Aug 2016 Grassroots

Grassroots www.nyfb.org

the voice of new york agriculture® August 2016

Canal Repairs’ Impact on Agriculture Lessened in WNY

By Amanda Krenning-Muoio akrenning@nyfb.org

The Erie Canal is more than just a waterway for boats. It is also an essential water source for farms that have siphons and is especially critical in a dry year like this one.

The canal is a man-made waterway and thus at times has structural issues.

This June saw the convergence of both a structural issue and the critical need for the canal as an agricultural water source.

The culvert under the canal in Hulberton began to leak in midJune and the Canal Corporation proposed shutting down a 28-mile stretch of the canal for three to five weeks for repair.

Initially, the canal would be closed from Middleport to Brockport to be de-watered and then closed for extended repairs from Albion to Brockport.

Unfortunately, the impact to local agriculture was

not considered in the canal repair plans. June was a historically dry month in Western New York and the siphons being used for water from the canal were critical for irrigation in both Orleans and Monroe Counties.

Thankfully our grassroots process works very well and New York Farm Bureau was able to jump in and make a difference.

Commissioner Richard Ball from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets requested

that we collect information from local farmers on projected losses in the area if they were to lose access to the canal for irrigation.

We shared this data with the Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Governor’s Office which helped them in working with the Canal Corporation to develop an alternate plan for making the repairs. The canal was only partially de-watered and the repairs were made to the culvert in just six days as opposed to the original three to five weeks.

This would have been a devastating blow to agriculture in both Orleans and Monroe Counties.

I am thankful that New York Farm Bureau was able to work with all of the agencies involved to find a solution that saved our farmer members from huge losses this summer. When we all work together we really can make a difference for agriculture.

Fourth on the Farm Raises Money to Assist Food Bank & FFA

By Mark James mjames@nyfb.org

When you think of summer, a good old fashioned picnic complete with a pig roast, hot dogs and fireworks often comes to mind.

Add to that four bands, a farm with bucolic views and a celebration of our nations independence and you have a Fourth on the Farm Party.

Onondaga County Farm Bureau President Dan Palladino has been hosting a farm party for his neighbors and friends on the Fourth of July weekend for a couple of years now. This spring he approached his Onondaga County Farm Bureau Board of Directors about expanding this event and opening it up to the public. He also proposed to seek donations for the Food Bank of Central NY and Tully FFA. The party was held on Saturday, July 2, with gorgeous weather and a high temperature of 75 degrees. Nearly 300 people came to enjoy food, and music and to experience life on the farm for a day. In addition to the pig roast and hot dogs, the farm offered baked

ziti and snow-cones. Onondaga Dairy Ambassadors handed out information on dairy products along with 200 half pints of milk generously donated by Farm Bureau member Byrne Dairy.

The farm also offered a bounce

house for the kids and volleyball for the competitive souls who attended. Students from the Tully FFA assisted by parking cars and collecting donations.

The suggested donation was $10 per person or $20 per family.

Ask Governor to Sign Agriculture Bills Page 2

If you came for the music, the bands did not disappoint.

Featured bands included Rusty Doves, a bluegrass band, What Continued on page 25

NYFB State Board Tours Western NY Pages 16 and 17

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Grassroots

August 2016

Act Now as Ag Bills Await Governor’s OK The New York State legislature passed several bills important to farmers this session.

These include bills that provide a tax credit for farmers who make food donations, one that will allow agriculture plated vehicles to drive from the point of sale to the farmstead, and bills to cut down red-tape in the beverage industry and expand markets for cideries and breweries.

Sometime this summer or fall, the bills will be sent to the Governor’s desk for his signature or veto, the final step in them becoming law.

Now is the time to let the Governor know that you support these pieces of legislation. Farmers and agriculture supporters are

asked to visit our E-Lobby page and send a letter to the Governor asking him to sign these bills.

Just go to www.nyfb.org, click on the black E-Lobby box in the upper right-hand side and look for the following letters to send.

• Ask the Governor to Sign Food Donations Tax Credit Bill • Ask the Governor to Sign Farm Vehicles Bill • Ask the Governor to Sign Needed Legislation for the Beverage Industry Each letter takes less than a minute and can help show the grassroots support for these changes. If you have questions, call the Public Policy Department at NYFB at 1-800-342-4143.

Agriculture Commissioner Announces Expanded Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that $2 million in Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) checks are now available for eligible individuals across the state. The program provides checks to lowincome New Yorkers age 60 and older to purchase $20 worth of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables from participating local farmers’ markets and farm stands. For the first time, program benefits are being provided on an

individual basis instead of per household, expanding the reach of the program to more older New Yorkers.

In upstate communities, checks are now available at county area Offices for the Aging.

Additionally in New York City, checks will be available for pick up at congregate meal sites designated by the NYC Department for the Aging starting in July.

Approximately 120,000 booklets consisting of five $4.00 checks will Continued on page 25

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National Holstein Convention Comes to NY

By Lauren Williams lwilliams@nyfb.org

Welcome Stock Farm welcomed more than 600 tour attendees to their farm.

NYFB Announces New Membership Rewards Program Being an active Farm Bureau member just got a little sweeter.

With the kickoff of the 2017 Membership Year comes a new incentive program available to all Farm Bureau members.

In addition to a token of appreciation presented to members at their respective county Farm Bureau Annual Meetings for signing up one new member comes three new incentive programs meant to increase membership.

Sign up three new members and NYFB will recognize your increased level of commitment to membership with a special award at your County Annual Meeting.

Sign up five new members between July 1-Sept. 1, 2016, and you will be recognized with a $100 gift card. This is in addition to the High Five Award.

The High Five Award recognizes members who sign up five new members throughout the year.

Winners of this award receive Farm Bureau logo’d outerwear.

The success of Farm Bureau depends on the number of members we represent.

More members means increased levels of influence at the county, state and national levels.

Now more than ever we need each of you to help us grow our organization.

Farm Bureau is about people, not farms. Do you have family members, neighbors, friends and business partners who would benefit from Farm Bureau’s influence and member benefits?

Now more than ever we need each of you to help us grow our organization.

Please consider pitching in to help our efforts. If you would like membership applications, contact our office at 800-342-4143 or your local field advisor.

County Farm Bureaus are also eligible for recognition which includes cash awards.

The following award programs are available for county Farm Bureaus to aspire to: Regular Member Goal Award County Farm Bureaus will receive recognition checks for Continued on page 23

More than 1,000 Holstein cattle enthusiasts from around the country gathered in Saratoga Springs, New York during the week of June 27 through July 1 at the 2016 National Holstein Convention.

All of the convention goers had several things in common, the love of the Holstein breed and the desire to learn more about agriculture in New York. This year’s convention theme was “New York Charm: City to Farm” and was the first time since 1993 that the National Holstein Convention was held in New York State.

Prior to the start of the

convention, visitors went on preconvention tours to farms in the Mohawk Valley, including Maple Downs Farms, Joleanna Holsteins and Ovaltop Holstein. There were also stops in Cooperstown to check out the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Farmers’ Museum, Otsego Lake and other local attractions.

Wednesday, June 29, was Host Farm Tour Day and attendees were able to get a taste of what farms surrounding Saratoga Springs had to offer. The tour featured five farms in Saratoga and Washington Counties and stops Continued on page 22

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August 2016

The President’s Message

Grassroots August 2016

Grassroots is published monthly by New York Farm Bureau Member Services, Inc. (159 Wolf Road, P.O. Box 5330, Albany, NY 122050330) as a member service. Subscriptions are available through New York Farm Bureau membership. Non-member subscription rate is $12. Periodicals postage permit at Albany, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send change of address notices on Form 3579 to Grassroots, 159 Wolf Road, P.O. Box 5330, Albany, N.Y. 12205-0330.

EDITORS Jeff Williams jwilliams@nyfb.org Steve Ammerman sammerman@nyfb.org ASSISTANT EDITOR Jaclyn (Sears) Zaleski jzaleski@nyfb.org ADVERTISING MANAGER Times Citizen Communications casey@iafalls.com NEW YORK FARM BUREAU MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 5330 Albany, NY 12205 PHONE/WEB SITE Phone: 1-800-342-4143 Web site: www.nyfb.org facebook.com/NYFarmBureau MANAGEMENT Jeffery Kirby Executive Director Kevin Cook Member Services Elizabeth Dribusch Legal Affairs Scott Keyes Insurance Relations Fred Perrin Member Relations Paul McDowell Financial & Info Systems Sandra Prokop NYFB Foundation Public Policy Jeff Williams NYFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS President, Dean Norton Elba, (716) 474-3901 Vice President, Eric Ooms Old Chatham, (518) 965-4488 District 1, Richard Kimball Dewittville, 508-965-6400

Important Issues at State for Agriculture in 2016 Election In just three short months, we will be electing the next President of the United States. The culmination of a long campaign season that could change the direction of this country in many ways. There are big personalities on both sides of the aisle. Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton bring out passionate supporters as well as their detractors. We can’t let our issues get lost in what has been an extraordinary display campaign so far.

Agriculture and rural America must be a part of the national conversation on our issues. American Farm Bureau Federation has been engaged, meeting with campaign staff and supporters of both candidates.

Dean Norton Educating them on what we NYFB President stand for.

Immigration reform has long been one of our priorities at the federal level. Just this year, we had many New York growers, who rely on the H2A guest worker program for seasonal help, experience significant delays. The system set critical work back on the farm and created a mountain of stress. In addition, our dairy farms lack any program that will address the shortage of labor. Immigration reform must be a broad approach, providing for a stable, legal workforce while also strengthening our borders to protect this country.

Regulatory reform is also a major issue for farmers across New York. We are not opposed to sensible regulations that protect public health and the environment. What we don’t need are duplicative rules, an overreach of government control of farmland and regulations that nickel and dime our farms to death. The cost of compliance is out of control, and the federal government must stop tying the hands of those who feed its people. As regulations mount, it is becoming harder to plan for the future and reinvest into our operations.

Trade is another national priority. New York farms need to be a part of the expanding world economy.

Whether it is our milk powder going to Asia, our apples

“ABFB has created Election16.fb.org to help you understand where the presidential candidates stand on the issues.” headed to Europe, or our wine crossing the border into Canada, there are opportunities on the global stage. An economic analysis by AFBF found the Trans Pacific Partnership agreement would increase cash receipts and net exports from New York by $111.4 million and $66.2 million per year respectively. It is estimated that the increased marketing opportunities for New York’s farmers and ranchers will add more than 500 jobs to the New York economy. We need to open up more countries to more of our products.

Finally, the next president will have a big say in the next Farm Bill. Policies that could expand crops insurance programs for more of our specialty crop growers, address issues with the Margin Protection Program and create new opportunities to benefit old and new farmers alike.

AFBF has created a website to help you understand where the presidential candidates stand on these issues and many more. Election16.fb.org is a great resource.

These same issues also apply to congressional races as well in which there are three open seats in New York. Representatives Gibson, Hanna and Israel are all retiring from office.

All of our positions, of course, are determined by our long standing grassroots process. It kicked off last month at our annual Commodity Summit where nearly 100 farmers from across the state representing the diverse agricultural landscape began reviewing public policy issues. In the coming months, County Annual Meetings will be in full swing and I encourage you to play an active role in charting the future of New York agriculture.

District 2, Patrick McCormick Java Center, 716-984-0085 District 3, John Sorbello Shortsville, (315) 730-2670

Beyond the Fencerows

District 4, Ashur Terwilliger Lowman, (607) 733-3957

Farmers & Ranchers Are Strongest When We Stand Together

District 5, Paul Fouts Cortland, 607-423-6045 District 6, Jacob Schieferstine Vernon, 315-404-8417 District 7, David Fisher Madrid, (315) 261-8231 District 8, Dean Casey Schaghticoke, (518) 796-4874 District 9, Darin Hickling Edmeston, (607) 267-0703 District 10, Christopher Kelder Accord, 845-399-3134 District 11, Robert Nolan Patchogue, (631) 926-8916 Phyllis Couture, Chair, Promotion and Education Committee West Valley, (716) 474-8282 Alexandra Wright, Chair, Young Farmers Committee 518-409-2740 REGIONAL OFFICES Western NY Resource Center 877-383-7663 or 585-343-3489 Central NY Office 866-995-7300 or 315-252-1367 Eastern NY Office 866-995-7300 or 518-854-7368 Long Island Office 631-727-3777 On Page One: Fresh-picked raspberries ready to enjoy.

Neighbors helping neighbors is a cornerstone on which Farm Bureau was founded. It’s how we get things done.

The more I travel across this land, the more I’m convinced we all need to understand the issues our fellow farmers and ranchers are facing, whether ten miles down the road or thousands of miles across the country.

The challenges facing agriculture are very much like a diverse ecosystem, but when you take a closer look, you’ll find that most American farmers are all tackling one common invasive species: a federal system that too often lacks respect for individual property rights, economic competitiveness and fairness in Zippy Duvall general.

AFBF President From the Waters of the U.S. rulemaking and the Endangered Species Act, to public lands and water rights—the federal government continues to slap burdensome regulations

on farmers without considering what it takes to keep an agricultural business up and running. As your AFBF president, I want to see firsthand what you’re facing on your farms and ranches, so I can tell your stories to our lawmakers on Capitol Hill and to farmers in other regions.

On my recent travels through the West, I saw the impact of regulatory overreach. I saw how public lands are withering under federal constraints and mismanagement. Ranchers are being trampled by federal agencies that want to drive them off public lands their families have used—and helped care for— for generations.

Overpopulation of wild horses and burros is just one example of how the government is serving neither man nor beast out West. Instead of the public image of strong, wild horses galloping free, with beautiful manes flying in the air, most of these animals barely survive. Dehydrated and starving, they have devastated the landscape and local ecosystems through severe overgrazing.

Continued on page 5

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Guest Opinions

State Fair Helps Spread Word About Agriculture The Great New York State Fair opened its doors in 1841 with a mission to ensure the success of agriculture, but over the next 175 years it grew to embrace a wide variety of New York State industries and interests. After all, where else can you enjoy a beautiful fine art display and discuss painting techniques with an artist when suddenly you get a text that says, “Go to Birthing Tent…a calf is about to be born”. So yes, the fair has truly become the meeting grounds for both urban and rural attractions.

With only two percent of our population actively involved in farming the need for this type of overlap and connection is crucial. It was not that long ago that the average fairgoer could visit a grandparent or a friend on a farm. Today’s fairgoer, however, rarely knows someone who knows someone who knows someone who lives on the same road as a farm.

The public’s everyday exposure to the amount of work it takes to

Mel Chesbro Agriculture Manager, Great New York State Fair produce a gallon of milk or grow a bushel of corn is gone. Without that firsthand experience, it becomes difficult sometimes for the nonfarmer to know what is a fact is and what is misinformation when it comes to farming practices and

animal husbandry. And that is where the Fair comes in!

For the Fair takes the art of transparency to the next level.

We don’t just tell people about agriculture. We let them See it (gorgeous floral arrangements) Feel it (wool just sheared from a sheep), Smell it (sweet alfalfa hay) Taste it (fresh goat cheese) and Hear it (rooster crowing). And better yet the farmer who grew it, raised it or produced it is right there to talk to fairgoers and answer questions.

If every fairgoer leaves the grounds with just one new fact about agriculture and they shares that fact with others, we have done our job.

So, don’t let the bright lights and the whirling rides lull you into thinking the Fair is just a carnival.

Open your eyes and look around, especially now with all of the new changes taking place at the Fair.

This newly expanded space has truly allowed the fairgrounds to breathe.

You can see the full beauty

of all its agricultural buildings, including the barns that will now have a better airflow with fewer vendors around them, a larger access road for the arrival and departure of livestock, a beautiful heritage garden right outside the Wittier Agriculture Museum, a new area to promote agriculture in the Horticulture Building, and a newly enlarged arena in the coliseum to accommodate larger horse shows.

These improvements along with our ongoing educational exhibits will continue to provide a common meeting ground for both urban and rural interests. The first fair may have brought farmers from across the state to share ideas and learn from each other but today’s Fair brings the farmer and the consumer together to learn and share their concepts of agriculture.

