Go to Western NY Farm for Some Cow Cuddling Therapy

Did you know cows can sooth the savage beast in you?

Check out this story at https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story/cow-cuddling-thing-costs-75-hour-64388247?fbclid=IwAR33rhmPcAb22Z0_7c9tEQCTpz4k5sjFp6wgeR9n-ixNuXtcxu7ikWCq9ik

All you have to do it go to this farm in Ontario County (south of Rochester and Canandaigua) to hug some cows.

Byrne Dairy Brings Ag Education to the Zoo

Pictured unveiling the new Byrnsie display are, left to right, Friends of the Zoo President Janet Agostini with Byrne Dairy executives CEO Fred Sadeghi , CFO Paul Hatty, Sales and Marketing Director Kate Byrne, CTO Nick Marsella, General Counsel Jim Gosier , Zoo Director Ted Fox, and Byrne Dairy Attorney Ryan Elliott.

Byrne Dairy has partnered with the Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo to sponsor “The Real Milking Cow” exhibit. 

The specially built Holstein cow is designed to educate zoo-goers on the art of milking a cow. Byrne Dairy has decided to name the exhibit “Byrnsie” after the beloved cow that is prominently featured on many of the company’s products.

Byrnsie recently was installed in front of the zoo’s Contact Barn where she has become a major attraction among zoo visitors who enjoy petting and milking her. 

Byrnsie comes equipped with an internal pump system, which ensures a constant flow of water to her udder so zoo-goers can learn how to extract milk from a cow using nothing but their hands.

Kids try out 'milking' Byrnsie

“Byrnsie represents a sizeable sponsorship on the part of Byrne Dairy, and she is a wonderful addition to our Contact Barn, where zoo visitors learn about farm animals up close,” said Friends of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo President Janet Agostini. “The folks at Byrne Dairy responded immediately when we asked them to partner with us on this new exhibit.”

“Many of the children who come to the zoo have never even seen a cow, much less experienced milking one,” said Zoo Director Ted Fox. “This is a great educational tool that teaches kids where their milk comes from in an interactive way. We are grateful to Byrne Dairy for partnering with us and sponsoring Byrnsie.”

Byrnsie is part of a five-year partnership between the Friends of the Zoo and Byrne Dairy, which will include a series of educational events hosted by Byrne Dairy at the exhibit. 

The first event will celebrate National Dairy Month on Saturday, June 24. 

Byrne Dairy representatives will be on hand to offer free samples of ice cream and quiz the public on dairy trivia from noon to 2 p.m. Future “Dairy Day” events will celebrate other significant yet often overlooked dairy holidays.

Byrne Dairy CEO Fred Sadeghi said the company views Byrnsie as well as the Dairy Day events as a fun way to educate the public about the importance of dairy farming and food manufacturing in modern society.

“We want to offer zoo-goers an educational perspective about life on the farm, current dairy farming practices, and how the milk that comes from a cow eventually makes its way into a lot of delicious and nutritious dairy products,” Sadeghi said.

“Fewer Americans than ever are engaged in farming and agriculture, yet many remain interested in where their food comes from,” he added. “Byrne Dairy views this exhibit as a fantastic opportunity to connect the dots for many zoo-goers and provide them with a deeper appreciation of the purpose and role of dairy cows in the U.S.”

June is Dairy Month

Happy National Dairy Month!

Please take time to thank all those wonderful New York dairy farmers. Without them, we'd have no milk, ice cream, butter, yogurt and cheese that we enjoy daily.

I don't know about you, but I couldn't live without ice cream!!

Farmers, Officials To Discuss Milk Pricing Concerns

Meeting next week on dairy issues, including low milk prices.

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news04/farmers-officials-to-discuss-milk-pricing-concerns-in-lowville-20170106 this link to check out a story about the meeting.

Methane Gas Levels Soar; Is Ag to Blame?

Go to http://time.com/4597909/climate-change-methane-emissions/ this link to read the story in TIME Magazine.

New York's Milk Marketing Advisory Council Meets Again

From the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

The state Department of Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball today (Nov. 29) announced the department has reconvened the Milk Marketing Advisory Council (MMAC), which was created to advise the commissioner on issues important to the dairy industry.  

The council met today to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the state’s largest agricultural sector.

The MMAC is composed of more than 24 members from the dairy manufacturing and processing sectors, from dairy farmer cooperative associations, in addition to milk consumers and representatives of milk retailers.  

The Advisory Council’s goal is to advise the ag commissioner on policy issues impacting New York’s dairy industry, and provides a forum for communication and networking between dairy community leaders.

Today, the MMAC discussed topics including the current milk market situation, increased production, and trade agreement policies, in particular with Canada.  This comes on the heels of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's letter to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, expressing his opposition to proposed regulations that would create a barrier for New York’s dairy farmers exporting a key New York dairy product to Canada.  

