56th Annual American Dairy Association Northeast Butter Sculpture Unveiled at New York State Fair
Source: DairyNews.today
The 56th Annual Butter Sculpture at the New York State Fair, sponsored by Wegmans, was unveiled today under the theme "Dairy: Good for you. Good for the planet." This year's sculpture highlights the efforts of dairy farmers in protecting the environment while producing nutritious milk, a message emphasized by the American Dairy Association North East in a press release.
The intricate butter sculpture, created by artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, over an 11-day period, showcases a family relaxing by a river on one side, with a dairy farmer planting a tree on the other. The scene underscores the vital role that dairy farmers play in conserving natural resources. Each year, these farmers plant thousands of trees along rivers and streams to prevent soil erosion, improve water quality, and provide habitats for wildlife.
Mike McMahon of E-Z Acres Dairy Farm in Homer, NY, spoke at the unveiling, highlighting the significant impact of planting trees on water quality. McMahon’s farm, which spans approximately 2,300 acres, lies within the Skaneateles Lake watershed, a critical source of drinking water for over 220,000 people in the Syracuse area. "Dairy farmers take protecting your drinking water seriously," McMahon stated, noting that his farm alone has planted thousands of willow trees along its streams. "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us; we invest heavily in practices like these to create a healthy environment for our neighbors, our family, and our cows."
John Chrisman, CEO of the American Dairy Association North East, echoed McMahon’s sentiments, emphasizing the dual benefits of dairy: "We know dairy is good for your health, and with this sculpture, we want to emphasize that responsible dairy production is good for the environment." He pointed out that farmers collaborate with environmental groups to adopt practices that protect waterways, recycle resources, and reduce greenhouse gases.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball expressed his pride in the state's dairy farmers, stating, "Unveiling the Butter Sculpture is one of my favorite traditions at The Fair and a wonderful way to honor our dairy farmers who work so hard to feed our families and bring healthy products to our communities every day."
Evelyn Ingram, Director of Community Relations at Wegmans Food Markets, noted the company's pride in sponsoring this iconic sculpture, which has become an integral part of the New York State Fair. The inclusion of a blue river in this year’s sculpture symbolizes the connection between consumer enjoyment and responsible dairy production.
After the fair, the butter sculpture will be deconstructed and recycled at Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, NY, a farm known for its extensive recycling program. Each month, Noblehurst Farms converts over 500 tons of food waste from supermarkets, universities, and schools into renewable energy, enough to power the farm and more than 300 local homes. This recycling initiative not only reduces the farm's carbon footprint but also diverts food waste from landfills, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Mike McMahon of E-Z Acres Dairy Farm in Homer, NY, spoke at the unveiling, highlighting the significant impact of planting trees on water quality. McMahon’s farm, which spans approximately 2,300 acres, lies within the Skaneateles Lake watershed, a critical source of drinking water for over 220,000 people in the Syracuse area. "Dairy farmers take protecting your drinking water seriously," McMahon stated, noting that his farm alone has planted thousands of willow trees along its streams. "Sustainability isn't just a buzzword for us; we invest heavily in practices like these to create a healthy environment for our neighbors, our family, and our cows."
John Chrisman, CEO of the American Dairy Association North East, echoed McMahon’s sentiments, emphasizing the dual benefits of dairy: "We know dairy is good for your health, and with this sculpture, we want to emphasize that responsible dairy production is good for the environment." He pointed out that farmers collaborate with environmental groups to adopt practices that protect waterways, recycle resources, and reduce greenhouse gases.
New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball expressed his pride in the state's dairy farmers, stating, "Unveiling the Butter Sculpture is one of my favorite traditions at The Fair and a wonderful way to honor our dairy farmers who work so hard to feed our families and bring healthy products to our communities every day."
Evelyn Ingram, Director of Community Relations at Wegmans Food Markets, noted the company's pride in sponsoring this iconic sculpture, which has become an integral part of the New York State Fair. The inclusion of a blue river in this year’s sculpture symbolizes the connection between consumer enjoyment and responsible dairy production.
After the fair, the butter sculpture will be deconstructed and recycled at Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, NY, a farm known for its extensive recycling program. Each month, Noblehurst Farms converts over 500 tons of food waste from supermarkets, universities, and schools into renewable energy, enough to power the farm and more than 300 local homes. This recycling initiative not only reduces the farm's carbon footprint but also diverts food waste from landfills, significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
