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
Dairy Feeder School
October 29, 2026 : Dairy Feeder School
Freedom, NY
- One day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders
- Offered in English and Spanish
- Stations with hands-on activities/demos
Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers
November 4, 2026 : Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers
This webinar follows the "Introduction to Income Taxes" webinar from September, going more into depth on topics including: understanding common tax concepts, tax strategies, long-term approaches to managing taxes, and more!
Labor Roadshow: Practical Workforce Strategies for Agricultural Professionals Across New York
November 30, 2026
December 21, 2026
The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State (AWDC) will celebrate a decade of connecting and educating agricultural professionals when Labor Roadshow X returns this December with five in-person events and two webinars across New York State.
For nearly ten years, the Labor Roadshow has brought agricultural professionals together to learn, connect, and navigate the evolving challenges of agricultural labor. The 2026 event will continue that tradition with timely, expert-led discussions focused on the issues affecting farms and agricultural employers today—including labor law and compliance, employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





