EPSOM, N.H. (AP) — New Hampshire dairy farmers say low milk prices and ongoing drought have contributed to the state losing 16 percent of those farms over the past eight months.
The state’s agriculture commissioner says 19 of the state’s 120 dairies have closed this year. The state had lost 10 dairies over the previous four years combined.
Federal agricultural prices list 100 pounds of milk as selling for $14.80 last month. That’s down from $23.40 in June 2014 and $16.90 in June 2015.
Farmers in several counties can apply for a federal emergency relief loan after Gov. Maggie Hassan had a drought disaster designation request granted last week.
State Rep. Bob Haefner says he plans to have a meeting in September to discuss funding the state’s milk farmers’ emergency relief fund board.