Sixteen dairy farms from eight states have been selected to receive a total of more than $1 million in funding through the Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant, awarded by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC). This funding round aims to support long-term viability and boost both economic and climate resilience for dairy producers across the region.
The competitive grant program saw 138 applications, with total requests surpassing $9 million. Due to high interest, NE-DBIC expects to reopen the program in Fall 2025.
Award amounts range from approximately $16,700 to $100,000 per farm, with a total of $1,026,747 distributed. Funded projects include investments in robotic equipment, feed and forage systems, milking parlor upgrades, and innovations that improve animal welfare, labor efficiency, and environmental outcomes.
Highlights of Awarded Projects:
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Connecticut: Mapleleaf Farm received $40,569 to implement smart collar technology that will enhance cow health monitoring and streamline labor.
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Maine: Cosmic Goat Farm and Creamery will use $16,787 to upgrade its milking parlor with a vacuum pump and bulk tank, while Green Valle Farm was awarded $100,000 to install manure robots aimed at improving hygiene, reducing diesel use, and boosting cow comfort.
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Maryland: Rocky Point Farm received $78,780 to install new mattresses in their freestall barn to enhance comfort for their herd.
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New Hampshire: Three farms were funded:
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Britton Farm secured $100,000 to install a swing parlor system for improved milking efficiency and worker safety.
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LeClair Acres Farm received $34,883 to overhaul their calf and heifer management with new monitoring tools and equipment.
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Pine Lane Farm was awarded $97,600 for new forage processing tools to modernize their feed system.
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New York: Four farms will advance a range of modernization efforts:
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Dutch Hollow Farm ($37,131) will update ventilation and install new headlocks.
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The Grazing Edge Dairy ($56,388) will improve milking technology and calf feeding practices.
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Murraydale Farms ($73,167) will test a New Zealand-style feeding strategy with new feed equipment.
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Kreger Farms ($17,627) in Pennsylvania will build out a new calf barn with better ventilation and feeding systems.
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Pennsylvania: One farm, choosing to remain unnamed, received $79,800 to upgrade from a bucket milking system to a more modern parlor setup.
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Vermont: Five farms will implement a wide range of technology improvements:
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Northwind Farm ($20,484) will integrate herd monitoring with feed and milk systems.
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Woodlawn Holsteins ($98,080) will enhance their milk parlor with energy-efficient and safety-focused technology.
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Lucas Dairy ($100,000) will install robotic manure and feed systems.
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NALA Family Farm ($92,600) will improve their total mixed ration feeding with a new mixer and distributor.
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This grant initiative reflects the region’s commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the dairy sector, enabling farms to adapt to changing industry demands and environmental pressures.
For more information, visit the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center.