What’s that I hear….I think you just got a text, “Go to the Great NYS Fair Aug 25th to Sept 5th…..agriculture is about to be showcased.”

See you there.

More is Better When it Comes to Fruit and Veggies Gardens are planted, farmers’ markets are open around the country and supermarkets are devoting more space to fresh produce. Doesn’t it seem like Americans are eating more fruit and vegetables these days? But no, that isn’t the case. We are eating less, and it could have serious health consequences.

Consumer research released last year by the Produce for Better Health Foundation found that per capita consumption of fruit and vegetables declined by 7 percent over the past five years, driven primarily by a 7 percent drop in vegetables and a 14 percent decline in fruit juice. If juice is eliminated from the overall fruit total then there is only a 2 percent decline in fruit consumption.

The results were disappointing even though fruits and vegetables remain a cornerstone of the American diet. One conclusion reached by the study was that “the core essence of fruit and vegetables regarding health has lost meaning in the world of health.” The top motivations driving food and

Duvall Continued from page 4 The Bureau of Land Management by law must control the excess population or give ranchers the license they need to help mitigate the problem. BLM has done neither.

Time and again farmers and ranchers have used their ingenuity and tireless work ethic to preserve natural resources and build up local communities. But when agriculture is pushed out, natural resources often go to waste. Western forests have suffered crushing losses from

beverage selection at home and away were ease of planning and preparation, how filling it is, preference, cost and taste. The health connection in food choices was being lost.

A new medical study, however, should be an eye-opener to the

health conscious. The study was not done in the United States or Europe which makes it unique.

It was a study of how eating fruit affects heart health in China.

Half a million adults from across China were enrolled in the study which tracked their health for seven years before the findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine. Participants had no history of cardiovascular disease or antihypertensive treatments and were screened for other lifestyle factors. They did vary in their consumption of fruit. Overall, only 18 percent of participants reported consuming fresh fruit daily as compared with participants who rarely or never ate fresh fruit. Almost all reported eating vegetables daily.

The study concluded that among Chinese adults, a higher level of fruit consumption was associated with lower blood pressure and blood glucose levels and with significantly lower risks of major cardiovascular disease. A 100-gram portion of fruit per day, which is only half of a medium-size apple,

was associated with about onethird less cardiovascular mortality.

These findings mirror similar studies in the Western world, but they were more striking in China where fruit consumption is low.

The senior author of the medical study said it was difficult to know with any certainty whether eating fruit had some kind of protective effect, but if it did, he said widespread consumption of fruit in China could prevent half a million cardiovascular deaths per year, and even larger numbers of strokes and non-fatal heart attacks.

The Produce for Better Health Foundation research concluded that fruit and vegetable consumption will increase in the United States but only in line with population growth. Per capita consumption was projected to be flat. Perhaps we have heard the health and nutrition messages about eating fruit and vegetables so often that we are tuning them out or not responding.

That would be a shame if it were true. When it comes to fruit and vegetables, more is better for our health.

the destructive mountain pine beetle. Yet federal agencies have allowed nature to run its course, wiping out millions of acres of Western trees, rather than working with local farmers and businesses to establish best practices to stop the pests, reduce fuel for wildfires and preserve forests and local timber industries.

The result is bare mountainsides and depressed rural economies where businesses have been forced to pull out.

Farmers and ranchers use good business sense to conserve natural resources, but when we’re driven out, who’s left to care for these lands

that were meant to be a source of national pride?

The challenges facing agriculture are significant, but not insurmountable.

Our Farm Bureau strength comes through when we reach across regions to help our neighbors from all walks of agriculture.

Our Creator, in many passages throughout the Bible, instructs us to love our neighbors and treat them as we want to be treated.

When Southerners needed support in their efforts to strengthen the safety net for cotton growers, farmers from across the country united behind their neighbors in the South.

One of my proudest moments as a Farm Bureau member was when voting delegates from other regions were debating cotton policy at the AFBF Annual Convention last January and said, in effect, we stand for all of agriculture— we must help each other. Through my travels and conversations with farmers and ranchers in every region, I hope to raise awareness of regional challenges, such as the Western problems I have seen recently, and give Farm Bureau members more examples of how they can help their neighbors and stand united for all of agriculture.

Stewart Truelson Food and Agriculture Freelance Writer

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August 2016

From The Field Summer Bringing Dry Heat and Big Plans It has been a challenging year thus far in Region 2.

Spring brought frost that affected certain fruit crops and summer has brought high heat and drought conditions Amanda Krenning-Muoio to most of akrenning@nyfb.org our area. To say we need rain is a bit of an understatement. However, county Farm Bureaus continue to move forward with plans for events and picnics throughout the summer months. Fairs throughout the region are in full swing and it is heartening to see the 4-H kids getting animals and projects ready for competitions. It is wonderful to see the next generation of agriculture is well on its way.

Genesee County Genesee County Farm Bureau held another successful Kinderfarmin’ event in June at Grassland Dairy in Pavilion. It was a beautiful day for kids to tour the farm and see the different components that come together to keep the cows happy, healthy, and producing lots of milk. We would like to take this opportunity to thank Grassland Dairy for hosting again this year and also to thank all of the volunteers that helped to make this event such a success. This event would not happen without your support.

Livingston County Livingston County Farm Bureau held its annual picnic at The View Barn this year. It was a new venue and would like to thank the Smith Family for hosting. It was a great event and a wonderful time was had by all the members that attended.

Livingston County Farm Bureau continues to prepare for its annual Farm Fest event on Sept. 17 at Swyers Farm in Dansville. If you have interest in being a vendor or in volunteering to work at the event please feel free to contact Meghan Rodwell at meghan.rodwell@ farmcrediteast.com.

Monroe County Monroe County Farm Bureau will be hosting its Celebrate Ag Dinner in conjunction with Monroe County Cornell Cooperative Extension and Monroe County Soil and Water on Aug. 13. This Farm to Table event will be at Mayer’s Lake Ontario Winery and Vineyard in Hilton. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with people in the community and to have a fantastic dinner prepared with local products. If you are interested in attending please call our office at (877) 383-7663 to RSVP. We hope to see you there.

Niagara County Niagara County Farm Bureau is working hard at its Corn Roaster booth at the Niagara County Fair this week. If you are in the area please stop by and try out an ear … it is amazing. In addition, I would like to thank Niagara County Farm Bureau for its membership efforts

Region 2

in 2016. The final push in June helped to achieve regular member goal. Congratulations.

Orleans County Orleans County Farm Bureau had a wonderful time at its milkshake booth at the Orleans County Fair. It is a great time to connect with the public and with other farmers. There are lots of volunteers that make the booth a successful fundraiser for the county and we really appreciate the support of Orleans County Farm Bureau.

A special thanks goes out to the Albion FFA for manning the booth on Tuesday. It is so important to get students involved in supporting agriculture. I would also like to thank Jeremy Neal for his work in making this a successful event for Orleans County Farm Bureau. His efforts and oversight are greatly appreciated.

Wyoming County Wyoming County Farm Bureau is striving to make more educational connections in its community.

They held the Farm Field Day on June 10 at Breezyhill Dairy.

Approximately 250 sixth grade students from Attica, Perry and Letchworth attended. The objective of the day was to showcase different career opportunities in agriculture with 10 different stations to visit to include hands on activities.

Wyoming County Farm Bureau also continues to support Attica’s efforts to start an FFA/agricultural education program at their school and helped to organize a tour for guidance counselors in the area to showcase career opportunities in agriculture. These are just a few of the activities that Wyoming County Farm Bureau is committed to doing to support its members in Wyoming County.

Demolition Issue to be Included in Policy Development Albany County The county Farm Bureau’s major focus, in addition to the Altamont Fair booth display, is policy development.

An issue s u r f a c e d involving the Bambi A. Baehrel bbaehrel@nyfb.org t a k e d o w n and removal of a 1850s abandoned farm house on farm property. The town received a complaint that the building was dangerous and falling down. The municipal code enforcement office contacted the farmer who was the property owner and issued a determination that the building was unsafe. The code enforcement officer also indicated that because the building was declared unsafe it was unnecessary to undertake a pre-demolition asbestos survey.

A relative short period of time was given to demolish the structure.

Subsequent to the demolition of the structure, the property owner

Region 9

received a notice of violation from the Department of Labor Asbestos Control Bureau. Unfortunately, the property owner had not been told that when an unsafe building is demolished without a predemolition asbestos survey, all of the materials demolished, i.e. the entire house, is considered by the Department of Labor to be asbestos containing material. This vastly increases the costs of demolition.

After hiring a lawyer and reviewing the municipal laws, it is clear that the property owner could have challenged the determination that the building was unsafe which would have given him more time to demolish the building and to consult with those who might have been aware of the stringent Labor Department requirements.

Educating farmers and rural property owners concerning these asbestos requirements is absolutely critical. A number of properties have at least one deteriorating, abandoned former residence or other structure. Many farmers lack the resources to demolish these structures and it is very important that they carefully weigh their regulatory and legal options before attempting to comply with a municipal order to demolish an unsafe structure.

Farm Bureau assisted the farmer on the issue, including help with research. Because this is an ongoing issue, it will be included in the county’s policy development process in the coming months. One question to be asked is, as there are many abandoned homes and building on farms across the state, who has the jurisdiction over these structures? If the municipalities do, what responsibility do they bear to let the farmers know what obligations exist under State law related to asbestos and other environmental rules and regulations prior to considering or commencing demolition of structures that have remained in place for decades? Are there any procedures in place to allow farmers to seek additional time to address these issues prior to expending scarce resources to demolish such structures? Who bears the responsibility and cost of demolition and removal? These, as well as other issues, will highlight the county’s annual Clam Bake at Gade Farm on Aug. 17, 2016. The Altamont Fair exhibit this year features the topic of the $15 per hour minimum wage increase and its impact on agriculture.

Greene County The county Farm Bureau, along with the Greene County Agricultural Society, the Greene County Youth Fair Committee, and Columbia Greene Cornell Cooperative Extension hosted the 62nd Greene County Youth Fair, a forever free fair dedicated to the 4-H youth of the county, at the Angelo Canna Town Park July 23-31. Poultry being able to be shown again this year, brought much excitement to a lot of young people. The Greene County Farm Bureau board and members spent countless hours helping to not only staff the booths and activities but to help craft them as to offer the most educational and fun experience to residents

and tourists alike. The county Farm Bureau also dedicated a lot of time to make the Food and Farm Experience information available to all school guidance counselors in the county by personally handdelivering it. Members are gearing up for policy development by participating in the annual District 9 policy development dinner at Brooks BBQ in Oneonta on Aug. 18.

Delaware County The County Farm Bureau kicked off the policy development process by hosting a policy development meeting on July 7 at the Chamber of Commerce “E” center in Delhi.

All regular members were invited to attend and share their ideas and issues. Members unable to attend can email their thoughts to the president. The main goal in working with the Chamber is to improve the quality of life, government, and business in Delaware County.

The county Farm Bureau wants to have a seat at many tables working to improve Delaware County. The board plans on attending the District 9 policy development dinner at Brooks BBQ on August 18. Membership growth and retention are important topics for this county Farm Bureau, and ideas for prospects and committee members are moving ahead.

Sullivan County The highlight of the season is Young Farmer and Rancher Chair Jaclyn Kimmes. A recent college graduate, Jaclyn wants to be more involved with the county Farm Bureau and was appointed last September to the board. She was an alternate delegate to the 2015 New York Farm Bureau State Annual Meeting in Albany, where she was elected as an at-large member to the State Young Farmer and Rancher Committee. Kimmes was able to attend NYFB’s Conference in April in Syracuse, State Lobby Days in Albany, and put together a dinner dance to raise funds for the county young farmer group this past June with 150 people attending. July took her and the State Young Farmer group to Washington, D.C. for a twoday lobby event that made her more motivated than ever to see Sullivan County Farm Bureau grow and educate the public. Her future goal is to put together a legislative tour of several farms this fall. Jaclyn has worked hard in the last year to become educated on Farm Bureau policy and history and has done it with great dedication, commitment and energy. Keep up the great work.

Long Island Celebrates Locally Grown Agriculture Region 11

Rob Carpenter rcarpenter@lifb.com

Local issues on the town level have been a priority for Long Island Farm Bureau over the past months.

The east end agricultural towns have been working on numerous issues.

In Southold

August 2016

Grassroots

From The Field Town the agricultural advisory committee has been working on an update of their farm and farm stand code to address numerous issues that are of concern. In Riverhead, the town formed a review committee to update the Transfer of Development Rights Program. This is a program where a farmer can work with a developer and transfer the right to build from farmland to a designated area within the town (usually within a developed corridor that can support the infrastructure) to allow the developer to build additional space for their project. In return, a farmer realizes equity for their development right and preserves the farmland in perpetuity.

Brookhaven has just finalized their code to allow for craft beverage operations to develop in the town.

This will allow for operations that fall within the “farm” definition of craft operations the ability to operate within town borders.

Farm Bureau has been working with each of the five East End towns as they develop water quality plans that are required as part of the Community Preservation Fund (CPF) legislation by Assemblyman Fred Thiele. The CPF is a two percent real estate transfer tax (with certain limitations) that is enacted on every transaction in those towns that have agreed to participate, with funding going to help preserve farmland and open space and places of historic value within each town.

So far the fund has raised more than one billion dollars for preservation purposes over the last 15 years.

This year Assemblyman Thiele has worked to allow up to 20 percent of future funding to be used for water quality projects, including best management practices for farmers.

We are currently advocating for language in the plans that will help farmers by providing funding for research, on-farm demonstrations, cost-share funding, writing and implementation of management plans by certified technicians and funding to help Soil and Water Conservation District personnel become certified to write and implement these plans.

The sixth annual “Celebrate

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Farm Bill Discussions in Hudson Valley Grown on Long Island Day” took place on Aug. 5 at the Suffolk County Farm in Yaphank. This annual event is an opportunity for farmers to showcase to consumers the variety of products the Long Island agricultural industry has to offer. At the event consumers purchased local in-season produce from the farmers market, met local farmers, and enjoyed roasted corn, wine, and food tastings. Kids visited the educational animal yard, ride farm wagons and other activities.

This is also the kick off for fall harvest season.

We are encouraging all Long Island residents to remember to visit their local farms and enjoy the wide variety of fall products that are available for the rest of the season. Corn, pumpkin picking, mums and flowers, nursery, our award winning wineries, a great variety of fruits and vegetables and our seafood industry all have bountiful and abundant products available.

Long Island Farm Bureau has been working with the Department of Agriculture and Markets on its Taste of NY tent at the professional golfers Barclays Golf tournament at Bethpage State Park at the end of August. At this tent, chefs will prepare items, sandwiches, wraps and salads, for purchase featuring locally grown products. This will give the patrons and citizens of New York and surrounding areas the ability to taste the bounty and quality of products that our farmers grow and encourage them to buy locally.

Long Island Farm Bureau will be hosting its annual golf outing on Oct. 6 at St. George’s Country Club in East Setauket. The invitation is extended to one and all to register to play and sign up for a sponsorship that will help support Long Island Farm Bureau. Visit the website for more information if you are interested in playing or know someone interested in this great event. The event will be highlighting local bounty of products on the dinner menu including local lobster and duck along with fresh produce and Long Island wines. Hope to see you there.

Connect with us!

Like New York Farm Bureau on Facebook and stay up to date with all the latest NYFB news.

facebook.com/nyfarmbureau

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand held a round table discussion to begin discussion on the 2018 Farm Bill in the Hudson Valley. Although it is a few years away, this is the time that Congress and farm organizations begin setting priorities.

Senator Gillibrand also held similar events in Jefferson County and Yates County.

Left, Senator Gillibrand listens to Farm Bureau members, including Josh Morgenthau of Fishkill Farms, about their concerns on the 2018 Farm Bill. Above, Farm Bureau members and industry representatives meet at Fishkill Farms in Fishkill with Senator Gillibrand.

