agriculture

77 solar panels dedicated at 4-H Fairgrounds

By Ginny Kropf, correspondent Posted 20 October 2023 at 4:19 pm

Project expected to save Extension $4,000 a year

Photo by Katie Oakes: Officiating in a ribbon cutting Thursday afternoon to dedicate installation of solar panels on the Knights Building at Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds are, from left, Orleans County Legislator Bill Eick; Cooperative Extension board president Marlene Seielstad; Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley; Rich Marino of Horseheads, chair of the board of Everybody Solar; and Robert Batt, executive director of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension.

KNOWLESVILLE – There was no mistaking Robert Batt’s joy on Thursday as he checked his phone and learned the newly-installed solar panels on the roof of the Knights Building had generated more than enough power by noon to power a home for a day. The carbon offset to the environment is equal to planting one tree, Batt added. The panels were activated two days prior.

Batt presided at a ceremony at 1 p.m. Thursday to dedicate the solar panels, which included Rich Marino, chair of the board of Everybody Solar; Marlene Seielstad, chair of the board of Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension; Legislator Bill Eick; and Eileen Banker, representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley.

Batt said it has taken them nearly 30 years to get to the point of activating the solar project.

“In 1996, I was a youth representative on the fair committee and I heard leaders discussing solar energy,” Batt said. “One leader said roofs are a waste if they are not used to generate solar power. This has been a dream of ours for 30 years, but cost prohibited us from doing it.”

In 2020, while at a YMCA camp, Batt met a counselor who knew about Everybody Solar, a company that seeks out non-profits and solicits money from donors who are passionate about climate change.

Batt was immediately intrigued and contacted Everybody Solar. That set the wheels in motion, which culminated in the ceremony Thursday to dedicate installation of 77 solar panels on the roof of the Knights Building at Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds.

“The power they generate will offset our electric bill for the entire fairgrounds,” Batt said.

Marino said the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds is the third major project for Everybody Solar in New York state. The other two are the Ithaca Science Center and YMCA in Penn Yan. He acknowledged substantial donations from the Rochester Community Foundation and $30,000 from Cargill, in addition to individual donors which made the project a reality at the fairgrounds.

He explained Everybody Solar has done solar installations from Maine to Florida and California for worthy organizations, including homeless shelters, Native American communities and in Glacier National Park.

“This is our first agriculturally-centered project,” Marino said.  “We are proud to be part of this.”

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Robert Batt, director of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, welcomes people to the fairgrounds Thursday to witness the dedication of solar panels on the roof of the Knights Building. (Right) Robert Batt is all smiles as he checks the app on his phone Thursday and discovers the newly-activated solar panels on the Knights Building have already generated 37.2 kilowatts of power as of 1 p.m. Thursday. It takes about 30 kilowatts to power a home for a day.

Seielstad addressed the crowd, commending those who worked on the project.

“This is a way we are bringing the past into the future,” she said.

She acknowledged two volunteers whose efforts were crucial in making the solar project a reality, Marty Zwifka, who chairs the fair committee, and Charlie Ricci, who chairs the property committee.

“The power saved by this project will enable us to invest in other projects that will better our fairgrounds,” Seielstad said.

Representing Assemblyman Steve Hawley, Banker presented Batt with a proclamation and thank him for his forward-thinking project.

County Legislator Bill Eick also commended Batt and the Cooperative Extension board, on which both he and Legislator Ed Morton sit.

“This will be a big asset to the fairgrounds,” Eick said.

Final speaker was Nate Bureau with Paradise Energy, the company which installed the panels.

He explained the inverter on the wall of the Knights Building, which converts power to AC and sends it into the grid, and answered questions about the life of solar panels and their ability to stand up to hail. He said when the panels produce more power than the fairgrounds can use, it kicks it into the grid. When the fairgrounds demands more power, it will pull it back off.”

“Projects like this are so important to us,” Bureau said. “We love it when we get the opportunity to work with companies like Everybody Solar to make good things happen. It is pretty cool.”

He explained solar panels are quite hardy and have a life span of 30 to 35 years, while the inverter may last between 10 and 15 years, perhaps even 20.

In a prior press release, Batt stated they are thrilled to be going solar and taking a leadership role in sustainability.

“We are excited to see the positive impact this project will have on our community and our mission to provide relevant, accessible and research-based information to grow confident youth and successful farms and gardens for a strong and healthy community,” he said.

The power generated annually by the solar panels will prevent 45,535 pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, Batt said. This is the equivalent to averting the greenhouse gas emissions of 2,324 gallons of consumed gasoline.

He explained each dollar saved helps cover operating expenses and provides resources to the organization’s various programs. For example, $1,000 in savings will allow OCCCE to invest in improvements to livestock housing and show supplies, and increase hands-on components in educational workshops. Overall, the system is anticipated to save OCCCE more than $4,000 in the first year alone.

5 local alpaca farms will have open houses this weekend for National Alpaca Days

Photos courtesy of Medina FFA: The Medina FFA will have an open house Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. where the public can meet the alpacas at the FFA farm and also purchase some alpaca products.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 September 2023 at 11:35 am

Five alpaca farms in Orleans and western Monroe counties will be open this weekend as part of National Alpaca Days from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

“We will have kids games, demonstrations, educational pieces, and, of course alpacas and alpaca products,” said Todd Eick, the Medina FFA advisor.

