PRO-LIVESTOCK Program Aims to Support New York State Livestock Farmers

Strategic Insights -

PRO-LIVESTOCK, a new Cornell program, aims to support New York state livestock farmers, particularly in the cattle, goat, and sheep industries. The program, launched earlier this year, builds on the success of PRO-DAIRY, a national leader in extension and applied research that has been supporting dairy farmers in the state for 35 years. With funding from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, PRO-LIVESTOCK will provide science-based guidance and resources to help farmers improve their operations and increase their profitability.

Key Takeaways:

  • PRO-LIVESTOCK aims to support New York state livestock farmers, with a focus on cattle, goat, and sheep production.
  • The program is modeled after PRO-DAIRY, a national leader in extension and applied research that has been supporting dairy farmers in the state for 35 years.
  • Adam Murray, Cornell's new beef cattle extension specialist, and Jessica Waltemyer, Cornell's new small ruminant extension specialist, are leading the program's outreach efforts.
  • PRO-LIVESTOCK has already attracted significant attention from farmers, breed associations, and state and extension partners, with over 450 farmers completing a 2018 survey indicating a need for more science-based resources.
  • The program's strategic plan includes adding a poultry and swine systems specialist, a livestock processing business specialist, and a forage and grazing systems specialist.
  • Response to the program has been "incredible," with constant communications with farmers, breed and industry associations, and state and extension partners.

Statistics:

  • Annual beef cattle production brought in nearly $500 million to New York state last year.
  • Demand for local goat and sheep milk and wool is on the rise.
  • 85% of New York livestock farmers surveyed in 2018 indicated a need for more science-based guidelines on production and market development.
  • PRO-LIVESTOCK has established partnerships with over 450 farmers, breed associations, and state and extension partners.
  • The program has already attracted significant funding, with a commitment of $1 million from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

Sources:

  • Cornell Chronicle, August 19, 2025
  • Press release from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
  • Survey of 450 New York livestock farmers conducted by the Cornell Small Farms Program in 2018
  • Interview with Mary Jeanne Packer, founder and owner of Battenkill Fibers, New York state's largest commercial spinning mill