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August 2016

Young Farmers and Ranchers

‘Down on the Farm’ Night at Joe Bruno Stadium

By Paul Molesky NYFB State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

Farmers from across the Capital Region came out for a night of baseball at the Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy for “Down on the Farm” night with the Tri-City ValleyCats.

The night started out with heavy showers and a short rain delay, but that didn’t keep our members from coming out to promote agriculture at a game with the Class A Short Season Minor League affiliate of the Houston Astros. As the rain started to subside and dark clouds gave way to sun, spectators were greeted by Farm Bureau members handing out squishy cows in

front of a tractor and striking up conversations about farming.

Rensselaer County Farm Bureau President Tim Marbot was interviewed on the field prior to delivering the ceremonial first pitch.

Marbot delivered a sinking fast ball with lots of heat.

Fans settled into their seats as the game was getting underway and Farm Bureau members made their way to the left field side of the ballpark for their “Field of Dreams” picnic. Throughout the game, spectators were reminded Continued on page 25

State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee Travels to Washington, D.C.

New York Farm Bureau members gather in the picnic area at Joe Bruno Stadium in Troy during a recent Tri-City ValleyCats game.

Agriculture Inspires Young Farmer’s Photography Passion

Members of the New York State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee visit the New Zealand Embassy, above, and the U.S. Capitol, below.

Kevin Keenan photograph

Keenan took this photo of Krenzer Farms barn with moon in Scottsville.

By Leslie Hamilton

NYFB State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

By Sarah Blood NYFB State Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee

A delegation from the New York Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee traveled to Washington, D.C. July 12 and 13, to discuss policy issues pertaining to the future of agriculture in the United States Nine members of the committee and four staff members convened in D.C. in a whirlwind trip with many exciting events. The group began their activities with a tour of the AFBF offices and AFBF staff members Dave Salmonsen and Dale Moore presented a briefing on trade issues.

After a great discussion of the policy topics of the day, it was off to the New Zealand Embassy.

This was an eye opening event for the group. The comparisons of American agriculture verses New Zealand agriculture were made and a new found understanding of global trade discovered. The night was topped off with a surprise visit from Cole Coxbill, the Chair of the AFBF YF&R Committee and NYFB President Dean Norton who joined us for dinner.

The real work happened on day two of the trip. The group broke into two smaller groups to meet with our legislators to discuss those topics that are of particular interest to young farmers. As we walked the halls of Rayburn, Longworth, and Cannon office buildings, meeting Continued on page 22

Kevin Keenan is a 24-yearold agricultural technician and part-time photographer from Caledonia, New York. He works full time as a precision planting technician at Growmark FS, but in his spare time he tries to capture agricultural snapshots from around the area.

Keenan has always been involved with agriculture. His family still manages part of the land from his grandfather’s farm, Keenan Farms, which sparked his initial interest. Then a close childhood friend had a large farm down the road where he began spending his free time growing up. He eventually began working summers there and then full-time for a period after college.

As for his interest in photography, “it just kind of happened,” he said. His mother had a digital camera that he started playing with it for fun in 2014. He quickly realized that he needed to “step up his game,” so he purchased a higher level camera soon after.

Keenan’s new love of

photog raphy and his a l r e a d y e x i s t i n g love for agriculture q u i c k l y merged.

“I can vividly r e m e m b e r, ” Keenan said.

“It was an awe s o m e sunset and Kevin Keenan I remember thinking, I wish I could capture that.” Then a farmer neighbor dinner later that year had a speaker who emphasized that we as farmers need to share our stories. If we don’t do it, no one will. The message really stuck with him, and now that’s what he tries to do. He wants to share the stories of farmers with other people through his photos. He has also started using drones and a GoPro to capture the action up close in video format.

He already has a few short videos on his Facebook page facebook.

Continued on page 20

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Foundation and Education News

Media Training ‘Focused’ on Smartphone Use

By Sandie Prokop sprokop@nyfb.org

Participants in a media training program pose for a group photo in Syracuse.

NYFB Offers Scholarships to Students Planning a Future in Agriculture

By Sandie Prokop

The NYFB Promotion and Education and the Young Farmer and Rancher committees, as well as NYFB staff, had the opportunity to attend a training on June 6 facilitated by New York Farm Bureau’s Public Affairs Manager, Steve Ammerman.

The program included a “how to” on use of smartphones to capture

video for a variety of uses. Through demonstration as well as use of an instructional video, the group reviewed and discussed the basics and simple options for improved results of phone videos, editing options, programs, graphics, sharing and many other related topics.

Continued on page 22

New York Attends National Ag in the Classroom Conference

sprokop@nyfb.org

The New York Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee is encouraging high school seniors who have been involved with agriculture and plan on continuing studies in this field to apply for the 2017 New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship, which the committee sponsors.

Scholarship awards are $1,500 for first place $1,200 for second place and $1,000 for third place. District winners will each receive $100 and a memento.

County winners are recognized at the discretion of their county Farm Bureau.

Students applying must have a family Farm Bureau membership or a student Farm Bureau membership, a membership application may be included with scholarship enclosures. Students are required to complete an application and submit a brief 500word essay answering the question, “What do I feel is the most important challenge facing agriculture in my community and why?”

The application can be downloaded, completed and emailed to sprokop@nyfb.org with all required attachments or mailed to NYFB, attention: Sandie Prokop 159 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12205.

The application submission deadline is Nov. 16, 2016.

To nominate someone for the scholarship or to request an application, call 1-800-342-4143 or visit www.nyfb.org.

The application is available as a fillable PDF form to be completed, saved and emailed or printed and mailed for submission.

Ag Trivia During the summer we all enjoy picnics with great agricultural products, a way to celebrate our industry. A bit of trivia to enjoy as you raise your glass in a toast…lots of great NY Craft Beer to enjoy.

True or False: The Egyptians believed that the god of agriculture, Osiris, taught humans how to make beer.

From left, Lisa Byers of Arcade, Katie Bigness, Dianna Daigler of Barker, Judiann Carmack-Fayyaz of Bridgehampton and Sandie Prokop of New York Farm Bureau.

By Sandie Prokop sprokop@nyfb.org

The customary massive number of educators from across the United States and other countries took place one of the hottest weeks on record (June 21-24, 2016) in Phoenix, AZ. New York State had three truly winning educators who have served agriculture so well

that they were recognized for their achievements. Many of the audience of diversified educators were there through some type of scholarship or recognition for their excellence in teaching agriculture, each one representing a different type and variety of education. All were treated to workshops of every type and tours of area agriculture during the cooler hours of the

day, as mandated by the state of Arizona due to the extreme heat conditions.

Our New York educators attending included Dianna Daigler, who is a high school guidance counselor at Royalton-Hartland Central School. She has been Continued on page 23

Lack of Rain is a Big Concern

By Jodi Smith NYFB State Promotion & Education Committee

Sixteen. That’s the number of days since I’ve had to mow my lawn.

Sixteen! How fantastic is that? Yes, there are a few weeds, but it doesn’t look bad. From the perspective of your everyday homeowner or consumer, the freedom from lawn mowing provides some spare time to do other things like bask in the sun and dance in the rain—rain that is, if we could be lucky enough to get some rain. For most of us, the lack of rain will affect us, but nothing like the effects it will have on farmers throughout New York.

Sometimes farmers will disagree on different topics; it’s just the

nature of the business. However, there is one thing all farmers have in common and will agree on—their dependence on Mother Nature.

Generally, New York is blessed with a moderate climate that is great for raising everything from cherries and grapes to goats and dairy cows.

But sometimes, much like this year, Mother Nature just doesn’t cooperate.

Each week of summer that has passed without rain, the Drought Monitor Map released by the University of Nebraska has slowly shifted from white, signifying no drought conditions, to yellow and tan. Each new stronger color signifies worsening drought

conditions in the countryside.

Already, farmers are struggling to find water sources for those fields that are able to be irrigated.

While many fields can be irrigated, it is often higher valued crops and vegetables that are planted in those fields. Because Mother Nature is so generally gracious with rainfall and snowfall in this state, many farmers have not had to significantly invest in irrigation. As a result, many of New York’s corn, wheat, soybeans and other commodity crops are left to the will of Mother Nature.

Many dairy farms in New York Continued on page 24

Answer: True

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August 2016

Compliance Corner

Changes Made in Federal Overtime Exemptions

By Lisa A. Ovitt, Paralegal lovitt@nyfb.org

Effective Dec. 1, 2016, those who earn less than $47,476 a year will automatically qualify for overtime pay of time-and-a-half if they work more than 40 hours a week.

Previously, those who earned more than $23,660 were exempt exempt under federal law from overtime pay. The new rules will affect an estimated 4.2 million workers in the U.S. (It is important to note that farm workers who are not paid on a salary basis are not subject to this rule.) This rule applies to exempt workers (those paid on a salary basis) who are engaged in executive, professional, and administrative duties, i.e.

Highly Compensated Employees (HCEs).

Which Workers Are Affected?

The Final Rule focuses primarily on updating the salary and compensation levels needed for Executive, Administrative, and Professional (EAP) workers to be exempt. Specifically, the Final Rule: • Sets the standard salary level at the 40th percentile of earnings of full-time salaried workers in the lowest-wage Census Region, currently the South, which is $913 per week or $47,476 annually for a full-year worker; • Sets the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (HCE) subject to a minimal duties test to the annual equivalent of the 90th percentile of full-time salaried workers nationally, which is $134,004; and • Establishes a mechanism for automatically updating the salary

NYFB’s Farmer’s Guide to Labor & Employment Laws, 2nd Ed. This comprehensive guide covers major laws affecting agricultural employers, regulations regarding FMLA and COBRA for farms with 15 or more employees, and responsibilities to employees regarding safety and housing standards. It also examines myriad topics from posting requirements and hiring and terminating employees to employee safety and employee benefits.

Recent addendums include: • New York Minimum Wage Rate Increases -The rate that went into effect Dec. 31, 2015, and the increases to follow over the next six years; • New York Wage Rates for Minors – Previously there were special wage rates for minors in New York.

Since 2013 youth under age 18 are to be paid the basic minimum wage rates; and compensation levels every three years to maintain the levels at the above percentiles and to ensure that they continue to provide useful and effective tests for exemption.

Future automatic updates to those thresholds will occur every three years, beginning on January 1, 2020.

Can Bonuses Count Toward the New Salary Level?

For the first time, employers will be able to use nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments (including commissions) to satisfy up to 10 percent of the standard salary level. Such payments may include, for example, nondiscretionary incentive bonuses tied to productivity and profitability.

For employers to credit nondiscretionary bonuses and incentive payments toward a portion of the standard salary level test, the Final Rule requires such payments to be paid on a quarterly

• New York Employment of Minors - Minors aged 16 and 17 may now be employed on any farm without a farm work permit and without any hours restrictions, except during school hours. There are also new regulations regarding minors working in food processing plants; • Federal Overtime Exemption -- Effective December 1, 2016, those who earn less than $47,476 a year will automatically qualify for overtime pay of time-and-a-half if they work more than 40 hours a week. Previously, those who earned more than $23,660 were exempt from overtime pay. The new rules will affect 4.2 million workers in the U.S. See page 7 to order your copy of Farmer’s Guide to Labor & Employment Laws, 2nd Ed. today.

or more frequent basis and permits the employer to make a “catchup” payment. The Department recognizes that some businesses pay significantly larger bonuses; where larger bonuses are paid, however, the amount attributable toward the standard salary level is capped at 10 percent of the required salary amount.

Must Existing Job Duties Change?

The Final Rule is not changing any of the existing job duty requirements to qualify for exemption. The Department expects that the standard salary level set in this Final Rule and automatic updating will work effectively with the duties test to distinguish between overtime-eligible workers

and those who may be exempt.

As a result of the change to the salary level, the number of workers for whom employers must apply the duties test to determine exempt status is reduced, thus simplifying the exemption. Both the standard duties tests and the HCE duties test remain unchanged.

More information on duties tests for Executive, Administrative, and Professional employees may be found at: https://www.dol.gov/ whd/overtime/fs17a_overview.htm.

The information contained in this article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be considered, a substitute for legal advice rendered by a competent attorney. If you have any questions about the application of the issues raised in this article to your particular situation, seek the advice of a competent attorney.

Farms Donate to Food Bank Event

Hepworth Farms, Fino Farms, and the Hudson Valley Farm Hub donated a variety of produce for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley’s Farm Stand Chefs’ Challenge: Salad Edition, held at People’s Place Thrift Store and Food Pantry in Kingston on July 12. More than 450 households received fresh produce to take home, and 1,500 people attended the event, which featured creative recipes and educational demonstrations, including one hosted by Hurd’s Family Farm. The Kingston site is held weekly, and another Food Bank Farm Stand in Newburgh is held monthly. This project is made possible by the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley through a grant from the New World Foundation’s Local Economies Project. It is designed to meet the needs of those living in urban, USDA-designated “food deserts”, which are low-income areas where folks have limited access to fresh foods.

NYFB Foundation Feast Sept. 30, Tupper Lake

August 2016

News Briefs

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Dairy Day Celebrated at the Capitol

Round 22 Ag NonPoint Source Funding Awarded

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets recently announced that is has awarded $13.1 million to 120 farms to implement agricultural best management practices through its Round 22 Ag Non-Point Source Program. These funds will help many farmers in their continuing effort to be better stewards of the land, while helping to maintain the economic viability of their farms.

All the funded projects consist of activities that will reduce, abate, control, or prevent nonpoint source pollution originating from agricultural sources. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts have worked with farms to develop conservation plans that tailored to the farms goals and now, Districts will work with these farms to implement these agricultural best management practices, such as nutrient management systems, barnyard runoff management, pasture management, and soil health management.

The Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee.

It supports the Agricultural Environmental Management framework, a broader effort that helps farmers achieve better water quality, climate resiliency, and more effective farming systems.

Farms interested in applying for future funds, should contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District.

NY Apple Association CEO Retiring Jim Allen, president and CEO of the New York Apple Association plans to retire on Jan. 2, 2017, after serving since 2000.

Allen joined NYAA in 1996 as retail program director, and was named to the association’s top job four years later. As NYAA’s senior executive, he represents more than 675 apple growers across New York state, overseeing all promotional, grower education, communications, market research, and public and government affairs activities.

Allen was awarded “Apple Person of the Year” honors in 2002

by The Packer; the newspaper also named him to the Top 25 Agricultural Leaders in the United States in 2008. United Fresh Produce Association named Allen “Produce Industry Advocate of the Year” in 2007.

NYAA board Immediate Past Chairman Gunnison also announced that a Search Committee has been established to find NYAA’s next president and CEO. The committee will engage a search firm to assist them.

Senator Patty Ritchie and Assemblyman Bill Magee host the 2016 Dairy Day in The Well at the Capitol. New York Farm Bureau Vice President Eric Ooms and his family brought a week-old calf that lawmakers were able to meet. Top: Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner meets the Ooms calf. Below: Assemblyman Bill Magee, along with Senator Patty Ritchie and NYFB President Dean Norton, greet their guests and dairy industry representatives.

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August 2016

The Face of Agriculture John Kast Kast Farms, Inc. Orleans County Farm Bureau Can you describe your operation?

Our family farm is a fruit, vegetable and grain operation in Orleans County comprising of approximately 5,000 acres.

Nearly 500 acres of the operation is dedicated to apples, consisting of varieties such as Honeycrisp, SnapDragon, RubyFrost, Empire and Fuji to name a few. Our vegetable and grain crops include grain and sweet corn, soy, snap and lima beans, wheat and malting

Barley. The farm was started in 1884 by my great – great grandfather and we still utilize the main farm area and many of the original buildings.

Currently the farm is owned and operated by myself, my parents, David and Kathy Kast and my brother Brett. We have seven other full time employees and during harvest bring on as many as 100 seasonal workers.

What is your role on the farm?

I am the Field Crops and Facilities Manager, overseeing the planting and harvesting of all our field crops in addition to sweet cherries and managing a cold storage facility.

I was away from the farm for over 15 years – returning in 2013. While some things stayed the same – there

has been a lot to catch up on since returning!

How has the industry changed since you started?

