agriculture

Extension honors long-time volunteers and supporters

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 2 December 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Sharon Smith (left), principal of the Kendall Elementary School, receives a “Friend of 4-H” award from Jennifer Wagester, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County during the organization’s annual meeting on Tuesday evening. Smith was recognized for the school’s support in hosting 4-H clubs.

KNOWLESVILLE – Local officials, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, 4-H Leaders, volunteers and friends gathered Tuesday evening for the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension annual meeting at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Jennifer Wagester, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, reported on 2015 highlights, which included an increase in programming for nutrition with participation in the federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program and the addition of a nutrition educator to the staff. The Master Food Preserver program was also revived and a three-day training held during the fall.

Wagester reported the most significant increase in program enrollment was in 4-H with the addition of 84 new members, a record growth of 24 percent. She noted the 4-H program is on its way to meeting the 2016 enrollment goal of 500 youth.

The highest facility update was in the Trolley Building kitchen made possible by grant funds, the Fern Blackburn Memorial, Fair Committee, the Leaders’ Association and a concession stand hosted by staff. A fire suppression hood was installed and the range refurbished. Additionally, a three-bay sink was installed along with a commercial refrigerator.

“These positive changes occurred because our volunteers, staff, community members, and county legislators worked together to make a difference in the lives of Orleans County residents,” Wagester said.

Long-time Lake Ontario Fruit Program Team Leader Debbie Breth receives recognition in honor of her upcoming retirement from special guest, Dr. Chris Watkins, Cornell Cooperative Extension director.

Neil Johnson, right,receives the Legacy Award from Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Board of Directors President Ed Neal while Board Vice President Erin Anheier looks on.

Anheier said the Legacy Award is special as it is not given annually. She noted Johnson has served Extension and 4-H over the last 40 years in “as many capacities as possible.” She said the History of the Orleans County 4-H Fair, written by Johnson, was his most lasting and profound contribution over those years. The history provides, “Valuable insight into the past…. which would have been lost,” without Johnson’s efforts, Anheier said.

“I love 4-H,” Johnson said in accepting the award. “I couldn’t think of a better organization to give my time to.”

Stephen Kruger (left), architect, and his dad, Warren Kruger, Kendall Highway Superintendent, were honored along with Oak Orchard Concrete with Friend of Extension Awards.

All three worked with the Extension in 2015 donating time, expertise and materials to help make much needed structural repairs to the Curtis Pavilion on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds. Board of Directors member Vincent Flow of Holley made the presentation and noted the Pavilion, which was constructed decades ago, was beginning to tilt to the northeast.

Nineteen posts supporting the Pavilion were reinforced, and Flow said Oak Orchard Concrete was always very prompt with deliveries, even though they were needed sporadically throughout the project.

Through the efforts of the Krugers and Oak Orchard Concrete, Extension was able “to minimize the cost without sacrificing the quality of the job,” Flow said.

Other special awards went to Shelly Daggs, Outstanding 4-H Leader; and Sara’s Garden Center (Kathy Kepler), Friend of the Master Gardeners.

Editorial: Giving thanks for local farmers and their workers

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 25 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers – Bob Brown, center left, and his brother Eric Brown are pictured with some of their workers from Jamaica. Bob’s son Bobby is in back behind Eric. The Brown family has run Orchard Dale Fruit Farm in Carlton since 1804. This photo was taken in the fall 2011 for article about farm labor for the American Agriculturist magazine.

Tomorrow’s Thanksgiving, and many people will enjoy turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, stuffing, salad, apple pie and more. If you like food, it will a glorious day.

None of it would be possible without the hard work of farmers and their workers. For some farms it’s a daily year-long effort. In fact, on Thanksgiving, farmers will still be milking cows, feeding them and cleaning barns. They may even deliver a calf.

The fruit farms also are a year-long commitment. After the apples are harvested in October-November, there is lots of work in the warehouse over the winter. The trees also need to trimmed, and that job often will get done standing in the snow during the dead of winter.

In the spring the trees start blooming and farmers need to protect the buds and emerging apples until harvest season.

Ken Nice of Knowlesville checks his fruit trees in bloom in May 2014. The fruit trees, with their colorful blossoms, are a stunning sight in the spring.

The vegetable farmers need to plan during the off-season. They need to order their seeds, line up workers for the next year, and determine which crops and which varieties will be grown in different fields. They want to stagger the harvest and not have everything be ready at once. (You can’t harvest it all at the same time.)

