Executive Encourages People To Buy Dairy Products As Farms Dump Excess Milk

MAYVILLE – Farms remain open as an essential business during the global COVID-19 pandemic, but the farming industry is still struggling, according to Chautauqua County Executive P.J. Wendel. 

Wendel discussed the struggles that the 1,200-plus farms in Chautauqua County have faced during his daily COVID-19 Facebook update. He says there’s too much milk on the market due to the closure of schools and decline in restaurant sales, causing farms nationwide to dump their excess milk.

The County Executive says there’s more than 150 dairy farms in the County, and he asks that people buy extra dairy products to help support them.

“Please consider buying an extra judge of milk, a block of American-made cheese, or a tub of ice cream,” Wendel said. “According to the Institute for Food Safety at Cornell University, our food system is secure and there are no legitimate threats of food shortages.”

Wendel asks anyone who sees stores limiting dairy products or purchases to call Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Business Management Specialist at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County, at 716-640-0522.

“We want to remind everybody to stay home, stay healthy and stay safe, and in the end, we will be CHQ strong.”