Grassroots
www.nyfb.org the voice of new york agriculture® July 2016
NYFB Defends Farms in Labor Lawsuit
New York Farm Bureau seeks
to intervene in the farm labor
lawsuit filed against the State of
New York and Governor Cuomo.
NYFB has filed a motion in the
State Supreme Court of Albany
County to gain intervenor status
in a lawsuit filed by the New York
Civil Liberties Union Foundation
(NYCLUF). The NYCLUF seeks
to create a constitutional right
for farmworkers to collectively
bargain. The ultimate goal of
NYFB is for the court to dismiss the
lawsuit. NYFB is taking this major step to
defend farmers, who feel they have
been abandoned by the Governor
and the New York Attorney
General. Both leaders have made
public statements supporting the
lawsuit and refusing to defend
state law, despite its importance
to agriculture in New York State.
NYFB believes it has the right to
Ag Groups Ask Governor to Stand Up for Farms
By Kelly Young and Steve Ammerman
Led by New York Farm
Bureau, a broad group of 18 farm
organizations, cooperatives and
related businesses joined together
last month to express their
disappointment in Gov. Andrew
Cuomo.
They were greatly concerned
about his decision to abandon
farm families across the state
by not defending the state’s
labor laws against the New York
Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU)
constitutional lawsuit that is
pushing for collective bargaining
rights for farmworkers. The
agricultural coalition sent him
a letter on June 6 addressing its
concerns and strongly urged
the governor to reconsider his
position.
The letter recognized the
partnerships with the Governor’s
administration over the past
six years to promote economic
development
in
agriculture.
However, his public statements
regarding the lawsuit and state
labor law raise significant issues
about his lack of defense of
farms in this state. The letter
noted the misguided credence his
support gives to the insulting and
disparaging remarks made in the
lawsuit.
“This is unfortunate because
you have seen first-hand farm
owners working alongside their
employees,” the letter to the
governor states. “You are also
aware of the added benefits that
intervene because the interest of its
members will not be represented by
the defendants — the Governor and
Attorney General — and the ability
of the organization’s members to
continue to produce food for New
York residents would be harmed in
the event the plaintiffs prevail in
this action. The motion reads, “Farm Bureau
is uniquely situated to represent the
varied perspectives of its member
farms and to zealously defend the
[email protected] [email protected]
Continued on page 28
Continued on page 28
American Farm Bureau President Tours New York
By Steve Ammerman
[email protected]
When people are not from
the Northeast, they often have a
misconception of what rural life is
like in New York. They tend to think
of New York City, but overlook the
vast amount of farmland that is
some of the finest in America.
Many people have no idea of
the dairy or beef production,
the orchards and vineyards, the
diversity in vegetable production
or even the maple and equine
operations that dot the countryside
in our great state. Farming is
vitally important to the rural
economies in New York, and that
is why the president of American
Farm Bureau Federation spent
a few days earlier this summer
to get a first-hand look at what is
happening here, so he can spread
the news.
President Zippy Duvall was
elected to his new position in
January after previously serving
as president of Georgia Farm
Bureau. He has a poultry and beef
operation in his home state, but
now spends much of his time in
Washington, D.C. and traveling the
country to learn more about the
issues affecting farmers.
This was his first real foray into
New York agriculture, and he dove
in head first. His tour took him
throughout central New York and
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall (right) stops in Broome County during his visit to New York. NYFB President Dean Norton (left) and Broome County Farm Bureau President David Johnson (center) pose for a photo
with the rock that marks the location of the former Quinn Farm, the site of the first Farm Bureau which was started in
Broome County New York in 1911. the Finger Lakes, into the Southern
Tier and across to the western part
of the state.
“All the issues may be the same
across the country, but they may
affect us so differently in the
regions,” said AFBF President
Duvall. “And everyone has a story
to tell how that affects them in
their region. It is important for me
to know that first hand.”
With New York Farm Bureau
President, Dean Norton, as his
guide, the pair kicked things off
with a roundtable discussion with
North Country winery owners
where they discussed trade and
border issues. He had dinner with
county Farm Bureau leaders from
throughout New York at Beak
Grain Bin Safety at EFD
Page 16
and Skiff Orchards in Onondaga
County. The farmers were able to
then tell stories of problems with
regulations, the impact of the $15
minimum wage in New York and
concerns about food labeling.