The Medina FFA is open of the five alpaca farms that is promoting the weekend open houses with four other local alpaca sites. The five farms include:

  • Stoney Meadows Alpacas at 16038 Glidden Rd., Holley
  • MayFields Equestrian and Alpaca Farm at 3263 Allens Bridge Rd., Albion
  • Medina Chapter of the FFA Model Farm, 2 Mustang Dr., Medina
  • SanGer-La Alpacas at 2845 Colby St., Brockport
  • Ladue Alpacas at 1186 Ladue Rd., Brockport

If people visit all five farms they can qualify to win an alpaca-themed raffle basket worth over $300.

This weekend alpaca business owners throughout North America will celebrate the 17th annual National Alpaca Farm Days.

Alpaca Owners Association urges the public to learn more about these inquisitive, unique animals, the luxury fiber they produce and why the alpaca business is perfect for environmentally conscious individuals.

Alpacas are primarily raised for their fleece in North America. Alpaca fleece has a variety of natural colors: pure white, several shades of fawn and brown, several shades of gray and true black.

Fed disaster declaration approved for Orleans, most upstate counties from May freeze

Posted 18 August 2023 at 10:38 am

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s Office

Photo by Tom Rivers – This photo from October 2015 shows apples at an Albion orchard. Orleans County is one of the leading apple-growing counties in the state, behind only Wayne and Ulster counties.

Following their repeated calls earlier this year, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved the New York State Farm Service Agency’s request for a federal Agricultural Disaster Designation following this past May’s deep freeze that destroyed thousands of acres of crops for 31 counties across Upstate New York.

Schumer personally called USDA Secretary Vilsack to advocate on New York’s behalf, and working with Senator Gillibrand fought to deliver the disaster designation for NY. The senators said Upstate NY suffered major crop damage from the extreme cold weather this past May, destroying grapes, apples, strawberries, blueberries, and other crops vital to the Upstate NY economy, and that with harvest season just beginning, this relief will be critical to supporting impacted farmers on the long road to recovery.

The Secretarial disaster designation has officially been approved for 31 counties including Albany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Chemung, Columbia, Cortland, Dutchess, Greene, Jefferson, Onondaga, Ontario, Orleans, Oswego, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne and Westchester and Yates.

The senators also said that an additional 24 counties across Upstate NY have been designated by the USDA as contiguous disaster counties including: Allegany, Fulton, Madison, Orange, Bronx, Genesee, Monroe, Rockland, Chenango, Hamilton, Montgomery, St. Lawrence, Delaware, Herkimer, Nassau, Sullivan, Erie, Lewis, Niagara, Warren, Essex, Livingston, Oneida, and Wyoming.

“From the vineyards of the Finger Lakes to the orchards of the Capital Region, family-owned farms are the backbone of Upstate New York’s agriculture economy,” Schumer said. “But this past May they suffered from one of the most devastating deep freezes in recent memory, destroying thousands of acres of crops.”

A Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in primary counties and counties contiguous eligible to be considered for critical low-interest FSA Emergency Loans. Impacted NY producers will be able to borrow up to 100 percent of the actual amount of production or physical losses to a maximum amount of $500,000.

According to the USDA, emergency loan funds may be used to: restore or replace essential property, pay all or part of production costs associated with the disaster year, pay essential family living expenses, or reorganize the farming. Farmers in eligible counties have 8 months from the date of a Secretarial disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. Local FSA offices can provide affected farmers with further information.

“This past May’s deep freeze destroyed thousands upon thousands of acres of crops, threatening the livelihoods of farmers and their communities,” said Senator Gillibrand. “This designation unlocks emergency relief funds for farm operators in eligible counties and my message to farmers is this: apply for this relief quickly and my office is here to support you.”

The severe cold temperature and frost in May resulted in significant crop losses for several types of fruit, including grapes, apples, strawberries, peaches, pears, plums, blueberries, apricots, cherries, and caneberries across the state and flower and hay damage in certain areas. According to the National Weather Service, New York had multiple dates where the temperature dropped below freezing between May 14 and May 25, but the time period that caused the most widespread damage happened overnight from May 17 to May 18.

These freezing temperatures caused severe frost damage to multiple crops across the majority of the state. However, Schumer said that grapes and apples were hit especially hard, with vineyards across New York reporting losses ranging from 5 to 100 percent.

According to Empire State Development, New York State is the third-largest producer of grapes, grape juice and wine in the United States. In addition, the state is the second-largest producer of apples in the country. These crops make a significant contribution to the state’s agricultural economy and support many local businesses and jobs, employing close to 100,000 New Yorkers and producing $11.5 billion worth of economic impact annually.

Orleans residents urged to watch for Box Tree Moth, pest found in nearby counties

Posted 7 August 2023 at 1:56 pm

Ag & Markets has quarantine on boxwood for Orleans, Niagara and Erie counties

Photos provided by NYS Department of Agriculture: Adult box tree moths generally have white bodies with a brown head and abdomen tip. Their wings are white and slightly iridescent, with an irregular thick brown border, spanning 1.6 to 1.8 inches, at Forest Pest Methods Laboratory, Buzzards Bay, MA.

Press Release, NYS Department of Agriculture

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets announced additional findings of the Box Tree Moth, an invasive pest.

The Box Tree Moth is a major threat to boxwood plants, which are a valuable portion of the nursery and horticultural industry. Previously, the Department had announced that Box Tree Moth was found in Niagara County, near the Canadian border.

The new finds, several of which were reported by area residents, have prompted the Department to increase its survey and trapping along Lake Ontario. The Department is now urging residents to report any additional sightings, which will help inspectors to assess impacted areas and reduce the spread of Box Tree Moth in New York State.

