New York Dairy

10/14/2024

For over 20 years, the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) has been a trusted source in animal ag, connecting farmers and consumers with knowledge and compassion. 🐄✨

From the Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the NY State Fair to the new Mobile Dairy Experience, they’re bringing the beauty of dairy farming to life for everyone to see. 🌱

Through live cow births and hands-on education, NYAAC is closing the gap between urban consumers and rural farmers, while promoting the care, dedication, and ethics in modern farming. 🚜👏

10/11/2024

09/23/2024

In the heart of the Finger Lakes, Cayuga Milk Ingredients is setting a high bar for New York's dairy industry. What started in 1987 as a modest buying group has grown into a cooperative of farms dedicated to quality, transparency, and sustainability. 🌍

Every farmer and employee is committed to doing better every day, not just for themselves but for the entire community. From supporting local FFA chapters to reducing their environmental footprint, their efforts go beyond the farm. 🐄

Their processing plant in Auburn, which currently employs over 100 people at the plant and over 1,200 people throughout their farming community, is currently expanding with the build of a new consumer goods facility in 2025, showcasing their ongoing growth and impact on the local economy.

With a focus on animal health and production efficiency, Cayuga Milk Ingredients leads globally in sustainable dairy practices. They process 1.7 billion pounds of milk annually, with 70% of it sourced within just 25 miles of the facility, ensuring freshness and minimizing environmental impact. 🌱

Cayuga Milk Ingredients is more than just a dairy cooperative—it's a story of community, innovation, and a relentless drive for excellence. 🥛🚜

09/09/2024

Welcome to "I am New York Dairy," a behind-the-scenes showcase of many remarkable individuals and their essential roles across New York's thriving dairy industry. Today, we're excited to give you an inside look at the esteemed Summer Dairy Institute at Cornell University, where the next generation of exceptional veterinary talent is cultivated.

The Summer Dairy Institute, an exclusive 6-week program, is meticulously designed for students entering their final year of veterinary school or recent graduates. Its mission is to equip a select group of participants with the cutting-edge knowledge and skills needed to excel in today's dynamic and ever-evolving dairy landscape while fostering a supportive network of passionate peers.

Each year, 20-25 outstanding individuals are selected through a highly competitive application process to join this immersive program—fondly dubbed "dairy summer camp" by its participants. Here, they gain hands-on experience with dairy production systems, work directly with cows, and go on field trips to real dairy farms, ensuring a comprehensive and practical understanding of the industry.

The program, which features insights from 30-40 leading industry experts, covers every facet of dairy production, from farm to table. These experts generously share their knowledge, answer questions, and offer invaluable guidance, inspiring the next generation of dairy professionals.

This commitment to advancing the dairy industry and shaping its future leaders is what makes New York's dairy community truly exceptional.

08/19/2024

Welcome to Venture Farms, a family-run dairy operation in central New York.

While their production of over 35 million pounds of Grade A raw milk each year is impressive, the real story lies in the dedicated team that drives this success, forming the heart of their farm.

Meet Joel Riehlman, whose passion for farm operations keeps everything running smoothly. Then there's Zoie Skinner, who has cared for cows since she was ten, and Felix, who started without experience and has faithfully learned the ropes through hard work and teamwork.

With a crew of 14 full-time and 2-3 part-time staff, Venture Farms operates like a finely tuned machine, ensuring the well-being of 1,250 mature animals and 740 young stock.

Venture Farms warmly invites you to discover the journey of milk production firsthand. They are eager to share their knowledge and passion with visitors, thanks to the support of New York State, which allows them to thrive. They prioritize the health of their cows and the well-being of their team members, who are committed to supporting themselves and their families.

What truly sets Venture Farms apart is the diverse and devoted individuals who work together every day, creating a welcoming and inclusive community. This spirit of collaboration makes them a true representation of New York Dairy. 🐄🥛

08/17/2024

We aren't free August 21st-September 2nd because we will be witnessing the "udder miracle" of calf birth at the Dairy Cow Birthing Center!

Hosted by the NY Animal Agriculture Coalition at The Great New York State Fair, this week-long event offers engaging activities, educational experiences, and live calf births. 🐄

Mark your calendars and see you there!

08/01/2024

🐄 From August 21 to September 2, you can witness the 'udder miracle' of calf birth.

This educational exhibit, presented by the NY Animal Agriculture Coalition () with the support of sponsors and volunteers, offers a unique opportunity to see calf births and engage with farmers and experts from the New York dairy industry.

🐮 Don't miss it—see you there!

(If you can't make it, experience the miracles at home by texting MOO to 877-899-4498 to get real-time updates on all the happenings (especially calf births!).

06/24/2024

🍦 Located in the Hudson Valley, Zoe's Ice Cream Barn is more than just a place for homemade ice cream; it's a community gem!

