SENATOR WALCZYK DEFENDS FARMERS: NEW BILL THREATENS NEW YORK'S DAIRY INDUSTRY
June 9, 2025
Senator Mark Walczyk vehemently opposes Senate Bill S6530, which seeks to impose arbitrary restrictions on the expansion of dairy farms in New York. This politically motivated legislation stands as a blatant attempt by New York City lawmakers to meddle in rural life, jeopardizing the livelihoods of hardworking farmers who are the backbone of our state's economy. It is an insult to our agricultural community and an attack on the very principles of freedom and opportunity that define our rural heritage.
Senate Bill S6530 aims to prohibit the Department of Environmental Conservation from issuing permits for new or expanding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)—large-scale dairy farms that are vital to meet the growing demand for dairy products in New York. This misguided cap on dairy production threatens farmers’ ability to grow their businesses—creating artificial barriers instead of eliminating them. As a result, local economies would suffer immensely.
“Let’s be clear: this bill makes no sense,” Senator Walczyk declared. “By restricting dairy farm expansions, we are undermining successful farmers in an industry that is already incredibly challenging. Why are New York City lawmakers trying to create mandates for farmers in our rural communities? They have no business doing so. If they want to cap the number of cows on a farm in the Bronx or Manhattan, be my guest - but leave Upstate out of it. Our farmers deserve support, not obstacles. This legislation will drive farms out of New York altogether.”
Senator Walczyk pointed out that the demand for dairy products continues to grow, with local food producers like Chobani, Kraft, and Hood expanding operations and requiring more milk to sustain their needs. To meet the demands of such companies, we need our farmers to grow—not be limited by arbitrary restrictions that stifle opportunity and innovation.
“These City politicians need a lesson on where their food comes from. New York’s farmers lead the State's number one industry, and their efficiency keeps prices down on products you buy every week,” he added.
Jay Matteson, Agricultural Coordinator for Jefferson County, echoed Senator Walczyk’s sentiments, stating, “We respectfully invite Assemblywoman Rosenthal and Senator Brisport to visit Jefferson County and tour our dairy farms. We welcome the opportunity to listen to your concerns and to share the realities of farming in New York State, including the stringent environmental regulations we follow. Our family-run, sometimes women-owned farms take great pride in caring for our land, animals, and communities. Many of these farms provide important income to minorities and disadvantaged people. Agriculture is the economic backbone of Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and St. Lawrence Counties—contributing $1.7 billion to the region. We urge you not to overlook the impact your decisions could have on our livelihoods and the rural communities we sustain.”
“This is not just about dairy; it’s about the future of farming in New York,” said Senator Walczyk. “I will not back down in this fight against this ridiculous legislation."
Senate Bill S6530 aims to prohibit the Department of Environmental Conservation from issuing permits for new or expanding Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs)—large-scale dairy farms that are vital to meet the growing demand for dairy products in New York. This misguided cap on dairy production threatens farmers’ ability to grow their businesses—creating artificial barriers instead of eliminating them. As a result, local economies would suffer immensely.
“Let’s be clear: this bill makes no sense,” Senator Walczyk declared. “By restricting dairy farm expansions, we are undermining successful farmers in an industry that is already incredibly challenging. Why are New York City lawmakers trying to create mandates for farmers in our rural communities? They have no business doing so. If they want to cap the number of cows on a farm in the Bronx or Manhattan, be my guest - but leave Upstate out of it. Our farmers deserve support, not obstacles. This legislation will drive farms out of New York altogether.”
Senator Walczyk pointed out that the demand for dairy products continues to grow, with local food producers like Chobani, Kraft, and Hood expanding operations and requiring more milk to sustain their needs. To meet the demands of such companies, we need our farmers to grow—not be limited by arbitrary restrictions that stifle opportunity and innovation.
“These City politicians need a lesson on where their food comes from. New York’s farmers lead the State's number one industry, and their efficiency keeps prices down on products you buy every week,” he added.
Jay Matteson, Agricultural Coordinator for Jefferson County, echoed Senator Walczyk’s sentiments, stating, “We respectfully invite Assemblywoman Rosenthal and Senator Brisport to visit Jefferson County and tour our dairy farms. We welcome the opportunity to listen to your concerns and to share the realities of farming in New York State, including the stringent environmental regulations we follow. Our family-run, sometimes women-owned farms take great pride in caring for our land, animals, and communities. Many of these farms provide important income to minorities and disadvantaged people. Agriculture is the economic backbone of Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, and St. Lawrence Counties—contributing $1.7 billion to the region. We urge you not to overlook the impact your decisions could have on our livelihoods and the rural communities we sustain.”
“This is not just about dairy; it’s about the future of farming in New York,” said Senator Walczyk. “I will not back down in this fight against this ridiculous legislation."