By Blake Jackson
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets has announced strong progress in its $21.6 million Dairy Modernization Grant Program during Dairy Month. Around 90 percent of the approved projects are either completed or currently underway, showing the program’s positive impact on the dairy sector.
The program, introduced in 2024, supports dairy farms and cooperatives by providing funds to improve infrastructure. These funds help farmers invest in new equipment, expand milk storage, and improve operational efficiency. In Round 1, 103 dairy farms and cooperatives received grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. So far, 30 projects have been completed and 63 are in progress.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, Commissioner of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, said, “New York has a long legacy as a leading dairy state, and the Dairy Modernization Grant Program aims to protect that legacy by giving our hardworking dairy farmers and cooperatives the tools they need to grow, innovate, and lead in a changing market. As we celebrate June is Dairy Month, it’s the perfect time to spotlight the projects that will help deserving farmers continue to provide the very best milk and dairy products while keeping up with operations, even in the event of severe weather or emergency events. I’m proud to see how much progress is already underway and look forward to announcing another round of funding through this critical program soon.”
The projects focus on installing milk tanks, pipelines, and transport systems to improve supply efficiency and avoid milk wastage during emergencies. Additional funding of $8.5 million will be available in Round 2, while nearly $13 million has been approved for Round 3.
Todd Erling, President and CEO of Farm and Food Growth Fund, said, “With the majority of the New York's dairy farms being family-run and generational operations, the impact of this grant program is significantly forward-reaching. Providing the next generation with the technology to be able to safeguard their product and improve efficiencies with expanded storage and milking systems will improve their ability to be competitive and sustainable. Thanks to the inclusion of a Round 3 in the State Budget, we will be able to continue to support this important segment of the state’s agro- economy.”
New York continues to invest in dairy growth with major projects, including the fairlife plant in Webster, Agri-Mark expansion in Chateaugay, and Chobani’s facility in Rome. The state also promotes dairy products through Taste NY Markets.
Sarena Brown, Taste NY Assistant Manager at Mohawk Valley Welcome Center, said, “National Dairy Month to the Mohawk Valley Welcome Center means promoting local dairy farms, such as Dygert Farms Creamery, one of our oldest vendors to date. They are a 300-year-old farm, with over 13 generations. The owner even delivers their product to us, giving a sort of personal feel to their farm and business.”
Amy Slick-Willis, Taste NY Market Manager at Front Street and Southern Tier Welcome Center and Director of Food Systems Projects at CCE Broome County, said, “As Taste NY observes June as Dairy Month, we recognize New York farmers in shaping dairy as one of the States' most important agricultural commodities. Their dedication to producing nutritious products, supporting local jobs, and strengthening rural communities is a testament to the value of agriculture in New York. We celebrate their achievements and thank them for their dedication as we showcase their items in our stores not only this month but every month.”
New York has nearly 3,000 dairy farms producing over 16 billion pounds of milk annually, making it a key contributor to the agricultural economy.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-vm
Categories: New York, Livestock, Dairy Cattle