Bill proposed by downstate legislators would cap any new farms or already existing New York farms looking to expand to 700 cattle head

ALBANY, NY- A bill sponsored by a pair of New York City lawmakers has drummed up quite a firestorm response from the farming community across the North Country.

This proposal, introduced via Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, of Manhattan and Senator Jabari Brisport, of Brooklyn would essentially cap the limit for any new dairy farms or already existing dairy farms from exceeding 700 cows.

For context, one local agriculture official explained to us that 700 cattle are a threshold that needs to be met before a dairy farm needs to apply for what is known as a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation permit.

This bill, according to sources, would cease any and all future permits being approved by the DEC.

With the announcement last month that Chobani is going to construct a new, super modern facility in Rome, NY, local dairy and ag officials have responded with delight – claiming there will be a tremendous boost in local milk production in the North Country, statewide and the entire Northeast.

But with this development, ag officials fear that it could throw a wrench into that hopeful outlook.

Local officials tell us that it is necessary for farmers to have higher cattle counts in order for a dairy farm to be economically viable.

One local agriculture official says they don’t believe the bill will be successful.

In a statement released to WWNY-TV, Assemblywoman Rosenthal claims the move is aimed to benefit the environment and small businesses.

We will share any new development as they surface.

Dairy cow image.