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. 





Relevant Events

MILKING IT: Moving Milk Quality Forward

April 14, 2026
Springville, NY

New York Application for Dairy of Distinction

April 15, 2026

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? 


Lean Management for Dairy

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

Last Modified: March 11, 2026

I participated in Cornell Workforce Development's Lean Management for Dairy workshop in February. Lean Management, often referred to simply as "Lean", is a methodology frequently used in the business world to add value, maximize efficiency, and trim waste. How can applying principles of Lean Management work for the dairy industry in southwestern New York, and what could taking a Lean approach mean for your business?


Third Party Manure Applicator Reports

Last Modified: February 10, 2026

Custom manure applicators who have registered as Third Party CAFO Land Appliers under 6 NYCRR Part 361-2.3(c) with New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) are required to submit an annual report each year no later than March 1. 


Feed Quality Doesn't Stop at the Chopper

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: January 26, 2026
Feed Quality Doesn't Stop at the Chopper

Feed costs represent approximately 50% of operating expenses on dairy farms, with large investments in home-grown forages. It cannot be denied that there are many factors that impact our ability to harvest quality forages, both within and outside of our control, but the job isn't done once it runs through the chopper. The same prioritization of management and resources should also be allocated to maintaining quality as it enters storage.  


What You Need to Know about the USDA's Farmer Bridge Assistance Program

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

Last Modified: January 20, 2026

The US Department of Agriculture's Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program announced $12 billion in aid for US farmers this past December. Here's what you need to know.


It's Time to "Shoe" Up for Your Cows in the New Year

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

Last Modified: January 12, 2026
It's Time to

Our goal is to ensure cows are able to put their best hoof forward as we begin the new year. Since cows cannot tell us when they are in pain, it is up to the farm teams to recognize the early signs of lameness and take action to protect mobility, comfort, and productivity.


Baby, It's Cold Outside: Winter Management for Dairy Calves

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

Last Modified: December 8, 2025
Baby, It's Cold Outside: Winter Management for Dairy Calves

Small adjustments to your winter calf management could make a big impact on your farm. Check out this article for ideas to help your calves thrive through the winter. 


Mooving through Calving: Recognizing Labor Signs and When to Help

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

Last Modified: December 8, 2025

Great calving management has always been important for herd health, productivity, and profitability. It has become especially important in today's economic landscape with the high prices of beefXdairy calves and replacement heifers. To protect these high-value animals and prevent costly vet visits or complications, producers should be able to identify and respond appropriately to each stage of calving covered in this article.


Expansion of (Asian) Longhorned Tick in New York

Last Modified: November 3, 2025
Expansion of (Asian) Longhorned Tick in New York

The Longhorned tick, formerly known as the Asian Longhorned tick, is establishing populations as it moves north and west across the state. This tick has the potential to be lethal to livestock. This articles reviews the newest sightings and what to do if you happen to identify one.






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Upcoming Events

MILKING IT: Moving Milk Quality Forward

April 14, 2026
Springville, NY

New York Application for Dairy of Distinction

April 15, 2026

Virtual Egg Count Training for Sheep and Goats

April 23, 2026 : Virtual Fecal Egg Count Training for Sheep and Goats

Announcements

No announcements at this time.