First phase starts Jan. 1, 2024 with OT cap at 56 hours a week

Photo by Tom Rivers: A farmer works a field by an orchard on Route 31 in Ridgeway in May 2016.

ALBANY — The overtime threshold for farm workers will be 56 hours a week starting Jan. 1, 2024 – down from the current 60 hours a week.

After 56 hours, farm workers will be paid at an overtime rate. It is part of a phased-in plan to bring the OT threshold to 40 hours a week in 2023.

The threshold will be reduced by 4 hours a week every two years until it is at 40 hours.

“These new regulations ensure equity for farm workers, who are the very backbone of our agriculture sector,” New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said on Wednesday when she announced the changes have been finalized. “By implementing a gradual transition, we are giving farmers time to make the appropriate adjustments. These new regulations advance New York State’s continued commitment to workers while protecting our farms.”

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the New York State Legislature enacted new tax credits to assist farm employers to ease the implementation of the lower overtime standard. The DOL said those include:

• The Investment Tax Credit was increased from 4 percent to 20 percent for farm businesses, providing an encouragement for potential automation of farm production.
• The Farm Workforce Retention Tax Credit was increased to $1,200 per employee to provide near-term relief to farmers.
• A refundable tax credit was established for overtime hours paid by farm employers at the level established by the new regulation up to 60 hours.

State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt said the change will drive up cost for farmers who are already struggling with soaring operating expenses.

“Our family farmers are already struggling with skyrocketing inflation, high unemployment insurance taxes, and a severe worker shortage,” Ortt said in a  statement on Wednesday. “This is one more burdensome mandate passed on by unelected bureaucrats that will cause more harm. Instead of working to make New York more affordable, One Party Rule continues to impose anti-business policies that drive up costs for our small businesses and family farms.”

Congresswoman Claudia Tenney said the decision from the state will make it more challenging for farms to be successful in New York.

“Kathy Hochul, her Department of Labor, and Democrats in Albany have turned their backs on New York’s family farms,” Tenney said in a statement. “This gravely misguided decision deliberately ignored input from important stakeholders and will worsen the already difficult headwinds for New York’s agriculture sector. No farms, no food isn’t just a slogan; it will become the new reality if Albany Democrats continue to treat New York’s family farms with such disdain. I will continue my fight in Congress to assist our farm businesses and hold Albany Democrats accountable for this disastrous decision.”

Assemblyman Steve Hawley issued this statement: “For the past three years, my colleagues and I have advocated for the family farmers of New York who have told us time and again that any changes to the overtime threshold would severely impact their economic security. I’m deeply disappointed that the DOL and Commissioner Reardon have ignored those pleas.

“Agriculture is the largest industry in New York, and its workers are the best in the nation. But for these smaller farms trying to get by, the costs just skyrocketed, and the burden of this mandate will unfortunately cause many farmers to fall by the wayside. With this reality in mind, I can’t help but wonder who the DOL thinks it is helping.”

Press Release, National Agriculture Statistics Service

File photo by Tom Rivers: Apples are outside the Lake Ontario Fruit packing facility on Ridge Road in Gaines.

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service reminds our nation’s farmers and ranchers that the deadline to respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture is Feb. 6. Producers can respond online at agcounts.usda.gov or by mail.

Last month, NASS mailed the Census of Agriculture questionnaires to every known ag producer in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Conducted just once every five years, the ag census provides a complete account of the nation’s farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Responding to the Census of Agriculture is required by federal law under Title 7 USC 2204(g) Public Law 105-113.

The same law requires NASS to keep all individual operations’ information confidential, use the data for statistical purposes only, and publish the data in aggregate form to prevent disclosing the identity of any individual producer or farm operation.

“By participating in the 2022 Census of Agriculture, producers show the value and importance of American agriculture,” said NASS Administrator Hubert Hamer. “This nation owes a lot to our farmers and ranchers for providing safe and abundant food, feed, fiber, and more. To tell this story, we need to hear from all of our farmers and ranchers, no matter how big or small their part of agriculture. If you have already responded, thank you. If not, I encourage you to respond today.”

