New York

Standing Up for Whole Milk by Sharing the Whole Story

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:12:24 GMT

Every now and then, amidst the never-ending lists of tasks and chores, you hear something that reminds you why you do it. Often finding herself surrounded by kindergarteners, Magdalene Gerst frequently hears comments like, “Oh, this is the dark brown chocolate milk. This is the really good stuff!”

It’s a cute quote, and it was fun to hear. It may have even been one of those “why we do it” moments, but it’s also part of a story that proves something has to change.

Gerst is a seventh-generation farmer from Richmond Farms Dairy, a 200-cow dairy in North Collins, New York. As a past dairy princess and mom of three, she has a knack for connecting with young kids about what she does and where their milk comes from.

During her visits to schools, Gerst has noticed an unfortunate trend. “Kids won’t even touch the one percent,” she says. “They can only get non-fat for lunch, and if a five-year-old can notice, it really says something.” At home, many kids are drinking two percent or whole milk. And when the milk at school tastes different, the kids don’t drink it, and they miss out on the nutrients dairy provides.

(Magdalene Gerst)

Seeing this part of the story play out time and again has given Gerst the motivation and message she needs to speak with the legislators who can help make a change. “We had our congressman out to the farm when he first got elected,” she recalls. “We talked to him about things that are important to us and just let him see what’s going on.”

More recently, Gerst traveled with the National Young Cooperators to Washington, DC. “We talked to our representatives about the key things, one being ‘Whole Milk for Healthy Kids,’” Gerst says. “That was an easy thing to talk about from being in the schools.”

(Magdalene Gerst)

From those experiences, Gerst has learned what works – and what doesn’t. “In the past, we’ve written letters,” she says. “I’m sure they get them but there’s no follow-through. But when we physically made an appointment and we’re sitting in their office, follow that up with a thank-you card and they’re gonna remember that connection.”

Since hosting the congressman on the farm, communication has opened up both ways. “You’ve got to set up that first connection. I like to keep the door open so they’re welcome to visit anytime,” Gerst says. “I’ll show them around and answer any of their questions.”

Gerst wears many hats on the farm, and she pulls from all of her experiences to make sure she has a good story to share with anyone she meets. On any given day, she could be managing embryo transfers, payroll, or working with the vet – and all with a toddler in tow.

(Magdalene Gerst)

For both legislators and kindergarteners, she says those real-life stories are key: “Letting them know what the day-to-day looks like, and letting them feel included,” she says. “Especially for the kids, they want to see pictures, or they want something physical they can touch. So I take a calf into the school. I take feed and let them make a trail mix – as we call it – but then teach them what that is.”

Several months after her visits to her kids’ schools, Gerst is still hearing those reaffirming comments like, “Did you bring chocolate milk today?” or “Are you gonna bring a calf again?”

Gerst feels strongly about bridging those gaps right from the beginning, instead of trying to correct misinformation. She loves seeing their faces light up and knowing she’s showing them something they will remember and share at home. “I love kids, so that makes it even more fun. We have a great story to tell, and if we don’t tell it, someone else is going to make up their own story to tell on us.”

BelGioioso to Invest $23 Million in New York Facilities

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 17:53:51 GMT

BelGioioso Cheese, a Wisconsin-based cheese maker, recently announced its plans to invest more than $23 million to upgrade and expand its facilities in Glenville and Campbell, N.Y. According to the company, this expansion will add at least 30 jobs and increase the company’s use of New York-sourced milk by about 100 million lb. each year.

“This decision by BelGioioso to further expand its operations upstate marks yet another chapter in New York’s agricultural success story,” says Governor Kathy Hochul, noting the role dairy farms play in the state’s economy. “New York’s dairy industry serves as a crucial economic engine for our state, and we are grateful to this successful company for its continued commitment to these communities, and to area dairy farmers, who always work hard to help position our state as one of the nation’s top dairy producers.”

BelGioioso, founded in 1979, currently operates 11 plants and produces more than 30 types of Italian cheeses for both retail and food service markets. The company has steadily grown its presence in New York over the past decade, supported by increasing consumer demand for specialty and fresh mozzarella products. Its New York facilities play a key role in that growth, serving as major hubs for production and distribution across the northeast.

The Glenville site has seen continued development in recent years, including a 96,000-sq.-ft. plant completed in 2020 and a distribution center added in 2022. The latest investment will build on that footprint by expanding processing capacity and updating equipment to support new production needs.

In Campbell, the company is updating the former Polly-O plant, which was built in 1938 and acquired by BelGioioso in 2021. The work includes infrastructure improvements, modernizing aging systems and adding new product lines to support future growth. Upgrades at both locations are underway and expected to be finished by late 2027.

