In recognition of National Dairy Month, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle toured three dairy farms in Western Massachusetts. These family-owned farms contribute significantly to the local food system and economy by providing fresh milk and value-added dairy products.
Commissioner Randle, who has personal ties to the region’s dairy farming community, emphasized her commitment to supporting the industry. “As a Western Massachusetts native who grew up on a multi-generational dairy farm, I have a deep appreciation and understanding of how hard our dairy farmers work to supply us with the best tasting products that are made with pride,” she said. She further noted MDAR’s efforts in preserving land, offering technical assistance, and upgrading infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of this critical sector.
The tour included visits to Pine Island Farm and Maple Shade Farm in Sheffield, as well as Luther Belden Farm in Hatfield. Pine Island Farm is managed by Holly and Louis Aragi and is notable for milking the largest number of animals in the state. The farm produces an average of 20 million pounds of milk annually and has been protected through MDAR’s Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program.
Maple Shade Farm, owned by Morven Allen, spans 155 acres and has grown from a small operation to managing nearly 350 head of cattle with his son Ian. This farm has also benefited from MDAR programs aimed at improving infrastructure and energy efficiency.
Luther Belden Farm, operated by Darryl and Lucinda Williams, boasts a history dating back to 1661. The farm uses modern technology such as a robotic milking system and an anaerobic methane digester for renewable energy production.
Dairy farming plays a vital role in Massachusetts’ agricultural landscape. The state hosts 95 dairy farms contributing over $61 million annually to the economy. These operations preserve significant open space while adopting eco-friendly technologies that conserve resources.
Massachusetts dairy farms produce more than 20 million gallons of milk each year, much of which is used for making various dairy products like cheese, yogurt, butter, and ice cream. This contributes not only to local economic stability but also supports environmental sustainability.
