private acreage. To be enforceable, owners must display standardized signage at specific intervals along their borders and update these notices annually. Additionally, the proposal requires individuals to register their posted status with the local town clerk for a small fee each year, that is good for 365 days. A new provision ensures that minor signage errors do not necessarily invalidate the posting, provided a reasonable person would understand that access is restricted.

H 941 - An Act Relating To Municipal Regulation Of Agriculture

NEW STATUS: Action Calendar: Action postponed until March 24, 2026 (03/20/26)

Bill Note:
This bill aims to provide flexibility for farmers regarding water quality training, regulate the transport of non-sewage waste to farms, and ensure transparency and fairness in retail pricing for consumer commodities.

Key Provisions

• The Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets may adopt rules for training classes or programs for farm owners/operators (small, medium, or large farms) on preventing discharges and managing stormwater runoff.

• Training topics may include:

• Compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements for farm operations.

• Management practices and resources for compliance.

• Techniques to minimize runoff of manure or nutrients into state waters.

• Standards for nutrient management and planning.

• Best practices for improving farm operations and water quality.

• The Secretary may require training as a condition for farm permits or certifications and can assign training if deemed necessary.

• Training costs will be covered by the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets using funds allocated for water quality initiatives.

• Mandatory water quality training requirements in the Required Agricultural Practices Rule will be repealed as of July 1, 2026. The Secretary will determine future training requirements.

Management of Non-Sewage Waste

The bill requires individuals transporting or arranging transport of non-sewage waste or waste materials to farms to obtain approval from the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets.

Key Provisions:

• Definitions:

• "Non-sewage waste" refers to waste other than sewage that may contain pathogenic organisms but excludes stormwater runoff.

• "Waste materials" include non-sewage solid or liquid digestates from certified solid waste facilities or materials approved for use under Solid Waste Rules.

• Approval Process:

• Transporters must obtain approval from the Secretary before transporting non-sewage waste or waste materials to farms.

• The Secretary may require information on the composition, nutrients, contaminants, and volume of the waste.

• Approved transporters must report the composition, source, laboratory test results, and volume of the waste as frequently as required by the Secretary.

• The Secretary may prohibit the import of waste to farms if it violates the farm’s nutrient management plan or poses risks to the environment, human health, plants, soils, or water quality.

• The bill does not affect the authority of the Secretary of Natural Resources to regulate waste under other state laws.

Retail Pricing Standards

The bill amends unit pricing standards to require uniform price disclosures for food and commodities sold by retail establishments, excluding made-to-order food sold by restaurants and prescription drugs.

Key Provisions:

• Definitions:

• "Unit price" refers to the retail price of a consumer commodity expressed per standard unit of weight, measure, or count.

• "Made-to-order" food is prepared at the time of order or sold in bulk servings but excludes prepackaged ready-to-eat foods.

• "Real-time dynamic pricing" is prohibited for increasing prices during business hours unless correcting genuine pricing errors.

• Disclosure Requirements:

• Retail establishments must display both the total selling price and unit price of consumer commodities.

• Price information must be bold, clear, and conspicuous, with a minimum height of 7/32 inch.

• Price information must exclude deposits but indicate when a deposit is required.

• Prices must be displayed at checkout for consumer verification.

• Unit price requirements do not apply to:

• Retail stores with less than 7,000 square feet of floor space (unless part of a larger chain).

• Items sold for consumption on the premises.

• Clearance or limited-time sale items.

• Items with identical unit and total selling prices.

• Seasonal decorations and beverages subject to federal Alcoholic Administration Act requirements.

• Total selling price requirements do not apply when all items in a store have the same price.

• Violations of the chapter are subject to penalties, including fines of up to $500.

The act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

S 60 - An Act Relating To Establishing The Farm And Forestry Operations Security Special Fund To Provide Payments For Farm And Forestry Operation Losses Due To Weather Conditions

NEW STATUS: Delivered to Governor on March 20, 2026 (03/20/26)

Bill Note:
The Senate Agriculture Committee is actively reviewing the bill to ensure the appropriate guardrails are in the bill and that the grants are based on need, not just splitting the funds up between all funds that are seeking reimbursement.