New York State agriculture commissioner Richard A. Ball says the expansion will have a direct benefit for dairy farmers supplying the facilities.

“We’re thrilled that BelGioioso has decided to expand their roots here in New York State, growing their operations both in the Mohawk Valley and in the Southern Tier,” Ball says. “This is great news for New York’s dairy farmers, who will be supplying milk to this state-of-the-art processing facility.”

New York has seen several large dairy-sector investments in recent years, including major projects from fairlife, Agri-Mark, and Chobani. Nearly 300 dairy processing plants operate across the state, supported by roughly 3,000 dairy farms that produce more than 16 billion pounds of milk annually.

Hochul has prioritized dairy infrastructure and farm-level modernization in recent budgets, including $34 million over two years for on-farm storage and efficiency upgrades and nearly $82 million for environmental stewardship programs. In June, the state awarded $21.6 million to 103 farms for equipment and infrastructure improvements, with another funding round set for fiscal year 2026.

New York is the nation’s fifth-largest dairy state. Dairy remains the state’s largest agricultural sector, accounting for nearly half of all agricultural receipts.

Lactalis USA to Invest $75M in New York Dairy Plants

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 17:33:46 GMT

Lactalis USA has announced it will invest more than $75 million to modernize and expand its dairy processing facilities in Walton and Buffalo, N.Y. Governor Kathy Hochul announced the investment as a major win for New York’s dairy industry, the state’s largest agricultural sector.

“By investing in the Lactalis USA facilities and assisting with improvements, New York is retaining hundreds of jobs and adding new jobs, as well as helping to support the region’s dairy farmers,” Hochul says.

Two Projects, One Commitment to Growth
In Walton, Lactalis is investing $15 million to automate and expand cottage cheese and sour cream production lines. The upgrades will boost output by 30% and create more than 20 new jobs. The plant, which produces Breakstone’s products, will also receive infrastructure updates including new fillers, HEPA air filtration systems, upgraded boilers, roofing and lab equipment.

Lactalis USA CEO Esteve Torrens notes that the Walton site plays a critical role in the company’s future.

“This site continues a rich tradition since 1882 of producing Breakstone’s Sour Cream and is essential to strengthening our cottage cheese business in a rapidly growing category,” he says. “We are committed to supporting the communities of Buffalo and Walton as we continue to grow in those markets, and we thank Gov. Hochul and ESD for their support.”

In Buffalo, a $60 million expansion at the South Park Avenue plant includes six 50,000-lb. vats, a new cheese belt system, separators, silos and a robotic palletizer. The facility, which produces Galbani ricotta, mozzarella and provolone, will also increase ricotta output and boosts mozzarella and provolone production by 37 million pounds annually. New energy-efficient technology and remodeled spaces, including a relocated cheese lab, support operations and innovation.

With this project, Lactalis will have invested about $123 million in its Buffalo operations from 2020 through 2027.

Economic Impact Reaches Beyond the Plants
The Walton and Buffalo facilities process more than 800 million pounds of raw milk each year from 236 local dairy farms, helping sustain the region’s agricultural economy.

“The direct impact of Lactalis remaining and growing in Walton and Buffalo is hundreds of cheese manufacturing jobs,” says Hope Knight, Empire State Development president, CEO and commissioner. “But indirectly, the plants also support area dairy farmers by purchasing more than $180 million worth of milk each year.”

To support the expansions, Empire State Development will provide $1.3 million in performance-based Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits, $750,000 for Walton and $550,000 for Buffalo.

State and Local Leaders Applaud the Expansion
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball calls the investment a “win-win,” noting that it creates and retains jobs while strengthening the state’s dairy sector.

“This expansion is great news for the dairy farmers that supply fresh, local milk for the Lactalis cheese manufacturing facilities,” Ball says.

Local leaders echo that sentiment:

Senator Peter Oberacker: “Generational family-owned farms in the 51^st District set the gold standard for dairy excellence nationally, and this investment is a powerful testament to that legacy.”
Assemblymember Patrick Burke: “Lactalis’ expansion secures good-paying jobs, supports local farmers and boosts key sectors of our statewide economy. It’s a big win for South Buffalo.”
Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz: “This investment is great news for the Lactalis plant, its workers and all the ancillary workers in the local dairy field who benefit from this expansion.”
Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon: “This $60 million expansion strengthens the connection between our local economy and family-owned dairy farms across the region.”

New York’s Dairy Industry Means Business
New York ranks fifth in the U.S. for milk production and first for yogurt and cottage cheese. With nearly 3,000 dairy farms and 630,000 cows producing over 16 billion pounds of milk annually, dairy remains a key driver of the state’s economy, accounting for nearly half of its total agricultural receipts.