“The additional findings of the Box Tree Moth outside the current quarantine area are concerning to the Department,” said State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “We want to make sure we minimize the spread of this invasive pest, which can cause extensive damage to boxwood plants, and part of our proactive effort is seeking help from the public. We urge residents to help us combat this pest by looking for Box Tree Moth damage on their plants and reporting it to us right away.”

As part of the state’s response efforts, inspectors from the Department plan to visit residential properties along Lake Ontario in Cayuga, Oswego, and Jefferson counties, with the landowner’s permission, to place traps for Box Tree Moth. The Department is also urging homeowners to look for signs of Box Tree Moth infestation on their property, listed below.

Box tree moths overwinter as larvae. Once temperatures rise, overwintering larvae emerge and typically begin feeding in March, continuing until they pupate in late April to early May.

If Box Tree Moth is suspected, the Department is asking that residents report it. Click here for more information.

The Department also has a quarantine in place to manage the spread of Box Tree Moth, which includes Niagara, Erie, and Orleans counties. The quarantine prohibits the sale and movement of boxwood to areas outside of the quarantine area and requires companies selling boxwood to maintain sales records for inspection by the Department’s Horticultural Inspectors. The Department will revise the quarantine as necessary, depending on the outcome of its continued survey work.

In addition, the Department has been working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on the management of Box Tree Moth, with USDA staff trapping for Box Tree Moth at the leading edge of the quarantine.

U.S. Department of Agriculture National Policy Manager Allen Proxmire said, “Residents can help prevent the box tree moth from spreading. Please allow state or federal agricultural officials to inspect your boxwoods and place an insect trap if they visit your property. If you have boxwoods, please inspect them for signs of box tree moth and once you report it, treat or trim the plant to save it because a box tree moth infestation is lethal to the plant.”

Pupation occurs on the host leaves in silk cocoons. If the boxwood host is defoliated, pupation may occur away from the host plant using leaves from the surrounding area. Pupae will typically first appear in April or May and will be present continuously through the summer and into the fall, depending on the local climate and timing of generations.

Property owners and managers looking for information on managing Box Tree Moth infestations can contact their local Cornell Cooperative Extension office or visit the NYS Integrated Pest Management website by clicking here.

Box Tree Moth larvae are easily recognizable; they are green and yellow with white, yellow, and black stripes and black spots. Signs of damage may not appear at the beginning of an infestation because young larvae hide among twigs and leaves.

Signs of a Box Tree Moth feeding on a plant include chewed, cut, or missing leaves, yellowing or brown leaves, white webbing, and green-black excrement on or around the plant. Larvae skeletonize the leaves and feed on the bark, causing defoliation and dryness, eventually leading to the plant’s death.

Adult Box Tree Moths generally have white bodies with a brown head and abdomen. Their wings are white and slightly iridescent, with an irregular thick brown border. Some adults have completely brown wings with a small white streak on each forewing. Males and females can show both colorations.

County’s ag district adds nearly 1,200 acres

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 19 July 2023 at 11:46 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Agricultural District will grow by nearly 1,200 more acres.

The county each year gives landowners an opportunity to join the ag district. This year, three different property owners asked to be included, representing 1,186 acres.

Darren Roberts, owner of a farm based in Kent, asked for 1,065 of those acres to be included. That land is in Carlton, Gaines and Kendall.

The Roberts land added to the district includes parcels in Carlton on Kent Road, Roosevelt Highway, Sawyer Road, Oak Orchard Road, Erway Sub Lane, Kenyonville Road and Transit Road. Roberts also asked for 105.5 acre son Ridge Road in Gaines and 91.2 acres on Carr Road in Kendall to be in the district.

Joseph Bringley also sought to have 82 acres on Telegraph Road in Murray included in the ag district and Gary Marciszewski asked for 39.3 acres on Lyndonville Road in Ridgeway to be added.

The County Legislature held a public hearing on Tuesday about the ag district additions. The Legislature voted to accept the changes, which were approved by the County Farmland Protection Board. The changes now go to the state Department of Agriculture and Markets for a final OK.

The county’s ag district now includes about 119,000 acres, which is 47.6 percent of the county’s total land area.

Next year will be the full review for the ag district where all 2,200 parcel owners in the district are notified by mail about staying in the district or removing land.

That is a very time-consuming and costly process for the county’s Department of Planning and Development, county legislators were told by Barry Flansburg, chairman of the County’s Farmland Protection Board.

United Apple Sales in Lyndonville adds business development manager

Posted 11 July 2023 at 9:55 am

Provided photo: James Williams has joined United Apple Sales and HH Dobbins as business development manager.

Press Release, United Apple Sales in Lyndonville

LYNDONVILLE – A new face will be joining the United Apple team for the 2023/24 season. James Williams has joined the Lyndonville-based grower, packer and shipper as business development manager.

Williams is bringing a diverse background in the produce industry. Previously a business development manager at Intergrow Greenhouses and a produce merchant at Sam’s Club in Bentonville, AR, James has experience from tropicals, to grapes and potatoes to tomatoes.

“Growing up on the family farm here in upstate NY where we primarily did potatoes and onions, I was always drawn towards the small orchard part of our farm,” he said. “Choosing your production system and the varieties you are betting on for the next 25 years, and then year in and year out catering towards the needs of those trees to make it harvest you’ve been working towards. The commitment has to be there day in and day out. I’m excited to officially enter the tree fruit industry, and to work with and learn from our 50-plus grower partners here in New York and abroad!”

