Memorializing Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in the State of New York
Summary
Assembly Resolution No. 587 is a memorializing resolution that asks Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim June 2025 as Dairy Month in New York State, in conjunction with National Dairy Month. The resolution is largely ceremonial and celebratory, recognizing the history of National Dairy Month and the role of dairy products and dairy farmers in New York’s agricultural economy.
The resolution highlights New York’s status as a major dairy-producing state, noting that it ranks fifth nationally in total milk production, has more than 2,800 dairy farms and about 630,000 dairy cows, and produces more than 16 billion pounds of milk annually. It also emphasizes the industry’s economic importance, including employment, direct farm sales, and New York’s leadership in products such as cottage cheese, yogurt, and sour cream. The measure further points to the nutritional value of dairy products and the stewardship role of dairy farmers in land conservation and agricultural innovation.
Impact
This resolution does not change state law, create new regulatory requirements, or appropriate funds. Its practical effect is to formally urge the Governor to issue a proclamation designating June 2025 as Dairy Month and to publicly recognize the dairy industry’s contributions to New York’s economy, agriculture, and public health. The only direct state action contemplated is the transmission of the resolution to the Governor.
Sentiment
The overall sentiment is strongly supportive and appreciative of New York’s dairy industry and dairy farmers. The resolution frames dairy as an important part of the state’s identity, economy, and agricultural heritage, and it presents Dairy Month as a positive observance that celebrates both industry contributions and nutritional benefits. No opposition, dissent, or recorded vote is provided in the available materials.
Contention
There is little to no apparent contention in the text or available context because the measure is ceremonial rather than substantive. The only implicit policy concern raised is the decline in the number of dairy farms, with the resolution noting the loss of more than 250 farms between 2022 and 2023; this underscores economic pressure on the industry, but no competing viewpoints or objections are included in the record provided.