Eight people from St. Lawrence County dairy farms were among 45 who graduated from the 10th Northern New York Dairy Institute, which focused on quality milk production.

In three sessions in November, December and January, participants studied mammary anatomy and physiology, economics, mastitis organisms, cow comfort, culturing, equipment maintenance and record keeping.

Twelve of the 30 farms participating reported making management changes after the first two sessions. Seventeen farms reported a decrease in herd somatic cell count from session one to three, a positive indicator of milk quality and animal health.

St. Lawrence county graduates from NNY Dairy Institute are Richard Hobkirk, Lisbon; Aaron DeRouchie, Madrid; Nathan Pierce, Ogdensburg; Brad Chester, Madrid; Harold Durant, Madrid; Tim Heiden; Madrid; Dakota Stuart, Norwood; and Robert McDonald, Lisbon.

The NNYDI Quality Milk Program was developed after a research grant sponsored by the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program and the Miner Enhancement Fund determined there was a need to develop outreach programs focusing on milk quality and milk production on small farms in northern New York.

This program was organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Northern New York and Quality Milk Production Services.