By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 22 April 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Members of the Albion FFA are capping FFA Week by hosting the Mini Farm at the high school ag shop today. This photo shows Olivia Krenning, a fifth-grader, and FFA member Emilie Barleben at a station with pigs. Olivia’s family loaned the pigs for today’s visit by about 600 elementary school students. Olivia’s father Adam Krenning is the FFA advisor and the school’s agriculture teacher.
Harrison Brown, a sophomore in the FFA, introduces students to a 13-day-old calf loaned to the Mini Farm by the Beam family. Harrison is holding a bottle with milk replacer, a nutrient rich formula fed to baby calves. Harrison said the calf’s name is Baby Bum.
FFA members Arella Ives, left and Hannah Wehling show students a pony brought in by FFA member Rylie Lear.
Rylie Lear takes questions about cows that her family brought to the Mini Farm.
Emily Blanchard talks about new-born turkeys. There were several other stations that introduced students to animals and farm equipment.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 10 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – David Russell, Genesee County Master Gardener, discusses native pollinators with participants at the 2016 “Spring into Gardening” Education Day held Saturday.
KNOWLESVILLE – Gardeners and those interested in learning more about gardening and related topics gathered Saturday at the Education Center on the Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds for “Spring into Gardening” Education Day.
Workshops were held a number of topics including Cut Flower Gardens, Native Pollinators, Butterfly Gardening, Herbs, Local Foods, Composting with Worms, and a Make-it/Take-it project.
David Russell, a Genesee County Master Gardener who is better known as “David the Crazy Bug Guy,” presented an introduction to native pollinators of western New York and the Northeast. His talk included how to create “housing” to attract beneficial bees to your landscape.
Russell advised gardeners to avoid using pesticides as both bad bugs and good bugs are destroyed, including bees. “I’m all for pollinators,” Russell said.
A slide from Genesee County Master Gardener David Russell’s presentation on native pollinators. It shows an intricate “house” made for solitary bees. Russell said the bee houses do not have to be this detailed and noted tongue-in-cheek, that the houses are, ” so easy to make, even a man can make them.”
Amy Guptill, associate professor of sociology at the College at Brockport, discussed what defines “local” when talking about local food as well as how local foods get from the producer to the consumer. Guptill said many farmers and growers are struggling and losing money.
“It’s hard to make it work,” she said about farming. “There is room for innovation to make it easier for people who want to farm.”
Additional topics included planning a cut flower garden, butterfly gardening with Master Gardener Gail Culver, and the wondrous world of herbs with Bonnie Heck of Herbalty Cottage.
Participants in the 2016 Orleans County Master Gardener’s Spring into Gardening Education Day use curly willow and other natural materials to make rustic trellises for garden containers during the Make-it/Take-it workshop led by Master Gardener Alex Greene.
Jena Buckwell, master gardener, spoke on composting with worms, which allows gardeners to compost kitchen scraps inside, year-round. Buckwell said vermicomposting produces an organic soil amendment with 5-10 times more nutrients that traditional composting.
Additionally, participants were able to make rustic container garden trellises with wild grapevine, curly willow and other branches in a workshop held by Master Gardener Alex Greene.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 7 April 2016 at 12:00 am
Photos by Kristina Gabalski – This terrarium created by Lori Laine of Kent features a tiny kitty cat in her own fairy garden.
KENDALL – Kendall Garden Club members had an opportunity to complete a fun project while benefitting the Finger Lakes Donor Recovery Network during their meeting at the Kendall Town Hall on Wednesday evening.
Lori Laine of Kent lead the workshop. She described how she became involved in the craft of creating miniature fairy gardens nestled in clear glass terrariums and teacups.
“We are transplanting new life and growth,” she explained, just as her husband received the gift of new life after receiving a liver transplant in 2014. “Life can change with organ donation.”
Laine now creates and sells the little indoor gardens and teaches classes in the craft. Proceeds go to the Donate Life organization.
Members of the Kendall Garden Club work on teacup fairy gardens during their April meeting Wednesday evening. Lori Laine can be seen standing at the bottom right of the photo. She is speaking with garden club member and Town Councilperson Barb Flow.
Laine led members of the Kendall Garden Club through the process of transplanting tiny houseplants into their new, diminutive containers. Laine said she buys “sad plants” at discount department stores, takes them home, divides them, and establishes the divisions in egg cartons. The process helps to keep the plants small, Laine said.
