Northeast Grazing Dairy: Growing Graziers Cohort

Growing Graziers Cohort

Growing Graziers

Get ready to learn, connect, and grow! This 9-month, hybrid educational opportunity is for aspiring dairy farmers interested in managed grazing in the Northeast. It offers a supportive cohort model for learning and growing your network in the dairy community.

Growing Graziers is part of the national Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA), a registered U.S. Department of Labor program, and facilitated by Wolfe’s Neck Center, Pasa Sustainable Agriculture, UVM Center for Sustainable Agriculture, and Cornell Extension. For those already enrolled in the DGA apprenticeship program, this initiative can help to fulfill the related instruction requirement. For others not currently enrolled or for whom the registered apprenticeship isn’t the right fit, it offers an opportunity for connection and future career pathways within the dairy industry.

Read about the program below, check out our Frequently Asked Questions, and look at the Info Sheet!

 

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2025/2026 cohort. Check back in Summer 2026 for the next application.

Who Should Apply to the Program?

  • Individuals interested in pursuing a career in dairy farming, managed grazing, or dairy entrepreneurship. 
  • Current DGA interns, apprentices, or Journey Graziers who are interested in learning more about the program. 
  • Must be located in the Northeast: (All applicants must be resident in these Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont.)
  • Experience in the dairy industry is strongly encouraged, but not required.

What Will I Gain from This Experience?

  • Be a part of a cohort of peers interested in dairy farming, managed grazing, small-scale farming, and entrepreneurship. 
  • Participate in hands-on training and virtual education sessions on topics in Northeast grazing and dairy farming.
  • Mentorship and connections in the regional dairy industry. 
  • Estimated 75 hours of related instruction education. 
  • Reimbursement for a Spring 2026 MGIC (Managed Grazing Innovation Center) course valued at $250
  • Free attendance at regional grazing conferences and more. 
  • Certifications and training that support new career pathways
  • $250 stipend for work clothes and PPE.

What Topics Will We Explore?

  • Topics around understanding the unique landscape of dairy farming in the Northeast, from markets, grazing principles, resources, and 
  • Tractor safety, animal handling skills, chemical safety, and other training related to farm safety. 
  • Leadership training and self-management skills to support individuals seeking farm management or farm ownership opportunities.
  • Farm business planning and financials, including how to write a business plan and best practices when getting a farm loan. 
  • Stories and first-hand accounts from first-generation dairy farmers and entrepreneurs.
  • Explore different market strategies, from pursuing a contract to making your own value-added product.

Schedule

  • October 15th: Applications due (decisions to be made on a rolling basis) 
  • November 2025 to August 2026: Program Duration
  • Early November: In-person gatherings in Freeport, ME (Northern Cohort) and Clear Spring, MD (Southern Cohort)
  • Monthly: virtual meetings with DGA Mentor Farmers and other experts
  • January 30th-31st: Northeast Grazing Conference (Northern Cohort)
  • February 5th-6th: Pasa Sustainable Agriculture Conference (Southern Cohort)

FAQs

What is the DGA registered apprencticeship?

The Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship (DGA) is a 2-year employment and training program that prepares individuals for careers in dairy farming.The first registered Apprenticeship for farming in the nation, DGA is 4,000-hour program that combines 3,700 hours of full time on-farm employment and mentorship under an experienced Mentor Dairy Grazier with 300 hours of related instruction, including custom courses delivered through its online school, Managed Grazing Innovation Center (MGIC).

What if I can’t do the registered apprenticeship, but would still like to participate in the cohort?

We encourage everyone to apply, even if they aren’t able to do the 2-year registered apprenticeship. The goal of this cohort is to bring people together who want to dive-deep in dairy grazing and we understand that not everyone will be able to participate in the two year registered apprenticeship.

Do I need to have any dairy experience?

We strongly encourage applicants to have some experience in dairy farming. Being a dairy farmer takes a blend of resilience, skill, and deep commitment to both animals and the land. It’s early mornings and long days, managing the delicate balance of herd health, milk production, and environmental stewardship. Success requires knowledge of animal nutrition, breeding, and veterinary care, alongside business acumen to navigate fluctuating markets and rising costs. It’s physically demanding work, but also deeply rewarding—rooted in the daily rhythm of caring for cows, working in tune with the seasons, and producing a product that nourishes the community.

When is the deadline for application?

Check back in Spring 2026 for information about 2026/2027 cohort applications.

Does it cost anything?

No, it doesn’t cost anything to participate in the program.

Do I need to travel?

Some travel is required for the program, but DGA Education Coordinators will assist with carpooling arrangements for various events. All expenses will be covered once participants arrive at the workshop, training, or conference.

Where do I need to live?

In order to participate in the cohort, you must live or plan to live in one of the 11 northeast states (Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont).

Do you offer job placement assistance?

If you’re not yet enrolled in the DGA program but are interested in joining, we can assist you in finding a Mentor Farmer and facilitate job placement. While Mentor Farms are ultimately responsible for hiring decisions, we are here to support you throughout the process.

Info and Resources

Application/Interest Form (COMING SPRING 2026)

Onepager Info Sheet (PDF format)

About DGA-National

About DGA at Wolfe’s Neck Center

 

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