Over 100 New York Dairy Farms Receive State Funding to Strengthen Operations

This June, in celebration of Dairy Month, New York State delivered some big news for the dairy community: more than 100 farms across the state have been awarded a combined $21.6 million in funding through the Dairy Modernization Grant Program.

The program, first announced in Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address, is designed to support the evolving needs of New York’s dairy farms. With nearly 3,000 dairies producing more than 16 billion pounds of milk annually, the industry plays a vital role in both rural economies and the state’s agricultural output.

This funding gives 103 farms the chance to make critical upgrades—things like improving milk storage, installing backup power systems, and adopting more efficient cooling technologies. These aren’t just technical improvements; they’re practical tools to reduce losses, cut energy costs, and keep milk moving even during storms or outages. It’s an investment in long-term viability.

One example is Glory Days Farm, a 120-cow dairy in Lewis County, which will use the funding to install a larger bulk tank, new compressors, and a permanent generator. With these changes, the farm can switch to every-other-day milk pickups, saving time and transport costs while protecting against weather disruptions.

Grants were awarded throughout the state, reaching farms in regions like Central New York, the North Country, the Finger Lakes, and the Southern Tier. The goal is to strengthen the entire dairy supply chain—from barn to processor—and reduce the risk of milk dumping during emergencies.

This isn’t a one-time effort. The recently enacted state budget sets aside an additional $10 million for a second round of the program in the coming year. And alongside that, more funding is being directed toward climate-resilient practices, soil and water conservation, and farmland protection—all of which benefit the dairy sector.

New York continues to be a leader in dairy manufacturing, too. The state is home to nearly 300 processing facilities, with recent expansions including major investments from names like Fairlife, Great Lakes Cheese, and Chobani. It’s a reminder that what happens on the farm is closely tied to a larger system of food production, job creation, and local sustainability.

These grants reflect something simple, but important: when our farms have the support to modernize, everyone benefits. More efficient operations, better milk quality, and stronger rural communities—that’s what this investment helps build.

And as we honor Dairy Month, it’s one more reason to celebrate the resilience, innovation, and hard work behind New York’s number one agricultural sector.