agriculture

Maple farmer known for his sweet soul

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Terry Laubisch, 66, owned Flyway Farm in Shelby

Photo by Tom Rivers – Terry Laubisch posed for this picture on Feb. 3, 2012, part of a series of portraits of farmers and their hands. Mr. Laubisch died on Feb. 20.

SHELBY – Drive on Route 63 in Shelby and you’ll see a sign for Flyway Farms, noting a maple syrup producer is on West Shelby Road.

Many maple producers in the state have the signs on state highways, pointing potential customers to sugar shacks on rural roads. Terry Laubisch pushed for the signs more than a decade ago. He saw how vineyards and wine trails used the roadside signs to brand their product and help promote tourism.

The Flyway sign near Laubisch’s farm was the first for all the maple producers in the state. It’s one of the many ways Laubisch helped promote the maple industry in New York, which is the country’s second-leading maple producer behind only Vermont.

“That really helped get customers out there to some of the places off the beaten path,” said Lyle Merle, a maple producer from Attica.

Laubisch was 66 when he died on Feb. 20. He was a participant in the popular Maple Weekend events in March, when producers opened their sugar shacks to the public. Laubisch saw the weekend as another way for maple producers to promote their industry.

“He was creative and innovative and always looking for new ways to do things,” Merle said.

Laubisch and Merle had a friendly rivalry every State Fair when their syrup and maple flavored products were judged. Laubisch perennially challenged for some of the most prestigious awards. He took pride in the quality of his syrup.

He urged the other producers to use the blue ribbons and awards to help brand NY maple as a superior product and to help the individual farms sell their syrup.

File photo by Tom Rivers – Terry Laubisch opened Flyway Farm in 1990. He tapped 900 maple trees.

The other producers welcomed Laubisch’s ideas, whether it was in selling the syrup or trying technology and techniques for tapping trees and making maple products. However, one time Laubisch had an idea that had the other producers shaking their heads in disbelief.

Laubisch saw the popularity of cotton candy and he thought a maple-flavored cotton candy would be a big seller. The cotton candy machine would have to be altered for maple, and Laubisch talked the manufacturer into making the changes.

“We thought it was crazy,” Merle said.

Maple cotton candy has been a sensation at the State Fair in recent years. Laubisch was often behind the booth, volunteering and happily selling the treat.

“I was impressed with that,” Merle said. “He found a way to make it happen.”

Laubisch and his wife Pat tapped about 900 trees for Flyway Farm. They attended many industry events. Mrs. Laubisch said her husband liked to experiment with maple and growing orchids. If Laubisch was involved in something, he gave it his full attention, his wife said.

“He was a special man who did it all and did it in a big way,” she said.

Laubisch first tapped trees and captured the sap with lasagna pans. He learned to use sophisticated equipment, and had a network of tubes to collect and move the sap at his maple farm.

When he made a discovery or perfected a process, Laubisch would eagerly share what he learned. He taught maple classes at the Erie County and State Fairs. He served as a director on the NYS Maple Producers Association and also was a president for the NYS Maple Foundation.

“Whatever Terry got into, he jumped in with both feet,” his wife said.

Friends and family celebrated his life this past Saturday during a memorial service at East Shelby Community Bible Church. For many summers, Laubisch and his wife manned the candy store at the church’s Old Fashioned Day celebration.

Maziarz, State Senate unveil plan for new generation of farmers

Posted 6 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, State Sen. George Maziarz

State Sen. George Maziarz and members of the Senate Republican Conference on Tuesday unveiled their “Young Farmers NY” plan to address issues related to the advancing average age of New York farmers and to preserve the future of family farming.

“Young Farmers NY” is a series of proposals to smooth the transfer of farmland to the next generation, preserve existing farmland, and help young farmers overcome obstacles to give them a greater opportunity for a successful career in agriculture.

“Getting young people involved in farming is critical to the future of our state,” said Maziarz, R-Newfane. “We need to strengthen the environment in which tomorrow’s young farmers will work, not only for the sake of carrying on a family tradition, but because young farmers are central to our state’s economy and our future ability to grow crops, raise animals, and put food on our tables.”

Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, said the average age of farmers grows each year, making it imperative for the state to encourage and promote the development of young farmers.

“This plan is designed to not only help young farmers that are already involved in agriculture, but to get more young people involved in farming,” Norton said.

