Living upstate, I’m sure that many of us know a dairy farmer or even have one in the family. With agriculture as our state’s top industry, and its largest sector being comprised of dairy farming, it is inconceivable to think what Upstate New York would be like without dairy farmers.
Milk is New York’s leading agricultural product and has been for many years. In fact, milk has been the official state beverage for over 25 years. Milk sales account for one-half of total agriculture receipts in the state. According to the New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets, production in 2005 was 11.7 billion pounds with a value of $1.91 billion, making New York the nation’s third leading producer.
We all know that dairy farmers are some of the hardest working people in our state, but the last few years have been very difficult for them. In 2006 alone, an estimated 460 dairy farms were forced to shut down. To ease some of the pain, last year I sponsored the bill that created the Dairy Assistance Program, which called for $30 million in a one-time direct payment to offset the low price of milk being paid to our dairy farmers.
Now, milk prices are on the rise and our farmers are being forced to face new challenges with the sagging economy. Representing a majority of the farmers in upstate New York, my Conference and I will continue to be a voice for the entire agricultural industry and ensure that it remains the backbone of our economy.
For more than a decade, my Assembly colleagues and I have celebrated dairy farming by hosting Dairy Day in Albany. This year, June 18 will be the day that hundreds of people converge on the Legislative Office Building to help us highlight some of the state’s dairy farmers and others in the dairy industry. The event also features Dairy Princesses from around the state, as well as a live calf.
On display will be a variety of milk, yogurt, cheese and everyone’s favorite: ice cream. As always, vendors from all over upstate New York are scheduled to participate and showcase their fresh products at our event. Past participants include The American Dairy Association, Brown Cow Ice Cream, Byrne Dairy, Friendship Dairies, Garelick Farms, Heluva Good, H.P. Hood, McCadam Cheese, New York State Dairy Foods, Pride of New York, Ronnybrook Farms Dairy, Stewart’s Shops and Upstate Farms.
Let’s show our support for local dairy farmers this month by picking up a fresh gallon of milk. While enjoying a “milk mustache,” we can all be thankful that we live in one of the best dairy producing states in the nation.