S 323 - An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Agricultural Subjects
S.323~Bradley Showman~Draft 4.1, 3-13-2026~3-13-2026.pdf (3-13)
S.323~Bradley Showman~Senate Committee on Finance Committee Report (5-0-2)~3-19-2026 (1).pdf (3-19)

NEW STATUS: Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31 (03/20/26)

Bill Note:
Municipal and State Regulation

The primary objective of the bill is to overturn the Vermont Supreme Court’s decision in In re 8 Taft Street DRB & NOV Appeals, 2025 VT 27. It clarifies that municipalities lack the authority to regulate farming or the construction of farm structures under local bylaws. The bill also exempts the management of small backyard poultry flocks (excluding roosters) from municipal regulation. At the state level, the bill increases the annual gross income threshold for Required Agricultural Practices (RAP) compliance from $2,000.00 to $5,000.00.

Land Use and Tax Provisions

The legislation introduces several updates to land use value appraisal and permitting:

• Permit Exemptions: No state permit is required for constructing improvements for accessory on-farm businesses involved in the storage, sale, or processing of products, provided that more than 50% of sales or $250,000.00 in annual sales or donations that come from products produced on that farm.

• Program Transfers and Oversight

• Agricultural Credit: The Vermont Agricultural Credit Program (VACP) is moved to the Vermont Economic Development Authority (VEDA).

• Additional Provisions

• Milk Producers: Grants producers the right to a hearing if a handler refuses to purchase their products, staying the refusal until a decision is made.

• Pesticides and Seeds: Repeals the Interstate Pest Control Compact and updates Vermont’s seed laws to conform to national uniform standards, including mandatory reporting on genetically engineered and treated seeds.

• Farm-to-School: Expands the program to allow the use of contracts in addition to grants for developing local food initiatives.

S 325 - An Act Relating To Studying The Creation Of Model Bylaws
S.325~Ellen Czajkowski~As passed by Senate Committee on Finance~3-18-2026.pdf (3-19)

NEW STATUS: Referred to Committee on Appropriations per Senate Rule 31 (03/18/26)

Bill Note:
Note: The Road Rule will be delayed until 2030.

Key Amendments to Act 250

1. Definition of Development:

• Includes road construction and associated driveways for access within a tract of land.

• Excludes priority housing projects in municipalities with populations over 10,000 and certain designated areas until 2030.

2. Permit Exemptions:

3. Exemptions for accessory dwelling units and small housing projects (e.g., 75 units or fewer in designated areas) until 2030.

4. Exemptions for converting commercial structures into housing units (29 or fewer) until 2030.

5. Tier 1A areas: Municipalities can apply for Tier 1A status by meeting specific criteria, including planning for natural resource protection.

6. Tier 3 areas: Rules will be developed to identify critical natural resources for protection and limit development criteria in these areas.

7. Tier Designations:

Municipal and Regional Planning

• Municipal Zoning:

• Municipal panels must enforce existing Act 250 permits in Tier 1A areas unless conditions are transferred to municipal permits.

• Panels must include conditions from previous Act 250 permits in new municipal permits unless certain exceptions apply.

• Regional Planning:

• Regional plans must include future land use maps with designated areas such as downtown centers, village centers, planned growth areas, and rural conservation areas.

• Regional planning commissions must submit plans and amendments to the Land Use Review Board (LURB) for review and compliance determination.

Housing Development

• The bill seeks to reduce discretionary review of residential development and proposes the creation of a Vermont Model Code to assist municipalities in adopting clear and objective standards.

• It includes interim housing exemptions for certain projects in designated areas to encourage housing development.

State Community Investment Program

• Establishes guidelines for designating downtown and village centers, planned growth areas, and neighborhoods to promote smart growth principles.