Senators were joined at the news conference by Orion and Jessica Behling, co-operators of Behling Orchards, a family-run apple farm in Mexico, Oswego County. Orion is president of Young Farmers and Ranchers of Oswego County.

“When farming is in your family’s DNA, it’s hard to imagine doing anything else,” Behling said. “Farming is hard work at any age, but beginning farmers face particular challenges in starting their business, and the Senate’s plan takes away some of the uncertainty, and helps us create a foundation for future success.”

Young Farmers NY is in response to research that shows the average age of New York farmers is increasing, as fewer young people pursue farming careers. According to new data from the USDA Census of Agriculture, the average age of New York farmers is now 57.1 years. There are two farmers aged 65 and older for each one under age 35. This and other factors lead to farmland being lost forever to development. About 50,000 acres of farmland were lost in New York in each of the last five years, the federal agency reported.

Young Farmers NY addresses these problems in two ways, by helping to encourage more young people to consider a farming career, and by reducing financial roadblocks to starting a new agriculture business. The plan calls for a state investment of more than $30 million.

Highlights of the Young Farmers NY program include:

Loans, grants, and tax credits for the sale or lease of land and equipment, as well as for new technological innovations;

Estate tax reforms to encourage farm preservation from generation to generation;

Agricultural education efforts including an apprenticeship program, student loan forgiveness and increased funding for the in-school Future Farmers of America (FFA) program.

LAND OWNERSHIP

The biggest single obstacle to starting a farm business is the high cost of land, equipment and supplies for starting farmers. Long-time farmers face pressure to sell to developers for higher prices than can be gained from keeping land in farming, lenders can be wary of extending credit to untested new farmers, and the state’s tax code makes it difficult for farmers to pass on their business to the next generation.

Young Farmers NY seeks to help prospective farmers overcome these obstacles.

Young Farmer Farm Preservation Tax Credit: Provides eligible farmers with up to 10 percent of the sale or rental price for the sale or lease of land or equipment to a new farmer. This preserves farmland, allows retiring farmers a more equitable return on their lifelong investment, and lowers the cost of farmland for beginning farmers. ($5 million)

Young Farmer Revolving Loan Fund: Provides $5 million for start-up loans for land and equipment purchases by new farmers. ($5 million)

Young Farmer Innovation Grants: Allocates up to $50,000 for new farmers through a competitive grant program that seeks to encourage new technology or production innovation. ($1 million)

Farm Savings Accounts: Establishes savings accounts similar to college or retirement accounts. Savings intended for the purchase of farmland or equipment would grow tax-free. ($5 million)

Estate Tax reform: Increases the estate tax exemption and lower rates as proposed in the Executive Budget. ($14 million)

AGRICULTURE EDUCATION

Just as many other successful industries, modern farming relies on technology and cutting-edge information to improve production, cut costs and boost profits. Young Farmers NY includes:

Young Farmer Apprenticeship Program: Provides funding to BOCES programs to establish partnerships with real working farmers to help young people gain hands-on experience they can bring to their own successful farm operation. ($500,000)

Young Farmer Student Loan Forgiveness Program: Directs the Board of Regents to establish a student loan forgiveness program for up to 10 agriculture degree graduates annually who agree to work full-time in agriculture a minimum of five years. ($100,000)

Funding for Agriculture Education: Increases funding for the in-school FFA program, which encourages careers in agriculture. There are 77 FFA chapters in New York, including in New York City. ($158,000)

The Young Farmers NY program will be included in the Senate’s budget resolution.

Farmworker rights advocate speaks in Albion

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 1 March 2014 at 12:00 am

Photos by Tom Rivers

Librada Paz, a farmworker rights advocate from Brockport, addresses a group at the First United Methodist Church of Albion on Friday evening as part of the church’s “Stand Against Racism” series of discussion. The series continues at 7 p.m. on March 28 with Kae Wilbert leading a discussion about Native American issues.

Paz has been working with the Rural and Migrant Ministry to try advance immigration reform at the national level. At the state level she has been advocating for the “Farmworkers Fair Labor Practices Act” that would grant farmworkers collective bargaining rights, workers’ compensation, overtime pay and unemployment benefits.

Paz in 2012 was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Award.

Area native joins national Farm Bureau as external relations director

Posted 26 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Sarah Brown grew up on fruit farm in Carlton

Sarah Brown

Press release, American Farm Bureau Federation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – An area native who grew up on a fruit farm has been picked as the external relations director for the American Farm Bureau Federation, based in the nation’s capital.