I think the biggest changes to the industry from when I left the farm in the early ‘90s to when I returned in 2013 have to be the level of technology used, the number and size of the farms today and the number of young people leaving agriculture. Obviously the lack of youth staying on farms and the number of farms are tied together.

There used to be about six to eight smaller farms within a three mile radius of our operation. With no one interested in staying on the farms they either rented out their land or sold off to other farms that were fortunate enough to have family members or other individuals willing to continue to run the operation.

How do you incorporate technology into your operation?

We utilize technology on a number of levels. From auto guidance in our planter and zone builder, variable rate planting and fertilizer application, to variety, yield and moisture mapping in our fields. The apple orchards are coming along as well. We have been planting high density, trellised systems for a number of years now to increase efficiency, reduce labor and grow a higher quality apple.

What is the biggest challenge facing the agricultural industry in New York State?

I think our biggest challenge right now is labor. The direction our state appears to be heading in regarding wages and collective bargaining is very concerning.

It has a very ‘anti-ag’ lean to it.

Farmers are unable to find quality local labor for many of our high value crops at priority times of the year and are relying on more and more foreign workers. We have been a part of the H-2A program for a number of years. It is not an ideal program and could use some retooling to streamline the process better but without it we would not be growing apples. There is just not enough of a local labor force willing to come work on a farm.

What is the biggest opportunity?

The locally grown movement is huge right now. People want to know where their food comes from and how it is grown. Farms that can make that connection to the buyers, whether it is through their own farm market or events like meet the grower at larger chains that sell their product, will go far.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I think it is the variety that I enjoy the most. Something different every day. Different goals and challenges (some you can control, others you can’t!) throughout the year. Also knowing that I am part of something bigger than me. A business that started 132 years ago and that hopefully will be around for another 132 years. Giving my kids the opportunity to know their heritage and instill a good work ethic in them.

Continued on page 24

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Commodity Report: Fruit

Long Island Farm Diversifies Operation

By Ivy Jean Reynolds

NYFVI Project: Enterprise Budgets Help Plan for Profit in Berry Business

ireynolds@nyfb.org

When most people think of a pear they often picture the iconic Bartlett or William’s pear. Its signature bell shape, soft texture and sweet flavor have dominated the market place. The popularity of this pear hasn’t stopped Emilie and Mark Zaweski.

These Long Island farmers have started growing Olympic pears, which is a variety of Asian pears in addition to vegetables and herbs.

“We like to grow things that are unique,” said Emilie Zaweski.

“The pear itself is basically a cross between an apple and a pear,” Zaweski explained. The fruit is circular mimicking the shape of an Empire apple and bears a satisfying crunch, but the flavor is just as you would expect in any other pear.

“They are really quite delicious,” she said.

“One of Mark’s cousins in Maryland had an orchard and that’s how we found them,” Emilie Zaweski said. Fifteen years ago the Zaweski’s put in an orchard of 250 pear trees and until recently they have been selling them wholesale.

In order to diversify their operation, the Zaweski’s started an enterprise called the Farmer’s Kitchen. Farmer’s Kitchen takes raw product grown in their fields and other local ingredients to craft specialty products like jams, jellies,

soups and sauces. The storefront is located in Riverhead, New York.

With the new business taking off, Emilie Zaweski has been enjoying creating new things with her teams of chefs and is looking forward to incorporating her farm’s Asian pears into their products this year as the crop ripens.

The Zaweskis are looking forward to making brandy pears, mixing apples with pears to create new sauces, and maybe even making some Asian pear butter.

These products will be an excellent addition to their other value added fruit products like lavender citrusade, pineapple sage and

raspberry rhubarb jam.

Margaret Ball, an agriculture development specialist at Tioga County Cornell Cooperative Extension, says adding value to farm products can be a very positive addition to farm operations.

Ball encourages farms to do their research and understand rules and regulations impacting their new ideas. This can also be one of the largest challenges.

“Most producers are set up to do what they do, but might not have access to processing facilities Continued on page 24

Many New York berry growers excel at managing their fields and producing quality fruit for their customers to enjoy.

However, a recent New York Farm Viability (NYFVI) funded project learned that when it comes to managing their books, growers are not consistently planning their expenses and tracking their costs to be able to make better decisions for their business.

Working with the NYS Berry Growers Association, Dr. Marvin Pritts of Cornell University developed tools to give berry growers a head start on tracking and managing their production costs. Enterprise budgets for raspberries, blueberries and strawberries were developed and are now available for use.

Growers who participated in NYFVI project found that better financial management led to increased sales.

The templates can be found at www.fruit.cornell.edu.

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Order Your NYAAC Advocacy Banner Today

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NYAAC Seeks Volunteers for State Fair Dairy Cow Birthing Center

By Eileen Jensen NYAAC

State Fair is right around the corner and the New York Animal Ag Coalition (NYAAC) is gearing up for another successful year at the Dairy Cow Birthing Center.

The Dairy Cow Birthing Center is like no other in the country by offering real life dairy farmers and dairy industry leaders the opportunity to serve as spokespeople. The goal of the Dairy Cow Birthing Center is to offer transparency by determining shared values through farmer involvement to help increase the understanding and appreciation for the agriculture industry.

Last year, we welcomed 36 calves into the world at the State Fair, and more importantly, talked to more than 230,000 fairgoers.

This exhibit has become one of the top attractions at the New

County Fairs Eligible for Infrastructure Grants from State With fair season under way, New York’s county fairs are encouraged to apply for a $5 million Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program this fall.

New York Farm Bureau advocated for the funding for the program that was included in the 2016-17 New York State Budget. It will help offset the cost of improvement and renovation projects, including new construction, at eligible county fairs. This is the first time in nearly a decade that the New York State Budget has included funding for the state’s more than four dozen county fairs.

“County fairs across the state are often the first exposure people have to the diverse agricultural community that is important to New York State,” New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton said. “The $5 million Agricultural Fairgrounds Infrastructure Improvement Program is a valuable tool for fairs to use to make basic improvements and enhance the fair-going experience.”

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, which is administering the grant program, will release detailed eligibility requirements and the application this fall, allowing the county fairs time to prepare project proposals that are shovel-ready and that could be implemented starting next year. Grant funding will not exceed $200,000 and will be awarded on a first-come basis.

All county fairs interested in applying for funding are encouraged to register in the Grants Gateway website. If any county fairs need assistance with the Grants Gateway, they can call the Department at 518-457“Every summer, millions 2195. of New Yorkers visit their local fairs to experience the familyContinued on page 25

Volunteers mingled with visitors to the NYAAC Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the 2015 New York State Fair. The exhibit fosters communication between farmers and fairgoers about dairy farming.

York State Fair and our volunteers are what make this exhibit so special and successful because there is no one more trust-worthy to carry the message about animal care to consumers that farmers

themselves.

NYAAC is currently seeking more than 350 dairy farmers and industry representatives to volunteer to serve as spokespeople during the New York State Fair.

The involvement and presence of industry volunteers enhances the credibility, authenticity and popularity of the exhibit. While fairgoers wait for a birth, which can take hours, volunteers have the opportunity to talk to them about their farms, their cows, their families and all the good things in the dairy industry. The questions are endless, and the public is enamored with the life of a dairy farmer.

Volunteers are needed to help set up the exhibit on Aug. 16 and for two daily shifts between Aug. 23 and Sept. 5 as well as a tear down team on for Sept. 6. All volunteers will receive admission and parking passes along with a free T-shirt to wear during their shifts. If you are interested in learning more and becoming a volunteer, please contact Eileen Jensen at eileen@ nyanimalag.org or 315-719-2795.

State Fairground Upgrades Ready for Opening The Great New York State Fair will open at the end of the month and there will be some major changes, some of them noticeable as visitors walk through the front gate.

Construction was recently completed on a historic looking archway gate that harkens back to the original style when the fair first opened in 1890. It will include newer technology to speed up the admission process.

The gate is part of the $50 million revitalization project that New York State launched after last year’s fair. Improvements include a 15-acre Wade Shows Midway that will hold more rides than ever. This will include cell phone charging stations and resting areas.

A brand new 315-site Empire RV Park with underground water, sewer and electrical service fills the space at the site of the now demolished grandstand. It also includes new flexible park space and various parking and pedestrian

Photo courtesy of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

safety improvements.

Many of the renovations are things that you won’t see. Over the past several months, much of the fairground was dug up to install five miles of storm water pipe and 10 miles of underground electrical conduits carrying 40 miles of wire.

There is also new lighting along Hiawatha street which was paved and includes the additions of a

curbed median and new trees.

A number of vendors were also moved or eliminated from certain areas, including the Quad where it was restored to a more park-like setting for fairgoers to relax.

The New York State Fair, operated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from Aug. 25 to Sept.

5, 2016.

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New York Farm Bureau Board of Direc

NYFB board members, spouses and staff tour agricultural operations in both Allegany a

NYFB board members tour Pleasant Valley Greenhouse and Nursery.

Jim Finch of Eco Valley Farms tends to his herd.

President Dean Norton visits with Senator Cathy Young.

Gernatt’s dredging ma sand.

The group learns about Eco Valley Farms and their organic grass-fed beef.

The hatchery built by students in the fisheries and wildlife program at CubaRushford High School.

The tour bus sitting between hills of gravel and sand at Garnett’s.

NYFB members speak with Congressman Tom Reed.

Scott Jordan at the Cub

FFA students grow their hydroponic lettuce in these pods.

Pat Ploetz and her stud Cuba-Rushford FFA.

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ctors Tours Western New York

and Cattaraugus counties during their summer board meeting.

achine that they use to gather rock and

It was a family affair at the Pumpkinville stop, as the Ooms children enjoy their visit.

Sprague’s maple production room in Portville.

Congressman Reed speaks with the group at Moonwink’s in Cuba.

ba-Rushford school explains how the fish get from the hatchery to their stocking pond.

dents explain some of their projects at

Board members learn about the process Garnett’s use to process gravel and sort gravel by size.

Garnett’s employees explain the gravel screen process.

Randy Sprague discusses with the group how he produces maple syrup.

Page 18

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August 2016

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Jefferson County Dairy Farm Hosts Technology Tour at Dusk

By Steve Ammerman sammerman@nyfb.org

Porterdale Farms opened their Jefferson County dairy farm to community leaders on June 29 for a technology tour.

Greg and Steve Porter led officials on a bus tour of their operation that highlighted the new construction of manure storage on a satellite farm that they own. The Porters discussed the engineering and high standards that are going into the construction, and also showcased the many things that the farm is doing to better handle manure, reduce odor and protect the environment.

It was a good opportunity for local officials to ask the Porters questions and learn about dairy farming. In addition, their CAFO planner, Chris Watkins, along with a number of their employees and people they work with in the dairy industry were also on hand to offer up answers if needed. Following the tour, Lisa Porter and the Jefferson County Dairy Princess dished up homemade strawberry shortcake for the visitors at the home farm Greg Porter speaks to local officials about new construction on his family’s farm. where the discussions continued.

The tour was part of an evening “Dairy at Dusk” project Jefferson County Soil and Water. questions and answers at a more that was organized by Jefferson The two-hour event was meant to convenient time for farmers and County Farm Bureau, New York focus on a particular subject area participants.

Animal Agriculture Coalition and and provide an open forum for If other farms are interested

in the idea of hosting their own tour at dusk, please contact Steve Ammerman at sammerman@nyfb. org or call 518-431-5643.

Page 20

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August 2016

7 Ways to Protect Your Home While on Vacation Burglaries increase by 10.5 percent in the summer months, according to a Department of Justice report. July and August are the most frequent months for breakins, perhaps because so many people leave their homes unattended while they’re on vacation.

Here are ways to prep your house before you hit the road for vacation so it doesn’t look empty and attract the attention of robbers.

1. Make your house looked lived in Controlling your lights with timers only goes so far in faking activity at your house while you’re on vacation, says Mark Clement, home improvement, landscape and property management expert, and co-host of a home improvement radio show. If you have a neighbor or friend who can help, he says, ask them to drive your car around the block each day and park it in a different spot. If you have a porch or deck, ask your neighbor to move the furniture around a bit to make it look as if you’ve been out there drinking your morning coffee.

2. Don’t leave clues

If you are out of town on trash day, ask your neighbor to put out and bring in your trash cans. “Not putting out your trash is a sign that you’re not there,” Clement warns.

If you normally keep your blinds open, keep them open while you’re gone, otherwise you are signaling that no one is home.

3. Hold the newspaper, mail and packages Be sure to put a hold on your newspaper and mail, and don’t forget about packages. Request a vacation hold from FedEx, hold your U.S. mail and request a hold from UPS. 4. Know which items to keep hidden If you store a ladder outside, lock it with a chain or cable so no one can use it to break into your house, Clement says. If you have a hide-a-key, bring it inside your

house. Check your house from the sidewalk and street to make sure no valuables are visible from the windows.

5.

Change your privacy settings Be careful what you share on social media. Change your privacy settings so you are only sharing posts with friends or, better yet, wait until you return home to post photos from your trip. If you do choose to post photos on social media, disable the GPS on your phone so it doesn’t show your location. If you park your car at the airport, don’t leave a portable GPS device visible on the dashboard or seat, or better yet, take it with you. That device could easily lead robbers back to your unattended house.

6. Ensure everything is locked and secure Make sure all doors and windows, even second-floor windows, are locked. If you have a garage with a connecting door, make sure it’s locked. If you have an automatic garage door, unplug the power to prevent robbers from using a universal remote to gain access. If

you have a sliding glass door, secure it by putting a metal rod or piece of plywood into the track. Put all your valuables in a fireproof safe and, if you have a security system, let the company know you will be out of town.

7. Safeguard your house In addition to taking steps to prevent burglars, it’s a good idea to take steps to prevent a fire or flood in your home while you’re gone. Unplug all appliances and turn the thermostat up or down a bit, depending on the season. If it’s winter, keep the temperature at 55 degrees; if it’s summer, 80 degrees. If you’re traveling in the winter, make sure your pipes are well insulated and consider asking a neighbor to turn on your faucets every day to ensure the pipes don’t freeze while you’re gone.

Follow these simple steps prior to traveling to deter the attention of robbers. You should also make sure you have the right homeowners insurance to protect your property and valuables. Learn more about different homeowners coverage at www.nationwide.com.

Keenan Continued from page 9 com/kevinkeenanphotography/, one is of a nearby wheat harvest and another of #Plant16, a popular hashtag including photos and videos of the 2016 planting season.

Going forward he hopes to continue growing his Facebook page and taking on more projects in the future.

This year he will be shooting some of the billboard photographs for Livingston County’s Farm Fest.

Each year, six to seven billboards around the county display photos of local farm families in the months previous to Farm Fest, the county’s agricultural event in September.

This type of “photography is kind of niche market. We are surrounded

by Livingston County, which is the highest grain producing county in the state. There aren’t many other photographers around here that are focusing on the same type of thing,” said Keenan.

He encourages other young people who are interested to “just talk to other photographers; don’t be afraid to reach out to them. Just go out and learn, just do it.”

Keenan himself has extended his network by becoming a member of The Genesee Valley Photography Society.

They meet twice a month and offer educational opportunities, critiques, and are involved in local and national competitions.

He continues to strive to share the stories of agriculture and the people who live it.

“Paul Stein (81 and still actively farming) is the perfect example. I think about how cool his life has been. How do you share that with people?” Keenan wondered. “I still haven’t mastered it.

He laughs about how bad he was when he began taking pictures, “I was so bad that I didn’t even know how bad I was.”

Kevin Keenan photographs

Above, Stein and Sons; 24-row Kinze corn planter in Caledonia. Below, Callan Farm’s pull-type chopper in Caledonia.

His Facebook page now has more than 1,170 followers and he was presented the 2014-15 Most

Improved Photographer award from The Genesee Valley Photography Society, so he is well on his way. We

wish Keenan the best of luck and we are looking forward to seeing his work in the future.

