By Danielle Penney-Stroop
NEAFA President
It’s time to celebrate because June is National Dairy Month!! What initially started in 1937 as National Milk Month, has evolved to incorporate all of our favorite essential and nutritional dairy products, in addition to wholesome milk.
Besides our love for cows and dairy products, here are some other reasons as to why NEAFA is vested in the success of dairy operations throughout the Northeast. New York’s dairy industry is vital to the state’s economy. It accounts for approximately one-half of its on-farm production, support services, and value-added products. NY’s dairy industry generates approximately $2.7 billion a year, which is nearly half of the State’s total agricultural receipts. Additionally, for every $1 spent by a dairy farming business, the local economy receives approximately $2.18 in wages and related business transactions. For every job created by a milk processing plant, at least two more jobs are supported in related industries or sectors.
Like New York, Vermont’s dairy industry has a critical role and value in rural communities as an economic generator, and it’s instrumental to Vermont’s tourism. Red barns and Holstein cows scattered throughout the state is often considered a key part to Vermont’s current and historical identity.
Thankfully the Northeast State Agriculture commissioners have been proactively collaborating since 2018 to discuss the challenges and opportunities within the dairy industry, as well as how to continue providing consumers with the best dairy products in the world while remaining sustainable throughout all facets of their operations.
Dairy operations continue to face a barrage of challenges that impact the ability of the farm to thrive; unstable milk and feed prices, ingredient and nutrient shortages, supply chain issues (both inbound and outbound), and climate change. Climate change then leads into sustainability initiatives, legislative agendas, and consumer perceptions and demands. These are just some of the highlights and it is overwhelming to say the least.
It is imperative for the dairy industry to tell our story daily. More than that, we need to stop preaching to the choir and we need to focus on reaching more of the non-agricultural population. Dairy and livestock operations especially cannot do this alone, they need additional support. It is time to establish partnerships and advocate on behalf of one another.
Time is often our most valuable commodity, and a lacking resource for most agricultural businesses. I am challenging our industry to step up and think outside our normal playbook and routine. Collectively, we as an industry should be equally vested in our thriving dairy operations. Below are some examples of how we can help.
Table Rock Farms – encourages other producers to open their doors and show what takes place on their farm – transparency and education.
#DiscoverNYDairy - Congratulations to NYAAC with their amazing new initiative and fabulous opportunity for dairy operations to tell and show their story under the guidance of Director Eileen Jensen. There is an emphasis for communicating dairy stories throughout the metropolitan areas of NY. Thank you for your creativity and hard work for establishing such an impactful campaign for NY Dairy industry!
Terry Ives, of Greenview Farms has advocated on behalf of his operation, and with Price Chopper / Market 32’s Fill A Glass with Hope program that is promoting and endorsing the nutritional value of dairy and contributions to local food banks. Thank you Terry and Price Chopper!
Feed manufacturers, agricultural supply stores and operations, crop enterprises, food processors, and transporters need to get creative and find ways to highlight your customers (livestock operations), and collaborate on what they are doing and perhaps your role or partnership involvement with them. This can also serve to highlight your business initiatives and goals / value to the local economy.
All agricultural industry personnel spend time finding the right platforms and media solutions or avenues to highlight your accomplishments, especially green initiatives and sustainability measures. The internet works for us 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and we can capitalize on that.
Regardless of the size and business structure of your dairy operation, we thank you for your resilience, determination, and fortitude during this past year. You should be commended for your tenacity and ingenuity to consistently adapt and overcome. We raise a glass to you, and look forward to continuing to support this phenomenal industry.