Country Folks New England 7.1.13 by Lee Publications

1 July 2013 Section One of One Volume 31 Number 15

$1.99

Yourr Weekly y Connection n to o Agriculture

Farm News • Equipment for Sale • Auctions • Classifieds

Baffoni’s Poultry Farm ~ Page A2 Grazing livestock ~ Page A4

Featured Columnist: Lee Mielke

Mielke Market Weekly Crop Comments

20 6

Auctions 25 Classifieds 33 Farmer to Farmer 9 Alternative Energy 7 Manure Handling 19 Inserts Small Farm Quarterly Case IH

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” ~ Leviticus 19:18

Baffoni’s Poultry Farm by Melody Reynolds

Page 2 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

true New England family farm, Baffoni’s Poultry is a third generation poultry farm. The family works long hours and days to provide the public with the freshest poultry and eggs possible. Donald Baffoni has a passion for his birds. “The well kept coops and care that is given to the birds during their life at the farm results in a better quality meat,” he states. Chicks arrive at the farm at just a day old. These soon-to-be laying hens are housed in a two story, well-lit heated barn. The chicks move freely about racing from one side to the other as if playing a game of tag. A long feeder in the center

Donald Baffoni stands in his USDA-approved, stainless steel facility where he processes both his own birds and those from other farms.

provides an all-day buffet. When the birds have fully feathered out they are moved to another barn to continue growing. In only 21 weeks from hatching, the birds

are full grown and ready to start producing eggs. The Baffoni Farm collects and crates up about 360 dozen eggs a day. These eggs make their way to many restaurants, serving only

local products and farmers markets. In addition to the egg layers, Baffoni also raises and offers fresh chicken and turkey to their customers. The heavy breasted, fast growing

birds arrive the same way as the egg layers and are housed in a separate barn. The birds are fed a vegetarian diet. This vegetarian recipe was created by the Baffoni family generations ago. Between batches of birds, Baffoni power washes his barns to ensure the cleanest environment. The air is clean and fresh on the Baffoni farm. The meat birds are processed in a updated stainless steel facility that Baffoni has invested in. The live bird enters the facility through a dark tunnel used to eliminate flies from entering the processing plant. The large plant works in a circular motion so there is no chance of contami-

nation. The lighting for this plant is entirely waterproof for the never ending wash down that follows each batch of birds. The birds make their way to the final cut table where custom dress orders are filled. These USDA-approved conditions open up many new possibilities for the Baffoni family and local farmers. The facility can now process birds for other farms under a custom dress process. This gives other farmers a place to go and have their own birds processed and labeled so they can sell this meat to their customers. Baffoni’s investment will give smaller poultry farmers a value-added product and increase their bottom line.

Full-time mom, part-time farmer by Jane Primerano If you’re heading north on Route 25 along the Connecticut River, you will pass through the hamlet of East Corinth. You may not notice, since the General Store is identical to other barn-red stores in the Upper Valley to the east of Vermont’s Green Mountains. On Memorial Day weekend, making a right turn at the store took travelers to a tomato plant sale at Spring Chicken Farm and Knock on Wood Sawworks, the businesses of Betsy and Nick Zanstra. Betsy starts the plants inside and in handmade frames but vegetables are not her primary interest as a

farmer. She did have a small CSA, but then, “I did a lot of soulsearching about the business,” she said, “the logistics of doing vegetables with a small child were complicated.” The Zanstras have a daughter, Claire, who turned two in January and Betsy is expecting another baby in December. While she and Nick still have a homestead garden, keeping the CSA proved impossible. Betsy is used to working with animals from when she apprenticed on a farm in coastal Maine, so she brought in heritage poultry, lambs and steers. Nick Zanstra’s main occupation is harvesting timber and running a sawmill. He built the chicken’s brood box, as

The heritage chickens on Spring Chicken Farm, in the brooder made by Nick Zanstra.

well as the other structures needed in the pastures. “It’s an Ohio brooder,” Betsy said, “with two hard-wired lamps. It holds about 200 chickens.” Keeping the birds clean is important, Betsy said. She scrubs the water dishes twice a day. The bedding is peat, which has anti-fungal properties. Once the birds are on grass, Betsy will move them around. She has shelters for them and their area is enclosed with an electric fence, which does a pretty good job keeping predators at bay. “We have had some problems when the charger fails,” she admitted. The chickens stay in an enclosure about 250-foot in circumference. “They forage for bugs and fertilize the pasture,” she noted. “We get a deep bluegreen grass. The chickens stay on grass for six weeks. Betsy and Nick slaughter the birds on-farm under Vermont’s 1,000-bird exemption. The Zanstra’s raise about 500 each year. “I feel strongly about bringing in the heritage breeds,” she said. “The Cornish cross just lie around and eat. They grow too fast and we lose too many.” Hers are Silver Barreds, meat cousins of the Barred Rock Laying Hen, and they are all male — at least they were advertised that way. Betsy admits occasionally that does

Betsy Zanstra chats with customer Donna Repsher of Bradford. Photos by Jane Primerano

not prove to be the case. Even pasture-raised chickens need supplemental nutrition. Betsy can buy organic grain from a mill about a halfhour north of her farm. Although she is careful to use organic feed as supplement for the chickens, Betsy does not operate an organic farm. “It’s so expensive,” she said, “there’s a lot of paperwork, and in reality the people who know us know what we use. The other thing not technically organic is the fish meal we

used as a protein supplement.” Betsy invites any potential customer to come to the farm and ask questions. “We market as heritage-bred chickens raised on clean, green pasture and certified organic grain,” she said. Eventually Betsy would like to breed her own sheep, but that will have to wait until she doesn’t have tiny children running around. She says she made the decision to become a full-time mother, which means staying a part-time farmer.

White Coal Experimental Farm by Joe Parzych he experimental White Coal Farm was owned by the Turners Falls Company. This corporation was founded by Alvah Crocker, who also founded Turners Falls, a village in the town of Montague, MA. Crocker used the term “White Coal” in reference to cheap water power produced by the power canal by the Turners Falls Dam. It may also have referred to the pumping of irrigation water using the flow of water through a penstock to power a water ram. Crocker saw opportunities at every turn. A shaker and a mover, he began working in a paper mill in Fitchburg as a young man, and soon bought the mill, eventually buying several others, as well. He became president of the Boston & Fitchburg Rail Road, was active in politics as both a representative and a senator at state and federal levels. He not only founded the Turners Falls Company in 1868, and the village of Turners Falls, but also two banks in Turners Falls that bore his name. He also dug the power canal through ledge, bridged the canal in four places, and sold factory sites and home building lots. He even saw potential in “waste land” on the plains, in the area where the Turners Falls Airport is now. He successful enriched the sandy soil, irrigated it, and successfully grew profitable crops. In a Special Dispatch to the Globe, an unnamed writer says, “The Turners Falls Company...is trying a very interesting experiment in culti-

This recent aerial shot of the dam with water going under the gate house shows white water in the power canal. The Turners Falls-Gill Bridge passes overhead of the dam and canal.

Fredick Perry, 26, managed the White Coal Farm on the Montague plains. Here, he is pictured with a farm worker in the farm fields with his son, Fred, on his knee. Photos courtesy of Joe Parzych

length with thousands of blossoms. The corn is only irrigated in part. Another experiment is being tried; the cultivation of about five acres of sweet clover and this was not irrigated...The crop is doing well but not nearly as well as it would do if irrigated.” Sweet clover is an invasive plant brought to the U.S. in the 1600s. It is a bush-like plant that grows almost anywhere as much as five feet tall. It invades and degrades native grasses by overtopping and shading native sun-loving plants, but it is still used as a forage crop and soil enhancer. Plowing under the crop as “green manure” gave the sandy soil of the Montague plains much needed organic material. The sand deposit on the plains came from the delta of Lake Hitchcock which covered the area and left the sand deposit when the natural dam broke. Nothing in the report describes how the Turners Falls Company pumped water 175 feet to irrigate the fields. A water ram or a paddle wheel using the Archimedes screw method to pump water would probably have been the most likely mechanism. The farm used a “one lunger” gasoline power unit to drive a pump. However, the term “White Coal” indicates that water power was the major method of pumping water — a lot of water. The Globe article states that, “It is estimate of experts that in an average season about 27,500 gallons of water per acre are necessary each week in order to give the proper moisture.” The dispatch goes on to say, “The land is so sandy that a foundation underneath has to be established before the best results can be secured. This foundation is secured by a variety of ways.” The report does not specify what those “ways”

A Mack truck loaded to capacity with potatoes, leaves the farm for market in 1927 with a profitable load.

were. Since photographs show a lot of poultry and large farm animals on the farm, manure from these animals was undoubtedly part of the foundation. The report goes on to state that “Fertilizers were used but in no larger quantities than used on the rich river bottom land [Connecticut River Valley land.]” Apparently, they refer to commercial fertilizer as opposed to manure. Using the Connecticut River water for irrigation may have also contributed fertilization since the river and its tributaries were commonly used as a repository of untreated sewage. River silt was undoubtedly taken up with irrigation water, also contributing to the building up of soil. A large pipe on the river bank acted as a penstock to carry river water from a considerable distance upstream. It is thought that the penstock powered a water ram to supply river water to the fields. Rather than rotating crops, commonly recommended, the experimental farm found that growing onions and tobacco on the same land for several years in a row actually increased yield. The Globe article goes on, “In other words, it is necessary to cultivate both tobacco and onions, probably five years, on the same soil before the best results are secured.” Often the underground root structure of plants is equal to the plant’s foliage above ground, so that organic root residue accumulation after several years would account for increased yields.

In a report to investors, the men at the head of the Turners Falls Company reported that they were hardheaded businessmen who view the experimental farm as a success. “Tobacco, onions and potatoes can be raised on formerly worthless land, now worth from $250 –$500 and acre. In five years, with the use of water, socalled worthless land on the Montague Plains can be made to grow large crops at a cost that will bring a large return on money invested.” Since the experiment demonstrated that the former “waste” land could produce profitable crops, it seems strange that the upwards of 2,000 acres of land successfully put under cultivation in 1927 did not continue, probably because of the Great Depression, which followed soon after the stock market crash of 1929. The fairly small Koch farm that was the core of the larger experiment continued for a number of years as a smaller operation, successfully raising chickens, growing strawberries and other market produce. Much of the 2,000 acres eventually was developed as home sites. The Turners Falls Airport continually encroached on the Koch Farm until the Koch Farm land and buildings were taken by eminent domain. The Turners Falls Fire Department burned the house and barn for training purposes and to clear the way for airport expansion. Sadly, no crops of any kind grow on this reclaimed land today.

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 3

vating the soil on what has been considered barren plain land at Turners Falls on the Connecticut River where its principle power stations are located...The sandy land had been considered worthless, especially as farm land.” The visionary Crocker saw the land’s potential and bought it up. The writer continues, “An experiment, using small amounts of water pumped from the Connecticut River to irrigate the worthless sandy soil proved to be successful, warranting a large scale planting of Havana tobacco said to be nearly equal to any grown in the fertile lands of the Connecticut Valley, several acres of onions, a large corn and miscellaneous crops of a varied nature consisting of many farming truck and fine flower garden including a row of sweet peas, several rods in

Page 4 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Grazing livestock by Katie Navarra Grazing livestock have the potential to maximize or exceed their daily intake requirements ultimately leading to increased production than if fed stored forages. “Well-managed pastures are generally higher in quality than any other forage,” Karen Hoffman, Resource Conversationalist with the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, said. Livestock allowed to graze consume the plant when it is in the vegetative stage of growth before it sends out a seed head. “The plant will be lower in fiber, which means it is more easily digested by the animal, with the help of bacteria in the rumen of the animals that have one,” she added. Pastures also tend to be higher in protein and energy than other forages due to the stage of plant growth. Furthermore, grazing ani-

mals are outside and able to absorb natural vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D. Why graze? Grazing can allow the farmer to reduce the cost of feeding animals. “They (the animals) do the work of harvesting, it’s high quality, and generally doesn’t need to be supplemented with expensive feeds,” Hoffman said. High-producing dairy animals are an exception. “It is recommended that some supplemental energy be fed as pasture can’t meet their energy needs alone,” she added. Providing pastures for grazing has the potential to reduce feed costs, but “it all depends,” said Mick Bessire with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Columbia and Greene Counties, “to make grazing as profitable as possible you have to keep costs under control and have a process of evaluation.”

Management and operating practices play an important role to making grazing a more efficient and more profitable endeavor. “I have seen farms with 100 cows and 500 acres that can’t make it; however, I have seen farms with 150 cows and 250 acres do very well,” he said. How much pasture do I need? Successful grazing requires daily monitoring of the animal’s health, body condition score, fluids intake and productivity. “(Farmers) need to be particularly mindful of/familiar with the animal’s body condition score,” Bessire explained. The animal’s health should be monitored on a daily basis. The pastures should also be checked daily for the amount of forage available to ensure the animals have enough to eat.

Cover photo by Melody Reynolds Donald Baffoni of Baffoni’s Poultry is a third generation poultry farmer.

Country Folks New England Farm Weekly U.S.P.S. 708-470

Country Folks New England Farm Weekly (ISSN 1536-0784) is published every week on Monday by Lee Publications, PO Box 121, 6113 St. Hwy. 5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428. Periodical postage paid at Palatine Bridge Post Office, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 and at an additional mailing office. Subscription Price: $47 per year, $78 for 2 years. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Country Folks New England Farm Weekly, P.O. Box 121, 6113 St. Hwy. 5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428. 518-673-2448. Country Folks is the official publication of the Northeast DHIA. Publisher, President .....................Frederick W. Lee, 518-673-0134 V.P., Production................................Mark W. Lee, 518-673-0132........................... mlee@leepub.com V.P., General Manager.....................Bruce Button, 518-673-0104...................... bbutton@leepub.com Managing Editor...........................Joan Kark-Wren, 518-673-0141................. jkarkwren@leepub.com Assistant Editor.............................Emily Enger, 518-673-0145............................eenger@leepub.com Page Composition..........................Alison Swartz, 518-673-0139...................... aswartz@leepub.com Comptroller.....................................Robert Moyer, 518-673-0148....................... bmoyer@leepub.com Production Coordinator................Jessica Mackay, 518-673-0137.................... jmackay@leepub.com Classified Ad Manager....................Peggy Patrei, 518-673-0111..................... classified@leepub.com Shop Foreman.................................Harry Delong, 518-673-0154...................... hdelong@leepub.com Palatine Bridge, Front desk ....................518-673-0160...................... Web site: www.leepub.com Accounting/Billing Office ........................518-673-0149 ............................... amoyer@leepub.com Subscriptions ..........................................888-596-5329 .................... subscriptions@leepub.com Send all correspondence to: PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 • Fax (518) 673-2699 Editorial email: jkarkwren@leepub.com Advertising email: jmackay@leepub.com AD SALES REPRESENTATIVES Bruce Button, Corporate Sales Mgr .......Palatine Bridge, NY ........................................518-673-0104 Scott Duffy.................................................. Reading, VT...............................................802-484-7240 Sue Thomas ...................................... suethomas1@cox.net........................................949-599-6800 Ian Hitchener ..............................................Bradford, VT ...............................................518-210-2066 Jan Andrews..........................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0110 Dave Dornburgh ....................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0109 Steve Heiser ..........................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0107 Tina Krieger ..........................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0108 Kathy LaScala....................................katelascala@gmail.com.........................................913-486-7184 We cannot GUARANTEE the return of photographs. Publisher not responsible for typographical errors. Size, style of type and locations of advertisements are left to the discretion of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. We will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise or reject any and all advertising with or without cause being assigned which in his judgement is unwholesome or contrary to the interest of this publication. We assume no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisement, but if at fault, will reprint that portion of the ad in which the error appears.

The animal’s age and stage of development will require different amounts of forage. “Yearlings or those in lactation take more forage than a dry cow,” he said. For example, a dry cow requires 2.5 percent of its body weight in forage whereas a yearling needs 3 percent and lactating animals need 3.5 percent. The soil type and the type of forage available play a critical role in determining how many animals a pasture can support. “Up to 30-40 percent clover is the best option,” he said, “clover supports more animals than straight grass and it provides nitrogen fixation to help fertilize the soil.” In general, the ratio of animals to pasture land is determined using animal units. Each animal unit is equal to 1,000 pounds of body weight. Pastures with decent soil and good forage coverage should be able to support one animal unit per acre. Bessire said, “horses eat an awful lot and are actually equivalent to 2 1/4 animal units meaning it takes 2 1/2 acres for one horse.” Pasture health critical A pasture’s nutritional value is directly related to its soil type, pH and fertility. Soil types are measured on a scale of 1 to 8. “A type 1 soil is capable of producing 5 to 6 tons of dry matter per acre,” Bessire explained, “a type 3 is only able to produce between 3 to 3.5 tons of dry matter per acre.” A Soil Survey Handbook is available and includes charts by county that indicate the tonnage of dry matter the soil will likely produce under optimum conditions. “If the soil is good and at optimum fertility and pH that is a good start,” he said, “but some sort of harvest is needed (i.e. hay) is the only sure way to measure.” The pasture’s viability is also based on how fertile the soil is and its ability to absorb nutrients. Soil that has been neglected may be short on micronutrients. “(You) need to look at the micronutrients as part of the tool kit these days in convention and organic agriculture because we have not been putting these back into the soil and it is out of balance,” he added.

Soil pH is an important part of the pasture’s ability to produce high-quality forage. “This part of the world (Columbia and Greene County, NY) is naturally acidic,” he said. Grasses and legumes do well with a pH of 6.2-6.5. If pH is too low or too high prevents plants from picking up other nutrients in the soil. Soil samples can be taken to local Cooperative Extensions for testing. “Know your soil and what’s in it and amend it,” he emphasized. A plant that is not receiving adequate nutrients will pass the lack of nutrition onto the animal leading to poor nutritional health for the animal or the need to supplement with grain or hay to keep the animal well fed. Getting started with grazing Incorporating grazing into the feeding routine requires planning and preparation. Infrastructure and acreage are important considerations. Newly converted lands or leased lands may require fencing and a water source. “If you are leasing land make the agreement for a long enough period of time to make it worth the infrastructure investment,” Bassire said. Tax breaks and other incentives are available to land owners who consider leasing property to farms. “There is a lot of land that is under-utilized, especially in New York,” Bessire said, “I get calls every day from people looking to lease out under-utilized land.” Funding is available

through the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the USDA and NRCS. Ultimately, neighbor relations is key. Liability and infrastructure can be stumbling blocks to connecting landowners with livestock owners, but developing solid relationships with neighbors go a long way in smoothing this over. Once pastures are established, create a grazing management plan. “Rotational grazing can produce almost double the amount compared to continuous grazing,” Bassire explained. In a rotational system the animals are allowed to graze 1-3 days and are then moved to another pasture. The vegetation is given enough time to rebound and regrow. The length of the rest period varies based on the season. In the spring it averages two weeks, but can be as many as four to six during the middle of the summer. In conventional grazing, the livestock prefer the young tender grass rather than taller grasses. An overgrazed root system contracts and cannot take up nutrients to sustain growth. The growth slows down and turns into fodder. “Determine how many acres are needed, and how often to rotate the animals through the pastures/paddocks,” Hoffman concluded, “It’s a balance between forage supply and forage demand and making sure there’s enough pasture for the amount of time they are in the paddock.”

Live life like a goat...

...in the arms of someone who loves you! Photo by Melody Reynolds

Grange President: House’s failure to pass Farm Bill a ‘true injustice’ “The House did the American people a true injustice today,” National Grange President Ed Luttrell said after learning that the legislative body failed to pass the Farm Bill in a 195-234 vote. The Grange, America’s oldest agriculture and rural advocacy group, has been a significant supporter of the bill that Luttrell said would have offered stability to one of the nation’s leading industries. “Last year’s extension of the Farm Bill was extremely disappointing to the ag community and the House’s failure to pass the bill today just deepens this frustration,” Luttrell said. “The Farm

Bill isn’t just about farming and agriculture. It’s about jobs, energy, and our nation’s overall recovery in this still struggling economy. One in 12 American jobs depend upon agriculture and without the strength and stability provided by the Farm Bill, our nation’s farmers and ranchers will be unable to make rational, informed decisions about the future.” National Grange Legislative Director Grace Boatright said the failure comes mainly from proposed cuts to the 80 percent of Farm Bill spending marked for the Supplemental Nutrition

Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps. “Cuts to the SNAP program were undoubtedly the cause of today’s Farm Bill rejection in the House, which is especially frustrating because I believe that the Senate and House bills had a lot of common ground on which to build. It’s going to be a long and dreary road from here as the Washington ag community regroups and reevaluates its work on this issue,” Boatright said. Boatright said the continued inability of Congress to move forward on even the most crucial measures is disappointing.

“Unfortunately, American agriculture and the millions of people who benefit from it can’t wait for Washington to resolve its issues. We needed action today and I know I speak for our more than 160,000 members when I say we are incredibly disappointed by the House’s failure to pass this vital piece of legislation.” Boatright and Luttrell agreed that there is public misunderstanding about aspects of the bill, but say Congress should be more aware than the average American of the need to pass legislation that gives farmers a better safety net, enhances conservation, stabilizes and enhances safety measures for food and assists in the promotion of our products in foreign markets.

Failed Farm Bill bad for taxpayers, resources “The House farm bill failed commonsense conservation standards, and it failed to get enough votes to pass.” Sodsaver program.” Most significantly, the House bill would have created a new loophole in a longstanding requirement that farmers who receive taxpayer subsidies refrain from draining wetlands or farming erosion-prone soils without a conservation plan — because the bill failed to extend these protections to crop insurance premium subsidies, the largest subsidy farmers receive. This could lead to the draining of 1.5 to 3.3 million acres of wetlands and greatly increased soil erosion and nutrient pollution into our lakes, streams, rivers and coastal waters. Major agricultural groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and the National Corn Growers, along with fiscal groups, including Americans for Tax Reform and the National Taxpayers Union supported closing this damaging loophole.

What next? by Bob Gray There are several scenarios as to what might happen next following the defeat of the Farm Bill. All of them are fraught with uncertainty and potential problems. Here is a list of possible scenarios given where we are at this point. • Extend current Farm Bill law: The extension of current law runs out on Sept. 30. It will not be easy politically to extend the provisions of the 2008 Farm Bill again, even for a short period of time. However, given the fact it is almost July and current law runs out in just 90 days, it may be the only immediate option. • Restructure a new Farm Bill on the House side: There would have to be some very tough negotiations at the House Agriculture Committee level to come up with a bill that would straddle all of the differences that exist between House members on SNAP and the Farm Commodity programs. It will be interesting to see what the House Agriculture Committee does next. • Negotiate an agreement with the Senate on their version of the Farm Bill: This might be the most plausible route since the Senate passed their Farm Bill with good bipartisan support. But again the issue of SNAP — $4.5 billion in cuts in the Senate Bill

compared to the $20.5 in the failed House Bill — will remain a contentious issue. The shape and cost of the Commodity programs will be a major factor as well. And would Mr. Goodlatte mount another effort against any Senate/House Farm Bill agreement if it contained the Dairy Security Act? He is likely to be emboldened by the strong vote of support he received in the House. • Split the nutrition programs from the Farm Bill and go with separate bills: This could be a prescription for disaster since it would give opponents and proponents of SNAP and the commodity programs a chance to make deeper cuts and significant changes that could make a split Farm Bill totally unpalatable. • Revert back to original Farm Bill law: Here we go again. The federal dairy support price would jump to over $38 per hundredweight. Not a very viable option for Members of Congress, but possible if nothing is done by Sept. 30. • None Of The Above: Could be but I can’t think of any other options right now. However, they are out there. Source: NDFC E-letter for June 21

“It is outrageous that the House Agriculture Committee leaders opposed this wholly reasonable, basic conservation provision to protect the public good,” Schweiger said. The House bill also would’ve failed taxpayers and wildlife by continuing to provide perverse incentives to farmers who plow up fast-declining native grasslands, even where the land is unlikely to produce a good crop.

“Failing to trim incentives that lead to destruction of one of the nation’s most endangered ecosystems to support marginal crop production is just the height of irresponsibility, squandering both taxpayer dollars and our precious natural resources,” Schweiger concluded. For more National Wildlife Federation news visit www.nwf.org/ news

Farm Bill defeat a blow to dairy On June 20, John Wilson, Senior Vice President Dairy Farmers of America, made the following statement “Despite the agriculture community’s best effort, with a vote of 195–234 the U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a Farm Bill today. “Earlier in the day, the GoodlatteScott amendment stripped the Dairy Market Stabilization Program from the underlying bill. “Regardless of the loss on GoodlatteScott, Dairy Farmers of America remained supportive of final passage of the Farm Bill to keep the momentum going on a bill that is vital to so many aspects of the American agriculture sector. Farm families across the nation rely on the provisions in the Farm Bill, and that they will continue to operate under outdated and inadequate policies is truly disappointing. “DFA members joined farmers across

the nation in voicing their support of this Farm Bill, and their engagement was instrumental in securing needed dairy policy reform in the version of the bill brought to the floor. “Although today has been disappointing, the dairy industry has shown its resiliency in the past, and continued optimism and action is the only option as we look to the future. We express sincere thanks to all who made calls, attended meetings and sent important emails to their legislators. This participation is imperative as we look to the future and make dairy policy reform a reality. “The dairy industry has many advocates on Capitol Hill and we owe our appreciation to those in Congress who supported our efforts. I am confident that this support will not falter as we continue our pursuit of meaningful dairy policy reform.”

Farm Bill Follies: Time to cut hay? Andrew Novakovic is a professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Science’s Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management. He comments on the failure of the House of Representatives to pass Farm Bill legislation — and whether a bill will be passed by year’s end. Novakovic says: “The vote was highly partisan. While this was expected, I am surprised at how highly partisan it was. Where one goes from here is indeed a conundrum. The Senate bill remains viable through the remainder of this 113th Congress. “Regardless of this political strategy, it will be tough sledding to find a new way to package a farm bill that will get the requisite majority support. It will be up to the now chastened leadership of the House Agriculture Committee to find this magical combination. I am not

optimistic. “What does this mean for getting a Farm Bill before the extension of the last one expires? I think the House Agriculture Committee will be lucky if they can end the summer with plausible changes that offer any hope of a positive vote by the House this fall. “Is it possible that the Congress won’t be able to get a Farm Bill done in 2013 at all? Unfortunately, that can’t be ruled out. There is plenty of time to complete the legislative process well before December but the trick is finding the new combination of programs that will garner that majority vote in the House and be acceptable to the Senate. “I suggest we all go back to cutting hay and making yogurt and let this business stew in its own juices for a while. It will be quite some time before this train gets back on the tracks.”

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 5

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. House of Representatives failed to pass a farm bill that if enacted, would have been the worst in at least 25 years for fish and wildlife. The House bill failed any test of responsibility that taxpayer dollars wouldn’t be spent in ways that harm our land, water, wildlife and the public good. It’s critical to enact a fiveyear farm bill this year that protects conservation. “The House farm bill failed commonsense conservation standards, and it failed to get enough votes to pass,” said Larry Schweiger, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “Reasonable measures to protect taxpayers and natural resources must be included a farm bill. The National Wildlife Federation will continue to fight for a farm bill that includes a link between conservation compliance and crop insurance, and a National

Crop Comments by Paris Reidhead Field Crops Consultant

Page 6 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

(Contact: renrock46@hotmail.com)

They don’t “cry” wolf Recently, my eyes-ofTexas contact emailed me an “in your face” type article dealing with health side effects associated with a common form of genetic engineering (GE) in field crops. The GE trait in question is the insertion of a gene into field crops so as to orchestrate the formation of the toxin naturally present in the bacterium Bacillus thuriensis. The article which appeared on the Collective-Evolution website was titled “New Study Links GMO Food to Leukemia: GMO Bt Cry-Toxins May Contribute to Blood Abnormalities.” B. thuringensis (Bt) is a bacterium commonly used as a biological pesticide. It is a microorganism that produces toxic chemicals, occurring naturally in the environment, usually isolated from soil, insects and plant surfaces. Prior to a recently published Brazilian study, Bt was thought to be toxic only to insects, but recent studies are proving otherwise. (And some of this stuff is a little technical.) Associated with the release of spores, B. thuringiensis forms crystals of proteinaceous insecticidal delta-endotoxins (called crystal proteins or Cry proteins), which are encoded by cry genes. In most strains of B. thuringiensis, the Cry genes are located on a plasmid (in other words, Cry is not a chromosomal gene in most strains). Dr. Bélin Poletto Mezzomo and his team from the Department of Genetics and Morphology at the Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasilia recently performed and published a study done involving testing Bacillus thuringensis toxin (Bt toxin) on Swiss albino mice. This toxin is the same one built into crops (such as corn and soy), which have been genetically modified to

manifest insecticidal properties. Studies are showing that Bt toxins found in such GE crops are harmful to mammalian blood by damaging red blood cells (RBCs). RBCs are responsible for delivering oxygen to the body tissues through blood flow. Bt is a bacterium commonly used as a biological pesticide... a microorganism that produces toxic chemicals. It occurs naturally in the environment, and is usually isolated from soil, insects and plant surfaces. Prior to this study, Bt was thought to be toxic only to insects, but recent studies are proving otherwise. Dr. Mezzomo and his team of scientists at University of Brasilia recently published a study that involved Bt toxin and its effects on mammalian blood. According to the study, the Cry toxins that are found in GE crops like corn and soy, are much more toxic to mammals than was previously thought. The study was published in the Journal of Hematology and Thromboembolic Diseases. Advances in genetic engineering promise the expression of multiple Cry toxins in Bt-plants, known as gene pyramiding. Therefore, studies on non-target species are requirements of international protocols to verify the adverse effects of these toxins, ensuring human and environmental biosafety. Due to its growing use in agricultural activities, Bt presence has already been detected in different environmental arenas, such as soil and water. Thus the bioavailability of Cry proteins has increased, and for biosafety reasons their adverse effects should be studied for non-target organisms, which appear to be suffering collateral damage. Studies are also needed to evaluate the persistence of Bt toxin and its stability in aquatic environ-

ments… as well as the risks to humans and animals exposed to potentially toxic levels of Bt through their diet. Thus, by using Swiss albino mice, the Brasilia study aimed to evaluate the hematotoxicity and genotoxicity of four Bt spore-crystals. Scientists tested levels ranging from 27 mg to 270 mg over a seven day period, it was remarkably evident that the Cry toxins were hemotoxic, even at the lowest doses administered. Hemotoxins destroy red blood cells, disrupt blood clotting and cause organ degeneration and tissue damage. The number of RBC’s (red blood cells), as well as their size, were significantly reduced, as were the levels of hemoglobin for oxygen to attach to. Every factor regarding RBC’s indicated

some level of damage for all levels of toxin administered and across all Cry proteins. The tests clearly demonstrated that Cry proteins resulting from the Bt toxin were cytotoxic (poisonous to cells), particularly bone marrow cells. Studies continually show that these proteins kill blood cells by targeting the cell membranes of RBC’s. Mezzomo’s work strongly suggests that further studies are required to clarify the mechanism involved in the hematotoxicity found in mice, and to establish the toxicological risks to non-target organisms, especially mammals, before concluding that these microbiological control agents are safe for mammals. In its original (non-

genetically-modified) form, Bacillus thuriensis was a precise crop protection management tool for controlling insect pests. In my opinion, pre-GE Bt could be considered a “rifle approach”. In the minds of the Brazilian researchers just cited, genetically engineered Bt is, by comparison, a “shotgun approach”, with stray pellets hitting innocent bystanders. These Brazilian scientists didn’t even touch on the

known fact that targeted tests have successfully developed resistance to the Bt trait in its increasingly universal form in GE crops. Proof of this fact is the acquired ability of armyworms to devour crops genetically modified to yield Cry proteins. It appears that a strange irony is unfolding, in which mammals suffer more from this modern technology than the invertebrates which were originally targeted.

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1983 IH 5088 MFWD, cab, air, 4830 hrs, 138 PTO HP, like new 20.8x38 and 18.4x26 radials, duals PTO, 3 remotes, very, very clean original, runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,000

1987 NH 311 baler, hydraulic bale tension and NH 70 hydraulic drive bale tension, extra sharp and clean, one owner, low use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,500

2002 NH TS110 MFWD cab, air, 16 speed, PS LHR, 27 MPH, 3443 hrs, 18.4x38 radials rear, 14.9x28 fronts, 10 front weights and fender, 4 remotes, very clean, runs ex$27,500

2010 JD 7430 MFWD, cab, air, 20 speed power quad LHR front suspension 1920 hrs ex 18.4x42 radials on bar axles ex 16.9x28 radials front with JD 741 SL loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$92,500 2010 JD 85D hydraulic excavator cab, air, front blade 36 inch bucket side swing boom 16 in rubber pads on steel undercarriage only 520 hrs, like new . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$78,500 5-2008 JD 6230s cab, air, 24 speed power quads 2 premiums 3 standards 1100 hrs up . . . . . .JUST IN 2006 JD 6420 IVT MFWD cab, air 3859 hrs ex 18.4x38 and 14.9x24 radials 3 remotes very clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$41,500 2005 JD 8220 MFWD, cab, air, 1809 hrs 3 ptos 4 remotes ex 20.8x42 radial axle duals ex 480/70R/30 fronts 18 front weights quick hitch very very sharp one owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$125,000 2000 JD 444H rubber tired loader 5030 hrs cab, 8ft bucket JRB quick coupler auxiliary hydraulics real good 17.5x25 tires very clean dry tight runs ex.....$45,000 quick tatch forks available . . . .$3,500 2000 JD 7610 MFWD, cab, air, 16 speed power quad 20.8x38 radials rear 16.9x28 radials front fenders 3 remotes 2700 one owner hrs very sharp . .$60,000 1996 JD 6200 MFWD cab, air, 16 speed PQ RHR 4665 hrs, 18.4x34 on R+P axles 14.9x24 fronts 3 remotes very clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,000 1956 JD 420U ex 14.9x28 rears 3ph wide front front weights very clean one owner runs ex . . . . .$5,000 2010 Gehl 6640E skid steer pilot controls 80 hp cab with heat and a/c hi flow hydraulics, 12.-16.5 tires 674 hrs ex cond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,500 2008 NH T6030 Plus MFWD, cab, air, 16 speed power shift LHR 1900 hrs, buddy seat ex 18.4x38 and 14.9x28 radials 4 remotes NH 850TL SL loader super sharp clean looks like new . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$58,500 2006 NH TS100A MFWD Deluxe cab, air, 16 speed powershift LHR 1991 hrs ex 18.4x38 and 14.9x28 radials front fenders 4 remotes factory loader prep very clean and sharp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37,500 2005 NH TM140 MFWD cab suspension 3277 hrs 18 speed full powershift 4 remotes plus mid mount joystick ex 18.4x42 radials on bar axles ex 14.9x30 radials front fenders and weights real clean sharp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$45,500 2001 New Holland TL 90 MFWD, Deluxe cab, air, 76 hp, 3497 hrs, ex 18.4x34 and 380/85R/24 radials 24 speed LHR very clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . .$24,500

1999 NH 8870 MFWD, cab, air, 710/70R/38 and 480/70R/30s 4900 hrs, 4 remotes very clean sharp one owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$47,500 1981 Ford 6700 2WD factory cab dual power 18.4x34 rears dual pto and remotes only 1000 hrs on new complete engine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,000 1976 Ford 5600D 8 speed 16.9x30 rear tires 4954 hrs remotes clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7,500 1977 MF 1105 factory cab 4664 hrs multi power ex 18.4x38s dual pto and remotes very clean and sharp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8,500 1978 MF 285D multi power dual remotes 4443 hrs ex 18.4x34s rear real clean sharp one owner . .$9,000 1968 MF 135D clean original 14.9x28 rears runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,000 1985 Komatsu WA350-1 rubber tired articulating loader 3 1/2 yard 9 ft bucket 5600 hrs real clean tight runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$27,500 1996 CIH 5230 Maxxum MFWD, cab, air, 90 hp 5.9 Cummins power LHR 18.4x38 and 14.9x24 fronts 4300 hrs CIH 520 Sl loader ex original one owner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$32,500 1992 CIH 5220 2WD cab, air, 80hp, powershift LHR only 3218 hrs ex 18.4x34 radials dual pto and remotes ex original one owner . . . . . . . . . .$22,500 1994 CIH 995 2WD cab, air, 85HP turbo ex 18.4x30 radials dual pto and remotes hi-lo shift IH 2250 loader very clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,000 1981 Case 1490 2WD 75hp, cab, air, power shift ex 18.4x34s dual pto and remotes 5600 hrs, clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7,500 1977 IH 986 cab, air, good TA 3ph dual remotes and pto ex 20.8x38s clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . .$9,750 1998 Agco White 8410 MFWD, cab, air, full power shift LHR 145 hp 3 remotes dual pto 20.8x38 and 420/85R/28 radials front fenders 6123 hrs clean runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$35,000 1981 White 2-135 MFWD factory cab 5100 hrs 540+1000 pto 3 remotes 20.8x38 radials 18.4R26s front very clean original runs ex . . . . . . . . .$13,500 1977 White 2-70 MFWD, laurin cab 5510 hrs, 18.4x34 rears 13.6x24 fronts with Lessard SL loader front pump runs ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,500 1976 White 2-105 factory cab 6174 hrs ex 20.8x38s dual pto and remotes very clean runs ex . . .$8,000 2002 Komatsu D39EX Komstat hydrostatic drive 6 way dozer 1248 hrs 1900 lbs 9ft blade ROPS and sweeps super nice low hour ex . . . . . . . . . .$36,000

AC ED40 diesel tractor 40 hp 3ph runs good .$3,500 NH 575 wire tie baler hydraulic hitch hydraulic bale tension and pickup head with 77 pan type kicker ex cond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6,500 1988 NH 326 baler with model 70 hydraulic drive bale thrower hydraulic bale tension ex . . . . . . . . .$5,500 Allis Chalmers small square pto baler . . . . . . . .$500 2009 JD 582 silage special 4x5 round baler crop cutter edge to edge mesh wrap or dual twine tie wide pickup head 6700 bales very sharp ex cond $22,500 Claas 66 Rollant 4x5 round baler netwrap and twine ex cond ex baleage baler one owner . . . . . . . . .$6,000 2003 CIH RBX 452 round baler 4x5 same as NH BR740 wide pikcup head bale ramps ex belts ex cond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,000 NH 644 silage special round baler wide pickup head bale ramps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .JUST IN 2007 NH 1412 discbine impeller conditioner very clean ex low usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$14,500 Kuhn KC 4000G center pivot discbine, late model rubber rolls ex cond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,500 Kuhn 5001 TH 17 ft hydraulic fold tedder ex cond low use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$4,500 Krone 1010 swadrow 32 ft rotary hayrake ex cond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,000 Kverneland 3ph 3bt plow ex cond . . . . . . . . .$1,000 AC 3ph balance head 7ft sickle bar mower . . .$1,000 MF 3ph dyna balance sickle bar mower all guards and knives new ex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500 NH 62LB loader never used fits NH TM series $5,000 Loader brackets for JD 640 loader for JD 6000 series tractor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500 CIH or Hesston 8581 big bale accumulator for big square baler . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1,500 JD front suitcase weights . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$100 each JD and IH rear wheel weights . . . . . . . . . .$150 each 14.9x28 clamp on duals 20.8x38 clamp on duals 20.8x38 9 bolt axle duals IH 9 bolt 3 1/2 inch hubs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$1000 20.8x42 radial clamp on duals . . . . . . . . . . . . .$2,000 COMING IN 2008 JD 458 silage special netwrap able ramps density gauge 2007 JD 7130 premium 2WD cab air power quad 2500 hrs corner post air seat 18.4x38s on R+P axles 2006 JD 5425 MFWD 1507 hrs JD 542 SL loader 9+3 trans

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Biodiesel and renewable diesel join forces National Biodiesel Board opens membership to new technology WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Biodiesel Board announced recently that it is opening its membership to include qualified renewable diesel producers in a move that will unite the advanced biofuels industry in the diesel sector. The decision, made unanimously by NBB’s governing board, consolidates under one tent the larger biodiesel industry with the younger and smaller renewable diesel industry, creating a stronger and more effective voice for both. “We are excited to ex-

pand our membership to include renewable diesel producers,” said Joe Jobe, CEO of NBB, which traditionally has represented only biodiesel interests. “While produced with different technologies, biodiesel and renewable diesel are close cousins with a lot of shared interests, particularly in policy areas such as the RFS and the blender’s tax incentive. Joining forces puts us in a much stronger position as a coalition to make our voice heard and spread the word that these policies are working and

that advanced biofuels are here today.” Jobe noted that with the change, NBB will represent the entire biomass-based diesel category under the Renewable Fuel Standard. “Bringing the renewable diesel sector under our big tent demonstrates once again that biodiesel is the most diverse fuel available today,” Jobe said. “And it’s another representation of the important of diversifying our entire transportation fuels marketplace.” Representatives of the renewable diesel producers echoed Jobe’s statements. “We have long been

impressed with the work NBB does to represent the biodiesel industry and felt that joining forces was the next logical step,” said Randall C. Stuewe, President and Chairman of the Board of Darling International, Inc. which is a 50 percent equity owner in Diamond Green Diesel, a Louisiana-based Renewable Diesel plant with annual production capability of over 136 million gallons coming on line shortly. “Many of the same issues face both biodiesel and renewable diesel producers and we’re glad to be speaking with one voice on these issues.”

