About Us
A longstanding and trusted legacy
Our mission is to promote high-quality milk and consumer trust based on science and innovative outreach.
Meet our team
Central laboratory: Ithaca
Phone: 607-255-8202 or 877-645-5522
Northern laboratory: Canton
Phone: 315-386-7240 or 877-645-5523
Dr. Wolfgang Heuwieser
Professor and Director of Quality Milk Production services
Eastern laboratory: Cobleskill
Phone: 518-255-5681 or 877-645-5524
Dr. Mike Zurakowski
Eastern Laboratory Director and Senior Extension
Western laboratory: Warsaw
Phone: 585-786-2555 or 877-645-5525
Dr. Michelle Buckley
Western Laboratory Director and Assistant Professor of Practice
By the numbers
300K+
annual cultures
25
staff members
500+
annual farm visits
Our history
1946
Founded in 1946 by Gov. Thomas Dewey as the New York State Mastitis Control Program, QMPS has consistently led efforts to improve milk safety, animal welfare and public trust.
1946-1975
Operated independently within the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, the program pioneers mastitis diagnostics and herd health management across New York dairies.
1975-1986
In 1975, it becomes a program within the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. During this time, it is housed in the college's Department of Clinical Sciences.
1986
The program is formally integrated into the New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory at Cornell, enhancing diagnostic reach and regional impact.
2000s
In the 2000s, the program is renamed Quality Milk Production Services to reflect its expanded mission: combining on-farm consulting, lab testing and industry outreach. It now lives under the Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences.