The Census of Agriculture remains the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every state, county, and U.S. territory. U.S. farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural products in 2022, are included as well as Puerto Rico farm operations which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $500 or more of agricultural products in the ag census year.

“It is important that every producer respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture so that they are represented and reflected in these influential data,” said Hamer. “These statistics will directly impact producers for years. Without their input, our hardworking ag producers risk being underserved.”

Producers who have submitted their completed ag censuses may disregard any additional ag census letters and forms. Whether producers responded online or by mail, they can verify their reports were received by going to agcounts.usda.gov, entering their survey codes, and checking the submitted date under the status column of the My Surveys tab. The status update is not always immediate. The update can take a few minutes up to several days, especially if the questionnaire was returned by mail.

NASS will release the results of the ag census in 2024. Visit nass.usda.gov/agcensus, for more information.

Editor’s Note: The 2017 agricultural census showed farm revenues in New York totaling $5,369,212,000 in 2017. That was down slightly from the $5,415,125,000 in 2012.

In Orleans County, farm products sold for $155.3 million in 2017. That was up 3.3 percent over 5 years from the $150.3 million in 2012 for sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products. The 2012 figure was a 48.8 percent jump from the $101.0 million recorded in 2007, according to the Agricultural Census.

Agriculture is Orleans County’s leading industry. The 2017 Ag Census counted 498 farms in the county, which was up from the 487 in 2012. (It was 554 in 2007.)

Organization backs Nourish New York which brings produce to food pantries, community distributions

File photo by Tom Rivers: Volunteers get food ready for a large distribution in Albion on Sept. 11, 2020. Each of about 300 vehicles received boxes of food from the Nourish New York program which has been going for about three years now since soon after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. On this distribution, people received Most of the people received grapes, strawberries, peppers, Brussels sprouts, apples, blackberries, raspberries, radishes and oranges.

Press Release, New York Farm Bureau

ALBANY – New York Farm Bureau released its 2023 state legislative priorities on Tuesday that addressed the needs and challenges of the state’s diverse agricultural community. NYFB President David Fisher and Public Policy Director Jeff Williams highlighted the major issues based on member approved public policy positions.

Farm Labor Needs

The first priority is asking New York State lawmakers to replenish the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. This has been a big issue for NYFB members who have been saddled with assessment charges on their quarterly contributions to the unemployment insurance fund.

New York State borrowed billions from the federal government during the pandemic to cover increased UI costs. New York has been the only state that has not begun to make payments on the debt or interest, instead its passing those costs on to employers.

“This is inexcusable. New York must pay its own debts. There seems to be great interest in the legislature to make this happen, and we will continue to make this a priority,” said President Fisher.

NYFB is also concerned about efforts to raise the minimum wage once again. It just climbed a dollar an hour at the end of the year in upstate New York and will likely hit $15 by the end of this year to match what it is in New York City and on Long Island.

The farm overtime threshold will begin to drop as well next year, further increasing skyrocketing labor costs. New York State cannot keep making it more expensive to do business in this state, especially when other states are far behind New York’s wage rates. Like all consumers, farms are facing high inflationary costs.  Inputs are up across the board for energy, transportation, labor, fertilizer, and supplies.

“Let’s press pause on these annual income hikes and let things settle for the business community. Now is not the time to make it worse,” said Fisher.

State Budget

Another NYFB state priority is securing proper funding in the New York State budget. The governor’s spending plan will be released soon, and NYFB is looking to maintain funding for important animal health, promotion, and research programs along with full funding for the Environmental Protection Fund. The EPF is responsible for helping farms implement best management practices that include soil health and nutrient management programs that protect our land and waterways. This also includes efforts to help our farms meet the state’s climate goals.

NYFB is also hopeful the governor’s proposal for a refundable investment tax credit is included in the final budget. This will incentivize investment, especially coming off of challenging years of low commodity prices and then the pandemic.

“The state budget is an investment into our state’s farms and local food production.  We all benefit when we have a strong farming community,” said Fisher.

Support for Increased Markets for New York Grown Products

NYFB would like to continue funding for the Nourish New York program. It has proven to benefit both farms and people in need. It redirects fresh, locally grown food into regional food banks and emergency food pantries while also helping farms offset the costs to produce, harvest, package, and transport the healthy food.