Agriculture is a difficult industry with wild swings in prices, an unforgiving Mother Nature and so much uncertainty with the labor force. It’s capital intensive and increasingly technical. You have to keep up with the times, and be willing to invest – or else you may not stay in business.

Orleans Hub is grateful to be an in agricultural community. We are one of the most diverse farming counties with fruit, vegetable, dairy, and grain farms of all sizes. We have organic farms and Amish and Mennonite families also working the soil.

The Elba Muck stretches into Barre and Clarendon in Orleans County, as well as Elba and Byron in Genesee County. Immigrants started clearing a swamp to create the muck in 1915. The muck, now in its 100th year, remains some of the area’s most valuable and productive farmland. This photo was taken last month.

Agriculture is big business around here. The 2012 Agricultural Census counted $150.3 million in farm revenue in Orleans County, which ranks 13th out of the 62 counties. Wyoming County is the top county at $318.5 million. Our neighbor, Genesee County, is fourth at $237.0 million.

The farms have been critical to other economic development projects in the community. H.H. Dobbins did a big $5 million expansion in Lyndonville this year, adding a 26,240-square-foot controlled atmosphere storage building.

Intergrow has expanded several times since opening a hydroponic greenhouse in Gaines about a decade ago. Western New York Energy spent $90 million building an ethanol plant in 2006-’07 and the company just spent $2 million on a new 800,000-bushel grain bin.

Lake Ontario Fruit opened a new controlled-atmosphere storage site last year in Gaines on Ridge Road. The company has made other upgrades to its packing lines.

Workers at Lake Ontario Fruit fill bags and boxes with SweeTango apples in this photo from September 2014. Lake Ontario Fruit packs all the SweeTangos in New York that are grown west of Rochester.

Pride Pak is building a new $15 million fruit and vegetable processing facility in Medina. It wouldn’t be here without the local farms nearby.

Two new yogurt plants have also recently opened in Batavia and they wouldn’t be here without so many dairies in the region supplying milk.

Many of the farms have upgraded grain storage facilities, equipment, housing for workers and also have donated to community projects, including the new library in Albion, the new residence at Hospice, and the Education Center at the Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Agriculture, dating back to the pioneers in the early 1800s, have brought many hard-working families to the community.

The muck gave a chance for many Italian and Polish immigrants to own land and build a life in Orleans and Genesee counties.

The farms continue to draw immigrants, and many of them, such as the Rosario family, have opened businesses in the community. The Rosarios own the Monte Alban grocery store and the Mariachi de Oro Mexican Grill in Medina.

On Thursday, when giving thanks, don’t forget the farmers and their many contributions to the community.

Medina teacher wins new pedal tractor for best Instagram photo

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 24 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – Todd Eick, Medina’s agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, sits on a new pedal tractor he won from Case International in a contest of best Instagram photos using a key chain with a tiny tractor.

Eick is pictured with students, from left: Raymond Beneway, Mitchell Wienke, Alden Cayea and David Ayhart. They are in the ag production class taught by Eick.

Eick led a group of Medina students to the FFA National Convention in Lousiville last month. Case International gave away key chains with tractors and encouraged people to take photos of the key chains and post to Case International Instagram account.

Eick used coffee grounds to create a scene where it looks like the tractor is plowing a field. The photo won first place in the national contest.

The pedal tractor arrived on Nov. 11 and Eick and some of his students assembled it. He will decorate the new tractor in lights and ride it in Saturday’s Parade of Lights in Medina beginning at 6 p.m.

Work starts soon on Helena’s new site in Ridgeway

Posted 18 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Orleans EDA

RIDGEWAY – When the Orleans Economic Development Agency began working with the Ridgeway Town Board to attract more business to the rural Western New York community in 2009, the group began looking for parcels to rezone that would also give potential new customers rail access.

One of the first was on Allis Road, off Route 31. The Town Board’s foresight then prompted executives of Helena Chemical Company to pursue a much-need expansion project for their growing WNY distribution center.

“Prior to 2009, we didn’t really have any industrial sites in town,” points out Ridgeway Town Supervisor Brian Napoli. “After meeting with our EDA, we found a few suitable pieces of land, including the one on Allis Road, and decided to be proactive to ensure available land in Ridgeway would be ready for future prospects.”

The relocation of Helena Chemical Company, from Albion to Ridgeway, is one the community hopes will pay off. An estimated $4 million project, Helena plans to build a 75,000 square-foot, six-building complex as a distribution point for chemicals, seeds and other agricultural products. The Ridgeway site gives the company rail access and the ability to develop a more expansive infrastructure.

