Provided photo: NYS Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball, front left, congratulates Jim Bittner on being recognized with the New York State Agricultural Society Distinguished Service Citation on Thursday in Syracuse. Also pictured, front row, third from left: Margo Sue Bittner, NY Farm Bureau representative Sandy Prokop, and NY AG Society President Beth Claypoole. Back Row: Kevin Bittner of Barker, David Bittner of Lyndonville, Janet Walker of Holley, and Award Committee Chair Richard Church.
The New York State Agricultural Society, the oldest Agricultural organization in New York State, honored Jim Bittner of Appleton with a Distinguished Service Citation at its 186th annual meeting on Thursday in Syracuse.
New York State Commissioner of Ag and Markets Richard Ball thanked Bittner for his service on various committees and pointed out that the Ag Society is like a family reunion. Producers, academics, political leaders and others involved in some aspect of agriculture come to celebrate this vital industry.
After relating Bittner’s history on the family beef farm and with Bittner Singer Orchards, presenter Richard Church, quoted nominator David Grusemeyer, New York Farm Viability Executive Director, who said, “Jim was a founding board member and later led the NYFVI as its chair with a level head, steady hand, and inquisitive spirit.”
Commissioner Ball confirmed that adding, “The industry is stronger today because of his great work.”
Church then listed the various agricultural organizations in which Bittner is involved: Niagara County and NY Farm Bureau, US Council for Agricultural Research, Extension and Teaching, NYS Advisory Council on Agriculture, New York Specialty Crop Advisory Committee, Agricultural Labor Advisory Group, SILO committee, Cornell School of Ag and Life Science’s Deans Advisory Committee, and Council of Agricultural Organizations. In addition, he has served on the NYS Horticultural Society Board of Directors.
In the community, Bittner is a long-time member of the Barker Lions Club and works with the Lewiston Kiwanis to have Niagara County peaches at their annual festival.
New York Farm Bureau Executive Director Jeff Williams thanked Jim for his service pointing out that they have worked together since 1975 when they were NY Future Farmers of America officers together. Williams pointed out the numerous lobbying activities in both Albany and Washington in which Bittner has participated.
In his “thank you” speech, Bittner acknowledged those who helped and supported him along the way: his parents, Joe and Theresa Bittner; children Kevin, Janet and David; wife Margo; and the two farmers who gave him the opportunity to farm, Frederick Atwater and Tom Singer.
Bittner also encouraged the group to reach out to those outside of agriculture to promote understanding.
“If you aren’t at the table, you may be on the menu,” he said.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 December 2017 at 3:24 pm
Three local state legislators are among the 172 elected officials named to New York Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends.”
State Assembly members Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, and Michael Norris, R-Lockport, both made the list and so did State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda. Hawley’s district includes all of Orleans except Shelby, as well as Genesee and western Monroe. Norris’s district includes Shelby in Orleans, as well as parts of Niagara and Erie counties. Ortt’s district includes all of Orleans, Niagara and western Monroe.
New York Farm Bureau has released its annual “Circle of Friends,” naming 172 New York State Legislators to the distinguished list. The award is an indication of the individual lawmaker’s support of New York agriculture and Farm Bureau, NYFB said.
The “Circle of Friends” is not an endorsement, and this distinction only recognizes the 2017 legislative session. The honor is based upon each legislator’s voting record on issues of agricultural importance as well as other evidence of legislative support, including sponsorship of bills that New York Farm Bureau has either supported or opposed during the most recent legislative session.
“New York Farm Bureau selected these Senators and Assembly members because of their commitment to the hard-working farm families in New York,” said David Fisher, President of New York Farm Bureau. “We appreciated their support on a whole host of bills and budget items this year, and we look forward to collaborating with them as a new session is about to begin. It is imperative that we work together to support local food production and the agricultural economy that benefit all New Yorkers.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 December 2017 at 11:50 am
Wins yield contest with 322-bushels-per-acre
Photo by Tom Rivers: This photo from August 2016 shows corn on Brown Road in Albion.
KENDALL – Matt Kludt from Kludt Brothers Farm is the state champion for the third straight year in an annual corn yield contest.
Kludt won the no-till/strip-till non-irrigated class with a yield of 322.4 bushels per acre. He used a seed from Channel 201-00DGVT2PRIB.
Ryan Swede of Pavilion was second at 307.6 bushels per acre with Kludt close behind in third place with another entry at 306.6 bushels per acre.
Last year Kludt won with a yield of 298.5 acres in the no-till/strip-till non-irrigated class. Kludt also won the title in 2015 with 319.7 bushels per acre.
The National Corn Growers Association has announced the winners of the 2017 National Corn Yield Contest. There were five national entries that surpassed the 400-plus bushel per acre mark, including David Hula of Charles City, VA, with the biggest yield – 542.3 bushels with a seed from Pioneer. Hula competes in the no-till/strip-till irrigated class.
