Dairy Food Processing

Dairy Food ProcessingNew York State is #1 in the production of yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese and is also #4 in total cheese production. There has been tremendous growth in the numbers of companies coming to New York State to manufacture dairy products as a result of the high quality milk supply, proximity to markets and state-level and extension support that is given to the dairy manufacturing industry.

Dairy Food Manufacturing also employs well over 8,000 people in New York State. Additionally, for every job created by dairy food manufacturers, an additional 5.6 jobs are created indirectly (i.e. through vendors, contractors, et cetra). With the growth and projected growth in dairy foods manufacturing, developing a workforce is essential to sustainability. The Dairy Foods Processing Specialists works with dairy plants, regulatory agencies, workforce development agencies and suppliers to educate a future workforce for the dairy foods manufacturing industry.

The Dairy Foods Processing Specialists also work with start-up companies. Harvest New York connects companies with technical and business resources and helps companies understand key considerations before entering the dairy business. These include providing insight into regulatory requirements, plant operations, understanding market dynamics, and emerging market trends.





Cornell's Dairy Foods Extension Team

Last Modified: May 24, 2021
Cornell's Dairy Foods Extension Team

Dairy Processing Specialists work directly with Cornell's campus-based Dairy Foods Extension team. This collaboration fosters direct communication with industry stakeholders and keeps Cornell's dairy research team aware of current and relevant industry needs.


Top 3 Considerations for Starting a Value-Added Dairy Business

Last Modified: February 28, 2018
Top 3 Considerations for Starting a Value-Added Dairy Business

One of the first questions often asked when an individual is considering adding value to their milk is, "How much capital investment it is going to take to start a project like this?" While this is a critical question when starting a business, many people do not consider the other hidden costs associated with actually operating a value-added dairy business. Food safety is a topic that new processors don't typically think about in the beginning. Here are our top 3 things to consider when looking into value-added dairy processing.


New York Dairy Industry Infographic

Last Modified: February 1, 2018
New York Dairy Industry Infographic

New York's dairy industry is impressive! This infographic shows shares info on New York's national production rankings, dairy processing plants, economic impact of the industry in the state, and much more!




Upcoming Events

Log Inoculation Party

April 28, 2024
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
New York, NY

Join us for a log inoculation party and Community Mushroom Educator (CME) reunion at the Randall's Island Urban Farm with past and prospective CMEs. We will be inoculating local tree species with shiitake and oyster spawn as part of a larger research project with the Randall's Island Park Alliance Urban Farm and Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

Announcements

2023 Year in Review Released

2023 was an impactful year for CCE Harvest NY! Our major partners include NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYC Department of Education, NYS Office of Cannabis Management, NYS Berry Growers Association, Scenic Hudson, and many more. We thank the gardeners, farmers, processors, and school food authorities that we serve. Please reach out with questions on any of our success stories highlighted in our 2023 Year in Review.
  • A Study of Urban Agriculture in New York State Released
  • Insect Identification for NYC Farmers and Gardeners
  • Harvest NY Offers Education, Fresh Produce, and Job Readiness Training to the Rochester Community
  • A New Community Garden in Nassau County
  • Collaboration Leads to New Garden Opening and Educational Opportunities for Families in Transitional Housing
  • Buffalo Urban Farm Day Showcases City's Flourishing Urban Growing Community
  • Urban Agriculture Curriculum Design Influenced by Stakeholder Feedback
  • Five Years of 30% NY Initiative Success
  • Local Foods for Schools
  • Buffalo Farm to School is a Net Positive
  • Supporting Minority and Women-Owned Businesses in New York State
  • CCE and Cornell Educators Connect at Climate Symposium
  • Development of a Statewide Agritourism Program
  • A Big Year for Cannabis sativa in New York
  • Berry Research in NY to Inform Effective Fungicide Strategies


Field Guide: Arthropod Pests of NYC Vegetables

Arthropod Pests of NYC Vegetables aims to help urban farmers and gardeners find, identify, and understand the most common and important insects and other arthropod pests found in New York City farms and gardens. Some of these pests are rarely mentioned in other guides but are common in NYC. The guide emphasizes scouting tips, including how to identify pests by the damage they leave behind, even when you can't find the insect itself.

This guide was created as a collaboration between Cornell Cooperative Extension's Harvest New York team and the New York State Integrated Pest Management Program.