Owned and operated by Katie Hynes, Zoe's Ice Cream Barn represents the perfect fusion of culinary passion and a commitment to supporting local farmers. Katie's upbringing on a small farm in Poughquag and her prestigious degrees from the Culinary Institute of America inspired her vision for Zoe's Ice Cream Barn.

Since its opening in 2016, Zoe's Ice Cream Barn has become a beloved gathering spot for the community. Katie's mission is to create a place where people of all ages can indulge in high-quality homemade ice cream while learning about local dairy farming. 🐄

By sourcing products from Hudson Valley Fresh Dairy and other local suppliers, Zoe's Ice Cream Barn not only supports the local economy but also ensures that every scoop of ice cream is fresh and bursting with flavor.

Katie's dedication to her craft and her community is evident in every detail of Zoe's Ice Cream Barn. From the careful process of making small-batch ice cream to the inviting and warm atmosphere of the barn, visitors enjoy an experience that transcends satisfying their sweet tooth!

06/17/2024

Meet Millbrook Beef & Dairy, a Dutchess County family farm run by Keegan and Brian Donavan!

Together, they’ve expanded their farm into a diverse operation offering dairy, beef, pork, and more. Their farm store, featuring local businesses, provides convenient shopping for their community. And everything in their store is sourced from within 15 miles, supporting local businesses and strengthening the local economy!

Keegan and Brian find the greatest reward in knowing their products positively impact their customers. Plus, working around cute cows every day is a bonus! They hope their story inspires others to pursue a career in the dairy industry.

Their joint passion for their farming and desire to provide New York with the best quality products truly encompasses New York Dairy.

06/10/2024

Meet Summer Kiernan, a sales and quality control team member for Hudson Valley Fresh.

Summer's journey with Hudson Valley Fresh began at Walt’s Dairy, a community cornerstone since 1927. Growing up amidst the rhythms of farm life, her passion for agriculture blossomed early on.

At Hudson Valley Fresh, Summer's commitment shines through. Her expertise in sales and quality control ensures that every drop of milk meets the highest standards.

But Summer’s impact goes beyond quality control – she's a passionate advocate for the future of agriculture. Through tastings, school visits with calves, and community engagement, she creates a deep connection between consumers and the farms.

Summer’s dedication to sustainable agriculture and community makes her a true embodiment of the spirit of New York Dairy.

06/03/2024

Meet Kenny Ramos, a driver for Hudson Valley Fresh and a true embodiment of the modern-day milkman.

Originally from the bustling streets of the Bronx, Kenny moved to the Hudson Valley at age nine and spent his childhood enjoying its peaceful charm. Since then, he's planted roots there and built a career in distribution, where he now works closely with local agriculture and the community that raised him.

For Kenny, his role as a milk delivery driver transcends the boundaries of a typical job. It's provided a sense of belonging in a community where everyone, from the dairy farmers to the delivery drivers, shares a common purpose and joy in what they do. It's a crossroad of passion where his physical well-being is a priority and equally a pivotal aspect of performing his job to the best of his ability.

As he passionately puts it, "This is a job that is rewarding. Some people don't like to go to the gym after work. This feels like you're going to the gym, and you're also getting paid to be here."

05/16/2024

🌟 Calling all aspiring veterinarians!

Ready to take the first step toward your dream career? Applications are OPEN for NY Animal Agriculture Coalition's Aspiring Veterinarian Program! 🎉

Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to shadow experienced veterinarians at the Dairy Cow Birthing Center in Syracuse, NY!

Gain valuable insight, ask questions, and discover what it takes to care for our furry friends 🐄

Apply TODAY and start on your journey to becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine! 🌟 Application link in our bio.

02/01/2024

Willow Bend Farm is a dairy farm located in the heart of Finger Lakes, New York. Family owned and operated since 1960, it has grown from 80 cows to a large operation with three farms — Willow Bend Farm, Spring Hope Dairy, and Donna Terra Farm — and 4,800 dairy cows and 9,000 acres of cropland. 🙌

Learn more about Willow Bend Dairy and its history in our latest blog post! ➡️ www.newyorkdairy.co/content/willow-bend-farm

01/12/2024

New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) announces its applications are open for two NYAAC $750 Advocacy Scholarships. These scholarships are here to support the next generation of agricultural advocates! Learn more about the details below. ⬇️

🔗 Link to the application: https://forms.gle/RVgsjjRVzUWahJVp6

10/04/2023

Do you ever wonder where the milk you drink comes from? To answer that question, we need to go back in time... a long time. It all began over 400 years ago when the Hudson River Valley, named after the famous explorer Henry Hudson, became a haven for grazing cows. Here, they flourished, bringing about the most delicious milk and cheese the world has ever tasted.