The contest is in its 53rd year and remains NCGA’s most popular program for members.
“The contest provides farmers more than just an opportunity for friendly competition; it generates data that impacts future production practices across the industry,” said Roger Zylstra, chair of NCGA’s Stewardship Action Team. “The techniques first developed by contest winners grow into far-reaching advances, helping farmers across the country excel in a variety of situations. Our contest emphasizes innovation both from growers and technology providers, thus enabling us to meet the growing demand for food, feed, fuel and fiber.”
Winners receive national recognition in publications such as the NCYC Corn Yield Guide, as well as cash trips or other awards from participating sponsoring seed, chemical and crop protection companies. The winners will be honored during Commodity Classic 2018 in Anaheim, Calif.
Click here to visit National Corn Growers Association website www.ncga.com for the complete list of National and State winners.
Photos by Tom Rivers: Tim Winters is president and chief executive officer of Western New York Energy in Medina.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 December 2017 at 11:17 am
MEDINA – Tim Winters, 48, is chief executive officer of Western New York Energy, a company that celebrated its 10th anniversary of production last week.
Winters joined the in September 2007, soon before it opened and began turning corn into ethanol. WNY Energy initially planned to use 20 million bushels of corn annually to produce 50 million gallons of ethanol.
The output proved a conservative number because the company is on pace to produce 62 million gallons this year. All of the ethanol is blended and used in the Rochester and Buffalo markets.
The facility also produces high-protein distiller’s grains for livestock and the CO2 is captured and used for food and soda industries. The company pays more than $1 million in taxes locally each year.
John Sawyer and his son Mike were influential in getting the plant built. John was the company’s first CEO and president. He died from leukemia at age 72 on Oct. 13, 2013. Mike followed his father as the company’s CEO and president. Mike died while hiking in the Adirondacks at age 43 due a medical condition on Aug. 18, 2016.
Tim Winters said the two Sawyers were critical in getting the plant built and in its success. Winters was interviewed on Friday at his office at WNY Energy, which is located at the corner of Bates Road and Maple Ridge Road.
A banner at the entrance of the plant notes that WNY Energy has produced more than 500 million gallons of ethanol in the past decade.
Question: What did you do at the start your career?
Answer: I was in the family business for several years and then had a couple different jobs. Then I moved out West for six years and worked for a large grain company in Oklahoma.
Question: Was that where you were right before Western New York Energy?
Answer: Yes.
Question: What did they do to lure you back home?
Answer: I was actually here getting remarried and was nosing around the company. The company I was with was talking with companies about building ethanol plants and grain elevators in Oklahoma. While I was back here I wondered what this new plant was all about. I ended up meeting Mike (Sawyer) and emailing Mike. He asked me what is it I do and I told him I was a controller. He said he was looking for a controller. It just kind of happened very quickly from there.
Question: What does a controller do?
Answer: A lot of everything. In a normal capacity it’s just accounting functions. But for us here at this company it’s a lot of dealing with some of the marketing, operational and working with the plant, helping to analyze data. I also do a fair amount of the IT. I have some grain experience so I was involved in that.
We’re a large company but it is small enough where I had the title of controller, but it was always whatever needed to be done.
A truck with grain from H & E Farms in Albion is unloaded last Friday at the ethanol plant.
Question: When you guys started I think you were taking in 20 million bushels to make 50 million gallons of ethanol. I thought the output ended up being more.
Answer: It was 50 million as the original name plate, that’s what the plant was designed for. We started running pretty much over that within months when we started.
Question: Was that because it was a conservative number?
Answer: They design these to be able to run a little bit harder. We were able to gain efficiencies and learn more about the plant to get more gallons out. It’s been pretty much a continuous trajectory up since then. Currently today we are running about 62 million gallons with a potential to run even higher.
Question: With 20 million bushels?
Answer: Yes. Twenty million is what we’ll grind this year. It will probably be 21 million next year. When we started we were probably grinding 17 to 18 million.
Question: That’s significant because I know one of the criticisms I’ve heard about ethanol is the amount of energy to produce it. You’ve made gains getting more out of the corn. It looks like you’re about 3 gallons for every bushel of corn.
Answer: A lot in the industry when it was started was about 2.7 to 2.75. Our average over the years I would say has been 2.9-plus. Every year you try to close in on that magic 3 number.
Question: Has it happened for you?
Answer: Not yet, but with the technology each year we’re getting a little bit closer.
Question: I wonder what could clinch it for you to hit the 3 level?
Answer: It doesn’t sound like a lot to go from 2.9 to a 3, but that’s actually a lot. For every hundredth that you get it’s a big step. It takes quite a bit to gain those little bits. When you think about it, take that .01 and multiply it by 20 million bushels. That’s a lot of gallons.
