Dairy Forward

Dairy farm families across America are facing tremendous challenges due to many factors including a weak dairy economy, disruptions from severe weather, and an aging farming population. American Farmland Trust is joining Chobani to support dairy farmers in planning for the future.

Grants of $500 to $5,000 were available to help dairy farm families in New York access information and professional services to plan for farm transitions. These funds may be used for farm transfer and succession planning, farm business planning, permanently protecting land, or adopting regenerative practices.

Grant Guidelines, Application, and Deadlines

The Dairy Forward Microgrant Application is now closed. Please contact dairy@farmland.org with any questions.

Farmer Stories

Carlberg Farm

Eric and Virginia Carlberg applied for a farm transfer and succession planning grant to identify purchase avenues for their multigenerational farm in Jamestown, New York.

Stanko Family

James and Marveen Stanko and their son Tracy applied for a permanently protecting farmland grant to pursue farmland protection as an avenue to keep their land in agriculture and finance the expansion of their farm.

Werbela Farm

Michael and Rebecca Werbela applied for a farm transfer and succession planning grant to develop an estate plan for two generations of their farming family and to remain competitive in the dairy industry.

Glastenbury Farm

Andrew Cole applied for a farm business planning grant to set realistic business goals and prepare for the older generation to retire.

Resources for Dairy Farmers

Farm Transfer and Succession Planning

Farm transfer planning is critical as an estimated 40% of America’s farmland will change hands in the next 15 years.

Permanent Land Protection

Funds can help families tap into the equity in their land and used to establish retirement funds, reinvest in their farm business or meet other family needs.

Adopting Regenerative Farming Practices

Regenerative farming practices can improve soil health, sequester carbon, save money and become more resilient to severe weather.

Farm Business Planning

Changes in a farm business —be it better management of existing resources, or in the launch of a new enterprise – can lead to enhanced farm profitability.