Ithaca, NY – U.S. Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced $495,000 in new federal funding for Cornell University. The funding was allocated through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Specifically, Cornell University will use the funding to research new identification methods, treatment techniques, and develop automated health- monitoring technology. Dairy farmers spend substantial time and resources to identify, treat, and care for sick cows. Cornell University’s research will work to improve health, productivity, and longevity in dairy cows while reducing the labor costs of dairy farmers.
“Cornell is a national leader when it comes to cutting-edge agricultural research,” said Senator Schumer. “This funding will allow Cornell to continue its critical research on illness identification, treatment, and health-monitoring technology of dairy cows to the benefit of Upstate New York’s dairy farmers. As we all know, agriculture is the backbone of Upstate New York’s economy which is why I am committed to securing resources that ensure universities like Cornell have the tools they need to continue to be on the forefront of agricultural research and innovation.”
“This investment will allow Cornell University to continue groundbreaking research to strengthen the dairy industry in New York,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “I will continue to support federal funding for scientific research like this at our colleges and universities so that more young people can be inspired to do research, test their ideas, and expand opportunities for farmers and producers in our state.
The USDA NIFA program aims to strengthen local food systems and support farmers growing fruits, vegetables, and nursery crops through research, agricultural extension activities, and initiatives to increase demand and address the needs of America’s specialty crop industry.