“Nourish NY served as a lifeline during the pandemic, and we must maintain the program that ensures all new Yorkers have access to New York produced food,” said Jeff Williams.

NYFB is also supportive of the governor’s effort to increase state procurement to 30% for New York farm products. It makes sense for New York to support its own farms when purchasing food for its state agencies and institutions. But we also want to make sure that the regulations are not exclusionary or enforce value-based purchasing requirements that are not currently required by state or federal laws.

Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation

NYFB is concerned about the Extended Producer Responsibility legislation. This bill looks to pass the cost and responsibility of recycling packaging away from the consumer and to the source of the product, in this case, farms and food processors who need things like milk containers, wine bottles and food packaging to sell what they produce. This puts an extraordinary financial burden on to the state’s farms and businesses. This would eventually increase the cost of doing business and further drive-up consumer prices.

Direct Sales for Farm Beverages

NYFB is prioritizing legislation allowing for direct-to-consumer shipping for all New York produced farm beverages, including beer, cider, and distillates. Providing direct-to-consumer sales for craft spirts, hard cider and beer would be a new market opportunity for the industry and put craft beverage makers on parity with the state’s wineries that already have the ability to ship to consumers.

“It is imperative that we all work together to expand opportunities and capitalize on what we do well in New York,” Williams said. “We have one of the most diverse agricultural sectors in the country. It is worth it to each of us to maintain that strong connection to food and farm production. This benefits our food system, local economies, and overall quality of life in the state.”

Other priorities include:

• Support the development of solar energy that balances private property rights and the current and future land needs of agriculture in the state. Whenever possible, prime soils and actively farmed lands should be avoided in favor of previously disturbed or fallow lands and rooftop development for distributed generation.
• Support critical funding for current agricultural animal health (such as the Avian Disease Program), promotion, research, and environmental programs in the final FY 22/23 state budget.
• Solar development and the aggregate value of solar lease payments should be utilized as potential development value when property is appraised for PDR values or similar farmland preservation programs.
• Oppose any alteration to Soil and Water Conservation District laws that would change the make-up, mission and function of the State and County Soil and Water Conservation Districts without the statutorily-required inclusion and input from County Boards of Supervisors, or county legislatures, New York Farm Bureau, the New York State Grange, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, and the four-way partnership (NRCS, NYACD, the State Committee, and the Employees Association) of the Soil and Water District system.
• Oppose legislation that prohibits the use of agricultural chemical protectants and support strong DEC’s regulatory authority over pesticide registration in accordance with sound science.
• Oppose Extended Producer Responsibility legislation that doesn’t require consumer responsibility for packaging they receive and doesn’t unduly burden New York’s food and wine manufacturing businesses.
• Target federal and state infrastructure funding for rural roads, bridges and broadband.

Press Release, Niagara County Farm Bureau

Provided photo: Assemblyman Angelo Morinello (left), R-Niagara Falls, accepts his award from Niagara County Farm Bureau President Kevin Bittner

Niagara County Farm Bureau is recognizing three state legislators with its Circle of Friends award. Formally given by New York Farm Bureau, it recognizes state elected officials who support the legislation it promotes.

Niagara County Farm Bureau President Kevin Bittner explained it this way. “At our recent board meeting we looked at a number of factors. The voting record was important. However, we also took into consideration other efforts our elected officials made. Our concern with the various newly imposed labor regulations was part of the discussion. In addition, we wanted to acknowledge the willingness of our local representatives to meet with us and discuss these issues. They were always just a phone call away.”

Bittner then presented a certificate to Assemblyman Angelo Morinello. Senator Rob Ortt and Assemblyman Mike Norris could not attend. They will receive their certificates at lobbying days in Albany.

“This has been a stressful year for the agricultural industry,” said Morinello when he accepted the award. “I appreciate your taking the time to teach me about it. There are so many challenges. People from other areas of the state who have no concept of what farming is. The Farm Labor Bill that was meant to appease some people, but then offer farmers a tax credit to lessen the impact. Farm preservation is important. I am concerned about the number of solar farms taking land away from agriculture. I don’t want to rely on foreign countries for food.  I have deep routed support for your industry. I know what it takes to get up before dawn and face the many issues whether planting, harvesting or caring for your farm. I will stand by you and continue to fight to overcome these challenges.”

