Description
The State of Maine seeks a qualified consultant to design, distribute, and analyze a statewide dairy cost‑of‑production survey, then conduct on‑site financial data collection at a minimum of 32 farms and deliver a comprehensive cost‑of‑production report for the 2026 production year. The effort includes questionnaire development, mail‑out distribution, data aggregation, farm‑visit financial verification, short‑run break‑even cost calculations, benchmarking against USDA ARMS data, and provision of written findings and oral testimony to the Maine Milk Commission and legislative committees.
• Design and field a mail survey to capture dairy farm demographics, herd size, production practices, and basic financial information.
• Perform in‑person visits to at least 32 selected farms to obtain detailed financial records and verify data accuracy.
• Compute short‑run break‑even cost‑of‑production figures for four statutory production levels, compare results with USDA ARMS data, and prepare a final report with testimony support for the Maine Milk Commission.