TAKE ONE FREE
A Celebration of Our Roots . . .
Agriculture
A special supplement to the SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT • August 4, 2015
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
2R
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
Diehls have deep roots in the farming life BY MATT SHORTALL
F
or the past 170-plus years, the Diehl Homestead Farm has been part of the rich history of Sullivan County dairy farming. Six generations after the first Diehls arrived from Germany in 1842 to make a living by working the land with their own hands, the Homestead Farm continues to carry on those traditions. Peter Diehl grew up on the farm and has led a fulfilling life there ever since. “I had a very happy childhood growing up with all the animals and open spaces,” Pete reminisced. “I’m glad we can give our grandkids the same thing.” His wife, Alice, grew up in Jeffersonville. They married and had three kids who grew into farmers and Like many farmers in the early part of the 20th century, the Diehls took in boarders to supplement their income. Family and visitors stayed in this house, built in 1906.
KETCHAM
FENCING INC. RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL
Complete Installation By Trained Technicians Established 1967
16513
COMPLETE LINE OF QUALITY FENCE • All Types of Maintenance Free Vinyl Fence • Chain Link - Galvanized or Vinyl Covered • Decorative Aluminum Fences
• Wrought Iron Fences & Gates • Railings • Custom Wood • Paddock Fencing
• Dog Kennels • Tennis Court Enclosures • Swimming Pool Enclosures • Electric Gate Openers
386-1161 or 791-4311 19 Borden St. • Otisville, NY 10963
www.ketchamfence.com
Six generations have worked their land
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
3R
Left: Dairy farming has always been a part of the Diehls’ operations. The family currently milks over 50 head of cattle. But a drop in milk prices forced them to turn to such products as maple syrup (right) and honey and eggs, which are sold in their store.
gave them half a dozen grandchildren. The farmhouse, which once served as a boarding house for travelers, is still an energetic place with people coming and going. The grandkids often show livestock at the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville.
Creamline
WHOLE MILK PASTEURIZED GRADE A
Find us at your local Peck’s Market or
Visit our Farm Store 93 Diehl Rd., Callicoon, NY 12723 (845)482-5047
31710
open daily 8am-8pm
Maple * Honey * Eggs * Milk Garlic * Tours
But keeping the family farm alive and profitable takes more than just hard work. It takes a lifelong dedication to your family and your community. “We get up at 5 a.m. every morning and there’s always work to be done,” said Adam Diehl. “I think it’s hard for
people who buy land to appreciate it in the same way that we do. We have deep roots here.” Milk production has never been an profitable business, even when Pete’s great-grandparents only had six cows and milked by the light of lanterns. The financial crisis of 2008 had implications far beyond Wall Street. During the first years of the recession, the Diehls saw the price of milk take a nosedive. Where as before they were able to make a modest profit, now they struggled to break even. “The retailer might pay us $13 per 100 lbs of milk – which is a little less than 12 gallons,” explained family matriarch Alice. “What they pay us $13 for cost us $26 to produce.” To balance the budget and ensure the family farm sees a seventh generation of Diehl farmers, they’ve had to diversify their production portfolio and change the way they do busi-
ness. Besides milk production, the Diehls have taken up beekeeping and maple syrup – they have 3,000 taps. They sell everything they grow at their farm store on 93 Diehl Rd. in Callicoon, open every day from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The farm store offers fresh produce, milk and eggs, as well as all natural CONTINUED ON PAGE 4R
4R
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3R
honey and maple products. “We’re of the ‘farm to table’ ideology,” said Adam. “A lot of people couldn’t tell you where the food they eat comes from, much less how its grown or what kind of pesticides they used.” Alice is a delegate to the National Dairy Producers Organization (NDPO) and a strong advocate for a national agriculture bill that would protect the rights of farmers.
19136
29123
The black and white photos of Peter Diehl on the cover and the ones on this page were taken by commercial photographer Ben Halpern, who has been documenting the changing face of agriculture in Sullivan County and the Catskills. Halpern, who grew up in Livingston Manor, will be profiled in a future edition of the Sullivan County Democrat. At near right is a photo of Peter and Alice Diehl, the current patriarch and matriarch, showing off their maple syrup products. At far right is their son Adam, ready to apply a vacuum hose to the nipple of one of the cows. This is part of the automated milking process that replaced the labor-intensive hand milking of old.
