Dairy Farm Business Summary Progress Report Released by Cornell PRO-DAIRY
Katelyn Walley, Business Management Specialist and Team Leader
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
The fourth and final progress report of the Dairy Farm Business Summary has been released for 2019. As dairy businesses across the state continue to analyze their financial and business performance utilizing the Dairy Farm Business Summary and Analysis Program, updated progress of the farm reports are provided to review the changes that have occurred from 2018 to 2019. With 147 farms participating in the DFBS for two years, from 2018 to 2019 the average farm herd size increased 6 percent and milk sold increased 7 percent. Worker equivalents also increased 2 percent leading to an increase of milk sold per worker of 5 percent from 2018 to 2019. Hired labor costs per worker equivalent increased 5 percent, but hired labor costs per cwt remained unchanged as milk sold per worker increased. Net milk price increased 14 percent leading to a net milk income over purchased grain and concentrate per cow increase of 24 percent. Debt coverage ratio increased 86 percent leading to a decrease in farm debt per cow of 5 percent. If you are interested in participating in the Dairy Farm Business Summary Program contact Katelyn by calling 716-640-0522.
Upcoming Events
NY Small Farms Summit 2025: Stronger Together
December 5, 2025
Alfred, NY
We hope you will join us on December 5th for the 2025 New York Small Farms Summit! This is an opportunity to meet other farmers and ag supporters, learn about research and education projects, and set priorities for future efforts to grow small farm success.
At the Allegany County site, we will focus on giving trees a chance and how trees build resiliency on small farms. Whether attracted to fruit, nuts, vegetables, fodder or shade, trees can be an integral part of a successful farming system. Join us as we explore the opportunities for resiliency that come from adding tree crops or managing wooded areas of your farm for agroforestry or silvopasture systems.
Crops, Cows & Critters - Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Newsletter Sponsorship
December 19, 2025
Our two forms of publications feature research-based and timely information from our four specialists, listed to the right, along with local event notifications and Cornell University outreach. This information is provided to participants who range from dairy, livestock, and field crops producers to agricultural suppliers and consultants.
Weekly Email Update: Shared with 625+ households who have signed up with our program.
Monthly Paper Mailer: To reach our stakeholders and farmers who lack internet access, we send out a monthly mailer where your company's logo and contact information would be featured with a mailing list of 330+ households.
If you sponsor our weekly and monthly publications you reach approximately 955 households.
Visit our website to view our newsletters!
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





