Beaver County News

HARRISBURG – In honor of National Dairy Month, Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47) was joined by state dairy and agriculture leaders to showcase the value and impact of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry on the commonwealth and its residents.

Currently, Pennsylvania is home to nearly 5,000 dairy farmers and 468,000 dairy cows. These farms contribute $11.8 billion in economic revenue and support 47,000 jobs.

Vogel, who was a dairy farmer and serves as the majority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, stated: “At the heart of our dairy industry are our farmers. Without their knowledge, expertise, dedication, and most importantly, their dairy cows, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt would not be available for our households. Our farmers are the backbone of our nation and ensure our homes are enriched with quality dairy, meat, and produce. We thank them not just today but every day for their never-ending dedication to our commonwealth.” He added: “As an advocate for our dairy farms and our agriculture industry as a whole, I am proud to have spearheaded legislation aimed at providing a better future for our farmers.”

Sen. Judy Schwank (D-11), minority chair of the Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, highlighted the importance of the state’s dairy industry. “Dairy is a crucial component of Pennsylvania’s agriculture sector,” said Schwank. “Our hardworking dairy farmers provide us with products that are kitchen staples in homes across the country. During Dairy Month, we must celebrate the contributions our dairy farmers make to the commonwealth’s economy and ensure that state policies support their livelihoods.”

Jayne Sebright, executive director for the Center for Dairy Excellence, provided an in-depth look at Pennsylvania’s dairy industry and its contributions to the economy and communities statewide.

Following this overview, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reiterated these sentiments and discussed potential benefits for the dairy industry following passage of the state budget.

Jared Kurtz, a dairy farmer and operator of Kurtland Farms in Berks County, expressed pride as he talked about his family farm. “Dairy farming is the opportunity to work with incredible people to continue to grow a legacy of caring for our land and animals in the best possible manner to provide nutrition to those in our communities.” Kurtland Farms has been in Kurtz’s family since its establishment in 1920.

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski (D-121), majority chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee; Rep. Dan Moul (R-91), minority chair; shared similar outlooks as Senate Ag Committee chairs regarding continued support for the industry.

“Our Pennsylvania dairy farmers pour their hearts into this profession,” Pashinski said. “This month –and all year long– it’s important to thank them for their passion for their animals...”

“Dairy Month is perfect time to assess health of Pennsylvania’s dairy industry," Moul stated."In recent years,we have witnessed steady decline...As Republican chairman..I support efforts encouraging greater investment."

For full press conference details contact Abby Chiumento at 717-787-3076 (Vogel), Spencer Thornburg at 610-929-2151 (Schwank), William Hughes at 717-772-2999 (Pashinski), or Donna Pinkham (Moul).