His primary tasks will be in the sales and marketing arena, but Williams also will be working with Justin Whipple, the grower operations manager, on grower relations. They will be communicating customer wants and needs, stressing importance of quality and planning out future varietal programs.

“The great thing is James is a new grower himself,” said Brett Baker, United Apple President. “He and his wife Jamie planted about 25 acres to start out their own orchard, so James has a horse in the race as well. This will give him the ability to experience and feel the challenges on the grower end while working with our retail and wholesale customers.”

The 2023 growing year has certainly presented some challenges here in New York. A mid-May frost hit much of the 3 growing regions here in New York State.

“Most areas were past bloom at the point the frost rolled in, but some were fruitlets froze off and some finishing issues becoming apparent later on,” Baker said. “On years like this it certainly goes to show the importance of our partnerships in other production regions in North America. Our Pacific Northwest Office manned by Josh Turnstall keeps United abreast to the outlook of the Washington crop, what varieties are going in and sets up strategic details with west coast shippers. Our production alliances in Michigan will also play a key part is this upcoming crop year. Although our bread and butter is here in New York, our main objective is to offer consistent quality and availability, year in and year out for our growing customer base.”

United Apple Sales is a leading northeast grower, packer, shipper and marketer of domestic apples, pears and cherries. The company has deep roots in the agricultural market starting with its initial farm in 1905.  Over the past 11 decades, it has evolved into an integrated produce company that also has import and export capabilities to offer full-year supply assurance and merchandising services to retail, wholesale, and canning and juicing companies. United Apples is a member of a select group of orchardists growing new apple varieties: EverCrisp, RubyFrost and SnapDragon.

HH Dobbins produces over 1 million finished 40-pound cases of apples annually. The business employs 60 local associates and works with over 50 NY growers.

Agricultural workers celebrated for English, civics skills in program at World Life Institute and BOCES

Provided photos: These students celebrate their success in learning English in a program based at the World Life Institute.

Posted 2 July 2023 at 5:14 pm

Press Release, World Life Institute

WATERPORT – Students from Brazil, Indonesia, Ecuador, Colombia and Mexico last week received certificates for their improvement in English at the World Life Institute Education Center on Stillwater Road. There were about 45 students, family members, and friends who attended the evening ceremony.

Dr. Michael Weyrauch, director of Continuing Education O/N BOCES, congratulates agricultural students at the World Life Institute Education Center in Waterport.

Orleans/Niagara BOCES offers English and Civics programs in collaboration with the World Life Institute in Waterport. Dr. Michael Weyrauch, director of Adult Continuing Education of O/N BOCES, congratulated the students and encouraged them to continue taking on new challenges. On hand were ON BOCES Literacy Specialist Susan Diemert and ON BOCES board members Tom Klotzbach and Wayne Wadhams.

Daniel Payan Payan of Plummer Farms Lyndonville shows his certificate of recognition.

There were displays of student work inside the school, including examples of their written work and art projects. PowerPoint presentations were on view in the computer lab. The evening began with a catered meal provided by Mariachi D’Oro restaurant and live music provided by Michael Pavone of Brockport.

Many of the new students work at Intergrow in Albion and other agricultural facilities in Albion, Lyndonville and Waterport.

Julia Stewart-Bittle of Geneseo, right, explains the value of art education while students learn English. Linda Redfield, one of the program’s teachers, is at left.

Julia Stewart-Bittle of Geneseo, representing the CAMPS program of the Genesee Valley Council on the Arts, described the value of art activities as part of the learning experience for these students throughout the ON BOCES program period, from July 2022 to June 2023. Thanks to the  New York State Council on the Arts funding which provides this art education as well as featuring student artwork in exhibits in several venues.

Lorienda Smith was honored as a volunteer teaching and preparing students for the United States citizenship exam.

Alan Nunez of Plummer Farms addresses the audience in English.

One student, Alan Nunez of Plummer Farms in Lyndonville, spoke to the crowd in English expressing his gratitude and English achievements he experienced in the adult program since February 2023.

Nunez also succeeded in getting his New York State driver’s license with the assistance of instructors in the evening program.

Tenney seeks USDA disaster declaration for fruit growers hurt by May frost

Posted 27 June 2023 at 10:37 am

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack urging him to swiftly approve any New York Disaster Declarations in response to the May 18 frost that caused significant damage and loss to crops across large portions of New York’s Finger Lakes and Hudson Valley regions.

Additional co-signers of the letter include Reps Patrick Ryan (NY-18), Nick Langworthy (NY-23), Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Marcus Molinaro (NY-19), and Brandon Williams (NY-22).

On May 18, a late-season frost swept through much of Upstate New York and the Hudson Valley, inflicting substantial damage on various agricultural products. The unseasonably warm April caused grape vines and stone fruit trees to exit their winter dormancy early, making them exceptionally vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

While the full extent of damage to the apple and stone fruit crop is still unknown, in some parts of the Finger Lakes region, vineyards are estimated to have incurred losses of up to 90% of their crops, potentially requiring the replacement of damaged vines. An especially hard-hit area is the region around Keuka Lake and southern Seneca Lake, where there have been reports that many grape growers have seen a 50-90% loss of their vines. The New York State Department of Agriculture expects to gain a clearer assessment later this summer.

“This recent frost event is one of the most severe experienced in our community in decades, making it imperative our growers receive the aid they need,” Tenney said. “Our growers play a vital role in our region’s agricultural sector and are integral to our local economy. New York’s 24th District is home to the Finger Lakes region, the heart of New York’s wine industry, which was significantly impacted by this frost. I urge the USDA to promptly prepare for and respond to any disaster declaration requested by New York in order to facilitate the speedy recovery of impacted farmers and communities affected by this devastating event.”