Participants embellished their creations with moss, tiny stone pathways, and miniature accessories and figurines.
Laine provided blue and green marbles to add some sparkle to the gardens. “Those are the colors of Donate Life,” she said.
Lori Laine also had several of her terrariums on display featuring her houseplant “transplants.”
Lori Laine provided several varieties of houseplants from which participants could choose. She recommended pruning them to keep them small.
Participants also chose from neatly organized miniature accessories for their teacup gardens.
A teacup garden made by Kendall Garden Club member Barb Flow.
By Kristina Gabalski, Correspondent Posted 29 March 2016 at 12:00 am
Photo by Kristina Gabalski – Daffodils and crabapple blossoms are harbingers of spring. Gardeners and nature-lovers can learn about a variety of gardening topics during the 2016 Spring into Gardening Education Day on April 9.
KNOWLESVILLE – Pre-registration will continue through Friday for the Master Gardeners of Orleans County 2016 Spring into Gardening Education Day.
The event will be held Saturday, April 9, at the Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension Education Center on the 4-H Fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
According to Master Gardener Don O’Keefe, the purpose of the day is to “educate the public on a variety of garden and nature subjects and to bring better awareness of the environment we live in.”
Participants can expect expert educators on a variety of topics and “hands-on, entertaining classes to stimulate their minds and passion for nature,” he says.
This spring’s slate of classes includes: Planning a cut-flower garden, seeds and bulbs for cut flowers; Herbs; Native pollinators; What’s local about local foods; Butterfly gardens; Mystery make-it, take-it; and Composting with worms.
Pre-registration is $25; $20 for senior citizens. Walk-in registration the day of the event is $30. Price includes the choice of four classes/sessions and lunch. Day of event registration begins on April 9 at 8:30 a.m. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
O’Keefe says the event is an enjoyable day for gardeners and nature lovers.
“I enjoy the camaraderie of being with people of like nature and frankly, it’s just plain fun,” he says.
For more information or to register call 585-798-4265 Ext. 26 or go to cceorleans.org.
Provided photo – Darrel Oakes from LynOaken Farms in Lyndonville and Leonard Oakes Estate Winery in Medina makes his appeal to state lawmakers to oppose the $15 minimum wage.
Press Release, NY Farm Bureau
BATAVIA – Small business owners and local farmers joined together today at The Days Inn in Batavia to ask state lawmakers to oppose the $15 minimum wage.
The April 1 budget deadline is just days away, and the coalition remains united in its efforts to defeat what will be a tough blow to local employers.
The consequences of a 67 percent wage hike are far reaching. The small businesses shared their personal stories of what this will mean to each of them, including the decisions that will have to be made to compensate for the major increase in labor costs. A reduction in the number of employees and an increase in automation are on the table should this proposal pass in Albany.
The impacts will be felt statewide. A recent report conducted by the former director of the Congressional Budget Office, found that at least 200,000 jobs will be lost across the state. A separate independent analysis by Farm Credit East estimates a $15 minimum wage in New York State would cost farmers between $387 and $622 million in 2021 at the peak of the wage rollout and nearly 2,000 farms would no longer be profitable.
Because of the statewide ramifications, today’s event coincided with more than a dozen others happening in communities across New York. It is a final push to make the compelling point to lawmakers that there are serious consequences, from job loss to higher consumer prices, should New York pass a $15 minimum wage. The small business owners asked their local lawmakers to vote no on $15.
“Businesses will be forced to raise prices to compensate. As a farmer, I cannot do this. I am a price taker not a price maker. This will make me uncompetitive with surrounding states, like Michigan and Pennsylvania, whose labor costs will be half what they are in New York. This will put some farms out of business or force them to move to a different state which will hurt our economy,” said Pat McCormick, a dairy farmer from Java Center and member of the NYFB board of directors.
MEDINA – Members of the Medina Central School’s FFA Chapter hosted their annual Animal Appreciation Day at the High School last week.
Students from all three of the district’s schools had a chance to tour the FFA classroom and see about 20 different species that Todd Eick’s class houses in the classroom and on the school’s miniature farm, which includes everything from llamas, pigs, rabbits and ducks to mice. Members also brought in their own pets.
“This tradition has been going on longer since I have been here,” said Mr. Eick, the high school agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. “It’s a great opportunity for the members to show off what they have learned and educated others and for students to see what the FFA has to offer.”
Austin Cox is pictured with the new ducklings.
