The film is produced by Monument Farms, in association with the Vermont Dairy Promotion Council, the Vermont Dairy Producers Alliance, and Mt. Mansfield Media. It offers an honest, first-hand look at the opportunities and challenges shaping dairy farming in Vermont today.
The most recent nationwide Census of Agriculture, done in 2022, shows fluid milk accounting for nearly two-thirds of all agricultural sales in Vermont.
"We have people who know how to grow food," said Heather Darby, Extension Professor and Agronomic and Soils Specialist, in the film trailer. "We can't lose that, but we are."
According to Extension's latest dairy update in September 2026, 401 dairy cow operations remain in Vermont. That's down from 636 farms in 2020. The average herd size on each farm, meanwhile, has grown 43% over that same period.
The State of Farming explores the vital role agriculture plays in the communities across Vermont, from food production, local economies, water quality, environmental stewardship, regulations, and the future of working lands.
The film screening events, which are free, will be held from 6-8 p.m. at the Welden Theatre in St. Albans on Oct. 19 and 20. They'll include a discussion and Q&A with a panel of local farmers, who will talk about adapting to today’s evolving agricultural industry.
Thank you to Bourdeau Brothers Inc. for generously sponsoring this event, and for supporting our agricultural community.
