Specifications include, but are not limited to: One or more technical assistance providers that can provide grazing transition, home-grown forage enhancement, and/or alternative farm management cohort technical assistance. The NE-DBIC seeks multiple contractors across the Northeast region to offer cohort-based technical assistance for dairy farmers considering transitioning their farm to a grass-based production model, enhancing home-grown forage production, or utilizing alternative management strategies. Each cohort will consist of at least 5 dairy farms and will be available for enrollment to farms based in one or more states within New England, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. Contractor expectations are as follows: • Identification and development of cohort group: May 2022 – June 2022 o Market opportunity to farmers through engagement with producer associations, state extension offices, business viability organizations, and other organizations as appropriate o Develop, release, and receive applications to participate in the cohort group. o Invite applicants to participate based on the strength of application, level of commitment to altering farm management practices, and physical location of farm to ensure cohort cohesion and reasonable travel distance for farmers and service provider to ensure best use of time and funds. • Host on-farm cohort learning opportunities: July 2022 – January 2024 o Develop and host on-farm cohort trainings, with at least six (6) occurring in total, with no fewer than two (2) occurring in 2022 and no fewer than three (3) in 2023. ▪ Trainings should include visits to member farms and to other successful operations. ▪ Training topics to include forage management strategies, water systems, animal movement, and other topics as meets the needs and interest of the cohort. • Provide one-on-one technical assistance to cohort members: July 2022 – January 2023 o Meet individually with cohort members on their farm no fewer than five times. o Be available for phone and email assistance as needed during contract period.
