By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 28 July 2022 at 2:00 pm
ALBION – The Orleans County Legislature voted on Wednesday to add 278.95 acres to the county-wide agricultural district.
The county has an annual opportunity for landowners to request to be in the ag district. Once every 8 years there is a chance to be removed from the district. (In 2024, the county will send letters to all parcel owners in the district, giving them the chance to either stay or be taken out of the district.)
With the new acreage, the countywide district will go to 117,658.95 acres, about 47 percent of the county’s total land area.
The new additions include 48.20 acres on the north side on Route 31A in Barre, owned by Jesse and Andrea Farwell; 6.90 acres on the northside of West Countyhouse Road in Albion, owned by Jesse and Andrea Farwell; 87.23 acres on the south side of Lime Kiln Road in Barre, owned by Anna Shuknecht (Smith); 100.83 acres near Stillwater and Harris Road intersection in Carlton, on land owned by Tyler Baker; 0.78 acre on Thorpe Road in Barre, on land owned by Rodger Newbauld; 33.70 acres on north side on Route 31, west of Power Line Road in Albion, on land owned by Charles and Joseph Mathes; 0.76 acres and 0.55 acres on Kenyonville Road near Howlett Road in Albion/Gaines.
Last year the enrollment opportunity resulted in 137 acres added to the ag district. In 2019, there were 384 acres included and 116 more in 2018.
Provided photos and information courtesy of Hoag Library
ALBION – The Neal family, owners of Poverty Hill Farms on West Countyhouse Road, brought some of their Holstein and Jersey calves to Hoag Library today as part of the summer reading program.
The top photo shows Bright Hapeman feeding a 2-day old Holstein calf with the help of Kasey Neal.
Jody Neal from Poverty Hill Farms shared information about the calves with the children, who gathered under an outdoor tent by the library. He talked about different breeds they have on the farm, how much they eat, weight, and how much milk cows can produce.
Matthew Bloom in yellow shirt is petting the 7-month Jersey calf with some assistance by Addy Neal. Her brother Zachary Neal, left, also offered pointers.
The Neal farm is part of the Upstate Niagara Co-Op and brought a cheese snack for the kids to show them how milk from the cows on their farm goes to their home.
Photo by Don Pollard/Office of Governor: Kathy Hochul visits the Long Island Farm Brewery today as part of her first stop on a tour and roundtable discussion the future of farming in New York.
Governor Kathy Hochul today launched a statewide listening tour on the future of farming in New York State. A series of listening sessions will allow the State to hear directly from farmers about their priorities in addressing climate, workforce, and economic challenges, and will help inform the State’s federal priorities for critical funding and policy changes in the areas of agriculture, nutrition, and the environment.
Kicking off the listening tour, Governor Hochul visited Bruno Farm in Suffolk County and held a roundtable session with stakeholders at Long Island Farm Brewery/Water Drinker Family Farm to hear from farmers about their successes and concerns. The Governor and Lieutenant Governor will be continuing the tours across the state in the coming months, in conjunction with listening sessions held by Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball, with several stops scheduled to ensure that the farming community statewide has a chance to make their voices heard.
“New York’s agricultural industry is essential to our economy, our communities, and our way of life, and we want to make sure we put a special emphasis on farms as we continue to recover from the pandemic,” Hochul said. “Our farms have always been here for us, and we need to be there for them, and these listening sessions will help us navigate the challenges and opportunities in the agricultural community.”
The statewide listening tour provides an opportunity for state officials and agricultural industry leaders to engage with and hear from constituents about the importance of the 2023 Farm Bill to New York State, and how it will help to grow and sustain New York farms.
Hosted jointly by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) and fellow state agencies, the tour began in Riverhead, Suffolk County today at Suffolk County Community College. Commissioner Ball was joined by New York State Department of Health Executive Deputy Commissioner Dr. Eugene Heslin and New York Farm Bureau representatives.
The second session is scheduled for Binghamton, Broome County on Monday, July 25 at 1 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County. Commissioner Ball will be joined by state partners, Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Donna Lupardo, and representatives from New York Farm Bureau. Participants can RSVP for the Binghamton session by emailing FarmBill@agriculture.ny.gov.
Additional sessions held across the state will be announced in the coming weeks. Written comments can be submitted to FarmBill@agriculture.ny.gov.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Farm Bill has a tremendous impact on all sectors of our agricultural community here in New York State, and we want to hear from our partners and stakeholders about what is important to them. As we in Albany prepare to advocate for our farmers during this upcoming Farm Bill season, we take the comments we hear very seriously and will use them to inform our policy priorities. I encourage everyone to join us at one of the sessions announced today or join us for the remainder of the summer and into the fall as we travel across our great state to hear from you.”