Membership in Farm Bureau is open to all who are involved in agriculture. Whether you are active in production agriculture, support it through a business that provides resources or sells the products from the farms or consume the products, you are eligible to join.

Check www.NYFB.org for more information about Farm Bureau and its member benefits.

WNY farmers among leaders looking to boost food production in the state

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul

File photo by Tom Rivers – Honeycrisp apples are pictured in October 2016 at the Roberts Circle R fruit stand and farm market on Route 18 in Carlton. NY Farm Bureau says apples face retaliatory tariffs in trade disputes.

Governor Hochul announced that a special working group of state agencies and agricultural community stakeholders will collaborate to support New York farmers and help boost the agricultural industry.

This summer, Governor Hochul and Lieutenant Governor Delgado held a series of roundtable discussions with a diverse group of farmers and industry stakeholders on Long Island, in the North Country, the Hudson Valley, and in the Finger Lakes to hear their concerns about the agricultural industry in the state.

This Strategic Interagency Task Force Lessening Obstacles to Agriculture Working Group, as directed by the Governor in response to the concerns of farmers and industry stakeholders, will be chaired and convened by Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball.

“We are working hand in hand with the agricultural community to support the needs of both workers and employers and ensure the prosperity of farming in New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “This working group will be critical to tackling several challenges within New York’s agricultural industry, and my administration will continue to work with farmers to address their needs and reimagine farming in our state.”

The group will work alongside representatives from commodity sectors of agriculture to identify challenges and to ensure agencies that interface with the state’s farmers communicate clearly, interact efficiently, and reduce burdensome requirements by focusing on future development.

Feedback received from the sessions, which includes but is not limited to, getting more dairy into our schools, challenges with transportation and finding certified drivers, and the need to have access to new markets around the State’s climate change efforts, will be reflected in the group’s final recommendations. The emphasis will be on administrative actions that can be taken by the Governor and state agencies to provide an immediate and timely response to important issues around supporting and expanding food production in New York.

Based on the conversations, and feedback received through the four roundtable sessions, the Task Force will initially focus on, but not be limited to, the following topics:

• Transportation – address challenges involving the movement of agricultural commodities and products while understanding the needs for investment in roads, bridges and other vital infrastructure to bring products to market.
• Labor – identify and build the next generation of farmers and farmworkers to support a diverse industry with the skills and workers required to operate modern farms.
• The environment – address and remove obstacles to capital investments in manure management, on-farm energy production, and the transition to alternative fuel sources that limit the ability of some farms to meet the State’s climate goals and become carbon neutral.
• Housing for workers – increase worker housing to provide workers with a safe living environment that is close to farms and assures for sustained and daily production.
• Taxation – provide clearer guidance on property tax administration and improve access to existing tax relief programs.
• Farmland protection – review existing programs and identify ways that the State can ensure that productive farmland remains accessible, in production, and continues to feed New Yorkers.
• Expand procurement – of local food products by various state agencies to build local food supply chains and better connect with New York farms.

A final report will be provided to the Governor’s Office and will identify actions, as recommended by the working group, that state agencies can take to help streamline business for New York’s farmers.

Members of the working group include representatives from a number of state agencies, including the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; Department of Labor; Department of Transportation; Department of Environmental Conservation; Department of Health, Department of Public Service, Department of Taxation and Finance; New York State Energy Research and Development Authority; Empire State Development; and the State Liquor Authority, as well as the following members of the agricultural industry:

• Jim Bittner, Owner of Bittner Singer Orchards in Appleton and Interim Director New York Horticulture Society
• Kama Doucoure, Owner, Big Dreams Farm
• David Fisher, Owner, Mapleview Dairy and President New York Farm Bureau
• Jeffrey M. Fetter, President, Scolaro Fetter Grizanti & McGough, P.C.
• Susan Jaffe, Owner, Snowdance Farm
• Maureen Torrey Marshall, Co-Owner, Torrey Farms based in Elba
• Sarah Dressel Nikles, Owner, Dressel Farms
• Brian Reeves, Partner at Reeves Farms, and President New York Vegetable Association
• Tonya Van Slyke, Executive Director, Northeast Dairy Producers Association
• Oscar Vizcarra, Partner, Becker Farms based in Gasport
• Kim Wagner, Owner, Stoutridge Vineyard
• Jeff Williams, Director of Public Policy, New York Farm Bureau

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We have made a lot of progress over the years when it comes to supporting our farmers, but we have a lot more work ahead of us, especially when it comes to workforce development, agricultural education, and ensuring a strong, vibrant industry for the future. We have an opportunity today to work together with our fellow state agencies and our partners in agriculture to tackle some of the challenging issues before us and find tangible solutions, ensuring New York State continues to lead the nation in agricultural production.”

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “New York farmers face a number of regulatory, labor, and market challenges that limit the ability to grow our businesses in this state, many of which we spoke about with Governor Hochul when she visited my family’s dairy farm this summer. I look forward to continuing that conversation with the SILO Task Force. It is an opportunity to identify common sense approaches to break down barriers and support our state’s food system.”

Brian Reeves, President of the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, said, “I look forward to working with my colleagues in the agricultural sector and at the Department of Agriculture and Markets to find ways to reduce the regulatory burden on New York farms and improve the efficiency of how our state government interacts with those of us in agriculture. A strong farming industry in New York will help ensure that all of our citizens will have access to nutritious, fresh, locally produced food at all times and under all circumstances. In light of the recent pandemic, this is as important as ever.”

Tonya Van Slyke, Northeast Dairy Producers Association Executive Director, said, “As the organization that serves as the voice of dairy farms in New York, the Northeast Dairy Producers Association values the reconvening of the SILO Task Force as an important step toward removing barriers for farmers, processors, and haulers and to facilitate opportunities that strengthen New York’s ag economy. Farmers participated in roundtables and listening sessions to share their concerns directly with state leadership, and we’re appreciative that their feedback is being heard. Labor and environmental stewardship are top priority areas for our family farms. It is critical that we work collaboratively to address the challenges that farmers are facing to maintain a viable agriculture industry for generations to come. New York’s food supply depends on it.”

Jim Bittner, owner of Bittner Singer Orchards and Interim Director of the New York State Horticulture Society, said, “The SILO committee offers those of us in production agriculture a unique opportunity to interact with many departments throughout state government. As a result, we can work together so that the rules and regulations that need to be in place to protect all citizens in New York also take into account the realities and challenges of agriculture. I look forward to dialog that will enable agriculture to continue its role as an economic engine in New York.”

Agriculture is a critically important sector of New York’s economy. The state is home to over 33,000 farms producing some of the world’s best food and beverages. Approximately 20 percent of New York State’s land area, or close to 7 million acres, is farmland. New York is first in the country in the production of major dairy products, such as yogurt and cream cheese, second in the country in the production of apples and maple, and third in grapes and cabbage.

Provided photo: David Fisher (left), NY Farm Bureau President, presents Jim Bittner with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.

Press Release

BUFFALO – At New York Farm Bureau’s annual convention in Buffalo, Appleton fruit farmer Jim Bittner Received their highest honor, the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.

NY Farm Bureau President David Fisher spoke about Bittner’s numerous ways he’s been involved in Farm Bureau and other organizations. In addition to working on the resolutions committee and participating in the annual grassroots policy making discussions, he has served on the labor committee and fruit committees on both the state and national levels.

In addition, he served as Niagara County President twice, the second time for 12 years. Bittner has aided Farm Bureau efforts with lobbying both in Albany and Washington DC, participated in numerous media interviews and helped with Grow NY.

However, Bittner’s involvement isn’t limited to Farm Bureau. He served on the New York Farm Viability Board, New York Apple Association, and the New York Horticulture Society Board.  Currently, he is the director for the New York Horticulture Society, and serves on the Cornell University Ag and Life Sciences Dean’s Advisory Committee, Niagara County Soil and Water Board and is treasurer of the Barker Lions Club.

