New York State allocates $21.6 million to support 100+ dairy farms through modernization grants to enhance infrastructure, storage, and efficiency.
The state of New York has announced a $21.6 million investment in more than 100 dairy farms, including seven farms in Cayuga County, to enhance dairy infrastructure and efficiency. This funding is part of the Dairy Modernization Grant Program, administered by the Farm and Food Growth Fund and highlighted in Governor Kathy Hochul’s 2024 State of the State address.
The grant supports farms with equipment upgrades, storage expansions, and energy-saving projects. For instance, Allen Farms in Scipio will install new direct load ports and a high-speed milk loadout pump to speed up milk truck filling. McGarr Farms in Genoa plans to increase its milk storage capacity fivefold, from 2,000 to 10,000 gallons. Patterson Farms in Aurelius will replace its 1,300-gallon silo with a 20,000-gallon silo, nearly doubling its total storage capacity to 33,000 gallons.
Governor Hochul emphasized the importance of the dairy industry to New York’s economy, noting its role in supporting rural jobs. The program’s initial funding is included in the 2024-25 state budget, with a proposed additional $10 million for 2025-26.
