Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today thanked all the people who make New York's dairy industry such an important sector of the state's economy in celebration of Dairy Month in New York State and across the country. As the State's leading agricultural sector, dairy accounts for approximately one-half of the state's total agricultural income. New York is the third leading producer of milk in the country and also the largest producer of yogurt, cream cheese, sour cream and cottage cheese in the nation."New York's dairy industry is thriving thanks largely to the men and women who work so hard to produce the world-class dairy products enjoyed by customers across the nation," Governor Cuomo said. "We will proudly continue to work with our partners in the dairy industry to keep the progress going. This State's dairy farmers and milk processors are the best of the best, and I congratulate them on their achievements these past few years."
New York is the third largest milk-producing state in the nation and accounts for 6.7 percent of national production. In 2013, there were over 5,000 dairy farms in New York and 610,000 dairy cows across the state, with the average dairy farm had 121 cows producing 2.67 million pounds of milk per year. From 2010 to 2013, New York saw a 6.1 percent increase of pounds of milk per cow, compared to a 3.2 percent increase at the national level.
New York is a net supplier of milk to the Northeast region, with 2.8 billion pounds of milk shipped from farms to out of state plants in New England, Pennsylvania and New Jersey in 2013. The state has also experienced a 16.4% increase in dairy-related employment from 2010 to 2013 (16,466 to 19,160 total jobs).
New York State's dairy industry had an economic output of $14.8 billion in 2011, according to a 2014 study published by Professor Todd Schmit of Cornell University. The report also noted that for each extra dollar of dairy industry output, $.42 is generated in additional economic activity.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "I have a huge appreciation for the important role that the dairy industry plays in New York agriculture and local economies throughout the state. My grandparents were dairy farmers and they provided me with the inspiration to become a farmer myself. Today, the dairy industry in New York is thriving, with cows producing more milk than ever and thousands of jobs being created every year. This month, we are proud to celebrate Dairy Month here in the Empire State."
Chair of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association Kerry Adams said, "The Northeast Dairy Producers Association is proud to recognize our family dairy farmers across NY for their commitment to produce a nutritious and wholesome product, MILK, which is used to make delicious dairy products like greek yogurt, cheese, and of course ice cream! We would like to thank Governor Cuomo for his efforts to improve our business climate in NY so that we can encourage our next generation to keep the dairy industry strong in NYS. We are proud to be the third largest dairy state and the nation's leader in yogurt production."
Executive Vice President, Northeast Dairy Foods Association Bruce W. Krupke said, "The month of June is a traditional time when we recognize the many segments of the dairy industry. One key component of the industry is the hundreds of dairy processors, manufacturers and distributors located in the state responsible for getting fresh milk from local farms, then packaging all kinds of products like milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cream cheese to name just a few. From there it is distributed to local supermarkets, schools, restaurants and stores in less than 48 hours. Dairy is a growing big business in New York State helping to add more good jobs for the state. We thank the thousands of dairy farmers in NY State and the region that work hard to supply these plants with quality milk each and every day of the year and consumers who know dairy is an important and nutritious food group."
New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton said, "Dairy farmers across New York deserve a large pat on the back this month for the great things happening on their farms. We have seen great strides in milk production, strong animal and environmental care, and an improved record of workplace safety. All of these things are reflected in increased consumer demand for New York dairy products that are second to none in the world. New York Farm Bureau appreciates the state's recognition of the effort during June Dairy Month."
American Dairy Association and Dairy Council CEO Richard Naczi said, "We're proud to represent the over 5,000 dairy farms in New York state which provide wholesome milk to families in their communities and beyond. Farms of all sizes play an important role in ensuring an abundant supply of fresh nutritious dairy products are available to everyone."
6.4.2014