For dairy producers facing tough times in Vermont (see previous post). Governor Jim Douglas announced Tuesday that the first Target Price Program checks have been sent out and should be arriving on farms within the next few days.
“The Agriculture Agency has worked diligently to ensure these payments were made in a timely fashion,” Governor Douglas said. “Farmers are in need of assistance now, this is not the time for government red tape, and I want to thank all involved for working hard to get this program up and running quickly.”
The Target Price Program was created in late June to help dairy farms recoup some of the losses caused by poor weather conditions, the high price of fuel, and the very low price they are being paid for their milk. The program is paying farmers $0.99 per hundredweight for June payments.