Connecticut advances $5.4 million in payments to support state dairy farms

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture announced a series of financial support measures for the state’s dairy sector, totaling $5.4 million. The department says the payments are meant to stabilize and strengthen dairy operations of all sizes amid ongoing economic pressures.

The department has finished processing the second-round Dairy Stabilization payment, totaling $3 million. It will go to the 71 dairy farms that opted in, which represent more than 98% of the state’s total milk production. Payments were calculated at the equivalent of $1.3522 per hundredweight, based on each farm’s average monthly production from April through September.

All 78 licensed milk producers and retail raw milk producers can also receive an equity payment from a $1 million allocation through Dairy Stabilization. The money will be divided equally among all participants. The payment is designed to offset a year marked by rising input costs, elevated fuel prices and one of the most expensive harvest seasons in recent memory. Eligible dairy farms must opt in by Nov. 18.

Community Investment Act Ag (Dairy) Sustainability payments are being finalized and are scheduled for release the week of Nov. 16. The distribution totals about $1.4 million, a higher-than-average amount meant to support long-term farm viability and environmental stewardship.

The new payments build on nearly $12 million delivered in June 2026 as part of $22.5 million authorized by Gov. Ned Lamont from the state’s Federal Cuts Response Fund. “These investments demonstrate Connecticut’s continued commitment to ensuring that dairy farms of various size can remain competitive and resilient in the face of ongoing volatility,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Our dairy community is foundational to the state’s agricultural economy and food security. These payments reflect that value and our determination to keep these operations strong.”

The department is also encouraging dairy farmers to join the Nov. 20 meeting of the Dairy Farming Sustainability Working Group. The group will present its draft report and invite public comments. It has held eight meetings since June 2026 to evaluate ways to strengthen dairy processing capacity, address cost pressures, enhance business sustainability and identify policy tools to support the sector. A final report will be submitted to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2027.

Connecticut’s dairy farms contribute to local employment, farmland preservation and the availability of fresh dairy products. The state says it remains committed to the long-term viability of the industry.

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11/19 – FTC Short Film Festival
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11/20 – Jamie McLean Band
11/21 – Bad Animals
11/22 – Crystal Bowersox
11/25 – Funksgiving!
11/27 -Jake Swamp and the Pine
11/27 – Mullett
11/28 – Faster Things Band
11/28 – Talkpeck Soundsystem
11/28 – The Christmas Express
11/29 – A Journey with Elvis
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11/13 – UConn Men’s Basketball vs Ohio State
11/14 – UConn Men’s Ice Hockey vs Northeastern
11/14 – Springfield Thunderbirds vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/17 – Charlotte Checkers vs Hartford Wolf Pack
11/20 – UConn Women’s Basketball vs Seton Hall
11/21 – Milwaukee Admirals vs Hartford Wolf Pack
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