E NE RG Y Biodiesel and renewable diesel are both made with renewable resources such as soybean oil, animal fats and recycled cooking oils. Biodiesel is produced through a natural chemical reaction that takes place when alcohol is introduced to oils or fats in the presence of a catalyst. In the production of renewable diesel, hydrogen is added to the oils or fats under high pressure and temperatures, converting it to a hydrocarbon very similar to diesel fuel refined from petroleum crude. Both biodiesel and renewable diesel reduce

greenhouse gas emissions, displace imported petroleum diesel, create jobs and economic activity, bolster our energy security, and are compatible with existing diesel engines and fuel distribution infrastructure. According to EPA data, nearly 1.1 billion gallons of biomass-based diesel were produced in 2012. The category represents about [85 percent-fact checking] of the total advanced biofuel volumes produced under the RFS. About 90 percent of the production was biodiesel and about 10 percent was renewable diesel.

UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Two new, youth-oriented online presentations from Penn State Extension explore the role of water in shale-gas drilling and production in the mid-Atlantic region.

These self-running presentations were designed for use by educators in both formal and informal educational settings. Although geared towards youths in grades 6 through 10, they also are appropriate

for adults who may want to learn more about this topic. The first presentation, “A Water Drop on a Journey — Shale Gas Drilling in the Mid-Atlantic,” is aimed at the 6ththrough 9th-grade lev-

els. It is based on the recent Penn State Extension publication, “Water’s Journey through the Shale Gas Drilling and Production Processes in the Mid-Atlantic Region.”

Online 8

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 7

Online tutorials for youth address water's role in shale gas drilling

AEC applauds the Obama Administration for moving forward on climate change “The advanced ethanol industry stands behind the Obama Administration in their effort to address climate change,” said Advanced Ethanol Council (AEC) Executive Director Brooke Coleman. “The President is right to identify the Renewable Fuel Standard and existing federal regulations as critical to the effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the energy sector. Pound for pound, advanced ethanol is the most carbon reductive alterna-

tive to gasoline in the world, and the RFS is driving the commercial deployment of our industry.” The AEC noted, however, that climate action is not just about average global temperature. “The need to address climate change is not just about carbon dioxide and rising sea levels,” added Coleman. “We’re talking about a global race to commercialize next generation fuels as conventional oil becomes increasingly scarce and new unconventional reserves

only come online at considerable expense. Inaction is not just irresponsible from a climatological perspective, it puts the United States further behind in the global race to develop new energy industries, create new American jobs and ensure that high and volatile gas prices do not continue to paralyze economic growth.” The AEC recently released a progress report demonstrating the commercial progress of the advanced biofuels industry. The report

demonstrates that the cellulosic biofuels industry is reaching commercial deployment just five years after the passage of the RFS and notwithstanding the global economic downturn. The AEC noted that maintaining the RFS and removing inequities from the federal tax code favoring the development of fossil fuels are critical to the ongoing development of low carbon, renewable fuels. “What we need at this point is for Congress to establish a path and

stick to it,” added Coleman. “The ongoing politicization of this issue just means that clean energy industries are going to build their

new facilities on Chinese or Brazilian soil instead of in the United States. That’s a bad outcome for both political parties.”

Catskill Forest Festival - Margaretville, NY, July 27, 2013 Empire Farm Days - Seneca Falls, NY, August 6, 7 & 8, 2013 Ag Progress - Penn State, PA, August 13, 14 & 15, 2013

Page 8 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Online from 7 The second presentation, “True or False — Common Concerns About Water and Shale Gas Drilling in the MidAtlantic Region,” addresses current environmental issues and misconceptions surrounding shale-gas drilling and production and is targeted to 8th- through 10thgrade viewers. Water is a critical ingredient for extracting gas from the Marcellus Shale, which lies as deep as 9,000 feet beneath southern New York, northern and western Pennsylvania, the eastern half of Ohio, and most of West Virginia. Youth, as much as adults, need reliable information about shalegas drilling and production and potential effects on water so they can make wise decisions about their own water and energy use now and in the future, according to Dr. Charles Abdalla, a water-policy expert in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. “Youth and adults need to know the facts about shale-gas drilling and how it affects waterresource issues and policies,” Abdalla said. “Public policies for water management and protection will be improved if the affected parties, which include almost everyone, are well-informed about likely impacts and take advantage of opportunities to participate in decisions.” These new presentations fill a void in youth-

oriented, research-based introductory material available for the mid-Atlantic region on this topic, he noted. Each presentation includes a narrated script and accompanying photos and illustrations, with limited text. They are simple to use and run automatically on the Internet. The presentations are based upon work supported in part by the Mid-Atlantic Water Program, National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture. The two presentations, “A Water Drop on a Journey — Shale Gas Drilling in the Mid-Atlantic” and “True or False — Common Concerns About Water and Shale Gas Drilling in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” are available online at http://extension.psu.edu/water/youth. They also are available on a CD for those who lack an Internet connection. To order a CD, contact Dr. Sanford Smith, The Pennsylvania State University, 335 Forest Resources Building, University Park, PA 168022602; e-mail: sss5@psu.edu. “Water’s Journey through the Shale Gas Drilling and Production Processes in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” the recent publication on which the first presentation is based, is available for free download at http://pubs.cas.psu.ed u/FreePubs/PDFs/ee00 23.pdf.

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July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 9

DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO EXHIBIT OR ATTEND!!

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Rodman Lott & Son Farms • Seneca Falls, NY

Page 10 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Don’t Miss These Exhibitors!! Advanced Agra Service, LLC • 131 Agco Corp • 180, O-3 Agri-King • A Agri-SC • 126 Airgas • 141, 142 American Farm Products • 304 Animat, Inc • 328 Augusta Co-op Farm Bureau • 127 Bath Fitter • 308 Beverage Tractor • 100, 102 Binkley & Hurst Lp • 178 Bonny View Farm • 120A, 121 C&C Farm Supply • 134, 135 Cargill Animal Nutrition • 145 Channel • 318 Charvin Farm Ag Plastics • 215 Chemgro • 166 Christian Farmers Outreach • 322 Cobra Torches • 309 Conklin Agrovantage • 319 Crop Care • 104A Cummings & Bricker Inc • 105, 106 Dupont Pioneer • 129 Dyna Products • O-14A Family Farm Casualty Ins. Co • 169 Farm Credit • 125 Farmer Boy Ag • 118, 119 First Bank & Trust Co • 138 Fisher Auto Parts • 230 For-Most Livestock Equipment-Garber Farms • O-7 GCR Tire Center • 162, 163 General Fertilizer Equipment • 103 Growers Mineral Solutions • 155 Hamilton Equipment, Inc • 109 Haybuster / Duratech • 332, 333 Headwaters Contruction Company, Inc • 327, O-2AA Headwaters Soil & Water Conservation District • 132, 133 Helena Chemical Company • 150 Hershey Equipment Co., Inc • 156, 157 Houff’s Feed & Fertilizer • 130 Huffman Trailer Sales • O-1 IBA, Inc • 112 Independent Ag Equipment (formerly GVM) • 122, 123 Iva Manufacturing • 179 James River Equipment • 330 Koch Agronomic Services, LLC • 144 Kuhn North America, Inc • 329 L Cubed Corp dba Tam Systems • 124 Lancaster Farming • O-21 Lanco-Pennland Milk Producers • 161 Lawrence Ag Equipment • 104 Liskey Truck Sales • O-4A Marco Metals LLC • 324

May Supply • 120 Mid-Atlantic Irrigation Co., Inc • 101 Morris Distributing • 228 Morton Buildings, Inc • 115 Organic Valley - CROPP Cooperative • 310 Outback Heating, Inc • 108 Outside Heating, Inc • 314 P. Bradley & Sons • 104B, O-2 PA Country Equipment • 202A, 203 PBZ LLC • 104A Pearson Livestock Equipment • O-13 ProAg • 153, 154 Quality Craft Tools • G Quality Metal Works Inc • 184, 185 Recyc Systems, Inc • 313 Rockbridge Farmers Coop • 148 Rockydale Quarries Corp • 160 Ryder Supply Company • 302 Stor-Loc • 320, 321 SuKup Manufacturing • 181 T.A. Seeds • 113, 114 Taylor Manufacturing, Inc • 211 Tech Mix Global • 305 The Power Connection, Inc • 136, 137 Tractor Care Inc • 176, 176 Trissel Equipment Sales • 107 Trouble Free Lighting • 146 United DHIA • 306 Valley Feed Co • 300 Valmetal / Jamesway Farm Equipment • 174 Virginia Bin Service • 312 Virginia Farm Bureau • 177 Virginia Silo • 166 Whitesel Brothers Inc • 128 Williams Brothers Tree & Lawn Service • 303 Wood-Mizer, LLC • O-9 Zimmerman Cattle Control • 104A Zimmerman’s Glasslined Storage • 151, 152 SKID STEER RODEO SPONSORS Virginia Farm Bureau ~ Diamond TROPHY SPONSOR Virginia Farm Bureau

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July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 11

Advanced Agra Service, LLC • 131 Agco Corp • 180, O-3 Agri-King • A Agri-SC • 126 Airgas • 141, 142 American Farm Products • 304 Animat, Inc • 328 Augusta Co-op Farm Bureau • 127 Bath Fitter • 308 Beverage Tractor • 100, 102 Binkley & Hurst Lp • 178 Bonny View Farm • 120A, 121 C&C Farm Supply • 134, 135 Cargill Animal Nutrition • 145 Channel • 318 Charvin Farm Ag Plastics • 215 Chemgro • 166 Christian Farmers Outreach • 322 Cobra Torches • 309 Conklin Agrovantage • 319 Crop Care • 104A Cummings & Bricker Inc • 105, 106 Dupont Pioneer • 129 Dyna Products • O-14A Family Farm Casualty Ins. Co • 169 Farm Credit • 125 Farmer Boy Ag • 118, 119 First Bank & Trust Co • 138 Fisher Auto Parts • 230 For-Most Livestock Equipment-Garber Farms • O-7 GCR Tire Center • 162, 163 General Fertilizer Equipment • 103 Growers Mineral Solutions • 155 Hamilton Equipment, Inc • 109 Haybuster / Duratech • 332, 333 Headwaters Contruction Company, Inc • 327, O-2AA Headwaters Soil & Water Conservation District • 132, 133 Helena Chemical Company • 150 Hershey Equipment Co., Inc • 156, 157 Houff’s Feed & Fertilizer • 130 Huffman Trailer Sales • O-1 IBA, Inc • 112 Independent Ag Equipment (formerly GVM) • 122, 123 Iva Manufacturing • 179 James River Equipment • 330 Koch Agronomic Services, LLC • 144 Kuhn North America, Inc • 329 L Cubed Corp dba Tam Systems • 124 Lancaster Farming • O-21 Lanco-Pennland Milk Producers • 161 Lawrence Ag Equipment • 104 Liskey Truck Sales • O-4A Marco Metals LLC • 324

USDA seeks applications for grants to support small-socially disadvantaged producers economy. “These grants will jump start small business hiring and help producers in areas facing economic challenges get the tools they need to succeed,” Vilsack said. “Small businesses are the engines of job growth and innovation in America.” Funding will be made available through USDA Rural Development’s Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grant program (SSDPG). The maximum grant award is $200,000.

The grants assist producers like Frank Taylor who returned home after college and established the Winston County Self-Help Cooperative in Mississippi, a consortium of local farmers that pool their resources to receive training in business development, conservation and health. The Cooperative also has a youth program, which teaches skills to the next generation of Winston County farmers. The Winston County Self-Help Cooperative, whose motto is

Page 12 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is seeking applications from cooperatives to provide technical assistance to small, socially disadvantaged agricultural producers in rural areas. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) remains focused on carrying out its mission, despite a time of significant budget uncertainty. The announcement is one part of the Department’s efforts to strengthen the rural

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“Saving Rural America,” has received USDA funding to expand operations into the surrounding counties of central Mississippi. The SSDPG and other USDA business and cooperative development programs have had a significant impact on rural communities. In 2012 alone, they helped almost 10,000 rural small business owners or farmers improve their enterprises. Business and cooperative program funding created or saved an estimated 53,000 rural

jobs in 2012. Eligible applicants include cooperatives, groups of cooperatives, and cooperative development centers where a majority of the governing board or board of directors is comprised of individuals who are members of socially disadvantaged groups. Small, socially disadvantaged producers include farmers, ranchers, loggers, agricultural harvesters, and fishermen that have averaged $250,000 or less in annual gross sales of agricultural products in

TRACTORS 2007 N.H.TG305 255 HP, Front/Rear Duals, Deluxe Cab, 1750 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REDUCED $129,500 2011 N.H.T6030 4wd, Cab w/NH 840 TL Loader, 800 Hrs. . $79,900 2007 N.H.TT60A 2wd Utility Tractor, 60HP, 1056 Hrs. . . . . . $13,995 2007 N.H. TC55DA 4wd, ROPS, EHSS, Rear Remote, New New Holland 270TL Loader, 251 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,995 2001 N.H.TN75 w/810TL Loader, 4wd, ROPS, 3564 Hrs. . . $20,625 2009 N.H. T8020 200HP, Rear Duals, Deluxe Cab, 1604 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $129,500 1969 IH Farmall 856 2wd, Recent Engine, Clutch and TA, Fast Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,900 2011 N.H. T7.210 4wd, Rear Duals, w/NH 850TL Loader, 1800 Hrs., Excellent Cond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $123,000 2012 N.H. T6050 4wd, Bar Axle, 16x16 SPS Trans w/NH 845TL Loader, 800 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $86,250 2010 Mahindra 5035 Shuttle Trans. w/Ldr, R1 Tires, 440 Hrs. $24,995 2006 Kubota L3430 4wd, Cab w/AC, HST Trans., Loader, Front Boom & Snowblower, 2550 Hrs... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,625 2009 N.H. Boomer 3040 4wd, Factory Cab, HST Trans. w/NH 250 TL Loader & Woods 90X Backhoe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,875 2010 NH T4030 4wd, Cab, 75 HP, w/NH 810TL loader, 190 Hrs, Like New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $42,500 2009 Kubota MX5100 4wd, ROPS, Loader, 384 Hrs, Like New $22,500 2005 JD 790 4wd, w/Loader & Front JD Snowblade, 8x2 Trans, R4 Tires, 218 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,950 1950 Farmall H . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,750 AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT 2010 E-Z Trail CF890 Round Bale Carrier/Feeder. . . . . . . . . $4,200 N.H. 824 2 Row Corn Head for a N.H. 900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,900 1999 N.H. 824 2 Row Corn Head to fit N.H. 900 . . . . . . . . . . $2,800 2000 N.H. 930B 6' 3pt. Finish Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,820 2002 Woods SS74 3Pt. Snowblower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,150 2007 N.H. BR740A Round Baler, Twine Only. . . . . . . . . . . . $18,950 2011 N.H. BR7060 Silage Special Round Baler w/Crop Cutter, Hyd. Reverser . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,500 2004 N.H. 451 3pt 7' Sickle Bar Mower, Like New . . . . . . . . . $6,400 2003 Avalanche 1416 Windrow Merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,000 2007 Krause 7400-24WR Disc Harrow 23' 11” w/Tine Levelers. $30,625 2011 Landpride RCM5615 15’ Batwing Rotary Cutter . . . . . $11,200 N.H. 990W Pickup Head for NH 900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,400 2004 N.H. 1432 13’ Hydraswing, 2 Point Swivel Hitch, Flail Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,900 2008 Krause 8200 31WR-31’ Disc Harrow w/Tine Levelers . $35,000

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the last three years. Producers will be able to conduct market research, product and/or service improvement, feasibility studies, training, and implement business plans. The application deadline for Small, Socially Disadvantaged Producer Grants is July 15 for paper applications and July 10 for electronic applications. For additional information on how to apply, see the June 12 Federal Register, page 35239, or visit www.rurdev.usda.gov/ BCP_SSDPG.html.

2005 N.H. 1432 13’ Hydraswing Discbine, Drawbar Swivel Hitch, Flail Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,900 2000 Vermeer 504L Round Baler, 4x5 w/Kicker Wheels, 2 Available Your Choice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,800 JD 1710 Chisel Plow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,800 JD 30’ Disc Harrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,875 Kinze 12 Row Corn Planter - Mechanics Special . . . . . . . . . $13,750 1993 N.H. 166 Hay Inverter w/Extension. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,800 1998 Krause 4941WR Disc Harrow 24’4”. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000 NH 320 Square Baler w/70 Thrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,300 2008 NH 1432 13’ Hydraswing Discbine, Drawbar Swivel Hitch, Flail/Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $17,500 Knight 3130 Reel Auggie Mixer Wagon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,800 2000 N.H. 1431 13’ Hydra Swing Discbine w/Rubber Roll Conditioning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,500 1987 N.H. 316 Square Baler w/.75 Pan Thrower, Nice Cond. . $4,995 Grimm Hay Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $595 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 2012 N.H. W50BTC Compact Wheel Loader w/Cab, Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $71,250 2012 N.H. W80BTC Compact Wheel Loader w/Cab, Glide Ride, Like New. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $86,000 2012 N.H. C227 Compact Tractor Loader, Cab w/Air, Pilot Control, 72” Bucket, Air Seat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $43,750 1998 Hyundai HL760-3 Wheel Loader, 5310 Hrs.. . . . . . . . $56,000 2010 N.H. W130BTC Tool Carrier w/Bucket & Forks, 1069 Hrs., Excellent Cond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $119,500 2012 Case 221E Compact Wheel Loader w/Cab, 151 Hrs., Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $74,950 2005 N.H. LB75.B TLB, Cab w/Air, E-Hoe, Glide Ride, 3480 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $40,000 Cam 6 Ton 18’ Full Tilt Trailer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,480 ATTACHMENTS 2009 FFC 96” Hi Flow Snowblower, Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,995 2011 N.H. McMillion Hyd. Drive SSL Post Hole Digger w/9” Auger. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,950 2011 N.H./Harley 72” SSL Power Rake, Like New. . . . . . . . . $7,495 2012 N.H./Bradco SSL Trencher, 6”x4' Dig, Like New. . . . . . $4,995 2012 N.H./Sweepster 72” SSL Broom, Like New . . . . . . . . . $4,995 COMING IN SOON 2004 NH FX40 Sp. Harvester w/Pickup & 6 Row Corn Head, 4wd, Processor, 3035 Engine Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POR 1990 Hesston 8400 Sp. Windrower w/14’ Dual Sickle Header, 1255 hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . POR

Farm Aid announces star-studded lineup for its 2013 Music and Food Festival Tickets for Farm Aid 2013 go on sale June 28 Farm Aid. “We are thrilled to have an eclectic lineup this year that includes returning artists, as well as artists new to the Farm Aid stage. Together, Farm Aid concertgoers and artists are changing our food system!” In addition to the allstar lineup, Farm Aid’s all-day music and food festival will spotlight family farm food and hands-on activities that will engage concertgoers in activities that give them a true understanding of why family farm agriculture is so important. Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Concessions® brings family farm food center-stage, showcasing local, organic, sustainable, humanelyraised family farm ingredients. In Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, concertgoers will have the chance to meet farmers, engage in hands-on food and farm activities, and learn about the

ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us good food for good health. Tickets for Farm Aid 2013 went on sale starting June 28. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com, at the SPAC Box Office or by phone at 800-745-3000. Tickets range from $45 to $150, while a limited number of premium VIP seats range from $300 to

$1,500. Additional ticket information can be found at www.farmaid.org. To learn more about the Farm Aid 2013 lineup, visit www.farmaid.org/lineup. Farm Aid welcomes the participation of the local business community and offers corporate sponsorship opportunities. For more information, email Glenda Yoder at glenda@farmaid.org. For concert updates,

follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@farmaid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid), as well as by visiting www.farmaid.org/concert. Farm Aid’s mission is to build a vibrant, family farm-centered system of agriculture in America. Farm Aid artists and board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews host an annual concert to raise funds to support Farm

Aid’s work with family farmers and to inspire people to choose family farm food. Since 1985, Farm Aid, with the support of the artists who contribute their performances each year, has raised more than $43 million to support programs that help farmers thrive, expand the reach of the Good Food Movement, take action to change the dominant system of industrial agriculture and promote food from family farms.

UVM Extension hosts farm safety day for youths A full day of farm safety workshops for youths ages 12 to 15 is planned for July 27 in Randolph Center. University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H Youth Farm Safety Project and Vermont Technical College (VTC) are collaborating on this hands-on youth farm safety training. It will be held

on the VTC campus and will run from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The workshops, arranged according to age of participants, will be taught by UVM Extension, 4-H and Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets staff and Vermont Career and Technical Center instructors. They are designed

to help youths who live or work on farms to stay safe around tractors, machinery, livestock and woodlots and to understand the basics of fire safety and farm first aid including what to do in farm emergencies. Registration is $10 and covers lunch. Registrations must be received by July 16.

To register, visit www.uvm.edu/extension then click on 4-H & Youth, then Youth Farm Safety. To request a disability-related accommodation to participate, contact Kristen Mullins, UVM Extension Youth Farm Safety Coordinator, at 802-656-2034 or tollfree at 800-571-0668 by July 13.

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 13

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Farm Aid has announced a stellar lineup for its 2013 music and food festival, scheduled for Sept. 21 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, NY. Jack Johnson, Amos Lee, Kacey Musgraves, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real, Bahamas, JD & The Straight Shot, and Pegi Young & The Survivors will join Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews at Farm Aid 2013. In addition, Dave Matthews will be joined by guitarist Tim Reynolds. “The Farm Aid benefit concert takes place each year thanks to the generosity of artists who donate their talent to raise awareness about the crucial need we have for family farmers on the land,” said Carolyn Mugar, executive director of

Page 14 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Native warm-season grasses weather drought, provide other benefits by Ciji Taylor Native warm-season grasses fair well during drought, and livestock and forage producers are turning to them for these benefits, NRCS scientists say. Many landowners are converting a portion of their land to these grasses and other native plants, taking advantage of their benefits, including tolerance to drought, food for livestock, habitat for wildlife and other ecosystem services. A native plant is one that has grown in an area since before human settlement and was not brought in more recently from other parts of the world. Natives, when planted in the right place, grow stronger and yield more benefits than non-natives. “They are the ultimate multi-use range and land management tools because of their tremendous capabilities,” said Kyle Brazil, USDA’s Farm Service Agency National Bobwhite Conservation Initiative Agricultural Policy coordinator. Along with the FSA, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service promotes the use of native plants, including native warmseason grasses in many of the conservation activities, or practices that are used on American farms, ranches and forest operations. Native grasses are adapted to local soils, temperatures, nutrients and rainfall mak-

ing them more resilient to the effects of drought than introduced grasses. Like the name suggests, native warm-season grasses have their peak growing rates during the summer, when cool-season grasses such as tall fescue are dormant. By filling this forage gap, the native warm-season grasses provide excellent forage for livestock and haying operations. Because they are well adapted to their areas, these grasses are longlasting and require little to no fertilizers, herbicides or other expensive inputs which can lead to higher profit margins for farmers and ranchers. Roots for native grasses often grow longer than non-natives. This allows them to reach more water and nutrients, decrease compaction of the soil, increase water infiltration, and prevent soil erosion. Because of their soil and water quality benefits, more farmers are incorporating native warm-season grasses into field borders, hedgerows, buffer strips and other conservation plantings. Native plants and grasses provide wildlife habitat and attract pollinators. Warm-season grasses often grow in bunches, which provides sanctuaries for turkey and quail young. The grasses also help pollinators, the group of critters that pollinate about 75 percent of the crop plants

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grown worldwide for food, fiber, beverages, condiments, spices and medicines. “Pollinators evolved to work with native plants just as native plants have adapted to work with pollinators — to have one, you have to have the other,” Brazil said. Native plants attract native pollinators, which are often consid-

ered more efficient pollinators. By attracting good insects, birds and bats, they serve as pollinators for many of the plants that provide the food we eat. To maximize the grasses’ positive impact, multiple species should be used. To determine the right seed mix, landowners must first find what species grow best in their soils

and climate. Past management history may also have an influence on what plants grow best and should also be considered. Landowners can work with NRCS to determine which of these species will help accomplish their goals such as increase forage or increase wildlife. NRCS provides technical and financial assistance in

integrating warm-season grasses into conservation practices. Check out the agency’s PLANTS database at www.plants.usda .gov/java for in-depth information on our nation’s plants. For more information about drought and native warm-season grasses, contact your local NRCS office.

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Immigration policy affects access to affordable food DFA chairman delivers remarks at immigration forum Current immigration policy is threatening access to quality, affordable food in this nation, DFA Board Chairman Randy Mooney asserted during a U.S. Department of Agriculture forum on comprehensive immigration reform today in Kansas City. U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was the keynote speaker at the event, hosted at the American Royal building in Kansas City’s historic West Bottoms district. Former Kansas

City mayor and current Congressman Emanuel Cleaver also voiced support for immigration policy reform. “Because of America’s farmers, we enjoy abundant, safe and affordable food in this country,” Mooney said. “In order to ensure that continues, we need Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform. For the dairy industry — an industry where there is no such thing as a day off — there is no viable visa

program to provide a legal, stable and knowledgeable workforce that ensures milk and other dairy products get into the dairy case, our lunch programs and more.” Mooney emphasized that the need for qualified workers is an issue bigger than dairy, pointing to specialty crops such as lettuce, strawberries and apples that also require labor that is not desirable to domestic workers. Similarly, a shortage of

workers affects crop farmers, directly for their own farms and for farmers who buy their product. “Without immigration reform, we’re making it more difficult for farmers to harvest their crops,” Mooney said. “As a result, we are going to make it more difficult for consumers to access affordable food. We could even risk allowing more of our food production to move overseas.” “We are fortunate to

have a food system that allows us to deliver safe, quality, affordable food to our families,” Mooney said in closing. “Immigration reform is important for all of agriculture, for rural America, for consumers and for the nation’s economy.” Mooney’s sentiments were echoed by Secretary Vilsack. “We are blessed by the most productive, most innovative and most hardworking farmers and ranchers,” Vilsack said. “American agriculture is

the greatest in the world, but we risk that if we don’t have certainty in our farm policy and we don’t have comprehensive immigration reform.” Additional participants in the event included the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas city; Kansas City Chamber of Commerce; Bibles, Badges and Business for Immigration Reform; and Kansas Business Coalition for Immigration Reform.

Center for Food Safety applauds passage of pollinator protection amendment to Farm Bill er pollinators have been suffering record-high population losses,” said Andrew Kimbrell, executive director of Center for Food Safety. “Pollinators are vitally important to agriculture and are an integral part of food production. These critical species are at the front lines of pesticide exposure and it is

high time that the government do more to protect them.” The Hastings amendment, which passed 273-149 with 81 Republicans and 192 Democrats voting in favor, seeks to better improve federal coordination in addressing the dramatic decline of managed and native pollinators as

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well as direct the government to regularly monitor and report on the health of pollinators including bees, birds, bats and other beneficial insects. In the United States, pollination contributes to $20-30 billion in agricultural production annually. In North America, honey bees pollinate nearly 95 kinds of fruits, including many specialty crops like almonds, avocados, cranberries, or-

anges and apples. “This year has shown the highest honey bee losses since colony collapse began; it is a clear message that we need to do more to protect pollinators. The Hastings amendment is a much needed win for pollinators everywhere and we hope it compels the government to do more to protect these vital species,” added Kimbrell. Earlier in June, Senator Barbara Boxer (D-

CA) filed a nearly identical amendment to the Senate Farm Bill but it was not voted on prior to the Senate passing its bill. The Center is confident that the Senate will support the pollinator protection language when the two bills go to conference. For more information about the Center’s Pollinators & Pesticides Campaign please visit www.centerforfoodsafety.org/issues/304/pollinators-and-pesticides

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 15

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Center for Food Safety applauds the passage of a pollinator protection amendment on June 19 that was offered by Congressman Alcee Hastings (D-FL) to the Farm Bill, a fitting and positive development during National Pollinator Week. “Honey bees and oth-

Page 16 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Forest owners applaud House passage of forest roads amendment to Farm Bill The National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO) applauded leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives for adopting by voice vote an amendment to the Farm Bill, the Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management Act (H.R. 1947), offered by Jaime Herrera Beutler (R-WA) and Kurt Schrader (DOR). The amendment preserves the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) 37 years of success regulating forest roads as nonpoint sources under the Clean Water Act (CWA) and mirrors the Silviculture Regulatory Consistency Act (H.R. 2026) introduced on May 16. “We thank the sponsors, the committee leadership and a long list of members on both sides of the aisle for their hard work in securing this common sense amendment to the Farm Bill,” said Dave Tenny, NAFO President

and CEO. “This amendment restores legal certainty for forest owners and operators and protects thousands of jobs throughout rural America by reaffirming that forest roads are nonpoint sources most effectively regulated under state-adopted Best Management Practices.” The Supreme Court reversed last May a 2011 decision from the U.S Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (NEDC v. Brown) that forest roads used for timber harvest require mandatory CWA industrial stormwater discharge permits typically applied to factories and other facilities. The Court did not, however, address the more fundamental question of whether forest roads are point sources under the CWA. Under a previous and separate Ninth Circuit order, EPA is reviewing whether to regulate for-

est roads as point sources. Plaintiffs have told the Supreme Court and the media they intend to use this process and further litigation to require permits. “House members in both parties know that as the housing market begins to recover it is important to avoid an unnecessary and costly permit requirement that would threaten the recovery and jeopardize rural jobs while not improving water quality,” Tenny said. “I think we can all agree on the common-sense economic and environmental merits of this amendment. We encourage our supporters in the House and Senate to keep this amendment in place as they finish their work on the Farm Bill.” The bipartisan legislation enjoyed the support of nearly 150 forestry associations, companies and organizations from across the country.

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American Angus Auxiliary heifer purchased for $5,500 Proceeds benefit the Auxiliary’s scholarships and awards endowment. breed and its junior members,” said Cortney Hill-Dukehart-Cates, Auxiliary President. “We’re thrilled about the opportunity that this will bring to others and continuing our mission.” McGinnis says the heifer comes from some of the best genetics in the business right now, and he’s excited to incorporate her into his herd. “Because of their commitment to Angus youth through scholarships and award endowments, I feel fortunate to be able to help the American Angus Auxiliary in its mission,” McGinnis said. “Purchasing the Auxiliary heifer is a worthwhile investment, and I am glad to see those dollars being passed on to the next generation of Angus leaders.” All proceeds from the auction benefit the Auxiliary’s scholarship and awards endowments, which the Angus Foundation maintains. The scholarship and awards

endowments benefit 10 Auxiliary scholarships; the Crystal, Grote and Spader Awards; the Silver Pitcher Award; the Miss American Angus contest; the All-Ameri-

can Certified Angus Beef ® (CAB) Cook-off contest; and the National Showmanship Awards. The awards and scholarships are presented annually during the Na-

tional Junior Angus Show, which is held this year in Kansas City, MO, July 5-11. For more information about the heifer auction or the American Angus

Have your logo or brand permanently displayed at the American Angus Association headquarters Recognition on the second granite planter in the “Building an Angus legacy!” project will be offered on Angus Trading Post July 1-11. Angus enthusiasts have a second opportunity to have their brand or logo permanently engraved into a polished black granite planter at the American Angus Association® headquarters’ front entrance by making their bids for this recognition at www.angustradingpost.com. The online auction will take place July 1-11. The auction will close at 10 a.m. on July 11, and the winning bidder will be announced prior to the champion owned heifer drive at the National Junior Angus Show in Kansas City, MO. This planter is the second of four planters

available, and recognition on the two remaining planters will be offered at a later date. The winning bidder for recognition on the second planter will have the opportunity to engrave a logo or brand on one face of the planter and text that includes a name, farm or ranch name, etc., on the face directly across from the brand or logo. The winning bidder will also be able to choose the location, from the three location opportunities left, for this second planter. Wilma Minix, Black Witch Farm, Hoschton, GA, purchased recognition on the first of the

four planters, for $7,500. The granite planter recognition auction is part of the Angus Foundation’s “Building an Angus legacy!” brick naming drive, available only for a limited time through July 15. Net proceeds from this project will benefit Angus youth, education and research programs. The American Angus Association front entrance walkway will be completely remodeled with black granite and red brick to match the historic building. Until July 15, for a tax-deductible unrestricted donation of $250, $500 or $2,500 to “Building an Angus legacy!” you will

be recognized on a beautiful personalized engraved granite paver. After July 15, if the Angus Foundation opens a second phase for order submission, prices will go up to include on-site engraving cost. Only text will be allowed on the granite pavers, and each paver size has line and character limits to follow. Purchasing recognition on a granite planter is the only opportunity to have a brand or logo displayed. Feel free to visit www.angusfoundation.or g for more information and to order your pavers online, or call the Foundation at 816-383-5100.

1110 Clyde-Marengo Road, Clyde, NY 14433 ph - 315-923-9118 fax - 315-923-7027 jasonmartin@anmartinsystems.com

Visit the All-New Accessibility Center at Empire Farm Days

August 6-8, 2013 Rodman Lott & Son Farm, Seneca Falls, NY

Featuring: • Disabled Motivational Speaker and Accessibility Product Design Consultant Ed Bell • Assistive Technology Product Exhibits • Modified Wheelchair Demos • Farm Safety Demos • Farm Safety and Accessibility Webinars • Health Screenings • Occupational Therapy Consulting • Counseling Services • Financial Planning Assistance • Accessibility Support and Referral Services

Over 65 transport augers in stock SUKUP - A quality grain bin for YOUR crop! Exclusive poly roof vents

• Debris deflector for fines and dirt • 5-year limited warranty • Virtually indestructible

Sukup Bin Step • Heavy gauge galvanized steel • Non slip surface • Does not hold water • Sure footing in all weather

Be sure to stop by and see us next to the Health & Safety Center.

Hutchinson Transport Augers

New this year, the Country Folks Accessibility Center focuses on the physical challenges faced by farmers with disabilities, and showcases the assistive technologies and resources available to help them maintain their quality of life and passion for farming.

Grain Legs

For more information, call 877-697-7837 or visit www.empirefarmdays.com

Buhler Grain Cleaners

Portable Dryers Tower Dryers Custom Millwrighting Up to 75 Ton Crane Service

We Provide Service on any Brand of Equipment Sold!!

www.anmartinsystems.com

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 17

Promoting youth and the Angus breed is a main priority for the American Angus Auxiliary. Thanks to Tom McGinnis of Heritage Farm, who purchased the 2013 American Angus Auxiliary Heifer, the tradition continues. The heifer brought $5,500 during the AllAmerican Angus Breeders’ Futurity on June 16 in Louisville, KY. Through her earnings, the elite female EXAR Rita 5681, donated from Express Ranches of Yukon, OK, will provide for many Angus youth in the continuation of their education. The October 2011 daughter of Connealy Consensus 7229 offers a long line of topquality genetics including GAR EXT 614, a female whose progeny have broken several individual sale records in the Angus breed history. “We sincerely thank the donors, Express Ranches, and buyers, Heritage Farm, for helping us in our commitment to the Angus

Auxiliary, visit www.angusauxiliary.com. Find out more about the American Angus Auxiliary Scholarship Endowment Fund and other endowments maintained by the Angus Foundation at angusfoundation.org

DONT MISS YOUR CHANCE TO EXHIBIT OR ATTEND!!

