The Farm Show starts Tuesday in its new location, Essex Junction, and we
talk with Deputy Agriculture Secretary Diane Bothfeld about policy
issues on the forefront of farmers’ minds, and the diversification of agriculture.
We look at the effect violent crime has on rural communities and how they can rebound, discuss how dairy farmers are deciding whether to accept money from a class action lawsuit and learn to make a refreshing seasonal cocktail.
Congress will pay dairy farmers one time emergency aid payments of between $5,000 and $25,000 to help offset low milk prices. But many wonder if it will be enough? Also, a Vermont author looks into the history of female astronauts.
The
Vermont Milk Commission has asked dairy processors to help farmers struggling
with low milk prices. But
there were no clear solutions that emerged from this week’s meeting. And the
main player in the market – Texas-based Dean Foods – didn’t show up.
State
officials are concerned that the financial pressures facing dairy farmers will lead
to psychological problems — and possibly suicide. So
the state has set up a help line to handle calls from farmers under financial,
and emotional stress.