August 2016

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Page 22

Grassroots

Holstein Continued from page 3

Kevin Peck of Clear Echo Farm welcomes convention attendees to his farm.

included Welcome Stock Farm, an 850 cow dairy in Schuylerville; Clear Echo Farm, a 600 cow dairy Schuylerville; Kings Ransom Farm, a 950 cow dairy in Schuylerville; Ideal Dairy Farm, a 2,000 cow dairy in Hudson Falls; and Liddleholme Farm, a 60 cow dairy in Argyle. All five farms are well-known for their high genetic Holstein cattle and the tours gave individuals time to walk around the farms and discuss the genetics of the farms’ cattle.

Throughout the week, convention attendees also had the opportunity to tour some of Saratoga Springs most famous attractions including the Saratoga Polo Club, the Oklahoma Training Tour, the Saratoga Racing Museum, and the springs that made Saratoga famous.

Convention attendees also got down to business with delegates from each state meeting to discuss issues impacting the dairy industry and the Holstein breed.

Attendees also heard from Dr. Michael VandeHaar of Michigan State University, who spoke about breeding to increase feed efficiency as well as Dr. Jennifer Garrett of the Context Network on the futuristic look of animal genetics.

The convention wasn’t just for the adults, more than 400 youth, ages 21 and under, participated in contests such as dairy bowl, dairy jeopardy, public speaking, and educational displays. These events aimed at increasing their knowledge of the dairy industry,

August 2016 strengthening self-confidence, and building leadership skills.

Distinguished junior members who have excelled in their Junior project work, involvement on their farm, and in their communities were also honored. This award is the highest honor a Holstein Association USA Junior Member can receive. This year, Kayla Windecker and Jonathan King, both of New York, were named finalists for the Distinguished Junior Member and Young Distinguished Junior Member awards.

Thursday night featured one of the highlight events, the National Holstein Sale, which featured 80 high quality animals. The sale grossed nearly $2 million, with the top selling heifer coming from a farm in Mexico, NY and selling for $180,000.

The convention concluded on Friday with an awards banquet to honor the youth contest winners as well as the following award winners: Distinguished Young Holstein Breeder Joseph Loehr of Holyland Holstein in Mount Calvary, WI; Elite Breeder Dave and Debbie Hardestry of Harvue Holstein in Berryville, VA; and Distinguished Leadership Award winner Dick Witter of Mehoopany, PA. Next year, the National Convention heads to Bellevue, Washington.

Media Continued from page 9 Our final agenda item was a discussion of the storyboard and template for use of videos that will be featured on the Foundation commodity brochures, agriculture fact school calendars, and other websites providing a place to meet your New York farmers.

The committee hopes that those who attend will help capture brief segments of New York farmers who produce many of the commodities covered by the Foundation’s growing collection of commodity brochures. These will be sent to NYFB for editing and be added to the YouTube presentation collection.

We all have a story to tell and this training is a great opportunity to better our knowledge of different media platforms.

D.C. Continued from page 8 with members of Congress and their staff, it was evident that there was an eagerness to learn more about what we do and why we do it as young farmers.

The group also had the opportunity to meet with Senator Schumer’s staff.

Each person we met wanted to have a better understanding of our drive and enthusiasm for agriculture. We discussed the topics of GMOs, taxes, labor, livestock processing among many others. Our ideas and concerns were met with keen interest. A tour of the Capitol completed our experience in D.C. for the summer meeting of the Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee.

Grassroots

August 2016

Education Continued from page 9 instrumental in supporting the creation of an agriculture program and supporting students to consider careers and fields of study in

Rewards Continued from page 3 achieving Regular Member Goal.

The first county to reach Regular Member Goal will be awarded $500.

Each county Farm Bureau that achieves this goal thereafter will receive $250. If the county Farm Bureau achieves five more than its Regular Member Goal it will be awarded an additional $250.

Total Membership Growth Award County Farm Bureaus that achieve its NYFB Total Membership Growth will receive $200.

November Renewal Membership Bonus County Farm Bureaus that achieve a higher renewal membership total on Nov. 1, 2016 than it had on Nov. 1, 2015 will

agriculture. Daigler was awarded a CHS Foundation Scholarship from the National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization to support her registration cost to attend the conference.

Attending for her second experience was Lisa Byers, a kindergarten teacher at Arcade Elementary and was presented receive a $100 bonus. The county Farm Bureau will receive $10 for any paid renewal over award goal.

Valid for renewals paid by Nov. 1, 2016.

State Annual Meeting Membership Bonus County Farm Bureaus that achieve a higher regular membership total on Dec. 1, 2016 than it had on Dec. 1, 2015 will receive a $100 bonus. The county Farm Bureau will receive $10 for any paid regular member over award goal. Valid for regular members paid by Dec. 1, 2016.

Lobby Day Membership Bonus County Farm Bureaus that achieve a higher total membership count on March 1, 2017 than it had on March 1, 2016 will receive a $100 bonus. The county Farm Bureau will receive $10 for any paid member over award goal. Valid only for memberships paid by March 1, 2017.

News Updates NYFB.org

as one of nine teachers winning the White-Reinhardt Award from the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Education. Byers was selected for this honor because of her innovative approaches to connecting agriculture to her curriculum throughout the entire school year. Byers also attended the National Agriculture in the Classroom last year as she was selected at New York Agriculture in the Classroom’s Teacher of the Year.

We were so very pleased to work with and learn from Judiann Carmack-Fayyaz, who was awarded the USDA Excellence in Teaching about Agriculture – the most prestigious award a teacher can receive in this field. Teaching at Bridgehampton School on the east end of Long Island, she teaches her

Page 23 students everything from botany and nutrition to environmental design. She uses the tools of a school garden and greenhouse to teach her students to become environmental stewards and to help solve real world problems. Her program and her dedication are amazing.

Katie Bigness, our New York Ag in The Classroom coordinator continues work with the National Conference Planning Committee for the 2017 conference which will be held in Kansas City, MO, from June 20-23, 2017. The following year the conference will be a bit closer to home, in Portland, ME, June 26-29, 2018.

This conference represents a wonderful opportunity for teachers from New York to attend and bring home with them more than they could imagine.

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Page 24

Nature Continued from page 9 rely on corn to feed their milking herds. When the plant matures and the moisture level is ideal, they will make their way through the fields chopping the corn into small pieces which will later be fed to the cows. Farmers require significant

Commodity Continued from page 13 where they could make value added products,” Ball said.

Her position helps to figure out how to make resources, like processing facilities, available to farmers.

Value-added business incubators

Face Continued from page 12 If young people are interested in getting into farming, what

August 2016

tonnage of chopped corn to feed their cows throughout the year.

Drought and extreme heat can result in the lack of growth in corn, but can also prevent the formation of an ear on the plant. The ear of corn makes up a significant percentage of total yields when chopped.

As such, some dairy farmers are growing increasingly concerned that the fields they planted may not perform as they had hoped

and will find themselves short of feed for the next year. Most farm commodities are already in a tough financial climate as commodity prices have dropped significantly.

Farmers are likely already working on contingency plans to secure enough tonnage of corn from areas that are still dry, but have had enough small showers to keep the corn crop in slightly better conditions. Exacerbating the issue

for dairymen and women, hay supplies may be sparse throughout New York and the Northeast.

The issues farmers throughout New York will face due to drought will be plentiful unless Mother Nature decides to provide a little relief. At which point consumers can go back to dancing in the rain, but until then, maybe we should consider a little rain dance and I should consider mowing my lawn.

provide an opportunity for farmers to partner with another local business instead of installing their own processing facility. Farmer’s Kitchen is a perfect example of this business model.

Not only are the Zaweski’s processing and labeling their own products, but they process other farm’s products and create custom labels.

But why should consumers buy local products?

“Buying local product is beneficial because you can form a relationship with the person you are buying from,” Ball said. “I believe that those types of economic connections are very beneficial to a community’s overall economic health.”

Not only are consumers supporting local business but they are recirculating money throughout the community. Local value-added products also provide consumers

with a local farm fresh food. Every product at Farm’s Kitchen includes at least one local farm product.

“Farming is tough and we have no children looking to return to the farm,” Zaweski said. Her husband, Mark Zaweski is a fourth generation farmer and the family wants to see the business continue.

“We are looking at this as an extension of the farm, something to complement our farm and preserve local flavors.”

would you suggest would be the best way to get started?

If you aren’t lucky enough to already live on a farm or be part of one then talk to a farmer near you.

Find out about their operation and why they enjoy doing what they do. Most farmers, once you get us

talking about our operations, it’s hard to get us to stop. You can find out about seasonal positions and potential opportunities. Most farms need part time help during planting and harvest and what better time to learn. If your school has an FFA chapter, consider joining.

FFA can open a number of doors into agriculture you may not have initially considered.

Why is Farm Bureau important to you?

To me, Farm Bureau is a voice.

There are many issues affecting agriculture right now and farmers

definitely have opinions on them and valid points that need to be heard but may be unsure who to talk to or how to go about it. Farm Bureau provides so many resources to make sure that our needs and views can be heard. If you want to speak to someone directly and have an impact – Farm Bureau can point you in the right direction and get you started. If you are unwilling to be personally involved, Farm Bureau is willing to stand up for you and thousands of other farmers to make sure that you are heard and noticed.

Find NYFB on Facebook

Find your local Nationwide agent at:

Nationwide.com/NYFB Or Contact Scott Keyes at 518-431-5615 or skeyes@nyfb.org Working Together To Serve Our Members

Grassroots

August 2016

Page 25

Fourth

State Fair

Continued from page 1

Continued from page 15 About Bob, playing classic rock, Alter Ego, featuring tunes from the ‘80s and ‘90s, and Agatha Road, playing country music. A fire pit complemented the evening where folks could sit around and chat with their neighbors and friends and meet new people. All of this was capped off with a phenomenal fireworks display later that evening.

“The party helped to increase awareness of agriculture to the non-farm public as well as to allow farmers to take a day off to mingle with other farmers and to make connections,” said Palladino.

He went on to say, “Onondaga County Farm Bureau invested in this event in order to share our values and to expose the community to a modern day crop and beef farm. It also allows us to spotlight and support financially two very important organizations in our community, the Food Bank of Central NY and the Tully FFA.” At the end of the day, Onondaga County Farm Bureau was successful in raising $1000 which will be split between both organizations.

Baseball Continued on page 8 of the “Down on the Farm” theme with announcements over the loudspeaker and images of the Farm Bureau logo on the television screens throughout the stadium.

Members enjoyed the classic ballpark fare of hamburgers, hotdogs, kettle corn and ice-cream, all while dodging foul balls and watching the ValleyCats hold the Connecticut Tigers to 7 scoreless innings.

The ValleyCats gave up two runs in the eighth, but held the league

Peter Ricardo, Product Donations Manager for the Food Bank of Central NY attended the event and commented on its impact, “We are so thankful to be partnered with such a great and genuine group of people. It was a gorgeous day, great food, talented stage performers, and a bunch of people having fun enjoying the upstate New York countryside. On behalf of the Food leading Tigers off in the ninth to finish with a 10-2 victory and improve their record to 15-13.

Farm Bureau has been supporting a local agriculture night at the Joe Bruno Stadium for 6 years as a way to promote agriculture and increase awareness of Farm Bureau and its importance to New York Agriculture.

This year, the event reached an announced crowd of 3,301. County Farm Bureaus within District 8 participating in and contributing towards the event this year include Rensselaer, Albany, Washington, Saratoga and Schenectady. Be sure to join us next year for Local Agriculture Night at “the Joe!”

Bank of Central New York I would like to thank Onondaga County Farm Bureau for their generous donation and support.”

Mark your calendars for next year when this Fourth on the Farm Celebration will be held at Palladino and Carley Farms on July 1, 2017. Palladino has already had Farm Bureau members volunteer to help plan this worthwhile event.

Seniors Continued from page 2 be distributed this year, allowing for the purchase of fresh, locallygrown fruits and vegetables from 950 farmers vending at over 600 farmers’ markets and farm stands across the state.

A pocket folder with instructions on how and where to use the checks to purchase fresh, local fruits and vegetables from farmers at the market will be included with each booklet.

Checks can be used at participating farmers’ markets and

friendly fun and learn first-hand about our growing agriculture industry so it’s vital we support our fairs’ success,” Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said.

Andy Imperati, the president of the New York State Association of Agricultural Fairs, said many of the fairgrounds across the state are in need of upgrades to their water, electrical and storm water systems, restrooms, animal barns, and other buildings on their facilities. These funds will go a long way towards helping to make those improvements possible.

The sentiment was echoed by the president of the Washington County Fair, Harry Booth, who thanked state leaders and New York Farm Bureau for their support in making this funding happen.

“These dollars will help build and maintain safe and attractive places for fair goers to learn about agriculture in a fun and entertaining way,” Booth said.

farm stands through Nov. 30 of this year.

The Senior FMNP is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the New York State Office for the Aging, the New York City Department for the Aging and the New York State Department of Health. Eligible recipients must be age 60 or older and meet the income eligibility requirement—$1,832 or less per month for a single or $2,470 per month for a couple— or affirm that they are currently receiving or eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or public assistance or Section 8 housing subsidy.

Grassroots Farmers’ Market Classified Ads FREE to NYFB members

HAY HAY FOR SALE. Quality timothybrome-orchard grass mix. Small square bales for pickup or delivery in Westchester, Dutchess and Putnam area. 845-475-7100 ALPACA HAY. Tender, soft 3rd and 4th cut grass and some alfalfa.

Caseyland Farm 518-461-7922 STRAW FOR SALE. Skanda Equine in Cazenovia has beautiful, soft straw for sale. $4.10/bale. 917940-4963

Reach Farm Bureau members throughout the state!

Sell equipment, real estate or a service, you name it!

One free ad — up to 30 words — per month for every member, as long as we receive your ad by the 15th of the previous month.

Want an additional up-to-30-word ad? No problem.

Members pay just $15. Non-members pay $30.

We gladly accept ads by e-mail at: classifieds@nyfb.org. or mail to: Grassroots Classifieds, PO Box 5330, Albany, NY 12205 or fax to: 518-431-5656 For more information call: 518-436-8495 Advertisers in this section support the mission of the New York Farm Bureau. NYFB reserves the right to refuse to accept any classified ad, paid or unpaid, at its sole discretion. Payment must accompany order with all paid ads.

HAY FOR SALE. Nice quality dry hay. Small, well packed square bales. No chemicals. Never wet.

1st cutting $2.75/bale, 2nd cutting $4.00/bale. 315-562-8280

square bales $5.50-$6.50 each. Can ship anywhere in continental USA. 607-538-9685 or scotchvalleyranch@ gmail.com.

TOP QUALITY tested horse hay; references available. Timothy/ Orchard mix, RFV 92-98. Small

FOR SALE. 4x4 rounds. Grass hay, 1st cutting. Organic Certified. $35/ each. 607-849-3798

HAY FOR SALE. Alfalfa & Alfalfa Mixed. Quality tested. Round processed baleage. 1st, 2nd & 3rd cut available. Malette Hy-View Acres. 518-497-6837 HAY FOR SALE. Legume grass 4x5 baleage, 2nd & 3rd cutting which

has been tested. Also stored inside 1st cut 4x5 hay. Chemung County 607-962-1477 HAY FOR SALE – Orange County area – Mixed grass/timothy/ alfalfa. Standard 40lb bales (10 & up). Pick up or delivery for fee.

845-374-5471 ask for Jeff Soons.

Info@soonsorchards.com.

HAY FOR SALE. Tubed round bales of oatlage and 3rd cutting alfalfa mix balage; 1st & 2nd cutting Savanah-Sorghum balage and round dry bales under cover.

518-753-4387 or 518-466-1457 HAY FOR SALE. Pure Alfalfa and forage soybean bailage. $75/ bale. 50lbs corn $6.00. Potsdam/ St.Lawrence County. 315-265-6788 STRAW FOR SALE. Clean/dry 3x4 wheat straw for feeding or bedding.

Delivered by truckload. Wes at 866575-7562

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Grassroots

Grassroots Farmers’ Market

HAY FOR SALE. 4x4 netted round bales. Timothy/mixed grasses.

Good feed, never wet, stored inside, no chemicals. $50 cash upon loading. 585-637-9632 leave message.

