Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) co-hosted with Minority Leader Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C-Canandaigua) the 2012 Dairy Day in Albany. As ranking minority member of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, Blankenbush believes that it’s important to highlight the contributions of New York’s largest business sector in the state economy.

“Here in Northern New York, we’re lucky to be surrounded by family dairy farms and understand how important they are to our economy,” said Blankenbush. “Yet statewide, dairy farms are struggling, a trend I am eager to reverse. That’s why events like Dairy Day are important to help foster awareness and support from all my legislative colleagues so that we can work on policies that will help keep New York’s dairy industry competitive and profitable.”

Among the many vendors and agricultural advocates was special guest former NY Giants running back Joe Morris, NFL Super Bowl XXI Champ. Morris, an advocate and spokesperson for the Fuel Up to Play 60, talked about the importance of a diet rich in dairy and an active lifestyle to keep both kids and adults healthy.

New York State is the third leading producer of milk in the nation. New York’s milk production is worth over $2 billion annually. Agriculture, as a whole, contributes $4.4 billion to the state economy each year.

For more information about Fuel Up to Play 60 visit www.fueluptoplay60.com.