Sarah Brown will work as external relations director in Farm Bureau’s Industry Affairs Department. As external relations director, Brown will play an important part in increasing the organization’s role as the “Voice of Agriculture” for the industry.

She also will focus on expanding Farm Bureau’s influence by building alliances and coalitions with key industry partners to increase engagement with AFBF, according to Dan Durheim, executive director, Industry Affairs.

“Sarah has extensive experience in marketing and communications strategy, client relationship management, and sales and service optimization,” Durheim said. “AFBF will greatly benefit from Sarah’s experience and insights gained from working with clients, companies and organizations both inside and outside of agriculture.”

Brown comes to AFBF from Weber Associates, where she was a senior consultant charged with managing client relationships. Prior to that, she was assistant director of admissions at Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences in New York. She also worked as sales and marketing manager at Intergrow Greenhouses in the town of Gaines.

Her family owns Brown’s Berry Patch and Orchard Dale Fruit Company. That family farm dates back to 1804.

Brown earned a bachelor’s degree in communication with a minor in applied economics and management from Cornell’s CALS.

“AFBF is pleased to have Sarah play a key role in strengthening our stakeholder outreach efforts,” said Durheim. “The strategic outreach skills she brings to this position will benefit America’s farm and ranch families as we continue to realign our organizational resources behind implementing our grassroots policies.”

Farm Bill provision cuts costly inspection procedures for apples

Posted 25 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Gillibrand: New York exporters to save $450K annually

File photo by Tom Rivers – Some RubyFrost apples are displayed at Brown’s Berry Patch in Waterport last fall. Orleans County is the state’s second-leading apple producer, behind only Wayne County.

Press release
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand

WASHINGTON, D.C. – After a push by U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Congressman Bill Owens of northern New York, apple exports from New York State to Canada are now moving at a swifter, more cost-effective pace because of a measure included in the Farm Bill.

Last week, the first shipment of apples that were not subject to inspection crossed the border without incident. Gillibrand and Owens worked to exempt bulk shipments of U.S. apples to Canada from inspection required under the Apple Export Act, saving apple growers up to $300 per truckload, and allowing growers to create their own distribution schedules, eliminating costly after-hours inspection procedures.

“New York State is home to some of the world’s finest apples and hardest working growers,” said Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “But this costly inspection was hurting our growers and holding our economy back. Now our apples can reach markets faster, help New York’s apple growers cut costs, and help our economy grow.”

New York is the country’s second-leading apple producing state with an annual crop of about 30 million bushels, behind only Washington. The New York crop generates about $330 million annually for the state’s economy.

“After more than two years of hard work, we finally have succeeded, with the elimination of the inspection requirements of the Apple Export Act,” New York Apple Association President Jim Allen said.

The Apple and Pear Export Act of 1933 requires that all exported apples are inspected. But pears have been excluded from the law since 1999. The elimination of apples from this antiquated law would enable apple farmers to have more control over their work schedules and eliminate expensive after-hours inspection procedures.

With nearly 1.5 million bushels of apples exported to Canada annually, this amendment to the current law could save U.S. apple growers more than $550,000 annually by allowing apple growers to distribute apple products on their own schedule, saving valuable time and resources by avoiding onerous after-hours inspection procedures.

“We are very grateful for the Sen. Gillibrand and Congressman Owens for listening to our concerns and acting on our behalf,” Allen said. “Because of their diligence, NY apple growers will not be burdened with unnecessary costs and requirements to sell apples into Canada. So far this year over 650 truckloads have already paid the price, but we anticipate another 800 this season will be exempt. This is a huge cost savings for our growers.”

Monsanto gives $2,500 to Albion FFA

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 13 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Photo by Tom Rivers – Members of the Albion FFA are pictured with Albion farmers Doug and Mitchell Kirby, and Kurt Zinkievich, a lead salesman for Growmark in Knowlesville. Monsanto district sales manager Nathan Holt also was in Albion to present the ceremonial check to the chapter.

ALBION – The Albion FFA received a $2,500 check today from Monsanto through its America’s Farmers Grow Communities, money that will help the chapter send students to leadership camp, buy FFA corduroy jackets and address other needs for the chapter and its members.

“We can’t thank people enough for helping our chapter,” said Adam Krenning, the FFA advisor and agriculture teacher.