Question: (During the interview several trucks stop at the weigh station outside by Winters’ office) Is this a normal occurrence for you, having all of these trucks here?
Answer: Generally on average we take 75 a day.
Question: And that is throughout the year?
Answer: Yes. We have times in the year where there are more. It could be a hundred or more. We have unloaded as many as 200 corn trucks in a day in the past. Sometimes, it’s 40-50 a day. It really depends on how much is bought and the time of the year.
Question: In terms of the impact for the local farmers, they used to have to drive much farther, to Dunkirk perhaps to the Purina plant.
Answer: Or Arcade or Batavia.
Tim Winters keeps an eye on market prices at his office.
Question: When you’re driving farther, it can gobble up your day just with the added time.
Answer: Yes. An hour-and-a-half to 2-hour drive is not uncommon at all each way.
Question: With the local growers, including some in Medina, it must be awesome having you here so close by. And you can see all of the new grain bins that have been put up in the last 10 years, including the new one by Western New York Energy. (The WNY Energy bin can hold 800,000 bushels and was built about two years ago.) What was the reason for the new grain bin you added?
Answer: One of the big reasons we decided to do it was because as we continue to produce more, we needed to have more days of run time available. What if you got into a winter storm in the middle of January? With only a million bushels of storage, that was only around 15 to 17 days for us. That was kind of uncomfortable. So a larger capacity gives us that insurance if we have bad weather and at the same time gives us more options throughout the year. We can buy more during harvest than we could before.
Question: I think 50 people work here.
Answer: It’s 51 today. That includes Shelby Transportation.
Question: With that, you guys go get the corn? How does that work?
Answer: Yes. We get the corn and we also haul out some of the distiller’s. We do some other hauling as well.
Question: When you consider the distiller’s and the CO2, is there any waste here?
Answer: No. When we’re done there is nothing left of the corn kernel. We use every piece of it. We talked earlier about the gripe about using more energy than you’re making, but in reality in the most recent analysis it’s at least 2 to 1, sometimes 2 ½ to 1. For every energy unit we’re using, we’re creating that much more than what a gas refinery or oil refinery would be. They’re energy deficits.
The point I’m making is gaining all of those efficiencies and using all of your byproducts, you don’t have anything to burn off or waste to dispose of.
Question: I think there were more criticisms of the ethanol industry 15-20 years ago, but you don’t hear that much these days. Do you think ethanol has proven itself?
Answer: One of the great things about being in this industry is we are young, we are really just in the first 10 to 15 years of taking off. With the technology every day there is something new coming out. It’s really exciting to see what is could be coming down the pike.
Distiller’s grains are a byproduct of the ethanol process and are used to feed livestock including many cows in Western New York.
Question: I know some plants have doubled in size after they opened. Is that something that might happen here?
Answer: It’s something that we have considered, but it’s quite an investment. When you look at building capacity on that large of a scale, the cost per gallon is quite a bit higher than when we originally built the plant. It’s something you have to take a much harder look at because your payback is going to be much longer. We’ve chosen to take a more phased in approach. We built a new fermenter, we built some cooling capacity. We’ll continue to look at some of those projects maybe just building up in phases, rather than in one big lump sum. Not to say that could never happen, but right now the phased in approach is the best investment strategy for Western New York Energy.
Question: What kind of ripple effect do you think this plant has had on the farming community?
Answer: From what I remember, growing up in the family feed and grain business, yes it has had an impact. This area has always grown a lot of grain. Anybody who has lived here more than 20-30 years remembers that. There used to be a lot of government storage. There used to be a lot of excess storage and prices that the farmers received were very poor. I remember years that corn was maybe $1.50, $1.25 a bushel. Over the years that got tough for a family farm to stay in operation.
After we started – within months of after we started – farm families that I’ve known for all of my life, it wasn’t uncommon for some of them to come up to me in the grocery store and say, “Tim, we are so glad you and the plant are here because we were getting ready to sell the farm.”
Just look at the farms that have built bins, that have trucks. They are doing better to be able to make investments in new technologies and equipment. But farming is still farming. There are good years and there are bad years, but hopefully overall the averages are better than what it was.
Question: Not only are you here and the corn price is up, but the yields are also up. It seems like a good time to be a local corn grower.
Answer: Right now, if I put my farmer hat on, the price is not great. The Chicago Board of Trade today is trading around $3.50 (per bushel). That’s not great but it could be a lot worse.
There are farms out in the Midwest that are getting below $3 cash price.
Question: I thought you paid a little more than going rate?
Answer: There are a lot of factors that go into it. The term you’re looking for is basis. That’s the price, plus or minus whatever the Board is trading at. That really depends on the season and a lot of other market conditions. Sometimes it’s over. We have been under at times. But generally we’ve been paying over.