“From Walton to Buffalo, this expansion is creating opportunities, preserving livelihoods and ensuring that New York remains at the forefront of dairy innovation,” says Senator April Baskin. “It’s proof that when we invest in our communities and our industries, we’re building a stronger, more sustainable future for everyone.”

The Sweetest States: Where America Loves Ice Cream Most

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:11:16 GMT

July is National Ice Cream Month, and Americans are indulging like never before. But which states truly have the biggest sweet tooth? Recent research from SpinBlitz analyzed Google Maps listings nationwide to rank states by ice cream shop density, specifically the number of ice cream shops per 100,000 residents. Here are the top states who take their frozen dairy treats most seriously.

Top 10 Ice Cream-Loving States

1. Vermont (18.51 shops per 100K residents) Vermont tops the list with the highest number of ice cream shops per capita, and it’s not just thanks to Ben & Jerry’s. The state has a strong dairy foundation and a deep appreciation for small-batch, locally made ice cream. Whether in rural towns or tourist-friendly spots, ice cream shops are a visible part of Vermont’s food culture.

2. West Virginia (18.08) West Virginia ranks second in ice cream shop density thanks to a strong presence of locally owned parlors, custard stands and small-town scoop shops. It might not be a headline-grabbing food destination, but the state has a steady, long-standing appreciation for traditional favorites like banana splits, hand-dipped cones and floats.

3. Rhode Island (17.84) Rhode Island earns bronze in the nation for ice cream shop density. Known for regional favorites like frozen lemonade and coffee milkshakes, the state also supports a strong network of ice cream parlors across its coastal towns and neighborhoods. From tourist areas to local main streets, frozen treats are easy to find.

4. Pennsylvania (17.58) Pennsylvania ranks fourth with a diverse ice cream scene that reflects its mix of communities. From family-run creameries in rural areas to innovative shops in urban centers, the state offers a wide range of frozen dessert options.

5. Wisconsin (16.44) Known far and wide for its cheese, Wisconsin also delivers big on ice cream. Known as the Dairy State, it’s no surprise the state is brimming with mom-and-pop scoop shops, custard stands and local brands producing rich ice cream. Whether you’re at a farmstead creamery or a college-town cone counter, Wisconsin’s pride for ice cream shines.

6. Illinois (16.12) Chicago might be the driving force behind Illinois’ ranking, with its booming food scene filled with Instagram-worthy sundaes, small-batch gelato and quirky flavors. But don’t overlook the rural towns and suburbs, where old-school diners and small-town scoop shops keep the classics alive.

7. New Mexico (15.89) The only Southwestern state to crack the top 10, New Mexico might surprise you. But with sizzling summer temperatures and a thriving local food culture, it makes sense frozen treats are in demand. You’ll find shops serving everything from chile-spiked chocolate to cactus fruit sorbet.

8. Michigan (15.79) Snow doesn’t stop Michiganders from indulging. With thousands of inland lakes and summer tourists flooding towns like Traverse City and Petoskey, ice cream is a lakeside staple. From old-fashioned scoops to cherry-studded blends, Michigan’s ice cream culture is powered by nostalgia, local ingredients and a serious sweet tooth.

9. New Hampshire (15.54) New England knows its dairy, and New Hampshire is no exception. This state might not be flashy, but its abundance of seasonal roadside stands, maple-infused flavors and mom-and-pop ice cream stops make it a solid contender. Summer drives through the mountains or along the lakes are rarely complete without a cone in hand.

10. New York (15.35) New York ranks 10^th, where ice cream is as diverse as the state itself. From trendy, creative scoop shops and food trucks in the heart of New York City to time-tested creameries in upstate towns, there’s a flavor and style for everyone. With tourists and locals alike lining up for their favorite cones, New York’s ice cream doesn’t disappoint.

See How Your State Stacks Up in the Ice Cream Race
Whether you’re craving a classic cone or something a little more adventurous, it’s clear that some states really know how to satisfy that ice cream craving. Curious how all 50 states stack up in the great ice cream showdown? Check out the full ranking and see where your home ranks:

Rank	State	Ice Cream Shops per 100,000 residents
1	Vermont	18.51
2	West Virginia	18.08
3	Rhode Island	17.84
4	Pennsylvania	17.58
5	Wisconsin	16.44
6	Illinois	16.12
7	New Mexico	15.89
8	Michigan	15.79
9	New Hampshire	15.54
10	New York	15.35
11	Massachusetts	14.99
12	North Dakota	14.92
13	Ohio	14.90
14	Maine	14.89
15	Nebraska	14.83
16	Alaska	14.79
17	Indiana	14.78
18	Idaho	14.27
19	Delaware	14.05
20	Montana	14.00
21	South Dakota	13.96
22	Hawaii	13.78
23	Florida	13.67
24	New Jersey	13.61
25	Wyoming	13.56
26	Mississippi	13.25
27	Iowa	13.02
28	North Carolina	12.58
29	Texas	12.40
30	Arkansas	12.23
31	California	12.10
32	Arizona	12.09
33	Kansas	11.71
34	Connecticut	11.60
35	Virginia	11.25
36	Oklahoma	10.66
37	Nevada	10.54
38	Utah	10.38
39	Minnesota	10.37
40	Oregon	10.37
41	Tennessee	10.26
42	Louisiana	10.20
43	Georgia	10.00
44	Colorado	9.98
45	Kentucky	9.73
46	Washington	9.43
47	Alabama	9.23
48	South Carolina	8.80
49	Maryland	8.56
50	Missouri	8.44

Chobani Breaks Ground on $1.2B New York Plant

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:57:07 GMT

After announcing last month a $500 million expansion in Twin Falls, Idaho , Chobani is continuing to scale up in a big way — this time back where it all began.

The company broke ground this week for a new $1.2 billion production facility in Rome, New York, marking a major investment in both the future of its business and the state’s dairy industry.

“New York is where Chobani’s journey began. It was the perfect spot to start Chobani 20 years ago, and it’s the perfect place to continue our story,” said Chobani founder and CEO Hamdi Ulukaya. “Working with dedicated dairy farmers and the resilient community, we built something truly special — something bigger than the food we make. We ignited a movement toward better food made with heart, passion, and only the highest-quality ingredients.”

Chobani’s newest plant will sit on 150 acres at the former Griffiss Air Force Base, an open space that the company plans to transform into a hub of food innovation. The 1.4 million-square-foot facility is expected to house up to 28 production lines, produce more than a billion pounds of dairy products per year and generate over 1,000 full-time jobs.

The facility is also expected to significantly ramp up Chobani’s milk usage, increasing demand from over 1 billion pounds annually to an estimated 6 billion pounds once the site reaches full capacity.

“With our new plant in Rome and our original home in South Edmeston, we’re entering a new dimension, partnering with hardworking people across the heartland of New York to build an ecosystem of natural food production and nourish families throughout the country,” Ulukaya said. “When you invest in people, in local communities, you’re not just building a business — you’re building a future.”

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul framed the announcement as both an economic and symbolic win for the state.

“Through this partnership with Chobani, we’re revitalizing upstate New York’s manufacturing sector one spoonful at a time,” Hochul said. “Chobani has been a major employer in the Mohawk Valley for decades, and this massive new $1.2 billion investment will bring more than 1,000 good-paying jobs to Oneida County — the largest natural food manufacturing investment in American history.”

The plant is also being welcomed by New York’s agricultural leaders, who see it as a full-circle moment for a company that started with local roots and grew into a national brand.

“This is tremendous news for our state and for our dairy farmers, who will be supplying milk to this state-of-the-art processing facility,” said New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “Chobani has long been a part of New York’s world-class dairy industry, and this feels like a real full-circle moment to welcome them to another region in our state.”

New York’s dairy industry is the largest sector in the state’s $8 billion agriculture economy. Home to nearly 3,000 dairy farms and producing 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, New York is the nation’s fifth-largest dairy producing state. It also leads the country in the production of yogurt, sour cream, cream cheese and cottage cheese.

“Dairy farmers are the beating heart of Upstate New York and this massive new facility and 1,000 new jobs will help support so many family farms across the state,” said U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer. “New York is proud that Chobani calls it home and more people will be enjoying their yogurt that comes from New York dairy farms made here in the Mohawk Valley than ever before.”

At this time, it is unclear as to when the New York plant will be in operation. However, construction work on the Twin Falls expansion has already commenced and is slated for completion within a year.

Your Next Read: Chobani’s Bold Expansion: A $500 Million Commitment to Twin Falls, Idaho

New York Dairy Company Plans Big, $120M Expansion

Thu, 16 Jan 2025 15:00:00 GMT

Byrne Dairy, a New York dairy company located in Syracuse, is moving forward with a $120 million expansion of its manufacturing facility in Cortlandville, aiming to add nearly 250 new jobs through four development phases.

According to the plans submitted this month by the Cortlandville Planning Board, the next step (Phase 2A) of the project will include 26,000 square feet of production space and three new stainless-steel silos. This expansion should be completed within six months of the plan’s approval.