Jan. 7-8-9

2014 Tues. 9-4, Wed. 9-4, Thurs. 9-3

YORK FAIRGROUNDS 334 CARLISLE AVE, YORK, PA 17404

Come See Us at Empire Farm Days Booth 1022 SW Main Tent

AUGUST 6, 7, 8 2013

Rodman Lott & Son Farms • Seneca Falls, NY

Page 18 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

DONT MISS THESE EXHIBITORS!! ABC York • W-320, W-321 ABM • E-363 ABS Global • W-309 ACR Metal Roofing & Siding Dist • 128 Adams Supply • E-346 ADM - Crop Risk Serivces • 212 AET Consulting, Inc • 260 Ag Com Inc & Miller Chemical • E-359, E-360 Ag Essentials • 258, 259 Ag-One Associates • 236, 237, 238 AgChoice Farm Credit • 234 Agpoint Construction Services • 426, 427 Agri Analysis Inc • 437 Agri-Basics, Inc • 242, 243 Agri-Dynamics, Inc • 413 Agri-King, Inc • 126 Agri-Nutrition Consulting, Inc • L-300 Agri-Plastics Mfg • W-357 Agri-SC • 209 Agri-Service, LLC • O-104 Agri-Trac US • W-330 Agromatic Inc • 219, 220 AIC Dairy Technologies • 532 Albers Dairy Equipment • W-300, W-301 Alltech, Inc • 217, 218 American Farm Products • 531 Anderson Group • W-348B Animal Medic • E-373 Appleby Systems, Inc • 537 Art Farm USA • 247, 248 Atlantic Power Solutions Inc • W-335, W-336 Atlantic Tractor • W-353 Augusta Seed • 538 Automatic Farm Systems • 121 AutoVent LLC • 241A B&R Distributing, Inc • S Baker Ag Lime • 208 Balsbaugh Insurance Agency, Inc • E-348 Beco Equipment • 721, 722 Beiler-Campbell Realtors & Auctioneers • L-306 Beka Max of America • 527 Bergman Mfg Inc • 274 Bernard C. Morrissey Insurance • 424 Binkley & Hurst Lp • E-352 BioFertile LLC • 435 Bio-Vet, Inc • W-313 Bobcat of York Sales & Rental • E-379 BouMatic • 120 Brecknock Builders, LLC • 518, 519 Bush Hog Inc • E-353 Business Lease Consulting, Inc • W-325 CBM Lighting • L-212, L-213 Cargill Feed & Nutrition • E-315 Cedar Crest Equipment • 130 Cen-Pe-Co • W-351 Channel Bio, LLC • 232, 233 Chemgro Seed • W-323, W-324 CK Replacement Stalls • 443 Class of America • 102 Clean Cutter Flail & Tiller Blade Co • 419 Cobra Torches • 526 Conewango Products Corp. • 223, 224 Conklin Company • 529, 530 CowKühlerZ • 270 Crop Production Services • 200, 201, 202, 203 CRV • 211 Cummings & Bricker Inc • E-354 Custer Products Limited • J, K, L Dairy Marketing Services, Diary Cooperative Inc, Dairy Farmers of America, Dairy One Cooperative • E-340, E-341, E-342, E-343 Dairymaster USA, Inc • E-367 Deer Country • W-353 Delaval, Inc • 227B, 228, 229, 230, 231, 229A Dick Meyer Co., Inc • 284 Diller Ag Equipment • O-312 Doeblers • W-339, W-340 Donegal Insurance Group • 401 DTN / The Progressive Farmer • W-311 DuPont - Pioneer • E-349, E-350, E-351 Dyna Products • O-307 Dyna Tech Power • 250, 250A

E&F Ag Systems, LLC • E-311 EasyFix Rubber Products of North America • 528 Eli Fisher Construction • 441 EM Herr Equipment, Inc • 446 Emm Sales & Service, Inc • E-369, E-370 Equipment Service • 442 Esch Mfg • E-375 Everett Cash Mutual Insurance Group • E-314 Evergreen Fence Inc • 433 Express Flighting Supply • Q Farm and Land Realty Inc • L-301 Farm-Land Bale Wrappers LLC • W-356 Farmco Mfg • O-308 Farmer Boy Ag • 125 Feedmobile, Inc • E-368 Fight Bac / Deep Valley Farm Inc • E-313 Finch Services • W-353 Fisher & Thompson, Inc • 110 F.M. Brown’s Sons, Inc • 409, 410 For-Most Livestock Equipment - Garber Farms • 451 Franklin Builders • 225, 226 Fulton Bank • 206 Garber Metrology • W-338A GEA Farm Technologies, Inc • 104A Genex Cooperative, Inc • W-312 Glatfelter Pulp Wood Co • 711 Goodville Mutual Casualty Co • E-316, E-317 Great Plains Mfg., Inc • W-348A Gro-Mor Plant Food Inc • 127 Growers Mineral Solutions • 246 Growmark FS, LLC • E-321, E-322 H&S Manufacting Co. Inc • W-354, O-304 Hamilton Equipment, Inc • 445 HARDI North America Inc • E-371 Hershey Ag • E-300 Hershey Equipment Co., Inc • 444 Hill Top Tire • 220A Hillside Ag Construction, LLC • W-337, W-338 Hoard’s Dairyman • L-208A Homestead Nutrition, Inc • 285, 286, 287 Hoober, Inc • E-377, O-314 Hoof Trimmers Association • W-314 Horizon Organic • W-329 Horning Mfg, LLC • 501 Hubner Seed • H-302, H-303 Hunter Insurance Associates • 411 IBA, Inc • E-327, E-328 Independent Ag Equipment (formerly GVM) • 114 Iva Manufacturing • E-318, E-319, E-320, E-320A J&J Silo Co., LLC • 291, 292 J.L. Gossert & Co. Forestry • E-347 J.S. Woodhouse Co., Inc • 440 Jamesway Farm Equipment • 135 Jaylor Fabricating • W-349 Kauffman’s Animal Health, Inc • E-331 Kel-Krop Enterprises LLC • W-306, W-307 Kent Nutrition Group • L-216 Keystone Concrete Products • 271, 272, 273 Keystone Group Ag Seeds • E-361, E-362 King Construction • 254, 255 King’s AgriSeeds, Inc • 403, 404 Kirby Agri Inc • w-326 Kubota Tractor Corp • 126A Kuhn North America, Inc • 100 Kuhns Mfg LLC • 448 L Cubed Corp dba Tam Systems • E-376 Lancaster Ag Products • 612 Lancaster Dairy Farm Automation • 542, 543 Lancaster DHIA • W-332, E-333 Lancaster Farming • L-202 Lancaster Parts & Equipment • E-378 Lanco Manufacturing • W-347 Lanco/Pennland • 429 Land O’Lakes, Inc • H-306 Lauren Agri Systems • W-322 Lawn Care Distributors, Inc • 124 Lely USA, Inc • 111 Lester Building Systems LLC • E Lincoln Highway Cattle Eq • O-310C LR Gehm, LLC / CoPulsation • 416 Magic Massage Therapy • 716 Mahindra USA Inc • A, B

Mark Hershey Farms, Inc • 431 Martin Limestone Inc • 257 Martin Water Conditioning • 710 Martin’s Welding • W-335, W-336 Maryland Virginia Milk • E-323, E-324 McFarlane Manufacturing Co., Inc • U McLanahan Corporation • E-312 Mensch Manufacturing LLC • R, O-202 Messick Farm Equipment • 105, 106 Meyer Manufacturing Corporation • W-346A M.H. Eby Inc • W-355, O-317 Mid-Atlantic Dairy Assoc/PA Dairy Promotion Program • 235 Mid-Atlantic Seeds • E-364, E-365 Mid-Atlantic Seeds • CV Co-operative • 138 Miller Diesel Inc • E-308 Miraco • 129 MM Weaver • 103, O-106 Monsanto Co • W-352 Monty’s Plant Food Co • 269 Morton Buildings Inc • E-332, E-333 Mount Joy Farmers Co-op • 210 Mueller • 119 Multimin USA, JDJ Solutions, SyrVet/Prima-Tech • W-336, W-337, W-338 Muscle Products Corp • 412 Mycogen Seeds / Dow Agro Sciences • 213, 214 Nachurs Alpine Solutions • 244, 245 Nasco • E-345 NASF / Dr. Register • W-304, W-305 National Dairy Producers Organization, Inc • 707 National Farmers Org - NFO • 534 National Institute for Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) • 241D National Penn Bank • 227A Nextire, Inc • E-380, E-381 New Holland Agriculture • 108, 109 North Brook Farms, Inc • 239 Northeast Agri Systems, Inc • 122 Northeast Feed • 214A Northeast Stihl • 511, 512 Nuform Building Technologies Inc • F NYCAMH • 241C O.A. Newton • W-302, W-303 Old Mill Troy • 417, 418 Organic Valley - CROPP Cooperative • 415 Outback Heating, Inc • W-318, W-319 Oxbo International • 104 P. L. Rohrer & Bro. Inc • 535 PA Farm Bureau • L-209, L-210, L-211, L-212 PA Farmers Union • 715 PA Office of Rural Health - Penn State University • 241B PACMA Inc • L-304, L-305 Patterson Farms Maple Products • 240 Patz Corporation • 131 PBZ LLC - Crop Care/Zimmerman Cattle Control • 113, 115 PDM Insurance Agency, Inc • E-326 Pearson Livestock Equipment • O-310 Penn Diesel Service Co • E-329, E-330 Penn Jersey Products, Inc • E-374 Penn State Agricultural Safety & Health • 241E Pennsylvania Certified Organic • 414 Pennsylvania Grain Processing, LLC • 536 Pennsylvania Service & Supply, Inc • 425 Perma-Column East, LLC • 438, 439 Petersheims Cow Mattress LLC • 137 Pik Rite, Inc • D PNC Bank • 277 PortaCheck Inc • E-335 Power Ag • 222A, 222B Power Systems Electric, Inc • E-382, E-383 Precise Concrete Walls, Inc • 256 Priority One • 432 Provita Animal Health • 205 Quality Craft Tools • H-301 Quality Seeds Limited • W-327 R&J Dairy Consulting • 402 Rain and Hail LLC • H-304 RCM International LLC • L-203 Red Barn Consulting, Inc • 207 Red Dale Ag Service, Inc • 400 Redmond Minerals • 261 Reed Equipment Sales • W-346 Reinecker Ag, LLC • 506, 507

Renaissance Nutrition, Inc • 290 Roto-Mix LLC • W-358 RSI Calf Systems • 267, 268 Ruhl Insurance • 407 Ryder Supply Company • E-372 S&I Pump Crete LLC • 278, 279 Salford Inc • W-350, W-350A Sanimax Marketing Ltd • 436 Schaeffer Mfg. Co. • L-201 Schulte Ind., Ltd • 541 Seed Consultants, Inc • W-341 Seedway, LLC • W-342, W-343 Select Sire Power, Inc • W-308 Show Ease Inc • 116 Shur-Co, LLC • E-307 SI Distributing Inc • 420, 421, 422, 423 Silo Stop • W-331 S.K. Construction, LLC • 533 Slaymaker Group • E-366 Smucker’s Meats • W-309A Snyder Equipment, Inc - Brite Span Buildings • 430 Sollenberger Silos, LLC • 140 Steiner • 508, 509 Steinway Eq • 500, 449 Stock and Leader, LLP • L-200 Stoltzfus Spreaders • 117 Stor-Loc • E-305, E-306 Straley Farm Supply • 221, 222 Stray Voltage Testing, LLC • E-325 SuKup Manufacturing • E-355 Sundance Vacations • 617 Sunova Worx, Inc • 539 Superior Attachments Inc • 288, 289 Superior Silo LLC • 118 Susquehanna Bank • 406 Susquehanna Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram • 525 Synagro • E-344 Syngenta • W-344, W-345 TA Seeds • W-315, W-316, W-317 Taurus Service, Inc • W-310 Team Ag, Inc • E-334 Tech Mix • 428 The Mill • 275, 276, 276A The Pennsylvania State University • 713, 714 TM Refrigeration LLC • 262, 263, O-103 Topstitch of New York • H-300 Triangle Communications, Inc • 241 Trioliet • E-353A Triple-M-Farms • 283 Trouble Free Lighting • P Twin Valley Farm Service / Dryhill • 505, 515, 449A Udder Comfort International Inc • 204 USDA US Dept. of Agriculture - FSA • L-206 USDA US Dept. of Agriculture - NRCS • L-207 USDA US Dept. of Agriculture - NASS • L-208 Valmetal Inc • 136 Vermeer • 123 Vigortone Ag Products • 405 Vulcan Materials Company • 227 WA Johnson, Inc • L-302, L-303 Weaver Distributing • E-301, E-302, E-303, E-304 Weaver Insurance Agency • 249 Weaver’s Toasted Grains LLC • 408 Wenger Feeds • E-339 Wengers of Myerstown • W-351A Westfield Group • W-334 White Horse Construction, Inc • 215, 216 White Oak Mills, Inc • 434 Wood-Mizer, LLC • O-310A Zartman Farms Cow Comfort • 107 Zeiset Equipment, LLC • 447 Zimmerman Farm Service • 504 Zimmerman’s Glasslined Storage • 516, 517, 449B

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Introduction to biogas and anaerobic digestion • pathogen control • waste biostabilization • nutrients are preserved and transformed into plant-available forms The economics of biogas production, however, are sometimes difficult to justify unless the accompanying environmental benefits and other by-products are considered. What is a biogas? Biogas is a by-product of the anaerobic (without oxygen) breakdown of organic matter. The organic matter could be any of a number of materials, but on the farm, it most often comprises animal manure or other agricultural waste. The most important component in biogas is methane, a flammable gas that can be used in

furnaces, for cooking, or even as an engine fuel. However, biogas also contains carbon dioxide and small amounts of hydrogen, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen, and water vapor. What is a digester? A digester is a sealed vessel or container in which anaerobic digestion of organic matter occurs. The bacteria “feed” off the manure and, in the process, release biogas as a byproduct. This process is referred to as anaerobic digestion, and the sealed vessel or container is thus usually referred to as an anaerobic digester. Anaerobic digestion also occurs in the anaerobic zones of open or unsealed swamps, bogs, and wastewater lagoons. Today, farmers in developed countries are

using digesters primarily to improve the quality of their manure and to reduce manure odors, the energy content of the methane being simply a by-product. However, as the price of energy increases, more farmers are looking at using anaerobic digestion as a way to generate supplemental heat and electricity for their farms. Digesters are a popular technology in rural areas of the developing world, where electricity and petroleum fuels are often unavailable or unaffordable. What does a digester look like? Physically, digesters can come in many different shapes and sizes, varying from simple earthen lagoons to complex steel and concrete structures. In North

America, the most common commercial farm digesters are usually buried concrete tanks with heavy plastic covers. How does a digester work? Fresh biomass entering a digester is supplied with anaerobic bacteria by the existing digested biomass, which is tremendously rich in these microbes. The digester tank provides a conducive environment for anaerobic microbes to “digest” the biomass, resulting in digested solids, liquids, and biogas. In general, the anaerobic digestion is a living process, requiring favorable conditions (temperature, moisture content, oxygen exclusion,and pH) and a steady food supply in order to flourish. What goes into

a digester? Livestock manure is the most popular material, or feedstock, for anaerobic digestion on the farm, but almost any type of organic matter can be digested, including food waste, forestry residue, animal processing waste, and field crops. What can go wrong? Probably the biggest problem in a digester occurs when the digester’s pH drops too low. In general, acidforming bacteria grow much faster than methane-forming bacteria. This can reduce the pH to an unfavorable level for methane-forming bacteria, thus inhibiting the activity of methanogens. This is referred to souring and may result in failure or crashing of the anaerobic digester. In most cases, however, the pH is self-regulating, but bicarbonates are sometimes used to maintain consistent pH. The optimal pH range is between 6.8 to 8.5. Restarting a digester that has “soured” is not an easy task. Typically, the approach is to open the digester, excavate the soured material, then refill and restart the digester. This is a costly and unpleasant task and should be avoided whenever possible. There are risks in dealing with biogas, including explosion, asphyxiation, disease, or hydrogen sulfide poisoning. Operators must be aware of the potential hazards and take preventative measures. How is biogas used? Biogas generated from anaerobic digestion processes is a clean and environmentally friendly renewable fuel. There are many uses for this fuel, including use in engines, generation of electricity, heat and hot water systems, and even refrigeration. Source: www.extension.org

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 19

by Dan Ciolkosz, Extension Associate, Penn State and Pius Ndegwa, Washington State University On-farm biogas is a byproduct of the anaerobic breakdown of organic matter. On the farm, it is most often generated from animal manure or other agricultural waste. On-farm biogas production has long been a topic of interest for farmers, with historical records of biogas production going back several hundreds of years. In modern livestock production systems, for example, the benefits of producing biogas are significant and include: • provision of supplemental renewable energy • odor reduction • reduction of emissions of greenhouse gases

Manure Handling

which included margin insurance plus market stabilization, is a fiscally reckless vote, with negative implications for the dairy producer sector, but also for the entire farm bill,” NMPF

Farm Bill Goes Down in Defeat In the House of Representatives

Page 20 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Issued June 21, 2013 The Farm Bill war moved to the House this week where U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte (D-Va.) and others introduced the so-called GoodlatteScott amendment, known as H.R. 1947, the “Federal Agriculture Reform and Risk Management (FARRM) Act of 2013).” The amendment removed the Dairy Market Stabilization Program (DMSP), part of the Dairy Security Act included in the base text of the FARRM Act, replacing it with a stand-alone margin insurance program. The action drew fire from National Milk (NMPF) which charged that dairy farmers strongly oppose efforts to gut the farm bill’s dairy title through the Goodlatte-Scott amendment. The House voted 291-

135 in favor of it though the victory was short lived because the overall Farm Bill went down in defeat, 234 to 195. Cuts in the Food Stamp program were blamed so financing for farm and nutrition programs is on hold. The bill will go back to the Agriculture Committee to make changes. An NMPF press release stated; “The decision to adopt the GoodlatteScott (G-S) amendment as part of the House’s farm bill is a disappointment to America’s dairy farmers who recognize this amendment for what it is: an effort to ensure that dairy processors get a government-insured supply of cheap milk.” “The House rejection of its Agriculture Committee’s dairy proposal,

charged. “By eliminating the market stabilization component, the Goodlatte-Scott amendment removed the cost control mechanism from this measure, greatly increasing government and tax-

payer cost exposure.” Meanwhile; the International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA) reported that a new study from Cornell University shows that the proposed dairy program will cost more

than the Goodlatte-Scott amendment. The study, “2013 Farm Bill Dairy Title Proposal Redistributes Program Benefits toward States with Larg-

Mielke 21

Mielke from 20 er Farms,” also finds that the currently proposed Dairy Security Act is significantly weighted to benefit large farms. IDFA’s Jerry Slominski said; “As did the Congressional Budget Office, the Cornell report finds that the Dairy Security Act will cost taxpayers more than the alternative. The report also contradicts a previous study from the University of Missouri, which claimed the opposite.” Both the Dairy Securi-

surance under Goodlatte-Scott than the Dairy Security Act.” In another political issue, NMPF’s Board of Directors approved a resolution opposing any Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement that “does not provide for significantly increased access to the Canadian dairy market.” The Board also urged the U.S. Trade Representative and USDA to “negotiate an agreement with Canada that eliminates barriers to trade and provides for mutually open dairy markets.” May milk production in the top 23 producing states totaled 16.5 billion pounds, up 0.9 percent from May 2012, according to USDA’s latest Milk Production report. The 50-state total, at 17.7 billion, was up 0.8 percent. Revisions dropped the April estimate by 20 million pounds to 16.1 billion,

up 0.2 percent from April 2012. California output was off a half-percent from a year ago. Wisconsin was up 1.2 percent. New York was up 2.1 percent, Idaho up 0.3 percent, Pennsylvania up 2.3 percent, Minnesota was up 1.8 percent, Michigan up 2.5 percent, New Mexico was down 1.1 percent, Texas was off 0.8 percent, and Washington was up 1.5 percent. The May increase was expected, according to FC Stone analysts who didn’t expect the report to have much impact on the markets. USDA’s latest Livestock Slaughter report shows that the pace of dairy cow slaughter in May fell 1.4 percent below last year, according to the June 20 Daily Dairy Report (DDR). Dairy producers sent 247,700 head to slaughter this May, which is 3,600 fewer cows than

Mielke 22

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 21

ty Act and the GoodlatteScott proposal will replace the current Milk Income Loss Contract (MILC) program with a new margin insurance program for producers. Under both alternatives, larger producers will be provided an improved and effective safety net to help them through difficult economic times. But only the Dairy Security Act adds a second program for dairy farmers that is intended to increase milk prices by imposing government limits on milk production. The Goodlatte-Scott amendment helps small farmers by requiring lower premium payments from smaller farms and higher premiums for larger producers than does the Dairy Security Act, according to IDFA, and, “more than 90 percent of all dairy farmers, those with fewer than 200 cows, will pay less for margin in-

Page 22 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Mielke from 21 last year and 20,300 fewer than in April. “Based on the reduced slaughter, May’s higher year-overyear milk production, in part, appears related to an expanding milking herd,” the DDR said. The July Federal order Class I base milk price was announced by USDA this week at $18.91 per hundredweight (cwt.), down 2 cents from June, $3.40 above July 2012, and equates to about $1.63 per gallon. That raised the 2013 Class I average to $18.32, up from $16.34 at this time a year ago, and compares to $18.55 in 2011, $14.60 in 2010, and $11.08 in 2009. The AMS surveyed butter price averaged $1.5590 per pound, down 9.9 cents from June. Nonfat dry milk averaged $1.6826, up 4.6 cents. Cheese averaged $1.7806, down 5.8 cents, and dry whey averaged 57.1 cents, down fractionally. Looking “back to the futures;” second half Federal order 2013 Class III contracts portended an $18.48 per hundred-

weight average on June 14. That figure slipped to $18.35 as of late morning June 21. Checking the cash dairy markets which awaited Friday afternoon’s May Cold Storage report; block cheese closed Friday morning at $1.7250 per pound, up a quarter-cent on the week and three quarter-cents above a year ago. Barrel closed at $1.7175, down 5 1/2-cents on the week but 2 1/4-cents above a year ago. Only one car of block traded hands on the week and none of barrel. The AMS-surveyed U.S. average block price fell to $1.7552, down 2.2 cents. Barrel averaged $1.7709, up 0.9 cent. Cheese production remains very active with additional Class I milk supplies finding their way to the vat, according to USDA’s June 17 Dairy Market News (DMN). “While inventories are steady, buyers are looking to acquire product for third quarter in case summer production slows manufacturing,” DMN said, and “cheese demand

is felt to be increasing.” Cash butter saw a 3 1/2-cent drop on the week to $1.50, 9 cents below a year ago. Two cars found new homes. AMS butter averaged $1.5688, up 1.9 cents. Butter production varies across the country, according to DMN. Churn operators indicate cream is available and cream demand from ice cream was higher the second week of June and luring cream loads away from the churn. Cash Grade A nonfat dry milk closed Friday at $1.73, up 2 3/4-cents on the week. Six cars were sold on the week. Extra Grade remained at $1.70. AMS powder averaged $1.6816, down 0.2 cent, and dry whey averaged 57.42 cents per pound, up 0.6 cent. Storms across much of the U.S. the week of June 10 affected late planting schedules, according to DMN. Heat in the southern tier of states was stressing cows and production was beginning to show signs of slowing down. Northern areas of the country were cooler.

Delays in planting and late harvest of forages have processors worried about continued milk supplies. Class I usage levels are lower as schools end their sessions. On a brighter note, USDA reports that April fluid milk sales were up. An estimated 4.3 billion pounds of packaged fluid products were sold in the U.S., up 1.1 percent from April 2012. Conventional fluid sales were up 0.6 percent while total organic fluid sales were up 13.5 percent from a year earlier. Things are also tough down under. FC Stone’s June 17 eDairy Inside Opening Bell reports that New Zealand dairy sector debt nearly tripled the past decade to $30.5 billion in 2012. Some New Zealand farmers are expected to have difficulty servicing their loans in the year ahead, despite potentially higher milk prices. Meanwhile; the June 18 Insider Closing Bell reported that Tuesday’s GlobalDairyTrade (GDT) auction prices started to

climb. The weighted-average price for all products rose 1.1 percent, and five of the seven products that traded posted higher averages. Butter prices rose 4.7 percent to $1.7804 per pound. Adjusted to 80 percent fat, the price was $1.7369. Skim milk powder rose 3.2 percent to $1.9432; whole milk powder climbed 2.2 percent to $2.1174; and anhydrous milkfat advanced 1.7 percent to $2.0815. Cheddar prices fell 6.5 percent to $2.0765 per pound. Cooperatives Working Together (CWT) accepted four requests for export assistance this week to sell 310,852 pounds cheese to customers in Asia and North Africa. The product will be delivered through September 2013. At our deadline we were awaiting word about what adjustments, if any, California’s Department of Food & Agriculture (CDFA) will make in the state’s minimum milk pricing formulas. However, results of a new study indicate Cali-

fornia’s dairy producers could benefit from joining the Federal milk marketing order system. DairyBusiness Update editor Dave Natzke reminded listeners in Friday’s DairyLine that CDFA issued temporary changes to minimum milk pricing formulas last winter, resulting in about a 25 cent per cwt. increase in the price paid to California dairy producers early this year. Those adjustments expired in May, however, and another hearing to consider additional adjustments was held on May 21. CDFA was expected to announce any changes the afternoon of June 21 along with its July Class I milk prices. I’ll have details next week. Meanwhile; members of three major dairy cooperatives, producing about 80 percent of California’s milk, commissioned a study last winter to see if the state’s dairy producers should join the Federal milk marketing order system as a means to improve milk prices.

Mielke 23

New Pork Checkoff tools help producers evaluate, measure, benchmark A second-generation environmental impact calculator is now available to producers. This new calculator expands the existing Live Swine Carbon Footprint Calculator by allowing producers to calculate their water footprint. The Pig Production Environmental Footprint Calculator version 2.0 is available by calling the Pork Checkoff Service Center at 800-456-7675.

National Swine Reproduction Guide Just released by the U.S. Pork Center of Excellence, the Swine Reproduction Guide is an analytical tool that provides producers with a decision-tree for identifying breeding problems within gilts, sows and boars. The web-based guide will be available online through Iowa State University Extension and at pork.org.

placing housing choices Once the data is added, the calculator generates a report of the needed cash flow and cost per pig information that may be required by a lender. “Pork producers have many options available to them, each with its own cost and benefit,” said Chris Novak, National Pork Board CEO. “The new Sow Housing Calculator will help producers look at the facility and management choices that are best for them and the pigs in their care.” The Sow Housing Calculator is available free of charge to producers and can be found online at pork.org. Benchmarking workplace safety A new website to provide reliable methods of benchmarking workplace safety is being developed by the Pork

Checkoff to track and compare workplace safety data across farm systems and between peer companies. “You cannot improve what you cannot measure. This new benchmarking system will provide producers quantifiable indicators that will allow them to compare workplace safety on their farms with others in the industry. More importantly, producers can use this benchmarking tool to evaluate various actions that can reduce future accidents and injuries,” Novak said. “With strong participation from the industry, we will be able to measure the improvements that we make over time as we work together to reduce the most common injuries on our hog farms.” “Our industry has adopted a set of ethical

principle that includes our commitment to enhancing workplace safety for our families and employees. Improving workplace safety can reduce costs and improve performance, but most importantly, it is the right thing for us to do.” The Benchmarking Workplace Safety system may be accessed via pork.org. Environmental Footprint Calculator

NORTHAMPTON, MA (AP) — A 91-year-old retired police officer from Northampton has received his high school diploma 71 years after he left school to work on a farm. Edward Morrissey was one of 100 graduates who received diplomas Thursday from Smith

Vocational and Agricultural High School. Morrissey says he was just weeks from graduating in 1942 when his father told him to leave school and get a job milking cows. He also worked at a gas station and a gun maker before enlisting in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacif-

ic during World War II and was a Northampton officer for 25 years before retiring in 1977. Morrissey was inspired by other World War II veterans getting their diplomas late in life. Smith Vocational Superintendent Jeffrey Peterson calls Morrissey a “true American hero.”

Dairy Farmers of America, and Land O’Lakes, are sketchy, according to Natzke, but the coop leaders believe the study shows that joining the Federal order system would benefit

dairy producer pay prices. Staff from the three co-ops are planning membership meetings to share specific results of the study, and will begin to draft Federal

order language to initiate the process, Natzke said. One piece of enabling legislation has already been introduced in Congress. That bill would allow for California’s unique

“quota program” in any new Federal order. Creating a Federal order is a complex and lengthy process, requiring petitioning of the USDA, scheduling and conducting hearings and, ultimately, putting it to a producer vote, which would require a two-thirds majority vote for implementation, Natzke reported, and

some estimate the process could take 14 months or more. “So, in the meantime, California dairy producers will still be looking to CDFA to provide temporary price adjustments,” Natzke concluded. Complete details are found in this week’s DairyBusiness Update or log on to www.dairyline.com .

91-year-old WW II veteran gets high school diploma

Mielke from 22 Results of the study conducted by Dr. Mark Stephenson, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Dr. Chuck Nicholson, Penn State University and commissioned by California Dairies,

The August Issue of Your connection to the Northeast Equine Market w ww.cfmanestream.com

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Alternative Therapies & Medicine Horse Farm & Stable Equipment This Issue will go to... Best of Gymkhana, Champlain Valley Fair, Essex Junction, VT, Empire Farm Days, Seneca Falls, NY • Ag Progress, University Park, PA

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New facilities and renovations for: • Hog Production, traditional or open housing • Egg production - caged or cage free • Broiler, Turkey and Duck Production Lititz, PA • (800) 673-2580 Laurel, DE • (800) 735-6361 www.neagri.com Authorized

Distributor since 1982

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 23

The Pork Checkoff announced new and improved tools to assist pork producers in evaluating the financial impact of sow housing choices, improving workplace safety, reducing their environmental footprint and identifying problems within breeding stock. Sow Housing Calculator A new Sow Housing Calculator will assist producers in making important decisions about remodeling or other facility or management choices on the farm. Created in the context of remodeling sow barns, this new calculator can also be used to model the financial impact of any management or facility choices to a sow farm, including: • Changes in nutrition • Changes in herd size • Remodeling or re-

Farm Aid music and food festival heads to New York on Sept. 21

Page 24 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Willie Nelson, Neil Young, John Mellencamp and Dave Matthews to headline Farm Aid 2013 at Saratoga Performing Arts Center SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Farm Aid announced that its annual benefit concert will return to the Northeast on Saturday, Sept. 21, taking place at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) in Saratoga Springs, NY. “In New York and across the Northeast, family farmers are pioneering change in our farm and food system. This region has strong agricultural roots and offers fertile ground for new farmers and sustainable agriculture,” said Farm Aid President Willie Nelson. “On the Farm Aid stage in September, we’ll celebrate the hard work of family farmers and support their efforts to grow strong and healthy communities for all of us.” Farm Aid 2013 will feature Farm Aid board members Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp, Neil Young and Dave Matthews. Additional artists will be announced

soon. The concert benefits and promotes Farm Aid’s mission to keep family farmers on the land, strengthen and revitalize America’s food system, and support the growth of the Good Food Movement — the growing number of people seeking local, organic, humanely raised and family farm-identified food. Farm Aid 2013 will be an all-day music and food festival featuring a unique mashup of artists and genres on the stage and serving concert-goers family farmidentified, local and organic foods with its own HOMEGROWN Concessions®. In Farm Aid’s HOMEGROWN Village, concertgoers will have the chance to meet farmers, engage in hands-on food and farm activities, and learn about the ways family farmers are enriching our soil, protecting our water and growing our economy, in addition to bringing us

good food for good health. “New York is pleased to host Farm Aid’s annual benefit concert this September in Saratoga Springs,” Governor Andrew M. Cuomo said. “This star-studded event will support Farm Aid’s mission to promote family farmers and healthy eating, as well as raise awareness about the important role farms play in our economy and culture. Here in New York, we are continuing to grow our state’s vibrant agricultural industry through initiatives such as the FreshConnect program, which provides more avenues like farmers markets to connect New Yorkers with fresh, affordable and locally grown food products. We are also making important investments in regional food distribution hubs and marketing efforts like Taste NY to promote New York-made agricultural products and niche industries

Nematodes encapsulated to better battle corn pests by Jan Suszkiw Nematodes have shown promise as biological control agents in the fight against the western corn rootworm, whose larval stage is a costly pest of corn in the United States and Europe. But current spray methods used to apply the beneficial nematodes can be labor-intensive and water-consuming. As an alternative, a team of scientists with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the University of Neuchatel (UniNE) in Switzerland is field-testing gel capsule formulations that encapsulate the pest-killing nematode Heterorhabditis bacteriophora. This nematode species poses no danger to humans, pets or livestock, but its lethality to rootworm larvae may give corn growers another option for protecting their crops, together with the use of insecticides and rotations with non-host crops like soybean. Ivan Hiltpold, a visiting

UniNE scholar, is investigating the technology as part of a two-year assignment with Bruce Hibbard, an entomologist with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Plant Genetics Research Unit in Columbia, MO. ARS entomologist Wade French and UniNE professor Ted Turling are collaborating with them. Their approach calls for encapsulating Heterorhabditis within an algal-based polymer that’s soft enough for the nematodes to escape once applied to soils where rootworm larvae are present. After locating their prey, the nematodes wriggle inside the rootworm larvae and release symbiotic bacteria, which multiply and then kill the insect by poisoning its blood. The nematodes feed on the bacteria and mate, spawning new generations that eventually leave their dead hosts to find new ones. Although the encapsulated nematodes (about 2,700 per capsule) re-

duced rootworm damage to corn roots better than spray formulations in trials, refinements to the capsules proved necessary, including determining the optimal thickness of capsule walls and storage conditions. During laboratory experiments, for example, twice as many nematodes escaped capsules stored at room temperature (around 77 degrees Fahrenheit) than at 45 degrees F. The team is also examining the addition of rootworm attractants and feeding stimulants to better lure the pests to their doom.

such as yogurt and wine, beer and spirits. New York is committed to its farmers, and so I commend Farm Aid for their work in helping farmers all across the nation flourish.” Farm Aid has long collaborated with and supported organizations and organizers in the Northeast who are growing the Good Food Movement. Many of the region’s farmers have been served by Farm Aid’s hotline and Farmer Resource Network. Over the past 28 years, Farm Aid has made grants of more than $2.5 million in the Northeast region — nearly half a million in New York alone — supporting programs that expand access to family farm food and grow new markets for farmers, create change in the food system, and help farmers thrive. “Over a year ago, several of my colleagues and I first hoped out loud that Farm Aid would

come to New York State to celebrate and support our hard-working family farmers,” said Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (DNY). “I am so pleased that Willie Nelson and Farm Aid have chosen New York to showcase the finest music talent in the world alongside our New York family farmers, who are producing some of the best dairy products and fresh fruits and vegetables in the world.” Tickets for Farm Aid 2013 will go on sale Friday, June 28, at 10 a.m. EDT. Tickets will be available at www.ticketmaster.com. “Saratoga Performing Arts Center is tremendously proud and excited to host the 2013 Farm Aid music and food festival at our historic outdoor venue,” said Marcia J. White, SPAC’s president and executive director. “Over the past 48 years, SPAC’s stage has been at the center of countless legendary concerts and live music

events; Farm Aid may top them all with its superstar lineup of artists fueled by the crucial mission of promoting and supporting family farms, healthy eating and strong communities. SPAC itself is surrounded by a greenbelt of nearly 75,000 acres of beautiful, fertile Saratoga County farmland. The opportunity to be part of an event that will benefit these neighbors and farmers across America represents a defining moment in SPAC’s history.” Farm Aid welcomes the participation of the local business community and offers corporate sponsorship opportunities. For more information, contact Glenda Yoder at glenda@farmaid.org. For concert updates, follow Farm Aid on Twitter (@farmaid) and on Facebook (www.facebook.com/farmaid), and visit www.farmaid. org/concert.

Come Hear The Truly Inspiring Story of a Courageous Farmer Who Refused to Let His Disability Defeat Him. Whether you’re able-bodied or not, Ed Bell’s personal story of triumph over the challenges of a physical disability will inspire and motivate you. Ed will present his keynote speech, "Living and Learning, One Hat At A Time" at Empire Farm Days

August 7, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. In the all-new Country Folks Accessibility Center Located adjacent to the Health & Safety Center Rodman Lott & Son Farm, Seneca Falls, NY The Country Folks Accessibility Center will also feature: • Assistive Technology Exhibitors • AT Product Demonstrations • Farm Safety & Accessibility Demos • Health Screenings • Occupational Therapy • Accessibility Counseling & Referral Services Empire Farm Days will be held August 6-8, 2013 Rodman Lott & Son Farm 2973 State Route 414, Seneca Falls, NY 13148

A new algal-based polymer gel capsule may be a way to better package beneficial nematodes to control western corn rootworm. Photo by Ivan Hiltpold

For additional information, call 877-697-7837 or visit empirefarmdays.com

AUCTION SECTION and MARKET REPORTS Field drying may be a thing of the past, industry experts say Avoid 10- to 15-percent yield loss by harvesting at higher moisture levels and using high-efficiency dryers conditioning technology manager with GSI® says, “The drier corn gets, or the longer it is left in the field, the more susceptible it is to yield loss. When corn hits 15-percent moisture, as it does when harvested late, losses of 10 to 15 percent or more are common. With higher crop prices, drying corn with today’s more efficient dryers costs around three percent of the crop’s value (at an average moisture removal of 10 points). When corn is harvested below 19-percent moisture, harvest losses due

to dry grain shatter rise above the three percent, and this doesn’t include losses from lodging or storm damage. Due to late planting this season, preventive measures should be taken to avoid these losses.” How to avoid harvest-time losses Options for handling this problem have been dismal in the past, as drying $3 corn with less efficient dryers has been viewed as too expensive. Previously, only field losses exceeding 10 percent made drying costs worthwhile. With today’s higher corn value and

COMPLETE DISPERSAL OF MACHINERY

lower costs of drying, field losses below 19 percent reduce net income. With advances in dryer technology, the process has become more economical and easier. Today, the cost of drying is much less than the cost of field loss. “Starting harvest earlier and drying corn with propane will improve yields when seasonable variables are out of farmer’s hands; think of drying as a type of insurance,” say Mark Leitman, director, business development & marketing with the Propane Education & Research Council (PERC). “The efficiency of today’s dryers allows farmers to harvest

without consuming excess fuel. The new technology relies on propane to distribute heat and dry more evenly, increasing quality and productivity while improving fuel efficiency.” Woodruff says the new technology is making a big difference for farmers. “We are seeing many of our customers increase their drying capacity to harvest at higher moisture levels. The new, high-efficiency dryers improve their profitability and grain quality.” Benefits beyond crop management PERC has launched the Propane Farm Incentive Program available to

GSI customers who purchase the new X-Stream model dryer. Farmers enrolled in the program receive $5,000 for tracking drying costs on the GSI dryer for one season and sharing the data with PERC. “This is a great way to reduce the cost of an energy efficient dryer,” adds Leitman. Planning during the summer how to handle higher harvest moisture can ease the stress and uncertainty this season brings. To learn about the PERC Propane Farm Incentive Program, visit www.agpropane.com. Find more information about GSI dryers at www.grainsystems.com.

Absolute Sale, Everything Will Be Sold

Sat. July 13th @ 11:00 A.M. At 92 Abbott Rd. Knox, ME 04986 Jack and Connie Larabee have discontinued farming and have commissioned us to sell at public auction the following.... Tractors: (2) 92 Int. Magnum 7140's 4WD w/ cab & duals, Int. 186 hydro 2WD w/ cab, 93 Int. Case Maxum 7210 2WD w/ cab & duals. Forage & Tilling: 98 JD 6850 self propelled harvester, JD 645A 16' grass head, JD 678 kemper rotary corn head, 2002 JD 4990 14' self propelled mower w/ merger & 990 platform, JD 1750 6 corn planter, Kuhn 4521 GHT rake, Kuhn 5000 digidrive tedder, Case 3900 24' disc harrow, White 5 bottom plow, Int. 55 20' chisel plow, Int. 14' vibershank, Lockwood rock picker, 14' land roller, JD 8350 14' seeder, Degelman rock rake. Loaders & Skid Steers: 95-950 Cat Loader, 94 JD 544G Loader, JD 317 skid steer

www.aaauctionfinder.com

Search for all types of auctions at any time. New w updatess alll the e time!!

