News Release 

Date: Jan. 4, 2008

Contact: Rebecca Schuelke, communication specialist
Telephone: (315) 453-3823 extension 103
Cell phone: (315) 427-2714
Email: rschuelke@nyfvi.org

Northeast Dairy Leaders to meet Jan. 17-18 in Oneonta

Milk labeling and rBST, raw milk sales, and animal well-being standards are on the issues-oriented agenda when the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team meets, from Jan. 17 – 18 in Oneonta.

The meeting is open to farmers, agri-service representatives and industry personnel with an interest in the northeast dairy industry.

The Northeast Dairy Leadership Team grew from a June 2006 memorandum of understanding signed by the agricultural commissioners from New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont, agreeing that the states should work collaboratively to address dairy issues from a regional perspective. The commissioners were invited to re-sign the MOU at 10 a.m. Jan. 18.

The Northeast Dairy Leadership Team has hosted a series of forums to identify opportunities and barriers to success in the dairy industry, coordinated educational workshops, and encouraged legislative action favorable to dairy farming and the dairy industry.

The January meeting will include presentations on a milk quality initiative, dairy check-off programs, and CAFO regulations.

Mark Stephenson of Cornell University’s agricultural economics department will discuss the potential impact of less rBST use on the milk supply. Brad Keating of Dairy Marketing Services will provide an overview of milk marketing policies and issues throughout the country. Raw milk regulations by state will be discussed.

For a full agenda and list of speakers, visit www.agriculture.state.pa.us/cde/. Go to ``News and Events,’’ then ``Events and Calendars,’’ then ``Northeast Dairy Leadership Team.’’

To register for the meeting, contact your state’s representative. In New York, contact Mark Kenville at (315) 453-3823. In Vermont, contact Diane Bothfeld (802)828-3835. In Pennsylvania, contact John Frey at (717)346-0849.


New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits, reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation on the farm. The Institute receives funds from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfvi.org.