• Introduces the concept of "sprawl repair" to redevelop lands in alignment with smart growth principles.

Tax Credits

• Updates eligibility criteria for tax credits, focusing on projects in designated centers, particularly those listed or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places.

Appropriations

• Allocates funding for the development of model plans under the 802 Homes program and public engagement on Tier 3 areas.

Effective Dates

• Various provisions have staggered effective dates, with some extending to 2030.

H 739 - An Act Relating To Prohibiting The Use And Sale Of The Herbicide Paraquat
H.739~Bradley Showman~House Committee on Agriculture Committee Report (8-0-0)~3-13-2026.pdf (3-19)

NEW STATUS: Read third time and passed (03/20/26)

H 942 - An Act Relating To Miscellaneous Agricultural Subjects

NEW STATUS: Read third time and passed (03/20/26)

NEAFA 2026 NY State Budget Priorities

By Hinman Straub

Funding Requests

$1,125,000 in Additional Funding for PRO-DAIRY

The Executive Budget proposal reduces support for PRO-DAIRY BY $125,000 from the SFY 26 Enacted Budget. NEAFA strongly supports restoration of this funding.   

In addition to this restoration, an additional investment of $1 million in PRO-DAIRY is needed. If appropriated, the funding would be utilized as follows:

·       $500,000 would fund five new positions.

o   Two Farm Business Management specialists

o   One Dairy Nutrition specialist.

o   One Animal Well-Being specialist.

o   One specialist in youth/emerging farmers.

·       $500,000 for applied research and extension support.

$5 Million in Operational Funding and $5 Million in Capital Funding for Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS)

Cornell CALS is New York State’s land-grant college, part of the SUNY system, and a critical partner to farmers, foresters, food producers, and communities across the State. For over 150 years, through its statewide research farms, forests, and extension programs, CALS delivers practical, science-based solutions that strengthen agricultural productivity, environmental stewardship, and rural and urban economies alike.

At a time when New York agriculture is experiencing both significant opportunity and growing pressure, rising production costs, labor shortages, climate variability, and aging infrastructure, this investment is both timely and necessary. New private-sector investment, particularly in dairy manufacturing, underscores the importance of maintaining strong public investment in the applied research and extension capacity that supports farm viability and sustainability.

Operational funding is needed to maintain core staffing and statewide programming in areas such as dairy, maple, specialty crops, and forestry. Capital funding is essential to repair and modernize aging research infrastructure so that on-farm trials, technology development, and regionally relevant research can continue to serve producers throughout New York. This request represents a strategic investment in food security, environmental resilience, and economic development, and reinforces New York State’s long-standing partnership with its land-grant institution.

$150,000 in Additional Funding for Dairy Profit Teams

In addition to supporting the Executive proposal to continue to provide $700,000 for the Dairy Advancement Program (DAP) and $374,000 for Dairy Profit Teams, increased funding is needed. Demand for the services offered by these programs exceeds the supply supported by current funds. DAP funds are used by small farmers that seek to grow their businesses and adapt to the current financial and business environment.

Increase Funding Support for the Cornell University Ruminant Center (CURC) to $500,000 ($125,000 Increase)

CURC is the leading American university dairy research facility that is best equipped to conduct studies at the scale needed to identify strategies that will improve the production of milk and milk-components, decrease the intensity of GHG emissions, and safely evaluate the true capabilities of what the dairy industry can accomplish while improving milk production efficiency and mitigating climate-related challenges. An additional investment of $125,000 is needed.

Increase Funding for the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture to $1.25 Million (Restoration of $354,545)

The New York State Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech serves as a hub connecting businesses and entrepreneurs with the services they need to succeed. The Center of Excellence works with partners across the State to increase the size and scope of the food and agriculture economy in New York by fostering the growth of new companies, new products, and existing businesses. 