“The move to Ridgeway will allow us to offer more products and services,” said Mitch Wilber, Helena branch manager. “The quality of the agriculture is what brought us here; there are good farmers growing good crops.”

Headquartered just outside of Memphis, Tennessee, with 450 branch locations across the United States, Wilber notes the “strong inter-municipal support” the company received from the Orleans County EDA and Ridgeway officials as the stimulus to expand Helena Chemical’s footprint in New York State.

The contracts are signed and Allied Builders is scheduled to begin work at the site this week.

“Good development opportunities do not just happen here,” said Jim Whipple, EDA chief executive officer. “Development opportunities come about as the result of years of strategic planning and anticipating how we can make the most of our available land and resources. The need may not be apparent right away, but we are ready and waiting when it is.”

Positioning the Allis Road site, and other land throughout the county, is what the Orleans EDA does every day, “There was no specific project when we began working with Ridgeway to rezone the Allis Road property,” notes OEDA VP Gabrielle Barone. “What we believed then, and continue to reinforce to our communities, is that we need sites ready and waiting when the right project does come along.”

Citing the value the OEDA and local municipalities place on retention projects, Barone explains, “The Town of Ridgeway demonstrated they wanted more development and became full partners in keeping Helena Chemical in Orleans County and bringing the project to fruition.”

NY Farm Bureau says $15 minimum wage would raise costs by $500 million in state

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 November 2015 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – Jim Kirby runs a planter on Zig-Zag Road in Gaines in May during corn planting season.

If New York raises the minimum wage to $15, farmers in the state would see their operating costs increase by $500 million, and that would likely put many farmers out of business, New York Farm Bureau said.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo wants to bring the minimum wage from $8.75 to $15 an hour in a phased-in approach.

Farmers are in New York already face higher operating costs than competitors in other states, said Dean Norton, NYFB president.

“No other state in the nation comes close to having a $15 minimum wage,” Norton said in November issue of Grassroots, Farm Bureau’s monthly publication. “In fact, our main farm competitor states, like Michigan, Pennsylvania and Florida will have minimum wages about 30 percent lower than New York’s.”

The American Farm Bureau Federation did an economic analysis of the $15 minimum wage in New York. A 300-acre vegetable farm in central New York would see its costs rise by $600,000 annually. A large dairy farm in the North Country would pay out about $1 million more a year while a smaller dairy in Schoharie County would pay $200,000 more, Farm Bureau said.

The organization said many farms already are at slim profit margins. Some farms, due to price swings in the dairy cycle, are making little or no money.

“This proposal is extremely disappointing and dangerous to the farm business owners that struggle to run financially viable businesses in upstate and rural New York,” said Jeff Williams, director of public policy for NY Farm Bureau.

Norton said most farmers already pay more than the minimum. The current average wage on a farm in New York is $12.15 an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

“Upping the minimum wage would lift all farm wages,” Norton said. “A worker who already earns a higher hourly rate based on experience and time on the farm would still expect a higher salary than those who are newly hired.”

A $15 minimum wage would force farmers to pay even more than that to keep skilled and experienced workers, Norton said.

If the governor’s proposal goes through, Norton said more farms will turn to automation to reduce labor costs, and consumers can expect to pay more for produce and food.

“The wage hike will also be a bigger barrier for smaller farms who are interested in hiring new employees to grow their businesses,” Norton said. “This will ultimately be bad news for the rural economy that depends on agriculture as its bread and butter.”

4-H’ers test cooking skills with food grown in NY

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 8 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski – Ariel Vinca chose to feature corn in her corn loaf recipe which was topped with fresh raspberries during a competition Saturday at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

KNOWLESVILLE – Participants in this year’s Grown in New York contest, sponsored by the Orleans County 4-H Leader’s Association, had the opportunity to demonstrate cooking, baking and menu planning skills during the annual event held Saturday at the Trolley Building on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

The contest featured items grown or produced in New York State and demonstrators and those in attendance enjoyed samplings of the recipes prepared.

4-Hers from around Orleans County competed in Jr. Novice, Junior, Senior and Sr. Novice (based on age) divisions and were judged on their demonstration skills as well as the taste and nutritional value of the finished product.

Recipes featured fruits, meats, vegetables, grains and dairy products, and could be baked, cooked or prepared to eat raw, such as a salad. Evaluators observed demonstrators to look for techniques, organization and ability to prepare their recipe.

Additional evaluators tasted a finished product prepared at home to look for eye appeal, taste and to review the nutrition statement of the product.