Morelle seeks to strengthen fight against ag pest, the spotted lanternfly

Photos courtesy of NYS Department of Ag & Markets: The spotted lanternfly adults are about 1-inch long and half-inch wide with wings folded. Adults can hop several feet if startled. SLF feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky “honeydew,” which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, negatively impacting agriculture and forest health.

Posted 7 June 2023 at 10:58 am

Press Release, Congressman Joe Morelle

Congressman Joe Morelle announced he is introducing legislation to stop the spread of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a significant threat to New York’s agricultural economy.

“The Finger Lakes region is famous for our production of apples and wine grapes, which fuel both our economy and tourism sectors. But these crops—and the livelihoods of farmers who produce them—are being threatened by the invasive spotted lanternfly,” said Congressman Joe Morelle. “Without action, these insects will devastate our region’s agricultural economy. I’m introducing bipartisan legislation to invest in critical mitigation efforts and stop this destruction before it is too late.”

 Morelle has authored and will soon be introducing the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act, which designates the spotted lanternfly as a high-priority research and extension initiative under the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

This designation authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to make competitive grants available for research projects related to the mitigation of this invasive species so we can find creative solutions to stop the spread before New York’s cash crops are further decimated. This is the latest in a series of actions Morelle has taken to combat the spread of the spotted lanternfly, including securing $4 million for eradication efforts through the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2021.

“I’m grateful for Congressman Morelle’s leadership on this critical legislation,” said Benjamin Houlton, the Ronald P. Lynch Dean of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. “As New York’s Land-Grant institution, we’re committed to developing science-based solutions to manage invasive species like SLF, posing wide-ranging threats to our agricultural and residential communities alike. I applaud this effort to help our research and extension efforts scale to meet the growing need.”

“The spotted lanternfly poses great risk to New York’s vineyards, fruit orchards, hops production and forestry as the invasive species moves north through the state,” said David Fisher, New York Farm Bureau President. “Research and education will be the best options to mitigate the spread and diminish its impacts. New York Farm Bureau thanks Rep. Morelle for prioritizing funding in the next Farm Bill through the Spotted Lanternfly Research and Development Act that will expedite grants to learn more about combatting the pest.”

“As the spotted lanternfly increases its range, we are seeing greater impacts caused by this new invasive species,” said Brian Eshenaur, Invasive Species and Spotted Lanternfly outreach Specialist with Cornell’s Integrated Pest Management Program. “Since the effects on Agriculture were unknown before it arrived in the US, research is vital at this time to help producers mitigate damage. We’re grateful that Congressman Morelle recognizes the threat and is introducing this important new legislation.”

How you can help stop the spread:

  • Learn how to identify the Spotted Lanternfly.
  • Inspect outdoor items such as firewood, vehicles, and furniture for egg masses.
  • If you visit other states with Spotted Lanternfly, be sure to check all equipment and gear before leaving and scrape off any egg masses.
  • Report sightings by completing this form (click here).
  • If you see a Spotted Lanternfly, kill it immediately by stepping on it or crushing it.

Morelle said he is also fighting to provide relief for farmers whose crop has been impacted by frost and severe weather by urging USDA to prepare for a disaster declaration and make funds available for growers who suffer extensive damage.

Orleans opens enrollment for county-wide ag district

Posted 31 May 2023 at 1:20 pm

Photo by Tom Rivers: Blossoms at an Albion fruit orchard are pictured on May 9, 2018.

Press Release, Orleans County Department of Planning & Development

ALBION – Orleans County is accepting enrollment of additional parcels in its existing, certified agricultural district during the month of June, pursuant to New York State Agricultural and Markets Law. The annual 30-day window is for inclusion of property that consists of predominantly viable agricultural land.

During this time period, land may only be added and not removed from County Agricultural District No.1, which in 2016 became the sole agricultural district in the County as a result of a consolidation process.

This opportunity supplements, but does not replace, enrollment in an existing agricultural district during a more comprehensive review process held once every eight years. The next eight-year anniversary review – the only time during which parcels can be both added and removed – will not occur until 2024.

Presently, there are over 117,116 acres in County Agricultural District No. 1, including an additional 279 acres through eight lots last year.

Requests for inclusion in District No. 1 will be evaluated, in order, by the Orleans County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, the Orleans County Legislature, and the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. To enroll, owners must complete and sign a Letter of Intent for Annual Enrollment form.

These are available from the Orleans County Department of Planning and Development (589-3197) or online by clicking here.

Completed forms should be sent by July 1 to:


Corey Winters, Planner

Orleans County Department of Planning & Development

14016 Route 31 West

Albion, NY  14411-9382


Please note that requesting enrollment during this 30-day time period is not a guarantee that an owner’s property will be added to Agricultural District No 1. Moreover, it will not automatically qualify your land for a reduced agricultural property tax assessment. For information on obtaining a reduced agricultural property tax assessment, please contact your local assessor.

Any qualifying lot must be included entirely rather than partially.

Schumer, Gillibrand seek federal aid for apple farms, grape growers hurt by freeze last week

Posted 25 May 2023 at 9:59 pm

Press Release, U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand today called on U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack to provide swift relief to vineyards, farms, and orchards who have suffered major crop damage from the extreme cold weather last week that destroyed thousands of acres of grapes & apples, and if requested, be ready to approve a crop disaster declaration to provide emergency relief.

