Press Release  Healey-Driscoll Administration Declares June “Massachusetts Dairy Month"

Rehoboth — In recognition of June as National Dairy Month, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle, members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Youth Council, and local and state officials visited two dairy farms in Southeastern Massachusetts and Bristol County Agricultural High School (BCAHS)’s dairy program in Dighton.  The farms highlighted during the visit are longstanding family-owned businesses that have provided the state and region with fresh milk and valuable dairy products. BCAHS trains the next generation of dairy farmers by offering direct technical expertise through its Livestock and Dairy Management concentration under its Animal Science program.

“Growing up on a multi-generational family dairy farm in Western Massachusetts taught me firsthand how much hard work goes into this sector in producing high-quality dairy products,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “As we celebrate the 250^th anniversary of our country, we remain dedicated to backing this essential industry which is inextricably linked to our historical and cultural heritage. By protecting farmland, providing technical assistance, and updating equipment to state-of-the-art technology, we will keep investing in the long-term success of our local dairy farms so residents can continue enjoying fresh, Massachusetts grown products.”

Today’s farm visits included Almeida Farm in Rehoboth and Hornstra Farms in Whitman. Almeida Farm utilizes advanced robotics for milking, feeding, and cow-bedding and hosts Open Farm Day events throughout the year. Hornstra Farms features a year-round ice cream dairy bar, and a farm store offering glass-bottled milk and local goods.

At Bristol County Agricultural High School, officials toured the school’s dairy program that operates within its Animal Science department. During the visit, Commissioner Randle announced the next class of the Agricultural Youth Council, made up of high school juniors and seniors from across the state. Now in its third year, the Youth Council’s cultivates future leaders in farming, food systems, and agricultural policy through monthly meetings, where they discuss emerging trends, hear from industry experts, and enhance their professional skills. Members also receive hands-on experience by touring farms and attending special agricultural-related events. 

The Livestock and Dairy Management concentration at BCAHS is a hands-on vocational track within the school’s Animal Science department. Students split their time between academic studies and dairy farm operations which include caring for a mixed herd of nearly 60 cattle that are directly involved in milk production, giving students experience in operating and maintaining automated milking equipment.

For centuries, dairy farming has served as a cornerstone of Massachusetts agriculture. There are currently 95 family-owned dairy farms that operate across the state, with most in Western Massachusetts. These small businesses generate more than $61 million for the local economy while actively protecting more than 113,000 acres of open space, wildlife habitats, and scenic landscapes. By adopting modern and eco-friendly management practices to conserve energy and natural resources, these farms sustainably produce more than 20 million gallons of fresh milk annually. This yield supplies the region with nutritious milk and premium dairy products—including cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream—strengthening the local food ecosystem.

To find a local dairy farm, click on the following link to MDAR’s MassGrown Map: https://massnrc.org/farmlocator/map.aspx?Type=Dairy%20Farms 

For more information on the Agricultural Youth Council, click on the following link: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-agriculture-youth-council 

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