Assemblywoman Russell announces easing of burdensome regulations to help farmers

            In a move that is aimed at boosting dairy production and helping the North Country agricultural industry, Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell (D-Theresa) applauded the recent announcement by the Department of Environmental Conservation to allow family farms in New York State to grow from 199 cows to 299 cows before certain costly standards apply. More than 800 farms statewide will benefit as they will be able to expand their dairy farms now without facing additional costs, noted Assemblywoman Russell.

            “Not only is this news great for North Country farmers, it will also provide a significant boost to our local economy,” Assemblywoman Russell said. “Dairy farmers will be able to responsibly expand their farms to better meet the demand of our state’s rapidly expanding dairy industry. This will create much-needed jobs throughout the supply chain.”

            This announcement comes when new reports show that New York surpassed California as the nation’s largest yogurt producer, generating 692 million pounds of yogurt last year. In the past five years, New York’s yogurt plants nearly tripled their production.

            Prior to the DEC’s announcement, the additional requirements for operations with more than 199 cows were often cost prohibitive. Relaxing these regulations is a reasonable way to help remove a burdensome financial barrier that once hindered farmers’ expansion, opening more doors to growth and prosperity, Assemblywoman Russell added.

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