Cuomo called on the Canadian government to develop a national agreement to mutually benefit trade across borders.

In addition, the department provided in-depth information on the state’s New York State Grown & Certified food labeling program. Launched in August, the program assures consumers that the food they are buying is local and produced to a higher standard by requiring participating producers to adopt good agricultural practices and enroll in an environmental management program.  

The program is being expanded to include dairy producers and processors and will provide significant marketing benefits to New York’s milk and dairy products industry. Learn more about the Grown & Certified program by https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrNmWAF51Cc&feature=youtu.be  clicking on this link.

The Milk Marketing Advisory Council will meet again June 1, 2017.

“I’m pleased to reconvene the Milk Marketing Advisory Council and bring together such a great group that represent the very best of the industry — from our farmers to our processors to our retailers," Ball said.  

"Today’s meeting provided an opportunity for the group to delve into some of the key issues the industry is facing today, such as market conditions and trade barriers, but it also gave us the platform to inform our producers and processors about some of the new exciting marketing programs available, like the NYS Grown & Certified program, to help our dairy businesses grow," he said. "I look forward to continuing the great dialogue started here today.”

“The dairy industry faces daunting challenges but also terrific opportunities. We have seen the dairy industry struggle with low milk prices, an unprecedented drought this summer and continued consumer demand on the food system, but the dairy sector rises to those challenges and provides great products," said Andrew M. Novakovic, Cornell University professor of agricultural economics and chair of the council.

"The industry members who are represented on the commissioner’s Milk Marketing Advisory Council are eager to assist the State in providing input to improve the sound framework in which the dairy industry operates,” Novakovic said.

New York’s dairy industry ranks fourth in the nation for total milk production with more than 14 billion pounds produced annually from 620,000 dairy cows.  New York has just over 4,800 dairy farms and generated $2.6 billion in 2015 from the sale of milk, which represents nearly half of the state’s total agricultural receipts.

New York’s dairy industry also consists of nearly 400 dairy processors and manufacturers, numerous dairy support services, such as veterinarians, feed dealers, equipment dealers and others as well thousands of retailers that provide milk and dairy products to New Yorkers throughout the state.

 

August Milk Production Up in NY

Milk production in New York during August 2016 totaled 1.24 billion pounds, up 3.2 percent from August 2015.
 
The average milk price received by New York farmers in July 2016, at $16.80 per hundredweight, is up $1 from June 2016, but down 60 cents from July a year ago.
 
Statistics show there were 619,000 milk cows in the state in 2015 and 620,000 in 2016. Production per cow was 1,945 pounds in 2015 and was up to 2,005 pounds per cow in 2016.

Put Sept. 17 on the Calendar for the Annual Cream Cheese Festival

It's that time of the year for the annual Cream Cheese Festival in Lowville.

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news04/cream-cheese-festival-returns-to-lowville-sept-17-20160903 to read more about it. It's coming up Sept. 17.

Ms. Absolute Bliss Wins Grand Champ at NYS Fair

Results from the Holstein competitions at the New York State Fair.

Go to http://www.thebullvine.com/news/senior-2-year-old-ms-absolute-bliss-wins-grand-at-new-york-state-fair/ to check them out.

It's Dairy Day at the New York State Fair

It's Dairy Day at the New York State Fair.

Be sure to get out there and see all that's great about dairy in NYS. Oh, the butter, ice cream, cheese, yogurt, milk -- well it goes on and on. 

Talk to a dairy farmer in the Dairy Cattle building and then be sure to stop into the Dairy Products building to enjoy some great dairy products or even buy some to take home.

World Dairy Expo Celebrates 50 Years

From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine:

WORLD DAIRY EXPO
 
MADISON, Wis. — This year marks the 50th anniversary of World Dairy Expo — a celebration of the journey from a small World Food Expo in 1967, to the internationally renowned show of today.
 
This fall’s expo is set for Oct. 4-8, and the theme is “Celebrate 50!” to commemorate the show’s golden anniversary. The expo will take a look back at 50 years of history and the people whose passion and dedication helped build the show from the ground up.
 
In celebration of this exciting milestone, an open house, hosted by World Dairy Expo, will be held at 5 p.m. Oct. 5 in the Alliant Energy Center’s Exhibition Hall.
 
This free event will provide Expo stakeholders a chance to gather and exchange memories, while enjoying a night of food, fun and entertainment.
 
“The Open House is designed for anyone connected to World Dairy Expo, whether a cattle or commercial exhibitor, attendee or volunteer, judge or judging team member,” said Joan Lau, World Dairy Expo Board of Directors and 50th Anniversary Committee member. “Anyone who loves Expo is welcome to attend. 

