ALBANY New York ranked as the third largest producer of milk nationally last year for the first time since 2009 due to the state’s booming yogurt industry.In 2012, milk production increased 2.2 percent in the state while nationally there was only a 0.4 percent growth. That same year, the state produced 695 million pounds of yogurt, nearly triple the amount in 2009, and was the number one producer of yogurt in the country, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The dairy industry is the state’s leading agricultural sector and accounts for more than one-half of the state’s total agricultural profits. The state is also the largest producer of cream and cottage cheese in the country, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Wednesday.
«New York State has recaptured its spot as one of the top three milk producers in the country, proving that our efforts to create new economic opportunities for the dairy industry are working,» Cuomo said in a statement. «Milk production is fueling thousands of jobs across upstate New York, revitalizing communities and providing a variety of nutritious products for millions of consumers across the country.»
In August 2012, the state’s first yogurt summit was held and provided businesses and dairy farmers with an opportunity to discuss options that would benefit the industry.
Since the summit, the state lifted caps under the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations regulation, which allowed farmers to increase the amount of dairy cows allowed from 199 to 299 without extra costs. Since 2009, milk production per cow has increased by 10.2 percent.
«New York Farm Bureau congratulates the hard working dairy farmers in New York for their continued success. It is because of their consistent quality and superb animal care that we have once again claimed the third spot among the largest dairy producing states,» Dean Norton, state Farm Bureau president, said in a statement.
In the 2014-2015 executive budget, Cuomo proposed $500,000 for research into the management of acid whey produced by the state’s Greek yogurt industry. The Daily Acceleration Program will also be increased by $850,000 in addition to the $1 million Cuomo announced in August.
«Governor Cuomo has recognized the importance of agriculture to our economy since day one and today’s announcement is proof positive that this Administration’s actions on behalf of the dairy industry are working. I’m excited to be part of the Department of Agriculture and Markets during this exciting time for this sector of the economy,» Richard Ball, acting state agriculture commissioner, said in a statement.
http://www.wgrz.com/story/news/local/2014/01/29/ny-movess-to-third-in-us-in-dairy-production/5027089/