March 2008 - Book traces the history, economics and current issues facing New Hampshire’s dairy industry

Concord, NH - On Wednesday, March 26th, Governor John Lynch and the Executive Council were thanked for their support of the dairy industry and presented copies of The History and Economics of the New Hampshire Dairy Industry.

New Hampshire Department of Agriculture, Markets & Food Commissioner, Lorraine Stuart Merrill, in introducing the book, explained that the thirteen chapters explore the industry, the contributions of its leaders and dairy’s role in the development of the state, “Serving as a serious contribution to the record of agriculture in the state, it will help all sorts of people in the future to understand and recognize dairy’s importance,” the Commissioner said.

Landaff farmer, Deb Erb, who on behalf of the state’s dairy farmers presented the book, told the Governor his support of the dairy industry in 2007 was critical in maintaining the 133 New Hampshire producers when their costs were far higher than the price they were receiving.

John C. Porter, UNH Extension Professor and Dairy Specialist, Emeritus edited the 120-page publication. An agricultural historian, Porter used his 35 years of industry experience in developing this, his second book. He believes that it “Will be a valuable resource for decision makers working on agricultural issues.”

Christine Rasmussen, executive director of New England Family Dairy Farmers Cooperative and author of a chapter explaining the history and regulations involved in milk pricing, hopes that book will help consumers understand the difficulties created because farm milk prices are generally based on governmentcreated formulas that rely on national wholesale prices of dairy products. She anticipates readers will also develop appreciation for the uncompensated environmental, economic and historical values dairy farmers provide and hopes that this good will can be captured in support for a nongovernment program to create economic sustainability for New England farmers.

Amy Hall, Director of Granite State Promotion Board, who is delivering the book to every dairy farmer in the state said, "This book is a must read for everybody who has an interest in preserving and understanding the past and future of NH dairy farming.”

The book is already receiving rave reviews, with Agri-Mark’s BobWellington saying “This book does a fine job of describing how the industry works to bring a necessary and perishable product to market.”

The Granite State Dairy Promotion Board supported the development of the book, published by UNH Cooperative Extension. Books are available from them and can be ordered for $19.95 plus shipping and handling by visiting: http://extension.unh.edu/Pubs/Pubs.htm.