Trucks: 78 L9000 Ford w/ dump, 95 L9000 Ford w/ Thomas 3000 gal. tank, 87 L8000 Ford single axle w/ dump, 87 L9000 Ford w/ dump, 87 L9000 Ford w/5th whl, 28' Alum. Dump trlr. Other: Knight 3142 mixer wagon mounted on 87 Int. truck, Thomas 5000 gal. Manure tank tow behind, Thomas 3000 gal. manure tank, Delaval manure pump, Houle agitator, JD 780 hydro push manure sprdr, Valac trlr. mnt. fertilizer sprdr, Mensch trlr. mnt. sand shooter, (2) rock buckets, homemade stall leveler, homemade feed pusher, set of forks, Richardson dump wagon, portable cattle chute, calf chute, (18) calf hutches, portable calf pens, 3' portable fans, free stalls & head locks. Complete contents of garage including jacks, welder, vices, drill press, floor jacks, space heater, bat charger, tool chest, grinder, grease guns, chain binders, nuts & bolts, filters, misc fittings, lathe, (6) corn seed hoppers, sinks, smart washer & air compressor. Also consigned: NH LS 170 skid steer, NH 1431 disc mower-conditioner, NH 616 3pt. Disc mower 7' 10", NI 4160 side del. Rake w/ dolley, Challenger 4x5 silage rnd. baler, NH 316 sq. baler, Ford 7' sickle bar mower, Sitvex 3pt. fertilizer spdr., Box carrier, forks for bucket, 3 pt. hay spear, 72" loader bucket, (3) backhoe buckets (various sizes)

Auction conducted by: Tilton's Auction Corinth, ME 04427 Jeffrey T. Tilton - Auctioneer Lic # AUC 1163 For more information call: (207) 991-4435 285-3467 285-7049 Auctioneer's notes: Most of this equipment has been stored under cover and is field ready, this is a real nice line of equipment. No Buyer's Premium...Food Available...Rain or Shine...visit our website www.tiltonsauction.com

Terms: Cash, Visa & MasterCard, good checks, out of state or persons unknown to the auctioneer will need to present bank letter of reference. Everything sold as is where is.

ur tO n u o Ab uctio g Ask rse A Listin Ho ndar e Cal

Having A Horse Auction? Running your ad in the Country Folks Auction Section? Don’t forget to ask your Country Folks Representative about the Special Rates for Country Folks Mane Stream.

Issue Date

Deadline Date

August September October November/December

July 12th August 16th September 13th October 11th

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 25

Successful harvest starts with optimal planting. In years like this when farmers have little control over planting, they can still ensure their crop’s yield potential is maximized by managing harvest moisture. An optimal planting date and weather during the growing season are two major factors affecting a crop’s yield potential. But, harvest moisture also significantly affects actual yield- harvesting too late can have significant consequences. Gary Woodruff, grain

AUC TION CALENDAR

Page 26 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

To Have Your Auction Listed, See Your Sales Representative or Contact David Dornburgh at 518-673-0109 • Fax 518-673-2381 Monday, July 1 • 8:00 AM: Half Acre Market, Ridge Rd., Auburn, NY. Drop Off Only. John Kelley, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-258-9752. • 12:00 Noon: Pavilion Market, 357 Lake St., Pavilion, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Marketing, 585-584-3033, Sue Rudgers, Manager, 518-584-3033 • 12:30 PM: Dryden Market, 49 E. Main St., Dryden, NY. Calves. Phil Laug, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 607-844-9104 • 12:30 PM: Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Horses & Hay. 1:30 pm Calves & Beef. Regular Monday schedule. Tim Miller, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105 • 2:00 PM: Gouverneur Market, 952 US Hwy. 11, Gouverneur, NY. Calves, Pigs, Goats, Dairy and Beef. Jack Bero, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-322-3500, sale barn 315-287-0220 • 4:00 PM: Chatham Market, 2249 Rte. 203, Chatham, NY. Regular Sale starting with calves. Harold Renwick, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-420-9092 or Auction Barn at 518-392-3321. www.empirelivestock.com • 11:30 PM: Hosking Sales, New Berlin, NY. Monthly Fat Cow & Feeder Sale. Weekly Livestock Commission Sale starting at 12:30 pm with Produce, Small Animals, Dairy, Feeders, Sheep, Lamb, Goats, Pigs. Calves & cull cows at approx. at 5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-9721770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com

• 10:00 AM: Mohawk Valley Produce Auction, 840 Fords Bush Rd., Fort Plain, NY. Produce Auction. Mohawk Valley Produce Auction, 518-568-3579 or 518-568-2257 • 1:00 PM: Central Bridge Livestock, Rte. 30A, Central Bridge, NY. Dairy, sheep, goats, pigs and horses; 3:30 PM feeders followed by beef and calves. Tim Miller, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 518-8682006, 800-321-3211. Wednesday, July 3 • 8:00 AM: Half Acre Market, Ridge Rd., Auburn, NY. Drop Off Only. John Kelley, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-258-9752 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Dryden Market, 49 E. Main St., Dryden, NY. Phil Laug, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 607-844-9104 • 1:30 PM: Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Calves followed by beef. Tim Miller, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105 • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-2965041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Thursday, July 4 • 8:00 AM: Half Acre Market, Ridge Rd., Auburn, NY. Drop off only. John Kelley, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-258-9752

• 12:30 PM: Pavilion Market, 357 Lake St., Pavilion, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Marketing, 585-584-3033, Sue Rudgers, Manager, 518-584-3033 • 1:15 PM: Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Our usual run of dairy cows, heifers & service bulls. Tim Miller, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105 • 2:00 PM: Gouverneur Market, 952 US Hwy. 11, Gouverneur, NY. Calves, Pigs, Goats, Dairy and Beef. Jack Bero, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-322-3500, sale barn 315-287-0220 • 5:00 PM: Central Bridge Livestock, Rte. 30A, Central Bridge, NY. Calves, followed by Beef. Tim Miller, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 518-868-2006, 800321-3211. Friday, July 5 • 6:00 PM: D.R. Chambers & Sons, 76 Maple Ave., Unadilla, NY. Horse Sales every other Friday. Tack at 1 pm, horses at 6 pm. D.R. Chambers & Sons, 607-369-8231 www.drchambersauction.com Monday, July 8 • 11:30 PM: Hosking Sales, New Berlin, NY. Monthly Heifer Sale. Weekly Livestock Commission Sale starting at 12:30 pm with Produce, Small Animals, Dairy, Feeders, Sheep, Lamb, Goats, Pigs. Calves & cull cows at approx. at 5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607699-3637, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com Wednesday, July 10

Tuesday, July 2

B RO U G HT ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES Rte. 125, E. Middlebury, VT 05740 Sale every Monday & Thursday Specializing in Complete Farm Dispersals “A Leading Auction Service” In Vt. 800-339-2697 or 800-339-COWS 802-388-2661 • 802-388-2639 ALEX LYON & SON Sales Managers & Auctioneers, Inc. Jack Lyon Bridgeport, NY 315-633-2944 • 315-633-9544 315-633-2872 • Evenings 315-637-8912 AUCTIONEER PHIL JACQUIER INC. 18 Klaus Anderson Rd., Southwick, MA 01077 413-569-6421 • Fax 413-569-6599 www.jacquierauctions.com Auctions of Any Type, A Complete, Efficient Service philcorn@jacquierauctions.com AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL 11167 Big Tree Rd., E. Aurora, NY 14052 800-536-1401 www.auctionsinternational.com BENUEL FISHER AUCTIONS Fort Plain, NY 518-568-2257 Licensed & Bonded in PA #AU005568

BRZOSTEK’S AUCTION SERVICE INC. Household Auctions Every Wed. at 6:30 PM 2052 Lamson Rd., Phoenix, NY 13135 Brzostek.com 315-678-2542 or 800-562-0660 Fax 315-678-2579 THE CATTLE EXCHANGE 4236 Co. Hwy. 18, Delhi, NY 13753 607-746-2226 • Fax 607-746-2911 www.cattlexchange.com E-mail: daveramasr@cattlexchange.com A Top-Quality Auction Service David Rama - Licensed Real Estate Broker C.W. GRAY & SONS, INC. Complete Auction Services Rte. 5, East Thetford, VT 802-785-2161 DANN AUCTIONEERS DELOS DANN 3339 Spangle St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-396-1676 www.cnyauctions.com dannauctioneers.htm DELARM & TREADWAY Sale Managers & Auctioneers William Delarm & Son • Malone, NY 518-483-4106 E.J. Treadway • Antwerp, NY 13608 315-659-2407

YO U

• 12:30 PM: 1175 Slater Creek Rd., off State Rte. 248 between Canisteo & Greenwood, NY. Township of Hartsville Real Estate Auction. 104 acre farm. Pirrung Auctioneers, Inc., 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-2965041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Thursday, July 11 • 3:00 PM: NY Steam Engine Assn. Show Grounds, 3349 Gehan Rd., off Rts. 5& 20, 5 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY. NYS Two Cylinder Expo XI JD Consignment Auction. 1st day of Expo XI Show. For show info contact John & Cheryl Jensen 585-526-6607. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-396-1676, 585-2339570 www.cnyauctions.com/dannauctioneers.htm Friday, July 12 • 10:00 AM: Bath, NY (Steuben Co.) Haverling High School Auditorium. Steuben Co. Tax Title Auction. Thomas P. Wamp & James P. Pirrung licensed Real Estate Brokers. Pirrung Auctioneers, 585-728-2520 www.pirrunginc.com • 6:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585-3941515

THESE

D.R. CHAMBERS & SONS 76 Maple Ave., Unadilla, NY 13849 607-369-8231 • Fax 607-369-2190 www.drchambersauction.com EMPIRE LIVESTOCK MARKETING LLC 5001 Brittonfield Parkway P.O. Box 4844, East Syracuse, NY 315-433-9129 • 800-462-8802 Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .607-776-2000 Burton Livestock . . . . . . . . . . .315-829-3105 Central Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-868-2006 Chatham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-392-3321 Cherry Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . .716-296-5041 Dryden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .607-844-9104 Farm Sale Division . . . . . . . . . .315-436-2215 Gouverneur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315-287-0220 Half Acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315-258-9752 Pavilion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .585-584-3033 FINGER LAKES LIVESTOCK 3 miles east of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Livestock Sale every Wednesday at 1 PM Feeder Cattle Sales monthly Horse Sales as scheduled 585-394-1515 • Fax 585-394-9151 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com FRANKLIN USED EQUIPMENT SALES, INC. AUCTION SERVICE Franklin, NY • 607-829-5172 Over 30 Years Experience in Farm Equipment Auctions Frank Walker, Auctioneer P.O. Box 25, Franklin, NY 13775 fwalker2@stny.rr.com

FRALEY AUCTION CO. Auctioneers & Sales Managers, Licensed & Bonded 1515 Kepner Hill Rd., Muncy, PA 570-546-6907 Fax 570-546-9344 www.fraleyauction.com GENE WOODS AUCTION SERVICE 5608 Short St., Cincinnatus, NY 13040 607-863-3821 www.genewoodsauctionserviceinc.com GOODRICH AUCTION SERVICE INC. 7166 St. Rt. 38, Newark Valley, NY 13811 607-642-3293 www.goodrichauctionservice.com H&L AUCTIONS Malone, NY Scott Hamilton 518-483-8787 or 483-8576 Ed Legacy 518-483-7386 or 483-0800 518-832-0616 cell Auctioneer: Willis Shattuck • 315-347-3003 HILLTOP AUCTION CO. Specializing in Agricultural & Construction 863 Smith Rd., Clyde, NY 14433 Jay Martin 315-521-3123 Elmer Zieset 315-729-8030 www.hilltopauctioncompany.com HARRIS WILCOX, INC. Bergen, NY 585-494-1880 • www.harriswilcox.com Sales Managers, Auctioneers, & Real Estate Brokers

AUC TION CALENDAR To Have Your Auction Listed, See Your Sales Representative or Contact David Dornburgh at 518-673-0109 • Fax 518-673-2381 • 6:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585-3941515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com

• 3:00 PM: D.R. Chambers & Sons, 76 Maple Ave., Unadilla, NY. Dairy Day Special Feeder Sale. Every Wednesday following Dairy. D.R. Chambers & Sons, 607-369-8231 www.drchambersauction.com

Saturday, July 13 • 9:00 AM: 601 North Peterboro St., Canastota, NY. Annual Lyon’s Hay Camp & Large Rental Return Auction of Late Model Construction Equipment and more. Alex Lyon & Son, 315-633-2944 www.alexlyon.com

Friday, July 19 • 11:00 AM: Lakeview Holsteins, 2456 Rt. 14, Penn Yan, NY. Selling complete dairies and registered & grade cattle. Hilltop Auction Company, Jay Martin 315-521-3123, Elmer Zeiset 315-729-8030

www.hoskingsales.com Wednesday, July 17 • 10:30 AM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Monthly Heifer Sale. Followed by our regular Wednesday sale at 1:30 pm. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-4500558 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com

Saturday, July 20 • 9:00 AM: Wellsboro, NY. J&C Wholesale Auction. From antique to modern. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-9721770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com • 11:00 AM: Tully, NY. Slice of Summer at Currie Holsteins & NY Holstein Summer Picnic. 100 of the finest Holstein in North America will sell. NY Picnic hosted by the Currie family & all are invited. Sale managed by The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Monday, July 22 • 11:30 PM: Hosking Sales, New Berlin, NY . Weekly Livestock Commission Sale starting at 12:30 pm with Produce, Small Animals, Dairy, Feeders, Sheep, Lamb, Goats, Pigs. Calves & cull cows at approx. at 5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com

Saturday, July 27 • 9:00 AM: Martins Country Market, Waterloo, NY. Annual Summer Equipment Auction. Selling complete farm lines, estates, selling eq. for farmers, dealers, construction, bank reposes, large & small trucks. Hilltop Auction Company, Jay Martin 315-521-3123, Elmer Zeiset 315-729-8030. • 9:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Horse sale. Tack at 9 am, horses at 10 am. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585-394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 10:00 AM: 2139 Ganaan-Southfield Rd., Southfield, MA. Gillette Welding & Fabrication Auction. Trucks, trailers & equip., welders, equip., shop equip., tools & other misc. equip. Jacquier Auctions, 413-5696421 auctioneer2@jacquierauctions.com www.jacquierauctions.com Sunday, July 28

Wednesday, July 24

• 10:00 AM: Washington Co. Fairgrounds, Rts. 29 & 392, Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich, NY. Tri State Antique Tractor Club, Inc. 2nd Annual Consignment Auction of antique & modern equipment. 2nd day of Antique and Irwin Show. For info contact Bill Herrick, 518692-1106. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-396-1676, 585-233-9570 www.cnyauctions.com/dannauctioneers.htm Monday, July 29 • 11:30 PM: Hosking Sales, New Berlin, NY. Weekly Livestock Commission Sale starting at 12:30 pm with Produce, Small Animals, Dairy, Feeders, Sheep, Lamb, Goats, Pigs. Calves & cull cows at approx. at 5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com Wednesday, July 31 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-2965041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Friday, August 2 • 6:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585-3941515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Wednesday, August 7

Wednesday, July 17

PA RT I C I PAT I N G A U C T I O N E E R S HOSKING SALES Sales Managers & Auctioneer 6810 W. River Rd., Nichols, NY 13812 Tom & Brenda Hosking • AU 005392 Looking to have a farm sale or just sell a few? Give us a call. Trucking Assistance. Call the Sale Barn or check out our trucker list on the Web site. 607-699-3637 • Fax 607-699-3661 www.hoskingsales.com hoskingsales@stny.rr.com HOSKING SALES-FORMER WELCH LIVESTOCK MARKET Tom & Brenda Hosking • AU 008392 P.O. Box 311, New Berlin, NY 13411 607-847-8800 • 607-699-3637 cell: 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com hoskingsales@stny,rr.com KELLEHER’S AUCTION SERVICE 817 State Rt. 170 Little Falls, NY 13365 315-823-0089 • 315-868-6561 cell We buy or sell your cattle or equipment on commission or outright! In business since 1948

LEAMAN AUCTIONS LTD 329 Brenneman Rd., Willow St., PA 17584 717-464-1128 • cell 610-662-8149 auctionzip.com 3721 leamanauctions.com MEL MANASSE & SON, AUCTIONEERS Sales Managers, Auctioneers & Real Estate Brokers Whitney Point, NY Toll free 800-MANASSE or 607-692-4540 Fax 607-692-4327 www.manasseauctions.com MIDDLESEX LIVESTOCK AUCTION 488 Cherry Hill Rd., Middlefield, CT 06455 Sale Every Monday Lisa Scirpo 860-883-5828 Sales Barn 860-349-3204 Res. 860-346-8550 MOHAWK VALLEY PRODUCE AUCTION Auctions every Tuesday at 10 am 840 Fordsbush Rd., Fort Plain, NY 13339 518-568-3579 NEW HOLLAND SALES STABLE Norman Kolb & David Kolb, Sales Mgrs. Auctions Every Mon., Wed., & Thurs. 717-354-4341 Sales Mon., Wed. • Thurs. Special Sales

NORTHEAST KINGDOM SALES INC. Jim Young & Ray LeBlanc Sales Mgrs. • Barton, VT Jim - 802-525-4774 • Ray - 802-525-6913 neks@together.net NORTHAMPTON COOP. AUCTION Whately, MA • Farmer Owned Since 1949 Livestock Commission Auction Sales at noon every Tues. • Consignments at 9 AM 413-665-8774 NORTHERN NEW YORK DAIRY SALES North Bangor, NY 518-481-6666 Sales Mgrs.: Joey St. Mary 518-569-0503 Harry Neverett 518-651-1818 Auctioneer John (Barney) McCracken 802-524-2991 www.nnyds.com PIRRUNG AUCTIONEERS, INC. P.O. Box 607, Wayland, NY 14572 585-728-2520 • Fax 585-728-3378 www.pirrunginc.com James P. Pirrung R.G. MASON AUCTIONS Richard G. Mason We do all types of auctions Complete auction service & equipment Phone/Fax 585-567-8844

ROY TEITSWORTH, INC. AUCTIONEERS Specialist in large auctions for farmers, dealers, contractors and municipalities. Groveland, Geneseo, NY 14454 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com TOWN & COUNTRY AUCTION SERVICE Rt. 32 N., Schuylerville, NY 518-695-6663 Owner: Henry J. Moak WILLIAM KENT, INC. Sales Managers & Auctioneers Farm Real Estate Brokers • Stafford, NY 585-343-5449 www.williamkentinc.com WRIGHT’S AUCTION SERVICE 48 Community Dr., Derby, VT 14541 802-334-6115 www.wrightsauctions.com

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 27

Monday, July 15 • 11:30 PM: Hosking Sales, New Berlin, NY. Monthly Sheep, Lamb, Goat & Pig Sale. Weekly Livestock Commission Sale starting at 12:30 pm with Produce, Small Animals, Dairy, Feeders, Sheep, Lamb, Goats, Pigs. Calves & cull cows at approx. at 5:30 pm. .Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771

Auction Calendar, Continued (cont. from prev. page)

Page 28 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

• 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 • 2:00 PM: New York Steam Engine Assoc. 5th Annual Consignment Auction. 1st day of Pageant of Steam show. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-396-1676, 585-233-9570 www.cnyauctions.com/dannauctioneers.htm Thursday, August 8 • Next to Empire Farm Days, Rt. 414, Seneca Falls, NY. Important 2 Day Auction. Aug. 8 & 9. Trucks, Farm Equipment, Large Construction Equipment, Landscape Supplies &Equipment, Recreational Equipment, Fleets, Complete Liquidations, Repo’s, Leas Returns & Consignments of all types! Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com Wednesday, August 14 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Wednesday, August 21 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Saturday, August 24 • 9:00 AM: Finger Lakes Produce Auction Inc., Penn Yan, NY (Yates Co.). Late Summer Farm Equipment, Light Construction, Equipment Auction. Pirrung Auctioneers, 585-7282520 www.pirrunginc.com Wednesday, August 28 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Saturday, August 31 • Lancaster Co., PA. Androscoggin Holsteins Dispersal. One of the highest BAA herds in the country & the finest Red & Whites! Owner: John Nutting, Leeds, ME. Co-managed by Stonehurst Farm and The Cattle Exchange. Sale managed by The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com

• 2:00 PM: Empire State Farms. Total Full blood Wagyu Dispersal. 170 head sell. For full details contact James Danekas at 916-8371432, or Mercedes Danekas at 916-8492725 or visit www.jdaonline.com. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-9721770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com Wednesday, September 4 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 • WNY Gas & Steam Engine Assoc. Inc. 3rd Annual Consignment Auction, 1st day of show Sept 5-8. Dann Auctioneers, Delos Dann, 585-396-1676, 585-233-9570 www.cnyauctions.com/dannauctioneers.htm Saturday, September 7 • 9:00 AM: Town of Lansing Highway Department, Rts. 34 & 34B, Lansing (Ithaca), NY. Lansing Municipal/Contractor Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Wednesday, September 11 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Saturday, September 14 • 8:00 AM: Teitsworth Auction Yard, Groveland, NY (Geneseo Area). Groveland Fall Consignment Auction. Construction Equipment, Heavy & Light Trucks, Landscape Machinery, Nursery Stock. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 9:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Horse sale. Tack at 9 am, horses at 10 am. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585-394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Sunday, September 15 • 11:00 AM: H&L Auction, Malone, NY. 2nd Annual Franklin County Auction. Seized vehicles, cars, trucks, 4 wheelers, snowmobiles, heavy equip. H&L Auctions, Scott Hamilton 518-483-8787, cell 518-569-0460, Edward Legacy 518-483-7386, cell 518-832-0616 Wednesday, September 18 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Thursday, September 19

• 10:00 AM: Conestoga, PA. 2 Day Sale! Frey Farms Milking Herd & Bred Heifer Dispersal. Same starting time both days. Over 900 Head of sire ID, AI sired and served Holsteins! Owners: Frey Farms, Inc. Sale managed by The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Saturday, September 21 • 9:00 AM: Lamb & Webster, Routes 39 & 219, Springville, NY. Used Equipment Auction. Farm Tractors, Machinery, Lawn & Garden Equipment. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Wednesday, September 25 • 1:00 PM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Regular Livestock Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842, Sue Rudgers, Manager 716-296-5041, Lonnie Kent, Auctioneer & Sales Manager 716-450-0558 Thursday, September 26 • 11:00 AM: Homer, NY. Bud Ranch Holsteins Complete Dispersal. 150 outstanding registered Holsteins. The Cattle Exchange, 607746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Saturday, September 28 • Morrisville, NY. SUNY Morrisville Autumn Review Sale. 100 high caliber Holsteins. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Saturday, October 5 • 9:00 AM: CNY Farm Supply, Cortland, NY. Construction Equipment, Farm Machinery, Trucks, Recreational Vehicles & Trailers. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 9:00 AM: Monroe Co. Fleet Center, 145 Paul Rd., Rochester, NY. Monroe County Municipal/Contractor Vehicle & Equipment Auction. Heavy Equipment, Tandem & Single Axle Trucks, Trailers, One Tons, Pickups, Vans, Cars & Landscape Equipment. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Saturday, October 12 • 9:00 AM: The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY, 5600 McKinley Pkwy (closest to Clark). Municipal & Contractor Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 11:00 AM: Cochranville, PA. Ar-Joy Farm Select Sale. Owners: Duane & Marilyn Hershey. 100 of the finest Holsteins at Ar-Joy. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 www.cattlexchange.com Wednesday, October 16 • Fairfield, Maine. 300 Cow & Bred Heifer Dispersal for Dostie Farm. 200 Holsteins, 100 Jerseys and crosses. Sale Managers, Northeast Kingdom Sales, 802-525-474, neks@together.net, Auctioneer Reg Lussier 802-626-8892 Thursday, October 17

• 11:00 AM: Chateaugay, NY. Rocklan Holsteins Complete Dispersal. Mike Garrow, owner. 175 Head sell! One of the greatest type and production herds in the world! The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Saturday, October 19 • Richfield Springs, Pullis Farm. OHM Club Sale. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Saturday, October 26 • 9:00 AM: NYS Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse, NY. Onondaga County Area Municipal Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 11:00 AM: Ithaca, NY. New York Holstein Harvest Sale. Hosted by Cornell University Dairy Society. The Cattle Exchange, 607746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Saturday, November 2 • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Saturday, November 2 • 11:00 AM: Sharon Springs, NY. Ridgedale Farm Sale. Wayne & Jen Conard & Family. 100 head of the deepest, highest type Holsteins in the world! The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Thursday, November 14 • TBA - Watch for details. Pedigree Power Sale II. Seagull Bay Dairy Inc., American Falls, ID & Triple Crown Genetics, Jerome, ID. Sale co-managed by the Cattle Exchange & Burton Consulting, LLC. One of the most significant Holstein offerings of all time. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226 daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com Saturday, November 16 • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Friday, November 29 • Mohawk Valley Produce Auction, 840 Fords Bush Rd., Fort Plain, NY. Black Friday Consignment Auction. Mohawk Valley Produce Auction, 518-568-3579 or 518-568-2257 Saturday, December 7 • 9:00 AM: Teitsworth Auction Yard, Groveland, NY (Geneseo Area). Construction Equipment, Heavy & Light Trucks, Landscape Tools, Building Materials. Roy Teitsworth, Inc, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 10:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Feeder Cattle Sale. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com Saturday, December 14 • 9:00 AM: Finger Lakes Livestock, 3 mi. E. of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Horse sale. Tack at 9 am, horses at 10 am. Finger Lakes Livestock, 585-394-1515 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com

WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES East Middlebury, VT June 17, 2013 Slaughter Cows: Breakers 75-80% lean 75-82; Boners 80-85% lean 72-81; Lean 8590% lean over 1000# 63-74, under 1000# 40-60. Feeder Calves: Hols. Bulls 92-125# 55-140; 80-90# 55100. Vealers: 100-120# 50-58; 90-100# 50-62.50; 80-90# 45-60; 70-80# 35-50. COSTA & SONS LIVESTOCK & SALES Fairhaven, MA No Report *Sale every Wednesday at 7 pm. FLAME LIVESTOCK Littleton, MA June 25, 2013 Beef Cattle: Canners 45-78; Cutters 78-82; Util 78-85; Bulls 90-105; Steers 100120; Hfrs 75-90. Calves: Growers 90-120; Veal 70-90. Hogs: Feeders 40-70; Roasters 70-140; Sows 3842; Boars 5-10. Sheep: 40-55 Lambs: 1.50-1.75 Goats: 100-140; Billies 125175; Kids 40-120 NORTHAMPTON COOPERATIVE AUCTION, INC Whately, MA June 25, 2013 Calves (/cwt): 0-60# 12-30; 61-75# 17-38; 76-95# 34-50; 96-105# 40-50/cwt; 106# &

up 39. Farm Calves: 60-170/cwt Start Calves: 30-36/cwt Heifers: 60-92/cwt Steers: 70-96/cwt Bulls: 90-100/cwt Canners: 10-70/cwt Cutters: 71-87/cwt Utility: 88-95.50/cwt Lambs: 105-145/cwt Sheep: 45-95/cwt Goats: 47.50-280 ea. Rabbits: .50-10.50 ea. Poultry: .50-19.50 ea. Hay: 10 lots, .25-5/bale HACKETTSTOWN AUCTION Hackettstown, NJ June 25, 2013 Livestock Report (/#): 48 Calves .26-1; 33 Cows .42.85; 3 Easy Cows .22-.57; 12 Fat Steers 89-117 ea.; 14 Feeder Steers (/#) .90-1.65; 4 Feeder Hfrs .90-1 Easy Steer 47; 20 Sheep .40-1.20; 63 Lambs (/hd) 28-49.71, 52 (/#) .90-1.65; 23 Goats (/hd) 40-240; 7 Kids 42.50-90 ea. Poultry & Egg Report (/hd): Heavy Fowl 2.70; Silkies 5.50; Geese 19; Misc. 1; Pullets 5-8; Chicks 1.50-8; Bantam 7; Roosters 4-11 ea; Bunnies .75-3.50; Ducks 56.50; Rabbits (/#) 1-2.30, (ea) 7; Pigeons 3.25-4.25. Grade A Eggs: Brown XL 1.45-1.55; L 1.35-1.45. Hay/Straw/Grain Report (/bale: 75 Timothy 2.85-3; 541 Mixed .50-3.60; 309 Orchard .50-3.50; 245 Grass 3.20-3.60; 40 Mulch 85; 183 Rye Straw 1.50-2.10; 20 Posts 1.25. CAMBRIDGE VALLEY LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Cambridge, NY No Report EMPIRE LIVESTOCK MARKET Chatham, NY No Report VERNON LIVESTOCK Vernon, NY June 17 & 20 2013 Calves: Hfrs. .40-1; Grower Bulls over 92# .80-1.50; 8092# .60-1.25; Bob Veal .10.55. Cull Cows: Gd .68-.86; Lean .40-.76; Hvy. Beef Bulls .70.98. Dairy Replacements: Fresh Cows 800-1500; Handling Hfrs. 850-1350; Springing Hfrs. 900-1400; Bred Hfrs. 800-1200; Fresh Hfrs. 8501800; Open Hfrs. 450-850; Started Hfrs. 150-400; Service Bulls 500-1000. Beef: Feeders .60-1.20; Hols. Sel .85-1.01. Lambs: Market 1-1.80; Slgh. Sheep .20-.50. Goats: Billies .80-1.75; Nannies .70-1; Kids .10-.80. Swine: Sow .30-.55

CENTRAL BRIDGE LIVESTOCK Central Bridge, NY No Report CHATHAM MARKET Chatham, NY June 17, 2013 Calves: Grower Bulls over 92# 1.10-1.45; 80-92# .65.80; Bob Veal .55-.57. Cull Cows: Gd .79-.8450; Lean .73-.7750; Hvy. Beef bulls .92-1.01. Beef: Feeders 300-750# 116-126; Veal 150-299# 110145; Hols. Steers 87-92. Lamb & Sheep: Feeder 180215; Market 55-70. Goats: Billies 230-265; Nannies 70; Kids 27-125; Bottle Babies 10. Swine: Hog 125-300# 40-90.

Gouverneur

Canandaigua Pavilion Penn Yan Dryden Cherry Creek

Bath

Vernon New Berlin

Cambridge

Central Bridge Chatham

CHERRY CREEK Cherry Creek, NY No Report DRYDEN MARKET Dryden, NY June 19, 2013 Calves: Hfrs. 1-1.70; Grower Bull calves over 92# .851.55; 80-92# .55-.85; Bob Veal .35-.55. Cull Cows: Gd .75-.85; Lean .68-.84; Hvy. Beef Bulls .85.99. Beef: Ch .91-1.16 Lamb & Sheep: Feeder 1.25-1.55. Goats: Billies 130; Nannies 80-130; Kids 50. Swine: Feeder Pig (/hd) 40 GOUVERNEUR LIVESTOCK Governeur, NY June 20, 2013 Calves: Hfrs. .70-.95; Grower Bulls over 92# .80-1.325; 8092# .575-.975; Bob Veal .20.49. Cull Cows: Gd .78-.85; Lean .60-.775; Hvy. Beef Bulls .65.895. PAVILION MARKET Pavilion, NY June 17, 2013 Calves: Grower over 92# 1.175-1.425; 80-92# .70-.85; Bob Veal .10-.45. Cull Cows: Gd .76-.845; Lean .64-.765; Hvy. Beef Bulls .94. Beef: Ch 1.10-1.15; Hols. Ch .94-1.06. Lamb & Sheep: Market 1.225-1.30 Goats: Nannies 120 Swine: Sow .415-.45; Hog .665-.67. BATH MARKET Bath, NY June 20, 2013 Calves: Grower Bull calves over 92# 1.175-1.35; 80-92# .65-1.125; Bob Veal .25-.40. Cull Cows: Gd .765-.83; Lean .73-.77; Hvy. Beef Bulls .87-.95. Beef: Feeders 1-1.28

Goats: Billies 210; Nannies 62.50-82.50; Kids 12.5027.50. Swine: Feeder Pig /hd 45. FINGER LAKES PRODUCE AUCTION Penn Yan, NY June 19, 2013 Produce: Asparagus 3; Beans (1/2 bu) 29-43; Beets .55-1.70; Broccoli .75-1.30; Cucumbers (1/2 bu) 27; Eggs .70-1.80; Lettuce .10-1.10; Peas (1/2 bu) 17-33; Radishes .30-.55; Rhubarb 1.401.80; Salt Potatoes 24;Spinach (1/2 bu) 7-10.50; Spring Onions .20-1.30; Strawberries (qt) 2.60-4.10; Swiss Chard (1/2 bu) 4.50; Summer Squash (1/2 bu) 10.50-18.50; Tomatoes (25#) 31-45; Zucchini (1/2 bu) 7-17. *Produce Mon. at 10 am, Wed. & Fri. at 9 am sharp. * Hay auctions Fridays at 11:15 am. FINGER LAKES HAY REPORT Penn Yan, NY No Report * Produce Mon. at 10 am. Wed.-Fri. at 9 am sharp. * Hay auctions Fridays at 11:15 am. FINGER LAKES LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE FEEDER SALE Canandaigua, NY June 19, 2013 Dairy Cows for Slaughter: Bone Util 68-82.50; Canners/Cutters 48-75. Dairy Bulls for Slaughter: HY Util 86-92.50. Slaughter Calves: Bobs 95110# 25-40; 80-95# 20-35; 60-80# 15-35. Dairy Calves Ret. to Feed: Bull over 95# 55-140; 80-95# 50-137.50. Beef Calves Ret. to Feed: Bull over 95# 75-140. Beef Steers: Ch grain fed

112-126.50; Sel 95-106. Holstein Steers: Ch grain fed 96-110; Sel 849. Hogs: Slgh. Hogs US 1-3 60-70; Sows US 1-3 50; Boars US 1-3 5. Feeder Lambs: Ch 50-80# 110-142. Slaughter Sheep: M 5562.50. Goats (/hd): L Billies 110# & up 97.50-167.50; M 80-110# 45-80.

Calves: Bull calves 96-120# .90-1.23; up to 95# .10-1; Hols. Hfrs. under 100# 1.05.

FINGER LAKES LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE Canandaigua, NY June 12, 2013 Dairy Cows for Slaughter: Bone Util 66-84.50; Canners/Cutters 46-76. Dairy Bulls for Slaughter: HY Util 85-98. Slaughter Calves: Bobs 95110# 40-67.50; 80-95# 3565; 60-80# 30-62.50; Vealers (grassers) 250# & up 75-95. Dairy Calves Ret. to Feed: Bull over 95# 80-160; 80-95# 75-157.50; 70-80# 70-100. Beef Calves Ret. to Feed: Bull over 95# 75-100. Beef Steers: Ch grain fed 113-126; Sel 93-108; Hols. Ch grain fed 98-111; Sel 84.50-92. Hogs: Slgh. US 1-3 60-71; Sows US 1-3 49-50. Feeder Lambs: Ch 50-80# 105-129. Market Lambs: Ch 80-100# 78-110. Slaughter Sheep: M 35-65 Rams: Ch 130# & up 37-51 Goats (/hd): L Billies 110# & up 125-217.50; L Nannies 85-107.50

CARLISLE LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Carlisle, PA June 25, 2013 Slaughter: Steers cpl lo Ch 1220-1275# 120.50-121.50; Hols. 1370-1645# 104106.50; one Sel 1645# 103; Hfrs. Ch Hols. 1350# 106.50. Cows: Breakers/Boners 7583; Lean 73-80.50; Big Middle/lo dress/lights 67-74.50; Shelly 66 & dn. Bulls: Char 2425# 91.50 Feeder Cattle: Hols. w/horns 570# 75; Hfrs. dairy types 475-705# 78-98; Bulls dairy types 370-725# 88-100. Calves Ret. to Farm: Hols. Bulls No. 1 95-120# 125-128; No. 2 90-120# 120-125; 8090# 92-110; No. 3 75-135# 75-110. Swine: Hogs 225-295# 6069; Sows 395-475# 40-46. Goats (/hd): Fleshy kids 130-145; small 77-112; small/thin/bottle 20-70. Sheep: Rams 130# 70 * Sale every Tuesday * 5 pm for rabbits, poultry & eggs. * 6 pm for livestock, starting with calves. * Fed Cattle Sale July 9 & 23 * Graded Pig Sale July 13 at 1 pm.

HOSKING SALES New Berlin, NY June 24, 2013 Dairy Cows for Slaughter: Bone Util .65-.83; Canners/Cutters .58-.70; Easy Cows .60 & dn. Bulls/Steers: .70-.98 Feeders: Dairy .50-.70

BELKNAP LIVESTOCK AUCTION Belknap, PA No Report BELLEVILLE LIVESTOCK AUCTION Belleville, PA No Report

CARLISLE LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Small Animal Sale June 25, 2013 Rabbits: 8

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 29

MIDDLESEX LIVESTOCK AUCTION Middlefield, CT June 24, 2013 Calves: 45-60# .42-.48; 6175# .54-.58; 76-90# .75-.80; 91-105# .8250-.85; 106# & up .9250-.95. Farm Calves: 1-1.05 Started Calves: .44-.52 Veal Calves: .95-2.60 Open Heifers: .80-1.10 Beef Heifers: .91-.99 Feeder Steers: .7250-.9250 Beef Steers: 1.17-1.20 Stock Bull: .75-1.2750 Beef Bull: 1.02-1.08 Sow: one at 19 Butcher Hogs: one at 90 Feeder Pigs (ea): 50-130 Sheep (ea): 45-75 Lambs (ea): 65-205 Goats (ea): 65-270; Kids 4592.50. Canners: up to 83.50 Cutters: 84-88 Utilty: 89.50-90.50 Rabbits: 5-26 Chickens: 4-17 Ducks: 6-23 *Middlesex Auction is pleased to announce we have an additional Beef Buyer “JBS USA” joining us every Monday!

