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Organic Dairying is Focus of NYFVI-Funded Initiative
Organic milk production, business enterprise development, successful farm
management and enhanced information and idea exchange are
the goals of the NY Organic Dairy Initiative funded by the New York Farm
Viability Institute, Inc. (NYFVI) and administrated by Cornell University’s
Small Farm Program. The initiative is targeted to NY’s small and mid-sized
dairy farms, including more than 200 certified and in-transition-to-organic
dairy farms.
To
begin the project, the Cornell Small Farm Program convened a New York Organic
Dairy Task Force. Organic milk producers, processors, grain growers and
certifiers brainstormed production and business management changes that could
improve the profitability of individual farms and of the industry sector as a
whole. (Photo: “New York farms currently produce only one-third of
the demand for organic milk by New York consumers. New York has tremendous
potential to become a leader in the organic milk industry.” — Fay Benson
(right) with organic dairy producer Ed Schefler, Groton, NY. Photographer:
Alex Benson)
NYFVI Outreach Coordinator David Grusenmeyer facilitated part of the
brainstorming meeting. He says, “This kind of task force brings all the
industry players together to share knowledge, to strategize, and to look at
their industry from other perspectives to the benefit of all.”
A 20-year dairy farmer with organic production experience and Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Cortland County Small Farms Educator Fay Benson
coordinates the NY Organic Dairy Initiative. He says, “The barrier
identification process helps us build projects that respond directly to
farmer-identified needs and opportunities.”
Benson says transitioning to organic does not create instant success and is
not for everyone. At “Managing for Success” workshops, he will use Cornell
PRO-Dairy resources adapted to show how organic production impacts animal
health, crops, and farm finances. Farm, family and financial goal setting;
decision making; holistic farm management; and essential recordkeeping that
fits each farm individually will also be addressed.
Organic dairy producer Kathie Arnold of Twin Oaks Farm in Cortland County
says, “I get calls all the time from conventional producers trying to think
through how they might transition to organic. Facilitated information sharing
will be beneficial to all – from transitioning farmers to existing organic
producers. “
Business planning specialists with Cornell’s NY FarmNet and PRO-Dairy
programs, and with the Tompkins, Cortland, and Tioga Counties Dairy & Field
Crops teams will work with participating producers to develop farm-specific
plans. The Initiative will also produce organic production
educational materials for farmers statewide.
For More Info:
Fay Benson
NY Organic Dairy Initiative
607-753-5077