Upon the completion of Phase 2A, Phase 2B will also bring major enhancements to the facility – adding nearly 75,000 square feet of new production space to support increased manufacturing capacity. The expansion will also include the construction of a dedicated truck access road, improving logistics and streamlining transportation. This phase is expected to cost $24 million and create 84 jobs.

Lastly, Phases 3 and 4 will expand the facility with over 150,000 square feet of new processing and batching space. These phases, contingent on favorable economic conditions, are expected to be completed within 12 months of construction commencement. Together, they represent a projected investment of $86 million.

Your Next Read: FDA Proposes New Front-of-Package Food Labeling to Help Consumers Make Healthier Food Choices

New York Dairy Cooperative Plans New $150 Million Expansion

Tue, 30 Jul 2024 19:46:10 GMT

Greek yogurt and cottage cheese are certainly having their moment in 2024. With consumption picking up, thanks to the help of TikTok and other social media channels, dairy companies are taking notice and ramping up production.

According to Buffalo Business First news, Upstate Niagara Cooperative is planning a $150 million expansion in West Seneca, New York, to meet an “insatiable” demand for cottage cheese and Greek yogurt.

The company states that it has proposed a 250,000-square-foot addition to its existing 222,851-square-foot facility and plans to break ground on the expansion later this fall.

Buffalo Business First reports that 203,843 square feet will be devoted to manufacturing products such as milk, yogurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese. Officials say the expansion will result in Upstate Niagara increasing its employment at the West Seneca site by 54%, rising from the current 240 workers to 370 employees there.

“The market data we’re seeing suggests that both cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are growing, and we’re expanding to meet that customer demand,” said Upstate CEO, Kevin Ellis, in an interview with Buffalo Business First. “People are trying to get more protein in their diets.”

Officials say the expansion project should be completed by late 2026.

Fairlife Breaks Ground on $650 Million Facility in New York

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 13:59:51 GMT

Fairlife is known for its value-added dairy products, such as ultra-filtered milk, protein shakes and lactose-free milk. Within the next few years, the company will soon be producing some of these popular products at its upcoming facility in Webster, N.Y.

Earlier this month, fairlife, owned by the Coca-Cola Co., held a groundbreaking ceremony for its upcoming $650 million milk processing plant in upstate New York. The company plans to break ground in the fall and the plant is scheduled to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2025.

Governor Kathy Hochul and representatives from The Coca-Cola Company were in attendance.

“New York State is one of the best places in the country to build a business. We’re proud to welcome The Coca-Cola Company and fairlife’s dairy production facility, which represents a $650 million investment in Monroe County,” Governor Hochul said. “Coming from a family of Irish dairy farmers, this is personal to me — and soon, it will be personal to thousands of Finger Lakes residents who will have access to jobs and economic opportunity. I’m committed to making strategic investments in New York’s agribusinesses to secure our place as one of the top dairy producers in the nation, create good manufacturing jobs, and move our state’s economy forward.”

According to the company, the new facility will serve as fairlife’s flagship Northeast location and will employee approximately 250 full-time workers.

“Consumer demand for fairlife products is at an all-time high, and a new production facility will allow us to significantly increase capacity and deliver fairlife to even more households across the country,” said Tim Doelman, chief executive officer of fairlife. “As we continue to grow in the Northeast, Webster’s proximity and access to best-in-class dairy farmers make it an excellent location to support our next phase of growth in the region and beyond.”

With dairy being one of the top ag commodities produced in the Empire state, the new facility will provide serve as an additional place for producers to go with their milk.

“We have over 3,000 dairy farmers here, and this is a lifeline for them as well, this gives them hope, and I believe in them,” said Hochul. “I’ve toured so many dairy farms around the state, this is such a big deal to them as well.”

Currently, fairlife has plants located in the U.S.:

Goodyear, Arizona
Dexter, New Mexico
Coopersville, Michigan
Fair Oaks, Indiana

For more industry news, read:

New Plant Capacity Collides with Shrinking Milk Supply

Fri, 22 Mar 2024 17:00:00 GMT

For the past few years, some U.S. dairy producers have been urging the dairy industry to build new processing facilities so they can expand their operations and have a place to sell their additional milk. Their requests are now becoming a reality, but the timing appears to be challenging, said Betty Berning, analyst with the Daily Dairy Report.

“Scarce heifer supplies and the time required to raise a calf to mature milk cow remain long-term barriers to rapid growth in U.S. milk output.” Berning said. “At the same time, milk supplies are shrinking in some of the areas that have been experiencing the largest investments in processing capacity.”

