‘He didn’t do things just to advance his business. He did it for everyone’s business.’

George Lamont was recognized as the Apple Grower of the Year in 1997 by the American Fruit Grower magazine.

ALBION – The apple industry is mourning George Lamont, an Albion grower who was a key leader locally, state-wide and nationally.

Lamont was influential in the start of the Lake Ontario Fruit packing house on Ridge Road in Gaines in 1982. That business joined several local apple growers in a joint facility for storage and packing.

Before Lake Ontario Fruit, local growers either had their own storage facilities, or needed to drive their apples to packing houses outside the county.

Lamont, who was 83 when he died on March 13 at his retirement home at Saranac Lake, was able to get several local apple farmers to work together in the venture on Ridge Road. The facility is now a leader in the state for storing and packing apples, utilizing the latest in technology to ship high-quality apples.

“He was a tremendous leader for all of agriculture at local, state and national levels,” said Eric Brown, one of the partners at Lake Ontario Fruit and co-owner of Orchard Dale Fruit Company in Waterport. “He was very industry focused, rather than on the individual. He didn’t just do things to advance his business. He did it for everyone’s business.”

Lamont served as president of the New York Horticultural Society, which works to advance the fruit industry.

His greatest contribution to the industry may have been in helping to create the Premier Apple Cooperative, which included apple growers east of the Mississippi. In the late 1990s, Lamont was able to bring together growers from many states in a plan for marketing their crop.

The Premier Apple Cooperative helped growers plan what to grow and sell, and ultimately led to a higher price returned for the farmers at a time when the industry was really struggling.

Lamont, in a quiet and unassuming manner, managed to bring people, often with strong personalities, together for a common goal.

“He wasn’t overbearing or loud,” Brown said. “He was very good at initiating and getting parties together.”

Rod Farrow was 20 when came from England to the Lamont farm on Densmore Road in 1980, looking to study fruit production. Farrow also studied in New Zealand, but returned to Orleans County in 1986 to work with Lamont. Farrow would eventually become the owner of Lamont Fruit Farm. Farrow also is an industry leader and was named the U.S. Apple Grower of Year in 2017.

Farrow said Lamont made a tremendous difference in for apple growers.

“He wasn’t just a local mover and shaker,” Farrow said. “He made an impact nationally.”

George Lamont

The Premier Apple Cooperative is Lamont’s “signature legacy,” Farrow said about an organization that has made a major difference for apple growers, boosting their bottom lines and fostering a spirit of teamwork among the farmers.

“It changed the way people communicated,” Farrow said. “They were all fierce competitors with each other. He got them to work together.”

In the 1990s, the apple industry was in “terrible shape,” Farrow said. The industry was in much better condition in the first decade of the 2000s through the work of organizations like the Premier Apple Cooperative.

Lamont in the late 1990s, largely stepped back from farming and devoted himself to leading groups on behalf of the industry – in unpaid roles.

Farrow spent 30 years with Lamont, seeing him nearly every day. Farrow even lived with Lamont his first year in Albion. Farrow said Lamont was like a second father. “He welcomed me with open arms.”

Lamont enjoyed life in the Adirondacks at Saranac Lake, where he went kayaking, skiing and for long walks. He died after suffering a stroke. A memorial service will be in Albion at a later date to be announced with burial to be at Mount Albion Cemetery.

Industry leaders praise Lamont

Jim Allen, vice president of marketing for New York Apple Sales and the former president of the New York Apple Association, wrote this tribute:

“Of all George’s accomplishments, perhaps his greatest legacy will be his dedication to IMPROVING the HEALTH of the apple industry. He explored the strengths and weaknesses of how business happens and has happened for decades. He dared to suggest change and restructuring, and most important of all, collaboration within the industry. In the late ’90s and easy 2000’s, many believed that this was a radical approach.

After over a year of almost monthly strategic planning meetings with New York, George led a group of traditionally independent thinkers from all walks of the industry, to grasp the concept of collectively working together to change and improve the future of NY’s apple industry.

We New Yorkers can often be “set in our ways” and tend to follow our predecessors rather than choose to change, but George had the talent to identify weaknesses and offer a path to improvement. The industry started to react and changes were seen.

Getting New Yorkers to agree is one thing, but taking this direction across state lines, for the betterment of the domestic industry, was yet another difficult task, but not insurmountable for George.

As a result, the Premier Apple Cooperative was formed, covered the Eastern apple producing states. The simple objective was to remove any fragmentation of the industry by uniting as growers to develop an open dialog and willingness to work together, to accomplish mutually agreed upon goals. This concept was adopted in the East, Southeast, Midwest and Western apple growing regions.

George Lamont was a humble person who did not seek out or ask for attention or credit for his work. He never flaunted his success, instead letting the results speak for him. George, a good friend, used to say, “If necessary to remind others of what you have done, then that memory was not worth having.”