WEEKLY MARKET REPORT

Page 30 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Bunnies: .50-7 Roosters: 4-8.50 Hens: 3.50-6.25 Pullets: 1.50-5 Chicks: .50-4 Pheasant Peeps: 5 Turkey Peeps: 3.50-4.50 Muscovy Hens: 5.75 Muscovy Peeps: 1.50-3.50 Pot Belly Pigs: 1-20 Eggs (/dz): Jum Brown 1.451.55; XL Brown 1.45; L Brown 1.50; L Green .90; S Banty .20; Fertile Duck Eggs 1.25. * Animals sold by piece. Sale starts at 5 pm. CARLISLE LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Graded Feeder Pig Sale June 21, 2013 US 1-2: 35# 181; 48# 151; 50-9# 106-126; 62-69# 125137; 70-79# 119-129; 75# 100; 83# 103; 92-99# 90100; 100-115# 96-99; 120122# 90-95; 131-134# 90-93; 168# 80. US 2: 24# 172; 30# 162; 45# 122; 54-59# 112-121; 77A# 138; 95# 94. As Is: 20-40# 15-80; 50-83# 56-98; 105-113# 70-84. No Grades: 80# 50. * Next sale July 12 aat 1 pm. Receiving 7:30-10:30 am. DEWART LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET, INC June 24, 2013 Cattle: Sel 1-3 1264-1284# 107-112; Hols. Steers Sel 1-3 1282# 93. Cows: Prem. White 83-86; Breakers 77-82; Boners 7882; Lean 69-78. Bulls: G 1 1030# 93, lo dress 1266-1516# 83-89. Feeder Steers: M 1 486# 112; Hols. L 3 324# 88. Feeder Heifers: M 1 542# 107.50; M 2 574-600# 80-90. Calves: 230. Bull calves No. 1 94-126# 130-142.50; 8492# 105-120; No. 2 94-124# 117.50-135; 80-92# 82.50105; No. 3 94-120# 100117.50; 80-92# 57.50-90; Util 70-106# 25-45; 60-68# 1017.50; Hfr. calves No. 1 94116# 105-125; 84-88# 80100; No. 2 82-102# 60-95; Util/non-tubing 60-90# 2540. Hogs: Barrows & Gilts 272318# 61-66. Sheep: Lambs Ch 2-3 6070# 115-122.50; Ewes Gd 12 150-175# 50-57.50; 195200# 40-45. Goats (/hd): Kids Sel 2 under 20# 17.50-22.50; 2030# 25-37.50. Hay (/ton): Grass 95; Mixed 90. Straw (/ton): 85-155 EarCorn (/ton): 130-180 Oats (/bu): 5.75 GREENCASTLE LIVESTOCK AUCTION Greencastle, PA June 17, 2013

Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1386-1538# 126-128; Ch 2-3 1206-1564# 121.50125.50; Hi Sel & Lo Ch 2-3 1374-1664# 116-119.50; Sel 2-3 1024-1358# 113-116; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 11081608# 104-108.50; Ch 2-3 1126-1698# 96-102; Sel 1-3 1254-1498# 88-92.50. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1212-1276# 122125.50; Ch -3 1074-1370# 118-120.50. Slaughter Cows: Prem. Whites 65-75% lean 88.2594.50; Breakers 75-80% lean 74-79.50, hi dress 81-86, lo dress 70-72; Boners 80-85% lean 72-76.50, hi dress 7879, lo dress 66-70; Lean 8590% lean 66-71, lo dress 5862.50. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 11201902# 92-98, hi dress 14341656# 102.50-107.50, lo ress 1156-1892# 82-89. Feeder Cattle: Steers M&L 1 400-500# 136; 500-600# 125; M&L 2 500-700# 102.50; M&L 3 300-500# 90105; Hfrs. M&L 1 300-500# 134-139; 500-600# 132.50; M&L 2 400-600# 117.50130; M&L 3 700-900# 81100; Bulls M&L 3 300-500# 125-130; 500-700# 122.50130; M&L 2 300-500# 119128. Holstein Bull Calves: No. 1 96-126# 140-162.50;80-94# 105-122.50; No. 2 80-128# 120-152.50; No. 3 80-118# 60-100; Util 60-124# 30-60. Holstein Heifer Calves: No. 1 86-108# 105-110; No. 2 8092# 85-90. Barrows & Gilts: 45-49% lean 200# 55. Slaughter Lambs: Ch 2-3 40-60# 105-110; 60-80# 100117.50; 80-100# 115-125; 100-120# 117-127.50; Ewes Gd 1-3 127-262# 30-44. Slaughter Goats: Kids Sel 1 40-60# 60-70; Sel 2 40-60# 40-60; Sel 3 20-40# 20-32; Nannies Sel 1 80-130# 100122.50; Sel 2 80-130# 72.50110; Billies Sel 2 100-150# 147.50-175. INDIANA FARMERS LIVESTOCK AUCTION Homer City, PA No Report KUTZTOWN HAY & GRAIN AUCTION Kutztown, PA June 21 2013 Alfalfa: 1 ld, 340 Mixed Hay: 7 lds, 55-190 Timothy: 4 lds, 175-260 Grass: 4 lds, 100-180 Straw: 2 lds, 120-165 LANCASTER WEEKLY CATTLE SUMMARY New Holland, PA June 21, 2013 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1250-1625# 122-126; Ch 2-3 1300-1600# 119-

Pennsylvania Markets Mercer

Jersey Shore

New Wilmington

Dewart Leesport Belleville Homer City

New Holland Carlisle Lancaster Paradise

Eighty-Four

123.50; Sel 2-3 1250-1650# 115-119.50; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1450-1625# 109-112.50; Ch 2-3 1550-1650# 105-108; Sel 1-3 1400-1650# 101.50104.50. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1150-1300# 122.50125.50; Ch 2-3 1100-1300# 115.50-119; Sel 1-3 10501400# 102-110. Slaughter Cows: Prem. White 65-75% lean 79-86, hi dress 90-96, lo dress 75-78; Breakers 75-80% lean 77-83, hi dress 84.50-91, lo dress 74-77; Boners 80-85% 7681, hi dress 82-84, lo dress 68-76, Lean 85-90% lean 7278.50, hi dress 78.50-82, lo dress 65-72. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 9201685# 93-103, hi dress 103107.50, lo dress 87-93. Graded Bull Calves: No. 1 94-128# 121-141; 90-92# 90; No. 2 98-128# 115-120; 8894# 82-87; 80-86# 65; No. 3 72-130# 44-62; Util. 60-110# 30-35; Hols. Hfrs. No. 1 85100# 90-115; No. 2 75-110# 50-80; Jersey Xbred 60-100# 70100; Util non-tubing 5585# 15-30. LEBANON VALLEY LIVESTOCK AUCTION No Report LEESPORT LIVESTOCK AUCTION Leesport, PA No Report MIDDLEBURG LIVESTOCK AUCTION Middleburg, PA June 18, 2013 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1330-14685# 125129.50; Ch 2-3 1195-1540# 119-124.50; Sel 2-3 11001660# 109-119; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1330-1490# 107.50111.50; Ch 2-3 1380-1660# 100-105; Sel 2-3 1070-1720# 80-99. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1225-1445# 118124.50; Ch 2-3 1075-1385# 109-116.50; Sel 2-3 1145-

1555# 90-108. Slaughter Cows: Breakers 75-80% lean 75.50-77, hi dress 81, lo dress 72-74; Boners 80-85% lean 7274.50, hi dress 74-74.50, lo dress 68-70; Lean 85-90% lean 62-69, hi dress 7273.50, lo dress 41-60. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 12501600# 90-96, hi dress 11251735# 101-106; lo dress 9151390# 84-91. Feeder Cattle: Steers M&L 1 300-500# 135-150; 500700# 120-135; 700-900# 120-127; M&L 2 500-700# 112-117; 700-900# 102-112; M&L 3 300-500# 78-92; 500700# 70-97; 700-900# 80-88; Hfrs. M&L 1 300-500# 120147; M&L 2 400-500# 115; 500-700# 107-117; M&L 3 400-500# 62-100; 500-700# 75-100; 700-900# 72-82; Bulls M&L 1 300-500# 137150; 500-700# 117-140; M&L 2 400-500# 117-125; 500700# 112-117; 700-900# 107-110; M&L 3 300-500# 51-61; 500-700# 77-92. Holstein Bull Calves: No. 1 95-120# 132-142; No. 2 95120# 115-125; No. 3 94-115# 100-112; Util 65-95# 60-95. Holstein Heifer Calves: No. 1 90-95# 75-87; No. 2 70-95# 35-55. Slaughter Hogs: Barrows & Gilts 49-54% lean 245-335# 66-69.50; 45-49% lean 220303# 61.50-65.50. Sows: 300-500# 34-55; 500700# 58.50. Boars: 470-505# 13.50-20 Feeder Pigs: US 1-3 20-30# 30-60. Slaughter Sheep: Lambs Ch 2-3 40-60# 110-137; 6080# 110; 80-100# 100-125; 100-120# 75-80; Ewes Gd 23 140-170# 40-60. Slaughter Goats: Kids Sel 1 20-30# 45-50; 30-40# 62-65; 40-60# 77-87; 60-70# 95; Sel 2 20-30# 25; 30-40# 2735; 40-50# 55; Nannies Sel 1 50-80# 100-117; 80-130# 117-132; Sel 2 80-130# 92102; Sel 3 50-80# 57-60; 80130# 80-87; Billies Sel 1 50-

100# 145; 150-250# 185; Sel 2 50-100# 125; 100-150# 120; Sel 3 50-100# 52. MORRISON COVE LIVESTOCK AUCTION Martinsburg, PA June 24, 2013 Steers: Ch 108-113; Gd 100107. Heifers: Ch 105-112; Gd 100-105 Cows: Util & Comm. 74-80; Canner & Lo Cutter 73 & dn. Bullocks: Gd & Ch 85-95 Feeder Cattle: Steers 90110; Bulls 80-105; Hfrs. 75110. Calves: 117. Ch 100-120; Gd 80-100; Std. 20-55; Hols. Bulls 90-130# 80-130; Hols. Hfrs. 90-130# 90-130. Hogs: 27. US 1-2 70-72; US 1-3 65-70; Sows US 1-3 4348. Sheep: 44. Ch Lambs 115130; Gd Lambs 100-115; Slgh. Ewes 35-50. Goats: 15-140 MORRISON COVE LIVESTOCK AUCTION POULTRY & RABBIT REPORT Martinsburg, PA June 24, 2013 Roosters: 4 Heavy Hens: 1.50-4 Banty Hens: 1-2.25 Guineas: 15.50 Ducks: 4.50 Bunnies: 2.50-4.75 Rabbits: 5-10.25 MORRISON COVE LIVESTOCK AUCTION HAY REPORT Martinsburg, PA June 24, 2013 Grass: 150-225 Timothy: 75-125 Rd. Bales: 75-105 Lg. Sq. Bales: 90 NEW HOLLAND SALES STABLES New Holland, PA June 20, 2013 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1250-1625# 122-125, few to 126.50; Ch 2-3 1300-

1600# 119-122.50; Sel 1-3 1250-1650# 115-119.50; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 14501625# 109-112.50; Ch 2-3 1550-1650# 105-108; Sel 1-3 1400-1650# 101.50-104.50. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1150-1300# 122.50125.50; Ch 2-3 1100-1300# 115.50-119; Sel 1-3 10501400# 102-110. Slaughter Cows: Prem. whites 65-75% lean 79-82, lo dress 75-78; Breakers 7580% lean 80-83, hi dress 84.50-86.50, lo dress 7479.50; Boners 80-85% lean 78-81, hi dress 82-83, lo dress 73.50-77.50; Lean 8590% lean 74-78.50, hi dress 79-82, lo dress 65-73.50. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 9451625# 93-97.50, 1175-2125# hi dress 99-107.50, very hi dress 124-131; 1200-1785# lo dress 89.50-91.50. Graded Bull Calves: No. 1 94-128# 121-141; 90-92# 90; No. 2 98-128# 115-120; 8894# 82-87; 80-86# 65; No. 3 72-130# 44-62; Util 60-110# 30-35. Holstein Heifer Calves: 85100# 90-115; No. 2 75-110# 50-80; Jersey Xbred 60-100# 70-100; Util non-tubing 5585# 15-30. NEW HOLLAND PIG AUCTION New Holland, PA No Report NEW HOLLAND SHEEP & GOATS AUCTION New Holland, PA No Report PA DEPT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Report Compared to last week Corn sold mostly .05 to .15 lower, Wheat sold mostly .05-.10 lower, Barley sold mostly .10 to .20 lower, Oats sold mostly steady & Soybeans sold mostly .10-.20 lower. EarCorn sold 2-3 lower. Southeastern PA: Corn No. 2 6.96-7.66, Avg 7.27, Contracts 5.51-5.60; Wheat No. 2 6.48-7.30, Avg 6.71, Contracts 6.61; Barley No. 44.10, Avg 4.03, Contract 4.05; Oats No. 2 4-4.70, Avg 4.35; Soybeans No. 2 14.7114.99, Avg 14.77, Contracts 12-12.23; EarCorn 207. South Central PA: Corn No. 2 6.75-7.26, Avg 6.96; Wheat No. 2 7.15; Barley No. 3 4.24; Oats No. 2 4; Soybeans No. 2 14.50-14.54 Avg 14.52; EarCorn 197. Eastern & Central PA: Corn No. 2 6.60-7.66, Avg 7.12, Month Ago 6.84, Year Ago 6.80; Wheat No. 2 6.487.30, Avg 6.61, Month Ago 7.28, Year Ago 6.54; Barley No. 3 4-5.15, Avg 4.12, Month Ago 4.49, Year Ago 5.03; Oats No. 2 3.75-4.70,

WEEKLY MARKET REPORT Avg 4.05, Month Ago 4.08, Year Ago 4.31; Soybeans No. 2 13.50-15.54, Avg 14.57, Month Ago 13.80, Year Ago 13.34; EarCorn 197-2074, Avg 193, Month Ago 198, Year Ago 194. Western PA: Corn No. 2 6.30-7.50, Avg 6.63; Wheat No. 2 6.35-6.75, Avg 6.85; Oats No. 2 4-5.25, Avg 4.41; Soybeans No. 2 14.59. Central PA: Corn No. 2 6.60-7.50, Avg 7; Barley No. 2 4-5.15, Avg 4.57; Oats No. 2 3.75-4.50, Avg 4.12; Soybeans No. 2 14-14.56, Avg 14.35. Lehigh Valley: Corn No. 2 7.05-7.32, Avg 7.15; Wheat No. 2 7.15; Barley No. 3 4.24; Oats No. 2 4.30; Soybeans No. 2 14.50-15.54, Avg 14.52.

160-180; 30-40# 140-180; 40-50# 120-140; 60-65# 100105. Slaughter Sheep: Lambs non-traditional markets, Wooled & Shorn Ch & Pr 2-3 50-80# 155-166; 80-100# 158-160; Wooled & Shorn Gd & Ch 1-3 40-60# 130150, hair sheep 127-132; 6080# 135-152; 70-80# hair sheep 127-150; 80-100# 126-146, 120-125# 140-144; Wooled & Shorn Util & Gd 12 40-60# 100-125, hair sheep 112-124; 60-80# 100128, hair sheep 100-122; 80110# 100-132, hair sheep 94-126. Slaughter Ewes: Gd 2-3 M flesh 82# hair sheep 80; 80-110# 62-70, 110-160# 54-70; 110-190# hair sheep 56-68; 160-200# 44-60; 183# hair sheep 46; Util 1-2 thin flesh 90-160# 40-54; 100130# hair sheep 44-54; 160180# 38-44. Slaughter Bucks: 100-160# hair sheep 64-85; 140-160# 47-72; 160-200# 40-76; 200250# 48-70. Slaughter Goats: Kids Sel 1 40-60# 140-160; 60-80# 135172; 80-90# 165-185; Sel 2 40-60# 112-135; 60-80# 112130 80-110# 140-157; Sel 3 40-60# 45-96; 60-80# 96110. Slaughter Nannies/Does: Sel 1 100-125# 145-190; Sel 2 80-125# 107-145; 130-

150# 125-137; Sel 3 60-80# 70-92; 80-110# 77-100. Slaughter Bucks/Billies: Sel 1 130-150# 210-240; 150-200# 200-280; Sel 2 100-150# 150-200; 150-160# 162-167; Wethers Sel 1 70100# 232-295; 100-150# 262-312; Sel 2 70-100# 180225; 100-150# 140-250. PA DEPT OF AGRICULTURE Hay Market Summary Hay & Straw Market For Eastern PA: All hay prices paid by dealers at the farm and/ton. Compared to last week Hay sold .20-.50 lower & Straw sold .25-.65 higher. All hay & straw reported sold/ton. Alfalfa 120-250; Mixed Hay 75-220; Timothy 75-200; Straw 80-160; Mulch 50-60. Summary of Lancaster Co. Hay Auctions: Prices/ton, 87 lds of Hay, 29 Straw; Alfalfa 90-205; Mixed Hay 60472.50; Timothy 125-310; Grass 50-340; Straw 80-250. Diffenbach Auction: June 10, 36 lds of Hay, 10 Straw. Alfalfa 390-410; Mixed Hay 135-380; Timothy 135-225; Grass 142-240; Straw 125270. Wolgemuth Auction: June 17, 52 lds of Hay & 16 Straw. Alfalfa 90-205; Mixed Hay 60472.50; Timothy 140-310; Grass 50-340; Straw 80-250.

Green Dragon Auction: June 21, 14 lds Hay & 6 Straw. Alfalfa 175; Mixed Hay 115-200; Timothy 125; Grass 100-195; Straw 125-187. Central Pennsylvania: 34 lds Hay, 13 Straw. Alfalfa 87.50-340; Mixed Hay 50190; Timothy 80-260; Grass 62.50-175; Straw 82.50-180. Dewart Auction: June 17, 3 lds Hay, 4 Straw; Mixed Hay 170; Timothy 120; Grass 62.50; Straw 110-160. Greencastle Auction: June 13 & 17, 2 lds Hay, 1 Straw. Mixed Hay 50-102.50; Straw 150. Kutztown Auction: June 21, 17 lds Hay, 2 Straw; Alfalfa 150-340; Mixed Hay 55-190; Timothy 175-260; Grass 100175; Straw 120-180. Middleburg Auction: June 18, 4 Hay, 3 Straw; Mixed Hay 155; Timothy 120-150; Grass 110; Straw 120-150. Shippensburg Auction: June 8 & 11; 65 lds Hay, 9 Straw. Alfalfa 120; Mixed Hay 88-180; Timothy 55-210; Straw 100-165. VINTAGE SALES STABLES June 18, 2013 Slaughter Holsteins: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1400-1600# 111.50112.50; Ch 2-3 1350-1650# 106-109; Sel 1-3 1400-1650# 100.50-105. Slaughter Cows: Prem.

White 65-75% lean 77-79.50, hi dress 83.50; Breakers 7580% lean 79-83.50, hi dress 841-86.50, lo dress 72.5078.50; Boners 80-85% lean 78-81.5, hi dress 82-83.50, lo dress 71.50-77.50; Lean 8590% lean 71-75.50, hi dress 76-79.50, lo dress 65-70.50. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 10652475# 89-92, hi dress 94, lo dress 82-84.50. Holstein Bull Calves: No. 1 90-120# 140-160; No. 2 80113# 125-140; No. 3 95-109# 75-110; 70-90# Util 70-105# 50-55; 73# 25. Graded Holstein Heifers: No. 1 93-115# 100-120; No. 2 84-93# 70-90; Util/non-tubing 65-93# 20-40. WEAVERLAND AUCTION New Holland, PA June 20, 2013 Orchard Grass: 2 lds, 180320 Mixed Hay: 7 lds, 120-285, 1 new 110. Grass: 2 lds, 100-120 Straw: 3 lds, 110-220 WOLGEMUTH AUCTION June 19, 2013 Alfalfa: 2 lds, 175-185 Mixed: 16 lds, 160-180 Timothy: 2 lds, 160-180 Grass: 5 lds, 162-255 Straw: 7 lds, 151-205 Fodder: 3 lds, 83-135

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July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 31

PA DEPT OF AGRICULTURE Weekly Livestock Summary June 21, 2013 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 124.25-127.50; Ch 1-3 119.75-124; Sel 1-2 112.25118; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 107.50-110; Ch 2-3 101104.75; Sel 1-2 92-99.25. Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 120.75-125; Ch 1-3 114118.50; Sel 1-2 96-109. Slaughter Cows: Breakers 75-80% lean 81.25-85; Bon-

ers 80-85% lean 77-81.25; Lean 85-90% lean 74.75-78. Bulls: 91-96; hi dress 99.75104, lo dress 86.75-90. Feeder Steers: M&L 1 300500# 135.50-143; 500-700# 122.50-130; M&L 2 500-700# 107.25-109.75; M&L 3 300500# 84-98.50; 500-700# 7097. Feeder Heifers: M&L 1 300500# 120-147; 500-700# 123.75-139.750; M&L 2 300500# 116.25-122.50; 500700# 107-117; M&L 2 300500# 62-100; 500-700# 75100. Feeder Bulls: M&L 1 300500# 137-150; 500-700# 117-140; M&L 2 300-500# 117-125; 500-700# 112-117; M&L 3 300-500# 51-61; 500700# 77-92. Vealers: Util. 60-120# 32.2558.75. Farm Calves: No. 1 Hols. Bulls 95-120# 130.50-149; 80-90# 101-119; No. 2 95120# 113-130.50; 80-90# 79.25-91.75; No. 3 bulls 80120# 68.50-94.75; No. 1 Hols. hfrs. 84-105# 92.50111; No. 2 80-105# 54-79.50. Hogs: 49-54% lean 220300# 71-73; 300-400# 57-61; 45-49% lean 220-300# 6670.50; 300-400# 54-56; Sows US 1-3 300-500# 56.50-58; 500-700# 59.5063; Boars 300-700# 18-20. Graded Feeder Pigs: US 12 15-25# 200-210; 25-30#

Hello I’m P eggy

Page 32 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Your Country Folks Classified Ad Representative I’m here to make it easy for you to place your ad.

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Lee Publications, Country Folks Classified, PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

Sell Your Items Through Reader Ads P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

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or 518-673-0111

or email classified@leepub.com

Lorne Twist

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ADVERTISERS Get the best response from your advertisements by including the condition, age, price and best calling hours. Also we always recommend insertion for at least 2 times for maximum benefits. Call Peg at 1-800-836-2888 or 518-673-0111 CHECK YOUR AD - ADVERTISERS should check their ads on the first week of insertion. Lee Publications, Inc. shall not be liable for typographical, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the first weeks insertion of the ad, and shall also not be liable for damages due to failure to publish an ad. Adjustment for errors is limited to the cost of that portion of the ad wherein the error occurred. Report any errors to 800-836-2888 or 518-673-0111

Bedding

Cattle

Dairy Cattle

WOOD SHAVINGS: Compressed bags, kiln dried, sold by tractor trailer loads. SAVE! www.pinebec.ca 1-800-6881187

CHIANINA Bull, 20 months old, registered and papers. Call 508-294-4491

7 Bred Holstein Heifers, 3 are due in July, the rest later. all checked and pregnant. Call 603-246-3450

QUALITY HOLSTEIN Open Heifers: 300lb to breeding size for sale. Please call 518-7963148.

Beef Cattle

Custom Services FRESH COWS NEEDED

REG. JERSEYS: 1 bred lactating; 3 heifers, 2 born 8/2011, 1 born 5/2012. 860710-3616

Announcements NEED BUSINESS CARDS? Full color glossy, heavy stock. 250 ($45.00); 500 ($60.00); 1,000 ($75.00). Call your sales representative or Beth at Lee Publications 518-6730101 or bsnyder@leepub.com

Barn Repair BARN REPAIR SPECIALISTS: Straightening, leveling, beam replacements. From foundation and sills to steel roofs. HERITAGE STRUCTURAL RENOVATION INC., 1-800-735-2580.

Bedding

KILN DRIED BULK BEDDING Delivered all of NY & New England or you pick up at mill.

Seward Valley 518-234-4052

MURRAY GRAY HEIFERS For Sale, Ancramdale NY. For more information, please contact Herondale Farm at 518329-3769 or via email at info@herondalefarm.com REGISTERED FULL-BLOOD BEEFALO BULLS; good dispositions, ready to work, several to choose from. Days 802-362-4874 Evenings, 802867-4078. Mountbrook Farm, Dorset, VT

Concentrate Your Efforts on Making Milk - Let Us Raise Your Heifers - Quality Care ~ References Available ~ SILAGE ALSO AVAILABLE Springfield, VT • 802-885-4000

Dairy Cattle

Building Materials/Supplies

Metal Roofing 16 s Color

24-29 G Pane a. ls

Wiin Haven Farm 978-874-2822 978-790-3231 Cell Westminster, MA

Buildings For Sale

Delivered in Walking Floor Trailer Loads A Major Increase in Supply Has Enabled Significant Price Decreases

Call For Details

802-228-8672 The Williams Contracting Co.

HEIFER BOARDING

Joe Distelburger 845-344-7170

Business Opportunities

Do You Grow Grapes? Do You Make Wine? CHECK OUT www.wineandgrapegrower.com Or Call For a Sample Copy

800-218-5586

www.countryfolks.com

- WANTED -

Heifers & Herds Jack Gordon (518) 279-3101 Dairy Equipment

BLUE DIAMOND all stainless, contour milking parlor, double 8 herringbone, air operated, complete w/bulk tank to floor mats. 585-739-9335

buycows@warwick.net

Call today and join our family of satisfied customers!!

(ALL SIZES)

BASKIN LIVESTOCK 585-344-4452 508-965-3370

HIGH QUALITY Registered JERSEYS. For information & pictures call 207-672-4892 or email jeffcooley246@yahoo.com

DISTELBURGER R LIVESTOCK K SALES,, INC.

518-673-1073 or 518-774-7288 • Dairy Facilities • Machinery Sheds • Pole Barns • Free Stall Barns • Tie Stall Barns • Garages • Gravity Flow Manure Systems • Horse Barns • Riding Arenas

HEIFERS

300 Lbs. to Springing Free Stall Herds & Tie Stall Herds

Dairy Cattle

Visit Our New Troy, NY Location!

Buildings For Sale

WANTED

250 GALLON VAN Vetter milk bulk tank, runs great, w/compressor, all controls redone 2012, $4,500; 100 gallon Anco batch pastuerizer w/dual Anderson chart recorder, temperature gauges, agitator & anti-leak detection valve, $18,500 OBO; 3 bay sink, SS, w/faucet, $450. 860-710-3616

Strong demand for youngstock, heifers and herds.

Attention Vermont Dairy Farmers

DRY SAWDUST

518-791-2876

www.cattlesourcellc.com

Buying or Selling, give us a chance. Reputable dealers since 1937.

Double O Builders LLC

Business Opportunities

HEIFERS orr HERDS

Cut to the INCH Agricultural Commercial Residential

Groups of 1st & 2nd Lactation

COLOR GLOSSY PHOTO CALENDARS: Only $12.00 includes tax. Send us your digital prints and we will make a beautiful keepsake calendar for you. You may also bring in your photos on a disc or thumb drive. If you would like us to mail it is a $5.00 extra fee. Only 3 day turnaround time. Contact Lee Publications bsnyder@leepub.com or 518673-0101

Lower your SCC & improve conception. Low cost, effective, easy use. Our 39th year. If over 50,000 SCC call today. 1-800876-2500 1-920-650-1631 www.alphageneticsinc.com Resellers Wanted

Dairy Equipment

USED DAIRY EQUIPMENT Bulk Milk Coolers, Stainless Steel Storage Tanks, Pipeline Milkers, Milking Parlors, Vacuum Pumps, Used Milking Machine Plus Agitator Motors, Stainless Steel Shells, Weigh Jars, Etc.

CJM Farm Equipment 802-895-4159

BERG-BENNETT, INC. 34872 Route 6 Wysox, PA 18854

Call Toll Free 1-800-724-4866 Hook & Eye Chain • Manure Augers & Pumps Replacement Gutter Cleaner Drive Units Free Stalls

Tumble Mixers

Tie Rail Stalls

Conveyors

Comfort Stalls

Feeders

Cow Comfort Pads

Ventilation

WE OFFER PARTS & COMPONENTS FOR EVERY CLEANER

BETTER PRICES ~ BETTER SERVICE

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 33

Florida Osceola Turkey • Alligator • Hog Hunts

Announcements

Bedding

Announcements

Sell Your Items Through Reader Ads P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

1-800-836-2888 classified@leepub.com Dairy Equipment

Dairy Equipment

ATTENTION DAIRY FARMERS

We Need Good Used Tanks • 100-8,000 ga. - Call Us SOLD OH M • 900 Gal. Mueller OH • 500 Gal. • 6000 Gal. Storage Mueller • 850 Gal. Sunset • 3000 Gal. Storage • 500 Gal. Mueller OH • 2500 Gal. Mueller OH • 800 Gal. Mojonnier • 400 Gal. Sunset • 735 Gal. Sunset • 2000 Gal. DeLaval • 400 Gal. Jamesway • 2000 Gal. Mueller OE • 700 Gal. Mueller OH • 400 Gal. Mojonnier • 2000 Gal. Surge (99) • 700 Gal. Mueller V • 300 Gal. Mojonnier • 700 Gal. Mueller M • 1500 Gal. Mueller O • 300 Gal Mueller M • 625 Gal. Sunset • 1500 Gal. DeLaval • 300 Gal. Sunset • 1500 Gal. Mueller OH • 600 Gal. Majonnier • 300 Gal. Jamesway • 1250SOLD Gal.PA • 600 Gal. Mueller M Surge • 1000 Gal. Sunset F.T. • 600 Gal. DeLaval Rnd • 200 Gal. Mueller RS OH • 200 Gal. Mojonnier Gal. Sunset • 1000 Gal. Mueller OH • 545SOLD • 1000 Gal. DeLaval • 545 Gal. Sunset • 100 Gal. Milkeeper Self-Cont. • 1000 Gal. Mueller M • 500 Gal. Mueller MW

Page 34 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

HEAT EXCHANGERS S • TUBE E COOLER 300-6000 0 Gall Storage e Tanks

505 E. Woods Drive,

Sales 717-626-1151

Dogs REGISTERED ENGLISH SHEPHERD PUPS. e-mail TandD_Kaschak@msn.com www.kaschak-kennels.tripod.com Serious inquiries only. 814796-4070

Farm Equipment IH CULTIVATORS, 4 row, 3pt. hitch, like new, $750.00. WANTED: 2-18.4-38 tires 60% or more tread. 518-6956180

Farm Machinery For Sale 05-06 John Deere 310G 4x4 Backhoe, Cab. $36,999.00. 1-800-548-2558 05-06 N.H. LB90 4x4 Backhoe, 4-In-1, Cab. $28,999.00. 1-800-548-2558 9’ AG-BAGGER, $6,500. Truck Mounted Badger forage box w/hydraulic drive, open top, used w/high dump, $5,000; Badger silage blower, $500. Consider trade for round baler. 207-474-5334, 207858-5360

FARGO DUMP WAGON, always stored inside, excellent condition, $7,500. 585-7399335 FOR SALE: CI 585- w/ 2250 ldr- 4 WD- 55 hp- Nice! $14,750; JD 1360- 10’ Disk mower/cond. $5,800; JD 3950 Chopper w/ 2 heads- Nice $5,500; JD 660 Tandem manure sprdr, $2,200; Vicon 17’ tedder- exc, $2,400; Kuhn4 star- 13’ tedder, $850; Farmhand Pinwheel rake, $650; JD 2 row Corn planter w/fert., $1,850; 69 gallon stainless steel Receiver jar (26”x30”) with 1hp Leeson milk pump and Sta-Rite liquid level controller - $950. Full line of farm equipment. 802-885-4000 www.youngsmilkywayfarm.com

HAY WAGONS/ BALE CARRIERS

We e Do o Tank k Repair

SHENK’S

Farm Machinery For Sale

Lititz, PA 17543

Farm Machinery For Sale CASE RB454 silage round baler, 921 bales through, self oiler, rotocutter, reverser, electronic controls for inside tractor . . . . . . . . .$30,500/OBO GEHL CTL85 turbo skid steer, 2 speed, hi-flow, air, heat, quick attach, 250 hrs. . . . . .$45,500/OBO CASE MAXXUM 140 full cab, 4WD, w/Case L755 ldr., 60 hrs. . .$115,000/OBO

518-872-1386

Call 888-596-5329 for Your Subscription

Farm Machinery For Sale

The best in "Farmer to Farmer" deals! Insist! Ball joint steering for safety/quality!

18' w/8 ton gear . . . .$3,600 20' w/8 ton gear . . . .$3,750 18' body only . . . . . .$2,400 20' body only . . . . . .$2,550 (bodies assembled & mounted free on your gear)

20' bale carrier . . . . .$3,200 25' tandem carrier . .$4,200 Low pro bale carrier. $3,200

WE BEAT ALL OTHER DEALERS!

STOLTZFUS & FARMCO www.blissfarm.com

BLISS FARM 802-875-2031 JD 74 hay rake, very good condition, $2,700; Parting out International 3514 backhoe. 508-353-1091 anytime

Farm Machinery For Sale

You can’t afford downtime! Use Dual-Cut Rolls For Peak Performance

FOR SALE: Int’l 584 w/ QT ldr4WD- 55hp $9,500; H & S- 9’ Hydra Swing Merger- Used this year- Exc- $6,500; Kuhn FC302 Disk mower/ condFresh cutterbar- exc $6,800; NI 5209- 10’ Disk mower/ cond. $5,800; JD 348 Baler w/ kicker $11,500; JD 336 Baler w/kicker $3, 800; MF 1617 Hyd fold tedder- exc. $4,500; Fransguard 12’ Rotarty rake $2,300; Int 3ph- Side del. Rake $450; Fransgard Winch V-5000 $2,300. 802-376-5262

FOR SALE: Jay-Lor mixer model 3650 twin screw, works great with round bales of hay, used very little, cows are gone, $22,000; Valmetal hay grinder, great for round bales of silage, like new, $16,000; Husky 4,500 gallon manure spreader, like new, $18,000; Sold John Deere baler model #530, works great, $4,500; John Deere grain drill 18 hole, old but works good, $3,500; International 110 with bucket, low hours, like new, $56,000; 3,000 gallon milk tank, works good, will consider all offers. Call 607-336-5151

IH DISGUSTED???

John Deere 4040S 4x4 Cab Tractor. $21,999.00. 1-800548-2558

SMILEY’S EQUIPMENT

Maine to N Carolina

Tedders, discbines, haybines, balers, hay rakes, cultipackers, disks, harrows, cultivators, seeders, corn planters, rototillers, York rakes, brush hogs, 1 to 6 bottom plows, 3pt. backhoes, bale spears, bale wrappers, square bale choppers, manure spreaders, fertilizer spreaders, hay elevators, corn choppers, corn pickers, flail mowers, hay wagons. Dozers, $3,500; tractors, 2 wheels and 4 wheel drives, cheap, $1,000 up; pickups, $1,000 up; backhoes, $3,000 up; excavators, $9,000 up; pavers, $1,500 up; rollers, $850 up; skid steers, $2,500 up; tractors with loaders, $1,800 up; equipment trailers & landscape trailers, $300 up; new 5 ton dump trailers, $5,000; dump trucks, $1,500 up. All types of parts for haying equipment and all makes of tractors and much more! Buying machines dead or alive!

Trucking Available

518-634-2310

Headlocks • Haysavers • Slant Bars on skids or wheels all sizes 8’ to 32’

Questions? Call us. PH#

TRACTORS • FARM MACHINERY • UTILITY TRAILERS

BUY ~ SELL ~ TRADE PH:570-869-1551 570-833-5214

MESHOPPEN, PA 18630

16’ Headlock Wagon 24’ Headlock Wagon 16’ Slant Bar Wagon 28’ Slant Bar Wagon 16’ Haysaver Wagon 24’ Haysaver Wagon

. . .$3,350 . . .$4,200 . . .$2,150 . . .$3,000 . . .$3,200 . . .$3,800

www.blissfarm.com

Farm Machinery For Sale

For pics of our feeders

WE BEAT ALL OTHER DEALERS! The best in “Farmer to Farmer” sales

JOHN DEERE 336 bailer w/#30 kicker, $3,500. Call 203-266-4067

706, 806, 1206, 756, 856, 1256, 1456, 766, 966, 1066, 1466, 1566, 886, 986, 1086, 1486, 1586, 3288, 3388, 3488, 3588, 3788 & Other Models

FORD 8240 Cab, air, FWA, 5300 hours, new transmission and Hydraulic pump by CNH. VG condition including rubber. $18,500; New Holland 411 mower good condition, $3,950.00. Chester, NH 603300-8171

ON SALE NOW! — UP TO $200 DISCOUNT ON ALL PRICES WITH EARLY ORDER!

Charles McCarthy Farm Machinery Cell:607-759-4646 4698 ST. RT. 3004

Farm Machinery For Sale

STOLTZFUS & FARMCO FEEDERS

Y QUALIT EED T N A GUAR

Case 5140 4x4 Cab Farm Tractor. $19,999.00. 1-800548-2558

Farm Machinery For Sale

BLISS FARM 802-875-2031

CUT THIS AD OUT NOW! Put in Your Operators Manual

800-808-7885

Got wet fields? Use YOUR

PleasantCreekHay.Com LLC/Partnership pattern Tile as a secondary or Primary business! Welsarth@Msn.com NH 310 w/thrower, $4,000; NH 575 w/thrower, low wear, $12,000; 256 & 258 hay rakes; new Pequea 11’ rotary rake, $6,500; 2 star Kuhn tedder, like new; IH 986, $8,500; JD 4520, $8,500; NH 492 haybine; NH 595 tandem axle manure spreader, $8,000; IH & JD front & rear weights; PTO generators. 203-5304953. PARTING OUT: Ford 4500 diesel loader backhoe; loader off 800 M-H 333, whole or parts. 585-437-2796

USED COMBINE PA R T S K & J SURPLUS LANSING, NY 607-279-6232 Days 607-533-4850 Nights For Rent or Lease

Farm Machinery Wanted

WANTED

Used Self-Propelled

CHOPPERS & DISCBINES

John Deere - Claas New Holland Burnt - Blown Up - Parts

518-848-4669 Feed, Seed, Grain & Corn

CORN SILAGE FOR SALE $65.00/ton. Call 585-7399335 FOR SALE: Processed Corn Silage, Tested 3700 pounds milk/ ton $65.00/ loaded. Springfield,VT. 802-885-4000

MORRISON'S

CUSTOM F E E D S Quality Organic and Conventional Feeds

We ship pallets of bagged organic & conventional feed to any farm in the North East by Land Air Express

www.morrisonsfeeds.com

802-633-4387 Generators

NOBODY beats our prices on Voltmaster PTO Alternators, Sizes 12kw-75kw. Engines Sets and Portables Available.

MOELLER SALES 1-800-346-2348

Unique public-private opportunity to rent 275 acres of stateowned agricultural land and 5 license areas with agricultural buildings, infrastructure and equipment at Templeton Developmental Center in Templeton, MA. License areas contain barns, greenhouse, cider press and 40+ head registered Holstein dairy operation and milk processing plant under 5 year, 5 year renewable license agreement. Applicants may bid on any and all fields and license areas. Applicants must be residents of Mass. or entities doing business in Mass. with over half of ownership held by Mass. residents. Proposal deadline August 2, 2013.

Contact: Barbara Hopson Mass. Dept. of Agricultural Resources at 413-548-1906 or barbara.hopson@state.ma.us for additional information and RFR packet.

Sell Your Items Through Reader Ads P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

1-800-836-2888 classified@leepub.com Grain Handling Equip. Bins & Dryers

Grain Handling Equip. Bins & Dryers

A N MARTIN GRAIN SYSTEMS 315-923-9118 Clyde, NY WE SPECIALIZE IN

• Sukup Grain Bins • Dryers • Grain Legs • Custom Mill Righting Hay - Straw For Sale

HAY & STRAW ALFALFA - Delivered Cell

717-222-2304 FARMERS

PLEASANT VIEW FARMS HAY & STRAW Lg. Round, Lg. Sq., Sm. Sq.

