To The Reader’s Forum;

Let’s raise a glass of milk for June Dairy Month. It is a time to recognize not only the many delicious products that we enjoy but also the hardworking farm families who put the food on our tables.

It is no secret that it is a tough time right now for dairy farmers. We are in our fourth year of depressed milk prices and it is a real struggle for many to stay in business. The cost of production is often more than what comes in the monthly milk check. While it may not seem like a time to celebrate, it is more of a reason to drink another glass of milk or add another scoop of ice cream to your cone. Let’s support New York dairy products and in turn support our local farmers.

There are many choices in the grocery stores these days, but you can rest assured that when you choose dairy you will receive the same nine essential nutrients, including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, protein, vitamin B12 and vitamin A. It comes from the nearly 4,500 New York family farms whose passion is caring for their cows and farmland to produce the highest quality products.

Dairy farming is engrained in New York’s agricultural heritage. Most families have been in business for multiple generations and are integral to the rural economy that they support. New York Farm Bureau thanks each one of them for all that they do this month and all year round.

Sincerely,

Ginny Carlberg

Chautauqua County Farm Bureau

Jamestown