Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco (R,C,I-Schenectady-Saratoga) and his colleagues today joined with state agriculture representatives and members of New York's dairy industry at the annual Dairy Day reception in Albany. Assembly Minority members have traditionally held the event in recognition of June as National Dairy Month.

Agriculture is the state's top industry. With an estimated 6,700 dairy farms, New York is third in the nation in dairy production. Milk sales account for one-half of total agricultural receipts in New York. In fact, in 2004, milk sales here totaled over $1.56 billion. New York is also a major producer of ice cream, yogurt and butter.

"Dairy Day is a time-honored tradition here in Albany, and I am proud to host this year's ceremony," Tedisco said. "It is important that we set aside this time each year to recognize the importance of the dairy industry in New York State, and to thank our local farmers for the bounty they provide."

"As a former dairy farmer, I know first-hand the significance of this fine industry," said Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R-Guilford) Chair of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Task Force, and Minority ranker on the Assembly Agriculture Committee. "I am always pleased to take part in this wonderful celebration. I encourage everyone to support our family farmers by buying local agricultural products to ensure that New York's number one industry remains productive and profitable."

Also participating in the reception were Senator Cathy Young (R,C-Olean), Chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Assemblyman William Magee (D,I-Madison, Oneida, Otsego), Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, a newborn calf, dairy princesses from across the state, and representatives of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYS Dairy Foods, NY Farm Bureau and NYS Grange.

"This is a great day for the dairy industry in New York State," said Assemblyman Roy McDonald (R,C,I-Wilton), Vice-chair of the Agriculture and Rural Communities Task Force. "We have provided them an opportunity to showcase their wares, meet with other industry members and discuss ideas and issues of concern with their local lawmakers. I am happy to welcome this year's participants to this fine event."

Vendors featured at today's event included McCadam Cheese, Friendship Dairies, Kraft Foods, Heluva Good, Garelick Farms, American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, NYS Dairy Foods, Inc., Hood, Crowley, Upstate Farms, F. Cappiello Dairy Products, and Stewarts.