$250,000 in Additional Funding for PRO-LIVESTOCK

Livestock farms in New York produce nutrient-dense protein to feed our residents and provide critical ecological benefits on millions of acres of land across the State. As this industry grows, sustained education and research will be required. Last year, $250,000 was included in the Enacted Budget to support two PRO-LIVESTOCK positions within Cornell to assist livestock farms in New York State as they work to enhance silvopasture practices and carbon sequestering management to create climate resilient farms while strengthening food and fiber. Restoration of this funding is required.

$1.5 Million in Funding for FarmNet (Restoration of $100,000)

In addition to supporting the Executive Proposal to provide $1.4 million, a restoration of the $100,000 to this network of 46 consultants across the State is needed. These practitioners are in place to respond to farmers’ requests for assistance. Professional financial and mental health consultants help farm families and businesses deal with the financial and emotional issues characteristic of an industry under severe stress. In 2021, FarmNet professionals worked with over 729 farmers on issues ranging from economic and mental health to business and estate planning.

Policy Requests

Farmers and the agribusiness industry have not been immune from the rising costs many businesses are grappling with. These costs are eating into already narrow profit margins and driving up the costs of many products. This is especially challenging in the dairy industry, as milk prices are federally regulated.

Litigation Reform

The Executive Budget includes several proposals that if adopted would help address some of the major cost drivers that dramatically increased in recent years. One of those is the size of jury verdicts and settlements. NEAFA supports these proposed changes and urges their enactment.

Reducing Unnecessary Litigation. This proposal would:

• Modify the definition of “serious injury” to eliminate often manipulated criteria;

• Limit the amount of non-economic damages from being awarded to uninsured motorists, individuals convicted of driving while impaired, and individuals committing a felony or fleeing one at the time of the accident;

• Adopt a common-sense rule that permits recovery of non-economic damages only if a plaintiff is not primarily at fault for causing an accident; and

• Ensure that defendants in multi-party personal injury auto cases are held responsible only for the damage they cause, not damages caused by other unrelated defendants.

Impose Market-Based Interest Rate on Court Judgments. The proposal would require that interest on judgments and accrued claims be calculated using the one-year U.S. Treasury bill rate.

Insurance Reform

Rising insurance costs and inability to secure coverage are another significant issue for NEAFA members. NEAFA supports the proposals to address the rising costs of insurance.

Premium Increase Explanations. This proposal would require insurers to automatically disclose, on either the premium bill or declarations page, both the dollar amount of any renewal premium increase exceeding 10 percent (excluding increases due to added insured value) and a written explanation identifying the factors driving the increase. For other motor vehicle and residential property policies, insurers would be required to provide a prominent notice advising policyholders of their right to request a written explanation of premium increases.

Automatic Property Insurance Premium Reductions. The proposal would require insurers to offer discounted premium rates to homeowners and commercial property owners who make improvements to their property that contribute to the safety and security of the insured structures.

Extend the Excess Profit Law for Automobile Insurance. This proposal would extend the duration of New York’s motor vehicle insurance “excess profits” refund requirement by three years, through June 30, 2029. This law requires automobile insurers making profits that exceed a certain threshold to return portions of those profits directly to policyholders.

Taxes

NEAFA’s members support the following tax-related changes included in the Executive Budget proposal. 

Extending the Refundability of the Investment Tax Credit for Farmers. This proposal would extend the period during which eligible farmers may elect to receive unused investment tax credits (ITCs) as a refund until January 1, 2033.

Transfer of Authority to Administer Marketing Orders. This proposal would establish the Dairy Promotion Act which would authorize the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, with approval from a majority (51%) of milk producers in the regulated area, to create dairy promotion orders that fund and oversee statewide or regional efforts to increase the consumption of milk and dairy products.

Standardize the Definition of Farmer for Certain Tax Credits. This proposal would standardize and broaden how farm income is calculated for purposes of various agricultural tax credits and exemptions. This change would apply to the following credits:

• Farm workforce retention credit.

• Farm employer overtime credit.

• Credit for farm donations to food pantries.

• Agricultural Property Tax Credit.