Feedback gathered during the tour will be provided to help develop New York State’s policy agenda on the future of farming as well as the state’s priorities for critical funding and policy changes during the 2023 Farm Bill renewal conversations.
The Farm Bill is an omnibus, multi-year law that governs an array of agricultural and food programs. The most recent Farm Bill, the Agricultural Act of 2018, expires at the beginning of 2023.
Key areas impacted by the Farm Bill and to be discussed during the listening sessions include agriculture research, animal disease, conservation and climate resilience, cyber security, food safety, hemp, invasive species, local food systems, Specialty Crop Block Grants, and trade promotion.
New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “The Farm Bill provides critical funding for a number of essential programs that farmers depend on, including risk management support, conservation assistance, and needed research. We encourage farmers to attend the listening sessions to help the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets prioritize the needs of our diverse agricultural community. New York Farm Bureau thanks Commissioner Richard Ball and his team for hosting the listening tour to hear first-hand what our farmers value in the Farm Bill.”
Agriculture is a major driver of the New York State economy and just over a quarter of New York State’s land mass, or 7 million acres, is dedicated to farmland. Nearly 33,000 family farms produce some of the world’s best food with the State ranking in the top 10 in 30 different commodities that support its communities.
New York is the largest producer of cottage cheese, sour cream, and yogurt in the United States; The State ranks second in maple syrup, apples, and cabbage; third in grapes; and fourth in floriculture. It also ranks fifth in green peas, squash, and milk production, which is the largest segment of the state’s agricultural sector. Nearly 3,500 dairy farmers produce 15.5 billion pounds of milk annually in New York State.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 29 June 2022 at 9:13 am
6 celebrated for earning American citizenship in program through BOCES, World Life Institute
Photos by Tom Rivers
WATERPORT – Natalia Torres, right, is congratulated for earning her American citizenship. She was part of a recognition ceremony on Tuesday evening at the World Life Institute on Stillwater Road.
Torres is congratulated by WLI director Dr. Linda Redfield Shakoor, and ESL teachers Monica Beck, back left, and Malvy Rivera.
Six WLI students in the past year earned their American citizenship including Torres, Carina Diaz, Paula Hernandez, Damaris Olivaras, Silvia Rosario and Alejandro Marmelojo.
Carina Diaz walks up to be recognized as a new American citizen. WLI has now had 40 students earn their citizenship in the past two decades in a preparation program run through the Orleans/Niagara BOCES.
The citizenship ceremonies used to be held in the federal courthouse in Buffalo but they have been cancelled at that location since Covid-19. WLI leaders wanted to recognize the new citizens during the recognition program on Tuesday.
All of WLI students who have taken the citizenship test have passed. No one has ever failed from the program, Redfield said.
“It’s your hard work,” she told the students. “We’re just guiding you.”
The new citizens – Carina Diaz and Natalia Torres – are recognized while Martin Rosario, an American citizen, serves as the flag bearer and holds the American flag.
The group recited the pledge of allegiance and sang, “America the Beautiful.”
World Life Institute and O/N BOCES also presented certificates for “outstanding achievement in English” to students. Most of the students work at local farms and other agricultural businesses. The students recognized on Tuesday are from Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Italy and Mexico.
The students were praised for spending about 15 to 20 hours a week learning English while juggling full-time jobs and often young families.
“How they fit it all in is beyond me,” said Deborah Wilson, one of the teachers in the program. “The students are so awesome to keep progressing every year.”
Many of the students have been in the program for several years. Wilson said many couldn’t read or write in English and have advanced to a high school level after a few years.
This trio – Juan Gomez-Ojeda, Jorge Jimenez and Humberto Velasco – was recognized for their achievement in English. The WLI runs several classes at the school. The program draws students from Waterport, Albion, Barker, Oakfield, Batavia and Elba.
Dr. Clark Godshall, BOCES superintendent, commended the group for their commitment to learning. He said “it’s a continuing journey” to keep gaining skills.
“I am most proud of you,” he told the students.
Susan Diemert, a BOCES literacy specialist, has been with the program for more than 20 years. She praised Redfield and the WLI staff for their dedication to the students. Diemert encouraged the group to consider other programs at BOCES, including nursing and any of the building trades.
“It could help you move along in a different direction in life if you so choose,” she said.
The students and new citizens were recognized in an outdoor ceremony next to the school on Stillwater Road. The WLI built the school in 1997. Besides ESL classes, the school hosts art and pottery programs for its students.
