Are you a dairy producer interested in on-farm dairy processing? Looking to diversify your operation with direct to consumer sales? Interested in value-added production? Tired of scouring the internet to find a whole lot of information that you're not sure actually applies? Here's a great place to start!!!

In 2024, Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialists Katelyn Walley (Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program) and Margaret Quaassdorff (Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program) completed a project to bring together resources, webinars, tours, and discussion groups for agricultural producers interested in Value-Added Dairy Production. This project was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Marketing Service through the Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, Grant 21DBIVT1004-00. Its contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of the USDA.

Below is a RESOURCE HUB that was created as part of this project. All of the resources below have been reviewed by our team's specialists and have been useful for other farms that have (or are going through) the process of incorporating value-added dairy products into their farm business.

If you're interested in learning more, would like to connect with experts in your area, or have suggestions for other resources to include on this page, please contact the project team leaders :

Katelyn Walley, Farm Business Management Specialist, kaw249@cornell.edu, 716-640-0522.

Margaret Quaassdorff, Dairy Management Specialist, maq27@cornell.edu, 585-405-2567.

Webinar Recordings

Introduction to Value-Added Dairy Processing (August 24th, 2023)

For anyone interested in diversifying or vertically integrating their business to include on-farm value-added dairy processing. Our discussion will introduce market availability and considerations, business planning and goals, and an overview of New York State regulations and compliance.

Value-Added Dairy Processing Webinar Marketing & Grants (February 15th, 2024)

Marketing is one of the most important considerations for any type of diversified dairy business, particularly those with interests in on-farm processing. We'll help you use product, prices, place, and promotion to plan for your farm's growth and change, as well as review current grant opportunities to help in the early stages of planning your value-added dairy venture.

Value Added Dairy Discussion - The Lender's Perspective (May 2nd, 2024)

A discussion of value-added dairy processing including personal and finance insights from Business Consultant, Jess May- Farm Credit East. Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Specialists Margaret Quaassdorff and Katelyn Walley on 5/2/24.

On-Farm Dairy Processing Playlist from SWNYDLFC (2020 - 2022)

Previously recorded webinar series from Cornell Cooperative Extension's Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crop's Program including speakers from Cornell University and New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Articles

Value Added Lessons Learned - It's About Time by Katelyn Walley

Our first lesson learned - it's about time. Well, everything is about time. And the most important thing is time.

7 Business Planning Considerations for On-Farm Dairy Processing by Katelyn Walley

With the current volatile dairy market, rising input costs, and continued challenges in commercial dairy production, dairy farm owners are looking for new ways to improve their profitability.

Value-Added Dairy Tour - That's a Wrap! by Margaret Quaassdorff

On March 13th and 14th, a group of 23 farmers and small dairy processors from Western NY traveled with the CCE NWNY and SWNY Teams to successful farms and businesses who work within the value-added dairy processing space on the eastern side of the state. 

Dairy Delights and Good Advice by Margaret Quaassdorff

Nestled atop a hill overlooking Seneca Lake, sits Shtayburne Farm Creamery, a quaint value-added dairy farm business run by the Hostetler Family. I spent an afternoon with brothers, Lorin and Lance and their family, who I found not only to be serving up ice cream flights and farmstead cheese, but good advice for those farmers interested in value-added dairy processing.

Organizations to Connect With

Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC)

NE-DBIC creates resiliency and long-term sustainability for Northeast dairy businesses. In addition to resources and research studies, NE-DBIC also provides grants and contracts for dairy farmers, processors, and service providers.

Cornell University's Dairy Foods Extension Team

This team is a diverse group of faculty and staff from the Department of Food Science with extensive knowledge that spans nearly all aspects of dairy science and technology. Their team offers certificate programs, specialty training, regulatory training, and access to their specialists for consultations.

SUNY Cobleskill's Institute for Rural Vitality

The Dairy Processing Center is an outstanding resource available for dairy producers to trial their food products with access to expertise, financial assistance, and certification guidance.

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

As the regulatory agency for dairy production in NYS, their staff are able to answer questions and provide the regulations needed for on-farm dairy processing.

If you're interested in learning more, would like to connect with experts in your area, or have suggestions for other resources to include on this page, please contact the project team leaders :

Katelyn Walley, Farm Business Management Specialist, kaw249@cornell.edu, 716-640-0522

Margaret Quaassdorff, Dairy Management Specialist, maq27@cornell.edu, 585-405-2567