Local farmer Pete Russell praised Bittner for his thoughtful leadership, big picture thinking, and cooperative nature.

“His office door is always open for a discussion, is willing to loan equipment, and sometimes even his sons to run the equipment,” Russell said.

Niagara County Farm Bureau President Kevin Bittner talked about how much he’s learned from his father.

“He encourages us to grow, to be involved with the community, to use all our skills to improve our farm and help those around us,” Kevin said. “Those values he instilled in us are inspiring.”

While thanking the group for this honor, Bittner credited his parents for their encouragement, his wife for her support and all those who work to improve agriculture.

Press Release, New York Farm Bureau

File photo by Tom Rivers: Two turkeys roams along West Bacon Road in Gaines.

New York Farm Bureau’s 2022 Market Basket Survey shows the price of a traditional Thanksgiving dinner saw a double-digit price jump from last year’s meal.

The average total price, which includes a 16-pound turkey and other common items found on a holiday dinner table, is $66.39, about a 26% increase over last year’s price of $52.59.

Our volunteer shoppers found turkey prices to be about $1.89 per pound in New York State, which is 43 cents per pound over last year’s average price in this informal survey. This price is slightly above the national average of $1.81/lb. As we move closer to Thanksgiving, turkey prices may drop in the stores, reflecting sales in the final days before the holiday.

The New York numbers revealed price increases over last year in nearly every category, except for fresh cranberries which saw a 30-cent decrease. The most notable increases were for stuffing mix, brown-and-serve rolls, and frozen pie crusts.

This year’s survey also includes a similar increase for an expanded menu that includes a four-pound ham, five-pound bag of russet potatoes and a package of frozen green beans. When those prices are included, the total meal price jumps to $82.16 or a 22% increase over last year’s number. New York shoppers found bargains on hams compared to the national numbers, with a four-pound ham costing $10.08 or $1.56 less than the national average.

There are several reasons for the increased costs of this year’s meal. They reflect the continued supply and demand issues, higher commodity prices because of the war in Ukraine, as well as the increased costs for packaging and transportation. Despite those increases, most of those higher costs do not trickle down to the farmer who receives only about eight cents of each dollar consumers spend on food at the store. The rest goes to pay for things like marketing, processing, and transportation of the food.

This dinner price represents the greatest increase since the survey began more than three decades ago and will undoubtedly make it more difficult for some families to afford a big holiday dinner. But it is important to put the cost into context: at just under $6.64 per person for a family of 10, New Yorkers still enjoy one of the most affordable food supplies in the world.

This survey is one of the responsibilities of the NYFB State Promotion and Education Committee and is part of the national effort with the American Farm Bureau Federation. AFBF’s 37th annual informal national price survey found the average national cost of this year’s feast is $64.05, or $2.34 cents less than New York’s number. That is in part attributed to the competitive nature of grocery store markets and perhaps better promotional pricing in other regions of the country. More information on the national survey can be found at www.fb.org.

“New Yorkers continue to face challenges at the grocery store, but the supply of food remains strong in this country thanks to our farmers and farmworkers who continue to produce amidst their own price and labor challenges. The best plan of attack for shoppers is to do comparison shopping to find the best deals near you. We expect more people to purchase store brand and frozen food items compared to years past because of the ongoing inflation,” said Darleen Krisher-Meehan, chair of New York Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee.

New York Farm Bureau’s volunteer shoppers sampled prices at more than a dozen different supermarkets throughout the state between October 18 – 30, trying to get the best prices available, but they did not use promotional coupons or special deals such as “buy one-get one free.”  They were also encouraged to use online shopping. The shopping list includes 15 common Thanksgiving food items ranging from turkey and rolls to stuffing and celery to pumpkin pie mix, enough to feed 10 people around the dinner table. An average for miscellaneous ingredients, like flour and butter, is also included.

The numbers below reflect the overall average of the volunteer shoppers and is not meant to be a true scientific survey, but rather a snapshot of what shoppers may find leading up to the holiday.

Photo by Tom Rivers: These bales of straw shown in mid-July are in a field by East Shelby Road in Shelby near the Millville Cemetery.