"It will be a fun evening to reminisce, share stories and celebrate the show’s rich history. It’s Expo’s way of saying thanks for 50 great years!” she said.
 

Elements from past years will also be featured throughout the grounds during the show. Expo-goers will have the chance to walk down memory lane with the 50th Anniversary Historical Display, located on the mezzanine level of New Holland Pavilion 1.
 
“The Historical Display will provide a glimpse into the past through photos and memorabilia collected over five decades,” said Debbie Crave, World Dairy Expo Board of Directors and 50th Anniversary Committee member. “Seeing how the show was built, past events and endless memories will add a unique touch to this year’s celebration.”

Special 50th anniversary events will take place throughout the week, starting with an official kick-off to the show during Tuesday morning’s Opening Ceremony, and continuing through the selection of Supreme Champion on Saturday evening.
 
Recognized as the meeting place for the global dairy industry, World Dairy Expo attracts more than 70,000 attendees from over 90 countries to Madison, Wis., each year.
 
Visit worlddairyexpo.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@WDExpo or #Celebrate50) for more information.
Entries are open through Aug. 31.
 
Dairy Cattle Show entries are now open for those wishing to exhibit at the 50th World Dairy Expo. Entry forms are available online through the Dairy Cattle Entry system or for print on the Expo website. Entries are due Aug. 31. 

Late online entries will be accepted until Sept. 11 and paper entries will be accepted until the day of the show, both at an increased rate.

New this year, all animals must have an official USDA AIN or Canadian CCIA RFID number listed on the entry form at the time of submission. Animal entries lacking this number or with a pending identification status will not be accepted.
 
Entry information, a complete schedule of events, rules and other updates can be found in the Premium Book – mailed to recent dairy cattle exhibitors on July 1, or available online at worlddairyexpo.com. 

New exhibitors can request a copy of the Premium Book by contacting the World Dairy Expo office at 608-224-6455 or entries@wdexpo.com.

It's National Chocolate Ice Cream Day!

Well, according to the National Calendar Day website, today is National Chocolate Ice Cream day.

As far as I'm concerned, EVERY DAY is National Chocolate Ice Cream Day. Can there be anything better than chocolate ice cream?

Don't get me wrong -- I love just about all flavors of ice cream. But how can you say no to chocolate?

According to the National Calendar Day website: "Chocolate ice cream is the second most common flavor only surpassed by vanilla. Chocolate flavored ice cream has been in existence well over a hundred years and has been popular in the United States since the late 19th century.

"Cocoa powder is blended in with eggs, cream, vanilla and sugar to make chocolate ice cream. Other flavors, such as rocky road or triple chocolate chunk, use chocolate ice cream in their creation."

Live Stream Farm Tour June 12 at Wayne County Farm

A dairy farm in Newark, Wayne County, is having a live stream farm tour on its Facebook page June 12.

The El-Vi Farms LLC on Pelis Road is having the event from 5 to 6 p.m. June 12. On its Facebook page, it invites folks to "Join us for a live stream farm tour via our Facebook page. On June 12th at 5pm in promotion of dairy month, see how we care for our cows on a daily basis."

Go to the farm's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/El-VI-Farms-LLC-114974595209911/

Happy Dairy Month!!

Happy Dairy Month, everyone.

To celebrate, let's have dairy EVERY day. It not only will help our happiness (doesn't milk, cheese and ice cream make you happy??) but it also will help shore up the milk prices a bit. Farmers throughout New York are hurting with low milk prices brought on by too much production in the world.

I'll do my part to eat more dairy. How about you??

'Dairying for Tomorrow' Award Launched

FRom the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council:

To recognize local dairy farmers and showcase the unique on-farm practices to help sustain the dairy industry well into the future, the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council is launching the "Dairying for Tomorrow Award".
"The award is set-up to highlight local dairy farm families who display a passion for dairying and have a unique practice that will help lead their dairy into the future," said Beth Meyer, vice president of industry relations for association. 

"We want to share with consumers the many things dairy farmers do to care for their animals, their natural resources and the communities in which they live," Meyer added. 

The award is broken into three categories: animal care, community/consumer outreach, and environmental stewardship.
The award will recognize one winner in each of the three categories within these five different regions: Central New York, Western New York, Eastern New York, Northern New York, and Northeastern Pennsylvania/Northern New Jersey. 

Three overall winners in each category will be selected and awarded at the New York State Fair Dairy Day breakfast. They will receive a cash prize, along with the production of a farm video and photo shoot that highlights the farm. 

Award applications are being accepted through May 31st.

The application is simple and easily accessed online. All dairy farmers are encouraged to take just a few minutes to share all the great things they are doing on their farms. 

