Connecticut has processed a $3 million second round of assistance for dairy farms, and all 78 licensed milk and retail raw-milk producers have until Nov. 18 to opt in to a separate $1 million equity payment, the Department of Agriculture said Nov. 4.
The latest round goes to 71 farms that opted into the state's Dairy Stabilization program. Together, they account for more than 98% of Connecticut milk production, the department said in its payment announcement.
The payment rate is $1.3522 per hundredweight, a dairy measure equal to 100 pounds, based on each farm's average monthly production from April through September.
The equity payment will be divided equally among participating producers. The department said it is meant to offset rising input costs, elevated fuel prices and an expensive harvest season.
The state also plans to release approximately $1.4 million in Community Investment Act dairy sustainability payments the week of Nov. 16.
The Dairy Farming Sustainability Working Group is scheduled to present a draft report and take public comment Nov. 20. A final report is due to the General Assembly by Jan. 1.
