Assemblyman Andy Goodell (R,C–Chautauqua) recently joined North Country Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, ranking minority member on the Agriculture Committee, the New York State Farm Bureau, and dairy producers from across New York to celebrate Dairy Day. The event, which is hosted by the Assembly Minority Conference, highlights the important role dairy and agriculture play in the state economy.

“Chautauqua County is home to a vibrant mix of agricultural industries; from dairy farms in the southern half of the county to the vineyards in the northern half, we help set the pace for New York’s agricultural economy. Our county currently ranks first in New York State for the number of active farms, and fifth in the state for the number of acres in production,” said Goodell. “It was truly a pleasure meeting with the dairy producers who joined us for the event. It is always important that we continue to ensure New York’s commitment to its agriculture industry, now and in to the future. Without the hard work of those at the Farm Bureau and groups like the FFA, our agricultural roots would slowly disappear.”

According to the New York Farm Bureau, there are approximately 35,000 farms in New York and 99 percent of those are family owned.

“Agriculture is extremely important and accounts for over $262 million in economic activity in Chautauqua County. I am pleased that we reaffirmed our commitment to this vital industry in this year’s budget, with over $21 million in aid directed toward agricultural programs and $5 million in new assistance,” concluded Goodell.

New York State is home to nearly 5,700 dairy farms and 610,000 cows. In 2010, New York dairy cows produced 12 billion gallons of milk, or 20,807 gallons per cow. Dairy and animal production in New York provided $2.39 billion value of production to farmers in 2010, while distribution and processing is approximately $10 billion statewide and $50 billion regionally on an annual basis. New York State is currently fourth in the nation in dairy production.