In January, the U.S. milk herd was at its lowest point in more than four years, and heifer inventories were at their lowest level since 2004. Milk will remain particularly tight in the Southwest. New Mexico’s herd and resulting production, for example, have been rapidly declining for several years. New Mexico’s milk cow herd has fallen by 97,000 head between January 2021 and January 2024, according to USDA data. In neighboring Texas, a state that had been growing exponentially, milk cow numbers have been flat since June 2023 at 635,000 head, down from the state’s peak of 650,000 in March 2023.

“While Some Texas producers have added cows to supply the new cheese facility there, others have left the state due to costly feed and inadequate milk revenue,” Berning said.

Last year, processors opened several plants across the country and more will come online this year and in 2025 and 2026. The largest projects have been and will continue to be cheese-centric and located in the central and southwestern United States. About a year ago, production began on a new cheese plant in the Texas Panhandle, and other manufacturing plants are slated to come online in 2025 and 2026 in the Panhandle and near Waco, Texas, respectively.

“In addition, new cheese capacity will come online in southwest Kansas this year. While Kansas producers added 3,000 cows last year, that does not seem like it will be enough to fill the state’s new capacity. Before last year’s expansion, cow numbers in Kansas have been flat since 2001,” Berning said.

New investment in ice cream, cheese, and value-added fluid milk projects is also slated to open in the Northeast. The projects range from an expansion of current facilities to new builds, Berning said, and small cheese-related projects are also in the works in the Upper Midwest.

“Cheese plants in the Southwest will receive priority, and dryers in the region are already running light as new processing draws milk from a shrinking regional milk supply. There is no excess milk in the Southwest, so the milk that once made its way out of the area to the milk-deficit Southeast will stay put,” Berning said. “Southeast plants will thus need to pull milk from other regions, potentially from the Mideast or Northeast, allowing producers in those regions to expand.”

On the positive side, in New York where processing is being added, cow numbers climbed 6,000 head year over year in 2023. Expansion also occurred last year in nearby Indiana, up 5,000 head, and in Ohio, up 3,000 head.

“That could help support new expansions in the Northeast,” Berning added.

For more industry news, read:

New York Dairy Processing Plant Moves Forward with Large Expansion

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 20:46:51 GMT

HP Hood, a dairy processing plant based out of Lynnfield, Mass., plans to break ground on on a $120 million expansion in Batavia, New York, next month.

According to a company statement, the dairy company will add 32,500 square feet to its existing 448,185-square-foot facility in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park, to increase the plant’s capacity by 10%, or 20 million gallons of dairy products per year. That will bring output to nearly 150 million gallons annually.

“The dairy hub of the northeast at the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park has built itself upon the qualities of our workforce, our dedicated farming families, and our strategic location close to major consumers,” said Genesee County Economic Development Center President and CEO Steve Hyde.

“The economic infrastructure generated by shovel-ready sites and workforce development programs has set up HP Hood and our robust food and beverage industry for sustained success,” he adds.

HP Hood’s expansion will accommodate a automatic storage and retrieval system (ASRS) refrigerated warehouse. The project will also include new batching and processing systems and other upgrades which will allow the company to increase capacity and begin a new production line.

“The addition of another generational investment will result in the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park delivering more benefits to our community and agricultural sector,” Hyde says.

For more industry news, read:

Organic Valley Added 84 Farms to its Membership in 2023

Fri, 29 Dec 2023 21:22:45 GMT

During a year full of farm consolidation, Organic Valley, the largest dairy cooperative of organic farmers in the nation, added an additional 84 farms to its membership in 2023.

“This is who we are,” says Shawna Nelson, Organic Valley executive vice president of membership. “Last year, we brought in farms that were abruptly dropped by their milk buyers, and this year, we’ve welcomed 84 more into our organic dairy community. Our commitment to organic family farmers is unwavering, and we aim to be the go-to option for those seeking a stable future in farming.”

According to the company, the cooperative welcomed:

26 farms from Pennsylvania
22 farms from New York
12 farms from Wisconsin
6 farms from Ohio

Several other farms from Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota and Vermont were welcomed as well.

“We can’t do this alone,” says Jaclyn Cardin, Organic Valley chief brand officer. “If you care about how your food is produced and who is producing it, we think we offer a lot. We want consumers to buy with both heart and head, knowing that Organic Valley products come from a place of integrity. Because we’re a farmer-owned cooperative, when you purchase our products, the farmers who dedicate themselves to caring for the land, the animals and their communities receive stable and farmer-determined compensation. We believe good food comes from good, small family farms.”

Looking ahead, Organic Valley plans to continue supporting small organic family farms in 2024.

For more industry news, read:

Providing a Better Way to Recycle 800 Pounds of Butter

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 15:34:01 GMT

Butter sculptures have become a staple at state fairs across the country. But what happens to those buttery masterpieces once the fair gates close? While most get thrown away, the New York State Fair has found a way to prevent the product from going to waste.