Jose Iniguez addresses the students and new citizens. He started as an apple picker at age 15. He remembers back in 1994 when Redfield would come to a labor camp on Densmore Road in Albion, teaching English. Iniguez took her classes, and eventually became an American citizen. He now is co-owner of a large apple farm based on Stillwater Road.
Iniguez, 47, urged the students to keep pushing themselves in advancing their English skills. He encouraged them to follow their dream. For him, the dream has been to be a farmer growing apples.
“Please keep doing this,” he said about taking the English classes. “Don’t stop.”
‘The dairy industry is in need of workers, this bootcamp is the perfect opportunity for someone who is on the search for a well-paying and debt-free start to their career.’
Press Release, Genesee County Economic Development Center
Editor’s Note: An earlier version of this article said the program was limited to Genesee County high school graduates, but it is open to those outside Genesee as well.
BATAVIA – Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences will be hosting a free three-day dairy processing bootcamp at the Genesee Valley BOCES from June 28 through June 30 for local high school students including those outside Genesee County.
The program is designed for career-ready individuals seeking opportunities in the dairy manufacturing and dairy processing industries. The program starts each day at 8 a.m. and concludes at 3:30 p.m.
The Genesee County Economic Development Center and the Workforce Development Institute provided the funding for the program. The bootcamp program will connect high school graduates with local manufacturers such as HP Hood, O-AT-KA Milk Products and Upstate Milk Cooperative in Batavia, and Yancey’s Fancy in Pembroke.
“This is a tremendous opportunity for our local high school graduates to get on a successful career pathway without having to immediately go to college and perhaps avoid incurring student loan debt,” said Chris Suozzi, Vice President of Business & Workforce Development at the GCEDC. “The participants will be receiving top tier instruction from Cornell University which will include hands-on training simulation experience, plant tours and more.”
There are currently over 100 available dairy manufacturing and dairy processing positions at these Genesee County businesses with average starting salaries of approximately $20 per hour. Human resource representatives from the various companies will be on hand to explain career path options, job duties and the application process.
“We have instructors with years of experience in the dairy field and bring an extensive amount of knowledge to this program,” said Cornell Dairy Processing & Marketing Specialist, Anika Zuber Gianforte. “The dairy industry is in need of workers, this bootcamp is the perfect opportunity for someone who is on the search for a well-paying and debt-free start to their career.”
To register for the upcoming Cornell in High School Dairy Processing Bootcamp, click here.
Students must be at least 18 years old and have a high school degree to participate. Additional information is available at gcedc.com/workforceprograms.
USDA wants to hear from operations with at least $1,000 in revenue
Photo by Tom Rivers: A tractor heads down Main Street in Medina on Saturday morning.
Press Release, National Agricultural Statistics Service
WASHINGTON — Agriculture producers who did not receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture and do not receive other USDA surveys or censuses have until June 30 to sign up to receive the 2022 Census of Agriculture at nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.
USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will mail ag census survey codes for responding securely online to every known U.S. producer this November. Hard copy questionnaires will follow in December.
The ag census, conducted for over 180 years, remains the only source of comprehensive and impartial agricultural data for every state and county in the nation. It includes every operation – large or small, urban or rural – from which $1,000 or more of agricultural products are produced and sold, or would normally be produced and sold, in the ag census year.
“The Census of Agriculture is a collective voice that tells the story and value of American agriculture. The data influence action and inform policy and program decisions that directly impact producers, their operations, and everyone they touch – and that’s all of us,” said Barbara Rater, NASS Census and Survey Division director. “This is why a complete count, with every producer getting and taking the opportunity to be represented in these data, is so important.”
On the NASS webpage, producers can also access frequently asked questions, explore past and current ag census data, access tools to help spread the word about the upcoming ag census, learn about ag census special studies, and more.
NASS builds its distribution list for every Census of Agriculture between and during ag census years through the official sign-up webpage and multiple National Agricultural Classification Surveys. To learn more about the 2022 Census of Agriculture, visit nass.usda.gov/AgCensus.
Editor’s Note: In Orleans County, farm products sold for $155.3 million in 2017, the 14th most among NY’s 62 counties, according to the last Ag Census. That was up 3.3 percent over 5 years from the $150.3 million in 2012 for sales of fruit, vegetables, milk, livestock and other farm products. The 2012 figure was a 48.8 percent jump from the $101.0 million recorded in 2007, according to the Agricultural Census.
Press Release, New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets
File photo by Tom Rivers: These turkeys were part of the 2014 meat auction at the 4-H Fair in Knowlesville.