YARD SIGNS: Full color with stakes, double sided. Stakes included. Starting at $15.00 each. Call your sales representative or Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101 or bsnyder@leepub.com. Please allow 7 to 10 business days when ordering.

1st & 2nd Cut Wrapped Round Bales Delivery Available Call Louis 860-803-0675 ROUND BALES: 1000 lbs. w/net wrap, 1st cutting $15.00/ bale; 2nd cutting $30.00/bale. 860-364-5019

Hay - Straw For Sale

Help Wanted

HAY & STRAW: Large or small square bales. Wood Shaving Bags and Grain. René Normandin,Québec, Canada 450-347-7714

HERDSMAN

High producing 400 cow dairy seeks caring, experienced person to assist with daily health & reproductive programs of cows & heifers. May also include parlor staff supervision & administration of mastitis program. Experience or 2 year dairy science degree required. Competitive salary with housing available. 50 to 55 hours per week. Wonderful location in Western New York with excellent school district.

BLUMER DAIRY

ONTARIO DAIRY HAY & STRAW

585-356-3572

Lg. Sq. - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Cut

Miscellaneous

Quality Alfalfa Grass Mix ALSO CERTIFIED ORGANIC Low Potassium for Dry Cows

GOOD QUALITY HAY & STRAW. Large Square Bales. Will load or ship direct. 802849-6266

Call for Competitive Prices

Hay - Straw For Sale

NEEB AGRI-PRODUCTS

519-529-1141

BUSINESS CARD MAGNETS only $75.00 for 250. Free Shipping. Call Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101 or bsnyder@leepub.com Please allow 7-10 business days for delivery

Real Estate For Sale

Parts

TRACTOR WEIGHTS AC, IHC, MF, JD, CASE & OTHERS Wheel weights and suitcase weight brackets. Free freight 1,000 lbs or more. Also skid steer weights and brackets.

100 lb. IHC Style Suitcase Weights 85 ea. 10 or more 75 lb. available

GOODRICH TRACTOR PARTS Rt. 38 & 38B, Newark Valley, NY

607-642-3293

Real Estate For Sale CERTIFIED ORGANIC 420 acres, 265 tillable; 100 rotational pastures, freestall parlor centrally located to pastures with 2,000,000 gallon manure storage and two bunks for feed storage. 2½ miles road frontage on quiet road. Retirement sale - full line of machinery, 180 head of cattle available. Larchar Farms, Columbus, NY. 607847-8393.

Real Estate For Sale

DEMEREE REALTY Little Falls, NY 13365 Phone (315) 823-0288

www.demereerealty.com • demeree@ntcnet.com #685 - Very neat outstanding 330 acre dairy farm, nice 2 story barn for 85 cows on 2” pipeline - 20 stalls for dry cows & bred heifers. Freestall heifer barn - large bunk silo for corn & haylage. Heated shop - building for bedding and other storage - another storage building. Nice two story home with 8 rooms - nice new kitchen - includes double-wide trailer for hired help. . . . . . . .Priced at $825,000 More land for rent. #35-A - Lg. dairy/crop farm w/832 acres - .530 tillable plus pasture & woods. This organic farm has 100 cow free stall w/double eight parlor & holding area for 100 cows - very nice milk house w/two 1500 gal. bulk tanks, also lg. area for dry cows/heifers - 3 car garage w/4 bdrm. apmt. above and 30x40 shop at end - 216x16’ bunk silo, also 42x228’ bldg. w/high doors on end for tractor trailers to drive thru - large 38x200’ storage bldg. also a nice 2 story 8 room home. . . . . . . . . . . . . .Asking $1,652,000 MORE LAND AVAILABLE. 5 MILES OF ROAD FRONTAGE. #74 - Very neat dairy/hobby farm w/252 acres - 100 tillable - 38x96’ 2 story barn w/56 stalls, 22x34’ 4 stall garage / 50x50’ mach. shed / 30x40’ heifer barn - very good home built in ‘60 w/fireplace, sun rm. Great buy at $550,000 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . REDUCED TO $499,000 #B-107 - This property is 338 acres of solitude. It is all wooded and just on the edge of the Adirondack Park. It is ideal for hunting, fishing and year round recreation.There is a 12’x20’ log cabin that is located along side a small pond. He also constructed a road for access so you can drive to this cabin by the pond. There are a few streams that flow through the land, one of which is piped to the cabin for a water source. Although it is remote it has over 600 feet of frontage on a paved road with power. This is priced to sell at . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$220,000 C-88 - Cottage style camp located in the Caroga Lake area of the Adirondack Park. This four room camp is in need of remodeling. Features electric, phone, septic and good water system. The cottage located on a .96 acre lots sits with a backdrop of a green of The Nick Stoner Golf Course. Ideal area for hunting, snowmobiling, golf, or just relaxing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Asking $25,000

Fan us on Facebook facebook.com/countryfolks OR visit our website at www.countryfolks.com Real Estate For Sale

Real Estate For Sale

The Best Method For Covering Hay Stacks

787 Bates-Wilson Road Norwich, NY 13851

(607)) 334-97277

PROTECT YOUR FEED FROM THE WEATHER Save money in prevented feed losses & up to 5 seasons of use Large Inventory • Next Day Shipping

ROCKY MEADOW FARM 810 South 14th Ave., Lebanon, PA 17042

1-866-887-2727 • 1-717-228-2727 www.supertarp.com • rockymeadowfarm@evenlink.com

Help Wanted

SEED COMPANY DEALERSHIPS DOEBLER’S is searching for professional seed sales men and women in all of its Eastern regions from New York State into Ohio and as far south as North Carolina. Ideal candidates must demonstrate an ability to quickly learn new seed product information, a desire to not only grow Doebler’s business but also the businesses of his or her customers, and a thorough understanding of and ability to communicate Doebler’s reputation in agribusiness as “Your Regional Advantage”. If you would like to be considered for a dealership position with a company nearly eight decades in the industry, please call 1-800-853-2676. Thank you.

Celll 607-316-3758 www.possonrealtyfarmsandland.com possonrealtyllc@stny.twcbc.com David C. Posson, Broker

Richard E. Posson, Associate Broker

NEW! Montgomeryy Countyy Farm - Clean and Neat. Exceptional home. 100 acres, 60 tillable, good well drained soils. 10 acres of pasture balance in woods. 2 Virginia style barns for beef with concrete barn yards. Big machinery building and 2 shops. Very nice remodeled 2 story 4 bedroom Victorian home. Exceptionally well maintained. 2 baths and 2 full kitchens. Home could easily be a 2 family house or use all as one. Nice location. Overlooking the beautiful Mohawk Valley. Easy to get to from Rt 90. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Askingg $310,000 7 - Western n NY Y 86 6 acre Greatt Buy!! - 2297 Gentleman'ss Farm. Within 15 mins to beautiful Lake Erie. 30 acres tillable, good soils, partially

fenced in new high tensile. Balance woods, some timber. Excellent hunting. Nice remodeled 2 story 3 bdrm home. New roof, windows, deck, and much more. 36x100 2 story barn for hay storage and cattle. Nice 40x100 machinery building with 2 box stalls for horses. All buildings have power and water. Quiet road, very nice setting. Mins to shopping hospitals and airports. Askingg $250,000. This is a very well maintained farm in a beautiful area of New York. 2354 4 - Northern n New w York k Farm. Clean and Neat. Well Maintained. 140 m/l acre dairy farm. 120+acres tillable right behind the barn. 50 stall 2 story dairy barn. Good size stalls, nice wide mangers. 2 story 2 bay garage. Remodeled 2 story 4 bdrm home in nice shape. This is a good all round little dairy farm w/lots of room for expansion and growth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Onlyy Askingg $235,000 Good buy on a nice sized farm. 2314 4 - 35 5 acress closee to Cortland d and d I81. Mostly wooded with some timber. Excellent hunting. Would make a nice place to have a home or cabin for weekend getaway. Close to Syracuse, Finger Lakes, Cornell College. everything you need is close by and is easy to get to from I81. . . . . . . Askingg $59,900

July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 35

HAY SAVER Plus Hay Preservative, 68% Propionic Acid. Delivery Available. Conoy Ag, Elizabethtown,PA 717-3675078

10 Ton Minimum Limited Availability

FOR SALE: Quality first & second cut big & small square bales. Delivered. 315-264-3900

Miscellaneous

• Hopper Feed Bins • Transport Augers • Crane Service • Dryer Service

STANTON BROTHERS 518-768-2344

Hay - Straw For Sale

Sell Your Items Through Reader Ads P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

1-800-836-2888 classified@leepub.com Real Estate Wanted

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Trailers

Page 36 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Sawmills

Silos, Repairs, Silo Equipment

TIMBER WANTED PAYING TOP PRICES FOR

St. Lawrence Silo Service

WEDDING INVITATIONS printed and designed by Lee Publications: 100 (4.5x6) Invitations including envelopes with 100 RSVP postcards. Only $150.00 +tax. We can also do smaller and larger amounts. Call for pricing and designs 518-673-0101, or bsnyder@leepub.com Also Save the Dates • Shower Invitations • Baby Announcements and more.

Silos, Repairs, Silo Equipment FARMERS - SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER! Does that Wood or Concrete Silo Need Help?

ALL TYPE OF REPAIR Cabling of Barn & All Types of Barn Roof Repair

Call MAC HYNEY

518-993-4613

NEW ENGLAND NOTE: Calendar entries must arrive at the Country Folks office by the Tuesday prior to our publication date for them to be included in the calendar of events. Email: jkarkwren@leepub.com

Trailers

www.abmartin.net • Email: sales@abmartin.net

Services Offered

Calendar of Events

NEW AND USED TRACTOR PARTS: John Deere 10,20,30,40 series tractors. Allis Chalmers, all models. Large inventory! We ship. Mark Heitman Tractor Salvage, 715-673-4829

Full line Pole Building material. ~ Lumber - Trusses - Plywood.

Call General Timber 518-796-4828

TEITSWORTH TRAILERS: 400 different trailers, in stock, ready to haul. Dumps, tilttops, landscape trailers and goosenecks. Financing always available. Call 585243-1563.

JUL 5-7 Northeast Reining Horse Show Eastern States Exposition Coliseum, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA. Contact The Big E, 413-7372443, 413-205-5115. On Internet at www.TheBigE.com JUL 6 Historic Fishkill Farms Celebrates 100th Year Fishkill Farms, 9 Fishkill Farm Rd., Hopewell JCT, NY. All Day: Cherry picking, Hayrides and Lunch (11am 3 pm) 4 pm: Ribbon Cutting and talk with 2nd & 3rd generation farmers Robert and Joshua Morgenthau. 5 pm: Screening of historic home videos, never publically released, filmed by Henry Morgenthau Jr, recording political events from 19301942 including a secret huddle at Fishkill Farms in 1942 of Henry Jr., FDR and Winston Churchill. 6-10 pm: Centennial Gala. There will be no admission charge but we ask for donations at 6 pm. for our Gala, a suggested $10, to cover the cost of the fireworks and music for this event and to support the farm in our mission to grow fresh, wonderful food for the community. If one donates

Ephrata, PA 1-800-373-3703 N e w v i l l e , PA 1-800-782-2712

Timberland, Saw Logs, & Veneer Delivered, Standing or Roadside.

Trailers

Serving farmers in the New England States for 20 years New Stave Silos, Stave Replacement, Shotcrete Relining, Retensioning and Footer Repairs Lisbon, NY

(315) 393-3399 www.slsilo.com

Tractor Parts

SPECIAL OF THE WEEK

through our website, www.fishkillfarms.com, the donation comes with a limited edition old style Fishkill Farms Centennial poster. Please contact Josh Morgenthau with inquiries at cell 347-834-4835. E-mail joshua.morgenthau@gmail.com JUL 8-12 Joint Annual Meeting of the American Dairy Science Association & the American Society of Animal Science Indianapolis, IN. 35 symposia on topics such as animal genetics, food science and animal well being. On Internet at jtmtg.org JUL 10-13 Region 16 Arabian Championships Eastern States Exposition Coliseum, 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA. Contact The Big E, 413-7372443, 413-205-5115. On Internet at www.TheBigE.com JUL 19-21 N.E. Sheep Sale & Northeast Youth Sheep Show Eastern States Exposition Coliseum (Mallary Complex), 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield, MA. Contact The Big E, 413-737-2443, 413205-5115. On Internet at www.TheBigE.com JUL 23-24 National Mastitis Council Regional Meeting DoubleTree Hotel, Portland, ME. This two day conference will consist of educational seminars in addition to specialized, interactive short courses. Individuals will be able to select specific topics of interest to them. Contact NMC Office, 608-848-4615 or e-mail nmc@nmconline.org

Trucks

Fontaine Stainless Sander. 10’ with controls. Very good shape. $7,000

New Silage Bodies. Call for Size and Pricing

1988 Peterbilt 379 Roll-off 350 Big Cam Cummins, 13 Spd., Galbreath 60,000 lbs roll-off, Aluminum Wheels. $10,000

1983 Autocar DC64B, Cummins, Automatic with Auxiliary Transmission, Double Frame. Good Feeder Truck. $5,000

1992 Int 8100 C+C, 3208 Cat diesel, Eaton 10 speed, engine brake. Priced to Sell

1995 Mack CL753 3406B Cat, 18 speed, full locking 46k rears. $25,000

1984 Fruehauf 9200 gal tanker, 4 compartment. $15,000

(3) 1999 Int 4700 flatbed dumps DT466E. 2 are 6+ standards and 1 Allison automatic. Selling Choice $8,500

Many New and Used Feed and Gravel Bodies

Call Us With Your Used Parts Needs - Many Hydraulic Parts in Stock

DERBY Y TRUCK K PARTS 802-673-8525 Days • 802-895-2961 Eves www.derbytruckparts.com

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102”x28’ (23’ flat deck + 5’ dovetail), with 3 spring assist flip over/stand up ramps, 21,000lb. GVW, LED lights, locking toolbox, side steps, spare tire.

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Prices valid till 7/8/13 Cash Only

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1595 Yale Farm Rd., Romulus, NY 14541

Toll Free 888-585-3580 ~ 315-585-6411

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July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 37

National Aggregate

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Page 38 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Tuesday Mug Sponsor PA Farmers Union Men’s Room Sign Sponsor Bio-Zyme, Inc Building Sign Sponsor Triangle Communications, Inc

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL YOUR SALES REPRESENTATIVE OR KEN MARING AT 800-218-5586

Tiny doses of bile acid may blunt preemie liver disease

Using newborn piglets as a model for premature human babies, preliminary ARS studies have found that small doses of a bile acid might help the newborns avoid a serious liver disease. Photo by Mark Boggess

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ished exclusively through intravenous feeding. Known as total parenteral nutrition, or TPN, this feeding regimen can save lives but, if administered for longer than two weeks, may lead to complications such as PNALD. There is no well-established, science-based cure for PNALD. In severe cases, PNALD can lead to liver failure and the need for a liver transplant. In ongoing research designed to prevent or minimize the impact of PNALD and other un-

wanted side effects of TPN, Burrin and colleagues showed that administering small doses of CDCA three times a day helped fight PNALD in TPN-fed piglets. The team based its conclusion on measurements of three key biomarkers: serum bilirubin, serum bile acids, and liver triglycerides. Published in a 2012 issue of the American Journal of Physiology - Gastrointestinal and Liver Physiology, the study is the first to demonstrate the use of CDCA, delivered directly to the upper digestive tract, to control

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July 1, 2013 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 39

SALE EVERY TUESDAY

by Marcia Wood Giving premature babies small doses of a bile acid might help the newborns avoid a liver disease, according to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) physiologist Douglas G. Burrin and his colleagues. In a preliminary study with newborn piglets as the animal model, Burrin and his co-investigators showed that the bile acid CDCA (chenodeoxycholic acid) helped combat parenteral nutritionassociated liver disease (PNALD), a liver condition that sometimes occurs in preemies nour-

PNALD in a newborn lab animal model. Piglets were chosen for this research because the pig digestive tract is very similar to that of humans. In addition, the size and body composition — the amount of fat and lean — in an infant piglet is typically comparable to that of a human preemie. Burrin is with USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and is based at the Children’s Nutrition Research Center in Houston, Texas. He collaborated in the study with nutrition center co-researchers David D. Moore and Barbara Stoll; Ajay Kumar Jain, formerly with the research center; and Jens J. Holst of the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. Baylor College of Medicine, Texas Children’s Hospital and ARS jointly manage the nutrition research center. ARS is the USDA’s chief intramural scientific research agency, and this research supports the USDA priority of improving children’s health and nutrition.

Page 40 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • July 1, 2013

Wet or dry conditions, we have the right combine for your harvest.

2004 Case IH 8010 1000 hrs deluxe cab, electronic sieve adj. U17986 $160,000

2008 Lexion 570 2300 hrs straw walker, Lexion ﬁeld drive H000246 $135,000

2002 JD 9650 STS 4000 hrs yield monitoring, large single drive tires H000127 $75,000

2007 JD 9660 1917 hrs H000752 $243,063

2009 Case IH 6088 H000479 $214,812

2009 Case IH 8120 1000 hrs 4x4 track unit N17899 coming soon $294,000

2004 Case IH 8010 1500 hrs pro 600 monitor, ﬁeld tracker CVT drive H000500 $156,250

1999 JD 9610 4520 hrs H000605 $56,250

1996 JD 9500 5084 hrs H000603 $41,250

2008 Case IH 3412 12 row hydr stripper plates U11560 $56,250

COMBINE HEADS

MOWER CONDITIONERS continued

Case IH 983 corn head (A)...................................................................................... $3,995 Gleaner 630 6RN corn hd off N-Series combine U19334 (A) ................................... $5,000 IH 963 6R head 1986 U12223 (B) ........................................................................... $5,384 Case IH 1063 corn head U12110 (B) ...................................................................... $5,384 Case IH 1063 corn head 1993 U12213 (B) ............................................................. $8,995 Case IH 1083 8R corn head 1991 U12202 (B) ...................................................... $18,995 Case IH 2212 12R corn head H001428 (B) ........................................................... $33,750 Case IH 2062 platform head H000496 (AC) .......................................................... $37,500 Case IH 1020 1993, 25ft 3”knives w/Crary air reel, 1 yr old U87319 (C) ............... $19,913 Case 1020 flex head H001706 (B) ........................................................................ $14,286 Case IH 2020 U17581 (B)..................................................................................... $20,634 Case IH 2212 corn head (B).................................................................................. $32,500 Geringhoff R12-30F 12 row fold w/roto disc (C)................................................. $111,113 Geringhoff Northstar 120 2008 (B)....................................................................... $56,250 Case IH 1020 flex head 20ft, 1.5” knives, 2007 (C)............................................... $18,313 Case IH 3020 flex head 25ft, 3” knives, 2011 (C).................................................. $27,700 JD 625 flex head 25’ H001505 (B).......................................................................... $9,995 RS70 header cart - fits 2062 platform head H000499 (AC).................................... $1,995 Claas 6R corn head 1996 H001543 (AC) ................................................................ $9,995

Krone EC9140 28ft triple disc mower, 2004, includes Easy Cut 32C and 9140 U08314 was $27,000 ..........................................................................................now only $24,000 Krone Big “M” 2002, 1460 eng hrs, 1052 cutter hrs, auto lube, 700/50R26 60%, 600/25R26.5 60% (C)................................................................................................... call NH 1495 SP mower 1985 H002453 (AC)..................................................................$6,995

MOWER CONDITIONERS NH 1441 2006, has shear hubs, rubber rolls (C).................................................... $24,888 Case IH DCX131 2004 2pt hitch, new cutterbar, rubber rolls U12232 (B) was $18,571 ......................................................................................... now only $14,900 Hesston 1365 2004 15’ U11555 (AL) ................................................................... $15,714 Taarup 4036C merger on rear 2000 U15363 (A)................................................... $12,900 Claas 3050C front mower U17567 (C) was $10,714................................ now only $8,462 NH 116 16ft sickle bar, hydra swing, good shape (C)............................................... $8,547 JD 4995 2006 H002316 (AC)................................................................................ $67,375 NH 492 9ft sickle bar mower 1994 H002627 (AC)....................................................$6,995 Case IH DC131 2pt hitch (A)..................................................................................$12,900 We reserve the right to change prices, or not sell an item, due to error in pricing.

BALERS NH 855 coming in....................................................................................................$5,833 JD 457 twine baler ..............................................................................................coming in JD 346 wire baler with 1/4 turn bale chute H000390 (B)..........................................$6,154 NH 74A 4x5 round, wide sweep pickup 2007, twine & netwrap (C) ........................$18,813

See our full used list on www.monroetractor.com

Stock up on combine parts! Available for any color equipment. - Bearings - Concaves - Knives - Straw choppers - Wear bars and more

Stop by or call our parts department today!

Call one of our agriculture locations: Adams Center, NY (AC) Jim Munroe II 866-314-3155

Albany, NY (AL) Danny Speach 585.236.7345

Auburn, NY (A) Clay VanNostrand 866-315-6311

Batavia, NY (B) James Kingston 866-320-2166

Binghamton, NY (BG) Jeremy Palmer 866-321-4277

Canandaigua, NY (C) John Poppoon 866-325-0388

Elmira, NY (E) Tom Sutter 800-866-8912

Hornell, NY (H) Kris Bower 800-866-8925

SUMMER 2013

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY Good Living and Good Farming â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Connecting People, Land, and Communities

Feature Articles Workplace CSAs - Get Your Veggies While You Work . .Page 4 The Case for Regional Seed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 14 Where the Buffalo Roam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 15 Sheep Barn Interior Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 16 Supplement to Country Folks

Page 2

July 1, 2013

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY - SUMMER 2013 TABLE OF CONTENTS SMALL FARM PROGRAM UPDATE Cornell Small Farms Program Update ........................................................Page 3

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY Good Farming and Good Living — Connecting People, Land, and Communities

Passing on the Farm, by Maureen Duffy ......................................................Page 7

Small Farm Quarterly is for farmers and farm families — including spouses and children - who value the quality of life that smaller farms provide.

FARM MEMOIR

OUR GOALS ARE TO: • Celebrate the Northeast region’s smaller farms; • Inspire and inform farm families and their supporters; • Help farmers share expertise and opinions with each other; • Increase awareness of the benefits that small farms contribute to society and the environment; • Share important research, extension, and other resources.

The Disappearing Hay, by Stewart Cheney ..................................................Page 13

GRAZING The Calves Come Home, by Eric Noel .........................................................Page 12

HORTICULTURE Uncommon Fruits With Commercial Potential, Part 2, by Lee Reich......Page 19

LIVESTOCK & POULTRY Where the Buffalo Roam, by Amy Weakley ...............................................Page 15 Sheep Barn Interior Design: Wooden Panels, by Ulf Kintzel....................Page 16

LOCAL FOODS & MARKETING Locally Grown Beans in the College Cafeteria, by Rachel Carter.............Page 3 Workplace CSAs - Get Your Veggies While You Work, by Laura McDermott.....Page 4 Diversified Portfolio: Not just for Wall Street, by Mason Donovan ............Page 5

NEW FARMERS Counting Our Blessings, by Emmaline Long and David Popielinski ...........Page 8

NORTHEAST SARE SPOTLIGHT Keeping Heifers Fit, by Rachel Whiteheart .....................................................Page 9

PHOTO FEATURE Horse Power, by Chandler Briggs .................................................................Page 10

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT Growers Credit New York Berry Project, by Kara Lynn Dunn .........................Page 6

SEED STORIES

Small Farm Quarterly is produced by Lee Publications, Inc., and is distributed four times a year as a special section of Country Folks. Volume 10 publication dates: January 14th, April 1st, July 1st and October 7th, 2013. EDITORIAL TEAM: • Violet Stone, Cornell Small Farms Program Managing Editor • Anu Rangarajan, Cornell Small Farms Program Editor in Chief • Laura Biasillo, Broome County CCE New Farmers • Jamila Walida Simon, NYS 4-H Youth Development Program Youth Pages • Sam Anderson Livestock • Martha Herbert Izzi, Vermont Farmer New England Correspondent • Betsy Lamb, CCE Integrated Pest Management Program Horticulture • John Thurgood, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Vermont Stewardship and Nature • Nancy Glazier, Northwest NY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team Grazing • Jill Swenson, Swenson Book Development Community and World • Jason Foscolo, Esq. Policy Corner • Valerie Walthert, Farmer Local Foods & Marketing

607-255-9227 607-255-1780 607-584-5007 607-255-0287 978-654-6745 802-492-3346 607-254-8800 802-865-7895 315-536-5123 607-539-3278 631-903-5055

FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION CONTACT Tracy Crouse, Lee Publications, Inc., PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 888-596-5329 subscriptions@leepub.com FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT: Jan Andrews, Lee Publications, Inc., 518-673-0110 or 800-218-5586, ext. 110 or jandrews@leepub.com SEND YOUR LETTERS AND STORIES TO: Cornell Small Farms Program 15A Plant Science Building, Cornell University , Ithaca, NY, 14853 607-255-9227 • vws7@cornell.edu SFQ is compiled by the Cornell Small Farms Program, based at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. The Cornell Small Farms Program fosters the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms that contribute to food security, healthy rural communities, and the environment. We do this by encouraging small farms-focused research and extension programs. About copyright: The material published in Small Farm Quarterly is not copyrighted unless otherwise noted. However, we ask that you please be sure to credit both the author and Small Farm Quarterly.

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:

The Case for Regional Seed, by Petra Page-Mann ...................................Page 14

SMALL FARM SPOTLIGHT

Cornell Small Farms Program www.smallfarms.cornell.edu 607-255-9227

Making it Work: Couple Transforms Fallow Plot into Viable Farm, by Jaclyn

www.cce.cornell.edu www.cals.cornell.edu

Bruntfield ................................................................................................Page 17 NYS 4-H Teen Program www.cce.cornell.edu/4h 607-255-0886

STEWARDSHIP & NATURE Elderberry and Beyond: New Options for River Lands in the Northeast, by Liz

www.nrcs.usda.gov 802-865-7895

Brownlee and Conner Stedman...............................................................Page 18

YOUTH PAGE

ABOUT OUR ADS...

I Love New York Agriculture Art & Writing Contest.....................................Page 10

All advertisements in Small Farm Quarterly are managed by Lee Publications. Cornell’s Small Farms Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other Small Farm Quarterly sponsors and contributors do not endorse advertisers, their products or services. We receive no revenues from advertisers.

Cover photo: Gabriel Michaud and his calf Butterfly enjoying a Kingdom Creamery ice cream cone. Photo courtesy of Kingdom Creamery

To find out how your business or organization can advertise in Small Farm Quarterly, contact: Jan Andrews, Lee Publications, 518-673-0110 or 800-218-5586, ext. 110, jandrews@leepub.com

July 1, 2013

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Cornell Small Farms Program Update Heatwave? Watch Sustainable Farm Energy Webinars Online Anytime! Need a break from summer heat? If you missed any of the lunchtime webinars in the “New Generation Energy: Sustainable Power for Your Farm & Homestead” series this past MarchApril, you can stream them online anytime by visiting https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/ resources/farm-energy/. Learn more about passive solar, radiant heat, solar electric, wind power, compost heat, and services that installers provide in this 4-part series. You’ll also be able to get descriptions of each webinar and download PDF files of the slideshows. We’ve posted plenty of other sustainable farm energy resources at this page, too, awaiting you for a heat break, or an evening read! Enjoy! 2013 Online Farming Courses: Registration Opens Soon Registration opens Aug. 1 for 2013-14 online farming courses offered by our Northeast Beginning Farmers Project. These interactive 5- to 7-week courses are led by experienced educators and farmers and connect you to the information and people you need to start a successful farm business or diversify your farm. Courses help you establish clear goals, assess personal resources, plan marketing, create budgets, set up record-keeping, navigate regulations, choose the right equipment, improve soil, get organically certified, write a business plan, and learn how to raise veggies, berries and chickens. The classes are primarily targeted to those farming (or planning to farm) in the Northeastern U.S., though most of the courses are also appropriate for those outside this region. Visit the course calendar or course descriptions to see the offerings of all our courses organized by season http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses/.

Message from the Managing Editor Happy Summer! Here on the agriculture quad, students have left for summer internships, faculty and technicians are in the fields doing research, and the campus gardens are the most lively place to be! This Spring we hosted a writing workshop for farmers and agriculture educators called “Telling Better Stories.” Over the years, I’ve noticed that there is a dearth of formal training opportunities for those that tell the stories of farming. While agriculture is chockfull of the ingredients good stories are made of – love, sweat, tears, birth, death, drought, harvest, to mention a few – weaving the details into a compelling narrative requires skill and practice. Fifty farmers and educators joined us on the Cornell campus to take the full-day workshop from professional journalists. As post-workshop homework, attendees were required to submit an article or photo to be featured in this magazine. While we don’t have room to feature everything, we hope you enjoy seeing participants work scattered throughout the next several issues. Other submissions are posted on our “Storyshare” pages. Visit www.smallfarms.cornell.edu and click on projects > Telling Better Stories > Storyshare.

LOCAL FOODS

Locally Grown Beans in the College Cafeteria

Vermont's Farm to Plate Network offers farmer and producer examples of navigating the regional supply food chain to serve ‘local’ at institutions by Rachel Carter sition happen.” Vermont Bean Crafters products are also distributed through Black River Produce. School, hospitals, colleges, government agencies, and corporations are demanding food grown and Supplying locally grown food within 150 miles from produced in New England. Farmers interested in their home base in Springfield, VT, Black River selling to hospitals, schools, and other organiza- Produce distributes to more than 2,000 wholesale tions are following the food supply chain by con- customers across Vermont, New Hampshire and necting first with local or nearby food hubs to bet- parts of New York and Massachusetts.“We distribter assess supply and demand. Food hubs and ute local farm products to stores, schools, restauprocessing centers have easier access to distribu- rants, clubs, camps, ski areas, hospitals, nursing tion channels and can help farmers and food pro- homes, and farm stands.Larger contract manageducers identify and build market opportunities. ment companies like Sodexo, the Vermont State Colleges food service provider, often require preVermont Bean Crafters makes bean burgers and approved vendor contracts that can be a major dips out of organically-grown Vermont beans, veg- hurdle for small producers and farmers. By selling gies, and grains. Dried bean varieties are pur- through a wholesale distributor, producers avoid chased directly from organic farmers in New the more stringent process of becoming an England and produced at the Mad River Food Hub approved vendor, which can really facilitate the in Waitsfield, VT. “The University of Vermont just ability to sell to institutions,” says Scott Sparks, vice swapped our black bean burger in place of president of sales at Black River Produce. Gardenburger and Devine burgers at all eight campus dining locations,” says Joe Bossen of Kingdom Creamery of Vermont is a family-owned Vermont Bean Crafters. “We’re also working with dairy farm and business, specializing in yogurt and Fletcher Allen Healthcare to have our bean burg- ice cream, experiencing recent growth in instituers more widely distributed throughout hospital tional markets-offering both a reliable cash flow food services.” source and brand identity.“The institutional marketplace provides a more stable and consistent cusBossen finds value-added food products as finan- tomer base than traditional retail markets.We have cially viable given the constraints of budgetary achieved moderate success within institutional challenges and publically traded ‘commodity’ mar- markets. By working with local schools and institukets. “On the whole, I’ve been impressed with tions we have been able to broaden our product chefs and purchasing agents willing to sit across portfolio, and build relationships within the state the table from us small producers and their gener- and tie it directly to our family farm,” shares Jeremy al willingness to make the local/regional food tran- Michaud of Kingdom Creamery. Small Vermont farmers committed to farm to school relationships are working with local food hubs to sell directly to local school and increase the number of young people in the farm community eating lunches made with healthy, fresh, local food.

If a refresher on writing tips sounds like something you could benefit from, you’ll be pleased to learn we posted handouts and videos from the workshop sessions at the address above. Do you chronicle seed selection, tool invention, animal husbandry, or other aspects of farm life? We hope you’ll consider sharing one of your stories with us! Instructions for submitting to the magazine are posted at our website. Click on “Quarterly.” Best wishes for a fruitful growing season! Violet

Violet Stone

Vermont Bean Crafters burger display at Black River Produce food show. Photo by Rachel Carter

How can I get Small Farm Quarterly? Country Folks subscribers automatically receive SFQ four times a

year at no extra cost. Country Folks is delivered weekly for $47 per year. SFQ-only subscribers receive just the 4 issues of Country Folks that contain the SFQ insert for only $5 a year. Cooperative Extension Associations and other organizations can offer their members a subscription to SFQ as a member benefit! Your organization collects the names, forwards them to Country Folks Subscriptions, and pays Country Folks just $2.50 for each subscriber. Country Folks mails out the copies.

Radical Roots Farm of Rutland, VT is finding success farm to institution efforts on a local scale. Photo by Radical Roots Farm

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Page 3

Fletcher Allen Hospital partners with over 70 local food producers and serves more than two million meals a year, making it the largest restaurant in Vermont. Photo by Fletcher Allen Healthcare

Vermont’s Harlow Farm sells produce as the brand Westminster Organics for multiple Whole Foods accounts, yet wanted to see their produce served at local schools. “We started working with the Windham Farm and Food Network to distribute to area schools across the county.While it is a slightly lower price point than what we can get from Whole Foods, we are able to make it work for our business, and love the rewards of knowing we are providing local produce to children through school lunches,” comments Paul Harlow of Westminster Organics/Harlow Farm. Whether farmers choose to work with local processing units, regional distributors, or directly with schools in their community, building successful relationships is essential. Radical Roots Farm in Rutland, VT, grows vegetables for a 70-member CSA, two farmer’s markets, and the local school system.“Developing an open, honest, and mutually beneficial relationship with the school food service professionals is essential. We are lucky — the people who provide food for the schools in our area care deeply about the children in their community. We sit down together in the winter and plan out how our farm can grow some of the vegetables they will need during the school year. Honesty and dependability are key. As farmers, we need to be sure we don’t over-promise and that we can actually deliver what we agreed to in the winter,” offers Carol Tashie of Radical Roots Farm. Farmers interested in exploring farm to institution are also encouraged to look at industry trends. “Beans!” exclaims Joe Bossen of Vermont Bean Crafters. “And general staple food ingredients like

See Beans page 4

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Page 4

July 1, 2013

LOCAL FOODS

Workplace CSAs - Get Your Veggies While You Work Pilot Program Increases Farmer’s Business and Employee Wellness by Laura McDermott

help them meet the individual needs of the consumer.

Despite an abundance of farmers markets and farm stands, consumers still purchase produce at grocery stores. Let’s face it — people go to the grocery store because it’s easy. So how can we make purchasing locally grown produce easier?

This project sought to inform employers that are mindful of wellness initiatives about the feasibility of sponsoring a CSA. Ongoing health promotion efforts set the stage for increasing consumption of locally grown produce while also helping farmers develop nontraditional markets. Several informational meetings were held for farmers, businesses and consumers. Because the timing wasn’t perfect — the last training was held in mid-April — we were very pleased to have one farmer able to offer CSA shares to 50 subscribers at three different businesses. Deliveries were made on the same day, and the largest employer negotiated a farmers market to be held in their parking lot on the same day.

In early winter of 2012, Cornell Cooperative Extension and Adirondack Harvest worked together to attempt to answer this question.The goal of the project was to increase customer access through a convenient marketing plan for locally grown food. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs have existed since the 1980s and are an important market channel for many vegetable farms. CSAs are not limited to vegetables however — fruit, flower, egg, meat, cheese and many value added items are also part of the CSA model. Historically, CSAs endeavored to include the consumer in the process and risk of farming — the pre-purchase of shares was described as more of an investment in farming than an investment in groceries. Customers were often required to participate in some of the farm labor — again as a way to assist the farmer, but also to help the consumer understand what took place on a farm. A CSA consumer — or subscriber — purchased a share that promised to provide a weekly mixture of produce for approximately 20 weeks. This weekly share could be picked up at the farm or another pre-determined location. Usually the subscriber would receive a mixture of produce that would be determined by the availability of the crop. Some CSAs still operate in this fashion, but over time the CSA model has morphed into less of a ‘share the risk’ model and more of a ‘share the wealth’ model. Farmers have worked hard to make CSAs into a convenience driven market option for consumers by offering ‘free choice’ shares and even customizable shares using software like Farmigo (www.farmigo.com) to

“There are a lot of businesses out there, and there are a lot of farmers. It’s a perfect match up,” said Adam Hainer, co-owner of Juniper Hill Farm in Westport, NY who also offered a Worksite CSA in Plattsburgh in 2012. “We wanted to increase the CSA component of our market, but because of our location we weren’t seeing much growth,” said Hainer. “We had to make it more convenient. We needed to make a decision to get more food to more people.” Adam decided that for the first few years he would allow companies that had a minimum of 10 subscribers to be a drop-off location IF there were other businesses contributing to at least 50 total subscribers for a single day delivery.The other requirement is that each business had to have an on-site coordinator to act as the liaison between the farmer and the consumer or the employer. This position proved to be critical — especially during the first season. “There were some problems,” said Hainer, “like what to do with a share if an employee was sick — or forgot that they were going on vacation. The coordinator really helped iron out those wrinkles.” During the fall, the subscribers were surveyed. None of the responders had ever been CSA subscribers before this project. The majority of the responses indicated that the value and the quality of the produce delivered to their worksite exceeded that of a grocery store. 100 percent of the respondents said that their consumption

For Businesses: Creating a Workplace CSA Getting Started • Get approval from the appropriate managers and facilities. • Spread the word! Inform your employees about the CSA model and determine employee interest. • Consider collaborating with a neighboring business to increase the number of participants. • Establish a point person to contact the farmer and answer employee questions. Finding a Farm • To create a list of potential farms, visit www.localharvest.org/csa/. Check out your local Farmers Market or contact your local Cooperative Extension office The Right CSA for You Each farm will run their CSA program differently.It is important to ask the right questions to find the farm that is best suited for your needs. • Logistics: Where and when do you want the shares delivered? Will this work with the farmer’s schedule? Does the farmer already deliver to a site near your workplace? If the CSA includes meat or dairy products, do you have refrigeration available? • Produce: What types of produce will each member receive? Most CSAs deliver a pre-packaged box with a variety of produce that is in season. Some, however offer a varying degree of choice for their members. • Shares: Ask the farmer about the quantity of produce each member will receive per week. Some farms offer full and half share options to meet the different needs of their members. • Payment: Determine who will be responsible for collecting payments and establish a deadline for subscribing. • Subscription Length: How long do you want the CSA to last? Some farms offer an extended season, providing produce into the fall and winter months.

