Supporting Dairy Farmers: Protecting the Backbone of Upstate New York’s Agriculture

Dairy farming isn’t just an industry in Upstate New York and the North Country—it’s a way of life. For generations, family-owned dairy farms have powered our local economy, created jobs, and put food on our tables. Yet, today, dairy farmers are facing skyrocketing costs, burdensome regulations, and unfair trade policies that threaten their survival.

As I explore a run for Congress, I believe we need to fight for our dairy farmers, protect rural economies, and push back against policies that put family farms at risk.

The Challenges Facing Dairy Farmers

Dairy farmers are among the hardest-working people in America, yet they are constantly battling government overreach, unpredictable markets, and rising costs.

❌ Milk Pricing Crisis: The federal milk pricing system is outdated, and small dairy farms don’t get a fair price for their milk. Big corporations and processors profit while family farms struggle to stay afloat.

❌ Soaring Costs & Inflation: The price of feed, fuel, fertilizer, and equipment has skyrocketed, squeezing farm profits and making it harder to stay in business.

❌ Unfair Trade Policies: While big dairy operations get subsidies and advantages, many local farmers are left out. Farmers need fair access to markets, not policies that favor large agribusiness.

❌ Overregulation & Labor Shortages: Strict labor laws and environmental mandates make it harder for farmers to find workers and manage their operations without government interference.

How We Can Support Dairy Farmers

✅ Reform the Federal Milk Pricing System – The current system is outdated and broken. Farmers need a fair price for their milk that reflects their hard work and rising costs.

✅ Lower Costs & Cut Red Tape – We need to reduce regulations that hurt small dairy farms and fight for tax relief and farm-friendly policies that allow farmers to focus on their work.

✅ Expand Rural Infrastructure & Broadband – Modernizing dairy farms requires access to high-speed internet, better roads, and reliable utilities to keep farms competitive.

✅ Strengthen Trade & Local Markets – We must ensure fair trade agreements that open global markets for Upstate New York dairy and expand local processing options to keep milk, cheese, and yogurt production strong.

✅ Improve Workforce & Immigration Policies – Labor shortages hurt dairy farms. We need visa programs that work for farms, ensuring legal, reliable workers without unnecessary government restrictions.

Why This Matters for Upstate New York & the North Country

Dairy farms are a cornerstone of our economy, our communities, and our way of life. If we don’t fight for our farmers now, we risk losing them forever—and once they’re gone, they don’t come back.

When dairy farms close, we don’t just lose jobs and economic growth—we lose local food production, open farmland, and a piece of our identity.

Washington politicians don’t understand the struggles of farmers—but I do. As I explore this run, I want to hear from you:

📢 What challenges are you facing as a dairy farmer?
📢 What policies would help you succeed?

It’s time for leadership that puts farmers first, supports local agriculture, and protects the future of dairy farming in New York.