TOP QUALITY tested horse hay for sale. RVF feed value 87-98. Timothy Orchard mix. Low sugar/starch hay also available. 10,000 small square bales available. $6-$7 a bale.

Call for quantity and shipping prices/deals. References available.

607-538-9685 www.svrhay.com.

RYE STRAW. 45-50lb bales $5/ each. Round bales $50 each. 518753-4387

TRACTORS, MACHINERY JOHN DEERE

1070 JD 1020 Row Crop tractor with bucket, rear PTO & 3 pt hitch.

Runs. Have manuals. $4000. 631827-4891; 1978 Troy-Bilt H61E rototiller. Needs magneto. $400 631-827-4891; 1984 10,000 lb WARN electric winch with 100 ft SS cable. $350. 631-827-4891 JD Combine 1972, 4400, 6 cylinder Diesel, has 13’ grain head, runs and operates. $4200 obo. 607-652-7590 STORED INSIDE. JD 430 round baler. $3500. 585-591-0795 JD 4430 with loader. Runs good. $10,000. 315-447-3196 JD60 NFE with 3pt hitch and JD snow plow. Runs good. 315-6262881 JD 2840 Tractor, good engine, rear end. 315-695-5738 for more info.

1945 JD Model B Farm Tractor.

Restored, 4 new tires, parade ready. $3000. Daniel 607-359-2693

JD 5ft snowblower. New, never used, front mount, hydraulic directional chute. $5500. Located between Lowville and Watertown, NY. 315-955-2898

ALLIS CHALMERS

AC B tractor with belly mower, snow plow, tire chains and cultivators, VG, runs great. ONAN commercial 5k generator on trailer with flood lights VG; Yamaha G1 golf cart VG. 315-263-0872

MASSEY FERGUSON

1990-91 MASSEY 1035. Many new parts,has front bucket and rear backhoe. Runs very well. 4 wheel drive. $12,000 518-733-9332

NEW HOLLAND

NH 575 Baler, 13’ White 256 disc, Allied 51’ elevator, Landoll V-ripper, White 10 shank chisel plow with colters. 845-427-2254

FARMALL

FARMALL Super-H, live hydraulic, excellent tin $3000; Farmall Super-M excellent sheet metal $3000; SUPER “C”. Excellent condition $2500; Farmall 504 Hi-Clear. Also have International 4166, good condition.

315-536-9438 FARMALL 560 Diesel. Strong engine, strong TA. 95% rear tires,

3 sets of rear weights. Runs great, needs batteries. Asking $4200. 607264-3947

FORD

FORD TW25-2; 137hp; 540and 1000 pto, 5100 hrs. New tires and clutch. $16,000 obo. Runs great. 315-2121386 1980 FORD 30’ bucket truck. $1200 obo. Repair or salvage. Also have 1973 - 353 Diesel log skidder, asking $10,000 obo. 518-733-9332

ANTIQUE OLIVER Super 88 all new tires. Mint. $5,000; 1949 JD B Series, all restored $5,000; 1960 705 MOLINE, all restored $6,000; 1944 D2 CAT tractor, never had a blade on it, all restored $5,000; 2 new 20x30 tractor chains $300; new 20x25 articulator loader chains $300. 845-726-4180 ANTIQUE JD Manure spreader.

Horse drawn or tractor adaptable.

All parts complete. “Slats & Chain”.

Mint condition. Illness forces sale. $400.00 845-226-1424

August 2016

AGCO PARTS – Massey Ferguson, Challenger, White, New Idea, Oliver, Allis Chalmers and more.

We ship UPS daily! 518-731-6019 or www.maxwoodequipment.com.

WILD WOMAN COMPANY, INC. All types of survey equipment.

GPS – Repairs – supplies – accessories. We repair all brands of survey equipment. 30 years in business. Woman owned firm.

Call Laurie Mass. 516-922-7740 or wildwoman@survey-equipment. com. Please call for a quote.

WANTED

1940 FORD 9N. Original condition.

Excellent tires. Asking $2200. Ed at 607-278-5533

BELARUS 805 85hp with cab. 1460 hrs, 2 wheel drive, 18 speed forward 4 speed reverse. Pto 540 and 1000 rpm, 3pt hitch, very good condition. $8900 obo. BELARUS 250AS 31 hp, 244 hrs, 2 wheel drive, 540 pto, live hydro, 3pt hitch, 8 speed forward and 6 reverse. Very good condition. $3500 obo. 315-699-2459

M70-60 Kubota. 2013. Bucket, cab, weights, air and radio. 70 horse, loaded. 20 hours. 845-857-0242.

ZERO TURN MOWERS by BIG DOG. 7yr warranty, 0% (48 month) financing available. Oh, My! Mowers. Stanley, NY 585-314-4912

WANTED: Feeder wagon with or without head locks. 315-839-7237

FORD 1900. 4 wheel, has ROPS, power steering, 5’ bucket, block heater, ag tires, loaded, 5’ rear finish mower. 845-227-0405 leave message

KUBOTA

CASE

2001 INTERNATIONAL 4700 DT466, 5x2, air brakes, 33,000 GVW, Arbortech 14” dumping multipurpose tree chip body with 2500 lb tuck away hydraulic lift gate and full through tunnel box.. 27k miles $29,500. Adams Tree Service, Inc. 914-241-3849 CASE IH 1660 Combine – many extras – must see!! $20,000. 20ft 1020 flex head $6000; deck over equipment trailer $3000; 10x70’ transport auger; UFT 6-row bean puller; Bob Equipment 6-row bean windrower. 585-729-6288 2008 CASE IH/Farmall 95 farm tractor. 4wd front loader cab/ac/ heat/radio with Kodiak HD 7ft mower. 1350 hours. $39,500 obo.

607-546-5328

DOZERS/LOADERS

DRESSER 175C crawler loader.

1995 with 1800hrs. 4in1 bucket, new undercarriage. Exc. Condition. $20,000 negotiable/trades. 516-7671528 or Ralph@rbonavitacola.com.

2008 KOMATSU CK35-1 Crawler Skid Steer with only 1036 hours! 2 speed, turbo charged diesel engine. $25,500. 518-251-2424 CAT 955L Track Loader with new tracks, rollers, sprockets. Has 4 in 1 bucket and rear winch. $12,500.

914-949-4100 or GFN870@aol.com.

LOADER for sale. Great Ben 440 Quick Tach Loader used very little $2500; Grinn Hay Fluffer $150; Honda VLX600 Shadow Motorcycle (woman owned) $3200.

518-756-2070

EQUIPMENT

OEM Massey, Gleaner, New Idea, White, Agco, & Challenger parts.

0% financing on Hesston and Massey Ferguson round balers, mowers & most hay tools. . www. mabiebros.com or 315-687-7891 CALL US for KRONE hay tools and parts. Tedders and Rakes in stock. www.mabiebros.com or 315-6877891

Jay-Lor 3425 Vertical feed mixer with hay knives. Has crosscut converter so it can feed either side.

Can be seen anytime. Mexico, NY 315-963-7311 or 315-727-3860 $23,000.

FARM KING 17ft pull tedder; Farm King 6ft rotary cutter; Farm King 5ft rotary tiller; Farm King 5ft finish mower and a used Ford Landscape Rake. 607-529-3294 HESTON PT-7 Mower Conditioner and NH56 Hay Rig. Asking $1500 for Hay Rig and $1500 for Mower Conditioner.

Good running condition. Photos available. Small manure spreader, can be towed behind ATV. Powder Coated.

Good Cond. $500 845-658-3584 or robharemaker@gmail.com for inquiries.

575 Baler, JD 3020 tractor; Hay Wagon Running Gear, Post Hole Digger; 1411 Brushhog 10’, 12’ Cultivator, NH 1411 mower, NH Bale Wagon, 36” elevator. EBY Livestock Trailer. 518-963-7593 TRACTOR CHAINS. Double link heavy duty set to fit 16.9-28 tire.

Used on JD 2 wheel drive for snow and mud. Located in Stillwater, NY. Pick up only. $400/set. 518-6646242 2 H&S 9x18 basket/kicker wagons on 8 ton Pequea running gear, always inside, like new. $3500 each.

1000 gal fuel tank on skids, sand blasted, primer painted, pressure tested, new filler cap and gauge, electric pump. $1200. Charles 716913-6313 or 716-652-1101 TIRES FOR SALE.. all on rims.

1-11:00x22; 2-9:00x20; 1-R22.5; 8-8:25R20; 1-7:50xR20. All good or better. $100 each. 315-491-9041 POTATO EQUIPMENT. Lockwood planter D&W cutter Tew washer, sizer. Rollaweigh bagger Steel wheel one row digger 2 row divider etc. Must take all. $2500 obo. 518527-6568 CHAMPION #1 Thrasher; horse tread mill; fan mill; ox yoke; corn grinder-sheller; plows & harrows.

845-985-2839 for info.

WANTED: Front Bucket loader assembly for a Zetor 9540 farm tractor. 607-965-2174 WANTED. Old grist mill stone, iron garden gates ,fencing & anvils 201-906-2135 or eacciardi@aol.com.

VEHICLES

PICKUP TONNEAU black soft cover used 1 year, like new , fits 1999-2012 full size Chevy GMC or 2013-2014 Ford F150 with 6.5 box.

Asking $200. Binghamton, NY 607722-2499 LUX Undercover SE – Tonneau truck bed cover. Will fit all Fords from ’09 to ’14 F-150 with the 5.5’ beds (short bed). White. Perfect condition with all parts. Installation constructions included. Has inside LED light. $600 or best. 315-6825552 2000 FREIGHTLINER FL70. 14k original miles, dump body with swing gate, Cummins 15B230, 5.9liter diesel, 6 speed, air brakes, exc. Cond. $37,500. 914-949-4100 or GFN870@aol.com 1969 INT 1900 like new. 30k miles, 30yrs in barn. 8x16x4 box. 2 speed axel, air brakes, 2 50 gallon gas tanks $6,000. 845-726-4180 PICK UP TRUCK CAP 6ftx6ft, red, fits 1998 Ford F150. $200. 518-8720242 2002 JAYCO 5th wheel. Needs some repairs. $1500.00. 518-372-0936 FOUND..1941 Chevy 2DSD. Does not need much to jump to next level. Stored in barn, runs great.

315-730-0654. Best Offer.

SPECIAL OFFER TO NYFB Members – GM Preferred Pricing and additional $500 rebate on new Chevrolets from Ken Barrett Chevrolet in Batavia. Great selection of New and Used. 585344-1000 or www.kenbarrett.com.

GET YOUR BEST DEAL with personal service at Emerling Chevy, the #1 Fleet Sales Volume Chevy Dealer in NYS. Call, email or stop at the dealership. All NYFB members are eligible for an additional $500 rebate. Bill Solak. 716-941-5255 ext.

205 or bsolak@emerling.com.

EQUINE

WESTERN CHAPTER NYS Horse Council. Serving the equine community in WNY. www.

August 2016

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Grassroots Farmers’ Market

wcnyshc.org. 716-941-9120.

NYS Horse Council “To create a strong unified voice for all interests toward the preservation of a future for horses in New York State”. New 2016 Membership Opportunities. www.nyshc.org.

JD NORTH Farm Trail Challenge, Stanley NY. Sunday, Sept. 18th, first ride out at 9am. Benefits Light Hill Hospice and Stanley/Hall/ Gorham Ambulance. Six divisions including leadline. FMI Debbie at 585-526-5803, happy.hunter.deb@ gmail.com.

LOOMIS QUARTER HORSES: Training reining and performance horses, Halter, Pleasure and starting colts. Western lessons and clinics available. Short and long distance trucking. 315-388-7736 or loomisqh@gmail.com.

RAYCLIFF FARM – Foundation Bred Quarter Horses.

Blue Valentine – Peppy San Badger and more. Ranch Bred, wonderful conformation, disposition, color.

All ages and stages. 315-823-4321 SHOW HORSE Appraiser. Maple Row Farm. 716-435-0114 (cell) or 716-741-6900 EQUINE CONNECTIONS © MASSAGE THERAPY. Enhance Performance. Safeguard against injury. Give your horses the best possible care.

CJ Mathewson.

Certified Equissage © Therapist.

Info@ www.equitouch.webs.com 518-848-4599 A HORSE DRAWN AFFAIR/BROE FARM home of Rosevale Leggo.

16.2 black morgan stallion standing at stud. Boarding ,lessons, training, dressage, driving ,hunters, Sales 518-329-5249 60 FOOT ROUND PEN COVER. Excellent condition.

View at FarmTek, priced at less than half for a new one. $15,000. Beautiful light, creates safe footing year round, protection from the elements. cari@ cariswanson.com or 914-456-3155 HORSE STALLS. 10x10 modular assembled, total of 10 stalls back to back, grilled sliding doors, free stand option, never used.

Bought for $15k, sell as is for $12k. aubreyhousefarm@yahoo.com or 518-325-1287

BOARDING/LESSONS

AUBREY HOUSE FARM, Copake, NY features indoor and outdoor arenas, an outside course, trails and many acres of turnout. Our trainer specializes in Hunters, jumpers and equitation. www. aubreyhousefarm.com , 518-3251287, Catherine@aubreyhousefarm. com.

AERING GREEN EQUESTRIAN CENTER. Schodack, NY is a full service dressage and eventing facility. Offering board, training, lessons on our well trained horses and day camp. With out indoor and Olympic size outdoor and ample turnout, our horse are spoiled year round! Laura Fay at 518-429-6825 or www.aeringgreen.com.

BEDNAREK QUARTER HORSES Offering boarding and training of all breeds. We have 40 years

experience in the horse world.

10x12 stalls, indoor ring. Jamesville, NY 315-243-4387 CHESTNUT RIDGE STABLE in Cambridge, NY: Boarding (indoor or outdoor), lessons and training.

12x12 box stalls, 72x200 indoor arena, 125x250 outdoor arena. 518677-3545 DUTCH MANOR STABLE – Since 1967. Where quality board, training & instruction are a Capital District tradition. Large heated indoor and outdoor riding arenas. USHJA certified instruction. 518-456-5010 www.dmstable.com HIGHLAND MEADOWS Equestrian Center in Newark, NY offering boarding, training, lessons and summer camps. Large indoor and outdoor arenas. Contact farm manager, Madelyn Hersh 347-8867030 AFTER HOURS FARM, Clifton Park NY. Specializing in “TLC” horse boarding, superior English riding lessons and training. Indoor and outdoor rings. Horse shows and clinics. (518)384-6441.

QUALITY STABLES. Quality care for boarding and training horses.

Large lesson program for all ages.

Visitors welcome. Oneonta, NY 607-432-8977. www.qualitystables. com.

LUKENS STABLES – nationally known trainers of American Saddlebreds, Hackneys – road horses. Also boarding for retirees & broodmares. Excellent run-in facility, lessons by appointment.

Ravena, NY. 518-756-9777 ISLAND HILLS STABLE for all your equestrian needs. Boardingtraining, we specialize in lay-ups also have a selection of horses & ponies for sale or lease. Excellent turnouts with 24 hr care, large matted stalls fully bedded, large indoor & 3 large outdoor lighted tings. Lessons for all levels, Clinics, USEF rated horseshows year round. Islandhills@optonline.net or 631-924-4046 BRING YOUR HORSE TO COLLEGE!!! Large family operated equestrian facility offering boarding and lessons near SUNY Canton, SUNY Potsdam, SLU and Clarkson. Full board starting at $350/month tax included. www. honeydewacres.org.

NATURAL HORSE LOVER FARM. Holistic care & education for people and animals – helping everyone live happier and healthier, balanced lives. Lessons, clinics, consultations, classes, Reiki, aromatherapy and more.

315-389-5817 or www. naturalhorseloverfarm.com.

RETIRED horse boarding.

Binghamton area. Custom care.

12x12 stalls, turnout with sheds, pasture. Specializing in nutritional problems related to age and illness. References upon request.

