Vermont Farmers Joined Controversial Whole Herd Buyout in 1986

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On March 8, 1986, around 200 Vermont farmers agreed to participate in the whole herd buyout, a controversial program designed to stabilize the dairy industry by reducing an oversupply of milk that was driving down prices. Participating farmers sold their cows for slaughter, but the buyout met with only short-term success.

Why it matters

The whole herd buyout was a drastic measure taken by the dairy industry to address a crisis of oversupply and low prices. While it provided temporary relief, it highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Vermont's dairy farmers and the need for more sustainable solutions to support the state's agricultural economy.

The details

The whole herd buyout program was implemented in 1986 as a way to reduce the oversupply of milk that was driving down prices for dairy farmers. Participating farmers agreed to sell their entire herds of cows to the government, which then sent the animals to slaughter. The goal was to stabilize the dairy industry by cutting production, but the program only provided short-term relief as farmers eventually rebuilt their herds.

• The whole herd buyout program was implemented on March 8, 1986.
• Around 200 Vermont farmers agreed to participate in the program that day.