His tour took him through
Cornell University where he met
Continued on page 20
Poultry Ban Lifted
Page 2
Page 2 Grassroots July 2016
State Lifts Ban on Poultry
Competitions, Exhibits at Fairs
ALBANY — State Agriculture
Commissioner Richard A. Ball has
announced the end of the ban on all
live fowl competitions and exhibits
at the Great New York State Fair
and at all county fairs in New York.
The Department had issued the
ban in May 2015 to prevent the spread
of strains of highly pathogenic
avian influenza (HPAI), which killed
millions of birds across the country
in 2014-15 and was confirmed by the
U.S. Department of Agriculture
(USDA) as being the worst outbreak
of HPAI in U.S. history. The Great New York State Fair is
currently accepting entries for its
poultry competitions and exhibits. In 2014, approximately 1,200 poultry
and pigeons were brought to the
Fair for various competitions and
exhibits.
The ban also has been lifted for
all chartered county fairs and youth
fairs in New York State.
There are 45 county fairs and
six youth shows for the fair season,
which runs from June through
October. The first poultry show to be held
since the ban has been lifted, the
Finger Lakes Feather Club Poultry
Show, took place on June 5 at the
New York State Fairgrounds. For
additional information, please
visit the Great New York State Fair
website at http://nysfair.ny.gov/
event/finger-lakes-feather-clubpoultry-show/.
Because of the potential threat
of HPAI to New York’s poultry
industry, the Department took the
following steps to prevent its spread
in New York State: • Took part in an emergency
preparedness exercise to ensure
a coordinated response to protect
New York’s poultry industry;
• Announced new regulations
restricting the movement of poultry
into New York;
• Released several fact sheets
to provide information on best
practices farmers and visitors can
use to avoid carrying the virus into
or out of farms; and • New York joined several states
in banning poultry competitions
and exhibitions at fairs.
In addition, the Department
continues to routinely test poultry
in live bird markets for avian
influenza. In 2015, approximately
35,000 birds in the New York live
bird marketing system were tested
for the disease. Avian influenza outbreaks are
not uncommon, but last year’s
occurrence was particularly deadly
to fowl. It affected nearly 50 million
birds on more than 200 commercial
farms in 15 states and in wild
birds in five additional states in
the West, Midwest and South, and
two Canadian provinces. No cases
associated with the outbreak were
reported in New York. Experts
stress that the HPAI strains seen in
recent years do not threaten human
health.
For more information, please
visit the New York State Department
of Agriculture and Markets website
at www.agriculture.ny.gov.
Grassroots July 2016
NY Animal Agriculture
Coalition Hires
Promotion Director
The
New
York
Animal
Agriculture Coalition has hired
Eileen Jensen as its Director of
Promotion and Outreach.
Jensen brings a lifetime of
experience
and
passion
for
agriculture to this position, which
will aid the farmer-founded, notfor-profit organization advocate for
animal agriculture and the state’s
5,000 dairy farms.
“We are very pleased to welcome
Eileen to NYAAC,” said Dale
Mattoon, Chairman of NYAAC
and dairy farmer from Cayuga
County. “As society becomes
further removed from the farm
and the amount of misinformation
continues to plague the minds of
consumers, the need for advocacy
work in the dairy industry has
never been greater. We are thrilled
to obtain Eileen’s diverse skill set
and enthusiasm to the team.”
Jensen was one of 80 applicants
to apply for the full-time, first of
its kind position with NYAAC. Her
tenure and experience in marketing
and agricultural education, coupled
with her confidence and public
speaking skills made her the top
candidate.
“I am very excited to be relocating
back to New York to join the NYACC
team,” Jensen said. “NYACC is
doing great things for New York
agriculture and I’m looking forward
to collaborating and continuing
the positive momentum into the
future.”
Starting May 16, Jensen began
putting her skills to good use
contributing to the organization’s
blogsite, along with creating content
for its social media pages. She will
be involved extensively with the
organization’s flagship event, the
Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the
New York State Fair, where three
calves are born daily and nearly a
quarter of million people come to
witness the miracle of life. There,
she will serve as a spokesperson
for the exhibit, as well as an event
and volunteer coordinator. Jensen
will also be busy working with the
state’s 5,000 dairy farmers, helping
them be better advocates for their
livelihood through presentations
and trainings, creative materials,
events and more. She also will
aid in fundraising for the newly
Connect
with us!
