The Cornell Daily Sun (https://cornellsun.com/tag/milk/)
Upstate Farms, a cooperative group of 340 family-owned farmers across New York, won gold for Best Fluid Milk at the annual dairy day at the New York State Fair, representing the cream of the crop as dairy producers.
In the early 20th century, 3,500 gallons of milk, which was purchased from local farmers, would be ready for packaging each day. At the Cornell Dairy Bar of 1928, customers had two flavor options: white, with no added flavor, or a chocolate mix.
Today, 37 percent fewer Americans drink cow’s milk than in 1970, and dairy milk sales dropped 20 percent — from $15 billion to $12 billion — between 2011 and 2017. On the other hand, plant-based milks have soared in popularity with sales at $2.11 billion in 2017 from $900 million in 2012.
Led by a Cornell alumnus, Dean Foods, America’s largest milk producer, filed for bankruptcy on Nov. 12, following years of declining sales and steep competition from both industry competitors and rival food groups.