

Farm Consultation
Looking for advice on your micro dairy? Interested in learning about how to improve your soil health? New to rural living and need advice about firewood, small livestock, or how to raise a backyard flock of chickens? Dan offers on farm and email consultation farm mentorship. Having grown up as the fifth generation of his family's dairy farm, Dan has been an active, grass based, small scale dairy farmer for over 40 years.
He has extensive knowledge and experience with:
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cow housing/bedding needs
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cow handling
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selecting individual animals with respect to: health, longevity, purpose, desired traits (dairy, beef, or dual purpose), calving ease, etc.
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heat detection and breeding
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calf rearing and feeding including how to share a cow's milk while she raises her own calf
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basic care including:
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taking animal's temperature
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hoof trimming
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administering vaccines
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dehorning (or not)
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parasite control
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pain management
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trouble shooting health issues, etc.
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also, when to call a veterinarian!
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"In my 17 years of being a cheesemaker, I consider Dan Brooks the utmost expert when it comes to small-scale, regenerative dairy. He has a way to provide tips and advise in a way that isn't so black and white. His wisdom and knowledge of cows and small scale dairy come from his years of experience, so it will usually include a story from his past or something he has been researching. Dan's gentle hand with the cows comes from knowing them so well and working with them all of his life. I will forever be grateful for Dan's guidance and support over the years and believe that anyone who is looking to start a micro dairy or improve their farming systems should have Dan in their corner."
- Kate Turcotte
Creamery Manager, Vonn Trapp Farmstead

Whether you are seeking an over the phone or email consultation or are looking for a long term small farm mentor, Dan has the experience that can help. Call or email for rates or to learn more.
Dan offers private farm consultation as well as farmer mentorship through NOFA Vermont's Journeyman Farm Program.