After the fair, the American Dairy Association North East, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and Noblehurst Farms, dismantled this year’s 800 lb. butter sculpture. The butter, which was provided by O-AT-KA Milk Products in Batavia, N.Y., was unsuitable for sale or consumption. To prevent it from going into the trash, Noblehurst Farms, a dairy operation located in Pavilion, N.Y., will combine the butter with other food waste from local food manufacturers and run it through the farm’s digester, converting it into energy.

“We are honored to be recycling the New York State Fair Butter Sculpture for the seventh year in a row,” said dairy farmer Chris Noble of Noblehurst Farms and Craigs Creamery. “We will mix the butter sculpture with other food waste and convert it to energy over the course of about 28 days. That energy will be created into electricity which will power homes in the local community.”

According to Noble, the digester breaks down the material and creates enough electricity to power the farm, the farm’s on-site creamery and about 350 homes for a year. Specifically, the butter from the butter sculpture alone will be able to power one house for three days.

In recent years, Noblehurst Farms has been recognized nationally for achievements in sustainability and community partnerships to divert food waste from local landfills. The result of Noblehurst’s efforts have led to diverting 200 tons of food waste from local landfills on every week.

“Our awareness of the role that dairy farmers are playing in addressing the global food waste problem has definitely heightened,” Noble said. “We are hopeful that our innovative food waste reduction practices will bring additional value as New York State focuses on reducing methane and sequestering carbon in the coming years.”

This year’s sculpture, “Refuel Her Greatness – Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Title IX,” spotlighted female athletes and how today’s athletes refuel with chocolate milk.

Upstate NY Dairy Farmer Co-op to Buy Kraft Heinz Plant

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 03:00:57 GMT

Gov. Andrew Cuomo and U.S. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer say a New York dairy farmer cooperative has reached an agreement to buy a Kraft Heinz plant in the state’s Southern Tier, a move that will keep 125 jobs at the facility.

The New York Democrats announced Friday that Upstate Niagara plans to invest $10 million in new machinery and equipment for the cheese plant in Campbell, 70 miles southeast of Rochester.

Cuomo and Schumer say the plant was in danger of closing until efforts began to find a buyer. Those efforts started in November 2015 as state and federal officials worked with Kraft Heinz to keep it from also shutting other upstate plants that employ hundreds of people.

Upstate Niagara has more than 350 farms across the upstate region.

New York Reclaims No. 3 Ranking in Milk Production

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:58:03 GMT

The Cuomo administration says New York is back to being one of the nation’s top three states when it comes to milk production.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Wednesday that the latest data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirms that New York passed Idaho in 2013 to become the nation’s third largest producer of milk, trailing California and Wisconsin. New York topped Idaho by 57 million pounds of milk last year.

It’s the first time since 2009 that New York has ranked third nationally in milk production. The state had a 37-year run in the No. 3 spot starting in 1972.

New York’s milk production rose in 2013 for the fourth consecutive year. State officials credit the growth to the increased demand for milk, thanks in large part to New York’s booming yogurt industry.

Source: Associated Press

New York Giving $4.6M to Protect Farmland

Fri, 20 Nov 2020 02:43:00 GMT

New York officials say they’re granting $4.6 million to finish projects permanently protecting 2,200 acres of farmland in five counties.

The State Environmental Protection Fund provides money for the grant program administered by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

So far, officials say more than $128 million has gone to protect about 51,000 acres on 220 farms across the state.

Current grants include $2.1 million to preserve 1,298 acres on Hourigan Farm, a 1,000-cow dairy operation in the Onondaga County town of Elbridge.

In Saratoga, $987,000 is for the Hoogeveen Farm to protect 390 acres at the century-old dairy farm.

Grants of about $500,000 each went to farms growing holiday plants on Long Island and grapes in the Finger Lakes and grazing dairy cattle in the Southern Tier.

New York Processor Plans $24 Million Expansion to Ultra Dairy Plant

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:54:07 GMT

Bryne Dairy, located in DeWitt, N.Y., is planning to expand its Ultra Dairy Plant to grow its packaging capability and create at least 20 new jobs. The 42,000-square-foot expansion would allow the facility to lengthen their packaging line and distribute more of their dairy products.

The company currently has four manufacturing facilities including a Fresh Dairy Plant and Ice Cream Plant located in Syracuse, N.Y, their Ultra High Temperature Pasteurization Plant in DeWitt, N.Y., and a Cultured Plant located in Cortlandville, N.Y.

“Right now we use every square foot of the (Ultra Dairy Plant) that we can,’' said James Gosier, a lawyer for Byrne Dairy in an interview with Syracuse.com. “We need to make our packaging line longer so we can put through more product.”