Julie Suarez, associate dean for Land-Grant Affairs for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, said Lamont, a 1957 Cornell graduate, was “a giant in the farm community.”

She offered this tribute:

“His kindness and good humor, while remaining steadfastly committed to the profitability of the apple industry, was legendary. Through the years, I always regarded George with awe. Here’s a man who grew up in the apple orchards of Orleans County, and proudly displayed photos of him as a 5-year-old kid on the back of a tractor – who developed a world view that influenced far more than just his own farm, and in fact, helped lead an entire industry through a crisis.

George’s leadership in helping to develop an ‘apple pricing cooperative’ to ensure transparency so that growers were not pitted against one another during the bleakest times of apple pricing in the retail environment probably helped many of New York’s apple farm families survive in a truly difficult time.

‘While a giant in the industry, George was always personally modest and humble, preferring not to have a spot light trained on him and instead, shining that light right back into the community of NYS apple farmers seeking a better path to profitability, innovation and success.’

His strong support of ag research at Cornell helped generate new resources for faculty to work on systems that are now industry standards, such as spindle trellising and the new branded apple varieties for NY growers RubyFrost and SnapDragon. He revived the NYS Horticulture Association, making sure that growers had a specific organization dedicated to pursuing apple industry success in NYS.”

And throughout all of his leadership within the industry, George took the time to be a mentor, passing on his skills and his passion for farming in New York State to everyone he encountered.  While a giant in the industry, George was always personally modest and humble, preferring not to have a spot light trained on him and instead, shining that light right back into the community of NYS apple farmers seeking a better path to profitability, innovation and success.

The food and farm community lost a wonderful friend and colleague, and while deeply mourning his passing, I am heartened with the legacy he leaves behind in the form of the many people whose lives he touched and made a little bit brighter. George’s life is a lesson in service and care for others and in these currently troubling times, his legacy should hopefully inspire us all to leave the food and farm community a little better than we found it.”

Photo by Tom Rivers: The Lamont family celebrated the 200th anniversary of the family farm during a celebration on Aug. 15, 2015. George Lamont is at far right, speaking when a historical marker was unveiled for Josias LaMont, the first generation of LaMonts to be born in the US. He moved his young family to Orleans County in 1815 and purchased a 140-acre farm in the Town of Gaines from the Holland Land Company. George and his brother Roger have been prominent local apple growers and industry leaders. Roger spelled his last name with a capital M in LaMont while George used a lower-case m. During the bicentennial celebration in 2015, Lamont said keeping the farm in the family six generations and for 200 years “takes more guts than brains.”

Lamont had the vision for Oak Orchard Health

Lamont also was instrumental in the start of Oak Orchard Health, which originally was focused on the healthcare of farmworkers. It started at a storefront in Albion in 1966.

Oak Orchard Health is now offering healthcare, dental and vision to the general population. Oak Orchard Health has locations in Albion, Lyndonville, Brockport, Warsaw and Hornell.

Dr. Jim Goetz started as a pediatric doctor at Oak Orchard in 1978 and served as the organization’s medical director for 30 years.

Goetz offered this tribute about Lamont and his impact on Oak Orchard Health:

“George dedicated the necessary time to not only open the doors of the Albion storefront on Main Street for migrant health services,” Goetz said. “It was also necessary to forge an alliance with the University of Rochester which was truly required. While the focus was on medical services to the agricultural workers in our area, George opened such an important avenue for the expansion of Oak Orchard Health to what it has become today. None of this could have happened without his vision and skills.”

“George was one of the early visionaries of Oak Orchard Health. Because of his knowledge and understanding of the needs of migrant farmworkers and his strong belief in quality health care for all people, he agreed, in 1973, to become the Health Center’s second Chairman of the Board of Directors. He served in that capacity for six years then spent another 11 years on Oak Orchard’s Board advocating for quality, comprehensive health service s in western Monroe County and eastern Orleans County.

“The early days of Oak Orchard were tumultuous in that at the time the local medical community was distrustful of this new model of health care but, with the support, advocacy and strength of conviction of  Mr. Lamont and others, Oak Orchard got through those years and is now a leader in health services in the area.

“It is said that the only way that things get accomplished is through the work of dedicated individuals. George Lamont is the epitome of that philosophy and it is upon the foundation that he helped lay that the present Oak Orchard Health now stands.”

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‘In these tough economic times, we must make sure rural communities get their fair share of federal and state dollars.’ – Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

Press Release, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today unveiled a new guidebook to help agriculture and rural development organizations access federal and state grant money.

Through Senator Gillibrand’s guidebook, agriculture and rural development organizations can access critical information to help them navigate the grant application process, including what the programs are, who is eligible, the terms, and how the funds may be used. By utilizing federal and state grants, organizations throughout New York can provide additional services to communities.

