HARTFORD, CT — The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) today announced a series of financial support measures for the state’s dairy sector, reaffirming Connecticut’s commitment to stabilizing and strengthening dairy operations amidst ongoing economic pressures. These efforts support farms of all sizes and reflect the critical role dairy producers play in the state’s economy, workforce, and food system.
CT DoAg has completed processing of the second-round Dairy Stabilization payment totaling $3 million, which will now be distributed to the 71 dairy farms that opted in. The processed payments represent more than 98 percent of the state’s total milk production. Payments were calculated at the equivalent of $1.3522/cwt per hundredweight, based on each farm’s average monthly production from April through September.
CT DoAg is also opening an opportunity for all 78 licensed milk producers and retail raw milk producers to receive an equity payment from a $1 million allocation through Dairy Stabilization, to be divided equally among all participants. This payment is designed to offset a year marked by rising input costs, elevated fuel prices, and one of the most expensive harvest seasons in recent memory. Eligible dairy farms are required to opt-in by November 18.
These payments build on nearly $12 million delivered in June 2026 as part of $22.5 million authorized by Governor Ned Lamont from the state’s Federal Cuts Response Fund, providing essential near-term relief for producers facing significant market challenges.
In addition, Community Investment Act (CIA) Ag (Dairy) Sustainability payments are being finalized and are scheduled for release the week of November 16. This distribution totals approximately $1.4 million, a higher-than-average amount made available to further support long-term farm viability and environmental stewardship.
“These investments demonstrate Connecticut’s continued commitment to ensuring that dairy farms of various size can remain competitive and resilient in the face of ongoing volatility,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Our dairy community is foundational to the state’s agricultural economy and food security. These payments reflect that value and our determination to keep these operations strong.”
As part of broader long-term planning, CT DoAg encourages dairy farmers to join the November 20 meeting of the Dairy Farming Sustainability Working Group, where the group will present its draft report and invite public comments. The Working Group has held eight meetings since June 2026 and to evaluate strategies to strengthen dairy processing capacity, address cost pressures, enhance business sustainability, and identify policy tools to support the sector into the future. A final report will be submitted to the General Assembly by January 1, 2027.
Connecticut’s dairy farms contribute significantly to local employment, farmland preservation, and the availability of fresh, nutritious dairy products. The State remains committed to supporting the long-term viability of this essential industry.
