The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) has awarded more than $705,000 to expand dairy workforce training and education across the region. The Catalyzing Regional Dairy Workforce Grant aims to attract new workers, strengthen skills, and improve retention in the dairy industry.
Eight programs in Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont were selected for funding. Each award ranges from $45,000 to $100,000.
Where the Money Is Going
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Bristol County High School (MA): $75,000 for new equipment to improve student training in herd health, feeding, and barn ventilation.
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Wolfe’s Neck Center (ME): $100,000 to expand the Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship into a regional program.
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University of New Hampshire (NH): $99,895 to add new workshops on nutrition, reproduction, animal care, and milk quality.
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Anne Saxelby Legacy Fund (NY): $99,908 to support 10 month-long apprenticeships and help launch a registered apprenticeship program.
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SUNY Cobleskill (NY): $99,989 to expand training and add a micro-credential in value-added dairy product development.
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Upstate Niagara Cooperative (NY): $100,000 to create dual apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs with clear career paths.
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Cabot Creamery Cooperative (VT): $85,340 to pilot a pre-apprenticeship for dairy processing and upskill current employees.
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Milk with Dignity Standards Council (VT): $60,000 to expand safety training for more than 250 farms, with a focus on Spanish-speaking workers.
Building the Future
The NE-DBIC says these grants will help ensure a steady pipeline of skilled workers for dairy farms and processors, while creating new opportunities for students, apprentices, and employees across the Northeast.
