New York Honors Top Dairy Products at State Fair

By Blake Jackson

New York’s dairy industry was recognized for excellence during the 2026 New York State Dairy Products Competition, where producers and processors from across the state were honored for outstanding quality and craftsmanship. The annual competition highlights some of New York’s best milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, and other dairy products.

Among the top winners, Stewart’s Shops earned the gold award for Best Overall Fluid Milk, while Dygert Farms Creamery received gold in the Chocolate Milk category.

Stoltzfus Family Dairy captured the top honor for Best Flavored Milk. The competition’s highest distinction, Grand Champion, was awarded to East Hill Creamery of Perry, New York, for its Gruyere Style Cheese.

“New York State is home to a community of dairy farmers and processors whose talent and hard work are unmatched, and it shows in the quality of dairy products that they put out. The Dairy Products Competition at the Great New York State Fair gives us an opportunity to shine a light on the quality of our world-class dairy producers, from yogurts and ice cream to artisan cheeses and everything in between," New York State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said.

"I congratulate this year’s winners and encourage consumers here at home and across the globe to sample some of our award-winning state favorites and see for themselves the very best New York has to offer,” Ball added.

The competition featured 187 entries across 26 categories, including fluid milk, specialty cheeses, yogurt, sour cream, cottage cheese, dips, and ice cream. Products were evaluated by expert judges from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and Cornell University.

““New York’s dairy industry is truly second to none. Here at the Fair, we’re proud to be able to celebrate their hard work and talent during the Dairy Day awards ceremony," said New York State Fair Director Julie LaFave.

"With thousands of fairgoers coming through our gates every day, we’re able to introduce these delicious, top-quality products to visitors from all over the state and beyond. I congratulate all of our winners and all our participants this year!”

Winners were recognized during the annual Dairy Day Breakfast and Awards Ceremony at the Great New York State Fair, continuing a long-standing tradition of celebrating New York’s dairy excellence and innovation.

A full list of New York dairy competition winners is available online.

Photo Credit: ny-state-fair