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
“We have to become retailers as well as producers,� said Alice. “That’s the only way farmers will have more control over their livelihoods.� As is typical of farming families, everyone is expected to pitch in. Adam’s wife, Annette, started a garlic garden as a hobby. Now, for a relatively low cost to produce, they’re selling fresh garlic in the farm store. “ “A lot of our work started out as just a hobby,� said Adam. “We try something out on a small scale first, and if it works we run with it. Annette has also been instrumental in developing a modern brand for the Diehl Homestead Farm. She worked with a graphic design company to develop a unique and recognizable logo. The farm even has its own Facebook page. “We’ve talked about branding for a long time, but Annette is really the a driving force that made it happen,� said Alice. With their kids starting to take over labor and management on the farm, you might think Alice and Pete would sit back and enjoy the fruits of their labor, but that’s not the case. A farmer is happiest when there’s work to be done and contributions to be made.
6HDVRQ 6L[W\ ILYH \HDUV RI 4XDOLW\ $Z ZDUG-ZLQQLQJ &RPPXQLW\ 7KHDWUH LQ WKH &DWVNLOOVÂŤ
at the Rivoli Theatre, 5243 Main St., S. Fallsburg (845) 436-5336 www.scdw.net scdwemail@aol.com
August 7-9, 14-16, 21-23
3: Donna Singer Show 7:00 PM 12: Miss Thunder Country Beauty Pageant (Done by 5:00) 12: 8:00 PM: Jester’s Comedy Club 28 & 29: NYS Connections events 8:00 PM October 1, 2, 3, 22, 23, 24: Haunted Theatre
October 9, 10, 11, 16, 17, 18
31746
September
at the Sullivan County Cultural Center Main St., Hurleyville, NY December February
11, 12, 13: It’s a Wonderful Life 13: Elections, holiday party, after show 12, 13, 14: Valentine’s Cabaret
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
5R
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
A lot of farming on less than three acres Root ’N Roost reflects owners’ passion for ag learning, experimentation STORY AND PHOTOS BY MARGARET BRUETSCH
‘D Root ’N Roost covers 2½ acres in White Sulphur Springs and was started on owner Sean Zigmund’s childhood homestead. The farm currently offers a community supported agriculture program, attends the “Eat Healthy Sullivan County” Market in Monticello, and sells produce at their farm stand every weekend.
Whether you're planning a new system or replacing existing equipment,
Candy Cone
WE CAN HELP!!
• Soft Ice Cream • Ice Cream Birthday Cakes Made on Premises • Hot & Cold Sandwiches • Burgers, Fries and More! • Daily Lunch Specials
• • • •
Round Balers Rotary Rakes V Rakes Bale Wagons (Round & Square) • Bale Wrapper (New & Used)
H&S EQUIPMENT CLAAS Equipment
Patz Dealer
• • • •
Conveyors Barn Cleaner Chains Power Silage Carts Silo Uploaders
SMALL FARMING EQUIP.
Rutledge Repairs 31596
20294
Rt. 17B Junction 55, White Lake, NY Kevin Rhyne 845-583-6232
iversity is really the key here,” Cheyenne Zigmund explained regarding the vast produce Root ’N Roost farm offers, “And people are also key here. We like to have a lot of people who are willing to come and work, and learn, and really see how it’s done on a sustainable scale.” Sean Zigmund, a White Sulphur Springs native, traveled and farmed across the country through the Worldwide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WOOF) program before
Ron Rutledge
570-224-4319 cell # 570-468-2497 Damascus, Pa., 18415 674 Callicoon Rd.
JEFFERSONVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Dr. Richard L. Schwalb Dr. Moria L. Norris Office Hours by Appointment Mon-Fri 8:30-5pm Sat 9am-12pm 89 Schoolhouse Road Jeffersonville, NY 12748 845-482-5500
29498
SHORT-TERM REHAB. LONG-TERM CARE.
Private Rehab Suites • Excellent Quality Care 170 Lake Street, Liberty, NY • 845-292-4200 • Facebook: Achieve Rehab
www.AchieveRehabNY.com
We are a group of dedicated professionals who strive to provide our patients with the most up-to-date medical, diagnostic, and surgical procedures. Our goal is to provide this care compassionately in a friendly and personal setting. Come take a tour of the most state-of-the-art veterinary hospital in our area.
