From left to right: Jean Gallagher, Treasurer (Farm Credit East), Joel Riehlman, Chairman (Venture Farms), Steve Palladino, Vice Chairman (Walnut Ridge Dairy), Corinne Banker, Secretary (Blue Hill Farm)
By Eileen Jensen, Executive Director of NYAAC
The New York Animal Agriculture Coalition (NYAAC) is a collaborative group of advocates that builds trust between farmers and their community members. This non-for-profit organization showcases modern agricultural practices in an ever-changing industry by empowering and encouraging farmers to share their agricultural stories. To sustain the future of animal agriculture, NYAAC utilizes its diverse passions to amplify the voices of New York State farmers. With a dynamic staff, farmer directors, and industry professionals, this team effectively networks and builds relationships to raise funds and support for programs that align with the NYAAC mission.
With the mission of enhancing the public’s understanding and appreciation for animal agriculture by fostering a dialogue with consumers, engagement with farmers, and cooperation among members of the industry, NYAAC provides opportunities for farmers to be positive advocates in their communities. NYAAC is the host of the Dairy Cow Birthing Center each year at the NY State Fair, and we’re excited to celebrate 10 years of “uddermiracles” later this summer. The Birthing Center is a chance to showcase the positive aspects of the dairy industry which includes answering questions about animal nutrition, health, and dairy product benefits. The highlight of the experience is witnessing the miracle of life, 36 times throughout the duration of the State Fair. This experience doesn’t happen without farmers and volunteers working together and we look forward to some of you joining us in August.
NYAAC works throughout the year to provide time and resources to farmers to help them share their story. As Dairy Month is upon us, we hope everyone takes this chance to celebrate the agriculture industry with their neighbors and community members. There are numerous ways that we encourage farmers to positively promote agriculture. A few ideas include:
Write a letter to your local decision makers inviting them to your farm.
Donate chocolate milk to local summer recreation programs.
Be present on social media.
Issue a farm newsletter for neighbors to provide farm info and make yourself accessible.
Provide farm t-shirts for employees so that they can show pride in their employment.
Post roadside signs with positive messages.
For assistance to get started on being an advocate for agriculture or to learn more about NYAAC programming, please reach out to Eileen Jensen, Executive Director, at eileen@nyanimalag.org or 315-719-2795.