HARRISBURG – As National Dairy Month gets underway, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) hosted a press conference and was joined by state agriculture and dairy industry leaders in Harrisburg to celebrate everything dairy across the commonwealth.
Nearly 5,000 dairy farms call Pennsylvania their home. The state’s dairy industry supports 47,000 jobs and generates over $11 billion in annual state economic revenue.
“Every dairy farmer in each of our 67 counties contributes to our state’s leading industry’s production and economic success,” said Vogel. “Our dairy farmers, and all farmers for that matter, are depended upon 24/7, 365 days a year and serve as the cornerstone of our nation. Their knowledge and expertise allow for Pennsylvania families to enjoy the common dairy staples like ice cream, cheese and yogurt in the comfort of their homes. We thank these farmers not just today but every day for keeping Pennsylvania as well as our nation fed.”
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Lisa Graybeal and Center for Dairy Excellence Executive Director Jayne Sebright shared an in-depth view of the positive impacts this industry continues to have on Pennsylvania communities, businesses, and residents.
“Pennsylvania dairy farmers are intensely proud of what they do and how well they do it,” Graybeal said. “During Dairy Month and year-round, the Shapiro Administration is proud to support Pennsylvania dairy farmers in their ongoing pursuit of excellence in breeding, herd management, cow care, and conservation. The Administration is committed to partnering with the General Assembly to invest in a future of ever-increasing innovation and excellence for the industry that feeds our nation and our world quality, nutritious, and delicious products every day, all year, every year.”
Currently, Lancaster, Franklin, Lebanon, Berks and Blair counties are the top five dairy producing counties here in Pennsylvania.
Sens. Scott Martin (R-13), majority chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Judy Schwank (D-11), minority chair for the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, gave some insight on the importance of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and how their counties contribute to its success.
“The dairy industry is a major economic driver in the communities I represent in Lancaster and Berks counties, and it is a critical part of our Commonwealth’s history, heritage and future,” said Martin. “I am proud to come together with my colleagues during Dairy Month to salute Pennsylvania dairy farmers for the essential role they play in putting food on our tables every day.”
“Dairy farming is the cornerstone of production agriculture in Berks County,” said Schwank. “Our dairy farmers lead the way in adopting new technology to boost profitability and promote animal health. The local dairy industry is diverse, ranging from thriving traditional farms to large and small milk processing facilities, as well as boutique dairies that produce artisan cheeses. Dairy is an important part of the culture and heritage of Berks County, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
These five counties contribute $4.9 billion of the $11 billion annual economic revenue the dairy brings into the state.
To view a breakdown of state dairy farm information by county, click here.
Other speakers included Reps. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121) and Dan Moul (R-91), leaders of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, and David Smith, executive director of the PA Dairymen’s Association.
Also in attendance was Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman, the Pennsylvania State Dairy Princess Royalty Team, and the Pennsylvania county dairy princesses.
Vogel added, “I strive to collaborate with my colleagues in both chambers and the state Department of Agriculture to further develop solutions and create opportunities that will best benefit this vital industry.
To view the press conference in its entirety, click here.
CONTACT: Abby Chiumento, 717-787-3076 (Vogel)
Jason Thompson (Martin)
Spencer Thornburg, 610-929-2151 (Schwank)
Shannon Powers (Deputy Secretary Graybeal)