There was a steady stream of visitors after the classroom door’s opened at 9 a.m. on Friday and the FFA members took turns talking to the visitors about small animal and pet care. The FFA members allowed the other students to interact with the animals.
“We keep a careful eye on the animals to make sure they are not getting too stressed out,” Mr. Eick said. “If they are, the FFA members will remove them for a while until they settle down.”
Austin Cox has been in the FFA for three years.
“I think it is the greatest thing to be able to interact with all the animals,” Austin said. “Where would we be without agriculture?”
Abigail Maines, the Medina FFA president, introduced students to Willow.
Members Kali Schrader and Laura Washak have also been with the FFA for three years. “I really like taking care of the animals,” Laura said as she showed up Kieta the rabbit to visitors.
Kali, who is the FFA historian, said she got involved with the organization because her family does a lot with agriculture. “I love working with the animals. I want to go to school to be a veterinarian when I graduate.”
“This is such a great educational opportunity for everyone,” said Mr. Eick. “Everyone has a great time. We are very appreciative of our administration and everything they have allowed us to do in this class.”
Provided photo/National Corn Growers Association – Matt Kludt (center) of Kendall placed third nationally in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated Category of the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored by the National Corn Growers Association. Trophies were presented at the annual Commodity Classic held in New Orleans in early March. From left, are Martin Barbre, Carmi, IL, chairman of the NCGA Corn Board; Kludt; and Wesley Spurlock, Stafford, TX, first vice president of the Corn Board.
Press Release, National Corn Growers Association
NEW ORLEANS – A local corn grower has been honored as one of 18 national winners in the 2015 National Corn Yield Contest sponsored annually by the National Corn Growers Association.
Matt Kludt of Kendall placed third in the nation in the A No-Till/Strip-Till Non-Irrigated
Class with a yield of 322.9722 bushels per acre. The hybrid used in the winning field was DEKALB DKC52-84RIB.
The 2015 competition included 7,729 entries from 45 states. The contest consists of six classes. In the national competition, three placings are awarded within each class. The 18 national winners represented nine states.
The average yield among national winners was 386.4 bushels per acre – greater than the 2015 U.S. average of 169.3 bushels per acre. Six of the national winners recorded yields of 400 bushels or more per acre.
“This harvest, the world witnessed the incredible bounty U.S. corn farmers can provide to meet the growing need for food, fuel and fiber both in our nation and around the world,” said NCGA President Chip Bowling, a corn grower from Newburg, MD.
Agronomic data gleaned from the contest reveal the following:
Average planting population for the national winners was 40,861 seeds per acre, compared to 34,123 for all entrants.
National winners applied an average of 364.06 pounds of nitrogen, 116.39 pounds of
phosphorus and 231.78 pounds of potassium per acre.
Average commercial nitrogen use per bushel of yield was 0.94 pounds for the national winners and 0.89 pounds for all entrants.
27.78 percent of the national winners applied trace minerals, compared to 38.74 percent of all entrants.
Use of manure as a fertilizer was consistent. 38.89 percent of national winners applied manure, compared to 16.06 percent of all entrants.
The National Corn Yield Contest began in 1965 with 20 entries from 3 states. The highest overall yield was 218.9 bushels per acre, while the national yield average was in the mid-60 bushel-per-acre range.
The winners were recognized March 4 at the 2016 Commodity Classic, the premier convention and trade show of the U.S. corn, soybean, sorghum, wheat and equipment industries, held this year in New Orleans, LA.
The National Corn Growers Association represents more than 41,000 members, 48 affiliated state corn grower and checkoff organizations, and hundreds of thousands of growers who contribute to state checkoff programs.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 14 March 2016 at 12:00 am
ALBION – Dennis Kirby, manager of the Orleans County Soil & Water Conservation District, addresses about 160 people on Saturday at the 18th annual Farmer to Neighbor Night at Tillman’s Village Inn.
Kirby urged farmers to sign up for soil health programs. Soil & Water sponsors the annual Farmer to Neighbor Night along with Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Albion FFA Alumni.
Proceeds from the event are used to send FFA students to state convention, camps and help with other costs in the ag program.
Albion student Alexis Bentley recites the FFA Creed before the crowd at The Village Inn.
Jennifer Wagester, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County, said it will be a busy 2016 for the agency as it celebrates its 70th year. The annual fair, scheduled for July 25 through July 30, will be the highlight of a busy year at the fairgrounds in Knowlesville.
