For 77 years, our nation has celebrated the dairy industry during the month of June. As an upstate resident, you can drive in any direction and are sure to pass by a dairy farm. We understand and know the importance of the dairy farmers and manufacturers in our region. The parades and festivals we host are a fitting way for us to celebrate all the good that comes from the dairy industry.

Dairy remains the largest agricultural business in our state, with New York being the fourth- largest dairy producer in the country. According to the 2013 National Agricultural Census, New York’s 4,866 dairy farms produced 13.2 billion pounds of milk which resulted in $2.56 million in sales in 2012. That’s about 44 percent of all agricultural sales in our state.

The growth and popularity of dairy products is not only important to our economy, but in providing nutritious and affordable food to Americans. Milk, at about 25 cents per glass, is one of the richest and most affordable sources of protein and calcium.

As ranking minority member on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, I have fought to make sure New York is doing its part to help this tremendously significant industry. Throughout budget negotiations, I fought the governor’s cuts to our agricultural and markets programs and increased funding to $27 million. This funding supports many programs that help dairy farmers, including the Dairy Profit Teams program.

Additionally, I helped pass the agricultural property tax cap to help manage the growth and cost of property taxes for family farmers. We’ve made some progress in our state, but we must remain vigilant in reducing the regulatory and tax burdens faced by family farms.

I am extremely grateful for the hard work of our local family farmers and what they contribute to our region. I hope you partake in some way this month to celebrate dairy in our communities.

I welcome your thoughts and opinions on this or any other matter. Please contact me by calling 493-3909 or by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us.