The 2022 Census of Agriculture will soon be sent to millions of producers across the 50 states and Puerto Rico. The census is done every five years to provide comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state, county and territory.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, says the census will be mailed in phases, starting with an invitation to respond online in November followed by paper questionnaires in December.

Farm operations of all sizes, urban and rural, which produced and sold, or normally would have sold, $1,000 or more of agricultural product in 2022 are included in the census.

The census has been collected since 1840 and conducted every five years. The census highlights land use and ownership, producer characteristics, production practices, income and expenditures, among other topics.

Revisions to the questionnaire document changes and emerging trends in the industry. Changes to the 2022 questionnaire include new questions about the use of precision agriculture, hemp production, hair sheep, and updates to internet access questions. The census data is expected to be released in the spring/summer 2024.

To learn more about the Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus or call 800-727-9540.

The 2017 agricultural census showed farm revenues in New York totalling $5,369,212,000 in 2017. That was down slightly from the $5,415,125,000 in 2012.

In Orleans County, farm products sold for $155.3 million in 2017. That was up 3.3 percent over 5 years from the $150.3 million in 2012 for sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products. The 2012 figure was a 48.8 percent jump from the $101.0 million recorded in 2007, according to the Agricultural Census.

Agriculture is Orleans County’s leading industry. The 2017 Ag Census counts 498 farms in the county. The number of farms in the county is up from the 487 in 2012. (It was 554 in 2007.)

The top 15 counties in NYS for farm revenue in the 2017 census include:

1) Wyoming, $307.5 million

2) Cayuga: $287.9 million

3) Genesee: $234.9 million

4) Suffolk, $225.6 million

5) Wayne, $221.3 million

6) Ontario, $205.2 million

7) Steuben, $196.0 million

8) St Lawrence, 191.1 million

9) Livingston: $183.7 million

10) Onondaga, $178.4 million

11) Clinton, $167.8 million

12) Jefferson, $165.1 million

13) Chautauqua: $161.0 million

14) Orleans $155.3 million

15) Lewis, $153.1 million

Source: U.S. Ag Census

Press Release, Niagara County Farm Bureau

Provided photo: Niagara County Farm Bureau President Kevin Bittner, left, is congratulated by NY Farm Bureau District 2 Director Pat McCormick.

LOCKPORT – Niagara County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting at the Farm and Home Center. It focused on the grassroots foundation of the organization.

In reviewing the past year,  President Jeannette Miller recapped the year chronologically.  She talked about the lobbying efforts, the Corn booth at County Fair, Ag Literacy month and other efforts to influence the political issues during the year.

Pat McCormick, District 2 State Board Director, spoke about the state efforts. Although the Wage Board recommendations did not go the way the members hoped (with the overtime threshold to be lowered in agriculture), he encouraged those present to keep up the efforts to explain the issue to Governor Hochul.

He focused on the success of the Taste NY event in Queens. Many political and business leaders attended this educational event. There is another event planned and he encouraged county leaders to participate in the next event. In addition, there are new programs to encourage membership in the state organization.

The evening concluded with officer elections. Those elected are President Kevin Bittner, Vice President Mark Russell, and board members Kassidy Voelpel, Jeannette Miller, Kelly Raby, Trevor Ganshaw and Max Russell.

Bittner is the orchard specialist for Bittner-Singer Orchards in Appleton. His father, Jim Bittner, is a past president of the Niagara County Farm Bureau.

When asked about his plans for the coming year, Bittner stated, “My goal is that Farm Bureau will represent all farms, large and small. Anyone who wishes to become a member please contact any current member for an application. Any member who wishes to get involved in our policy development or events please contact me or any board member.”

For more information about Niagara County Farm Bureau, its projects and events, email info@niagaracountyfarmbureau.com or call 716-735-7791.

Photos by Tom Rivers

A farmer works in a corn field on Peter Smith Road in Kendall near Route 18 late this afternoon. Farmers have been working at a frantic pace to bring in the crops. They have benefitted from a recent string of sunny days in the 70s, which continues on Tuesday.

These bales of corn stalks are shown this afternoon on Harrison Road in Shelby.

These bales cast a long shadow late this afternoon on Harrison Road.