According to Gosier, once the first expansion is complete, a second expansion will be built to incorporate 70,000 square feet of manufacturing space. This addition would accommodate new equipment and new aseptic dairy and beverage items.

The Ultra Dairy plant currently uses an ultra-high-temperature pasteurization process to make coffee creamers, milk and other dairy products that have an extended shelf life of up to 120 days, according to Syracuse.com. Taking in 50 million pounds of milk each month, the renovation will allow the milk to be processed more quickly, making room for more milk production in the future.

To learn more about Bryne Dairy, visit https://www.byrnedairy.com .

Seven Cows Stolen from New York Farm, Including a $30,000 Guernsey

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:54:00 GMT

An investigation is underway in Washington County, New York after seven cows were stolen from a farm.

John Violette’s owns Monument View Farm , a dairy that has been in his family since the mid-1800s, and is known for his prize winning Guernseys at the Easton, New York farm. On July 29 he went to check on some of his cattle he was housing at a friend’s farm near Argyle. Upon arriving he discovered that seven of the cattle were missing.

Included in the theft was a Guernsey show cow known as Roxy, reported to be worth $30,000. Monument View Jackpot Roxy honors in the show ring includes:

Reserve Junior All-American Jr. 2-Year-Old 2016
Nominated All-American Jr. 2-Year-Old 2016
Reserve Intermediate Champion National Junior Show-Harrisburg 2016
Reserve Grand Champion New York State Fair 2016
1st Jr. 2-Year-Old National Junior Show & National Guernsey Show-Harrisburg 2016
1st Jr. 2-Year-Old National Junior Show-Louisville 2016
2nd Jr. 2-Year-Old National Junior Show-Madison 2016
6th Jr. 2-Year-Old National Guernsey Show-Louisville 2016
1st Jr. 2-Year-Old New York State Fair 2016

“Roxy’s a special show cow. She’s third generation, first place winner at the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania,” Violette tells WNYT Channel 13 in Albany .

Violette had two other Guernseys and two Jerseys stolen. His friend, Marty DePaul who owns Argyle Valley Farm, had two of his Holsteins stolen, including a show heifer.

“We were going to take it to the fair. My son was all excited to take it to the fair,” DePaul says. “Now he can’t. We thought he might win his class because it’s a sharp-looking calf.”

Officials with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office were called to the scene and are currently investigating the theft. They ask if anyone knowns anything about the stolen cattle to call the Washington County Sheriff’s Office Anonymous Tip Line at 518-746-2522 or call 747-4623. Tips can also be sent online at this link - http://ow.ly/fi0b30ldyFr

Select Sires Reveals Cooperative Merger Creating Premier Select Sires

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 05:53:45 GMT

Combining forces, the Select Sire Power, Inc. and Southeast Select Sires, Inc. will officially become one and renamed Premier Select Sires, Inc. effective Jan. 1, 2019.

The same specialists who currently serve beef and dairy customers will continue to support their local member-owners, only as part of a larger team with a wider network of in-house support, according to Select Sires. Premier Select Sires will combine the territories of the two previous cooperatives, covering a total of 23 states.

These states include:

Maine
Vermont
Maryland
New Hampshire
Massachusetts
Delaware
Connecticut
New York
Pennsylvania
New Jersey
Rhode Island
West Virginia
Virginia
North Carolina
Florida
Kansas
Tennessee
Arkansas
Louisiana
Mississippi
Alabama
Georgia
And Washington DC

“Premier Select Sires is the result of combining two financially strong cooperatives in order to benefit both memberships with pooled resources. We look forward to working together to continue to be the Premier genetic provider,” said Tim Riley, General Manager of Southeast Select Sires, in a press release.

Because of an aligned set of strengths and goals, the boards of Select Sire Power and Southeast Select Sires unanimously approved the affiliation agreement.

“This is a very exciting time for both organizations and we look forward to charting a successful future together. The larger cooperative will allow us to provide greater diversity of products and services to meet the modern needs of beef and dairy producers throughout our territory,” said Mark Carpenter, General Manager of Select Sire Power and future CEO of Premier Select Sires.

This is not the first merger the company has experienced throughout the past two years. In June 2017, Select Sires and Accelerated Genetics announced that Select Sires would acquire the assets of Accelerated Genetics.

This news also comes after the announcement of the holding companies Alta Genetics and GENEX forming their new organization, URUS. The intent to merge Koepon Holding BV and Cooperative Resources International (CRI) was first announced last December. Included in the merger are the following companies: AgSource , Alta Genetics , GENEX , Jetstream Genetics , PEAK/GENESIS , SCCL and VAS .