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

"Dairy Day has become a highly-anticipated event here in Albany, and it's an honor to be part of such a great celebration," Tedisco said. "Our farmers play a vital role in New York's economy and they deserve to be honored on a statewide level."

Agriculture is the state's top industry -- with an estimated 6,400 dairy farms currently in operation, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service. New York also ranks third in the nation when it comes to dairy production. Milk sales alone account for one-half of the total agricultural receipts in New York. In fact, milk sales this past year have brought in $1.4 billion to the state. But milk isn't the only dairy product being churned out. New York also provides the nation with abundant and unique supplies of ice cream, yogurt and butter.

"As a former dairy farmer myself, I know first-hand how important it is to recognize this industry," said Assemblyman Cliff Crouch (R-Guilford) Chair of the Agriculture, Tourism and Outdoor Recreation Minority Task Force and Minority ranker on the Assembly Agriculture Committee. "It's always a pleasure to be part of this celebration. I hope the sampling of foods here today will encourage people to buy locally and support the state's agricultural engine."

Also in attendance at 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; American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc. President Carroll Wade; NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Patrick Hooker; NYS Farm Bureau President John Lincoln; NYS Grange President Bruce Croucher; NYS Dairy Princess Hannah McDermott; and a live calf courtesy of local farmer Jason Graziano.

Vendors featured at today's event included McCadam Cheese, Brown Cow Ice Cream, HP Hood, Heluva Good, Garelick Farms, Byrne Dairy, Friendship Dairies, American Dairy Association, NYS Dairy Foods Inc., Pride of New York, Upstate Niagara Co-Op, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy and Stewarts.