June is National Dairy Month, and there is much to celebrate, especially here in upstate New York. My district is one of the most prolific dairy farming regions in the state, and dairy farming has played a large part in shaping our community into what it is today.

Dairy is one of the largest industries in our state, making New York fourth in the nation for production. The last agricultural census showed that milk was the leading agricultural product in the state, accounting for half of all total agricultural sales. Cornell University estimates that the dairy industry contributed nearly $15 billion to the economy in 2014.

There is no doubt of the dairy industry’s importance to the state’s economic health and the role it plays in providing jobs in our rural communities. However the industry, especially our smaller family dairy farms, faces challenges from the fluctuating market.

Milk pricing, which can dramatically change year to year, affects our family farms significantly – it has recently taken a near 40 percent drop. Where a larger farm may be able to weather these milk pricing changes, it can be tough for a family farm.

That is why I have fought tirelessly to save the Dairy Profit Teams at the New York Farm Viability Institute from the governor’s budget cuts. These teams are comprised of professionals and experts who help family farms increase production and find efficiencies to reduce production and operation costs. This program has helped countless family farms and many more should take advantage of its services. I encourage interested dairy farmers to contact the Dairy Profit Team coordinator at (315) 453-3823, extension 102.

The limited markets for milk products also affect the dairy farmer. Local farmers have discussed with me how New York can support and encourage overseas markets for milk products like powdered milk and whey protein. I have explained that there are opportunities to expand maple sales in developing nations; I believe there is potential to grow the market for our dairy farmers, too. Northern New York is ideally located on the St. Lawrence Seaway, giving our region easy access to overseas shipping. As New York explores trading opportunities, I encourage the state to also think of dairy and other agricultural products as viable trading goods. This would be a big boon to our farming families and communities.

I hope you’ll join me in supporting our local dairy farmers as much as possible. Enjoy the fresh milk, yogurt, cheeses and ice cream to which we have such easy access. If you have questions or suggestions on this or any other legislative topic, please contact me by emailing me at blankenbushk@assembly.state.ny.us or by calling 493-3909.