Orleans County 4-Her Lauren Becht is evaluated as she prepares Mexican chicken and rice during the annual Grown in New York Competition Saturday at the Trolley Building. Demonstrators have about 30 minutes to prepare their entry during the silent food demonstration.

Participant Lauren Becht, 16, of Albion prepared Mexican chicken and rice featuring chicken she raised herself. She said she has been competing in Grown in New York for, “as long as I can remember. It’s a little nerve-wracking.”

She said she enjoys the competition. Lauren typically prepares a dessert item but wanted to try a savory main dish this year.

Orleans County 4-H member Saleya Williams prepares a Rustic Pear Tart featuring New York State pears.

Lilly Mathes, competing in the Junior Division, prepares her own homemade applesauce.

Apples were a featured ingredient in an apple salad prepared by Zac Albright.

Emma Mathes is evaluated as she begins to prepare carmel apple cheesecake.

Here are the yummy results of Emma’s efforts.

Local state legislators among NY Farm Bureau ‘friends’

Staff Reports Posted 7 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – An apple orchard on Route 98, just south of Route 104 in Albion, is pictured on Friday.

ALBANY – New York Farm Bureau has announced its annual list of state legislators who have been supportive of legislation that helps agriculture and who also worked against bills that would hurt the industry.

State Assembly Steve Hawley, R-Batavia, and State Assemblywoman Jane Corwin, R-Clarence, were both named to the annual Farm Bureau “Circle of Friends.” Hawley and Corwin both represent districts that include portions of Orleans County.

There are 150 members of the State Assembly, and 112 were named “friends” by Farm Bureau for 2015.

State Sen. Robert Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, represents all of Orleans County in the Senate. He was named to the “Circle of Friends” in his first year as a state legislator.

The list of Farm Bureau friends in the State Senate includes 46 of the 63 state senators.

“The selected lawmakers from both the Assembly and Senate were chosen for their commitment to the hard-working farm families in New York,” said Dean Norton, NYFB president. “Each friend has demonstrated that they understand the importance of agriculture to the people of their legislative district, and how farming significantly impacts the economy of this great state.”

The “Circle of Friends” is not an endorsement from Farm Bureau, and this distinction only recognizes the 2015 legislative session.

Farmers’ market completes successful first year in downtown Medina

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 November 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

MEDINA – A new farmers’ market that started on July 11 proved a popular spot, with 14 different vendors spending time at the site, the parking lot across the Post Office in Medina.

The Orleans Renaissance Group managed the market this year, and moved it from the Canal Basin to a more visible spot in the downtown hub.

Dennis Stymus of Stymus Farms in Barre (pictured above) said the change in location was much more visible. He said he more than doubled his business at the market this year.

“In the Canal Basin it was kind of hidden,” he said.

The Canal Village Farmers’ Market also changed from a Thursday to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Many of the market days included music and cooking or art demonstrations.

Gail Miller, left, served as coordinator of the market on a volunteer basis. She is pictured with Chris Busch, chairman of the Orleans Renaissance Group.

In the summer, there were often 450 to 500 people at the market. Gail’s husband Dave Miller kept track of visitors, and he said the weekly average was 366 since July 11.

“It’s been a great group effort,” said Mrs. Miller, who dressed as an Angry Bird character on Saturday, which was Halloween.

Next year the market will start in June, and Miller said there will be more entertainment and demonstrations.

Other vendors were urged to dress up, and Dawn Keppler from SK Herefords in Shelby wore a witch’s outfit. She is pictured with her daughter Alana. The market gave SK a chance to introduce many people to the beef raised in the Town of Shelby.

Jesus Molina, left, and Bob Renko are pictured at Renko’s Meat Processing. With the farmers’ market season coming to a close, Renko said he will soon be busy with deer processing.

NY makes $1 million available for new farmers

Posted 27 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Press Release, Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Office

ALBANY – Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced $1 million in funding is available to assist new farmers begin their careers.

Now in its second year, the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund will build upon a successful 2015 when more than $610,000 was awarded to 19 farms across the state in order to support the continued growth of New York’s agricultural industry.

“Farming remains an important industry in New York and an essential part of this state’s economy,” Governor Cuomo said. “By creating new opportunities for early-stage farmers to expand and diversify agricultural production across the state, we are bolstering the growth in this sector and helping to ensure its vitality for years to come.”

