N.Y. Democratic Legislators Propose Cow Herd Limit

A Democratic state lawmaker in New York has proposed a cap on the number of cows that farms in the state are allowed to maintain.

Legislation sponsored by Brooklyn Democratic State Senator Jabari Brisport proposed the cap to be set at 699. The bill would require the state to block the expansion or creation of a farm reaching or exceeding 700 cows.

The New York Post reported that Brisport and several other Democratic lawmakers who have signed the legislation in support believe that large farming operations pose threats ranging from greenhouse gases to manure runoff getting into streams, lakes, and rivers.

Brisport said in a release, "Factory farming is rapidly taking over in New York, and it’s creating dangerous contamination of our water and air," he wrote. "We have to stop the out-of-control growth of these industrial mega-farms."

Republican New York State Senator Mark Walczyk‘s thoughts run contrary. "Let’s be clear: this bill makes no sense," he said in a release. He challenged the idea of urban lawmakers understanding the foundations of farming. "By restricting dairy farm expansions, we are undermining successful farmers in an industry that is already incredibly challenging," he said. "Why are New York City lawmakers trying to create mandates for farmers in our rural communities? They have no business doing so."

The Post reported that New York Governor Kathy Hochul is leaning against supporting the legislation. While Hochul has not made a public statement, a source close to the governor told the Post she would veto the bill if the legislature approved it.

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