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball on Friday announced the end of the bans on live poultry shows, exhibitions, auctions, sales, meets, and swaps in New York State.
The Department had previously issued the bans on March 25 and April 14 as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) spread across the United States, including detections in New York State.
The decision to lift the bans comes as cases decrease nationwide, including in New York State, which has not had a detection of HPAI in nearly two months. Additionally, as the state enters agricultural fair season, phylogenetic studies have shown that the majority of flocks affected in the current outbreak were infected by introductions from wild birds, rather than by farm-to-farm transmission, lending additional confidence to the decision to allow comingling of poultry again.
“New York has taken an aggressive approach to slowing the spread of avian influenza and it has paid off,” Commissioner Ball said. “With cases decreasing in our state and throughout the country, as well as new data showing very low rates of farm-to-farm transmission of HPAI during the current outbreak, I am confident that it is time to lift the bans on live poultry shows and sales. I thank all of our farmers, suppliers, distributors, and live bird markets for employing excellent biosecurity practices as we continue to monitor the HPAI situation closely, and I commend the Department’s Division of Animal Industry staff, who have worked so hard to keep the cases here in New York State under control.”
To date, eight flocks in New York have tested positive for HPAI, with the last detection in a Fulton County flock on April 6. The Department continues to work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on a joint incident response and is also collaborating with partners at the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation. Additionally, Department officials are conducting extensive outreach to poultry and egg farms across the state to ensure best practices are being implemented.
Commercial and hobby poultry farmers should continue practicing good biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease. The Department encourages all poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, to review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.
Provided photo – From left include Pat McCormick, Board Member of the New York State Farm Bureau; Jim Bittner, President and GM of Bittner-Singer Orchards; Assemblyman Angelo Morinello; Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt; Assemblyman Mike Norris; Janette Miller, President of Niagara County Farm Bureau; and local vegetable and dairy farmer Maureen Torrey.
Posted 20 May 2022 at 4:19 pm
Press Release, State Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt
APPLETON – Senate Republican Leader Rob Ortt, Assemblymembers Mike Norris, Angelo Morinello, and industry stakeholders today called on the Governor and NYS Department of Labor to reject the Farm Laborers Wage Board’s recommendation to reduce the overtime threshold for farms from 60 hours per week to 40 hours per week.
“Our family farms and farmworkers play an incredibly important role in our society. The farming industry is a unique system that works much differently than corporate 9-5 jobs,” Ortt said. “This burdensome mandate will cause farms to go under, cut worker’s hours, and jeopardize the future of New York’s agriculture industry — adding to the exodus of people leaving our state. The Governor and NYS Department of Labor MUST reject this proposal for the future of our farms and economy. Bittner Singer Orchards is one of the many farms that fear the effects of lowering the overtime threshold. I’ve traveled across the district and heard the concerns of our farmers. I will continue to be their voice in Albany and advocate for the ones who know what’s best for our farms: our farmers and farm workers.”
In January, the Farm Laborers Wage Board recommended the reduction of the overtime threshold for farm laborers. Ortt called out the disastrous decision by the unelected Albany bureaucrats as “jeopardizing the future of New York’s agriculture industry.”
Several Economic Development and Business Organizations have come out and urged the Governor to maintain the 60-hour overtime threshold, including the Grow NY Farms Coalition, the Business Council of New York State (BCNYS), the National Federation of Independent Businesses of New York (NFIB), and Upstate United.
For years, Ortt and the Senate Republican Conference have listened to and stood with family farmers and local New York farms and have advocated against burdensome Albany mandates, like the lowering of the overtime threshold. Last year, Ortt and the conference sounded the alarm, multiple times, on the negative effects this policy would have on farmers and farmworkers alike.
“Farms across the state have been besieged by rising costs, including energy prices, various taxes, and rising labor costs as well as the addition of costly mandates from the state leading many farms, particularly small, family-run farms to close, consolidate or downsize operations,” said Assemblyman Mike Norris. “As the Consumer Price Index has risen more than 8 percent in the last year, New Yorkers, like all Americans, are struggling to make ends meet in the face of inflation. Families are having to make tough choices and I, for one, think our nation, and this great state, can do better. We have people who want to work, are willing to work and there’s work to be done. This is not the time to limit hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and ingenuity by putting farmers and farm workers alike out of business.”
“The idea that a week’s work on a farm can be completed within just 40 hours is entirely divorced from the weather-dependent reality of farming, where putting in extra hours is needed to either complete a harvest or save crops from the natural threats they face throughout the year,” Hawley said. “If the farm laborer overtime threshold is reduced to 40 hours, it has been projected by Farm Credit East that farmers’ labor costs could rise by as much as 42% over the next several years. Most farms already operate on razor-thin profit margins, so that spike in their expenses is one that could make the difference between maintaining their viability and making the hard decision to shut down their operations,” said Assemblyman Steve Hawley.