Fast forward to the early 1800s, we see dairy farming expanding into Mohawk Valley, Central New York, and the Finger Lakes. As the community grew, so did the pride in their work, leading to the formation of the New York State Agricultural Society in 1851. This testament to friendship and unity led to great farms and even greater dairy results.

Dairy farming quickly became one of New York's leading agricultural activities, which prompted the establishment of the College of Agriculture at Cornell University in 1905, a source of brilliant minds striving to advance dairy farming through continuous research and education.

New York State is proud to be one of the country's top five largest dairy industries, where thousands of family-owned, multi-generational dairy farms thrive. We've even earned the title of the Empire of Cottage Cheese, standing first in the nation in its production, as well as Yogurt and Sour Cream. But beyond our delicious products, New York dairy farmers take immense pride in maintaining the highest quality and safety standards for our milk and cows.

Every glass of our milk is a result of rigorous quality checks, hygienic milking procedures, and strict adherence to safety regulations.

We believe in feeding our cows a balanced diet with local forage, grains and roughage, and plenty of fresh water. We even collaborate with dairy cattle nutritionists to design perfect meal plans tailored for them. Because, after all, a healthy cow is a productive cow!

So the next time you taste our New York Dairy products, we hope you remember where it all started. Our passion for quality, safety, and love for our cows is the foundation of every product and shines through every sip or bite. So it's about time we became famous, don't you think?

08/30/2023

This is Dale, one of the beloved volunteers who has helped offer this one-of-a-kind opportunity for fairgoers to meet and greet with farmers and agriculture industry professionals to learn about the importance of dairy farming and witness many during the timespan of the exhibition.

For nearly seven years, Dale has helped haul gates, set up and break down the exhibit, and has been one of the host farmers bringing their cows to the birthing center for years.

When asked about what he loves about the Dairy Cow Birthing Center, Dale explains, "I love seeing people walk in somewhat negative and unsure about the cows and large farms. Then, after talking to volunteers and seeing the real animals that are mammals just like us humans, they appreciate and understand where their dairy products come from."

See a farmer, thank a farmer. We see you, Dale! 🥛🙌

08/29/2023

Their are many moving parts to the Birthing Center each year to ensure that it is operated smoothly and safely. Thanks to the many volunteers that offer their hard work each year, the Dairy Cow Birthing Center continues to be a big success.

From the farmers that come to offer their knowledge to veterinarians that volunteer their time to assist in safe deliveries, it wouldn’t be possible without them.

08/24/2023

The New York State Fair Dairy Cow Birthing Center is a place that allows individuals and families to witness the miracle of life. Not only that, but the Birthing Center exhibit is an opportunity to meet farmers and agriculture industry professionals.

For 10 years, NY Animal Agriculture Coalition has been organizing this one-of-a-kind experience with dairy farms from all across New York. The Birthing Center exhibit starts on August 23rd and ends on September 4th; we hope to see you there!

Watch the live stream here: www.youtube.com//streams

08/19/2023

This is Pine Hollow Dairy, one of the Host Farms for the 2023 Dairy Cow Birthing Center held at the New York State Fair.

Come visit the New York Animal Ag Coalition tent for an opportunity to experience an ! The farmers and agriculture professionals are excited to talk and answer any questions! See you there! 🐄

08/16/2023

Have you met the dynamic duo behind the Dairy Cow Birthing Center exhibit at the New York State Fair? Say hello 👋 to the unstoppable New York Animal Agriculture Coalition Executive Director, Eileen Jensen, and Hannah Johnson, the New York Animal Ag Coalition's passionate Communications Manager.

Eileen and Hannah have masterminded the Dairy Cow Birth Center, which offers fairgoers the firsthand experience of meeting and interacting with New York dairy farmers, witnessing in the live birth of many calves throughout the exhibition, and offering programming that allows the community to connect with the dairy industry in a one-of-a-kind interaction.

Let's give credit where it's due—so much hard work goes into making the Birthing Center successful each year—and thanks to Eileen and Hannah, THIS TENTH YEAR will be one for the books!

06/30/2023

| farms (pronounced CREAM-hild), is owned and operated by Bruce and Nancy Rivington. With hopes to increase the amount their cows could graze, the Rivington family moved from Canada to New York. In 2000, the Rivingtons purchased Red Gate Farm, which is right down the road from the creamery. 10 years later, Kriemhild Dairy was created!

🐄 Kriemhild Dairy is a small, farmer-owned, agribusiness specializing in organic, high quality full-fat, and cultured dairy foods with milk sourced from grass-based herds in Central New York.

🧀 Kriemhild Dairy offers their community numerous ways to purchase their fresh products. Check out their online store for some homemade butter! If you're a local, stop by the Pleasantville Indoor Farmers Market or the Hamilton Farmers Market!

Show your support and give them a follow → https://www.facebook.com/KriemhildDairy