Like New York Farm
Bureau on Facebook
and stay up to date
with all the latest
NYFB news.
facebook.com/
nyfarmbureau
designated 501(c)3 organization.
Jensen grew up on a dairy
farm in the Finger Lakes, studied
agricultural business at SUNY
Cobleskill and received her masters
in education at Cornell. She has
worked both in the classroom,
educating students, as well as for
large corporations during her
time as an account executive for
two major agricultural advertising
agencies in the Midwest.
NYFB is a member of NYAAC
with board representation in the
organization.
Page 3
Grassroots Page 4 July 2016
The President’s Message
Fighting for Our Rights
Grassroots
July 2016
Grassroots is published monthly by New York
Farm Bureau Member Services, Inc. (159
Wolf Road, P.O. Box 5330, Albany, NY 122050330) as a member service. Subscriptions
are available through New York Farm Bureau
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Road, P.O. Box 5330, Albany, N.Y. 12205-0330.
EDITORS
Jeff Williams
[email protected]
Steve Ammerman
[email protected]
ASSISTANT EDITOR
Jaclyn (Sears) Zaleski
[email protected]
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Times Citizen Communications
[email protected]
NEW YORK FARM BUREAU
MAILING ADDRESS
P.O. Box 5330
Albany, NY 12205
PHONE/WEB SITE
Phone: 1-800-342-4143
Web site: www.nyfb.org
facebook.com/NYFarmBureau
MANAGEMENT
Jeffery Kirby Executive Director
Kevin Cook Member Services
Elizabeth Dribusch Legal Affairs
Scott Keyes Insurance Relations
Fred Perrin Member Relations
Paul McDowell Financial & Info Systems
Sandra Prokop NYFB Foundation
Jeff Williams
Public Policy
NYFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS
President, Dean Norton
Elba, (716) 474-3901
Vice President, Eric Ooms
Old Chatham, (518) 965-4488
District 1, Richard Kimball
Dewittville, 508-965-6400
District 2, Patrick McCormick
Java Center, 716-984-0085
District 3, John Sorbello
Shortsville, (315) 730-2670
District 4, Ashur Terwilliger
Lowman, (607) 733-3957
District 5, Paul Fouts
Cortland, 607-423-6045
District 6, Jacob Schieferstine
Vernon, 315-404-8417
District 7, David Fisher
Madrid, (315) 261-8231
District 8, Dean Casey
Schaghticoke, (518) 796-4874
District 9, Darin Hickling
Edmeston, (607) 267-0703
District 10, Christopher Kelder
Accord, 845-399-3134
District 11, Robert Nolan
Patchogue, (631) 926-8916
Phyllis Couture, Chair,
Promotion and Education Committee
West Valley, (716) 474-8282
Alexandra Wright,
Chair, Young Farmers Committee
518-409-2740
REGIONAL OFFICES
Western NY Resource Center
877-383-7663 or 585-343-3489
Central NY Office
866-995-7300 or 315-252-1367
Eastern NY Office
866-995-7300 or 518-854-7368
Long Island Office
631-727-3777
On Page One: Corn is almost ready to canopy
and growing well in Washington County, New
York.
On July Fourth, the United States marks a major
milestone in our great country’s history. It is the day
we recognize our independence
from tyranny and celebrate the
freedoms we deeply value as
Americans. It is a joyous day full
of fireworks, barbeques, parades
and time spent with family and
friends.
New York Farm Bureau
was largely founded on having
an organization, made up of
farmers, that will stand up for the
same values and freedoms that
we care about. For 105 years, we
have been here, in good times and
bad, to speak out when needed.
Dean Norton
We’ve advocated and educated on
NYFB President
the major issues of the day. Now,
we are at one of those watershed
moments that will define us as a
group. A moment that proves Farm Bureau will defend
farmers when even our public leaders refuse to do so.
It all stems from a New York Civil Liberties Union
lawsuit filed in May that argues farmworkers have
a constitutional right to collectively bargain and
unionize.
The New York City-based group sued the governor
and the State of New York on behalf of a farmworker,
and no sooner was the announcement made, that
Governor Cuomo said he supported the action and
would not defend the state law exemption. The attorney
general quickly followed suit.
