Dairy

DairyDairy is the leading agricultural industry in New York State, and the state ranks third in the country for milk production. Our five counties in southwestern New York form an especially vibrant dairy region, with over 680 dairy farms of many different sizes and production systems. 

The SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program assists dairy farmers by providing business management, forage production, and dairy management support. Our Dairy Management Specialist offers assistance with calf and heifer management, reproductive management, dairy records analysis, herd health, nutrition, and facilities. 





When New Tech Starts Getting Old: Data Fatigue

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: August 10, 2026
When New Tech Starts Getting Old: Data Fatigue

Data fatigue is mental exhaustion that comes from excessive data and impairs management decisions. 

Reach out to our dairy specialist Katie Callero for a farm data consultation. 


New World Screwworm Update 7/13/26

Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: July 14, 2026
New World Screwworm Update 7/13/26

While New World Screwworm cases are on the rise, they're limited to New Mexico and Texas at this time. Producers are asked to remain alert and look for evidence of live flesh-eating maggots on their animals, especially animals that have been imported from the Southern region of the US.


Saying goodbye to our Farm Business Management Specialist

Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: June 11, 2026

Dry Cow Decisions: Is Selective Therapy the Right Fit?

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: May 11, 2026
Dry Cow Decisions: Is Selective Therapy the Right Fit?

With margins tight across the dairy industry, many farms are looking for practical ways to cut costs without sacrificing milk quality or herd health. Farms can consider selective dry cow therapy as a way to achieve those goals.


Rising Costs, Tight Margins: What New York Farmers Are Facing--and What Can Help

Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: May 8, 2026

In speaking with many of you across our region lately—whether you're in the dairy, livestock, or field crops sectors—I've heard a theme: everything costs more, and margins feel tighter than ever.


Building Forage Inventories Amid High Input Costs

Last Modified: May 4, 2026

Following the challenging weather of the 2025 growing season, many dairy farms are facing tight forage inventories and looking to 2026 to rebuild forage supplies. The current economic conditions of escalating input costs and tight milk prices increase the difficulty of accomplishing this goal. Despite all of this, farms can still look for the best practices to achieve their forage inventory goals.


The Dairy Market Today

Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 17, 2026
The Dairy Market Today

What's the status of the dairy industry in NY?


Water: The Forgotten Nutrient in Dairy Production

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 13, 2026

Water is one of the most consumed nutrients by dairy cows and yet it is often overlooked. Water access and quality directly impact milk production, health, and overall performance. Given these important roles, water intake becomes a key management consideration.


Wet weather manure spreading reminders - Do you need more storage?

Last Modified: April 10, 2026

March 2026 has been wet, hovering around 150 percent of normal precipitation for much of New York. While this has some manure storages approaching or exceeding their operational capacity, it is critical to follow the prohibited spreading conditions within the CAFO permit and spreading plans in your CNMP. 


Southwest New York Beef Update: What We're Seeing Right Now

Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 8, 2026
Southwest New York Beef Update: What We're Seeing Right Now

With all that's going on in the world right now, some beef producers are asking, "what happens next". While it's likely that none of this will come as a surprise, it's worth stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, the regional lens, and what this means for moving forward.


Spring Forage Harvest Planning Checklist

Last Modified: March 31, 2026

Check out this spring forage checklist from Joe Lawrence as we fly into spring and the upcoming growing season. 


The Dirt on Dairy Cow Hygiene

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: March 23, 2026
The Dirt on Dairy Cow Hygiene

As most people who work with cows on a regular basis understand, it is impossible to keep them looking like a perfectly manicured show cow all the time but how dirty is actually too dirty? 






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Field Crops

Field Crops

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Upcoming Events

Livestock Production Field Day

August 29, 2026 : Livestock Production Field Day
Chaffee, NY and East Aurora, NY,

Join us on visits to Horizon Ridge Farm in East Aurora and Troll Bridge Farm in Chaffee for an introduction to small beef and small diversified livestock enterprises. Through walking farm tours, attendees will learn about management, meat processing, setting prices, and finding local markets. Dinner will be provided. Register by contacting Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.

Poultry Processing Workshop, Naples, NY

September 17, 2026 : Poultry Processing Workshop - Naples, NY
Naples, NY

This program is one of four statewide roadshow stops across the state, offering farmers a full poultry processing experience. The class will teach skills that build confidence, reduce costs, and strengthen your farm's independence. This hands-on workshop gives farmers the chance to process a bird from start to finish, learning every step of the workflow used by small farms across the state.

Large Animal Awareness Training For First Responders

September 19, 2026
Dunkirk, NY

Join the Chautauqua County Technical Rescue Services and NYS Veterinarian, Dr. Kate Card-Allen, for a specialized training on how to safely and effectively respond to large animal incidents. Learn techniques for managing large animals during traffic accidents, rollovers, entrapments and other transportation emergencies.

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