19083
6R
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
7R
Cheyenne Zigmund displays an example of her gardening experiment where she used a pallet to grow vegetables. “I’m always thinking of ways for other people to grow plants,” Mrs. Zigmund said. Ducks are only some of the fowl Root ’N Roost has as produce. The ducks are sold for meat and eggs that can be purchased at the farm.
returning home to start a farm. Cheyenne Zigmund, a native of New Zealand, met her husband Sean during her internship at Apple Pond Farm while under the tutelage of
Dick Riseling. Mrs. Zigmund soon found herself helping out at her future husband’s homestead on her days off, and Root ‘N Roost was officially born in 2012 along with their
community supported agriculture (CSA) program. In the CSA, customers pre-pay and are entitled to receive a certain amount of produce. “Every year we increase and we build a little bit more,” Mrs. Zigmund said. “This past year we finally got up the ‘poly-tunnel’, that’s what we call our self-watering greenhouse. We did the final underground designs for that this spring, so it’s totally selfwatering.” At the center of the farm’s operation is the idea of focusing on permaculture and its three basic principles: care for the environment, care for other people, and the idea of everything being a fair share. “The premise behind it is that you design your property, the area you farm, to capture all nature’s energies
in the most efficient and effective way possible,” Mrs. Zigmund explained. It’s a way of running a business while looking out for the earth and other creatures while also being able to obtain a yield from the farm. In addition to farming vegetables, fruits, flowers and herbs, Root ‘N Roost also raises pigs for both pork CONTINUED ON PAGE 8R
Enjoy a day at the Farmers Market!
Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. Exclusively Serving the Jewish Community Jewish Owned & Independently Operated
186 Canal St. El388 Broadway lenville Monticello www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com 18750
28603
647-7747
794-7474
8R
SHOWING OUR ROOTS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7R
and piglet production; various fowl, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, for meat and egg production; offers jams, jellies, and baked goods at their farm stand; attends the “Eat Healthy Sullivan County” Farmers’ Market in Monticello every Monday where it accepts WIC-VF, WIC and Senior FMNP checks; and the farm offers its CSA, which runs for 12 weeks in the summer, and 10 weeks from October to late December. The Zigmunds also offer classes for those curious in learning how to farm, build and most of all experiment. “We’re about educating people, showing them ‘this is how you experiment,’ ” Mrs. Zigmund said. “You don’t want to experiment crazily, but you can be creative in how you farm.” Classes range from learning how to preserve produce through pickling, canning and freezing to learning how to raise and process animals such as pigs and chickens, all the way to building a shed out of recycled material or learning how to build a clay pizza oven. “It means that everyone involved in
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
that project is now attached to it. They have a bond and have a real relationship with this piece of land,” Mrs. Zigmund said regarding the pizza oven that was built by class attendees. The idea extends to the people who come and help them run and work their no-machinery farm, “It’s really important people have that relationship with the land whether it’s theirs or whether it’s someone else’s who they’ve stayed with.” In addition to classes, the Zigmunds offer tours of the farm where you can see exactly what they’re up to while getting up close to their many animals. Tours are offered every week from Thursday through Friday. The farm also offers Yoga classes on Friday mornings and Sunday evenings. But despite all they offer Root ’N Roost Farm is happy working at their small scale while focusing on sharing their knowledge with others. “A seven day week can’t be broken down into each one of the farm’s activities, which means we have a lot of different stuff going on at one time,” Mrs. Zigmund said. “So by keeping it at a small scale, we’re keeping it so we’re always on our toes and
AUGUST, 2015
One of the most recent classes offered at Root ’N Roost was an Earthen Oven design/build led by Matteo Lundgran of Cob therapy.
we’re always making sure we keep going because there’s always stuff to be done.” Root ’N Roost Farm is located at 64
Mineral Springs Rd. in White Sulphur Springs. For more information see their website at www.rootnroost.com or call the farm at 292-9126.
Look for us at the Harvest Fest at Bethel Woods
Screen Printing & Embroidery 601 Harris Rd, Ferndale, NY
845-292-1467 29875
BGHT NEWS
D.J.M. Landscape Materials 845-295-6984
We Deliver/Pick Up By Bulk & Save • Credit Cards Accepted OWNERS TONY & JOHN www.djmdealers.com
http://bght.blogspot.com
ED TOWNSEND
Photos - Video - News Unpublished Photos - Unedited News Coverage of Professional Bowling and Golf Triple A Scranton Yankees - Double A Binghamton Mets FEATURE STORIES STAFF WRITER-COLUMNIST SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
17330
• Grinnell . . . Authorized Dealer • Unilock . . . Authorized Dealer • Straw Hay & Sod • Landscape Fabric • Stone Facing • Stone Works . . . (Owens Corning cultured stone) • Field Stone • Blue Stone . . . cut to size • Gravel . . . all types/sizes • Bags . . . peat moss/organic soil/soil
DJMD-117504
• Decorative Stones • Colored Mulches • Stone Dust • Top Soil . . . screened/unscreened • Sand . . . All types (Beach . . . White/Tan) • Mason & Concrete • Retaining Wall Blocks • Pavers
PO BOX 116, LIVINGSTON MANOR, NY 12758
845-439-8177 • 845-866-0333 • Fax No. 845-205-4474 edwardctownsend@hotmail.com
29833
Our outstanding beef is: all natural, pasture raised, corn-finished, federally inspected, flash frozen, and contains No hormones, antibiotics or additives. Check out our prices at www.thunderviewfarms.com Call Ric or Karen at 845.985.2189 or tvangus@thunderviewfarms. com
29219
on premises
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
CCE’s agricultural education still a core part of its mission
9R
BY MATT SHORTALL ornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) is committed to Sullivan County’s farmers even as the face of agriculture has changed since it was founded in 1914. So committed, in fact, that the Extension has made it its mission to train and educate the next generation to carry on the rich agricultural history of Sullivan County.
