Last week, The River Reporter published a column that made sweeping claims about the negative health effects of dairy products. While it’s true that a minority of folks may not tolerate dairy products well, the overwhelming number of adults and children enjoy milk and milk products every day. Milk, cheese, yogurt and yes, even ice cream, are an ideal source of protein, calcium and a whole host of vitamins.

We live in the heart of dairy country. Dairy farmers surround us; they are our friends and neighbors and they deserve our support. It is important to know where your food comes from, and living here, we are especially lucky because we can buy our milk from our neighbors. Tonjes Farms milk can be found in our local stores, and the Dirie Farm on Shandelee Road sells safe, delicious raw milk for four dollars a gallon. We know these farmers, and these farmers know their cows; it doesn’t get any better than that.

Our family farmers work hard every day to produce a wholesome and nutritious product so let’s not bite the hand that feeds us.

Bruce Ferguson

Callicoon Center,NY

Laurie McFadden

Cochecton, NY