Question: Don’t you test the corn and based on the quality that affects the price?
Answer: Yes, there are several different quality factors that we evaluate for. For instance, if it is too high in moisture there is a small discount and a dockage that goes along with it. If there is too much foreign material, beeswings or weed seeds – things like that that aren’t corn – there are discounts for that. It’s all about quality, just like anything else.
Question: If it’s wetter than you want do you then have to dry it?
Answer: We don’t have a dryer. All we have are fans. We can take slightly wetter than we’re used to. But we can’t take 18 percent or even 17 percent (moisture). What ends up happening is if you take that wetter grain and put it in the middle somewhere, concrete or the bin, it will eventually rot. To store it for any amount of time it has to be 15.5 percent or below, preferably.
John Sawyer, right, and his son Mike Sawyer were the driving force in establishing Western New York Energy and the construction of the $90 million ethanol plant.
Question: The only sad part about this is that John and Mike Sawyer aren’t here today.
Answer: I agree.
Question: But they certainly brought an asset into the community. I like that the shareholders are local people. The plant has helped to bring some money into the community. If the farmers make money they often put it back in the community, including helping to fund the Extension Education Center and the new library in Albion.
Answer: Correct. That is one of things that drew me here. I didn’t know John or Mike before I came here. I checked them out and I’m sure they checked me out. I heard nothing but good.
When you heard John talk about where did this come from, it all came from his desire to help out farmers. This is what developed. It does allow us to provide not only 50 good-paying jobs for employees, but it allows us to do good things for the community – the Parade of Lights for example. As a Medina native, I’m very proud to do that. As you know, you’ve been in the area long enough, we’ve had a lot of things taken away over the years. It’s nice to bring something back for a change.
File photo by Tom Rivers: These turkeys were part of the 2014 meat auction at the 4-H Fair in Knowlesville. The cost of a turkey has dropped compared to Thanksgiving a year ago.
Press Release, NY Farm Bureau
The 2017 Market Basket Survey reveals a nearly 10% price decrease for the average Thanksgiving Day dinner over last year’s meal, according to New York Farm Bureau. The average total price this year, which includes a 16-pound turkey, is $44.74. This is a $1.89 decrease over last year’s survey of $46.63.
Turkey prices are about $1.34 per pound in New York State, down more than 9 percent on average in this informal survey compared to 2016. This drop in price is reflected in national numbers.
According to the USDA, wholesale whole turkey prices fell in 2017 and have remained below historical averages since January. Lower retail turkey prices are a result from continued large inventory in cold storage, which is up almost double digits since last year.
The New York numbers also reflect slightly higher pumpkin prices. A wet season led to a smaller pumpkin crop than what we saw last year in New York, though there is no national supply problem due to abundance in pumpkin production in other states that supply pie mix manufacturers. The increase may be attributed to higher production costs. In addition, milk prices have remained low throughout 2017. While this continues to be tough on farmers, consumers have benefited with lower whole milk prices.
New York Farm Bureau’s volunteer shoppers sampled prices in different regions of the state trying to get the best prices available, but they do not use promotional coupons or special deals such as “buy one-get one free.”
The shopping list includes 12 Thanksgiving food items ranging from turkey and rolls to fresh carrots and celery to pumpkin pie mix, enough to feed 10 people around the dinner table.
“The dinner price has dropped for a second consecutive year which means New Yorkers can continue to enjoy a reasonably priced Thanksgiving meal,” said Phyllis Couture, chairwoman of New York Farm Bureau’s Promotion and Education Committee. “While farmers continue to struggle with lower commodity prices across the board, American consumers benefit from lower prices at the cash register. Much of this is due to New York farmers who work hard to produce an abundance of healthy, nutritious food. They take pride in knowing their products help make for a joyous and affordable holiday season.”
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced that $1.25 million in funding is available through two grant programs designed to assist farmers across the state. The New Farmers Grant Fund helps new and early-stage farmers, and the New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund supports farms owned and operated by military veterans. Both programs are designed to promote growth and development in the state’s agriculture industry.
“Agriculture remains a major sector of our economy and by supporting the development of early-stage farmers, these businesses will continue to provide fresh, local produce for New Yorkers across the state,” Governor Cuomo said. “This grant fund will bolster our agricultural industry by providing both veterans and farmers the support they need to expand, and thrive.”
New Farmers Grant Fund
Now in its fourth round, the $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to $50,000 to assist with up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, all farm business owners must be within the first ten years of having an ownership interest in any farm business, and the farm must have a minimum of $10,000 in income from sales of products grown or raised on the farm. Eligible project costs include the purchase of machinery, equipment, supplies, and the construction or improvement of agricultural structures.
