VEDA helps Manning Dairy invest in its future

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St. Albans Town, Vt. – Dave Manning has spent more than four decades growing Manning Dairy, a family farm that has been part of the St. Albans community for more than a century.

Dave’s great-grandfather started Manning Dairy in 1918 when he bought a farm on the west side of Bushey Road. Dave’s father expanded the family operation in 1971 by purchasing another farm on the east side of the road. After he graduated from Vermont Technical College in 1980, Dave returned to Bushey Road with an eye towards modernization. Since then, he’s used VEDA to invest in the family business he intends to leave to his sons.

Today Manning Dairy has about 600 cows and roughly 1,000 acres of crops. The farm has adapted to the changing demands of modern dairy farming by investing in new equipment, drainage, and precision-agriculture technology.

“Back then you were balancing for maybe some energy and some protein. Now you’re balancing for all different kinds of proteins, starches, amino acids, micronutrients,” Dave says. “It’s so much more complex now.”

Cows feeding in the barn at at Manning Dairy.

Manning Dairy has worked with VEDA and its bank to finance major investments, including a barn expansion and adding workforce housing.

Barn expansion and workforce housing financed by VEDA.

Dave says VEDA Senior Loan Officer Ellen Howrigan has played a valuable role in the farm’s growth and success.

“She’s been very good to work with, and helpful,” Dave says. “Anytime you need something, she helps you out to get what you need.”

When asked what it takes to keep a dairy farm running smoothly, Dave points to great employees, sound management and attention to details, along with quality feed and healthy cows. And, he adds, his fantastic wife Marie who keeps him organized.

Looking back at the farm’s growth, Dave says he is proud of what his family has built.

“It’s just been in the family and all the work I’ve put into it, and my sons are putting into it now over the years,” he says.

At 66, Dave is also looking forward to eventually handing off the farm to his sons, Oliver and Nick.

“I don’t want to farm until I’m dead,” he says with a laugh. “I want a little more time to do other stuff.”

He says a Manning Dairy succession plan is in the works.

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