As a result of the ill-timed cold snap, scientists at Cornell are saying that the state as a whole lost up to 15 percent of its apple crop, while the Hudson Valley saw losses of between 30-35 percent and grapes were also hit hard with vineyards across New York reporting losses ranging from 5 to 100 percent.

The senators said that this widespread agricultural devastation requires prompt attention from the feds, especially since more frost is forecast in the coming days, and are urging the USDA to make any and all assistance available to impacted eligible growers.

“With apple and grape buds hit by extraordinarily low temperatures in May, the crop losses that farmers across the state are now seeing will have detrimental effects throughout the year,” Schumer said. “That is why I am calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture to stand ready in two key ways: first, by ensuring that direct reimbursements go out quickly to eligible growers with tree and vine damage through the Tree Assistance Program; and second, by preparing all resources and to be ready, if requested, to approve a disaster declaration and assist farmers and growers in the process of reporting losses and damages.”

“New York’s agricultural industry is essential to the economy and well-being of our state,” said Senator Gillibrand. “As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, I’m pushing USDA to send emergency assistance to help our producers, orchards, vineyards, and businesses make it through last week’s devastating cold front. I’m also fighting to include provisions that would protect and support New York’s ag producers in this year’s Farm Bill.”

Sam Filler, Executive Director of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation said, “After many growers experienced winter damage in 2022, they were looking forward to a production and uneventful 2023 harvest. It was looking like the stars were aligning for a special vintage until frost struck. The New York Wine & Grape  Foundation will work with our State and Federal partners to ensure that grower financial losses can be mitigated through available disaster relief programs.”

The senators said initial investigations show the entire state was hit hard by the frost events and more frost is forecast in the coming days. According to local officials, several vineyards in the Finger Lakes and Southern Tier already appear to have met the disaster declaration threshold of 30% in damages. Apple orchards in the Capitol Region and Hudson Valley have been badly hurt, with trees losing fruit completely in some cases and in others with fruit likely having significant impacts to quality.

Initial site visits in the Hudson Valley show damage to perennial fruit crops as high as 95% on some farms. Serious damage is expected state wide. Surveying of the extent of the damage is still underway and the full impacts won’t be known until the end of the growing season. In addition to the severe damage already experienced, the state is expecting two more frost events later this week, which will cause further harm to farmers already facing devastating impacts.

According to Empire State Development, New York State is the third-largest producer of grapes, grape juice and wine in the United States. In addition, the state is the second-largest producer of apples in the country. These crops make a significant contribution to the state’s agricultural economy and support many local businesses and jobs, employing close to 100,000 New Yorkers and producing $11.5 billion worth of economic impact annually.

This year’s unseasonably cold frost had particularly devastating impacts on New York’s wine-producing regions, potentially decimating the year’s vintage. The frost, which occurred on May 18th, broke all records and put New York State crops at risk. The Finger Lakes region, which produces the lion’s share of New York State’s wines, with over 9,000 acres under vine, sustained the most widespread damage from the frosts.

Schumer said Upstate farmers have a few options for how to recover from May’s damaging frost. Federal crop insurance can pay out during freezes, but not all growers have it. That’s why Schumer and Gillibrand are urging the USDA to approve a disaster declaration immediately if requested, which would open the way for USDA payments and emergency low interest loans for growers who suffer extensive damage.

Federal disasters can be declared after a freeze in counties that have seen a 30 percent production loss of at least one crop, or a determination must be made by surveying producers that other lending institutions will not be able to provide emergency financing. For a disaster to be declared in New York due to the freeze, New York State would have to request it from the Secretary of Agriculture.

Farmers are encouraged to document damage to their vineyards and orchards so they will have evidence they can use to support any disaster claims they would like to submit. While the full impact of this frost will not be known until the end of the season harvest, farmers should document damage present immediately following frost events, as well as impacts to production at the end of harvest to ensure they can utilize all support available.

While much of the damaged surveyed so far has been inflicted on buds and fruit, farmers whose trees and vines have been damaged can also use Tree Assistance Program, which provides reimbursements to eligible vineyards who suffer extensive crop damage.

Under TAP, commercial orchardists, nursery growers or vineyards that lose their trees due to natural disaster are eligible for a 65% reimbursement of the cost of replanting. Orchardists are also eligible for a 50% reimbursement for pruning and removal. The total reimbursements are capped at $125,000 per year and 500 acres.  Growers will need to work with their local USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) to prepare the documentation for USDA disaster assistance.  The USDA is responsible for approving and distributing such reimbursements.

Tenney, in letter to House Ag Committee, outlines NY24 priorities in Farm Bill

Posted 24 May 2023 at 3:57 pm

Loss of prime farmland for solar among the concerns

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney

WASHINGTON, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to the House Committee on Agriculture detailing a range of priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.

These priorities reflect the input of constituents from New York’s 24th Congressional District and were shaped by Congresswoman Tenney’s ongoing conversations with farmers and agricultural stakeholders throughout our region.

In April, Tenney launched a district-wide Farm Bill Listening Tour, which included multiple roundtable events in which she heard directly from farmers and producers regarding their priorities. Over 100 farmers who produce everything from dairy, beef, poultry, feed corn, alfalfa, onions, grapes, wine, maple syrup, apples, and stone fruit participated in this process and shared with Tenney their concerns and key issues for this vital piece of legislation.

In addition to holding these forums with farmers from across the 24th District, Congresswoman Tenney has also announced and continues to meet regularly with her Agriculture Advisory Committee. This committee is made up of farmers and agricultural stakeholders from across the district who share feedback regularly with Tenney.