Beans from page 3 corn meal and local grains — not to replace the bread basket, but to meet nutritional guidelines while incorporating locally grown and produced items.” Both Bossen and Black River Produce stress extended season greens and lightly processed vegetables, such as lacto-fermentation, core to strengthening market opportunities. “Extending seasonal accessibility to provide the volume needed to match price points in budgets are more than a trend-this is becoming the reality and it’s much easier now than ever to have that discussion,”comments Sean Buchanan, business development manager at Black River Produce. Rooted in the farm to school movement, Farm to Institution New England (FINE) is the leading Northeast resource connecting organizations, agencies, businesses, and funders with the regional food supply chain to strengthen food production and consumption. Peter Allison, coordinator for FINE, says there are many opportunities for food producers and processors to market to the institutional

food service system. “In Massachusetts, the Western Mass Food Processing Center shared use facility works closely with farmers to develop lightly processed foods that also meet the farmer’s bottomline. FINE is also beginning research that will further help elucidate the benefits farmers gain by working with institutions, such as the ability to scale up production through new contracts with larger institutional clients.” The Vermont Farm to Plate Network, legislatively directed to double local food access and production by 2020, is helping farmers develop relationships with distributors through matchmaking events and peer to peer collaborations. The newly launched Vermont Food System Atlas provides a searchable mapping tool to help farmers build relationships with distributors, processing centers, other farmers, and all entities representing the state’s food system. Food Solutions New England provides details on how all New England states are rebuilding local food systems and connects the work each state is conducting regionally.

Rachel Carter is a Vermont entrepreneur, homesteader, journalist,

Download detailed brochures with info on getting started for both farmers and businesses at the Cornell Small Farms Program website. Photo by Laura McDermott

of fresh vegetables increased as a result of being a CSA member. 77.8 percent indicated that they would definitely join a CSA in the future. Some of the comments included, “Very convenient, drop off at work. I loved the variety and being able to choose from veggies that I wouldn’t ordinarily purchase in the store” and “I was surprised at the high quality of the product and the abundance.”

Adirondack Harvest has continued to assist with promoting the Worksite CSA concept to local businesses. At an April 4, 2013 meeting in Ballston Spa, NY several more farmers were in attendance and at least one of them has a Worksite CSA in development.Cara Fraver of Quincy Farm in Easton, NY plans to offer CSA shares at a local YMCA, so that facility staff, members and general public could pick up their shares at a convenient time. Quincy Farm has also made sales pitches to other companies, but with no luck yet. “We seem to hit a block with liability and corporate rules prohibiting contracting with just one vendor,” reported Fraver. “We might be able to overcome that if we had the passionate employee that could act as our coordinator and advocate.”

At that same meeting Adam Hainer reported that he had finalized a contract with a firm in Plattsburgh and had sold over 100 shares through a payroll deduction format that was offered to him by the business owners. His Glens Falls locations are all participating in 2013 and subscriptions look to be up by 15 percent. He continues to stress the increased consumption of fresh vegetables as being the most important part of a corporate wellness plan.“If companies are offering free memberships to gyms, why not access to a Worksite CSA?” asks Hainer. Teresa Whalen of Adirondack Harvest is hopeful workplace CSAs will become a popular trend. “It’s all about education and awareness,” Whalen said. “The employees want this, and they understand the benefits. Now we need to convince the employers.” For more information on this project, and to download free informational brochures for employer and farmer training, please visit the Cornell Small Farms website at: http://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/grants/. Click on ‘Promoting Workplace CSA in the Southern Adirondacks’.

Laura McDermott is the Berry Extension Specialist for the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program. She can be reached at 518791-5038 or email her at lgm4@cornell.edu. and business owner.

The Vermont Farm to Plate Network is weaving together all components of Vermont’s food system to strengthen the working landscape, build the resilience of farms, improve environmental quality, and increase local food access for all Vermonters. Explore the Vermont Food System Atlas at www.vtfoodatlas.com.

Connect with Article Sources! Farm to Institution New England - http://www.farmtoinstitution.org/ Food Solutions New England - http://www.foodsolutionsne.org/ Vermont Food System Atlas - http://www.vtfoodatlas.com Vermont Bean Crafters - http://vermontbeancrafters.com/ Black River Produce - http://www.blackriverproduce.com/ Kingdom Creamery of Vermont - http://kingdomcreameryofvermont.com/ Harlow Farm - http://harlowfarm.com/ Radical Roots Farm - http://www.radicalrootsvt.com/

July 1, 2013

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

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LOCAL FOODS

Diversified Portfolio: Not just for Wall Street by Mason Donovan Open any financial advice magazine over the past decade and the single most popular advice given will be to make sure you maintain a diversified portfolio; basically, spread your money over many different funds and investment vehicles. They even have widgets which will rebalance your accounts and suggest different investments based on your particular goals such as education, retirement, or home ownership. The same sage advice with a slightly different twist can be given to any small farmer. Unless you are a mega-industrial farmer, relying on one crop is not a good recipe for long term success. Long term success is something the Courser Farm in Warner, NH knows a little bit about. The Courser family has been managing over 1,500 acres of farmland for 100 years. The family farm has survived two world wars, the Great Depression and the great recession in addition to the constantly changing American diet. Originally focusing on timber and corn, the family has expanded its offerings along the way. They’ve added pumpkins, maple syrup and hay to the list. Timber is sold to saw mills while corn continues to be a road side stand crowd attractor. Maple syrup has its peak in March while pumpkins round out the year in the fall. Creating an array of products which not only target different audiences, but also different times of the year creates a healthier portfolio to maintain a continual revenue stream. Putting all of your eggs in one basket (pun intended) can create make-it or break-it financial moments.

Diversifying your product sales channels will also make a big difference. For example, the Coursers leverage their pumpkins as an entertainment venue by inviting carvers to a weekend jack-o-lantern festival. Their maple syrup gets visitors out to their sugar shack during New Hampshire maple weekends. The timber sales allow them to tap into the commercial market. This healthy diverse balance provides a more stable enterprise. However, like any long term family farm, the Coursers understand they must change with the times and be open to emerging trends. They don’t have one of those financial balancing and suggestion widgets, but they do have four generations of working experience. Emma Course Bates is a member of that fourth generation forging into new territories. Emma is the founder of Courser Farm Kitchen, a gluten free bakery. After several of her family members were diagnosed with Celiac disease (caused by adverse reaction to gluten), she started cooking up gluten free baked goods. It wasn’t long before she realized there was an entire group of people the farm was not currently catering to. The kitchen quickly started up and she was staking out a stand at farmers markets across the region. “Many buyers who were not gluten intolerant were reluctant to buy gluten free baked goods,” Emma noted, so she expanded once more into a long time favorite of hers, home-made granola. “Granola allowed me to reach a wider audience,” she said. When asked to define her target audience, Emma said she was working on getting a

Emma and her cooking assistant, Emily, cooking a batch of Maple Nut granola. more narrow definition. Celiac affects twice as many females than males, so she concedes the gluten free aspect is probably more luring to women. However, granola has given her access to both the gluten-free and the mainstream crowd. Courser Farm Kitchen has also given the Courser family their first step into the online world with www.CourserFarmKitchen.com. Although, the majority of buyers are currently local, there is a growing clientele of out-of-state buyers. Best of all, granola is a year round product. Business has picked up enough for Emma to move her operations to a nearby commercial kitchen where she will spend ten hours mixing, baking and packaging seven different flavors of granola. One of her flavors, Maple Nut, also allows this product extension to draw upon one of the popular farm products, maple syrup. Knowing when to divest is just as important as when to invest as well. One of the flavors which

went to the graveyard was Peanut Butter Banana because of all of the peanut allergies. New flavors take into concern other allergies such as sulfate, so some mixes have no dried fruit. The Courser Farm Kitchen concept has sparked conversation as to where the farm family business will be when the fifth generation is old enough to climb onto the tractor. Their overarching strategy is as sound as any financial manager could give. They maintain an inclusive approach which has allowed them to reach a much wider group of buyers. Their focus on diversifying their portfolio of products and sales channels provides a return in every season.After all diversity and inclusion is not just something reserved for Wall Street.

Mason Donovan is an author of The Inclusion Dividend: Why Investing in Diversity & Inclusion Pays Off and the founder of the agriculture based community program, The Yard Project.

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

Growers Credit New York Berry Project for Successful Start-Up by Kara Lynn Dunn

eration methods, irrigation, and pest control.

If you’re thinking about starting a farm enterprise focused on growing berries, Elaine and Karl Guppy will tell you to go to back to school at Cornell University first.

“They are always just a call, email, or workshop away,” Elaine says.

“We have taken almost every production and business management workshop offered by the Cornell University New York Berry Project,” Elaine says. “The learning opportunities are packed with so much information, it is like taking an entire Cornell course in one day, and they are often free.” The New York Berry Project makes the expertise of Cornell’s Horticulture Department Chair Dr. Marvin Pritts and Cooperative Extension fruit specialists Cathy Heidenreich and Laura McDermott available to growers statewide. The project has funding from the New York Farm Viability Institute to offer workshops, webinars, on-farm demonstrations, and oneon-one interaction. Elaine and Karl operate Guppy’s Berry Farm, LLC in West Monroe, NY, and say learning all they could before they began preparing their land was a key to their startup success. “The Berry Project was invaluable to helping us get started with wonderful technical support. When we started, we only knew we wanted to plant berries,” Elaine says. The Guppys have attended workshops, taken field trips, and visited the Cornell berry plots. They avidly read the New York Berry News published 12 times a year with the latest research information from Cornell and the USDA, Berry Barometer month-bymonth tips for the best cultural practices and pest management solutions, policy and regulation news, and workshop and event notices. Growers can find it online at www.fruit.cornell.edu/nybn or request a monthly e-mail notification of the contents. “One of the biggest tips Dr. Pritts gave us early on was to test our soil and make sure we had the right nutrients for blueberries,” Karl says. “We learned everything we could about pH, soil testing, fertilizers, etc.” In 2008, they removed pinewoods from five acres and, a year later, they established their LLC. In 2010, they hand-planted 2,000 certified disease-free blueberry plants, painstakingly measuring spacing between plants and rows.

The Guppys dug a pond and added irrigation to their fields. Karl built a motion sensor tower that triggers a radio and light show that has successfully kept deer out of the berries. He constructed bat boxes that attract the night fliers to help control some pests. The project leaders helped the Guppys identify USDA grant funding to help pay for development of marketing materials, including product packaging, labels, and signage with a distinctive farm logo. A primary sales point is the Syracuse Regional Market, about a 35 minute drive from the farm. “There are a lot of farms selling blueberries at the market - three in my row alone - but people have taken the time to get to know us and our berries and now they search for our booth,” Elaine says. Their continuing education plan in 2013 has them completing their Good Agricultural Practices certification. “We are still learning and planning to enlarge our business as we approach retirement. It is great to work with the Cornell people who study berries and know what we should do and not do before we do it,” Karl says. “We wouldn’t be where we are today without the experience and knowledge the New York Berry Project shared to get us started,” Elaine adds. The Guppys see a future with more blueberry plants, a low tunnel for ever-bearing strawberry production, expanded blackberry production, and perhaps some juneberries (they attended a September 2012 workshop on juneberries, which like soil conditions similar to blueberries). A daughter-in-law has expressed interest in starting a commercial kitchen to make jams and other value-added products. For its part, the New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) has also funded high tunnel season extension research and valueadded crop enhancement opportunities for berry growers. In 2013, with NYFVI funding, Dr. Pritts began recruiting commercial growers who have been in business at least three years and with sales, preferably of two types of

“Cathy’s advice helped us select the best varieties for fresh flavor, shelf life, and disease resistance, which was especially important for us as new growers to not have to deal with issues Cornish such as mummy berry,” Elaine Cross Broilers & says. In 2011, when an early frost destroyed nearly one-half of their crop and then Japanese beetles arrived, the Guppys turned to the berry team for training on temperature mod-

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Karl and Elaine Guppy with some New York Berry Project educational resources they used to begin and grow their farming enterprise. Photo by Brian P. Whattam

Other Resources for Northeast Berry Growers • Berry Crop Label Alerts - The latest registrations, updates, label changes, and more. • Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops: Critical pesticide information for managing diseases, insects, mites, weeds, wildlife, and nutrients. • Berry Diagnostic Tool - A pictorial aid to diagnosing physiological disorders and pest problems of berry crops. Includes direct links to Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops from pest description pages. • Nursery Guide for Berry and Small Fruit Crops - This two-part nursery guide for berry growers cross references scores of cultivars with the nurseries that sell them. • Berry Webinar Archive - View and listen to online berry web seminars on topics including weed control, varieties, insects, and nutrient needs. berries, in 2012 to evaluate the use of a berry farm-specific business summary. Horticultural marketing expert Dr. Bradley Rickard with the Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell is part of the evaluation team.

return-on-investment for more than 10 years. No doubt the Guppys will make good use of that berry business training in the future.

Kara Lynn Dunn is a freelance writer, coordinator of the NYFVI series in American Agriculturist magazine, and publicist for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program. She can be reached at 315-465-7578 or karalynn@gisco.net.

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Passing on the Farm

Loyalty to the land is deeply entrenched in the souls of most farm families. To keep the farm operating, there is no better time than now to talk about transfer. by Maureen Duffy Transferring the farm is a tough topic for many parents and children to discuss. However to keep the farm operating, there is no better time than now. Property ownership, business control and death are topics many people would rather avoid all together. Not talking about it only causes strain between family members, resulting in disagreements and farms being sold. If you don’t want these results, sit down and take the time to seriously look at the issues needed to address succession and estate planning. “Sometimes it’s difficult but you need to start talking,” said Mike Sciabarrasi, extension professor of Agricultural Business Management at the University of New Hampshire. While conducting a workshop titled “Transferring the Farm,” Sciabarrasi noted that there are many factors contributing to family discussions such as debt, health care, money for retirement, taxes and fair treatment of all children. It is all important and farm families need to strategically think and talk about it. For the Fabrizio family, the progress of the farm snowballed. After purchasing the farm in 1967, the Fabrizios began planting apple trees to create Windy Ridge Orchard. The five Fabrizio kids were always involved in the farm and still are today. However, it is Sheila who has decided to stay on the farm with the incredible mountain view in the distance. When Sheila returned to the farm ten years ago, she — along with the support of her parents — worked on finding a way to create an enterprise within the apple operation. She conducted a trial to see if she could make a living from the land. Sheila first tested the market with a donut wagon before investing in a café and found it to be profitable. “We knew we had to diversify from the wholesale apple market for the farm to continue,” noted Dick. “When Sheila decided to farm we added nature trails, farm animals and a playground. At the time, we didn’t

want to invest too much until we knew that Sheila was definitely going to stay. After ten years the test has held true.” The visitor season needed to be extended for Sheila’s livelihood. She has successfully accomplished this by planting a pick-yourown blueberry patch and building the Cider House Café where visitors can enjoy a snack or meal. “We open the end of June and close at Christmas,” said Sheila. “We have made it a family destination location with a good feel — a place where families can come and enjoy the day.” Windy Ridge continues to expand. The first expansion was the Christmas tree plantation in 1989. People can enjoy the holiday season with a wagon ride, cut their own tree and purchase presents at the gift shop. “New projects and products keep things interesting,” said Dick. “And customers come looking to see what is new and different.” The newest addition — Seven Birches Winery and an event center. Wines are now being crafted on the farm. It is another item that visitors are looking for, wines made with local fruits such as apples, blueberries and pumpkins from Windy Ridge as well as crafted grape wines. The event center offers an area for special gathering such as weddings and family reunions. “Time slips by quickly and estate planning is a subject that people often think we’ll do tomorrow,” noted Ann. “If it hadn’t been for Sheila’s energy and enthusiasm we probably would have called it quits by now. Her eagerness helped move the farm forward to what it is today. Plus she has brought the farm to the world through the internet with a Web page and Facebook. It’s what people are looking for these days.” Sheila’s four siblings all want to be part of the farm at some capacity so that it is always their family farm. “We aren’t the type of family to have an official meeting or plan but we talk over breakfast or at a coffee break,” mentioned Sheila. “Mom and Dad have planned well with life and long-term care insurance. They also have divided all assets equally between us kids. It’s not easy

Sheila Fabrizio holds son Max, and proudly stands with her parents, Dick and Ann. Photo by Maureen Duffy

to talk about — there are a lot of unknowns.” It is a blessing that all family members get along and are interested in the success of the farm. “We have all been involved in family discussions,” said Sheila. “It’s our mom’s and dad’s legacy and we don’t want that to fall apart. That would be the worst case scenario.” The other component that has worked for the family during the business transition is that they all have their own areas they are in charge of. Dick takes care of the apple orchard and wholesale, Ann manages the gift store and Sheila tends to the café and event center. Farm families often need a place to start and sometimes having a facilitator at a family meeting can help. “Savings accounts, IRAs can be liquidated but a farm is often dear to the hearts of farmers and something families usually want to hold together. Transferring farms can be complicated and challenging on family dynamics,” explains Matt Strassberg with the New Hampshire Mediation Program. “In most cases a desirable outcome is found but sometimes the math doesn’t work,” said Stassberg.

“Sometimes parents have to sell the farm because they need the money to deal with loans or for long-term care costs. It is an emotional issue for many people.”

Strassberg suggests that families contact an Agricultural Mediation Program sooner rather than later. “The kitchen table is also the board room table,” noted Strassberg. “The people you work with are also your family that you celebrate holidays with. Farm transitions can naturally impact other areas of the family which may magnify conflict. Our job is to facilitate a calm rational discussion with all of those involved.” No matter how your family decides to deal with transferring the farm, it is a subject that needs to be addressed. Perhaps it is as simple as talking about it while planting the garden or over coffee. Whatever the case, a conversation and plan of action will ease the process as much as possible.

Maureen Duffy works for the New Hampshire Farm Bureau as the Communications Director and Young Farmer Coordinator. She can be reached at 603-224-1934 or via e-mail editor@nhfarmbureau.org.

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July 1, 2013

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

NEW FARMERS

Counting Our Blessings Lessons Learned from Raising Heritage Lincoln Longwool Sheep by Emmaline Long and David Popielinski

Emmaline with a newborn Lincoln lamb.

get a sheep ready for show; how to wash it, condition it, trim it, and more importantly, how to breed our animals to improve our flocks. Neither of us claims to be an expert, but we’ve definitely come a long way. 3. Sometimes the people you meet along the way make all the difference: If there’s one thing that contributes more than the sheep themselves in making Lincolns a wonderful breed to raise, it’s the other people who raise them. The Lincoln breeders we show with from around the United States are some of the most encouraging and supportive people we have ever encountered. From the very first shows, when we were naïve rookies, to now as young adults striving to place better each year, they never fail to share their knowledge and help us become better herdsmen. Our Lincolns have taught us to always surround yourself with positive people who share their experiences and encourage you in yours. 4. Sheep will find every burdock in the field: If there’s one thing we have learned about raising a wool breed of sheep, it’s that no matter how much time you spend in the pasture digging up burdocks, thistles, and other troublesome weeds, your sheep will always manage to find the one you miss. And good luck getting that out later…

If you ask which life experiences have had the most profound impact on us, our answer may surprise you. “Sheep?” you would ask. “Why sheep?” Well, it all started with a Blessing in the form of a Lincoln Longwool sheep. Blessing came to Dave Popielinski of Rocky Knoll Acres while he was in middle school through the Youth Conservationist Program, which encourages youth to raise rare heritage breeds of sheep. Little did we know she would indeed be a blessing to both of us. Emmaline Long of Orchard View Farm met Dave and Blessing at an agricultural fair in the fifth grade. She was so inspired that two years later, she purchased a pair of Lincolns to call her own. Thirteen years after Blessing connected us, Dave has 15 and Emmaline has 35 registered Lincoln Longwools. Lincoln Longwools are a relatively large breed of sheep that was developed in the Lincolnshire region of England and was brought to the United States in the mid-1800s. While it is traditionally bred for its lustrous wool, the Lincoln is a multi-purpose breed that is large and heavily built. As with many larger breeds of animals, they are calm with a gentle disposition. Their fleece can either be white or natural colored (ranging from black to light charcoal) and is classified as coarse in texture. They have been a great breed for both of us and are the only breed that we raise. As we have grown up over the past decade, our Lincolns have taught us a great many lessons we feel are good guidance for young farmers looking to partake in the many blessings that come from raising heritage farm animals. 1. Educate, educate, educate: Education in agriculture happens on many levels. We do our part by attending fairs, festivals and other small community events with our Lincolns, both around our communities in Western NY and throughout the Northeast. While questions about our “goats” can be as frustrating as they are amusing, attending these events is a great way for us to not only educate people about agriculture and sheep in general, but also to teach people about the unique nature of our heritage breed. Also, because our breed is so rare we have often walked into the show ring at fairs to find judges’ faces clearly begging the question, “What on earth is that?!” We’re no longer surprised at being the odd ones out at our local county fairs, and celebrate our animals’ rarity as an opportunity to educate those around us. 2. If at first you don’t succeed, try, try, try again: Placing last in anything is never easy, but it is probably the most motivating place to be in the show ring. We have experienced placing last at shows large and small, but over years of showing we have steadily worked our way up the line. When we started, neither of us had any idea how to

7. Following the leader can get you into trouble: Sheep are flock animals. They strongly dislike being alone and will do anything - ANYTHING - to stay with their friends. There is no rhyme or reason to the decisions they make, but they always do the same thing. If one decides to go outside, they all go outside. If one decides to eat hay, they all get up and eat hay. Their game of “follow the leader” is quite humorous, actually, and blatantly evident in the one little path stretching from barn to pasture. While this is evolutionarily a defensive survival tactic for sheep, it often seems to get them into just as much trouble as it helps them. So, when one gets stuck in a fence, so do a few others. After spending enough time with the Lincolns, we realized it’s the same with us. During middle school, high school and throughout life, it is so easy to just follow everyone else without paying mind to the possible outcomes. As with sheep, this often gets you into trouble. We’ve learned this the hard way. The road to individuality is oftentimes much harder and less traveled, but we have found in the end it is infinitely more rewarding. Be a leader and make your own path into the pasture. 8. Don’t forget to count your blessings along the way: There is so much in life to be thankful for, yet so much is taken for granted. Blessing is the sheep that started it all for us: directly for Dave, and indirectly for Emmaline. Along the way we’ve had our share of trials - lost lambs, sick sheep, disappointment from placing last in a competitive show- but it has always been important to pay attention to the little things like an energetic lamb, the excitement of sheep when you walk into the barn (even if all they want from you is food) and placing higher at a show than you did last year. In this modern world of instant gratification, lightning fast technologies, and drivethrough everything, it is easy to lose focus of what is most important. We have learned to pause and take the time to appreciate the small, seemingly insignificant things in daily life. We now realize the littlest things are usually the biggest blessings. What started as one Blessing in the form of a sheep has since multiplied into many more that have shaped us into who we are today. Blessing has since passed away, but the gifts she passed onto us will last a lifetime. Even though we are still finishing college and trying to figure out our plans in the grand scheme of life, we both know, without a doubt, that Lincoln Longwool sheep will continue be a part of our future.

Lincoln Longwools out to pasture at Orchard View Farm. They’re a bit like we were growing up: always managing to get ourselves in a little bit of trouble that we would have to work ourselves out of later. Man or beast, it seems that we all have a burdock stuck to us at some point in our lives.

Emmaline Long has been developing Orchard View Farm in Bergen, NY since the age of 12. She is currently a graduate student in the Animal Science department at Cornell University. She can be reached at eal93@cornell.edu. David Popielinski has been raising his Lincolns at Rocky Knoll acres in Alden, NY since middle school. He can be reached at dlpopielinski@yahoo.com.

5. Responsibility: Our Lincoln sheep started out as 4-H projects for us, so right from the beginning our parents made sure that we were the ones feeding them, cleaning the pens, and assuming full responsibility for all sheeprelated tasks and disasters. At the age of 12, this was not an easy task. It’s also not easy doing midnight and three a.m. checks on school nights, helping a mother give birth, and nursing a cold lamb back to life at -10° F. But we have done all those things, and through them we have been instilled with a sense of responsibility. 6. Patience is a virtue: Raising animals can be trying, and sheep are as stubborn as they come. We’ve both had our share of sheep-related temper tantrums, but as with most situations in life, frustration doesn’t accomplish anything. We believe sheep can sense their shepherd’s negative emotions and will purposely encourage frustration when they detect it. When you say “go left,” they go right. When you repair the fence in one spot, they find the next convenient hole. Winning the battle is difficult, especially when you are contending with a 300 pound ram. We have learned that calm and patient work can mollify even the most exasperating of sheep, as well as most obstacles faced in raising animals.

A Lincoln ewe ready to be shorn.

July 1, 2013

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

NORTHEAST SARE SPOTLIGHT Welcome to the Northeast SARE Spotlight! SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) offers grants to farmers, educators, universities and communities that are working to make agriculture more sustainable — economically, environmentally, and socially. Learn about whether a SARE grant would be a good fit for you.

Keeping Heifers Fit Fay Benson Used Pedometers to Track Cow Health by Rachel Whiteheart Fay Benson’s Facebook page “Girls of Summer” isn’t what the innocent web surfer might think. Instead of featuring topless women, as the evocative name suggests, Benson’s page promotes another type of unclothed female: the dairy heifer. In 2011, Benson received a SARE ‘On Farm Research/Partnership’ Grant to thoroughly examine the effects of confinement vs. grazing on the health and productivity of dairy heifers. Benson noticed that some larger dairy farmers are reluctant to graze because they believe that grazing is “backwards,” inconvenient, and overly time-consuming; in an attempt to change these farmers’ perspectives, he decided to come up with some cold hard facts as to the benefits of grazing. And when searching for cold hard facts, what better place to start looking than a heifer’s leg? Benson conducted two simultaneous experiments under this SARE grant to determine both movement differences and health differ-

ences that arose between heifers raised in confinement and heifers raised on pasture. Prior to this point, no experiments had been conducted to quantify physical activity differences between heifers that are kept in confinement and those that are grazed. Seeing an opportunity for exploration, Benson decided to develop this area as one of his two projects. His search for the best way to quantify movement differences led him to an almost comically simple solution: pedometers, small devices typically used by people to track the number of steps they take. Benson decided that the era of humans monopolizing this technology was over and set to work attaching pedometers to the legs of 10 heifers during their last month out in the grazing pasture before they relocated to a confinement dairy for the late fall and winter. The pedometers recorded every movement that heifers made over the two month period (first month on pasture; second month confined). The pedometers revealed that the grazing heifers experienced a 60 percent drop in the number of steps taken when the animals transitioned from pasture into confinement. For Benson’s second project, he examined the health differences that arose between heifers raised in confinement and heifers raised on pasture. Both Benson and Hardie Farm (the dairy for which he raises heifers) use a computer program called DairyCOMP to chronicle the full health history of each heifer that passes through their farms. DairyCOMP keeps track of specific health markers including milk production levels, times bred, age at first calving, calving ease, and post-freshening health problems.

The pedometers attached to the leg of each heifer record the heifers’ movements, including the time they spend lying down, standing, and walking.

Benson doesn’t have enough land or time to allow all of the heifers that are raised on his farm to graze; each year some heifers are held in a confinement barn on his land and some are grazed, a fact that was key in the development of this experiment. He utilized past DairyCOMP health data for heifers that had grazed on his farm for a period of five months in 2009, 2010, and 2011 (he sampled 60 from each year). He then found past data for a “herd-mate” (a heifer of similar age and stature) that had been raised during each of those years in confinement on his farm. Hardie Farm, which housed each of

Upcoming SARE Grant Deadlines Professional Development Preproposals - Due July 29 The Professional Development program funds outcome-based projects that train Cooperative Extension educators and other agricultural service providers in sustainable techniques and concepts. Projects must be directed toward increasing the skill and understanding of these service providers and consistent with SARE’s larger goal of broad farmer adoption of sustainable practices. Awards range from $60,000 to $200,000. Research and Education Preproposals - Due July 29 Northeast SARE seeks proposals for research, education and on-farm demonstration projects, and the emphasis is on projects that lead directly to improved farming practices and an enhanced quality of life for farmers and rural communities. Projects must involve farmers and other stakeholders in planning, implementing, and evaluating a potential project; we also fund projects where research, Cooperative Extension, and education are closely linked. Learn more at http://www.nesare.org/ Grants/Get-a-Grant.

Benson’s heifers are rotationally grazed. the test heifers after their stay on Benson’s farm, provided Benson with their past and current DairyCOMP data following the health of each of the sampled heifers. This set of comprehensive health data for each of the sampled heifers allowed Benson to examine the full health histories of the grazed and confinement heifers during, and after, their stay on his farm. Benson then used health markers found in DairyCOMP to determine whether any significant health differences arose due to the environment in which the heifers were raised. Benson found no noticeable health differences across any major health markers between the dairy heifers that he had raised in confinement and those that had been grazed. He attributes this result to the fact that both the grazed heifers raised on his See Heifers page 16

One of Benson’s heifers sports a pedometer that will catalog her movements over the course of a two month period. Photos by Fay Benson

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I Love New York Agriculture Art & Writing Contest Each year, NYAITC and New York Farm Bureau sponsor an opportunity for Pre-K through middle school students across the state to discover where food comes from and why agriculture is important. The contest is divided by grade level, and each level has a specific topic to create a piece of art, poem, or narrative related to an aspect of agriculture. There were over 500 entries in this year’s contest.

July 1, 2013

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Small Farm Quarterly

Youth Pages New York Agriculture in the Classroom’s (NYAITC) mission is to foster an awareness, understanding, and appreciation of how New York State and the United States produce food and fiber. NYAITC assists educators in teaching about our agricultural food systems, what we eat, and how we live by offering opportunities for students and communities to engage with agriculture.

All awardees receive a Certificate of Recognition, and the first place winners are awarded $25 to invest in their education or an agricultural product or experience. Congratulations to the all the award winners! We wish we could feature all of them!

If you are interested in learning more about NYAITC, or volunteering for a variety of events, please visit www.agclassroom.org/ny.

PHOTO FEATURE

Horse Power Our summer photo feature comes to us all the way from Welcome Table Farm in Walla Walla, WA. Welcome Table Farm offers a full diet of foods including vegetables, grains, eggs, perennial fruits and nuts, and pasture raised meats and cut flowers. The farmers of Welcome Table Farm strive to make healthy, local food accessible through direct customer sales, work trade options and donations to hunger relief organizations. The farm is working to minimize non-renewable and polluting energy use by effectively employing the skill and draft power of people and animals. Learn more at http://welcometablefarm.com.

Joel Sokoloff cultivating fava beans with horses Avi & Dandy. Photo by Chandler Briggs

New York Agriculture Art and Slogan. Third grade students are asked to paint or color a drawing with a one sentence slogan about New York agriculture. The slogan can be general or specific to a particular agricultural process of commodity. Vegetables were the product of choice for Amelie Metzger, a 3rd grader at CattaraugusLittle Valley Elementary School. Her slogan states, “Eat Your Vegetables.”

“Cows, Milk, and Me” by Hunter Osgood of Franklinville Elementary School.

“Me and the Foods I Like” by Elena Gehrke of Cayuga Heights Elementary School.

“My Favorite New York Food and Where It Comes From” by Olivia Seiflein of Cattaragus-Little Valley School.

July 1, 2013

New York Agriculture Poem

New York Agriculture Narrative Grace Sayward, a homeschooled 5th grade student, received 1st place in his category for her original narrative she wrote. The students were asked to write an informative narrative, real or imagined, that utilized research and information from a variety of sources to develop their topic or stories. Grace’s winning story is entitled, “Advice From Gilly” and a section of her story reads: “I stomped the ground. I didn’t want the little farm girl coming any closer. Aspen was my son and I was going to protect him. Two more faces were at the door. I stomped again. Couldn’t they leave me alone? The nosy children wanted to pet and play with my little darling. I wanted them gone. I’m Gilly, a seven year old Icelandic ewe. Aspen is my seventh lamb and a second son. He was born this morning.”

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

“My Favorite New York Farm Animal” by Evelyn Britt, a Pre-K student at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School.

Students in 4th grade are asked to compose a poem. The poem can be general or specific, and it can focus on one of the over 200 agricultural commodities produced in New York, a specific farm or farmer, or an aspect of the food system. Morganne Chapman of Ellicottville Central School won the division with her poem. A section of her poem reads:

“…In the fall the farmers Harvest the crops the Farmers can the food Then they go sell them In the winter we Buy what they canned And eat them all Winter. That is why I am thankful for FARMERS.”

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

July 1, 2013

GRAZING

The Calves Come Home How to calm down, observe nature, and supercharge your results! by Eric Noel When I started grazing cattle nine years ago, I had no clue about what I was doing, how things would turn out, and how much nature takes care of things on her own. As the years went by I found that relaxing, observing and letting things happen was a better strategy than forcing change and making things that I wanted to happen come to pass.The latter is exhausting and not as fulfilling, but it took time, experience and careful thought to come to this realization. For me, nature was my best teacher, showing me how powerful animal instinct is and how well different species already work together. The Power of Instinct I used to always make sure all the calves for my cow-calf operation were with their mothers every time I went to move the herd. I’d make sure that with every herd move all the calves were found and trained on my time frame. This worked all right until the end of my first season of grazing my own herd. I moved the herd and noticed two calves not present. I proceeded to find them and attempted to get them with the herd. This didn’t work so well this time. In my attempt to get behind them and push them in the direction of the herd, these two calves kept going in the opposite direction. I ended up pushing them into the neighbor’s woods, up over two hills and through three barbed wire fences about a mile away. I gave up. They kept moving away from me. I couldn’t make a big enough circle to get behind them. I actually lost them in the woods. I thought I would never see those calves again.

The view from down here! Cattle still in the paddock.

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It was evening. I went home and ate. I was angry at the calves and myself, and I was stressed out about losing the potential income. I tried to put it out of my mind, and I went to bed. The next morning I went out to do my first move of the day, never expecting to see those two calves, but there they were — standing next to their mothers with full bellies looking at me like nothing ever happened. At first this got me cranked up again because I was thinking “these calves are playing me, not doing what I want them to do when I want them to do it.” Then after some thought (I don’t know why it didn’t come sooner) it dawned on me: Let them move when they want to at the pace they want. They already know what to do. Their instinct is so strong that they overcame all the obstacles. I pushed them through in the dark no less. I had forced my own time-wasting, stressful situation. I let my ego, my belief that things were supposed to be ‘just so’ get in the way. Life, and farming in particular, does NOT require struggle to be successful or to feel like you are doing your part. What I have found is that nature already has all the answers. The path of least resistance (which is also human nature) actually allows us to accomplish more in less time for an

increased quality of life, higher net profits and more time off. Cow Controlled Weaning Another natural concept you can use is to let the cow do the weaning. This totally eliminates stress for the calf, the cow and you. I

A Bobolink nest after 150 head grazed the paddock. Photos by Eric Noel See Calves page 14

July 1, 2013

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

FARM MEMOIR

The Disappearing Hay by Stuart Cheney One year about 1944 or ‘45 it was time to cut the second cutting of hay, more commonly called rowen back then. The farmer who lived across the road from where I live now, whose name was Dan, mowed down seven or eight acres of beautiful rowen on a field between where I live now and where I lived then, which is about one-third of a mile. Dan and my dad had been talking and he told Dad to mow the whole east side, and Dan would take it to his barn where they had an ensilage cutter set up. The plan was to pick up all the hay when it was dry, bring it all to the ensilage blower, fork it into the blower, shoot it up the pipe about thirty feet into the window at the top of the barn, and it would land on a scaffold at the end of the barn under the blower pipe. Dad was to get his share for helping. The idear was that the barn was full of loose hay and by chopping it the hay wouldn’t take up much room and would all fit on the scaffold — maybe. They had an old big blue onelunger engine mounted on an old waygon frame to run the blower, and Dan had bought a wooden buck rake that fit right on the front of the John Deere tractor. The buck rake has wooden teeth about eight inches long and also about eight inches wide. You lower it down and let it slide along the ground right underneath the windrow of hay. When it gets full you pick it up and head for the barn. Sounds good, doesn’t it?

down the road he went. Well they soon found out that over near the woods where the hay was the heaviest, it was rough. A few stones stuck up, so Neil stayed outta there with the tractor and they sent down the truck and a couple of men to get that hay. Things were going pretty smooth so far, and they loaded the truck, brought it up, and were dropping it off onto the blower table the best they could. Of course before they started chipping the hay and blowing it into the barn, Dan told my dad to bring up his Doodle-Bug (hand-made tractor) and large hay trailer that went behind and back it into the barn right up to the scaffold at the end of the barn. That way when they got a big pile of chopped hay they could take their forks and push my father’s share right onto the trailer. Sounds good. Well the afternoon wore on and Neil was making trip after trip, coming up the hill with a rake so full of hay it slowed things down a bit, but he sure made up for it on the way back. The only problem was when he had the rake loaded he couldn’t see a thing straight ahead and if a car was coming and they didn’t pull over and get out of his way — I don’t even want to think about that. But if you think that bothered Neil, well then you didn’t know Neil! Not much traffic back in those days and nobody’s car ever got impaled. Came about six o’clock and all the hay was off the fields with a lot less work than usual and it was milking time again. We shut down the Old Blue putt-putt and everybody cleaned

Dan’s son Neil drove the tractor. He was six years older than me and when the day came, we all got out there and one way or another got all the hay raked up. It was a perfect day, and they had the old putt-putt running and that big long belt was just a-flopping in the breeze. Two men were stationed with blower forks as Neil brought the hay in with the buck rake. He didn’t waste time, and as soon as he dumped off the hay and got turned around he’d jam it into high gear, and

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themselves off and headed to the milk house where all sorts of good cold things awaited. There was some nice chocolate milk for me, which I loved. Oh boy! Now we’re headed into the barn floor to see the big pile of chopped hay-what a fun idear this has been. “Oh my God! Where’s the hay!”

Well I guess they had the Old Blue putt-putt stepped up a little too much and instead of making the hay into a pile it blew it all over hell. Now there was no more than eight inches to ten inches of hay on the scaffold and only three or four inches left on the haytrailer. Hay was all over the Doodle-Bug, even stuck up against rafters. It seemed the smallest cobwebs held a handful of dry hay. There is no way you can believe that all that hay should of made a small mountain just wasn’t there. Neil hitched onto Dad’s Doodle-Bug and towed it out of the barn before they dare start it up and start a fire. As Dad and I went on down the hill to our own barn what little hay was on the tractor blew off. He didn’t even bother to back it into the barn.

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Making hay with the tractor.

Hay-making before the putt-putt. Stuart Cheney riding the horse. 1937.

Moral of the story is don’t count your chicks before they hatch.

Stuart Cheney grew up on a 145 acre diversified farm near Brattleboro, VT. He resides on the farm in a small five room house built by his grandfather in 1940.

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

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July 1, 2013

SEED STORIES

The Case for Regional Seed by Petra Page-Mann

heavily on chemical applications, resulting in varieties adapted to these sprays.

There is so much in a seed. Each seed tells the story of its entire life history, millions of years in the making. A few seeds, in a single generation, may travel the globe. Most will stay within their watershed and most likely, their microclimate. In this way, seeds become profoundly adapted to place. The selection pressures of the environment (drought, lownutrient stress) are key in the evolution of every seed. Agricultural seed tells an additional story, one of human relationship. Historically they remained fairly static, slowly adapting to place and becoming spread wide first on our backs, then by camel, then by boat. Fast forward to 2013: most seed companies offer seed from all over the world. If ‘regional seed’ is seed becoming adapted to a bioregion, then all seed before World War I was regional. Farmers in both industrialized and developing nations saved their own seed. Integral to livelihood, maintaining good seedstock was equally important as keeping a good bull for livestock. Over time, each variety was selected to meet the environmental conditions and farmer’s needs on the farm. We share a blind faith that seed is produced by the companies selling them; this is most often not the case. Although a ‘widely adapted’ seed may grow in your soil, it may not flourish as one that has been ‘regionally adapted.’ Companies with international markets excel in the former, but not the latter. Most seed is grown where the climate favors commercial dry seed production, such as the Pacific Northwest and Israel. Much of this seed is adapted to modern agricultural techniques (mechanization, increased external inputs), allowing for wide adaptation and the high yields resulting from high inputs. Further, breeding for resistance to pests and disease is rarely prioritized, relying

The author with her selections of ‘Joan’ rutabega from the root cellar, ready to make seed adapted to the Finger Lakes in 2013.