C
Growing the farmers of tomorrow while helping the farmers of today
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10R
Now it’s called Ag Day For many years, Down on the Farm Day was a summer tradition in Sullivan County. It now has been transformed to “Ag Day” at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, which features CCE Sullivan under the main tent and highlights local agriculture. The second annual event will be held September 20 as part of the Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods. For more info, see our special section on the Harvest Festival which will be published on August 21. The high tunnel greenhouse captures earth’s natural heat to significantly extend the growing season.
Sullivan County’s Own... Locally Raised... 845-434-5051 800-770-6347
Cochecton Mills, Inc. Has Been Serving Farmers Since 1956
CONTROL YOUR POWER. YOUR LIFE.
POWER PROTECTION
We handle a complete line of farm hardware, along with a full line of farm supplies
31157
COMP. FRONT END ALIGN. • CUSTOM MADE U-BOLTS & HYD. HOSES DAYTON SUSPENSION PARTS, LUBER-FINER FILTERS Route 652, 139 Beach Lake Hwy, Honesdale, PA 18431 • 570.253.1618
Give us a call to set up a delivery or speak to a salesman.
Cochecton Mills FRESH FEEDS • FERTILIZERS • FARM SUPPLIES 30 Depot Road, Cochecton, NY 12726 NY PHONE PA PHONE
845-932-8282
570-224-4144
26120
20162
PARTS & SERVICE HEAVY DUTY TOWING
We deliver bag and bulk feeds.
24/7
AUTOMATIC
AUTHORIZED DEALER DEALER && AUTHORIZED CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS TECHNICIANS CERTIFIED
845-292-1000 845-292-1000
ROSS-124704
434-5051
5190 Main Street S. Fallsburg, N.Y.
29286
See Our Website For More Information murrayschicken.com
Licensed Electricians Electricians Licensed
10R
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
Catskill Mountain Sugar House, LLC 10 Sugarhouse Lane Grahamsville, New York, 12740
Producers of maple syrup, maple cream & sugar Supplying local vendors year-round Available locally at the Grahamsville Deli, Monticello Farmer’s Market, Catskill Harvest in Liberty, Peck’s Markets throughout Sullivan County, Eureka Market in Grahamsville, and GMart in Wurtsboro
845-985-7815
11702
Proudly Family-Owned and Operated Since 1978 3 s ation r e n e G rong! St
DIEHL TRUCKING INC.
DIEH-113295 14082
1409 COCHECTON TURNPIKE TYLER HILL, PA 18469 (570) 224-4331
Youngsville Veterinary Clinic Dr. Joseph & Kerry Jo Nebzydoski & Family
845-482-3330
www.youngsville.myvetonline.com Email: dr_nebzydoski@yahoo.com
31633
Rt. 52 • Youngsville, NY
YVET-117090
~ Small & Large Animals ~
In the student garden, rain water is directed from the gutters into drums for later use. This, along with using compost materials, are a few ways CCE is teaching the importance of sustainability.
MEL’S GARAGE NICK’S BODY & FABRICATION Mel Olsen, Jr., Owner
Nick Olsen, Owner
19945
• Farm Machinery • Tractors • Cars • Trucks County Rt. 121, North Branch, NY
Mel’s (845) 482-4963
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9R
Nick’s (845) 701-5180
CCE’s Farm to School Program, for example, seeks to educate our youth on the importance of local farms to the overall sustainability of our community. The Farm to School program includes food and agriculture education in the classroom in addition to supporting school gardens, field trips to local farms, and preparing school lunches with locally sourced food.