The Farm Bill is considered every five years and is a vital piece of legislation for rural communities like New York’s 24th District. It sets national agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policies. It will be considered this year by Congress.

“New York’s 24th District is the top agriculture and dairy-producing district in our state and among the largest in the Northeast – it is absolutely essential that this year’s Farm Bill reflects our community’s priorities and input,” Tenney said. “I will continue to advocate for our region to ensure this year’s Farm Bill delivers positive results for agricultural producers and farmers in our district.”

The following were among the top asks for the 2023 Farm Bill:

  • Do not make any cuts to Farm Bill Programs;
  • Allow Federal Crop Insurance to be reformed to cover a wider range of items and better fit the needs of specialty crop growers;
  • Support funding for the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, educational support for farmers, and the research and monitoring of invasive species;
  • Consider raising the Dairy Margin Coverage Tier 1 level’s 5-million-pound limit to better reflect the consolidation that has occurred in the dairy industry over the past five years;
  • Ensure greater transparency with the profit margins of dairy processors to better inform dairy policy and allow negotiations between dairy producers and processors to occur on a more even playing field;
  • Allow for greater flexibility in U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cover crop rules;
  • Prioritize the cultivation and opening of foreign markets for U.S. agricultural goods and ensure fairer access to these foreign markets;
  • Improve support for our nation’s maple syrup industry, including by reforming the Acer Access and Development grant program to better incorporate input from farmers, classify maple syrup as a specialty crop, and boost the domestic market for maple syrup;
  • Mandate the National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) to expand its collection of grape production data from the top two states to the top five states nationwide;
  • Include Wyoming County, New York, as part of the Northern Border Regional Commission;
  • Raise the minimum fixed broadband speed for USDA ReConnect and Rural Utilities Services programs; and
  • Address the loss of prime agricultural land to solar farms.

Soil & Water receives nearly $200K in grants to assist farms with conservation projects

Provided photos: The Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District has received funding to assist farms with conservation projects, including purchase of Quantum Mist Tower Sprayers which reduce pesticide spray and drift.

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 3 May 2023 at 9:19 am

ALBION – The Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District was able to secure nearly $200,000 in state funding with grants through the NYS Grown & Certified Program.

The funds will assist four farms in installation of conservation projects. The grants are each for about $50,000 and cover about 75 percent of the costs.

The grants will go towards the purchase of two Quantum Mist Tower Sprayers for the precision application of pesticides on orchards. These sprayers are part of the farming operations Integrated Pest Management Plans, said Katie Sommerfeldt, Soil & Water district manager in Orleans County.

“The new Quantum Mist Tower Sprayers will be integrating new technology of applying pesticides to orchards by targeting the trees and fruit that need the application and applying the pesticides using low velocity fans that reduce pesticide over spray and drift,” she said.

(Left) One of the Soil & Water grants will be for an Agrichemical Handling Facility similar to this one. (Right) Soil and Water also was awarded funds for installation of micro-irrigation systems.

Another grant includes installation of a micro-irrigation system that works by strategically placing irrigated water within the root zone of a newly planted orchard,” Sommerfeldt said.

“Currently, the farm is irrigating their orchard by using overhead irrigation,” she said. “Overhead irrigation results in excessive water input and waste, excessive field runoff, and the possibility of produce contamination.”

Some of the advantages to installing micro-irrigation include water conservation, easy automation, more efficient fertilizer use, and reduction in runoff and erosion, plus the irrigation water never touches the fruit so the possibility of contamination through irrigation water is eliminated, Sommerfeldt said.

Another grant will assist a farm with installation of an Agrichemical Handling Facility. This facility will give the farm a safe place to store and mix pesticides indoors with an impervious floor, Sommerfeldt said.

“This building is designed to contain 125 percent of the volume of the farm’s largest sprayer, so if there is a spill in the building all the pesticides will be contained and not allowed to runoff into the environment,” she said.

State increases buying power for SNAP recipients at farmers’ markets

Posted 12 April 2023 at 8:48 pm

File photo: Tracy Jennings (left) of Papa Thom’s Rockin’ Bagels and Rose Baker of Baker Farms in Medina chat in November at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market in Medina. The market moved indoors for the winter at the former NAPA Auto Parts store on North Main Street.

Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced a new initiative that will double the buying power for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients at farmers’ markets across New York State.

The FreshConnect Fresh2You program will now provide eligible New Yorkers with a dollar-for-dollar match, which will allow families in need to purchase more healthy food, including produce, dairy and meats.

This new initiative will help to offset the recent reduction in SNAP benefits that were a part of pandemic relief efforts as well as record inflation costs, provide increased revenue for New York’s farmers, and boost local food sourcing while eliminating food scarcity, which are among the goals outlined in the Governor’s Executive Budget proposal and her State of the State address.

“New York has taken significant steps to develop strong, mutually-beneficial relationships between local farmers and the communities they feed,” Governor Hochul said. “The new Fresh2You initiative will help ensure New Yorkers have more money to spend on healthy foods like dairy, meat, produce and more, while creating greater health outcomes, an economic boost to New York’s farmers and a stronger food supply chain.”

The FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative will now provide SNAP beneficiaries at participating farmers’ markets with $2 checks for every $2 spent as part of the SNAP program, up from $2 for every $5 spent.

This new initiative is part of the long-standing FreshConnect Checks Program, which is administered by the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets. It helps expand access to fresh food in underserved communities, to improve the diet of individuals in those communities and to foster economic development by supporting local farmers. By allowing the purchase of dairy products, meats and more in addition to the purchase of fruits and vegetables, the FreshConnect program supports even more farmers across New York State.