More than $1 million was awarded to 27 new and early-stage farms across the state in the third round of the New Farmers Grant Fund. Since its launch in 2014, the program has provided nearly $2.5 million to over 65 farms across the state to expand operations and improve profitability.
Veterans Farmer Grant Fund
A new $250,000 grant program, the New York State Veterans Farmer Grant Fund, will also provide grants of up to $50,000 for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs. To qualify, at least 50 percent of the farm business must be owned, operated and controlled by a veteran, as defined in the program guidelines. The farm must also have a minimum of $10,000 in farm income; however, this program is not limited to beginning farmers. Eligible project costs are the same as for the New Farmers Grant Fund.
Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, administers the grant funds. The applications and guidelines for the New Farmers Grant Fund and the Veterans Farm Grant Fund are available online. The deadline for submission is January 26, 2018.
These grant programs are central to the state’s efforts to grow New York’s agricultural industry through strategic investments in the next generation of farmers. Currently, the average age of New York farmers is approximately 55. At the same time, there is greater interest from women, veterans, new Americans, and others in beginning a career or starting a second career in farming.
This year, at the direction of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets established a Beginning Farmer Program, including a one-stop shop, to help these groups overcome obstacles to entering the profession and maintaining a successful agricultural operation in New York. Through the program, the Department launched a statewide listening tour to address challenges facing early-stage farmers and to provide information about existing resources available to them. Additional resources for new or prospective farmers are available on the Department’s website, or by contacting the one-stop shop at (718) 722-2668 or nyc@agriculture.ny.gov.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “Governor Cuomo has brought a new focus to advancing agriculture in New York State and because of his commitment, there are so many new opportunities. Innovative initiatives like these grant programs are helping to pave the way for the next generation of farmers, including our veterans whose experience in the military make them uniquely qualified for jobs on the farm. We are proud to help administer this critical funding and support the future of our industry.”
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “Securing capital is one of the greatest challenges for beginning farmers looking to get their new businesses off the ground. These grants can be the seeds to growing the future of farming, and New York Farm Bureau appreciates the focus on new farmers who have much to offer the agricultural community, including veterans who possess unique skills well suited for farming.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 4 October 2017 at 12:17 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Amelia Targa, a kindergartner at Albion, paints a pumpkin today as part of a Fall Festival organized by the Albion FFA. About 600 elementary students have been part of the festival the past two days. Besides a series of activities at the FFA Ag Shop, student were able to walk in a corn maze at the district’s Land Lab.
The pumpkins were donated by Panek Farms. Nesbitt Farms also donated apples and cider pressed by Roberts Farms in Medina.
Garrett Derisley, the FFA president, waits for the next class to stop by the Ag Shop.
Sarah Gregori helps Daniel Dash, a kindergartner in Mrs. Krull’s class, leave a handprint on a poster that will be added to the classroom. Each elementary class that attended the Fall Festival was able to make a poster with hand prints.
Dalton Wilkins talks about corn with this class. Dalton said a typical ear of corn has about 800 kernels. Corn is a popular food for just about every type of livestock, he said.
Fjolla Bela, a member of the FFA, carries in mini pumpkins to be painted by the elementary students.
Alaina Fleming demonstrates how to use an apple press for these students.
FFA members Ben Restivo, center, and Nick Sacco, right, take questions about a combine.
Taylor Walczak gets plates of paint ready at the pumpkin-painting station.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Workers harvest cabbage on Route 98 in Gaines last month.
Congressman wants program streamlined, expanded to include dairy farms
Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins
WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) met with United States Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta today to discuss expanding the H-2A Agricultural Visa program. This program allows agriculture employers to hire workers on a temporary basis to fill seasonal jobs.
Under the current program, America’s agricultural employers that require year-round workers are met with challenges as it relates to finding a legal, experienced workforce. The H-2A visa program does not currently provide a category for year-round livestock workers, including dairy. Both crop and livestock farmers depend on affordable labor, yet an oversight in the H-2A program has put the latter at a disadvantage when it comes to obtaining workers.
“I’ve talked with hard-working farmers across Western New York who are struggling because they are unable to retain year-round workers,” said Collins. “Our dairy farmers especially are burdened with an H-2A program that does not allow them to hire the individuals they need to milk cows, feed livestock, and maintain the herd.”
The agriculture industry is vital to the Western New York economy. Collins’ Congressional District includes almost 5,000 farms which produce more than $1 billion of products sold each year.
Collins said one area of the H-2A program that needs improvement includes changing eligibility to include year-round agricultural operations such as dairy, nursery, and fresh cut operations. The meeting with Secretary Acosta was based on the fact that the Department of Labor (USDOL) has the ability to make rule changes that would immediately amend program guidelines.
