Dairy Markets Expand

Dairy Markets Expand

Fields

Starting in the late 1800s, dairy emerged as the state’s primary agricultural product causing a resurgence of Vermont's forests. Over the course of the 20th century, the train car gave way to the milk truck, and urban markets for Vermont milk grew. With the expansion of the railways and refrigerated train cars in the early 1900s, Vermont became a major supplier of fluid milk to Boston and New York markets. In order to keep up with the increased demand, Vermont farmers began installing bulk tanks in the milking parlor in the 1950s. Facing pressure from their creameries to invest in the costly machine, some small farmers simply went out of business.

UVM Special Collections, Agricultural Extension Collection

Photograph