Calves from page 12 know what you’re thinking, “A cow doesn’t know how to do that.” Well, let me tell you from experience that they do. In preparation for the new calf she will kick the yearling until it gets the hint and stops trying. Yes, you will have the occasional heifer or even a cow that doesn’t get it right. What do you do? Cull the animal. It’s all about getting the herd to take care of itself as much as possible. Birds and Grazing Cattle Another example of nature working within a farming system is grassland birds thriving in a planned grazing model. I have seen cattle graze around Bobolink nests perched up in the forage canopy of a paddock. Think about this: 150 head of 1000 pound cattle in a high density scenario grazing around a nest in the forage, the size of a coffee cup with eggs in it and leaving it unharmed! How does this happen? The only answer I can come up with is “It’s nature. It’s what is supposed to happen.” Last year I also started seeing birds on the back of my cattle.A couple of years before I built and installed about 30 tree swallow bird houses because they eat flying insects. I wanted to reduce the fly

Is Regional Seed a Thing of the Past? Following the rebirth of regional organic vegetable production, awareness of regional seed production is gaining momentum. Regional seed is the natural root of local food. The Pacific Northwest has a thriving network of small-scale seed growers and here in the Northeast we have our own burgeoning community of committed seed growers. Perhaps evidence of a shift in public awareness, many of these growers are experiencing significant sales growth each season. The Case for Regional Seed Each region has specific resources, growing challenges and market opportunities; regional seed is uniquely able to adapt all of these needs and conditions. Not all seeds are readily produced on a commercial scale in the Northeast (on account of our humid growing season), but many could be with proper techniques. Few seed companies sell seed grown in the Northeast and even then it is only a small percent of their offering. This means you may be buying good seed but not seed selected to excel in your specific climate and soils. Fruition Seeds offers a different perspective, providing varieties grown organically in and for the Northeast. Raised in the Northeast, co-founders Petra Page-Mann and Matthew Goldfarb have worked in agriculture for over thirty collective years. With knowledge of local production, local markets and operating on a relatively small scale, they offer seed grown on their farm in the Finger Lakes of Upstate New York as well as seed from other excellent organic growers throughout the Northeast. “Without a company to serve the market, how do we have access?” asks Dr. Michael Mazourek with Plant Breeding and Genetics at Cornell University. “Seed customized to our growing conditions gives us freedom from ‘making do’ with what serves major national markets. A region’s ability to have vibrant, productive seed is critical.” “Each farm is unique, especially each organic farm,” observes Michael Glos, also with Cornell Plant Breeding and Genetics. Conventional seed, produced with quick-release fertilizer and pesticide, may perform with little variation between farms. Organic systems, however, have a spectrum of variables for seed to respond to, increasing the significance of regional seed. “Regional seed is important,” continues Michael who, ten years ago, saved kale seed on his farm. Having only grown that seed since, “nothing can replace seed selected on the conditions of your specific farm.” Will Bonsall agrees: “We like to hire everything out: washing the car, fixing the deck. But some things are too compelling, too important to leave to the professionals, like tucking in our children at night. Everything related to food, and especially the seed, must be seen in this light.” Bonsall has been saving seed in Maine for decades, witnessing population in a natural way. Now when I go down my cattle lane, I get dive bombed and zoomed by all these birds. It’s very cool to see. Last year was the first year I had NO pink eye cases with the most cattle I’ve ever grazed (180 head). Relax and Let Nature Do Her Job Plants and animals did just fine before we got here and will continue when we are gone. We have the advantage of our intellect, our thinking mind. We can choose to let go of our ego, our competitive self.This allows us to align ourselves with nature, give her the support she can use which allows both to prosper. Feed the cycle and the cycle will provide abundant returns in all forms. It all starts with our thinking. Do less, make more and laugh all the way to the bank, while at the same time making a deposit in nature’s bank account. Following what nature already knows how to do and using our management skills to align with her is where the magic happens. You will know when you get there because you are in the zone and your farm and cattle are all at high performance and in step with nature.You will have more time for the things in life that are important to you, your family and your farm. Stress levels are low and

the impact of regional and on-farm selection in many crops. His work with grain is an excellent example. “Wheat bred for the prairie soils of the grain belt, rather than the forest soils of the Northeast, are notably different. Additional breeding for yield has neglected the flavor, nutrition and bread-making qualities of wheat.” Adapting grains to his soils has taught him much and he continues to learn more each season. How is Regional Seed Developed? Bonsall sources multitudes of wheat to ‘trial’ from germplasm banks around the world, Seed Savers Exchange, neighbors and seed companies. Variety trialing is central to the growth and vitality of regional seed. Grown side by side, varietal characteristics are evaluated from seed currently grown in a region as well as seed from around the world. In many ways, trialing is as important as seed production itself because it illuminates the spectrum of genetic diversity within a crop type, offering us the range of what is possible. Once a consistent, quality variety has been identified, it moves into production to be ‘customized’ to our growing conditions. Like growing seed, trialing is done by seed companies and universities. But perhaps most important, the active participation of farmers is key to the long-term vision and success of these efforts.

Several seed companies based in the Northeast trial extensively to find varieties with potential for growers in the Northeast. Also, Cornell Plant Breeding and Genetics is making exciting progress identifying varieties with resistance to diseases with national and international significance, such as downy mildew and late blight. This season they are growing 56 varieties of cucumber in their downy mildew trials, with over a thousand plants from the breeding program going to the field for selection. We are fortunate here in the Northeast (especially the Finger Lakes!) because diseases with international relevance studied here offer tremendous regional insight, as well.

Cornell also engages growers in our bioregion who participate in variety trial and breeding. “Come to a field day,” encourages Michael Mazourek, “meet us and get more involved!” The Cornell Organic Vegetable Research Farm in Freeville, NY will hold a public field day in late summer (date to be determined) and can always be found at NOFA conferences and many NOFA-sponsored events. Regional seed, like local food, is too important to our lives to be fringe for long. The extraordinary elasticity of genetics offers ample opportunity to customize our seed to meet the specific conditions and needs of individual and regional farms. The seed we have now is good but truly excellent, well-adapted and regional seed is our privilege to cultivate. With the collaboration of seed companies, universities and individuals alike, building a regional seed supply in the Northeast is gaining momentum with each season. ‘Trial’ some regionally adapted seed in your garden this season and see how ‘local’ can go deeper!

Petra Page-Mann lives and farms in Naples, NY and founded Fruition Seeds in the Fall of 2012. She may be reached at fruitionseed@gmail.com. farming becomes profitable and fun again.

Eric Noel is an organic farmer, grazing and farm planning consultant, and coach. He lives and farms in the Champlain Islands of Vermont with his wife and two children. He can be reached at 802752-8731 or ericrnoel@hotmail.com.

You’re out. I’m in. Momma knows what to do.

July 1, 2013

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

LIVESTOCK & POULTRY

Where the Buffalo Roam by Amy Weakley Our little family farm is tucked away in a remote corner of Tug Hill in the Adirondack region of Upstate New York. As a child I lived on a small family farm, where I learned to have a strong work ethic and an even stronger understanding of our family values. As I grew up, went to college, married and started a family of my own, I realized I wanted my children to have those same experiences and values. We started Barefoot Buffalo Farm in 2010 with five buffalo. Raising bison, the more accurate name for our animals, is no small chore and should not be entered into lightly. That being said, we couldn’t be happier. Bison are absolutely amazing creatures, each with their own personality. They are majestic wild animals. More than 60 million bison once roamed all across the North American Continent. Bison have thrived on wild and drought resistant grasses, native shrubs, flowers and other plants and were a huge part of the ecological system. Bison are considered ruminants, as they do chew a cud. To Native Americans, bison were the economic and spiritual sustenance, supplying them with food, clothing, shelter and a source of utensils and tools. Currently, there are approximately 500,000

bison in the U.S. Yellowstone National Park has a herd of about 3,500 wild bison, making it the largest wild herd in the world. Bison are not tame animals and must be handled with care and caution, each with their own personality. While they may seem quiet or docile, they should not be trusted. Respect them and give them their needed space. Proper handling equipment, fencing and patience are must haves. Our fence posts are telephone poles or 6X6’s — 12 feet long, buried 4 feet down and a woven wire fence 8 feet high. The bison pasture ratio is the same as that for cows. We will be moving to a rotational grazing system this year in an effort to adopt more sustainable practices. We currently have about 27 bison ranging in age from newborns to fully mature animals. Our plans are to continue to grow our farm as we can. Currently we sell our bison meat to family, friends and our local community. With just word-of-mouth advertising, we can’t meet the local demand. We plan to join some of the local Farmers Markets as our growth allows. Our customers come from diverse backgrounds. They range from people curious about the taste of an exotic meat, outdoorsmen, Buy Local folks, and those interested in a healthier red meat. After talking to a variety of people including our potential customers, we have opted to transport our bison alive more than three hours away to a plant capable of processing them with a USDA inspection process. This is not required but is viewed as a valuable quality control for our customers. We have also had people interested in purchasing live animals on the hoof for private processing.

George is Barefoot Buffalo Farm’s current productive bull.

We love all of our animals and take comfort in knowing they are raised in a healthy manner where they can run and play in a natural environment. We have also chosen not to use antibiotics or hormones with our bison. They are hearty animals with a strong resistance to many diseases and we feel that nature should not be tampered with.

Rt. 20, Sharon Springs, NY • (800) 887-1872 or (518) 284-2346 1175 Hoosick St. Troy, NY • (518) 279-9709

Bison mothers are nurturing and protective of their young. Photos by Amy Weakley A common belief is that ranchers breed bison with cattle. This is not true. “The National Bison Association is dedicated to maintaining the integrity species. In fact, our Code of Ethics specifically prohibits members from deliberately crossbreeding bison with another species.” We chose bison because of its wonderful meat. It is delicious and nutritious.

Service (FSIS) or from an accredited state inspection program which offers inspection “at least equal” to USDA.

There are a numbers of farms in the central New York area that sell live animals for those interested in raising bison. The Eastern Bison Association also hosts two conferences/shows and sales annually.

To learn more about raising bison, visit The According to the Nation Bison Association, National Bison Association website at bison are classified as an exotic, or “non- www.bisoncentral.com. amenable species,” under the Federal Meat Inspection Act. As such, they fall under some Amy Weakley owns Barefoot Buffalo Farm unique regulatory provisions. All bison mar- with her family in Taberg, NY. She can be keted into the commercial marketplace must reached at 315-942-6171, dave_amy_weakand be processed in an FDA-approved facility. ley@yahoo.com These facilities are required to comply with www.facebook.com/barefootbuffalofarm. all FDA regulations, as well as with the FSIS regulations regarding sanitation. Bison producers/processors may • Bison are faster and more agile than a horse, running at also request “voluntary inspec40 mph and jumping 6 feet high. tion” services from the U.S. • Bison are matriarchal, meaning a female will be the Department of Agriculture’s head of the herd. Food Safety and Inspections • One Bison bull can usually service 10-18 cows. • Bison live 20-25 years in the wild and up to 30 in quality captive conditions.

Fun Facts About Bison

The Agri-Mark dairy cooperative works year-round for higher farm milk prices, better markets and effective dairy legislation on behalf of our Northeast dairy farm families. For more information on working with other farm families for higher on-farm milk prices, contact our Membership Department toll-free at

1-800-225-0532.

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

July 1, 2013

LIVESTOCK & POULTRY

Sheep Barn Interior Design: Wooden Panels

If you can handle a drill, a saw, and a few other simple tools, this article describes how to assemble panels for pens, lambing jugs, and a creep feeder by Ulf Kintzel Any boards I use are rough cut. Other than avoiding the occasional splinter, there is no additional benefit to a finWhile times change with incredible speed when it comes to ished board — rough-cut will do and is cheaper. The boards the development of technology, some things seem to stand I use are one inch thick and three inches wide. Some may the test of time. Sheep feeders and panels were made from prefer a wider board, perhaps four or five inches wide. wood for hundreds and thousands of years. Nowadays, However, having a board thicker than one inch does not there is a variety of metal panels, pens, and feeders on the seem to suit any additional purpose. As far as the length is market, yet wooden panels seem to be the far more eco- concerned, I go pretty much with what is available at the nomical option and are perhaps even more widespread. time in order to keep the cost low. I take anything between That is if you can handle a drill, a saw, and a few other sim- eight and about ten feet long. Shorter than eight feet would ple tools. In this article I will describe my preferences and be too short. Boards longer than 12 feet will not be handy for experiences when making panels for pens, lambing jugs, one person when they are used for a panel. and creep feeder. Feel free to copy or modify my ideas as In order to make my panels, I need the following tools: a ciryou see fit. cular saw, a drill, one and 5/8 inch long deck screws, a The wood of choice — recommended by my friend Mahlon, measuring tape, a woodworker’s pencil, a woodworker’s tria saw miller — is hemlock. Hemlock is light yet it stands A divider panel, low enough to step over without climbpressure very well without breaking. In fact, it bends under ing and also “lamb proof.” pressure rather than breaking. The drier it is, the better it bends. The downside to hemlock is the relative ease with groups of sheep with lambs of different ages. These are just which it splits when you drill screws into it. So it may be nec36 inches high and the spacing in between the lower boards essary to pre-drill holes when putting in screws close to the is tighter — three to four inches between lower boards and edge. In the past I have also tried white pine (which works) five to six inches between upper boards. The tighter spacing and red oak (which is too heavy). is because of the lambs; lambs escaping through the panel into another group is absolutely undesirable. The lower height is for me to be able to step over without the need to Heifers from Pgae 9 climb. This may sound silly but if during the course of a two farm and those heifers raised in confinement on Benson’s to three week lambing season, you climb dozens of times farm spent “9 months [after leaving Benson’s farm] in conper day over panels in order to get from one group to anothfinement on the Hardie farm, which homogenized the er and in and out of lambing jugs (which are of the same health differences between them.” Nevertheless, Benson lower height), you will be exhausted just because of that. says that the feed costs savings he retains through grazStepping over is far easier. Since ewes are even less flighty ing heifers are reason enough for him to continue (he during lambing and with young lambs, this height, which saved around $650 over the course of a 150 day grazing may be insufficient at other times, is no problem at all. period). Benson believes that many other farmers in the A creep feeder panel with spacing that allows lambs near future will be drawn towards grazing for the same My panels for my lambing jugs or pens are of the same only to access the fancy hay. reason since “the cost of grazing hasn’t changed but the height and spacing as the dividers because of the same reacost of feed has.” However, Benson plans to continue his angle, a couple of saw horses, and a make-shift work bench son. The length of these panels is five feet. Due to the shortresearch of the potential health benefits of grazing to give made from hemlock boards laid over a frame. er length only one diagonal board is necessary to provide dairies more reasons, besides just economic incentives, stability. These panels make a five by five jug/pen, which is to choose grazing. Length and height of the panels as well as spacing in sufficiently large for a ewe to bond with her lambs immedibetween boards depends on the future purpose of the pan- ately after lambing. I set up the jugs along the wall and side This grant was the most recent grant in a series of three els. “Normal” panels, used for making holding pens for groups by side. That reduces the need for panels per jug to two, with that Fay has been involved with, all relating to dairy cows of sheep, are 40 inches high and eight to ten feet long. They the need for three panels per jug on either end of this row of (he jokes that his grants are his very own Lord of the have five horizontal boards, the lower boards are spaced lambing pens. Rings trilogy, but dairy cow-style). His first grant examabout five inches apart, the upper ones about six inches ined health differences between grazed and confined apart. My sheep are of medium size and calm disposition and Lastly, I also built the panels for my creep feeder myself. The dairy heifers during their freshening period (the period the height is indeed sufficient. If your sheep are of large spacing between vertical boards is seven inches, the height right after a heifer gives birth). This project determined frame or are flighty, you may need to adjust the height 40 inches. This allows the lambs to access the best hay I that grazed heifers had both improved calving ease and accordingly. These panels have three vertical boards or have, which is provided in a hay feeder and is inaccessible a need for fewer antibiotic treatments than heifers raised “legs,” one on each end and one in the middle. Two diagonal to the ewes. in confinement. The second project focused on the use of boards create stability and keep the panel from flapping whole farm analysis for New York small dairy farms to around when handled. If you wish to make these panels lamb Ulf Kintzel is a native of Germany and has lived in the US improve nutrient cycling, carbon status and energy use, proof, just add a sixth board and adjust the spacing accord- since 1995. He farms Ulf owns and operates White Clover among other things. Benson keeps returning to SARE as ingly. Such panels will be suitable for the chute as well. Sheep Farm, located in the Finger Lakes area in upstate New a source of funding because he believes that “a lot of York. He breeds and raises grass-fed White Dorper Sheep information that farmers want to know is about applicaI use pen dividers during lambing season so that I can sep- without any grain feeding and offers breeding stock suitable tions, which purely scientific research doesn’t always purarate a large pen to accommodate different groups, i.e. for grazing. His website address is www.whitecloversheepsue, [but SARE does].” farm.com. He can be reached by e-mail at ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com or by phone at 585-554-3313. Benson has already begun to see the impact that his research has had on the practices of Northeast dairies. Hardie Farm, the dairy farm that houses Benson’s heifers after their stint with grazing, had not previously grazed heifers; now they send their cows to custom graze at Benson’s home farm every summer. Benson hopes that, with data he collects from future research, he can continue convincing farms of all sizes that grazing is the way to go. This article discusses SARE Project Number ONE10113. Download the full final report at http://my-sare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewProj&pn=O NE10-113 (www.sare.org í Project Reports íSearch Database íproject number “ONE10-113”).

Rachel Whiteheart was a summer intern at the Cornell Small Farms Program during Summer 2012 and is now a junior Environmental Engineering major at Cornell University. She may be reached at rmw95@cornell.edu.

A “regular” panel for the purpose of making pens. Photos by Ulf Kintzel

Lambing jugs, five by five feet big.

July 1, 2013

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

SMALL FARM SPOTLIGHT

Making it Work: Couple Transforms Fallow Plot into Viable Farm by Jaclyn Rose Bruntfield In 1979, Deb Barber and Tom Decker bought a small plot of land that was stripped of its topsoil when the Taconic Parkway was built. The land might not have been put to productive use had it not been for the couple, who brought extensive skills and knowledge to their farming enterprise. In 1990, the Barber and Decker, her husband, began farming their land in the bucolic Hudson River Valley while also working full-time and raising two young children. They initially sold flowers at the Great Barrington Farmers Market, which opened that year. Since then, the farm has expanded to include a variety of fruits, vegetables, and decorative plants. “We both were really drawn to farming,” she says.“I really think it’s a genetic disposition to farm. Either you’re into it or you’re not. A lot of people would kill themselves first.” Deb earned a degree in floriculture at SUNY Cobleskill and worked for 12 years at a garden center in Great Barrington, MA. Tom is self-taught in agriculture from planting fruit trees and tending greenhouses as a groundskeeper at Bard College at Simon’s Rock, also in Great Barrington. Deb says these experiences gave them a foundation upon which to build their own farm. “Sometimes I look back at our records and say, ‘How did we survive? How did we feed our children?’” she says. “But I’m very grateful that we did it. I’m glad that we had worked on something for many years and, when the time came, we were able to segue into that.”

for the season,” Deb explains. “After you’ve gotten a whole season of beautiful work out of it, it goes into the soil and feeds the worms and becomes organic matter. That’s what we call a ‘double decker.’” “I like it when Tom takes a handful of soil and there’s worms all in there,” she says.“Last year we had all of our tomatoes, herbs, and flowers hay mulched. It was so beautiful.” Working with the Seasons Aside from a vacation each fall, Deb says the farm keeps her and Tom busy year round. “In July and August, we’re up really early harvesting what we can and cultivating,” says Deb. “We’ll bring music and chairs and water into the shed when it’s killer hot and sit with piles of onions and cut their roots off. It all has to be done, so we just try to work it around the weather and the season.” “We work all winter,” she explains. “This year we’ve been cutting brush, cutting trees, cleaning up stuff that we would normally have to do in the spring.” The couple also uses time in the winter to order seeds, do paperwork, and repair their tractors. Outside Deb’s home, which sits atop a hill overlooking the farm, is a huge, intricate clock that she created using clay and tiles. She says she tries to make time for her art in the winter, though the farm takes priority.

explains. “Many people don’t know how to cook anymore.They’re eating burgers, Chinese food, and quesadillas, so they don’t know how to buy good stuff.”

“We’re going to work if we can,” she muses.

Deb says that shopping at markets and preparing fresh food serves as an opportunity for families to create memories. “If you took $10 and made a game of it with your family, everybody can go and try to put together a salad, a soup, or a dessert,” she says. “Then you go home, talk about the stuff you bought, make it into a meal, and then you eat it all together. How far would that go for people to be eating healthy, educating, and having fun together?”

The couple has been working Double Decker Farm full-time since 1997. They currently own nearly six acres, with two and a half acres farmed on rotation each season. Investing in the Farm “We have needed everything that has come our way when it has come our way to make this work,” Deb says.

Deb says that making a raspberry tart from scratch can be less expensive for a family than a night at the movies. “Some people don’t have a clue that they could go and buy fresh raspberries, make a pastry crust, and bake it with some honey or sugar. It was two pints of raspberries an hour ago, but now you’re sitting down together eating one of the best things you’ve ever eaten. It creates a memory and it was your entertainment for the day.”

When Tom’s parents, who lived next door, passed away, Deb says they used his inheritance to invest in the farm, buying a mulch layer, transplanter, and cargo van. “Without that, there were so many ways this tiny little farm could have failed,” Deb says.

The Future of Double Decker Farm Deb says the local food movement has provided an uptick in business for Double Decker Farm.

Deb also credits the Great Barrington Farmers Market, which is 20 miles from the farm, with supporting their business. “People in Great Barrington always have such great appreciation for what we’ve done,” she says. “We’re their family and they’re our family.” Double Deckers In order to restore the farm’s soil and improve its structure, Deb explains that manure, hay mulch, rock phosphate, and green sand are added each growing season. “It’s a tremendous amount of work to put it in, but then it’s good

A variety of decorative plants start out in the greenhouse at Double Decker Farm.

Potted plants and herbs get their start in a greenhouse in early spring.

Deb has been farming Double Decker Farm full-time since 1990. Photos by Jaclyn Rose Bruntfield A Boutique Farm Double Decker Farm is so small that Deb says it doesn’t qualify for agricultural tax write-offs. “People will call us a boutique farm, but that’s the only way we can afford to be a farm. If you piled up all the high-quality food we’ve produced in 20 years, you’d be amazed where it came from.” She dismisses criticism that the “boutique farm” caters to the wealthy elite. “Good food is expensive,” explains Deb. “If your food is really cheap, you’re getting crap. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with selling our product for the price we do. Not making a profit, for us, would be unsustainable.” Deb believes that more people should try growing their own vegetables to experience how difficult it is, and so they know “what good food tastes like.” “There’s nothing like someone trying to grow a tomato plant to understand why we charge $3.50 a pint,” she says. “[In 2011] we had 13 inches of rain over Labor Day and seven inches of rain in July. There are blights. So many things can happen to a tomato.” Eating Healthy Together “People have to be taught how to shop conscientiously,” Deb

“For us it’s good,” she says. “Things come and go in cycles, but as far as the buying local movement goes, I think it’s only going to get better.”

The couple’s two oldest children work at the Hawthorne Valley Farm Store in Harlemville. Their youngest daughter helps out on the farm, mixing different colored tomatoes into containers and creating flower bouquets. But Deb says that her children have no interest in staying on the farm. “They like good food and the idea of farming, but who wants to go pick 30 pints of cherry tomatoes when it’s 90 degrees?” she says.

Deb says that she and her husband have created a sustainable business model through expanding their business slowly over time. She believes that market organizers and potential new farmers could benefit by adopting similar strategies. “Sustainability is something where the inputs and costs - monetary, health, environmental - are less than what you’re getting,” she says. “We’ve always worked under the premise, ‘Don’t get any bigger ‘til you can’t get any better.’ And as little as this place is, we have so much stuff after 22 years that we can still do. The longer we work at it, the better our systems get.”

Jaclyn Rose Bruntfield is a writer living in New York’s Hudson River Valley. After completing her thesis, “Stewards of the Land: Representations of Agricultural Authenticity in Columbia County, NY,” she received a Master’s degree in English from SUNY Albany in December 2012. Double Decker Farm was one of the family farms featured in Ms. Bruntfield’s thesis. She can be reached at jaclynbruntfield@hotmail.com.

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

July 1, 2013

STEWARDSHIP & NATURE

Elderberry and Beyond: New Options for River Lands in the Northeast Riparian buffer plantings can reap rewards for nature and business by Liz Brownlee and Connor Stedman

water movement, allowing sediments and nutrients to deposit into the soil and keeping pollutants out of waterways. The root systems of these riparian plants, adapted to frequent flooding, rapidly absorb excess nutrients and make use of what would otherwise be waste. Buffers are essential for swimming, migratory fish breeding, and other river functions that depend on water quality.

Stan Ward springs into his greenhouse full of excitement, eager to show off elderberry cuttings. He’s growing elderberry, Echinacea, and other perennial medicinals on his upland farm in central Vermont, but these elderberries are bound for lower ground. This year, he’s planting them into one of three riparian buffer plantings along the Mad River, continuing a project that began in 2012. The elderberry will absorb floodwaters, keep farm field runoff out of the river, and reduce erosion. And they will generate income as an agricultural enterprise. The river’s edge can be tense territory, where conservation and agriculture seem permanently in conflict. Farmers, working with razorthin profit margins, want the rich soils in production. Conservationists want floodplains to grow native ecosystems that absorb floodwaters, remediate pollution, and provide wildlife habitat. At the same time, the river’s edge can also be a place of great collaboration. Stan’s plantings are innovative, in part because he’s establishing them in partnership with his local watershed group and the local conservation district. Planting elderberry in the buffer creates what Stan calls a “win-win-win” for watershed health, wildlife conservation, and the local farm economy. Stan isn’t the only one interested. A small but growing number of farmers, conservationists, and land managers in Vermont are beginning to add productive buffers to their toolboxes. Farmers are planting on commercial and homestead scales across the state. By directly integrating agriculture and conservation, these working buffers could help farms and watersheds alike adapt to increased flooding and the new climate “normal” of the 21st century. Rivers, Flooding, and Tropical Storm Irene River channels support an extraordinary abundance of life. Water continually shifts and meanders, carving banks and revealing new land. On any summer evening turtles bask on gravel bars while swallows and kingfishers nest in steep exposed banks. These habitat features are found nowhere else in the wider landscape, and are constantly changing as the river moves. When rivers flood from snowmelt or storms, they deposit rich silt and sand in their floodplains, supporting riparian forests and riverbank meadows. These in turn provide food and shelter for countless wildlife species. For farmers, rivers are a blessing and curse. They provide extremely fertile and easily plowed agricultural soils, but the threat of damaging floods is ever-present and increas-

ing with climate change. In late August 2011, Tropical Storm Irene dumped 4-8 inches of rain throughout Vermont in less than 24 hours. Flooding eroded entire fields; carried away barns, livestock, and greenhouses; and buried crops in sand and gravel. Almost 15,000 acres of Vermont farmland sustained damage; farmers in the state lost at least $20 million in one day. Intact riparian landscapes can mitigate the impacts of flooding. Flooding along the Otter Creek from Irene impacted 92 farmers in the vicinity of Rutland, VT. Thirty miles downstream, in Middlebury, only 41 farmers reported damage. While crop damage was similar in both places, farmland impacts were not: the flood damaged only 60 acres of land in the Middlebury area, compared to over 4,000 acres surrounding Rutland. The difference lies, in part, in a large system of intact swamps, wetlands, and floodplain buffers along the Otter Creek between Rutland and Middlebury. These ecosystems slowed and absorbed the floodwaters, shielding many Middlebury farms from the worst of the storm’s effects. Riparian Buffers in the Working Landscape Riparian buffers retain strips of natural vegetation along riverbanks, generally 20 to 50 feet wide. They mimic larger riparian ecosystems, like the ones that protected Middlebury during Irene, and allow natural river processes and communities of life adapted to floodplains to continue within agricultural landscapes. Buffers improve water quality, in particular, by acting as giant filters. High levels of nitrogen and phosphorus in agricultural runoff can disrupt river food webs and cause algae blooms. The trees, shrubs, and perennial herbs and grasses in riparian buffers slow overland

Productive Buffers: Economics and Funding Sources APBs can be funded through multiple sources, including crop revenue and certain riparian buffer grant programs. However, it is important to note that riparian buffers funded through CREP (the FSA’s Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program) cannot include any harvesting or sale of agricultural or forest products. Some state and local funding sources may offer more flexibility. Upcoming trials in Vermont will evaluate the economics of a range of APB plantings, at commercial and smaller scales. These trials will help small farmers make informed decisions about APBs. If you’d like to learn more about APBs or current trial plantings, contact Liz Brownlee at ejbrownl@uvm.edu.

A host of government and local programs encourage farmers to plant riparian buffers, but many farmers choose not to participate. Some farmers simply can’t afford to take any land out of production. Others don’t want to see productive land sit “idle.” Often, farmers simply don’t want to sign on the government’s dotted line; they want to manage their land independently, and state and federal buffer planting programs often require contracts and include usage restrictions. Local programs may only require a handshake agreement, but even in those cases planting the river’s edge with trees restricts farmers’ options. Some dislike the aesthetic of a brambly forest hiding the river from view. For these reasons and many others, farmers often avoid or flatly reject planting riparian buffers on their land. But a new idea is showing up on Vermont riverbanks, a system that brings farmers back to the table. Growing agriculturally productive buffers is a strategy that can make sense for both farmers and conservationists. Agriculturally Productive Buffers: An Emerging Option Agriculturally Productive Buffers (APBs) are a form of agroforestry, integrating forest management with agricultural production. They incorporate the essential elements of traditional riparian buffers, but also include perennial crop systems. Typically, the portion of the APB nearest to the riverbank, Zone 1 (see diagram), is restored as natural riparian forest. Zone 2 is an alley of flood tolerant shrub or small tree crops, such as elderberries, hazelnuts, or fencepost black locusts. Finally, the field-side Zone 3 grows late-cut hay, keeping perennial grass cover during the spring and late fall flooding season. Productive buffers provide flood-resistant agricultural enterprises while incorporating natural river processes into farmland: flood tolerance, deeply taprooted trees, year-round plant cover, and room for river meanders.

resilience, improve water quality, create wildlife habitat, and grow crops. Crops currently planted as components of productive buffers in Vermont include nuts (hazelnuts, black walnuts) fruit (pears, currants, highbush cranberries), fenceposts (black locust), forage (late cut hay), and, of course, Stan Ward’s elderberries.

The Friends of the Mad River, a local conservation organization, partnered with Stan to establish his elderberry buffers. Caitrin Noel, FMR’s executive director, is cautiously optimistic about the potential for productive riparian buffers to become more widely used on Vermont farms. “Working with Stan to create working buffers definitely requires more flexibility.” She says that APBs can help reconcile ecosystem health and community values. “It makes buffers more palatable to farmers who hesitate to take the land out of production entirely. If managed properly, I think the model could represent the best of both worlds.”

Liz Brownlee helps Vermont farmers and conservationists partner to care for their rivers. She can be reached at ejbrownl@uvm.edu. Connor Stedman is an agroforestry specialist based in Guilford, Vermont. He can be reached at connor.stedman@gmail.com.

The physical features of riverbeds continually change with cycles of flooding. Photo by Connor Stedman

Agriculturally productive buffers may overcome the obstacles preventing farmers from participating in the current buffer planting programs. These buffers keep farmland in production and help farmers take care of both their land and their bottom line. There are no government contracts and no paperwork, though some groups are working to establish local funding sources and best management practices. It’s also clear that many details of productive buffer systems will need to be learned over time. In a changing climate and economy, this flexibility and adaptation may well be critical. Collaborating is proving key to the success of productive buffer projects. Local nonprofits are helping Vermont farmers with logistics, and some are finding funding for planting strips of native floodplain trees within APBs. These collaborations are allowing farmers to grow much needed riparian buffers, increase flood

Elderberry cuttings at Stan Ward’s Vermont farm will soon grow on the banks of the Mad River. The riparian buffer planting is a collaborative project with local conservationists. Photo by Liz Brownlee

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HORTICULTURE

Uncommon Fruits With Commercial Potential, Part 2 by Lee Reich

effort on your part. But . . . the fruit is small (1/2-5/8” diameter) and harvesting leaves a tear in the fruit where the stem was attached. This fruit has much potential and a few varieties — now lost — with larger and tastier fruits were developed. Still, run of the mill seedlings, which are readily available, are very tasty and the plants bear quickly and are very pest resistant with little or no care. Cross-pollination is necessary.

In my previous article, the first part of this 2-part series, I made a case for growing uncommon fruits: The fruits relative freedom from pests and ease of growth, along with their delicious and unique flavors, make them ideally suited to local markets. I then went on to describe some uncommon fruits — specifically, “fruits with a history” — that I recommend planting.In this second, concluding part of my article, I go on to describe other uncommon fruits that I recommend planting, continuing, for interest, my grouping of them into various categories. Fruits a Little Finicky About Conditions Juneberry, also known as shadbush and serviceberry (Amelanchier spp., Zones 3-8), is native in every state.The fruits are a blueberry look-alike but have their own flavor that has the richness and sweetness of a sweet cherry along with a hint of almond. In fact, juneberry is related to apple and as such, suffers some similar pest problems. I can’t grow them, but just four miles away, a row of them bears good annual crops. A number of varieties have been selected for ornamental and fruiting characteristics. Where juneberries can be grown, they are worth planting;if pests are a problem, rip out the plants. But do give them a try. Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea) thrives only in cooler regions (Zone 4-7). It’s a northern European favorite; merely utter the word “lingonberry” to a Scandinavian and watch their eyes mist up with longing.This evergreen shrub grows less than a foot high and spreads via underground runners to fill in an area. Lingonberry is finicky about soil conditions. What’s needed is a soil that is very acidic, rich in humus, well-drained, and low in fertility — just like blueberry, a relative.Before planting, check the soil pH and add granular sulfur to bring the pH into the desired range of 4 to 5.Mix some acidic peat moss into each planting hole and then, after planting 18”apart, mulch the ground with a couple of inches of wood shavings or leaves. Drip irrigation or regular watering is usually necessary, especially to get a planting established.

Author harvesting Nanking cherries, which bear prolifically with little or no care. A number of varieties are available.For best fruit production, plant at least two varieties. Fruits That Could Use Some Breeding American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana, Zones 6-9) is a wonderful fruit plant.The tree is pest-resistant; it hardly needs pruning; it rarely succumbs to spring freezes (never, for me, after 25 years in a frost pocket).And, the fruit is delicious, like a dried apricot that’s been soaked in water, dipped in honey, and given a dash of spice. From a commercial standpoint, the problem is that the fruit is very fragile, akin to jelly held in a thin skin. Handled very gingerly, American persimmon could have commercial potential for very local sales. The fruit tastes awful until dead ripe, so grow varieties that can ripen with your growing season.Here, near the northern limit for persimmon ripening, my favorites include Szukis and Mohler. Dooley and Yates are also good. Perhaps the future will bring new varieties that hold up better for marketing. For now, American persimmon is a very fragile, very delicious fruit. Nanking cherry (Prunus tomentosa, Zone 3-6) is a true cherry that bears prodigious crops for little or no

Uncommon Fruits for Almost Everywhere In contrast to American persimmon, Asian persimmon, also known as kaki (D. kaki, Zones 6-10), has been cultivated and bred for thousands of years — in Asia. Kakis are larger and firmer than American persimmons, and can be picked to ripen off the plant. Just a few varieties appear in American markets and those are mostly from California. My farmden is slightly too far north of the northern limit for the hardiest kakis; in Zone 6 and warmer, you can be the only one around with Eureka, Giboshi, Giombo, and Saijo fruits, all of which are delectably sweet. Hardy kiwifruit (Actinidia arguta, Zones 4-9, A. kolomikta, Zones 3-7), as its name implies, is a coldhardy relative of the fuzzy, market kiwifruit, which is not hardy. The best thing about hardy kiwifruit, and the way they differ most from market kiwifruits, is in the fruit itself. Hardy kiwifruits have similar flavor and emerald green flesh as their market cousins, but the hardy kiwifruits are grape-size and have smooth skins. Just pop them into your mouth, skin and all, like grapes. Hardy kiwifruit also are sweeter and more aromatic, with hints of additional flavors such as banana, passionfruit, or pineapple. The fruits ripen in autumn, and once they reach a certain stage of maturity, can be stored under refrigeration from which they can be removed and ripened as needed. Anna, Geneva, MSU, and Dumbarton are some good fruiting varieties. I grow hardy kiwifruit vines on wires strung down the length of a 5-foot-wide T-trellis.Plants are either male or female so you need to plant a separate, nonfruiting male vine to pollinate fruiting females — up to eight females per male. Kiwis are pest-free but do need to be pruned religiously and severely, once in winter and occasionally through summer.

Pawpaw (Asimina triloba, Zones 4-8) is an American native that, although hardy to below 25°F., has many tropical aspirations.The tree looks very tropical, with lush, large leaves.It’s the northernmost member of the mostly tropical custard apple family. And best of all, the fruit tastes and looks tropical. It’s flavor has been likened to banana with mango, pineapple, and avocado mixed in.I liken it to crème brûlée.

Success with pawpaw begins with a grafted tree of a named variety. In shorter season areas, I recommend the varieties Pennsylvania Golden 1, 2, 3, or 4. The trees grow fifteen to twenty feet high and should be given that same spacing, or a bit less, in full sun. Once a plant is in the ground and growing well, little further care is needed beyond harvesting the fruits — twenty-five to fifty pounds per plant — and occasional winter pruning.

Plants of these uncommon fruits are not as readily available as, say, apple trees, especially if you’re seeking special varieties. A number of nurseries specialize in one or more of these uncommon fruits, and it pays to seek out specialty nurseries for these special plants. More information on uncommon fruits can be found in the book Uncommon Fruits for Every Garden by Lee Reich (Timber Press, 2004) and by contacting Lee Reich, 845-255-0417 or garden@leereich.com.

Lee Reich, PhD is a farmdener and consultant in New Paltz, NY.

Szukis American persimmon is an early ripening variety for northern regions. Photos by Lee Reich

Although resembling blueberries, juneberries have their own unique, delicious flavor.

Pawpaw has tropical aspirations, with texture and taste of banana along with hints of mango, pineapple, and avocado.

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July 1, 2013