Dairy Modernization
Moving from older tie stall barns to milking parlors and free stall barns allows for increased cow numbers and labor efficiency. Careful planning is needed to make the move profitable and one that allows for future growth on the farm.David Balbian's Retirement Statement
David Balbian, Area Dairy Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops
Last Modified: March 16, 2023
Cow Comfort in Tie Stall Barns
David Balbian, Area Dairy Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops
Last Modified: May 12, 2014
An article on cow comfort in tie stall barns by Dave Balbian in the PRO-DAIRY section of the August 2013 edition of Dairy Business East.
Cow Comfort Videos
David Balbian, Area Dairy Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops
Last Modified: May 12, 2014
Cow comfort is an important issue for cow health and milk production. Dairy specialist Dave Balbian worked with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County to put together two video on cow comfort, one in tie stall barns and the other in free stall barns.
Upcoming Events
If I'm Not Here Tomorrow: Estate Planning for Young Farm Families with Children
November 5, 2025
Free webinar
Dairy Systems and Technology Showcase - Farm Tours
November 6, 2025 : Farm Tour - Creek Acres Farm
Amsterdam, NY
Free event, but registration required. Brand new freestall barn. All attendees must wear clean clothes and boots, and scrub and disinfect footwear upon arrival and before leaving.
November 6, 2025 : Farm Tour - Glenvue Dairy Farm
Fultonville, NY
Free event, but registration required. Under construction 10 robot farm. All attendees must wear clean clothes and boots, and scrub and disinfect footwear upon arrival and before leaving.
November 7, 2025 : Farm Tour - Indian Camp Farm & Dairy
Earlville, NY
Free event, but registration required. Four robot barn and new manure aeriation system. All attendees must wear clean clothes and boots, and scrub and disinfect footwear upon arrival and before leaving.
Seleccion y organizacion del personal (Staffing and Organizing Your Team, Taught in Spanish)
November 12, 2025
Course begins Wednesday, November 12. Live Zoom discussions: Tuesdays, Noon - 1PM EST beginning November 18 through December 23.
Announcements
Sign Up for Our Weekly E-Newsletter
We send out a bi-weekly e-newsletter that has announcements, upcoming programs, and opportunities for you! Registration is quick, easy, and free. Click here to sign up today!Farmers Can Join MeatSuite For Free!
MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.Why should farmers join?
1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
How do I join?
Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.




