Cross-industry representation
The New York Dairy Industry Task Force is a volunteer group comprised of dairy farmers and a cross-section of the industry -- educators, researchers, agri-business personnel, government agency representatives and others.

The Task Force identifies programs and projects for the New York Center for Dairy Excellence to implement.  Those projects strive to overcome barriers for dairy farmers, and enhance opportunities for success.

An executive committee  guides the Task Force through project development and selection. 
 
Executive committee 
The NY Dairy Industry Task Force elects an executive committee to guide the task force and make recommendations to NYFVI board of directors.  The task force is open to all.  Executive committee terms are one and two years. 
 
Farmers:
Connie Patterson, Patterson Farms, Auburn, chair
Dave Wood, Eildon Tweed, West Charlton, NYFVI  board
Kerry Adams, Black Brook Farm, Shortsville
Rob Noble, Noblehurst Farm, Linwood
Steve Palladino, Hardie Farms, Lansing
Chris Nellis, Nellis Acres, Fort Plain 
 
Agri-service:
Julie Berry, New York Animal Agriculture Coalition
Janice Bitter, Farm Credit East 
Dorothea Fitzsimmons, Alfred State College
Tom Overton, Cornell University Pro-Dairy
Jamie Zimmerman, Dairy One Cooperative 
 
Non Voting advisors:
Jerry Cosgrove, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
Cathy Mural, New York Farm Bureau