“The wage board process has been a frustrating one,” said Jim Bittner, President and General Manager of Operation at Bittner-Singer Orchards. “The farm community had an uphill battle going in, but at the same time we had hoped that the Department of Labor would at least listen to the people who actually farm and our employees. But in the end, all of that testimony fell on deaf ears. The Department of Labor did not even play all the submitted videos from both farmers and farmworkers nor take any time to deliberate or review all of the submitted material before making a recommendation. Most importantly, testimony highlighted how farmworkers are concerned about losing hours and income, said they would have to get a second job or look for jobs on farms out of state. The very people the policy claims to help, will lose in the end.”
“We appreciate the recently enacted overtime tax credit for farmers in this year’s state budget. It is clear, however, from the wage board hearings that farm workers and farmers alike believe the current overtime threshold works. Farmers and farmworkers are key to food security in New York State especially as we continue to see negative impacts from Covid-19 and the economic downturn. Thank you to Senator Ortt and his legislative colleagues for continuing to highlight this critical issue,” said Jeanette Miller, President of Niagara County Farm Bureau.
“We cannot afford these changes. I lost a worker because I had to cut his hours back. I know other farms who have lost workers because they are only allowed to work 60 hours. Lowering the threshold to 40 hours is going to make it harder to find labor in an already tight labor market. The Governor must also remember that farm work is very time sensitive – meaning many of our workers are only here during harvesting time,” said Pat McCormick, a dairy farmer and board member of the New York State Farm Bureau.
Provided photos: This group of students competed in the Niagara-Orleans Regional Envirothon at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
Press Release, Soil & Water Conservation Districts in Orleans and Niagara counties
LEWISTON – Six teams of high school students competed May 5 at the Niagara-Orleans Regional Envirothon held at Bond Lake Park Nature Center in Lewiston.
Teams of five students in grades 9-12 were tested on wildlife, aquatics, forestry, soils/land use, and a current environmental issue. This year’s current issue was “Waste to Resources” – bringing to light ways to reduce waste and how to continue to do so in the future.
“Envirothon helps students get a hands-on knowledge of our environment and to understand how better to protect and manage the resources around them,” explained Dave Reckahn, Niagara County SWCD Natural Resource Technician.
This group won from Orleans County, representing the Orleans Career and Technical Education Center.
Congratulations to the winning teams, Niagara Career and Technical Education Center and Orleans Career and Technical Education Center. Both teams will move on to represent their county at the NYS Envirothon later this month at Hobart and William Smith Colleges.
“Envirothon is a great environmental competition to get students interested in different aspects of the outdoors” said Scott Collins, Niagara County SWCD RAP Coordinator and former Envirothon winner.
The Niagara-Orleans Regional Envirothon is a yearly event coordinated by the Soil and Water Conservation Districts of Niagara and Orleans counties. Essential support is provided by schools and community advisors, as well as local specialists in each field.
A special thank you to the event’s sponsors GM Foundation, NewRoyal Orchards and Orleans Poverty Hill Farm.
To participate next year please reach out to our offices at 716-434-4949 ext. 4 for Niagara County students and 585-589-5959 ext. 5 for Orleans County students.
This is the winning Niagara County team from Niagara Career and Technical Education Center.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 May 2022 at 9:13 pm
Photos by Tom Rivers
ALBION – Albion FFA members Alyson Knaak, left, holds a piglet named “Porkchop” and Jamie Penna holds “Bacon” during today’s Albion FFA Mini Farm Day.
Several hundred elementary students stopped by the FFA shop to see the farm animals and tractors in the parking lot.
“This is the most fun we have,” Knaak said.
Scott Oldenburg, the agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, said the students look forward to the Mini Farm Day.
“It’s the Albion FFA giving back to the elementary kids and educating them about the different animals on a farm,” he said.
Max Bentley shows this class of third graders a John Deere track tractor that was brought to the school by Panek Farms.
This dairy calf named “Jelly Bean” was brought to the Mini Farm Day by FFA member Samantha Basinait, who also brought an 1,100-pound Hereford steer.
Jeffrey Brown introduces students to Theo, a 5-year-old Norwegian Elkhound that loves bread, walks, bones, treats and belly scratches. The dog hates thunder, Jeffrey said.
Simon Ellison holds a Harklen cross rabbit. He is joined by Leah Pritchard, who introduced the students to a goat named Matilda in the pen.