Barry Flansburg served as emcee of Saturday’s event. Albion FFA students, from left, include Clara Stilwell, Katie Mann, Allyson Graham and Garrett Derisley.
The FFA students praise the support from the farm community, especially with donations in an annual food drive that topped 30,000 pound sof produce in December.
Orleans County Farm Bureau board member Anna Smith urges the group to go online (NYFB.org) to lobby state legislators to oppose raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour. A report by Farm Credit East says the higher wage will increase costs to the farm community by $622 million a year.
The annual Farmer to Neighbor Night is light on speeches and focused more on sharing conversation and good meal together before the busy planting season starts.
File photos by Tom Rivers – Joseph Cecchini, 11, of Medina cleans a cow on July 27, 2015 at a new wash rack at the 4-H Fairgrounds.
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
KNOWLESVILLE – The Orleans County 4-H Fairgrounds will be the place to be this year.
The fairgrounds on Route 31 has experienced a steady increase in use over the past few years, but 2016 will be a banner year. The addition of 10 horse shows, a major dog show on Labor Day Weekend, and a Fiber Festival in November along with the return of existing horse, dog, & rabbit shows; the April Home & Garden Show; spring horse pull; and fall Christmas Antiques Show mean just about every weekend at the fairgrounds will be busy.
These activities will be held in addition to Orleans County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s educational programs in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, food preservation, and 4-H youth development, which includes the annual Orleans County 4-H Fair held July 25-30 this year.
Teams of powerful draft horses, with participants from eight states, competed on April 25 last year at 4-H Fairgrounds in the “Pull of Champions.”
Community members are encouraged to view the schedule of Events at Orleans Extension’s website, cceorleans.org. Registration forms and contact information for event organizers are posted online and the website has a contact box to email questions directly to Extension staff. The website also includes a “Facility Use” page with registration forms and information for groups interested in using the grounds.
The fairgrounds was purchased in 1965 by Orleans Extension and its first building, the Trolley Building, was built in 1966. A majority of the funding for purchase and development of the fairgrounds was raised by 4-H volunteers, members, and their families along with donations primarily from farmers, business owners, and long-time residents.
In recent years, technology-centric companies such as Baxter and Xerox have contributed to the growing 4-H Robotics program and Extension staff has sought grant funding to maintain strong programs.
With the fairgrounds 50th anniversary in 2015, significant infrastructure improvements were made and continue as funding allows. The rabbit & poultry barn, named for the Wachob family, received a new floor, a new wash rack was installed near the cattle barn, and a fitness trail was established. The Trolley Building kitchen also received updates including a 3-bay sink, fire suppression hood and updated range oven, and commercial refrigerator.
During the Home and Garden Show last April, Cindy Smith, right, of Batavia eyes the wine choices by Vizcarra Vineyards at Becker Farms in Gasport. Mindy Vizcarra, left, served up wine tastings throughout the day, April 12, 2015.
In 2016, updates will continue with new plumbing, flooring, and stainless countertops and storage units. Orleans Extension has also requested $25,675 in grant funding to complete the kitchen update with commercial appliances, islands with prep sinks, and a stainless steel serving window, along with $250,000 from New York State for renovating the entire Trolley Building, which is estimated to cost a total of $350,000. Options are also being explored to upgrade the fairgrounds’ restroom and shower facilities, which could cost an additional $240,000.
Orleans Extension board member, Charlie Pettit, sees grant funding as a significant component to continuing fairgrounds renovation. The board has tasked Executive Director, Jennifer Wagester, with seeking funds and streamlining operations to make every dollar count.
Over the past two years, the Extension has implemented changes and renegotiated vendor contracts to save over $10,000 annually. These changes are allowing Extension to maintain services amidst rising costs.
Currently, about one third of Extension’s budget is supported by funding from the Orleans County Legislature, one third by state funding, and one third by funds raised by Extension through program participation fees, rental of the fairgrounds, winter storage, and fundraising by volunteers. Federal funding has increased in the past year from about $9,000 in Smith-Lever funds to over $50,000 with Orleans Extension’s participation in the federal Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program; however, it remains a small part of the overall budget.
John Steier and his son Evan haul tires on Oct. 8 at the new fitness trail at the 4-H Fairgrounds, which opened that day to the public.
