NY Dairy Research Funding Push

New York dairy farmers and industry advocates are calling on state lawmakers to boost funding for Cornell University’s PRO-Dairy research program ahead of the 2026–27 budget.

The program — crucial for helping farms improve herd health, business practices and nutrient management — hasn’t seen a funding increase since 2014, and the governor’s current budget proposal would cut it by $125,000 despite rising costs and demand from expanding processing facilities.

At a public hearing, the Northeast Dairy Producers Association urged lawmakers not only to restore funding but to add an extra $1 million for the program, citing increased economic pressures, technology shifts and higher expectations for sustainability and animal care.

Farm advocates say robust research funding is essential as major processors like Chobani and Fairlife build new plants in the state, increasing the need for competitive, well-supported dairy farms.

Beck Farms has utilized the PRO-DAIRY program in a couple of different ways, including peer groups where farmers can discuss issues facing the industry. Farm owners also consult specialists from the program about how to construct new facilities such as a calf barn and a rotary milk parlor. They were able to contact PRO-DAIRY officials about sizing specifications for the barn to determine how big the stalls need to be for the calves to have enough room as they grow.

“They sized exactly what we should be building in our blueprints for square footage, per calf, per age and as they grow, how you should design that, because this is a million-dollar barn that you’re building and you’ve got to get it right the first time,” Beck said.

Any reduction in funding for the program would be harmful to the industry, he added.

“If you’re making any cuts, you’re going the wrong way, and if you’re not growing with the state of dairy, then you’re also going the wrong way, so it needs to be twofold,” Beck said.

Source : DAirynews7x7 Feb 22nd 2026 Read full story here

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