Harnessing the modern cow: Precision, behavior, and better herd performance

By Heather Darrow

Today’s dairy cow is changing faster than ever, and with that change comes both opportunity and responsibility. Genetic progress, nutritional innovation, and evolving management systems are reshaping the way high‑performing herds must be understood and supported. This year’s Herd Health & Nutrition Conference captures that shift — offering attendees insights into tools and strategies needed to keep up with the modern cow. Leading researchers, industry professionals and dairy producers will present new research and practical strategies that reveal how the modern dairy cow is advancing and how management must adapt alongside her.

The conference will be held March 31, 2025, at the Doubletree by Hilton in East Syracuse, New York. Presented by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and the Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance (NEAFA), the conference delivers valuable insights and research updates related to dairy herd health and nutrition management.

This annual event is ideal for dairy professionals, feed industry representatives, veterinarians and dairy producers. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early for the NEAFA Annual Meeting and a networking breakfast with speakers and sponsors, followed by a full day of educational sessions.

A key theme running through the program is the importance of understanding the cow as an individual, not just a member of the herd. Trevor DeVries opens the conference by showing how cow behavior and variability affect success in automated milking systems—and how tailoring management to those behavioral differences can lead to better outcomes.

From there, the agenda moves “down the cow’s feed path,” exploring how nutrition and forage quality shape performance. Michelle Chang‑Der Bedrosian brings cutting‑edge silage science to the table, translating new research on fermentation, stability, and preservation into actionable steps advisors and producers can apply before the chopper even enters the field.

Building on the biological and nutritional foundation, economist Chuck Nicholson will examine the shifting marketplace for milk components. His session offers a clear look at current and emerging trends in demand, pricing, and component value—helping producers and industry professionals understand how their nutrition and management decisions connect directly to farm profitability.

On the nutrient side, Kevin Harvatine and Mike Van Amburgh continue the precision theme with deep dives into fatty acid balancing, amino acid requirements, and the rapidly evolving genetic capacity for milk fat and protein synthesis. Their sessions highlight how the cow of today—and certainly the cow of tomorrow—requires more exact nutrient strategies to fully express her potential.

The day culminates with a panel discussion where science meets real‑world execution. A progressive dairy producer and their nutritionist will sit alongside Drs. Harvatine and Van Amburgh to connect research insights with on‑farm application. Together, they will show what it takes to consistently hit high component levels in a commercial setting, from feed bunk decisions to ration design to cow‑side management.

Throughout the conference, the narrative remains clear:

·        Understand the cow.

·        Optimize the diet.

·        Elevate the herd.

Backed by research and grounded in practical experience, the Herd Health & Nutrition Conference equips dairy professionals with insights they can put to work immediately — strengthening herd health, improving efficiency, and building long‑term sustainability for the future of dairy.

Full event information is available at cals.cornell.edu/pro-dairy. Registration is open with early bird rates available until March 15, 2026. Sponsorship opportunities with limited exhibit spaces are also available.

For more information, contact Heather Darrow, PRO-DAIRY Conference Coordinator at hh96@cornell.edu.

VDPA Lobby Day

By Kevin Kouri

Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance (VDPA) 2026 Lobby Day was held January 22nd in Montpelier, VT at the Vermont Capital Building.  We had a great young group of dairy producers representing four dairy counties in the State with a total of twelve dairy farms represented. 

The group had an opportunity to testify in front of the House Agriculture Committee on two bills that the Alliance opposes while in the Senate Agriculture Committee they had a chance to answer questions from the Senate Committee on the “State of Farming” in Vermont.  The Senators were most interested in what issues they can address and what sort of support they can provide with protection and legislative actions. 

During lunch, VDPA membership was able to talk more with members of both the House and Senate Agriculture Committee’s in a less formal manner allowing for a deeper dive into the struggles we face in the industry. Legal Counsel for the Department of Agriculture attended as well, Steve Collier, to discuss current issues with Conservation Law Fund and watershed issues and the impact this will have on dairy. Collectively all parties are working hard towards environmental protection that is sustainable and can work within the current construct of the industry.