“I urged Secretary Acosta to take action on this issue now. Western New York’s and America’s farmers can’t continue to be burdened by these ineffective rules and regulations while waiting for Congress to act,” Collins added.
Collins was joined by Members of Congress from across the United States who also discussed streamlining the H-2A application process. Recommendations presented would reduce redundancies and improve operating efficiencies.
“I am committed to working with President Trump, Secretary Acosta and my colleagues in Congress to make the necessary reforms that are good for our agriculture industry, and in turn, good for our economy.”
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2017 at 10:56 am
Photos by Tom Rivers
GAINES – First-graders from Clarence ride the Watt’s Orchard Express on Thursday as part of a tour and visit to Watt Farms Country Market on Route 98.
The Clarence students were the first school group to visit the farm this school year. Watt Farms usually hosts 15 to 20 school tours each year. The farm is located at 3121 Oak Orchard Rd.
Cindy Munich, one of the first grade teachers, has been bringing her students to Watt’s for the past seven to eight years.
“They really love it,” she said about the first-graders. “They love to go to the apple orchard and see all of the peaches growing.”
Karen Watt talks about the critical role of bees in pollinating the flowers for the apples and other fruit.
“The boy bees do nothing,” Watt told the kids. “The girl bees do all of the work.”
The farm also demonstrates how to make cider, before the kids head out on the train to pick apples.
The Orchard Express returns after taking kids out to pick apples and see the orchard.
BATAVIA – Genesee Community College will host an event on Aug.30 for a beginning farmer initiative through the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.
The event will be from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Conable Technology Building, Room T121, One College Road, Batavia.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball is starting a statewide listening tour to support early-stage and prospective farmers.
Joined by state and industry partners, the Department of Agriculture and Markets will host six town hall-style meetings across the State to address challenges and concerns facing beginning farmers and to provide information about existing resources available to them.
Seneca Falls is hosting the first event on Aug. 9 at Empire Farm Days. (Click here to see the schedule.)
These sessions build on Governor Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State initiative to establish a beginning farmer program, which includes a one-stop shop for new or future farmers to learn about various government and non-profit programs designed to benefit them.
“There are a lot of exciting things happening in New York agriculture, but for farmers just starting out, it can seem overwhelming. We want them to know their success is our priority,” Commissioner Ball said. “We are here to help them navigate the process and understand the resources at their fingertips. This listening tour is also an opportunity for us to gain valuable feedback directly from the industry on how the State can better support current and future farmers.”
In addition to holding these listening sessions, the Department also serves as a one-stop shop for new farmers and those interested in farming as a second career. This new resource provides support to farmers in starting, diversifying, or expanding an agricultural operation.
The one-stop shop offers individual assistance to early-stage and potential farmers on job training, land ownership, farm financing, compliance, marketing and other areas critical to starting a farm operation.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, “Agriculture is a crucial component of New York State’s economy and providing early-stage farmers with State funding and resources helps promote job creation and industry sustainability.”
The average age of New York State farmers today is approximately 55, increasing the likelihood that many of them will be opting to retire or scaling back their operations. At the same time, there is a growing interest from women, veterans, new Americans, and others in beginning a career or starting a second career in farming.
At the direction of Governor Cuomo, the State Department of Agriculture and Markets has established a Beginning Farmer Program, including a one-stop shop, to help these groups overcome obstacles to entering the profession and launch a successful agricultural operation in New York.
The program focuses on four priority areas: access to land; capital and financing; business and technical assistance; mentorship, training and apprenticeship opportunities.
Additional resources for beginning farmers are available on the Department’s website (click here), or by contacting the one-stop shop at (718) 722-2668 or nyc@agriculture.ny.gov.
Photo by Tom Rivers: Lisa Beam shows a pig during the market auction last Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H Fair.
Posted 4 August 2017 at 1:00 pm
Press Release, Congressman Chris Collins
Legislation is currently being debated in the House Committee on Education and the Workforce that would lower the tax burden for students involved in 4-H programs and provide them with an opportunity to invest their earnings in future projects, college funds, or savings accounts.
Congressman Chris Collins released the following statement, in which he highlighted his support for the bipartisan legislation titled the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017.
“4-H programs offer constructive ways for students to expand their knowledge of agriculture and animal sciences,” said Congressman Collins. “With agriculture being the largest industry in New York’s 27th Congressional District, those who participate in local 4-H programs will soon be amongst the primary contributors to Western New York’s economy. For this reason alone, it’s critically important that incentives are set in place that will drive up participation and spread awareness of 4-H programs.”
If signed into law, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017 would create a tax exemption for the first $5,000 of revenue earned by students 18 years or younger from either the sale of livestock or agriculture projects completed through 4-H or Future Farmers of America (FAA) programs. In effect, it will eliminate the tax-filing burden for eligible students and allow them to invest their earnings in future projects or college funds.
