ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) - Dairy farmers are getting a $350 million
cash infusion from the federal government as they struggle with low
wholesale milk prices.

The money was announced Wednesday by New York's two senators,
Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand. It includes $290 million in
direct payments to farmers and $60 million for cheese and dairy
purchases by food banks and other programs.

Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack will determine how the money will be distributed to farmers.

Republican state Assemblyman Tony Jordan of Fort Edward is holding a rally this morning at a Washington County farm to call on Governor Paterson to take immediate action to provide aid to New York dairy farmers.

He wants $150 million over two years in economic stimulus money to be distributed to dairy producers.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)