Published: November 05, 2009 12:00 am      

Otsego 2000 plans four-farm dairy tour

Staff Report

On Nov. 21, Otsego 2000 is sponsoring a tour of four Otsego County dairy farms.

The goal, according to a statement from the organization, is to raise awareness of the difficulties farmers face trying to survive amid the largest collapse in milk prices in almost 30 years and to encourage legislators to help solve this problem.

``Our dairy farmers have been suffering through the most drastic collapse of dairy prices in 60 years. An industry, which was vibrant just one year ago, has been brought to its knees,’’ said Otsego 2000 Board President Nicole Dillingham.

``If urgent action is not taken, there will be a near total destruction of the dairy industry, potentially wiping out as many as 40 percent of familyowned farms over the next 6 months.’’

She went on to say, ``It is time to recognize how important this industry is to our local economy, to our health and to our future food supply. Unless change comes now, there will be severe near-term negative effects on our local farmers, as well as catastrophic long-term damage to the safety of our country’s food supply and its independence.’’

Tour participants will see dairy operations and hear local perspectives on the crisis at hand.The four farms include a high-tech large herd farm, a small full crop, grain fed dairy, a multigenerational family operation farm and an Amish farm that sells raw milk and cheese.

The tour is open to the public at no charge. The self-driven tour will start at 9:30 a.m. and conclude at 4:00 p.m. Maps and directions will be available and an optional stop for lunch is included.

Reservations requested.

Call Otsego 2000 at 607- 547-8881 for tour information.

Dillingham’s position statement on the national milk pricing collapse and dairy crisis may be viewed at www.otsego2000.org.