Any farmer or vendor who is selling a SNAP-eligible food item at any farmers’ market, farm stand or mobile market operating in New York State may accept a FreshConnect Check and now take part in the Fresh2You initiative. Checks can be used to purchase dairy, produce, meats, fish, eggs and more.

The FreshConnect Fresh2You initiative will launch and be available to consumers April 15. Market operators will also be receiving new marketing materials and training on the new initiative.

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We are excited to launch this new match program, understanding the significance of what this will mean to New York consumers and farmers alike. It will increase access to nutritious healthy foods, which will also have a direct benefit to our farmers and producers. I thank Governor Hochul for making this possible, and for her commitment to New York agriculture and strengthening the local food system.”

In addition to SNAP consumers, the FreshConnect Checks program is also available to veterans, service members and their immediate families to use the benefits at New York State farmers’ markets, farm stands and mobile markets. Veterans can receive $50 in FreshConnect coupons this year from New York State Department of Veterans’ Services offices.

About Farmers’ Markets in New York State

Farmers’ markets fill an essential gap in New York’s local food supply chains by improving access to and encouraging consumption of locally grown foods and supporting direct farmer-to-consumer transactions. Farmers’ markets, farm stands and mobile markets are crucial components to a healthy food system.

Today, New York has more than 400 farmers’ markets, 250 farm stands and 10 mobile markets. They provide outlets for agricultural producers to meet the rising consumer demand for a variety of fresh, affordable and convenient products grown directly from the farm.

The Department of Agriculture oversees the FreshConnect Checks (FCC) Program and the Farmers’ Market Nutrition Programs (FMNP), and maintains a list of farmers’ markets, farm stands, and mobile markets that participate in these programs.

Key

  • “FMNP Accepted” – A market that is authorized by the Department to participate in FMNP.
  • “FCC Issued” – A market that issues FreshConnect Checks to SNAP EBT card users.
  • “FCC Accepted” – A market that has vendors that may accept but does not issue FreshConnect Checks.
  • “SNAP Accepted” – A market where customers enrolled in SNAP may use their benefits.

Editor’s Note: The Department of Agriculture lists these farmers’ markets in Orleans County:

  • Canal Village Farmers’ Market, 345 Main St., Medina, open Saturdays year-round from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. – SNAP accepted, FMNP accepted, FCC issued and FCC accepted
  • Circle R Farm Market, 13490 Roosevelt Hwy, Waterport, open daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. from May 1-October 31 – FMNP accepted and FCC accepted
  • Lori’s Market Basket Farm Stand, 51 State St., Holley, open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from May 1-November 30 – FCC accepted
  • Navarra’s Farm Market and Greenhouses, 3272 Eagle Harbor Rd., Albion, open year-round from Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – SNAP accepted and FCC accepted
  • Roberts Farm Market, 11170 Maple Ridge Rd., Medina, open year-round Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with winter hours Tuesday to Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. – FCC accepted
  • Saeva Farm Stand, 3715 Eagle Harbor Rd., Albion, open year-round daily from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. – FCC accepted

Tenney holds Farm Bill roundtable in Batavia in first of 3 sessions to hear from ag community

Posted 4 April 2023 at 4:56 pm

Press Release, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney   

Claudia Tenney

BATAVIA – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today kicked off the first stop of her Farm Bill listening tour in Western New York with an open-door roundtable meeting in Batavia.

During the event, Tenney heard directly from constituents, including many area farmers, about the challenges they are facing and their priorities in Congress.

Tenney held the open-door roundtable as part of her Farm Bill listening tour, which she kicked off ahead of Congress’s consideration of the 2023 Farm Bill later this year. The Farm Bill is considered by Congress every five years and sets comprehensive policies that guide agriculture, nutrition, conservation, and forestry policies across the country.

This was the first of three stops Tenney announced as part of her listening tour. Additional roundtables will be held for constituents in Oswego on April 5 and in Phelps on April 6.

“Thank you to the many farmers from across Western New York who attended today’s roundtable discussion,” Tenney said. “New York’s 24th District is the largest agriculture district in the Northeast, home to some of the nation’s finest family farms and agricultural enterprises. As Congress begins to craft the 2023 Farm Bill, this was a great opportunity to hear testimonies directly from our farmers, who are hurting because of Democrat policies in Albany and Washington. I am bringing their feedback with me to Congress to ensure their voices shape the legislative process. I will always be a tenacious and compassionate advocate for our region’s farmers and hardworking families.”

At today’s roundtable event, Tenney was also joined by State Senator George Borello, State Assemblyman Steve Hawley, and a representative from the office of Satte Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt.

Following today’s roundtable, Tenney visited Sweet Dream Maple Farm to meet with the owners of this family-owned business and learn more about the needs and priorities of our region’s maple farmers. Tenney is co-chair of the Maple Caucus in Congress.

“I want to thank Congresswoman Tenney for hosting this important listening session and applaud all of the individuals involved in our local agriculture industry for taking the time out of their busy schedules to discuss the future of farming in our nation with us,” Ortt said. “New York’s family farms are quite literally the backbone to our economy – making up 90 percent of our state’s agriculture industry. Forty-year high inflation, record-high fuel prices, severe worker shortages, and the overtime threshold passed by Albany bureaucrats has severely impacted this industry.

“Each year, we lose more and more of these family farms directly due to their detrimental policies,” Ortt continued. “I can confidently say, on behalf of the NYS Senate Republican Conference, that we will continue the fight for common-sense legislation that protects, supports, and enables our family farms to succeed.”