 

To apply, visit the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council at adadc.com http://www.adadc.com  

 

For more information, contact Emma Andrew at 315-472-9143 or eandrew@adadc.com

Dairy Webinar May 9 on Milk Pricing Situation

Farm Credit East, the leading lender to the Northeast dairy industry, will host a webinar to discuss 2015 Northeast dairy farm results and the current dairy situation. 

Dairy farmers and other interested parties are invited to participate in this free webinar at 11 a.m., Monday, May 9.

2015 was a challenging year for Northeast dairy producers. Milk prices fell dramatically from 2014 levels and it is not clear when there will be a price recovery. 

This webinar will review the results of the 2015 Northeast Dairy Farm Summary and the current financial situation facing dairy farmers in the region.

Learn more at this link:  https://www.farmcrediteast.com/News-and-Events/News/20160428DairyWebinar.aspx

Register at this link to attend the webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4643153315896747777

It's National Farm Animals Day

Each year on April 10, we celebrate all those animals on the farm.

Sheep

It's National Farm Animals Day. Annually observed April 10, National Farm Animals Day was created as a day to raise awareness about farm animals and to find home for the abandoned and abused farm animals.

Beef cattle

For more information regarding National Farm Animals Day, see: http://www.farmanimalsday.com/

Agri-Mark to Invest About $30M in Franklin County Cheese Facility

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

Dairy cooperative Agri-Mark will invest nearly $30 million to expand its cheese manufacturing facility in Franklin County and retain 106 jobs in the North Country.

The expansion will enable Agri-Mark to continue to thrive and support future generations of New York dairy farmers.

"Agri-Mark's investment to expand and modernize its Chateaugay facility is a win-win for the Upstate economic," said Howard Zemsky, Empire State Development president, chief executive officer and commissioner.

The expansion and restoration of Agri-Mark's Chateaugay facility involves rebuilding the current 110,641-square-foot manufacturing facility, reengineering the layout of the facility adn purchasing new machinery and other equipment.

Empire State Development will support the dairy co-op with up to $6 million, including $4 million in Economic Transformation Program money to retain 106 full-time jobs and modernize the Chateaugay operations.  
 

Wisconsin Cheese Wins World Championship

Well, it's not a New York cheese, but at least now a U.S. cheese has won the world cheese championship.

Go to http://host.madison.com/wsj/news/local/a-wisconsin-cheese-wins-the-world-championship-cheese-contest/article_f0067c29-d83c-533f-a9af-f562297eaf0b.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=facebook to check out the story.

Other U.S. cheeses to make the top 16 in the judging were:

• Cellars of Jasper Hill in Vermont with a Winnimere, a smear ripened soft cheese.
• Central Coast Creamery in California with a Ewenique, a soft & semi-soft sheep's milk cheese.
• Uplands Cheese in Dodgeville with an Extra Aged Pleasant Ridge Reserve, a hard cheese.

Columbia County Teen Named New York Dairy Princess

Emily Ooms, NYS Dairy Princess

Emily Ooms, of Columbia County, was named New York State Dairy Princess Tuesday night.

Selected as first alternate was Jill DeBlock of Orange County, while April Gokey of Franklin County was named second alternate.

Miss Ooms, 17, is a senior at Chatham High School and the daughter of Timothy and Kristine Ooms. She is a member of 4-H, the Holstein Club, Junior Dairy Leaders and the National Honor Society.

The New York State Dairy Princess contest concluded Tuesday with the crowning after a two days of judging at the Holiday Inn in Salina, north of Syracuse. 

Jill DeBlock, first alternate

The girls in the competition — who already have won their county dairy princess contests — take tests to judge their dairy knowledge and writing skills, go through intensive interviews with the three judges, give both impromptu and prepared speeches and also are judged on their informal interaction with others.
 
Judges evaluate contestants on communication skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality.

Miss Ooms, Miss DeBlock and Miss Gokey were winners of the speech contest and Miss DeBlock and Miss Gokey were winners for product knowledge. Winners for written communication were Jessica Skellie of Wayne County, Katie Bower of Cayuga County and Stephanie Treadwell of Herkimer County.

April Gokey, second alternate

About 30 teens competed for the title. Miss Ooms will serve as New York State Dairy Princess for one year and will promote dairy farmers and dairy products throughout the state in schools, industries, companies and at special events.

The big event for the dairy princess each year is the New York State Fair in Geddes, west of Syracuse. She and other county dairy princesses man the dairy princess booth inside the Dairy Products building and make special appearances throughout Dairy Day on the first Monday of the fair.

The new princess takes over for Stephanie McBath of Saratoga County, who was New York State Dairy Princess for 2015-16.