New York Farm Bureau was not about to stand idly
by. After careful legal analysis, the Board of Directors
decided we needed to step in and do what our leaders
refuse to do, defend this lawsuit on behalf of farmers,
farmworkers and agricultural partners across this
state. Farm Bureau is seeking intervenor status to
become a party in the case. A judge is scheduled to
take it up later this month, and if approved, we will
immediately file to have the case dismissed based on
court precedent. Every employee is not covered by
Beyond the Fencerows
the constitution. That is myth the other side likes to
spread. The courts have made numerous exemptions
through the years, and we are prepared to offer a full
defense of the law, a full defense of farmers.
While this was a big decision, it was not a hard
decision for the State Board. This is why each of us
got involved in New York Farm Bureau in the first
place. We believe in Farm Bureau as a vehicle to not
only influence public policy that originates from our
grassroots membership, but to also fight when we must.
This is a fight that will not just be waged in the courts,
but in the court of public opinion as well. It pains me to
hear how the activists like to portray our farms. They
like to pretend that things that may have happened a
hundred years ago are common place on farms today.
This is blatantly false and offensive. The NYCLU’s
rhetoric originates in their Manhattan offices, far from
our rural farm fields. I would love to show them around
rural New York State and let them see for themselves
what is happening on family farms. It isn’t the rampant
myths they like to perpetuate.
All of us who farm know that we must take care of
our employees. Abuse of any kind is unacceptable. Plus,
there are a myriad of state and federal laws in place
offering all kinds of protections. However, for Farm
Bureau, imposing factory like rules will only make it
harder and costlier to stay in business. It’s also about
getting together with our agricultural partners so we
all have the right to have employees who we choose and
so we can operate our businesses without interference
from outside entities and labor unions who have no
idea what it takes to put food on their tables three times
a day.
Without our farms, there are no farm jobs and there
is no local food.
I encourage each of you to support the lawsuit in
every way you can. Speak out in public. Contribute
to the NYFB Legal Defense Fund. Highlight the value
you place in your employees. And encourage others to
join Farm Bureau, an organization that has New York
farmers’ backs and stands up for their rights.
May you and your family have a safe and happy
Fourth of July. Let Freedom Ring!
Tide Beginning to Turn on EPA
The Environmental Protection Agency and the
Army Corps of Engineers are finally getting a much
needed check on their runaway
overreach. A unanimous ruling
by the Supreme Court in May
means farmers and ranchers
can take the federal government
to court immediately after
an agency determines it can
regulate part of their property.
This ruling—United States
Army Corps of Engineers v.
Hawkes—is among the most
important court opinions we
have seen. Along with other
groups, including the National
Cattlemen’s Beef Association,
Zippy Duvall
AFBF was proud to contribute
AFBF President
a friend-of-the-court brief in
support of the Hawkes family
and the Pacific Legal Foundation.
Before this ruling, the Army Corps would tell
farmers they had no right to challenge its decision
that it had legal authority over what it had determined
to be “navigable waters” on their land. Landowners
would have to apply for a permit to work their land,
or they could farm without a permit and wait for the
government to sue them.
Either of the government’s
approaches could bankrupt many farmers. Just
applying for a permit takes months or even years, piles
of technical studies and many thousands of dollars in
consultant and legal fees. Many permit applications die
on the vine—neither rejected nor denied by the Corps,
but abandoned by frustrated landowners after years of
delay and requests for more data.
It wasn’t hard for the Justices to see the injustice and
abuse in the government’s approach. Justices Kennedy,
Thomas and Alito did not mince words about the Clean
Water Act, either. They warned it “continues to raise
troubling questions regarding the Government’s power
to cast doubt on the full use and enjoyment of private
property throughout the Nation.” This isn’t news to Farm Bureau: For more than
a decade, we have been battling overreach by both
the Corps and the Environmental Protection Agency,
which share limited jurisdiction under the Clean Water
Act. We weighed in several years ago in the so-called
SWANCC case when the Corps claimed jurisdiction
over any water body (no matter how small and isolated)
where migratory birds might land. The Supreme Court
said no to that scheme. EPA also tried to impose federal
permitting on any livestock farm with the “potential”
to discharge pollution, even if the farm never had
a discharge and even though the law only regulates
“discharges” to waters.
