Governor Kathy Hochul announces investments to modernize New York’s dairy operations.
Governor Kathy Hochul recently announced a significant investment of nearly $21.6 million allocated to 103 farms across New York State through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program. This substantial funding is poised to bolster New York’s dairy farmers and cooperatives by enabling the acquisition of new equipment, expanding storage capacity, and fortifying operations, particularly in the face of extreme weather conditions. Such initiatives aim to provide a much-needed boost to the state’s dairy industry.
Hochul emphasized, “New York’s dairy industry is the backbone of our agricultural economy, supporting thousands of jobs across our rural communities. With this $26 million investment through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, we’re giving hardworking dairy farmers and cooperatives the tools they need to grow, innovate and lead in a changing market. This is how we honor our agricultural legacy — by making sure it has a strong and sustainable future.”
The Dairy Modernization Grant Program is designed to meet the ongoing needs of dairy farmers by supporting the implementation of technological and infrastructural advancements. These improvements are expected to enhance the efficiency of the dairy supply chain and mitigate the need for raw milk disposal during emergencies.
In a focused effort, $2.6 million of the total funding has been awarded to 13 specific farms located in the Southern Tier region. The recipients include Glezen Farms LLC in Broome County, Grouse Feather Farm LLC, Larchar AG, and Woodview Farms LLC in Chenango County, among others. This targeted funding aims to specifically enhance the operational capacities of these regional farms, ensuring their resilience and competitiveness in the broader market.
