| The changing farm population challenges Cooperative Extension to adjust programming objectives to meet the changing needs of their clientele. In New England, a mail survey identical to a survey conducted 5 years ago is used to assess production practices, technologies, and future concerns of Vermont dairy farmers. The survey findings are then compared to the earlier survey to identify trends in farm size, technologies, and operator characteristics. While New England dairy farms are making a major shift in technology and size, the dairy industry is witnessing the disappearance of small farms and a fastening pace in the growth of herds with more than 400 cows. In this environment, there is a tremendous need for Cooperative Extension to identify changing... |