Farm Bureau filed suit together with the pork
industry. The court ruled against the EPA: livestock
farms don’t need a federal permit to operate. But both
EPA and the Corps keep trying to push the boundaries—
to regulate by any means possible, no matter how they
have to stretch logic and the law. Again, Hawkes isn’t
the first time EPA has been caught overstepping its
bounds.
Take, for example, the case of Andy Johnson, a
Wyoming farmer who recently won a long battle with
Continued on page 5
Grassroots July 2016
Page 5
Guest Opinions
New York Corn & Soybean Growers Go to the Fair
With the crops in the ground here
at the New York Corn & Soybean
Growers Association, we splash
into summer looking forward
to seeing the cultivation of the
many projects the New York Corn
& Soybean Growers AssociationSoybean Checkoff has been able to
fund this year.
One of my favorite things about
summer is heading to the fair. I love
the ambience of a good ole country
fair with its tasty temptations,
casual character and furry friends.
It was one of the highlights of my
youth and continues to be today for
myself and my children. It’s with
that spirit that NYCSGA-Soybean
Checkoff brings you NYCSGA Goes
to the Fair.
A borrowed concept from the
Maryland Soybean Board, NYCSGA
Goes to the Fair seeks agricultural
fairs in New York to demonstrate the
benefits of soy-based products such
as biodiesel, cleaning supplies and
building materials by incorporating
these products into their fairs. The
project
encourages
innovative
thinking by fair leadership as
they work to integrate nontraditional solutions into everyday
improvements. Interested parties
Colleen Klein
Executive Director,
N.Y. Corn & Soybean Growers Assn.
should visit www.soybiobased.org
for a list of soy-based products. The
project is quite literally a work in
progress. If you think this concept
fits your fair, reach out to us for
more information.
Speaking of fairs, did you know
the NYCSGA-Soybean Checkoff is
an integral partner in the wildly
successful Dairy Cow Birthing
Center at the New York State Fair?
That’s right. Through the Animal
Agriculture State Support Program
offered
through
the
United
Soybean Board NYCSGA -Soybean
Checkoff designates the New York
Animal Agriculture Coalition as its
livestock promotion organization
of choice for this program. Through
this support system we are able
to provide $50,000 in funding to
support the birthing center.
If you haven’t had the opportunity
to check out this amazing project
brought to fruition by NYAAC’S
Jessica Ziehm, be sure so stop by
the State Fair this year and check
it out. We’re proud to support
our animal agriculture partners
and this exhibit epitomizes that
relationship.
Another new addition to the
NYCSGA-Soybean
Checkoff
portfolio this year is the offering of
scholarships to Biotech University.
This exciting opportunity targets
New York college students interested
in journalism, communications,
public relations, and related
fields. Four students will have the
opportunity to travel to the Walter
Cronkite School of Journalism and
Mass Communication in Phoenix,
AZ, Oct. 27-28 for a two-day hands-
on laboratory experience designed
for them to better understand
biotechnology. With the ever
growing need to address consumer
education in a constructive manner
this program really fits the bill. If
you know an excited, eligible student
ready to tackle this opportunity be
sure to send them in our direction.
Though our eye remains on the
prize, or in the field, so to speak,
summertime brings many great
opportunities for NYCSGA staff,
board members, and Association
members alike to get out into the
public and start those valuable
conversations about what we do.
Volunteers are always welcome as
we travel to the Dutchess County
Fair at the end of August. Being
the closest county fair in proximity
to New York City our presence at
the Dutchess County Fair brings
forth a great opportunity (and
occasional challenge) to educate
the public. Parking a combine on
the site is a great way to get those
conversations rolling. If this or any
other opportunity interests you
feel free to reach out to cklein@
nycornsoy.com. As the say, many
hands make light work. See you at
the fair.
More is Better When it Comes to Fruits and Veggies
Gardens are planted, farmers’
markets are open around the
country and supermarkets are
devoting more space to fresh
produce.
Doesn’t it seem like Americans
are eating more fruit and
vegetables these days? But no, that
isn’t the case. We are eating less,
and it could have serious health
consequences.
Consumer research
released last year by the Produce
for Better Health Foundation found
that per capita consumption of
fruit and vegetables declined by
7 percent over the past five years,
driven primarily by a 7 percent
drop in vegetables and a 14 percent
decline in fruit juice.
