LAND For the past 200 years, dairy has shaped Vermont’s agricultural landscape. While the number of dairy farms has been steadily declining since the 1950s, dairy is still Vermont’s largest agricultural product by volume, and dairy farms still utilize about 80% of the farmland in the state.

LABOR As of 2016, there are an estimated 1,000 - 1,200 Latinx migrant dairy workers, 90% of whom are likely undocumented. Read the Justice & Liberation story to learn more.

ANIMALS Vermont’s approximately 600 cow, sheep, and goat farms produce about 2.3 billion pounds of milk a year, 85% of which is exported to other states.

PRODUCTS Vermont is home to many cheese, yogurt and butter producers. These are all milk-based foods, along with ice cream, sour cream, and whole, low-fat and flavored milks.

Many Americans are unable to digest lactose, therefore people in Vermont are turning to dairy alternatives such as nut milks. Cheese and yogurt consumption are also on the rise, which are both easier to digest for people with lactose intolerance.