30 yrs experience. www.equineretirement.com or 607-639-2409

EQUIDS FOR SALE

MORGAN MARE 6 yrs old, Liver chestnut by Bell Flaire. Rides English/western, long lines,clips,

cross-ties, jumps 3’, light mouth, 15.1 hands. Barefoot. Death in family forces sale. $7500. Warwick, NY 973-615-4795 MORGAN HORSES- We offer the finest in trained mares, geldings and outstanding young stock. Terrific quality, sane, and sound. Hartland Morgans, www.hartlandmorgans. com Windsor, NY, 607-655-2604.

AMERICAN SADDLEBRED youngsters for sale. All impeccably bred for show and breeding. Priced to sell. Contact Brian Ferguson, Valleyfield Farm, Victor, NY. 585766-3323 or www.valleyfieldfarm. net.

ARABIANS AND HALFARABIANS for sale!

Well mannered, family friendly Sugar Hill Farm show horses bred here and started under saddle. Also retired show and seasoned lesson horses available to love! Betsy Kubiak 585-924-8240 or visit Victor, NY. www.sugarhillarabians.com.

TRAILERS/ TRANSPORTATION/ OTHER

1990 Circle J 2-Horse trailer, straight load w/ramp, storm doors, 2 escape doors, tack compartment.

4 new tires. Very good condition.

607-225-4909 LUKENS HORSE Transportation.

Providing the best care for your horse for over 25 years. Weekly trips from the Northeast to Kentucky.

Give us a call! 1-800-621-1225 or www.horsetransport.com.

HORSE TRANSPORTATION: Fort Christopher’s Thoroughbreds, LLC transportation division offering affordable weekly trips to KY,MD,NY and all major sales.

Fully insured with new trucks/ trailers and professional drivers.

Proudly served the thoroughbred community for past 12 years. Please contact Christopher Shelli at 518858-1790 or info@fortchristophers. com.

1983 Rustler 4 horse trailer, Gooseneck with dressing room. $2000 obo. 607-775-4196

TACK

SADDLE: 17”, wide tree, Country All Purpose. Excellent Condition $2000 and a 17” wide tree, Carlyle (made by Harry Dobbs). Very good condition $1000. Bharris62@aol. com. 585-472-5188

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bison. Established markets. No special fencing needed. Technical assistance provided. Breeding stock available. 518-588-1402

CATTLE

CATTLE oilers and scratchers for sale, have brushes and parts.

Ron. 585-267-6307 or ronferris@ rochester.rr.com.

JERSEY BULLS for sale. Electric fence trained. Located in Tully, 20 minutes south of Syracuse. 315391-4290 POLLED HEREFORD bull coming 3 yrs old. 315-626-2881 LIMOUSINE-cross beef feeder calves for sale. Small family farm in Ransomville, NY. 716-791-0034. thymesrightfarm@aol.com.

REGISTERED Hereford breeding stock and Black Baldies since 1967. Straight Hereford and Angussimi bulls ready for duty.

“Put Heterozygous Vigor into your program”, it pays!. ABC Ranch.

607-324-2286 REGISTERED HOLSTEIN for sale.

Coming 6 year old, just fresh, big typey, well mannered. $2500 obo.

518-268-0311 PUREBRED Red Angus. One/two year old breeding stock and steers.

315-837-4134 after 5pm. Leave message if not available.

WANTED. Day old Holstein Bull Calves. Must be fed Colostrum.

Can pick up on a regular basis.

Matt at 518-496-8902 or Jim at 518844-9304 SERVICE Age Hereford Bulls.

Chenango County. 607-627-6677

GOATS/SHEEP

BABY Lambs and goats and baled hay available all year long. Mike 845-434-7764 PUREBRED SHEEP FOR SALE. Fine wooled MERINOS. Meat producing SHOPSHIRE. Yearling ewes, spring lambs, some brood ewes, starter flocks. Excellent breeding stock. Wayland, NY 585721-3038 BABYDOLL LAMBS. Born spring 2015, off white ewes (2), 1 ram, can be wethered. Registered NABSSAR. Schuylerville area. www.cabincreekacres.com or 518587-6008

RUBBER TIRE DRAFT Wagon, cutter sleigh, 17” Ammerman Roping Saddle, collars, draft blankets, 2 outback oilskin dusters, farrier supplies. 518-692-1041

WHITE DORPER SHEEP shedding, no shearing needed, and KIKO GOATS, pasture-raised without any grain, hoof rot free. www. whitecloversheepfarm.com , Email ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com.

Phone 585-554-3313

COSIGN/SELL your goats, sheep,pigs, feeders, calves and beef every Monday at 4PM at Empire Livestock, Rte.203 in Chatham, NY. Selling chickens, rabbits, ducks, etc 2nd and 4th Monday at 2PM. 518392-3321 for info.

PUREBRED KIKO Performance Bucks. Excellent bloodlines from Dr. Ann Pieschel. Goats Unlimited.

Healthy and hardy bucks of various ages and colors from a closed herd.

Upgrade your kiko herd or add hybrid vigor to other breeds with the Kiko Advantage for $600. Ask about our started packages! www.

Roll-n-HillsRanch.com or Ken at 607-760-5660. Johnson City, NY.

LIVESTOCK

EXOTICS

DISCOVER THE BISON ADVANTAGE: New producers wanted to raise 100% grass-fed

REGISTERED NIGERIAN Dwarf dairy goats – small and easy to

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handle. breeding stock, ideal for personal milk supply, 4-H projects, Can pull carts or be a pack animal.

Does and bucks available. ShotswormedDownsizing herd.

Binghamton area, call evenings 607-693-2682 TEXEL RAMS for sale. Feb. 2016 ram lambs. Texels are heavily muscled with remarkable muscle development and leanness. Very easy keepers and thrive on grass.

Docile and easy to work around.

Lambs are very hardy. All vet checked. OPP & GENO tested.

518-853-3678

TWO Registered Suffolk ewe lambs. Born Feb. 2015. Used as 4H projects. Downsizing. $500 for the pair. Good maternal line. 716-5311697 FRESHLY shorn sheep fleeces from Elihu Farm, Washington County, for handspinning and crafts. Our fleeces win prizes at fairs and festivals. Farm open April 23-24 or by appointment. 518-744-3947 or elihufarm@yahoo.com.

SWINE

Two Yorkshire-cross sows. 2yrs old, each has had a successful liter; 1 yr old @200# barrow for sale. Also looking for Limousin or Angus bull.

716-791-0034 or thymesrightfarm@ gmail.com FARROWING equipment and other hog equipment for sale. 607356-3694

WORKING DOGS

AKBASH Livestock Guardian dogs.

Taking reservations for puppies in late spring. Experienced dogs also available, guarding sheep, alpacas and goats. We sleep at night, because they don’t! Springside Farm. 315-683-5860

397-8051. www.prestonsalpacasllc. com.

TRAVEL/AGRITOURISM HONEY BEES

AT ALPACA SHACK’S LOFT. 100% alpaca handmade hats, scarves, mittens, cowls, shrugs and more. See our complete inventory at www.alpacashackloft.com.

COME VISIT OUR FARMS! New York Deer & Elk Farmers Association invites you to come visit a deer or elk farm near you! There are over 540 farms in New York State! Contact NYDEFA at 716-6854019 or NYDEFA@NYDEFA.org to locate a farm near you!

ALPACAS for sale at reasonable prices; males, females and a gelding. Visit us at Inghams Mill Farm for pictures and more info.

315-823-1605. We will consider all offers.

ALPACAS at CABIN VIEW ALPACAS. Superior genetics for seed stock/breeding; foundation females and pet/fiber boys. Top quality service, boarding, breeding and high-end alpaca products. 607279-3567 or info@cabinviewalpacas. com.

LLAMAS – we offer animals that can fill a variety of purposes; a loveable companion, show animal, pack, guard, or a source of exquisite fiber. www.dakotaridgefarm.com, llamawhisp@aol.com.

Ballston Spa, NY. ALPACA SALES & BREEDING. High-quality huacaya alpacas.

Exceptional new owner support.

Yarn & handmade garments.

Faraway Farm Alpacas, Yorktown Heights, NY. Visitors welcome by appointment. 914-962-2110 www.

FarawayFarmAlpacas.com.

FORESTRY

CUSTOM SAWING of logs, roughcut hard and soft wood lumber available. Mill Blades Hammered.

Call Ken. 585-547-9269 or 585-5910180

POULTRY

CEDAR FENCE POSTS. 6’,7’,8’ and other sizes and diameters by request. Grays’ Garden and Greenhouse. Saint Johnsville, NY 518-568-5764

DAY OLD POULTRY – Layers, Broilers, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese, Guineas, Bantams, Rare Breeds, started laying hens. Farm Family Owned, NPIP TESTED, DEC Licensed, Humane & Organic practices, pasture raised. FB-FFA4H & Farm discounts – Pick up OR shipping. 855-824-4257 www.

Thepoultryhatchery.com.

BARK MULCH, used 8”x48”x18’ CRANE mats. Treated Ties, Stone pallets stock and made to order; Rough cut Pine and Hemlock lumber stock and cut to order.Air dried speciality lumber; Curly, Wormy, Butternut, etc. Buying logs and standing timber Cannonsville Lumber, Inc. 607-467-3380 or lobodrjjm@tds.net.

BLACK COPPER Muranas & other chickens or chicks. 585-300-7898

ALPACAS/LLAMAS

HUACAYA ALPACAS – Heavenly Sunset Farm, Woodhull, NY. Not going out of business…downsizing necessary due to health issues.

Superior bloodlines at low prices.

Perfect for start-up or to add to existing herds. www.alpacanation. com/heavenlysunsetfarm.asp.

All prices negotiable…call for discussion 607-458-5499 or 607765-0306.

ALPACAS. Pets and breeding females. Also raw alpaca fiber sold by the pound. 518-497-6009 BEAUTIFUL and reasonable huacaya Alpaca sales, fiber, yarn and finished goods in the store and farm visits ongoing. Cria due midsummer. Call for appointments 607-

GUTCHESS LUMBER CO. since 1904 has been purchasing hardwood standing timber, logs & forestland in NY & PA. Put your woodlot to work and speak to our Foresters. 607-756-0942 or www.

Gutchess.com.

THE WAGNER COMPANIES. Purchasers of hardwood logs, standing timber & forest lands.

Forest Management & Timber Appraisals by Certified Foresters.

Seven locations from Allegany to Boonville, The Wagner Companies procurement department has a certified forester or log buyer ready to serve you. www.wagnerlumber. com or 607-687-0270

LOCUST POSTS, poles, up to 30ft.

Authentic locust split rails, posts.

Sawn lumber 4x4,6x6,1x6 ect. 8-16ft oak * cherry 1x4,1x6 other sizes and species available. Buy standing locust and log length locust. Tom 518-883-8284 leave message.

LAMPPOST BED & BREAKFAST in Lansing, NY. A 200 year old home in the heart of where the food is grown. On the Cayuga Wine Trail. Lamppostbandb.com. 607351-7030 VACATION in the US Virgin Islands on St. Croix. No passport required.

An uncrowded agricultural island with rain forest, livestock, and secluded beaches.

2 bedroom,2 bath villa with your private pool and ocean view. www. stcroixrentavilla.com/SunKissed. html or call Anne at 800-533-6863 and ask about SunKissed Villa.

STEP BACK into the 19th century at Raked South Garden Bed and Breakfast.

See the orchard in season from your 2nd floor room.

Call Dottie at 315-589-8012 VISIT FRONTENAC POINT Vineyard Estate Winery in the Finger Lakes near Ithaca. Open May – November. For hours: www.frontenacpoint.com or 607387-9619. We offer Farm Bureau members a discount and private tastings.

PLATTSBURGH BREWFEST 8-616 online ticket sales at www.

PlattsburghBrewfest.com.

5% Farm Bureau discount with code FARMER. HANDCRAFTED SPIRITS from our family farm distillery. Free tours and tastings at Old Home Distillers, Lebanon, NY. Corn whiskey, gin, applejack and more. 315-837-4123 or www.oldhomedistillers.com WANTED – Farmer Vendors for Market. Thursday, Friday June – October, 3-7PM. Vegetables, fruit, cheese, meat, honey, maple, etc.

BUSY road-front location, Rte 31 in Clay, NY. www.

SideTrackFarmersMarket.org.

SUPPLIES

PESTICIDES PESTICIDES – Springwater Ag Products. 8663 Strutt St. Wayland, NY. Farmer friendly prices. Call for a quote.. Serving the Finger Lakes area since 2004. 585-315-1094

OILS/LUBRICANTS

“SLIPIT general purpose lubricants.

Use in USDA inspected facilities.

FDA food grade for incidental food contact. Made in the Hudson Valley New York, Please try some. www. slipit.com/shop.html; 845-7787219“ Buy AMSOIL at wholesale prices.

AMSOIL Preferred Customers save 25-30% off lubrication products shipped to your door! AMSOIL made in the USA, the first in synthetic lubricants. Call/text 607226-1195 www.myamsoil.com.

VSH ITALIAN Queen Bees.

Upstate NY raised from USDA VSH &Pol-line stock. Available MayAugust $30 each. 315-939-0321 or michaelbshoney@gmail.com

AG CONSTRUCTION/ SUPPLIES

WERNER 40 ft. extra heavy duty fiberglass extension ladder, used one time. Load capacity is 300lbs. $585. 716-266-3041

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS

WINE! $1 shipping to NYFB members in NY State. Go to our website: Atwatervineyards.com, place order, use NYFB as coupon code, all other discounts apply.

607-546-8463 STOP FYRE Fire Extinguishers.

Ake.com. Statt’s Response Kit LLC. An independent authorized dealer. 26 Church Street. Honeoye, NY 14471. The ONLY NYS dealer!

585-489-9408 or toddstatt@hotmail. com.

NEW PRO-AGRICULTURE THEMED GIFTS. Mugs, cell phone cases, mouse pads, humorous tees, kid’s tees, etc by farmers, for farmers. Visit www.AGtiveWear. com Be an advocate. Wear your pride!

AQUACULTURE

ALL POND FISH, Grass Carp, Forage & Supplies SHIPPED TO YOUR DOOR. Pond dye, muck, algae & weed control solutions. Full service management, consulting, aquaponics, solar, windmill, electric aerators & fountains. 585-322-7805 or www.smithcreekfishfarm.com.

HORTICULTURE

JEFFERSON COUNTY SOIL & WATER Conservation District’s annual tree sale is underway. Order forms available online at www. jeffersoncountyswcd.org or 315782-2749 HAZELNUT AND CHESTNUT Trees for sale. Grown in zone 5a, Cortland, NY. Enjoy your own nut trees for commercial orchard, home planting or erosion control. www. znutty.com or 607-756-4409 CERTIFIED ORGANIC herb and vegetable transplants, compost based organic potting soils, custom grown transplants, produce and more. Wholesale and retail customers welcome. Honeoye Falls, NY 585-582-5725 www.lighthousegardens.com.

GIANT VARIETY Vegetable Seeds – grow giant pumpkins, corn, sunflowers, etc. and make a show for your farm market. Start a contest and involve the kids! Set World Records! www.bigseeds.com.

COVER CROPS. Winter Rye, Winter Wheat, also Barley, Teff, Alfalfa, Clover, Timothy and many more forages and turf grasses and Mixes. Deer plots. Grain and Silage corn, Soybeans, Bulk vegetables and Flower Seed. Page Seeds. 607656-4107

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Grassroots Farmers’ Market

MEDIUM Red Clover. Cleaned and in 50# bags. $80 per bag. 315-5399439 BLACK PLASTIC Mulch 5+1/2 4000ft rolls of 3ft, 1mil. Embossed at ½ price. Berry Plants: Raspberry, Blackberry, Currants & Grape Vines. Many varieties. 716-3373162 OPEN POLLINATED CORN SEED. Silage, grain, wild life plots.

Available Certified Organic. Early Varieties.

75,85,87,95,100,114,120 Day field corn varieties, sweet corn, pop corn. Non GMO ear and shelled corn for feed also available.

Green Haven Open Pollinated Seed Group. 607-566-9253. www. openpollinated.com.

GRAINS. Whole corn $10; Ground corn $11; Wheat $10; Clean Oats $15. Prices are per 100 pounds.