Discussion leaving the Capital with VDPA membership was that they felt the most welcomed in the Capital in long time with very supportive House and Senate Committee’s and optimistic for collaboration moving forward. Engagement level continues to remain high since our visit, and this has peaked increased membership into VDPA from non-members as they see the impact we are having in promoting and supporting the industry that supports all of us.

NY Needs More Science; Not Less

By Julie Suarez, Associate Dean & Director, Translational Research Programs, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

There are few certainties in life outside of the old saying – death and taxes. One certainty, faced by all of us, is the rapid pace of change. Whether it is global marketing conditions, economic and weather impacts, funding for research or conservation practices, or simply keeping up with new AI technologies, change breeds uncertainty and uncertainty can cause ripple effects throughout the entire food system. 

How do we reduce the uncertainty that causes additional hardship for farmers, the businesses that serve them, and the people who need to eat?  We need to turn to scientific solutions grounded in the real world.  Put simply, the world will need more science, not less, in the years to come.  Farmers will need more science-based solutions to economic and environmental challenges in the changing world, businesses will need to have a more certain regulatory environment based on science, and consumers who drive all business decisions will need to have trust in the food they’re buying. 

Which is, of course, why we need to keep investing in this vague but critical concept of a “Land-Grant”. Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences is so proud of having both this incredible responsibility and this incredible privilege to be service-minded.  Cornell CALS has over 150 years of generational partnerships with family farmers, scientists and extension personnel, agri-businesses, and our youth from all of NY’s communities from rural to urban through our land-grant partnership.  This land-grant mission is embedded in the DNA of our faculty and extension staff, and while not always having the answers to the incredibly rapid pace of change – we do try to provide the best and most trusted science we can. 

We can talk about USDA’s Economic Research Services in 2019 highlighted that China, Argentina, and the European Union have outpaced the United States public investment in agricultural R&D; opening the door to less science-based solutions publicly available for growers. We can talk about the significant financial constraints faced by Cornell CALS and our extension partners from the State University of NY (SUNY) operating funds budget, which has virtually remained flat since 2009.  The rapid pace of declines in funding for agricultural sciences R&D is causing great uncertainty at our service-minded land-grant college, much like farmers and businesses are also facing uncertainty.   

But I would rather talk about that even in the midst of unprecedented, rapid change, Cornell CALS serves the public good and the farm community with practical solutions to everyday challenges. We teach students, work on critical areas like nutrient management, GHG reductions through innovations and efficiencies, and plant breeding for the changing climate, and translate that research into our food system to help play a part in making sure NY eaters have NY grown and processed, safe and healthy foods. 

Because the world needs more science, not less, in the years to come Cornell CALS is simply asking for your help.  Reductions in funding mean fewer trusted solutions from NY’s generational land-grant partner.  And while the science Cornell CALS provides sometimes causes conflicts with people from different walks of life, you can trust it’s the best that we can do with the tools, funding and knowledge we have and is conducted according to our strong value of the highest standards of scientific integrity.    

Cornell CALS is seeking a substantial re-investment from NYS in the form of $5M annually in increased core operating support to ensure that we are here for farmers, providing the science and information you need. We are seeking $5M in annual capital funds to help ensure that we can renovate our buildings, fence in our farms and fix failing tile drainage, greenhouses, labs, and ensure that we have the right equipment in place. We are particularly focused on boosting PRO-DAIRY’s operational budget to $2.46M, adding new specialists in farm business management, dairy nutrition, and shoring up the environmental and energy work for years to come. 

Cornell CALS will need every voice raised at a time of rapid change and increased uncertainty to stick up for science and the generational land-grant mission, so that we can focus on reducing uncertainty, mitigating some of the risks faced by farmers and agri-businesses, as we all go forward together to do what we all do best – feeding people, growing food, and providing science-based information to weave the food system together.