New York Dairy Industry Grows with Cornell-Led Research Hub

By Blake Jackson

Located 15 miles southeast of Cornell University’s Ithaca campus, the Cornell University Ruminant Center (CURC) operates as a full-scale dairy farm but with a critical difference.

While it resembles many commercial dairy operations in New York, CURC is also a dynamic research facility where nearly every aspect of dairy farming is studied.

Equipped with cameras, sensors, and data-tracking tools, the farm supports studies on animal nutrition, reproduction, manure management, and crop production.

Established in 2013 in Harford, New York, CURC serves as a vital innovation hub helping dairy producers across the state improve sustainability, efficiency, and profitability.

At a June 30 event, Katie Howard, deputy commissioner for the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, praised the center’s impact: “The relationship between the state and Cornell, and with industry, our processors, our producers, and the research that’s being done here – that’s really the envy of the country.”

The event, hosted in part by Hopshire Farm and Brewery, included over 60 stakeholders and featured updates from Cornell researchers and PRO-DAIRY, a CALS program providing research and extension services to dairy farmers since 1988. “It’s really to help illustrate to those who are involved the comprehensive nature of how we support the industry,” said Thomas Overton, PRO-DAIRY director.

New York, ranked fifth in national milk production, is attracting major investments. Chobani plans to build the country’s largest dairy plant in Rome, while fairlife is constructing its first New York facility in Webster.

Tonya Van Slyke of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association noted the role of Cornell and PRO-DAIRY in this growth: “Our relationship allows us to make sure that research is front and center, to make sure we have a scientific approach to continuous improvement.”

With a $4.3 million USDA grant, Professor Julio Giordano launched the Cornell Agricultural Systems Testbed (CAST) at CURC to trial smart technologies for “the farm of the future.” “We’re trying to bring data-driven technologies as close as possible to application,” Giordano said.

Retired farmer Meghan Hauser summed up the need for continued support: “A fully staffed, fully funded, fully equipped PRO-DAIRY team is vital to the future of New York state dairy … it’s our most powerful weapon for long-term success.”

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