Support New York’s Dairy Farms This Holiday Season

Over the past year, you’ve likely seen headlines about the struggles New York’s dairy industry is facing. Rising production costs, labor challenges, and changes in the marketplace have led to a steep decline in small and mid-sized dairy farms across the state. In fact, the number of dairy farms has nearly halved over the last decade, leaving only a fraction of what once was a thriving local industry.

But as we head into the holiday season, there’s an opportunity for all of us to make a difference. By supporting New York’s local dairy farms when we shop for holiday meals and gifts, we can help sustain these vital businesses that produce the food and dairy we rely on. 

Why Supporting Local Dairy Matters

New York dairy farms aren’t just part of our state’s rich history; they’re still the backbone of rural communities. These farms provide jobs, support local economies, and contribute to the region's food security. When you buy dairy products from local farms, you’re doing more than just filling your fridge; you’re helping to preserve a way of life and support the farms that have fed the people of New York for generations. 

The benefits of choosing to buy locally go beyond just the economic impact. By choosing local dairy, you reduce the environmental footprint of your food. Fewer transportation miles mean fewer emissions, making it a more sustainable choice during a season when our environmental impact tends to grow.

How to Add Local Dairy to Your Holiday Celebrations

As you prepare your holiday meals, consider incorporating some of New York’s best dairy products into your dishes. There are so many delicious ways to feature local dairy on your holiday table, and the options are as versatile as they are delicious.

Butter: Perfect for baking holiday cookies, buttery pie crusts, and savory side dishes like mashed potatoes. Look for locally-produced butter from New York farms, where the quality and freshness are unmatched. 

Cheese: A holiday cheese platter is always a hit. Pick up some local cheddar, gouda, or mozzarella to serve with crackers, fruits, and nuts.

Milk & Cream: Whether it’s a splash of milk in your coffee before the relatives arrive or fresh cream for homemade whipped toppings, local milk and cream are sure to enhance the flavor of your holiday beverages and desserts.

Yogurt: Greek-style yogurt is an excellent base for a variety of sweet and savory dips, and New York is home to some of the country’s best yogurt producers.
These are just a few ideas for incorporating local dairy into your festivities. Look for New York farm brands like Byrne Dairy, Ronnybrook Farm Dairy, or Hudson Valley Fresh at your local grocery store.

Give the Gift of Local Dairy

In recent years, many small farms in New York have been forced to shut down or consolidate due to skyrocketing production costs, which have risen by nearly 50% over the past five years. The shift toward fewer, larger farms is a troubling trend for the state’s rural communities, where these small farms have long been an integral part of the local economy. To help bring in more income, many farms have turned to selling products directly to consumers. 

You can help support these struggling farms by choosing local dairy products as holiday gifts. Many New York farms offer a variety of products that are perfect for curating beautiful gift baskets. You can also sign up for gift subscriptions that deliver fresh, local dairy products year-round, ensuring that your loved ones enjoy high-quality goods while supporting local businesses. By choosing New York dairy as gifts this holiday season, you’re not just sharing delicious, locally-produced items, you’re playing a role in helping to preserve New York’s small dairy farms and the communities they support.

Shop Local All Year Long

This holiday season, choose to support the dairy farmers who work tirelessly to bring fresh, local products to our tables. Choosing New York dairy products isn’t just a one-time act of kindness around the holidays; it must become an all-year commitment to keeping these farms in business. 

Next time you head to the grocery store, take a moment to seek out locally produced milk, cheese, butter, and yogurt. Your purchase directly impacts the lives of farmers, their families, and the rural communities they sustain. Beyond the holidays, continue to prioritize local food sources, whether through farm-to-table initiatives, visiting farmers’ markets, or making a purchase at your local grocery store. 

Together, we can ensure that New York’s dairy farms remain a part of our communities, preserving our state’s agricultural legacy for years to come.