Aiden Brien shows the class a Case IH speed tiller made available by Mathes Farms.
Taylor Soule holds a 3-legged goat named Jack that was very popular with this group of third-graders.
Austin Narburgh of the Albion FFA sent in this drone photo of the livestock area and tractors in the parking lot from the Mini Farm Day.
Photos courtesy of Orleans County CCE: Master Gardener volunteers sorted seeds to fill the Seed Banks back in March.
Posted 2 May 2022 at 3:02 pm
Press Release, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Orleans County
The Seed Bank at Lee-Whedon Library is stocked and available to the public. Seed Banks will be available at the other county libraries after May 9.
KNOWLESVILLE – Local libraries will soon house Orleans County CCE’s Seed Banks for the first time since 2019.
The program was a huge success in its inaugural year, with educational classes and free seeds offered to the public at Orleans County libraries.
Orleans CCE has not been able to offer the program the past two years because of a lack of supplies. But thanks to a donation last fall, and the dedicated support of the Master Gardener program, the Seed Back project is back for the 2022 season!
The Seed Banks consist of a small chest of drawers that contain various fruit and vegetable seeds available free to the public while supplies last.
“We had to refill those little drawers so many times the first time we offered the Seed Bank program!” said Katie Oakes, Horticulture Educator at Orleans County CCE and coordinator of the Master Gardener adult volunteer program. “We had so many new gardeners emerge from pandemic eager to try growing their own food at home, and we just are so happy we can help support them by getting seeds into their hands at no cost.”
The Seed Bank program launched in Medina last week at the Lee-Whedon Memorial Library with a “Read and Seed” seed starting class led by Oakes and Master Gardener volunteers Mark Tucker and Melissa Greean.
The class highlighted best practices in starting seeds at home, as well as how to transition seedlings to the outdoor environment when weather conditions are right. Participants were able to browse the free seeds in the Seed Banks as well as try their hand at “Soil Blocking,” an innovative technique in planting seeds that reduces waste and produces stronger transplants.
“I like starting plants from seeds because it allows me to choose what I will grow,” said Tucker, a Master Gardener since 2019. “There are so many amazing plants that cannot be found at local nurseries. The chance to try foods that would normally be too expensive or in short supply is an added plus. The Seed Bank project provides a chance for people to try, at no cost, growing items such as herbs, vegetables and flowers.”
Photo courtesy of Lee-Whedon Memorial Library: Katie Oakes and Master Gardener Mark Tucker demonstrate how a Soil Blocker works.
Growing food at home can offer many different benefits aside from just fresh produce. Research shows that gardening can provide beneficial physical exercise, stress relief and emotional support, cost savings, and much more.
“One successful plant is usually worth more than the cost of a packet of seeds, so there is a real opportunity to stretch the food budget,” Tucker said. “These Seed Banks provide a potential source of food at little to no cost, and when combined with local supports, such as Master Gardeners, can almost guarantee success.”
There will be an additional seed starting class called “Seeds, Seeds, Seeds!” offered at the Hoag Library on Monday, May 9, at 6 p.m. Following that class, the Seed Banks will be available to the public at all four libraries within the county – Lee Whedon in Medina, Hoag Library in Albion, Yates Community Library in Lyndonville, and the Community Free Library in Holley. In addition to the small chest of drawers containing food crop seeds, each library will have a flower pot with a large selection of free flower seeds. Free seeds will also be available at the Orleans County CCE office building – inside the “Buzz Hill” Education Center and in the Free Library Box outside in the Honor Garden in front of the CCE building. Seeds are available only while supplies last.
For information on starting seeds at home, vegetable gardening, or any other general gardening questions, contact the Master Gardeners or Katie Oakes at 585-798-4265 or klo54@cornell.edu.
The Seed Banks will be accompanied with large flower pots full of various free flower seeds.
By Tom Rivers, Editor Posted 6 April 2022 at 11:43 am
Orleans County has its first confirmed case of the avian influenza. It was detected in a backyard flock, said Robert Batt, executive director of the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Orleans County.
There are no other details about what type of bird, how many tested positive and the location.
The state Department of Agriculture and Markets on March 25 announced the spread of avian influenza among fowl and said it would ban all live shows and exhibitions in the state with chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese.
The state will reassess the status of the ban in May, at which time the Extension will be able to determine if fowl will be included the annual 4-H Fair in late July.
The current outbreak of avian flu is rapidly expanding nationwide, Ag and Markets said on March 25. It has also been detected among snow geese and wild ducks.