The $1 million New Farmers Grant Fund will provide grants of up to 50 percent of total project costs. Funds may provide a minimum of $15,000 and maximum of $50,000 for up to 50 percent of project costs with the remaining 50 percent being matched by the recipient.

Eligible project costs include the purchase of farm machinery, supplies and equipment, and construction or improvement of farm buildings. Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will administer the fund which is open to New York farmers in the first 10 years of having a farm operation of 150 acres or less.

The application and guidelines for the New York State New Farmers Grant Fund are available online and the deadline for submission is January 22, 2016. Visit regionalcouncils.ny.gov for both the application and guidelines.

“Beginning farmers are as an important resource to the future of New York agriculture as land and water,” said New York Farm Bureau President Dean Norton. “The grant fund and loan forgiveness program will kick start necessary investments that may be needed on growing farms and in turn support the agricultural economy statewide.”

Additionally, the New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Incentive Program, which encourages new college graduates to pursue farming careers in New York State, is now accepting applications for 2016.

The Incentive Program, available through New York State Higher Education Services Corporation, provides loan forgiveness awards to individuals who obtain an undergraduate degree from an approved New York State college or university and agree to operate a farm in New York State, on a full-time basis, for five years. In its first year, funding was provided for up to 10 awards and all 10 awards were given to eligible farmers.

The application for the New York State Young Farmers Loan Forgiveness Program is available online and the deadline for submission is Dec. 1, 2015. Click here for the application.

State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, a former hog farmer and Genesee County Farm Bureau president, released this statement about the NY “New Farmers” program:

“As the owner of our family-owned farm for many years, I know firsthand how difficult life in the agriculture industry can be,” Hawley said. “Profits from produce and livestock sales fluctuate and the possibility of drought and flooding is always real. I can imagine the trepidation many young men and women feel as they begin their career in farming and agriculture, and this funding is a tremendous opportunity for aspiring farmers to get on their feet. Up to $50,000 in matching grant funds are available for everything from tractor and plow purchases to construction of barns and silos. I am proud of the work we have done to bolster the agriculture industry in New York State and I pledge my continued support going forward.”

Volunteers team to restore pavilion at fairgrounds

Posted 23 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Provided photos – Warren Kruger (operating backhoe) works with Jim Blackburn (left) and Jim’s father Gary Blackburn in upgrading the pavilion at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

Press Release, Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension

KNOWLESVILLE – For many, the Curtis Pavilion along the creek at the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds includes memories of friends, family, and smells of chicken dinners cooked over an open flame during the annual county fair.

The Thursday evening fair tradition is a homecoming event for many, and fairgrounds Property Committee members, Gary Blackburn and Vince Flow III and the father-son team of Warren and Stephen Kruger, have worked throughout the year to preserve the pavilion that was built in 1973 for future generations.

They received support from Oak Orchard Concrete of Medina, which donated the concrete to stabilize the poles. The Town of Kendall also provided use of a backhoe to the fairgrounds for excavating the soil surrounding the poles.

The team coordinated their schedule to ensure they did not interrupt events at the fairgrounds and would meet in the late afternoon and work through the evening hours.

Work on the main structure is nearing completion and there are plans to continue with stage improvements next year. Warren, Stephen, and Oak Orchard Concrete will be presented with the Friend of Extension award at Extension’s annual meeting on Dec. 1 in recognition of their efforts.

Weather has been nice for apple harvest

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Not quite a bumper crop in 2015

Photos by Tom Rivers – This photo shows an apple in an orchard on East State Street near the Butts Road intersection in Albion.

Local apple growers say the weather for the harvest season has been ideal for picking and packing the fruit.

New York is the country’s second-leading apple growing state, behind only Washington State. In a big year, NY will harvest 30 million bushels or boxes of apples. This year, the crop is expected at 26 to 27 million bushels. A frost over Memorial Day weekend damaged some of the buds and blossoms, taking a chunk out of this year’s crop.

“We are the second-largest apple growing state in the nation, so apple fans don’t have to look any further for great apples,” said Jim Allen, president of the NY Apple Association. “They will be glad they did, because closer means fresher, more flavorful apples.”

This photo shows a bin of apples at Excelsior Farms in Point Breeze.

Orleans County is NY’s second biggest apple producing county, behind Wayne County.

FFA brings fall fun to elementary students

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 20 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Rae Kwon Riley, an Albion third-grader, paints a pumpkin today in the high school ag shop.

He is one of about 700 elementary students who are enjoying a fall festival through the FFA this week.

FFA students spent a few hours on Saturday picking about 800 pumpkins from Panek’s for the festival.

