Task Force Issues Recommendations for Helping Maine Dairy Farmers

Nov 13, 2024

By Kaitlyn Budion

A state task force to support Maine's commercial dairy farms is recommending that the Dairy Tier Program be fully funded. The program offers supplemental payments to farmers when the price of milk falls below the cost of production.

The task force suggests that it may be necessary to find new revenue streams for funding and increase the annual baseline.

"And I just think we're in a position where if we don't fully fund the program, we're going to see farms leave the industry," says Annie Watson, an organic dairy farmer, president of the Maine Dairy Industry Association and a member of the task force. "It's unfortunate because it is a program that does work and is working but it would work so much better if it were fully funded."

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Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

Jack highlights its excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and ability to deliver strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The result? Outstanding fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Reliability has also been a key factor, with dependable backup from the team at TR Machinery helping to keep the tractor working when it matters most.

?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.