Albion farmer Doug Kirby and his son Mitchell were chosen by Monsanto to pick the recipient of the $2,500. Monsanto is giving out $2,500 grants in 1,289 counties in the United States. The company randomly selects a farmer from a county. That farmer can then pick an organization for the funds.

The Kirbys farm about 600 acres, including 300 acres of corn, 200 acres of soybeans, 80 acres of apples and 10 acres of vegetables. The family runs Kirby Cider Mill on Butts Road in Albion.

Doug Kirby said he wanted to help the FFA. He graduated from Albion in 1976 and was a member of the FFA chapter.

Monsanto previously gave the Albion chapter a $25,000 grant to help establish a 5-acre land lab on the school campus.

Raffle and pancake dinner will help Medina FFA host state convention

Posted 12 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Provided photo – Alaina Boyce is pictured with some of the baskets that will be raffled on Thursday night.

Press release, Medina FFA

MEDINA – The Medina FFA is getting ready for its annual Pancake Dinner on Thursday, Feb. 13 in the high school cafeteria. Proceeds from the event will help the FFA put on the state FFA convention from May 8-10.

The dinner will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. and all-you-can-eat tickets are $7. A special Valentine’s Day treat will be served as well. Students have collected baskets for a basket raffle during the dinner.

Tickets for baskets will be available all day Thursday with a drawing at 7 p.m. Winners do not have to be present to claim the prize.

For more information about the dinner, or to volunteer to help with the convention, contact the FFA advisor, Todd Eick, at 585.798.2700 x5116 or at teick@medinacsd.org.

Dunham Family Farms honored for conservation efforts

By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 5 February 2014 at 12:00 am

Mark Dunham and his son Brian appeared on the January cover of the American Agriculturist magazine. The two talked about the benefits of a new tile plow.

KNOWLESVILLE – A seven-generation farm that has embraced new ways of planting crops and preserving soil health has been named the “Conservation Farm of the Year” in Orleans County.

Dunham Family Farms in Knowlesville received the award today at the annual meeting for the Orleans County Soil and Water Conservation District at Tillman’s Village Inn.

The farm works 2,000 acres and had adopted many conservation practices, including no-tillage planting, cover crops and installation of drainage tile. Dunham also is working on precision nutrient management.

“We’re honoring somebody who has concentrated on the stewardship of the land,” said Dennis Kirby, district manager for Soil and Water.

The farm about eight years ago started to use no-till for planting. Rather than plowing a field before planting, the farm minimally disturbs the soil for planting. That has kept microorganisms thriving in the soil.

“We’ve seen some big advantages with no-till,” said Brian Dunham, co-owner of the farm with his father Mark. “The soil is a living organism in itself. Every time you disk or plow a field, you disrupt it.”

Dunham Family Farms has seen its yields increase for corn and soybeans through no-till. The farm saves fuel costs because it’s not running as much equipment over the fields, Dunham said.

The farm purchased a tile plow last year and has used that to add drainage tiles to some of its land. That has helped the ground to dry out sooner in the spring for planting and do better at moving water off crops after big storms.

Brian, 31, said the entire farm has embraced no-till and conservation practices. After several years of effort, it is paying off with healthier soils and bigger crops.

“I’m really proud of the effort everyone puts in,” Brian said. “It’s not just one year or one field. It’s a mindset that everyone buys into.”

Brian works closely with his father. Brian’s brother Tim also works part-time on the farm. His full-time job is as a school administrator at Holley.

Richard Dunham, Brian and Tim’s grandfather, remains active on the farm. At one time Richard had the largest hog operation in the state, Kirby said.

Dunham Family Farm now grows corn on 1,000 acres, 700 acres of soybeans, 200 acres of wheat and 100 acres of peas.

The farm is now incorporating precision nutrient management. That involves taking soil tests in the fields and entering those results on a map. A computer records that data and feeds it to GPS systems on farm equipment. Rather than blanketing an entire field with the same amount of fertilizer, precision nutrient management varies the application.

“It is based on need,” Kirby said. “You match the use with the need. That saves the extra fertilizer from becoming run-off.”

Collins and House back overdue Farm Bill

Posted 29 January 2014 at 12:00 am

File photo by Tom Rivers – A dairy cow is pictured last July during the Orleans County 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.

Press release
Congressman Chris Collins

Congressman Chris Collins (R-Clarence) voted in support of the bipartisan Farm Bill this morning.The five-year comprehensive legislation easily passed the House of Representatives, 251 votes to 166, with large support from both Republicans and Democrats.

