Assemblyman Joseph Angelino (R,C,I-Norwich), Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo (D-Endwell) and Sen. Fred Akshar (R,C,I,Rfm) sponsored a legislative resolution to celebrate Shelby Benjamin of Norwich for being crowned the New York State Dairy Princess. The resolution passed unanimously in the Assembly on February 23 and in the Senate on March 2.

“We are all so proud of Shelby and know she will represent the dairy and agricultural community and our region well,” said Angelino. “Agriculture is vital to our region and the entire economy of the state. The Dairy Princess is an important role to introduce and promote farming to new and younger generations and we know she will do a great job.”

“I am delighted that Shelby Benjamin will be this year’s NYS Dairy Princess. She will represent NY dairy farms and serve as a wonderful ambassador for the entire industry,” said Assemblywoman Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee. “Shelby’s advocacy will emphasize how important dairy is to New York’s farm economy.”

"I'm always so inspired to see young people like Shelby Benjamin passionately taking up the mantle for upstate agriculture," said Sen. Akshar. "I have every confidence that she will serve as an excellent ambassador to represent and promote the importance of agriculture and the farming community throughout our great state. On behalf of the Norwich community and the entire 52nd Senate District, we are all so proud to have her as this year's New York State Dairy Princess."

As New York State Dairy Princess, Benjamin will receive a scholarship and represent the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc. at county dairy princess pageants, farm meetings and special events throughout New York State. She will continue to spread the message of the importance of agriculture and she will help train new county promoters at seminars and workshops.

Agriculture is New York’s largest industry, with dairy representing half of agricultural sales or roughly $2.7 billion in 2017. There are approximately 4,190 dairy farms which produce 14.8 billion pounds of milk annually. The state is a national leader in cottage cheese, yogurt and sour cream.