“Plain and simple, the Student Agriculture Protection Act is an investment in the next generation of American farmers,” Collins said. “This bill will have a direct and positive impact on New York’s 27th Congressional District and will ensure the U.S. remains the world leader in agriculture. As a proud cosponsor, I will continue my advocacy in support of this legislation to ensure it is put up for a vote on the House Floor.”
For more information on H.R. 1626, the Student Agriculture Protection Act of 2017, click here.
Rod Farrow is on the cover of this month’s issue of American Fruit Grower.
Press Release, American Fruit Grower magazine
WATERPORT – Rod Farrow, co-owner of Fish Creek Orchards in Waterport, NY, has been named the 2017 Apple Grower of the YearSM by American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower magazines, published by Meister Media Worldwide.
(Editor’s Note: Farrow is the owner of Lamont Fruit Farm, which is changing its name to Fish Creek Orchards.)
Farrow will receive his award during the USApple Outlook and Marketing Conference, August 24, in Chicago, IL.
The Apple Grower of the Year award program, sponsored by Valent U.S.A., honors apple growers who have gone beyond the confines of the orchard and have, through their involvement and leadership, made a real impact on the apple industry.
Farrow was honored for developing a creative succession plan so the farm will continue to flourish, leading volunteer grower organizations, and hosting numerous trials to boost the knowledge level for all growers in the apple industry.
Farrow is well-known in the industry for encouraging fellow growers to adopt modern, high-density, intensively farmed orchards. He is currently president of the prestigious International Fruit Tree Association and has hosted countless Cornell University research trials.
Mark Mason, Tree Fruit Crop Manager at Valent U.S.A. — the award sponsor — says he finds Farrow to be an inspiration.
“The Apple Grower of the Year celebrates the tenacious spirit of the American apple industry today and tomorrow,” Mason says. “Growers face a host of challenges every day. It’s growers like Rod Farrow who face these challenges head-on, look for proactive solutions and inspire the rest of us to do the same.”
Farrow is a first-generation apple grower, and the first honoree to be born outside the U.S. Growing up in England, he decided on a career in fruit growing, and did internships in France, Japan, and New Zealand, in addition to the U.S. In this country, he was fortunate to live and work with the family of George Lamont.
Photo courtesy of American Fruit Grower: Rod Farrow has his apple trees in high-density plantings.
Besides being a big believer in sharing horticultural knowledge freely across the globe, Lamont was the 1997 Apple Grower of the Year. That makes Lamont Fruit Farm, now called Fish Creek Orchards, the only farm to be operated by two honorees — exactly two decades apart.
Lamont’s own children were not interested in following in their father’s footsteps, so he and his brother worked with Farrow to develop a plan so the ambitious Brit could eventually succeed them. It worked so well that two decades later, when Farrow’s own children said they weren’t interested in farming, Farrow developed a similar strategy. Two young go-getters who initially worked for him, Jason Woodworth and Jose Iniguez — the latter having started as a picker — are now his partners.
“It’s a great honor to be the Grower of the Year and receive such a prestigious award. It’s also very humbling to see yourself on a list of previous winners that includes the likes of Grady Auvil and Bill Zirkle,” Farrow says. “Individuals usually receive the award but teams earn it. I am very proud of the amazing team we have put together on the farm over the last 15 years, from my wife Karyn to partners Jose and Jason all the way through to our full-time and H-2A employees. Everyone on the farm contributes to the vision we have and they are the reason for our past, present, and hopefully future success.”
“Most apple growers were born to it, but Rod wasn’t. He chose growing apples as his career, and that passion shows in everything he does,” Jim Bair, President & CEO, USApple, says. “Because he had influential mentors along the way, he pays it forward by sharing every bit of technical knowledge he’s learned. The apple industry is richer for his generosity.”
A member of the award selection committee, David Eddy, Editor of American Fruit Grower and Western Fruit Grower, notes Farrow received by far the most nominations of any grower in the country.
“It is with great pleasure we honor Rod Farrow, a fine horticulturist and industry leader, as Apple Grower of the Year,” he says. “He — as did his mentor, George Lamont — has shown fellow growers how they can give a helping hand to the next generation, helping ensure their farms will continue to succeed for decades to come.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Rod Farrow is pictured in a fruit orchard in this file photo.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 August 2017 at 8:45 am
WATERPORT – An Orleans County fruit grower has been named “Apple Grower of the Year” by American Fruit Grower, a national agricultural magazine run by Growing Produce.
Farrow is the owner of Lamont Fruit Farm. He has been an industry leader in growing high-value fruit through high-density orchards.
Farrow, a native of England, worked with George Lamont for many years before Farrow became the farm’s owner and expanded the operation.