716-984-8088 NORTHERN WHITETAIL SCENTS sells premium scents direct from the deer to your door! Scents are 100% natural, the way nature intended!

Bottled to order. From 1oz. to a 5-gallon pail! Consumers, retail and wholesale. Call 1-800-683-3002 or visit www.NorthernWhitetail.com.

AG LIME/FERTILIZER

½ PRICED PELLETIZED Fertilizer.

Delivered in bulk, including spreader.

Down2earthfarms.

D2efarms@gmail.com or 908-8592619 ORGANIC COMPOST – Produced locally in Farmington, NY. We offer a NOFA approved organic compost and regular compost, purchased in bags or bulk, pick-up or delivery. www.vermigreen.com or 585-2897267 COMPOST. 100% organic. NOFA approved. For lawn or landscaping.

Bulk or Bag. Material sold FOB site or delivery available. 518-762-1467 or 518-848-7185 SULLIVAN COUNTY FARM has compost for sale. Buyer responsible for trucking. Dry manure available.

845-295-0063.

SAWDUST/WOOD PELLETS/BEDDING

SAWDUST. $16 per yard. Delivery

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available, call for price. 570-5372937

mbarry@solarlandsolutions.com. www.solarlandsolutions.com.

Lic. R.E. Broker. nyfarmquest.com.

BEDDING FOR SALE: Clean Cow Premium Dairy Bedding. A premium dairy bedding alternative to sand, sawdust, shavings and straw designed to deliver total farm health from stall to field. Clean Cow bedding is a pH adjusted blend of thermo-mechanically processed virgin wood fiber, cellulose fiber, lime and clay. Clean Cow bedding is custom formulated to meet your farm’s particular needs; fiber,lime and clay content can all be modified per your specifications. Available picked up in Glens Falls NY for $10/ton ($4/cu.yd).

Delivery available. Call CTI at 413-552-3688 for more info.

FOR SALE. 30 acre gentleman’s farm in Saratoga County. Prime location. Quiet neighborhood, big country home, picturesque views, move in condition, 4-stall horse barn with storage, large paddocks, pond, mowed fields and historic outbuilding. 518-827-5396 call for more info.

BUY LAND. 40 years experience in Farm and Land sales in Orange County. D.L. Hawkins & Assoc.

845-629-6896

BEDDING FOR SALE. Quality wood shavings can be picked up or delivered. Load size 20 or 40 yards.

Friendly service and a dependable source year round. 585-289-7267 or info@erwaste.com.

BULK KILN DRIED sawdust and wood shavings. 100 yard loads or pick up available. Year round availability. Prompt, courteous service. 315-729-1499

REAL ESTATE

PUTNAM NY. 163 acres +/- house, barn, brook runs through property, Combo wood open land. Excellent hunting. $260,000. 518-585-7907.

FOR RENT. Hen layers house, hog barn, cattle barn. Odessa, NY. 607594-3688 ENERGY STAR certified builder’s custom home with huge attached workshops. Outbuildings, large pond. 28 acres of woods, tillable.

Property adjoins nature preserve.

Near Cayuga Lake, Cornell University, medical centers, Finger Lakes Wine Trail. Convenient to Route 81, Cortland and Ithaca.

Privacy on a lovely location with southern exposure.

One floor living/work space. $388,000. 607838-3311 Cliff or cnorte@live.com.

Ready for a change?

LAND WANTED FOR SOLAR FARMS: Competitive lease/ purchase options. Adjacent to threephase power lines. 15 acres or larger.

Zoned Agricultural/Industrial/ Commercial. Contact Solar Land Solutions LLC. 805-765-2776 or

FOR RENT. 2500 square feet storage space on four acres. Concrete floors, ground level, 3 entrances, water and electric. Private, secure, highway frontage. $900 monthly.

Preston Hollow, NY 201-906-2135 eacciardi@aol.com.

OPERATING MANUAL Sawmill business on 96 acres in western Orange County.

70% wooded with stream,state highway, ag district, sawmill, old house, barn, workshop, greenhouse, buildings need restoration, includes sawmill equipment. $295,000. 315-271-6565 COMMERCIAL PROPERTY – Dutchess County 1.4 acres on a heavily traveled central road. 2 buildings ,formerly feed store/ grain center. Motivated seller. $140,000. 845-485-5800 64 ACRE fruit orchard for sale.

None organic. Fenced in with 8’ perimeter fencing, irrigation well.

Wading River, Suffolk County. $28,000 per acre. 631-928-6105 NEAR ITHACA. Exactly 30 minutes to Cornell and Ithaca Commons.

Land Only: 116 acres of pasture, hay fields, and hardwood forest with lowered agricultural assessment.

Breathtaking panoramic view.

Candorlandforsale.blogspot.com or 518-461-3244 CENTRAL SQUARE NY. Up to 100 acre operating horse farm. Custom home, 4 car garage, 3 barns, indoor arena, hayfields, streams and woods. 315-430-3252 CANANDAIGUA farm land: 30 tillable acres adjoining 33 wetland acres; buy part or all. 800 feet frontage on routes 5&20 west.

Public water at road. 585-394-7229

REAL ESTATE BROKERS

FARMS and FARMLAND WANTED. We have buyers! New York Farm Quest. Carl Snyder

607-280-5770.

BUYING or SELLING Property?

Offering $1000.00 seller/buyer BONUS! Call Nicolas Carbone for details. 845-590-9831 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE specializing in Farms & Country Estates in Orange, Ulster, Sullivan & Dutchess Counties. Exclusively Equine Properties, LLC. Jess Gocke Licensed NY Broker. 845-294-4224 jessicagocke@gmail.com or www. hudsonvalleyfarmforsale.com.

EMPLOYMENT

SHOW HORSE FARM needs experienced help. Heated indoor facility. Housing plus salary. Call 518-756-9755.

PROMINENT LONG ISLAND farm is seeking general farm labor including mowing, plowing etc.

516-885-5952 MONROE COUNTY SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT is hiring a Planning Technician to implement the Agricultural Environmental Management program in Monroe County, NY. Certified Crop Advisor preferred. 585-753-7380 AGRI-BUSINESS Retention & Expansion Coordinator.

Programming: Agricultural Business Management including tax management, estate planning, business planning, business expansion, succession planning.

Bachelor’s: Agricultural Business Management, Agricultural Economics. Application/complete position description http:// sullivancce.org/jobs.

JOBS! Class A & B Drivers and Plant Laborers – required preemployment drug screen and clean license. Apply in person at Carolina Eastern – Crocker, LLC, 8610 Rte 237, Stafford NY 14143 LOOKING FOR Feed Mill Manager.

716-761-6141 or ronmeeder@gmail. com.

FIELD ENUMERATOR needed to interview agricultural producers

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for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA), in Saratoga, Albany & Schenectady County areas.

Intermittent, part-time: $10.77 per hour starting salary plus mileage. Must be familiar with basic computer functions and email.

Telephone and on-farm interviewing work, with some travel required.

Agricultural background is desirable. Excellent communication and people skills are essential. Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. EOE. Anne Ross 518-727-2875 Anne.ross.2012@ gmail.com.

minimums. Visit On-Line www. battenkillfibers.com or come for a tour. 518-692-2700

FIELD ENUMERATOR needed for St. Lawrence/Franklin counties.

Intermittent part-time work collecting data for USDA reports.

Contact Dale Archer at grjarcher@ aol.com or 315-221-4052 for more information.

CENTRAL NY Insulation Contractor. 25 yrs experience; fully insured. Custom fiberglass and Blown-in High Density Fiberglass.

New and existing buildings.

Residential/Commercial/Homes/ Pole Barns/Garages. Snowbelt Insulation. 315-865-4186

SERVICES

HORSE BLANKETS: Cleaned, waterproofed and repaired. Over 30 yrs experience. 845-677-6906 Serving Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Columbia Counties and Long Island.

NEW pro-agriculture themed apparel.

Pro-GMO, humorous tees, kid’s tees, etc by farmers, for farmers. Makes a great gift! www.

AGtiveWear.com. Be an advocate.

Wear your pride.

DANS ELECTRONIC REPAIR Service. Repair vs replace. I can repair Boumatic, DeLavale, Westfalia and Surge, Muller Refrig controls and most circuit boards.

406-590-7764 COUGARS & COWBOYS Nutrition. Farmers helping farmers achieve weight loss, increased energy, overall health goals. Free coaching. Katie & Adam Becker. www.cougarsandcowboys.com.

716-698-1310 or 716-474-4738.

Supplemental income opportunity.

EARLY AMERICAN Cobblestone and masonry restoration using lime mortar. Reproducing any 19th century mortar for perfectly matching repair to original. Also plastering and early paint color analysis. 315-515-8805 CUSTOM HAY BALE WRAPPING. Round or square, inline tube wrapped or single bale wrapped.

Seneca Falls area. 315-745-9924 AUCTIONS. Reynolds Auction Co. can help with all asset liquidation including farm, horticulture, commercial, restaurant, vehicles, estates, antiques and real estate. www.reynoldsauction.com for upcoming auctions. 315-597-8815 CERTIFIED Animal Aromatherapist. Available for the common and uncommon: environmental issues, trauma, immune system, show placing and rescue animals. Appointments for the 4 & 2 legged. Itoocare@aol.com or 607-862-9536 CUSTOM CARDING SPINNING. Processing fiber types. Batting, roving yarn from your own fleece –

& all or no

POND SERVICE and supplies, fish stocking and algae control.

Contact us for help enjoying your pond more. 585-394-5890. www. nationalpondservice.com.

RB ROBINSON CONTRACTING,INC. Excavation company with 48+ years experience. Competitive pricing on directional boring, drainage tile installation, pond construction, site work, trucking and more. rbrhlrinfo@robinsoncontracting. com or 607-659-5153

REDLINE DRAINAGE – Tile Drainage Installation contractor with 10+ years of experience providing a high quality professional install. www. redlinedrainage.com or 518-8463620

for a refund of NYS taxes paid on qualified fuel. Contact Melissa at The Peachin Group, LLC to file for a refund. Melissa@peachingroup. com Or 607-432-5314

NEED HELP in building your financial self-security? FB member discount applies. tommoneyllc@ gmail.com.

AG & ENGINE REPAIR

TIRES: ALL YOUR TIRE NEEDS! www.FarmersTires.com or 518712-3394 SEAWAY RENTAL CORP: A Honda dealer for sales & service of generators and pumps. We stock Honda parts and rent equipment for general maintenance. 315-7884700 or www.seawayrentalcorp. com.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT & AG REPAIR. Lowest shop rates guaranteed.

Service calls, Hydraulics, Welding, Fabrication and Machining. Matt Sigler. 518875-9238 or siglersawmill@gmail. com.

FUEL SERVICES

M&M TRANSPORT SERVICE. Roll back flat bed for hire. Tractors, machinery or vehicles picked up or moved. 10% off all Farm Bureau members. 631-655-3333 or 607-8634510

FUEL SERVICE: Call for Special Fuel Pricing. Mohawk Home Comfort Services a full service Heating & Cooling installation company delivering Oil,Kerosene,Diesel,Gasoline and Propane products. Ed @ 1-800-4328669

FENCING. Serving Western New York for over 14 years. We install livestock, horse, deer and many other types of fence. All designed to fit your specific needs. Call R&R Fencing. 585-599-3489

LOW COST DIESEL in 48 hours or less! Farm Diesel delivered to you at affordable prices. Use over 1000g a season? Call your trusted energy partner Blueox Energy at 800-7232583. Serving Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Otsego and Madison counties.

AG FENCING/ TREE SERVICES

SHAMROCK FARMS FENCING – “If we can’t fence it, it can’t be fenced”.

All Agricultural, livestock,horse,predator & wild life. Installations since 1981. Call/ email Dan: Wayland, NY. 585-6692179, fitzfence@aol.com.

FENCING: we install agricultural and residential fencing to meet your needs. Post pounding, woven wire, board, split rail, chain link, vinyl. 25 years experience.

Serving Western and Central NY. Stable fences & Vineyards, LLC. 585-349-4119 www.StableFences. com.

OVERGROWN pastures, hedgerows, and field edges? We can bring them back into shape with our excavator mounted mulching head. Machine cuts and chips brush and trees in place.

Vegetation Management LLC. 607423-6145

AG ACCOUNTING/ TAX SERVICE

ACCOUNTING and TAX SERVICES available year-round for sole-proprietor farms and small businesses. Tax prep for individuals. Finger Lakes Farm Services. William Hudson, EA, Bath NY. Phone/Fax 607-776-6479 or billhud@flmtgif.org.

FARM FUEL: Farmers are eligible

SOLAR/WIND ENERGY

WIND TURBINES/SOLAR SYSTEMS. Check out the benefits of Ownership over leasing. We have highest approval for USDA REAP Grants in NYS. Call for free proposal . 716-215-1930 www. niagarawind.com.

WIND TURBINE ELECTRIC GENERATORS. We offer all NYSERDA approved manufacturers from 3.5kW to 775kW. Free site evaluation and help with permitting, grantwriting, design, construction and installation, operation and maintenance. Chase Wind 1-845380-2831 or sherretec@gmail.com.

SOLAR PV SYSTEM – no cost for equipment or installation. For qualifying residential locations.

Sound too good to be true? We thought so also but our electric bill is halved. 845-901-4779 WIND TURBINE. Lease a wind turbine for $0 down and power your home or farm today with United Wind. 800-268-9896 or visit www.unitedwind.com to learn more.

CAPTURE the sun’s energy in 2016! Solar can help lower the operational costs of your farm or business. Contact Rochester Solar Technologies today. 585-924-2176 or www.solarrochester.com.

August 2016

AG LEGAL SERVICES IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY (H-2A/H-2B): Experienced Immigration attorney to handle all aspects of visa processing, including advertising, forms preparation, consular processing, legal consulting, I-9 issues. L.J. D’Arrigo, Esq., Whiteman,Osterman & Hanna, LLP. 518-487-7642 orldarrigo@woh.com.

LEGAL SERVICES: Farm Products Liability, Seed, Fertilizer, Sanitation Chemicals, Barn Collapse, Insurance Claims, Personal Injury.

Call Welch, Donlon & Czerples PLLC 607-936-8057 LEGAL SERVICES: Personal Injury, Agriculture & Markets Law, Criminal Defense, Litigation, Family Law, Real Estate & Right of Way, Investigative Services.

Stanclift, Ludemann, Silvestri &McMorris PC. 518-745-4343 info@ stancliftlaw.com.

MISCELLANEOUS

GET JOE PECK’S new book of farm humor, A Farmer on Clean Overalls & Other Tall Tales. $14.95 plus tax and postage. 518-584-4129, joe@joepeckonline.com or www. joepeckonline.com.

NEW BOOK: “Stand Tall: Against the Odds,” Inspiring story of 96 year old farmers Everett Rau and family, who replaced bad times with good times. $21 at Amazon.

SMALL FARMERS Journals. 100 issues back to 1977. Excellent condition. $200 obo. 315-524-9517 TIOGA GAS LEASE. The Tioga County Landowners Group is now accepting members. Membership information and educational resources on gas leasing can be found at: www.TiogaGasLease. org.

WANTED TO BUY. Old American made firearms for my own collection. I have a FFL Collectors License (C&R). Will pay fair prices.

716-664-0006 or jeffer@windstream. net.

MCFB members are invited to nominate themselves or another farm for the Pioneer Award, recognizing farms in their first 5 years of new family ownership.

Contact WNYFB Office 585-3433489 SAVE THE DATE!!

Celebrate Agriculture Dinner August 13, 2016. Enjoy some delicious Monroe County grown food while getting to know your neighborhood farmer! Sponsored by MCFB, the MCSWCD & CCE-MC. KETTLEFEST 2nd Annual 9/17/16 at Kettle Ridge Farm in Victor, NY. Maple,honey & mushroom demos, artisans, cooking workshops, music, food& drink, chicken races. $5 admission. www.KettleFest.com.

DISCLAIMER: New York Farm Bureau reserves the right to refuse to accept any classified ad, paid or unpaid, at its sole discretion.

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