New York Farmer Hosts Collegiate Environmental Students to Build Trust in Dairy

College Students Tour EL-VI Farms in Newark, New York

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – American Dairy Association North East partnered with Ontario County Soil and Water Conservation District to coordinate two in-person tours to a New York dairy farm for collegiate environmental students to show how farmers are sustainably producing milk.

Students from SUNY Geneseo, Rochester institute of Technology and Finger Lakes Community College visited El-VI Farm in Newark, N.Y., owned by ADA North East board member George Andrew.

“Dairy farmers are committed to protecting land, water and air resources and are willing to share their sustainability stories,” said ADA North East CEO John Chrisman. “Making these connections with students early in their environmental careers helps establish a long-term trust in the dairy industry.”

Kim Skellie of EL-VI Farms led the farm tours. He said, “It’s important for the next generation of scientists and environmental leaders to see firsthand how a modern dairy farm is dedicated to sustainability, caring for our land, and raising healthy animals,” said

Skellie added, “We take great pride in our environmental efforts, and we’re eager to share the specific practices we use—from growing our own feed locally to managing our herd —to ensure we operate responsibly within the Finger Lakes region of New York.”

Students’ post-tour surveys showed that their opinions of dairy farms improved after a day on the farm. Student comments included, “Sustainability and efficiency are key components to operating the farm and farmers are very connected with the land and do not want to deplete their livelihood.” 

For additional checkoff information, contact American Dairy Association North East at 315.472.9143.

About American Dairy Association North East

American Dairy Association North East (ADA North East) is the dairy farmer-funded organization funded by participating dairy farmer’s checkoff investment to build demand and sales for milk and dairy foods throughout the local region. Representing nearly 8,000 dairy farm families in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and northern Virginia, ADA North East develops and implements local programs to drive milk and dairy sales at retail outlets and in schools. The organization also conducts consumer education about dairy through events, traditional and social media, and in collaboration with health professionals through National Dairy Council®. ADA North East works closely with Dairy Management Inc.™, the national dairy checkoff organization, to support nutrition research, national partnerships and developing export markets for dairy to bring a fully integrated promotion program to the region. For more information, visit www.AmericanDairy.com.