Bill to Reduce Cow Farts in Upstate New York Sparks Significant Backlash

A controversial proposal in Albany has reignited longstanding tensions between upstate and downstate lawmakers. A new bill, introduced by progressive Democrats from New York City, aims to limit the number of cows allowed on dairy farms across the state. As you can imagine, the proposal has drawn fierce opposition from rural communities who say it would devastate the agricultural economy.

The legislation would prevent dairy operations from expanding beyond 700 cows with the goal of curbing methane emissions and reducing manure runoff, both of which can contribute to environmental degradation. Proponents argue that massive dairy operations, classified as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), release harmful gases and pollutants that threaten both air and water quality.

However, dairy farmers and upstate legislators are pushing back saying the measure is misguided and detached from the reality. Critics say the proposed cap is arbitrary and would severely limit the ability of farms to scale in response to market demand.

Opposition to the bill has been particularly fierce among upstate Democrats and Republicans alike. Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, who chairs the Assembly Agriculture Committee, voiced frustration that the bill was introduced without consultation from those who work in or represent the farming industry. Other critics argue that urban lawmakers don’t fully understand the complexities of rural agriculture.

Supporters of the legislation, including State Sen. Jabari Brisport and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal - both from New York City - contend that unchecked growth of industrial farms poses a serious environmental threat.

Brisport’s office cited data showing that roughly two-thirds of smaller dairies have closed in New York since 2002, a trend attributed to the rise of large-scale farming. Yet many large farms in the state remain family-owned.

Dairy remains a key economic driver in New York, which ranks fifth nationally in milk production. According to the USDA’s 2022 agricultural census, about 11% of dairy farms in the state have 500 or more cows. Approximately 95% are family-owned.

Critics also emphasize that New York’s dairy farms already comply with strict environmental standards, often more stringent than federal regulations. The proposed law would not require existing farms to downsize but would prevent any new expansions beyond the 700-cow limit.

While the bill is unlikely to pass the Legislature, and Governor Kathy Hochul is reportedly opposed to it, its introduction has stirred up considerable political backlash. Republican lawmakers and agricultural leaders are hammering the bill’s sponsors.

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik labeled the measure as anti-farmer, while Blake Gendebien, a St. Lawrence County Democrat hoping to challenge her in the next election, criticized his own party’s downstate members for ignoring the needs of rural New Yorkers.

Bill to Reduce Cow Farts in Upstate New York Sparks Significant Backlash