Jayden Lewis gives his pumpkin a personal touch. Jayden and Rae Kwon are both in Kelly Robbins’ class.

Here are some of the painted pumpkins by elementary kids. The Fall Festival will continue on Wednesday, with more students painting pumpkins and trying other stations.

FFA member Ellen Narburgh slices apples, and Dylan Sherman, center, and Nick Calkins provide some muscle with an old-fashioned cider press.

The Albion FFA is one of the oldest chapters in the state, dating back to 1927.

NY has $1.4M available for climate resilient farming

Staff Reports Posted 15 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – This file photo from April 2014 shows a flooded field along Presbyterian Road.

The state is making $1.4 million available in a pilot program for “Climate Resilient Farming,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced.

The funds will support projects that mitigate the environmental impact of agriculture-related activities and increase the resiliency of farms throughout New York State in the face of a changing climate.

“New York State is a leader and national model when it comes to dealing with the effects of climate change and this funding further strengthens that standing,” Cuomo said. “This first-ever grant program addresses the need to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of farms, while also enhancing the ability of those farms to recover after severe weather events which have become an all too frequent reality.”

The funding is being made available to agricultural projects which develop and implement best management practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and carbon sequestration. Additionally, funding is available to projects that help agricultural producers prepare for and better manage the impacts of climate change like increased heavy rain storm events and periods of drought.

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts will apply for the competitive grants on behalf of farmers. Applications must be submitted for one of the following project categories: agricultural waste storage cover and flare systems; on-farm riparian, floodplain, and upland water management systems; and soil health systems.

Funding for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program comes from the 2015-2016 New York State Environmental Protection Fund and is administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

“The Soil and Water Conservation Committee is proud to work with our partners, including the Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University, Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and most importantly farmers to build on the strengths of our Agricultural Environmental Management framework to enhance resiliency and reduce emissions on farms across New York State,” said Le Roy dairy farmer Dale Stein, chairman of the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee.

Applicants for the Climate Resilient Farming grant program must submit their proposals by 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 14. For more information, click here.

“As large agricultural producers, we must also be mindful of our environmental footprint, and this funding will help our state’s farms develop procedures which reduce detrimental environmental impact without damaging the farms’ ability to grow produce and livestock,” said State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, R-Batavia. “This is a victory for our environment, as well as farmers who could use increased funding to protect their livelihoods from flooding and drought.”

Albion students harvest squash for food pantries

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 15 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

ALBION – Fourth-graders harvested squash this morning, filling two big bins at the Albion FFA Land Lab along Clarendon Road.

FFA students planted the squash last June and today it was picked from the field. It will be give to Community Action of Orleans & Genesee, which will use some for its food pantry and also for holiday baskets. Some squash will also be shared with other food pantries in the community, said Andy Ebbs, the facilities manager for Community Action.

Jack Kinter holds a squash he picked from a field. Students didn’t mind a little mud.

Albion FFA students planted the squash last June and helped direct the students during today’s harvest. This trio of FFA students includes, from left: Rylie Lear, FFA President Vivian Rivers, and Alexis Bentley.

Brian Postle, right, joins his fourth grade classmates in today’s squash harvest.

Another student is happy to help with the harvest.

The FFA also grew gourds that will be shared with teachers for a fall festival celebration. Students also grew pumpkins that will be sold at Panek’s Pumpkin Patch with proceeds donated for breast cancer awareness and research.

4-Hers promote youth program that has grown to 442 members

By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 8 October 2015 at 12:00 am

Photos by Kristina Gabalski

KNOWLESVLLE – Orleans County 4-H’ers and 4-H Educator Robert Batt (at the hood) work to put the finishing touches on a car being washed as part of a 4-H Open House held Wednesday.

October 4-10 marks National 4-H Week and locally Orleans County 4-H held an open house outside the Education Building on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds to celebrate.

Free car washes were provided by 4-Hers for volunteers; non-volunteers could also participate for a goodwill donation. Popcorn was provided as part of the event and there were free T-shirts and other surprises for those who stopped in.

Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raiser Joan-Marie Gabalski sprays a car being washed during open house on Wednesday at the fairgrounds.

One family traveled from Kendall during the festivities to sign up for 4-H. As of Wednesday, six new families joined during 4-H Week. A newly formed goat club with seven members held its first meeting this week, Batt said.

Current enrollment in Orleans County 4-H now stands at 442.

Members of the Orleans County 4-H Rabbit Raisers club participate in a car wash Wednesday morning as part of National 4-H Week.