Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand visited the Ziehm family dairy farm last month to announce The American Dairy Farmer Protection Act, (HR.1583). Gillibrand represents the eastern side of the state.

“The vast majority of dairy farmers in New York will not be able to survive the next few years if we do not take immediate action,” she said. “Our family farms and farmland are vital to our future.” The bill, which was the first piece of legislation introduced by the freshman lawmaker, would set the minimum price that processors could pay to farmers at $15.58 per hundredweight.

The bill would also extend the Milk Income Loss Contract program and double the base amount of milk farmers could produce to be eligible for subsidies.

After two years of traveling the district listening to the needs of upstate New York farmers, Rep. Gillibrand took their concerns to Washington and crafted the bill to help save local dairy farms, she said.

Since 2000, New York State has lost more than 1,300 dairy farms. As one of only three northeast members on the House Agriculture Committee, Gillibrand has taken a leadership role in being an outspoken advocate for New York farmers.

Gillibrand was hosted by Frank and his son, Brian Ziehm, members of the Washington County Farm Bureau Board and members of the congresswoman’s Agricultural Steering Committee.

The farm has more than 500 milking cows.