“People can still protect their flocks by getting them under cover and avoiding outside contamination,” Batt said. “There’s a possibility of prevention with some urgency and diligence.”
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, these recent avian flu detections in birds do not present an immediate public health concern. No human cases of these avian influenza viruses have been found in the United States.
Ag and Markets advised commercial and hobby poultry farmers to increase their biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease. Poultry owners should keep their birds away from wild ducks and geese and their droppings. Outdoor access for poultry should be limited at this time.
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27) joined 96 colleagues in calling on President Biden to reverse his anti-American energy policies and take steps to bring down the cost of fertilizers for farmers.
“Most common fertilizers are petroleum-based,” Jacobs said. “With prices skyrocketing and foreign supplies becoming less accessible, it is critical action is taken to bring down fertilizer costs for farmers.
“Farmers are struggling under increased fuel costs, labor shortages, and inflationary pressures on inputs. If we do not act now, it could spell even higher prices for American consumers. The President could take immediate steps to bring prices down across the board.
“His policies have been destructive to the U.S. energy industry, and in turn, our farmers. The President must allow for increased U.S. oil and gas production, take steps to allow for easier access to alternative fertilizers, and ensure critical minerals are made part of the Department of Interior’s mission.”
Recently, Jacobs also co-sponsored numerous pieces of legislation designed to restore American energy independence and bring fuel costs down for farmers and the American people as a whole.
“Farming is an industry of incredibly narrow margins – any action the President can take immediately to lower the inflationary pressures facing our farmers, in large part due to his bad policies, must be a priority,” Jacobs said.
The full text of the representatives’ letter to President Biden:
Dear Mr. President:
We are writing to express our serious concern regarding record-high fertilizer prices impacting American farmers going into the spring planting season. Fertilizer is a primary input and major expense for producers across the country, and price increases will have a significant effect on farm profitability and the prices of food and consumer products.
Since January 2021, according to the most recent data from the United States Department of Agriculture, the prices of key fertilizer sources have substantially increased as follows: anhydrous ammonia (by 203%); urea (by 141%); liquid nitrogen (by 162%); monoammonium phosphate (by 74%); potash (by 125%); and farm diesel (by 95%). Ongoing supply-chain bottlenecks and the rising cost of energy are among the factors sending fertilizer prices soaring, and disruptions stemming from Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will only compound the problem. As a result, Americans will pay more at restaurants, grocery stores, and elsewhere.
We are therefore urging your administration to review all available options to lower the cost of fertilizer, including but not limited to: eliminating the cross-border vaccine mandate for transporters of essential commerce; urging the USDA to use its existing authorities under the food supply chain and pandemic response resources to provide support for farmers facing financial difficulties; ensuring agricultural minerals like phosphate and potash are part of the Department of the Interior’s crucial mission; increasing U.S. gas production; and approving pending export permits at the Department of Energy for liquefied natural gas.
Quickly undertaking such measures is the most immediate – and perhaps only – near-term opportunity to partially remedy the high costs of fertilizer hurting American farmers and, ultimately, American consumers. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Provided photo: Congressman Chris Jacobs, center, is joined by Assemblyman Steve Hawley, left, and State Sen. Ed Rath today at the Oakfield Community Center.
OAKFIELD – Congressman Chris Jacobs (NY-27), State Senator Ed Rath (R,C,I – Amherst), and State Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) held a press conference this morning to call on Governor Hochul to reject the NYS Farm Laborers Wage Board’s decision to lower the overtime threshold from 60 hours a week to 40 hours.
“Farming is already a business suffering from labor shortages with incredibly tight margins, if the Governor were to accept this decision it would have disastrous impacts on the viability of agriculture in our state and the security of our rural economies,” Jacobs said. “Lowering the threshold would force producers and workers out of our state, and bankrupt generation family farms. I urge the Governor to reject this decision – made at the expense of our farmers – our region’s future prosperity depends on it.”
“The decision by the Farm Laborers Wage Board to lower overtime hours from 60 to 40 hours is fatal to our farms. As the largest industry in New York, agriculture is a vital part of our Upstate community. With this overtime change, many family farms will not survive. I have spoken with countless farmers and farmworkers who have shared their concerns with this hour reduction. I remain deeply troubled by this decision and the impact it will have, not only in my district but across our State,” Rath said.
“Our state’s agri-businesses and rural communities are staring down the edge of a cliff as they eagerly wait to see whether Gov. Hochul will stand up for them, or for the special interests who’ve been pushing this policy through the bureaucratic process,” Hawley said. “Farmers, lawmakers, farm laborers and experts alike have made clear the devastating consequences this decision will have on agriculture. In this moment, Gov. Hochul has the power to save agriculture in New York state, or put it down a path that will cause it to become something completely unrecognizable. Having represented a rural part of upstate New York in Congress, I sincerely hope she understands how dangerous this decision would be not just for farmers, but for rural communities throughout the state.”
