Miranda Gates, 2025-2026 Warren County Dairy Princess shared why the dairy community is important to Warren County.

Miranda Gates, Warren County’s Dairy Princess, has done her research and is ready to share the importance of dairy farms in the country and in Warren County’s workforce.

Based on the 2022 National Agriculture Statistics Service (NASS) census, there were a total of 4,027 farms in PA, in which dairy cows numbered 455,024 and the average herd size was 113 cows. The dairy industry creates 45,502 jobs in the state of Pennsylvania.

In 2022 Warren County was the home to 29 dairy farms mostly family owned and operated with 3053 cows residing. The average herd size is 105 cows. These farms employ other individuals to keep the farm operating 7 days a week. Most farms milk cows 2 times a day, some milk 3 times a day. Warren County has one dairy farm that uses robots to milk their cows. The dairy industry in Warren County provides 305 jobs.

It’s not just the dairy farms providing opportunities – there are two local feed mills in Warren County. Enos Milling & Tire Service in Sugar Grove and Lottsville Milling in Lottsville both employ individuals to work and help produce a quality feed product to be used on local farms.

Russell Veterinary Clinic in Russell provides employees that go out to local farms to help with animal health as well as have their clinic available.

Gates pointed out that while driving through Warren County, noticing many dairy farms, we all should be mindful that not only are these farmers providing milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream to enjoy, they are making a huge impact on our economy by providing jobs.

“I am proud to say that I live and help on our family dairy farm in Lander, Pa.,” Gates said. “My grandma and mom, with the help of my brother, sisters, my aunts, uncles, cousins and more family and friends keep Aggravation Acres running. Farms have taught me about time management, responsibility and dedication to an industry that I love. I want to thank all of our local farmers for all you do for Warren County.”

Toni Gates, mother of Miranda Gates shared that later this month her dairy princess daughter, along with the dairy committee, will take part in putting on a dinner for fellow dairy farmers to gather before the busyness of spring settles in.

“Farming is tough and if making them a home cooked lunch that they don’t have to worry about helps them relax for just a little bit then our day is made,” Gates said.