“In these tough economic times, we must make sure rural communities get their fair share of federal and state dollars,” said Senator Gillibrand. “By giving our agricultural and rural communities the resources they need to access federal and state grants, we’ll strengthen our economic growth efforts, create jobs and provide much-needed infrastructure development. These federal dollars will support critical services for our families and strengthen our rural communities.”

This book is a resource to navigate funding from the USDA, Dept. of Commerce, Dept. of Education, Dept. of Health and Human Services, Dept. of Housing and Urban Development, Dept. of Transportation, Appalachian Regional Commission, and Northern Border Regional Commission. It also helps navigate funding from New York State. It may be used in conjunction with any other grant guides from Senator Gillibrand’s office as well – such as the broadband guidebook.

A broad range of federal and state grants are available to help agricultural and rural communities deliver services to families and communities, including local economic development projects, housing assistance programs, infrastructure services, education development programs and health care services for rural communities.

The guidebook is the latest in a series to provide community organizations, state and local governments, schools and law enforcement agencies with the resources they need to access federal funding, in order to prevent cuts to services, to save and create jobs, and to create opportunities to improve the lives of all New Yorkers.

A copy of Senator Gillibrand’s guidebook for Agriculture and Rural Development can be downloaded by clicking here.

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New York Beef Council honors farm for stewardship

Provided photo: Pictured from left include: NY Beef Producers’ Association President Phil Trowbridge, SK Herefords partners Phil & Dawn Keppler, New York Beef Council Executive Director Jean O’Toole, and SK Herefords partner Dave Schubel.

Press Release, New York Beef Council

MEDINA – SK Herefords, LLC in Medina was presented with the Environmental Stewardship Award at the New York Beef Producers’ Association 2020 Annual Winter Conference.

This award was presented during the council’s annual meeting in Syracuse. The award was established to recognize the outstanding stewardship practices and conservation achievements of a New York beef producer.

The winner of this award is commended for their commitment to protecting the environment and improving fish and wildlife habitats while operating profitable cattle operations. The winner will be nominated for regional recognition through the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association.

SK Herefords is a family cattle operation which includes a long-standing partnership between Dave Schubel, Dawn & Phil Keppler, and Alana Welker and family. The operation consists of approximately 1,200 acres of pasture, row crops, and woodland. SK Herefords calves nearly 250 females every spring.

SK Herefords produces feed for their cattle on their farm, growing acres of corn hay and pasture. The corn is harvested for grain or chopped for silage for the cows to eat during the winter. As big believers in planting cover crops and following no till practices for almost four decades, SK Herefords covers their corn fields in cereal rye after harvesting.

“It really helps cut down on erosion and improve the health of our soil,” Phil Keppler said.

SK Herefords has passionately worked to develop the wildlife on their farm. Woodlot management techniques are implemented to optimize forest health, productivity and protective habitat.

Fostering healthy pasture and crop land is important to them, as is providing natural habitat for birds. In fact, each year hay harvest is delayed allowing grass nesting songbirds to fledge out. A parcel of hay ground is left unharvested each year to provide a protected habitat for the birds. The farm is located within the Atlantic flyway. Fostering habitats for the birds, this flyway means that a visit to the farm can provide opportunity to see dozens of different species of birds throughout the year during migration seasons.

In addition, the Oak Orchard Creek, part of the Great Lakes Ontario Watershed, runs through the farm. Buffer zones have been implemented to protect the water from runoff and cattle have been fenced out of the creek. These management practices are essential in assuring the quality of the water which feeds into a world-class trout fishery, a popular recreation area for brown and rainbow trout.

Implementing new practices and approaches on the farm is an important cornerstone of the farm philosophy at SK Herefords. When asked what Phil’s view on the future of agriculture was and how creativity plays into it, he shared, “Creativity is desperately needed in agriculture, let’s focus on solutions, let’s get creative, that’s what makes things work. Creativity helps you look at things not as being a problem, but helps you find the solution and that’s the exciting thing. Creativity gives you hope and that is the most important thing in life-hope.”

The common trait among all Environmental Stewardship Award winners is the desire to leave the land in better shape for future generations while also inspiring the next generation of land stewards. SK Herefords LLC. exemplifies these traits. The New York Beef Council and New York Beef Producers’ Association are thrilled to honor this exemplary farm.

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Photo by Tom Rivers: Some local onions from the Elba muck are shown in this photo.

Press Release, U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Charles Schumer

WASHINGTON, D.C. —U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are calling for investigations into unfair trade subsidies to Canadian growers, as New York State onion farmers struggle against an influx of produce, priced below the price of production, coming across the border.

“New York State is home to prime onion-producing land, yet our farmers are unable to sell their goods in a domestic market that is flooded by cheap Canadian exports,” said Senator Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “Farmers across the country have been struggling to keep up with growing production costs, while Canadian exporters have been able to dump cheap onions onto the market at prices comparable to 30 years ago.