Jacobs recently joined the New York Republican Congressional Delegation in sending a letter to Governor Hochul outlining the disastrous impacts of this recommendation from the wage board and urging her to reject it.
Photo from Genesee County Economic Development Center: This photo shows the land for La Fermière's new 45,000 square-foot yogurt and dairy desserts production facility at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia.
Posted 16 March 2022 at 12:31 pm
Press Release, Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Office
BATAVIA – Governor Kathy Hochul today announced that La Fermière, a family-owned French yogurt and desserts company, will establish its U.S. production operations in New York State.
The company has committed to constructing a 45,000 square-foot yogurt and dairy desserts production facility at Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia, with plans for future, additional expansion. As a result, La Fermière, expects to create up to 135 New Jobs in the region.
Additionally, the company will utilize millions of pounds of milk provided by New York dairy farmers to create its globally renowned dairy products. Agribusiness is a core pillar of the locally designed Finger Lakes Forward plan, a comprehensive plan that is working to revitalize and grow the regional economy.
“We’re proud to welcome La Fermière to Genesee County, bringing jobs and opportunity to the Finger Lakes region,” Governor Hochul said. “This investment shows that our bold economic recovery plan for the Finger Lakes is working, attracting new businesses and helping communities across the region grow and thrive.”
Founded in Marseille, France in 1952, the company was purchased by Groupe Tarpinian in 2002. In the mid to late 2010’s, La Fermière began working with a New York state based co-packer in an effort to bring its sustainably packaged French yogurt to the U.S. market. The company had considered site locations throughout the country for its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility but selected New York, thanks to the focused support from both the State and its regional economic development partners.
“We are very excited to launch this project of building our very first yogurt and dessert production facility in Batavia, New York,” said La Fermière President and CEO Jean-Jacques Tarpinian. “The great support of the state and GCEDC team really helped us in our decision. The Batavia site meets our main requirements for success: quality milk and large cream supply, logistics hub and work force availability. Being close to local farmers, at the heart of milk production, was key for us, as we will use up to 6 million gallons of milk every year. Our five-year presence in the U.S. market expanded beyond our expectations. This state-of-the art facility will help us achieve our very ambitious goal in the U.S. market, which offers large opportunities by manufacturing the best all natural yogurts and desserts, with innovative recipes and process.”
Steven G. Hyde, President and Chief Executive Officer for Genesee County Economic Development Center said, “La Fermière’s decision to locate their U.S. operations in Genesee County demonstrates that investing in shovel-ready sites like the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park draws great companies to New York. We are excited to work with La Fermière to see this project to success as we continue to grow our food and beverage-manufacturing workforce. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, businesses are finding the right sites and ready communities in New York for their growth.”
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “We are proud to welcome La Fermière to New York State as they expand their business in Genesee County, a major win for dairy in New York State. By choosing New York, La Fermière has highlighted the strength and diversity of our state’s dairy industry, which continues to attract new businesses and produce delicious, world-class dairy products for all to enjoy. Having La Fermière’s U.S. production facility located in New York will create new jobs and increase demand for New York dairy farmers’ milk, which is certainly a win-win for our dairy farmers and our communities. We look forward to partnering with La Fermière as they put down roots here and look forward to the continued success and expansion of the Genesee Valley Agribusiness Park.”
Assemblyman Steve Hawley said, “The arrival of La Fermière into the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park in Batavia is another sign that our region is truly a burgeoning agri-business hotspot within New York State. The Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park’s ability to enable manufacturers to make use of our high quality, local dairy has helped springboard our rural economy into the next generation, getting more of our farmer’s product into grocery stores nationwide and providing jobs to our highly skilled workforce. It’s been an incredible asset to the development of our rural economy, and its success is a testament to the quality of what our farmers are able to offer to companies seeking to produce specialty products at a massive scale.”
Genesee County Legislature Chair Shelley Stein said, “Thank you to Governor Hochul for guiding La Fermière to Genesee County and building another opportunity for great careers for our youth. La Fermière, and recent investments by O-AT-KA Milk Products, Dairy Farmers of America, HP Hood, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, and Yancey’s Fancy show that Genesee County is the ideal place for dairy processing growth. These investments have a tremendous positive impact for our farm families, highly skilled and dedicated farm workers, robust agricultural economy and welcoming communities.”
