New 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.

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New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Factsheet Series

Cornell Cooperative Extension has partnered with dozens of urban farms across New York State to demonstrate and evaluate sustainable pest management strategies. Together with farmers, we found success using control methods that prevent or reduce crop losses through exclusion strategies, crop timing, host resistance, the introduction of beneficial organisms, and more. Regardless of management strategy used, common requirements for success include a knowledge of the pest and disease complex, preventative deployment and commitment to the process. The New York Urban Farms Sustainable Pest Management Factsheet Series includes case studies highlighting pest management techniques that New York urban farms have found valuable.

NYS Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment

As part of a multi-year project exploring non-spray pest management options that are economically and environmentally sustainable for urban farms, we conducted a needs assessment with urban growers across New York State. The New York State Urban Growers Pest Management Needs Assessment presents findings on current pest management practices, challenges, and topics of future interest.