The Orleans fairgrounds is one of three in the state that is owned and operated by a county Cornell Cooperative Extension association. The others are in Niagara and Orange Counties. While owning and operating a fairgrounds requires a major investment in infrastructure, it ensures the Orleans community has a facility for learning, gathering, and holding activities.
Extension staff are excited about the increase in use and look forward to introducing new people to 4-H, Extension, and Orleans County. If you or your organization is interested in using the fairgrounds or reserving a classroom or building, contact the Extension office at 585-798-4265 for details.
Staff are housed in the Education Center at the fairgrounds, which is open year round, and office hours are 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
Provided Photos – Albion FFA members traveled to Albany to meet with state legislators including State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda), shown here with FFA members, from left: Vivian Rivers, Kelsee Soule, Emily Blanchard, Garrett Derisley and Allyson Graham.
ALBANY – Farmers and FFA students from Orleans County went to Albany visiting with lawmakers on Monday and Tuesday.
They met with local state legislators and three “adopted” legislators, including one from Long Island and two from New York City.
The farmers were a contingent from Orleans County Farm Bureau. They highlighted the organization’s public policy priorities for the year, topped by opposition to a $15 minimum wage.
Monday was kicked off with the popular Taste of New York reception for state lawmakers, commissioners and staff. Farm Bureau hosted a table highlighting local farm products. Following the evening event, members participated in the annual lobby day where they met with both their local and adopted senators and Assembly members.
The Farm Bureau and FFA met with State Sen. Rob Ortt (R-North Tonawanda), and Assembly members Steve Hawley (R-Batavia) and Jane Corwin (R-Clarence). The adopted legislators included Sen. Simcha Felder (D-Brooklyn), Assemblyman Michael DenDekker (D-Queens), and Assemblyman Michael Montesano (R-Glen Head in Long Island).
Michael Montesano, a state assemblyman from Long Island, meets with Orleans County Farm Bureau members, including, from left, David Bittner, Adam Krenning, Jeff Toussaint and John Kast.
Orleans County Farm Bureau members shared their concern with a $15 minimum wage on New York farms. Farmers say that a nearly 70 percent increase in labor costs will make it harder to compete with products coming in from other states and countries with considerably lower production costs.
An American Farm Bureau Federation analysis found $15 minimum would costs New York agriculture $500 million or 25 percent of additional net income. This is expected to impact farms in a number of ways. The county will likely see farms reduce employment, turn to automation or close the barn doors, Farm Bureau said.
State funding for critical farm programs is another top priority for Farm Bureau. Governor Cuomo included a number of things in his budget plan which would help the farm industry. This includes increased funding for the Environmental Protection Fund, which will assist farms with water quality, conservation and farmland protection programs.
Farm Bureau also asked lawmakers to support critical funding for animal health, promotion and research programs that also benefit agriculture in the county.
Members also asked for funding parity when it comes to repairing upstate roads and bridges. The governor is committing $20 billion to match infrastructure efforts happening in and around New York City. The parity in upstate-downstate funding remains a priority because our farms need access to safe, well-maintained roads and safe bridges in order to move equipment to farm fields and transport their goods to market.
Orleans County Farm Bureau also remains committed to securing funding to assist schools in starting up new FFA programs as well as for agricultural education programs. Each year, more schools are interested in these programs that provide career and technical skills that students need. The USDA estimates that there will be 60,000 new jobs a year in the farming and food industries, and it is vital to have a workforce that can meet those demands to help the rural economy grow right here at home.
Farmers also discussed with lawmakers about transferring farm assessment functions to the Department of Agriculture and Markets from the Department of Taxation and Finance. Moving the process to be entirely housed within the Department of Agriculture and Markets will not only streamline the assessment process, but it would be a common sense move to improve a valuable program for our farms, Farm Bureau said.
These priorities were based on member-approved public policies that originate every year at the county Farm Bureau level and are passed by the full delegate body at New York Farm Bureau’s State Annual Meeting in December.
In addition to advocating for priorities with lawmakers, members also participated in a special panel discussion with the Commissioners and representatives from the Departments of Agriculture and Markets, Environmental Conservation and Labor. Members were able to ask questions about a number of issues facing the state’s family farms.
“Orleans County Farm Bureau members spent time away from their farms to cultivate the important relationships we have in Albany,” said Amanda Flansburg, Orleans County Farm Bureau President. “We work hard to secure public policies at every level of government that support every farmer in the county, and we will continue to advocate for priorities that will not only benefit agriculture but our rural communities as a whole.”
