Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) is using the improved ranking of New York’s milk production in the nation to demonstrate the value of upstate’s agricultural economy. New York recently passed Idaho to become the third-largest producer of milk in the nation. New York’s milk production increased by 2.2% in 2013, compared to 0.4% growth nationwide, which demonstrates the importance of milk production to the upstate economy.

“The upstate agricultural economy is vital to New York’s success, and news of our increased milk production is a good indicator of this fact. Not only is New York’s milk going directly to consumers, it is also going to produce other growing New York products, such as yogurt and cheese,” said Hawley. “We must make sure to enact policies that encourage the growth of our state’s agricultural economy. I will be keeping a careful eye on how the budget proposal affects our family farms and advocating for policies that help them grow.”

New York’s dairy industry comprises the largest portion of its agriculture economy, and is the number one producer of yogurt in the country, churning out a total of 695 million pounds. Hawley has supported New York’s farming economy by passing the two percent family farm tax cap, calling for reduced agricultural regulations, and promoting initiatives to market New York farm products.