Dairy has been a part of Vermont ever since the early settlers brought cows here to nourish their families and graze the land. The greatest period of growth in Vermont agriculture occurred from 1850 to 1880. By the end of that era there were over 35,000 farms in the state, the most in its history. Cows surpassed sheep by importance by the midcentury and dairy products became the foundation of Vermont’s agriculture. Although dairy farming isn’t what it was 200 years ago or even 50 years ago, the remaining old barns that decorate the landscape are a reminder of dairies importance to Vermont history.