“Since Canada has similar production costs, the only way this could be happening is through some type of government subsidy that is lowering their costs,” Gillibrand said. “This would amount to an unfair trade practice and needs to be immediately investigated. I stand with the National Onion Association in calling on the U.S. International Trade Commission and the United States Trade Representative for a full review of Canadian pricing, subsidies and exporting practices.”

New York State is home to Orange County’s famous “Black Dirt” Region, one of the premier onion-producing regions in the nation. Yet, New York farmers, including those who grow highly-prized black-dirt onions, are being forced to sell produce at market prices comparable to the 1980s.

Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture shows that Orange County onion growers received between $5.25 and 5.75 for a 50-pound bag of medium yellow onions, which would amount to around $13.00 or $14.00 today. Today, those farmers are offered only $7.00 per 50-pound bag, less than $2.00 more than what they were paid nearly 30 years ago.

“Some of the best onions in the country come right from Orange County’s Black Dirt region, as well as from other upstate counties,” Schumer said. “However, due to Canada’s suspected unfair pricing practices, cheap Canadian onions are flooding United States markets and leaving New York onion farmers at a steep competitive disadvantage.

“As costs of production, labor, and equipment continue to rise, it’s time for the US International Trade Commission and US Trade Representative to immediately investigate Canadian onion exporters’ pricing practices along with the Canadian government’s trade regulations and level the playing field once and for all, allowing New York farmers to finally harvest the massive potential of their onions.”

Gillibrand’s and Schumer’s push for an investigation into the onion industry will help identify which factors contribute to unfair prices and ensure increased market transparency.

The two senators from New York sent a letter on Feb. 6 to the U.S. International Trade Commission and the United States Trade Representative.

In their letter, the senators asked for the following:

1. Initiate a fact-finding investigation into the alleged unfair pricing practices of Canadian onion exporters, including:

a. A review of any potential anti-competitive pricing practices, including the sale of Canadian onions in the U.S. market at prices below the cost of production;

b. A comparison of U.S. and Canadian tariffs and nontariff trade regulations that apply to onions; and

c. A review of Canadian government subsidy programs that support reducing the costs of shipping, fuel, imported seed and farm inputs, or crop price guarantees relating to onions through either country-wide or provincial-level support, or any other market-distorting practices;

2. Keep their offices apprised of any findings that result from such an investigation; and

3.  Work in tandem with other relevant U.S. government entities, including the Office of the United States Trade Representative as the agency moves to implement and enforce obligations as part of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) and other international trade agreements, to address and rectify any discriminatory pricing or other unfair trade practices relating to Canadian onion imports.

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Provided photo: Adam Kirby, left, and Robin Root hold the trophies for winning the yield contests through the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association.

SYRACUSE – The New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association honored two farmers from Orleans County for having the highest yields in the association’s annual corn and soybean contests.

Adam Kirby of Albion won the corn yield competition with an entry of 277.44 bushels per acre.

Root Brothers Farm in Albion had the top soybean yield with 80.56 bushels per acre. Robin Root accepted the trophy on behalf of Root Brothers.

The two farms were recognized on Jan. 23 during the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association’s annual Winter Expo in Syracuse.

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Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the FY 2021 Executive Budget includes an expansion of the current income exclusion for farmers and sole proprietors and an expansion of the refundability of the investment tax credit so that more farming businesses can qualify.

“Agriculture remains a key industry in New York and we are committed to helping the farmers who help all of us put food on the table,” Governor Cuomo said. “These businesses are economic engines for their local communities, and with these key reforms, we are investing in a stronger Empire State for all.”

The Executive Budget triples the existing sole proprietor and farm business income AGI subtraction from 5 percent to 15 percent. This will further uplift small businesses that have an annual income of $250,000 or less and are paying taxes through personal income tax.

The budget also expands the refundability of the investment tax credit, which is currently offered only to new businesses, so that all taxpayers whose primary source of income is from farming operations can qualify, allowing them to receive the full benefit of their credits earned.

Building on these important tax benefits, the budget continues to support the agricultural industry at significant levels through local assistance funding. The Governor has proposed a budget of $27.4 million to ensure the future of New York State agriculture.

This funding is integral to the success of a number of programs that provide specialized technical assistance, research, agricultural education, workforce development, and marketing initiatives for the agricultural community. These include the NY FFA, Pro-Dairy, commodity-specific research and development at Cornell, funding for the Farm-to-School program, and more.

The Executive Budget would raise the spending threshold for school districts procuring local food for breakfast and lunch through the federal Child Nutrition Programs. This change will give schools more flexibility in realizing the Governor’s goal for schools to source 30 percent of their menu items from local farms as part of the No Student Goes Hungry initiative.

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