Farrow has begun transitioning ownership of the farm to Jason Woodworth and Jose Iniguez.
Farrow was praised in the apple industry for management of the farm and its long-term future, and for his leadership in the industry with different co-ops including The Next Big Thing, which grows the SweeTango apple variety.
Farrow will be formally presented with the award at the annual USApple Association Apple Crop Outlook & Marketing Conference in Chicago, Aug. 24-25.
To see the article in American Fruit Grower about Farrow, click here.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 31 July 2017 at 10:20 am
ALBION – This photo shows workers at a dairy farm in northern New York. It’s part of a photo exhibit by Lisa Catalfamo-Fiores from Kingsbury, near Glens Falls. She took a series of photos over two years that show farmworkers. She also travelled to Mexico to show the photographs to the workers’ families.
“DREAM of America: Separation & Sacrifice in the Lives of North Country Latino Immigrants” is on display at The Salih Gallery in Albion until Aug. 19. The gallery at 24 East Bank St. is open Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“It needs to be seen, especially in Orleans County because we have a significant population of migrant workers,” Idris Salih, gallery owner, said during an opening reception. “It’s a compelling exhibit. It has an emotional pull to it. It is intimate.”
Photo by Tom Rivers: Maria Gomes Neilans is shown with some of the pottery she created through the “Voices from the Earth” program, which will be displayed in a gallery in Albion through Aug. 19. She is shown with Deborah Wilson, who leads a pottery at the World Life Institute in Waterport. Farmworkers make the pottery, which is entirely handmade from earthenware clay. Most are glazed in an array of lively colors. They range from baking dishes and platters to fanciful garden fountains and jars with tropical vines and lizards.
Catalfamo-Fiores lives on a small farm in Kingsbury with her husband Omar, 20 milking goats, 250 chickens, and 4 dogs. A school social worker for the past 18 years, she is also an advocate and volunteer with her local Hispanic community.
Her photos represent separated family members of Latino workers in the North Country.
“Consistently, the message conveyed while visiting families was one of sadness and frustration,” Catalfamo-Fiores writes in a message as part of the exhibit. “However, in each home visited I was welcomed warmly and shown gracious hospitality. Parents spoke of longing to physically embrace children and in some cases, grandchildren they have never met. Children of workers eagerly listened for any details of their parents’ lives here in New York. Wives spoke of the challenges of raising children alone and the struggle of daily life so far from their spouses. Most poignant, I arrived as a stranger and after these emotional visits, left with a feeling of authentic connection and appreciation.”
A worker named Chuy is an assistant herdsman at a dairy farm in northern New York.
Chuy started working at a dairy farm in Northern NY in 2004 when he was 17. He is now the assistant herdsman at dairy farm. He financially supports his wife and daughter locally, and his parents and younger brothers in Mexico.
“I miss the hugs…” Chuy, with tears in his eyes, told the photographer.
Catalfamo-Fiores showed Chuy’s mother a picture of her son working at a dairy farm.
“This is the first picture I’ve seen of him in six years,” Chuy’s mother said. “His youngest brother was 1 year old when he left for the U.S. I’m longing to see and hug my son.”
The photo exhibit will be on the move, going on tour around the state. GO-Art! is the first arts council to display it after its debut last year in Glens Falls.
Gregory Hallock, GO-Art! executive director, pushed to have the exhibit displayed locally.
“There is so much negative press about immigration,” Hallock said. “This is a chance to see another side. I want people to have some empathy.”
This family in Mexico holds photos of loved ones that working at farms in northern NY.
Photo by Pearls Pics on behalf of the American Angus Association: Jayne Bannister of Kent represented New York at the 2017 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest, held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show on July 9-15 in Des Moines, Iowa. Forty-five youth from across the country competed for top honors in the 51th annual event.
Jayne Bannister of Kent was one of 45 college students from across the country who participated in the 2017 National Junior Angus Showmanship Contest.
The show was held in conjunction with the National Junior Angus Show on July 9-15 in Des Moines, Iowa.
Jayne studies Animal Science and Agricultural Education at Kansas State University. She represented New York at the national show.
National Junior Angus Association members have one opportunity in their junior career to represent their state in the National Junior Angus showmanship contest. This year at the National Junior Angus Show hosted in Des Moines, Iowa.
During the 2017 National Junior Angus Show, 45 junior members competed for the title of champion showman. Claudia Hissong of Greencastle, Pa., claimed the honor of top showman.
Three judges evaluated the juniors on their skills while handling an animal, their ability to follow instructions, and evidence of courtesy and sportsmanship in the showring.
The 2017 NJAS in Des Moines, Iowa, was a record breaker for the Angus breed. More than 1,260 head of Angus cattle were shown — the largest number since the last record was set 10 years ago.