A member of the House Agriculture Committee, Congressman Collins admits the bill is not perfect, but says it includes real reforms and spending reductions, while removing regulatory barriers for farmers and strengthening America’s safety net. In total, the bill saves $23 billion in mandatory federal spending.

“The bipartisan Farm Bill provides our farmers and producers the certainty they deserve,” said Congressman Collins.

“The bill saves taxpayers billions of dollars, includes historic reform for our dairy policy by repealing outdated programs, and strengthens crop insurance and other protection programs our farmers need.

“And despite the rhetoric, the Farm Bill does not take away Food Stamps from those who are truly eligible,” he said. “Instead, it protects Food Stamp funding by closing loopholes to stop ongoing fraud and abuse.This is not a perfect bill, but it is a bipartisan compromise that addresses many of the critical issues facing our farmers in NY-27 and around the country.”

Specialty Crop Research

Congressman Collins fought for and achieved a significant increase for specialty crop research (boost of more than $200 million between 2012 proposal and today’s bill). The funding finances partnerships between our land-grant universities and farmers to help growers meet new marketplace demands and cultivate new products.This funding is especially essential for the continued growth of New York’s fruit farmers.

Dairy

The Farm Bill includes historic reforms to dairy policy, something the industry has long championed. The controversial Supply Management program has been eliminated and replaced with a new and voluntarily Margin Protection program which provides our dairy farmers with the safeguards they need without imposing government mandated controls.Both milk producers and processors have endorsed this new program and its flexibility will help NY-27’s booming dairy industry continue to grow.

Crop Insurance

The Farm Bill repeals direct payments to farmers and strengthens crop insurance and other risk management tools to protect both taxpayers and farmers when they suffer significant losses.

Beginning Farmer Support

To ensure young people choose agriculture as a career, the Farm Bill supports Beginning Farm Development programs. The bill will provide new farmers with discounted insurance and credit opportunities to help establish their business. With a large segment of America’s farmers and ranchers at or nearing retirement age, the Farm Bill helps encourage young people to enter this challenging and vitally important line of work which is essential to feeding our country and economy.

SNAP (Food Stamp) Reform

The Farm Bill makes the first reforms to SNAP since the bipartisan Welfare reforms of 1996. The bill closes a loophole that automatically enrolled people for Food Stamps when they receive heating assistance from their state government, regardless of their income level. The bill also cracks down on fraud and abuse (illegal immigrants and lotto winners receiving food stamps) and demands outcomes from existing employment training programs.

The New York Farm Bureau and other agricultural advocacy organizations firmly support the bill.The Senate is expected to vote on the measure later this week.

The last Farm Bill was passed in 2008. It expired in September after being extended for one year.

Farm Credit East completes merger with Maine

Posted 3 January 2014 at 12:00 am

Press release, Farm Credit East

BATAVIA – Farm Credit East has merged with Farm Credit of Maine, effective Jan. 1.

The merger received final regulatory approval following stockholder votes of both organizations that overwhelmingly supported the merger. This merger is the culmination of strategic planning initiatives in both associations to sustain growth and customer value for Farm Credit.

Both ACAs are coming off of excellent years and are financially and operationally strong, making this the opportune time for a merger. This strategic opportunity will position Farm Credit in the Northeast for future change and maintain Northeast agriculture’s continued access to global money markets.

“With this merger comes new opportunities that include a tremendous team of Maine employees who will ‘deepen our bench’ in a variety of job areas,” said Bill Lipinski, Farm Credit East CEO. “We will work hard to ensure that significant financial benefits accrue to our expanded family of stockholders in the next several years.”

The merged association will create the opportunity for enhanced earnings, portfolio diversification and a stronger capital base. It will also offer enhanced member service through an expanded pool of talent and experience.

In 2014, the merged association plans to build on those goals as well as move forward on other positive initiatives that provide high-value customer service and expand diversity of stakeholder groups.

Farm Credit has been consolidating in recent years. The former Farm Credit of Western New York merged with First Pioneer Farm Credit in 2010. Farm Credit of WNY served 16 counties with offices in Batavia, Mayville, Hornell and Geneva.

Pioneer served the balance of New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Jersey and eastern New Hampshire.

With the addition of Maine, Farm Credit East now represents all of the Northeast except for Vermont.