Say Cheese! Ritchie Helps Celebrate "Dairy Day" At State Capitol

Representatives from New York’s dairy industry “moo-ved” into the Well of the Legislative Office Building in the State Capitol Wednesday for “Dairy Day,” an event cosponsored by Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Patty Ritchie.

This is the second year in a row that Senator Ritchie has hosted this event with Assemblyman Bill Magee, who serves as Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee.  The event is designed to highlight the role dairy farmers, producers and processors have on the regional and state economies.   

“As someone who grew up on a family farm, I know how hard farmers across the state–especially those in the dairy industry–work to ensure our state’s leading industry continues to thrive,” said Senator Ritchie.  “I’m thrilled to be able to shine the spotlight on New York dairy farmers, producers and processors to show visitors and my colleagues the impact this vital sector of agriculture has on our state, as well as the economy for Central and Northern New York.”

The day featured a ceremony with remarks by New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher and Richard Ball, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.  Also in attendance were numerous dairy producers, showcasing products like yogurt, cheese and milk, which is the official drink of New York State.  

Dairy Day took place as part of “National Dairy Month,” which first started 80 years ago as “National Milk Month.”  This event is the latest effort by Senator Ritchie to strengthen the dairy industry.  Recently, Senator Ritchie successfully advocated—for the third year in a row—for record funding for agriculture in the new state budget.  Included in the spending plan was $51 million that will help support dozens of programs farmers depend on, including those focused in the dairy sector. 

Attn. Photo Editors: Senator Ritchie is pictured in the above photo with Dairy Princesses from across New York State during Dairy Day