With Sullivan BOCES literally a stone’s throw away from CCE, Career and Tech students frequently work on exciting and innovative new projects, such as CCE’s new “High Tunnel” greenhouse, which takes advantage earth’s natural heat to grow vegetables earlier and earlier in the growing season. “BOCES student involvement was pivotal in the construction of the structures, alongside their instructors and CCE staff,” said CCE Public
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
BOCES Career and Tech students learn how to grow fruits and vegetables naturally in the CCE while keeping hungry deer at bay.
Mission Statement Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality, ecological sustainability, and social well-being. We bring local experience and research based solutions together, helping New York State families and communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.
Vision Statement Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County will be a gateway to knowledge, life skills and experiences for better living. We will bring together and partner with government, business and community based groups to serve all residents and visitors of Sullivan County. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County will continue to evolve to meet the changing needs of the county and its diverse population by employing the latest technology, research based education and highly trained professional staff.
Affairs Coordinator Nicole Slevin. Sullivan Renaissance has also been a partner with CCE in both the greenhouse and other projects around the county. According to Slevin, CCE is working with several partners to develop a vegetable farm directory for Sulli-
11R
van County. So far, a maple syrup directory and a farmers’ market directory have been produced and are available to the public. Just as important as educating kids on the science of farming, CCE is trying to inspire kids to think locally when it comes to the businesses
they support. In the spring, CCE held the first “Grains to Grapes” beverage bus tour that visited the growing craft beer, wine and spirits enterprises in the county. It is also planning a fundraiser at BashaKill Vineyards in September with local wine, food,
live music and eagle viewing/education. One of CCE’s more important initiatives regarding agriculture is encouraging the consumers to get the food, whenever possible, from a local source. “We’re launching our ‘Buy Local’ campaign to inspire people to support their neighbors and their communities,” said Slevin. “It’s really a myth that you can’t eat healthy, locally sourced food on a budget. You can.” In fact, the half dozen or so farmers’ markets throughout Sullivan County all accept food stamps and other forms of government assistance, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, as well as the Women, Infants and Children assistance program. Cornell Cooperative Extension remains a vital resource for farming in Sullivan County. But it’s much more. For more information visit http://sullivancce.org or call 2926180.
When you need expert medical care, where you go makes a big difference
Shoulder/Arm
At Ellenville Regional Hospital, we set ourselves high goals and exceed them. We provide award-winning treatment, leading-edge diagnostic equipment, and exceptional clinical pharmacy services. Our committed and compassionate staff delivers state-of-the-art care and the expertise you’d expect from a teaching hospital. We bring specialist providers here to our campus, saving patients a 30-mile journey.
To find out more, visit our website. We’re the good news in today’s healthcare.
No Charge Introductory Visit: 13352
Massage
ellenvilleregional.org | 10 Healthy Way | Ellenville NY 12428 | (845) 647-6400
31049
We love what we do, practice what we preach, and work exceptionally well as a team. When you need us, we’re here for you 24/7, and we are proud to serve as your hospital family.
SHOWING OUR ROOTS
SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT
AUGUST, 2015
The Original
MONTICELLO FARMER'S MARKET
(845) 794-2744
211 East B’way Monticello Next to Monticello Greenhouse
Hablamos Espanol
FRESH LOCAL PRODUCE • Local Corn, Tomatoes, Onions, Apples, Blueberries, Currants, Peaches & Plums All Summer Long! • Local Honey and Local Maple Syrup!
Home of the cheapest milk and local eggs in the county!
99¢
per lb.
FREE
$
Large Eggs Kirby Cucumbers Dozen w/Purchase of $30 in Produce 31213
30693
*1 Per person per day - must have coupon. Expires 9/13/15
2
99 per gallon
2% Marcus Milk
*1 Per person per day - must have coupon. Expires 9/13/15
FARMERSMARKETMONTICELLO.com OPEN ALL YEAR
SUMMER HOURS: Mon-Sat 7am-8pm • Sun 7am-7pm EBT Cards, WIC Checks & All Credit Cards Accepted.
FOS STERDA A ALE
A Salute
EQ QUIP PMENT CO CORP..
to New York Farmers
Farm Credit East salutes the farm families who bring wholesome products to the tables of millions of Americans every single day. And when you need financing, payroll assistance or other financial service, Farm Credit East is ready to help as we have for nearly 100 years.
n all Dixie Choppers, he World’s Fastest h awn Mower® o ome see the 2015 roduct o line from ix xie Chopper today! osterdale Equipment 13 37 Rt. 17B • Cochecton
Middletown / 888.792.3276 / FarmCreditEast.com
28925
28528
12R
(845) 932-8611
ian.feq@twcmetrobiz.com