GETTYSBURG, Pa. — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined local officials marking Dairy Month in Pennsylvania by unveiling a Cumberland Township Historical Society marker at the site of the former Barlow Creamery.
The local landmark was known for making Barlow Ice Cream from 1898 until 1928.
“Today’s event and those we are holding across Pennsylvania during Dairy Month are partially about remembering where we came from, where we are, and how crucial it is to keep our dairy industry thriving,” Redding said. “The last couple of years have been challenging, to say the least, for Pennsylvania’s dairy industry, but we know that with every challenge, there is opportunity, and we are committed to making the most of the opportunities before us.”
While dairy productivity has increased in Pennsylvania, due in large part to increased milk production per cow, both the number of dairy farms and dairy cows in the state have decreased. These factors, plus a decline in fluid milk consumption among consumers, have contributed to a milk surplus and depressed prices, leaving farmers and processors struggling to make ends meet.
While some dairy farmers have left the business entirely or diversified into beef cattle or poultry, keeping up with change has led others to open creameries to fill consumer demand for dairy desserts and products like Greek yogurt and artisan cheese. The state is working to support dairy farmers and processors as they seek to diversify and stay competitive. The departments of Agriculture and Community and Economic Development are working together to provide funding for those whose processing businesses are in transition.
“Our department and the Center for Dairy Excellence also have partnered to commission a dairy study to provide recommendations for changes to state programs and policies, as well as private sector management structures, to support growth and competitiveness in this challenging time,” Redding said. “This is the ideal time to celebrate the all that’s good about dairy, recognize the importance of the dairy industry to Pennsylvania, and express our appreciation for those who drive the industry.”
Redding was joined by local and state lawmakers, the board of the Cumberland Township Historical Society, and by PA State Dairy Princess Halee Wasson of Centre County for the unveiling of the marker.
— Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture