Funded: Study For How Viable Are Small, Medium Dairies In New England

Where does your family's gallon of milk come from?

The University of Connecticut was awarded $404,966 federal grant to study the financial and environmental viability of small- and medium-sized New England dairy farms.

The money is through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to the office of U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney, D-2nd District.

There are 152 small to medium-sized dairy farms in Connecticut.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Agriculture and Food Research Initiative offers competitive grants for fundamental and applied research, extension, and education to address food and agriculture concerns.

To find a dairy farm in your county in Connecticut visit the Department of Agriculture site at www.ct.gov.

Top image: USDA

Jon Katz's Report 'Last Days of A Dairy Farm'

Jon Katz's is writing and documenting (in photographs and words) something that would otherwise go unnoticed by most. It's heart-breaking to read and view the last days of a dairy farm.

For more about Katz's visual stories (those are his photos, above), see Bedlam Farm or a synopsis at www.moodogpress.com.

Inside The Golden Egg, Light And Beauty

The Golden Egg studio, located in Connecticut, is indeed a treasure, full of natural light and workshops available to the public. For more details about the studio that is located inside a former egg coop (yes, it's true), see full story here.

All Things Earth & Soil, Agriculture

"I don't invest in anything I don't understand." - Warren Buffett

Connecticut land is diverse due to geology and its people innovative in finding ways to grow, create, distribute products. Now they may be banding together to plan for all things agricultural.

American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Connecticut Conference of Municipalities (CCM) are offering up to 25 hours of technical assistance to implement strategies discussed in the new Planning for Agriculture: A Guide for Connecticut Municipalities.

Possible options include, but are not limited to: initiating an agricultural commission; reviewing farm tax reduction options; financing options for farmland protection projects; encouraging buy local opportunities; including agriculture in town conservation and development plans; and developing right-to-farm ordinances.

Workshops have been held already in a handful of towns to provide a discussion platform about the 62-page guide and how it may help those involved in agriculture.

The PDF can be downloaded at www.ctplanningforagriculture.com .