If juice is eliminated from the
overall fruit total then there is
only a 2 percent decline in fruit
consumption.
The results were disappointing
even though fruits and vegetables
remain a cornerstone of the
American diet. One conclusion
reached by the study was that “the
core essence of fruit and vegetables
regarding health has lost meaning
in the world of health.” The top
Duvall
Continued from page 4
EPA over an environmentally
friendly stock pond for cattle on
his property. Besides watering
Johnson’s cattle, the pond fostered
wetland grasses and provided
habitat for herons and a stopping
place for the local population of
eagles.
Johnson had a state permit
motivations driving food and
beverage selection at home and
away were ease of planning and
preparation, how filling it is,
preference, cost and taste. The
health connection in food choices
was being lost.
A new medical study, however,
should be an eye-opener to the
health conscious. The study was
not done in the United States or
Europe which makes it unique.
It was a study of how eating fruit
affects heart health in China.
Half a million adults from
across China were enrolled in the
study which tracked their health
for seven years before the findings
were published in the New England
Journal of Medicine. Participants
had no history of cardiovascular
disease
or
antihypertensive
treatments and were screened
for other lifestyle factors. They
did vary in their consumption of
fruit. Overall, only 18 percent of
participants reported consuming
fresh fruit daily as compared with
participants who rarely or never
ate fresh fruit. Almost all reported
eating vegetables daily.
The study concluded that among
Chinese adults, a higher level of
fruit consumption was associated
with lower blood pressure and
blood glucose levels and with
significantly lower risks of major
cardiovascular disease. A 100-gram
portion of fruit per day, which is
only half of a medium-size apple,
was associated with about one-third
less cardiovascular mortality.
These findings mirror similar
studies in the Western world,
but they were more striking in
China where fruit consumption
is low. The senior author of the
medical study said it was difficult
to know with any certainty whether
eating fruit had some kind of
protective effect, but if it did, he
said widespread consumption of
fruit in China could prevent half a
million cardiovascular deaths per
year, and even larger numbers of
strokes and non-fatal heart attacks. The Produce for Better Health
Foundation research concluded that
fruit and vegetable consumption
will increase in the United States
but only in line with population
growth. Per capita consumption
was projected to be flat. Perhaps we
have heard the health and nutrition
messages about eating fruit and
vegetables so often that we are
tuning them out or not responding.
That would be a shame if it were
true. When it comes to fruit and
vegetables, more is better for our
health.
to construct the pond on his
property. But the EPA later claimed
that pond violated federal law. They
threatened him with a daily fine of
$37,500 for failure to follow their
order to remove the pond. Johnson
wasn’t having any of it. He and
attorneys eventually wore down
the EPA. The agency settled out of
court and let the pond stay as it was,
rather than face certain defeat.
Lois Alt, together with the Farm
Bureau, also beat back the EPA.
Regulators insisted she apply for a
Clean Water Act permit for nothing
more than the stormwater that ran
off her well-tended farmyard. And
again, the Army Corps of Engineers
threatened fines of $37,500 a day
if she didn’t comply. It defied
common sense. The courts agreed
and sent the EPA packing.
Farmers
shouldn’t be left in limbo wondering
if regulators can shut down our
farms over an everyday farming
activity. It shouldn’t take a Ph.D. in
hydrology to determine if there’s
“navigable water” on our land.
Opaque,
confusing
and
shockingly expensive regulation
by the Army Corps of Engineers
and EPA has hamstrung farmers’
and ranchers’ ability to work with
and care for the land.
Hawkes,
SWANCC, Johnson and Alt: These
legal battles have won real victories
for private landowners across the
country and for agriculture. We
will continue to work through the
courts and with Congress to control
unlawful overreach by agencies
that seem incapable of self-control.
Stewart Truelsen
Author,
‘Forward Farm Bureau’
Page 6 Grassroots July 2016
From The Field
Fair Weather
in Finger Lakes
Summer is
here and hot
weather
is
with us. It has
been a pretty
good
spring
in the Finger
Lakes area. It
is a little dry
but not too bad
and this good
weather
has
allowed for a
Skip Jensen
good planting
[email protected]
season
and
a good hay
harvest. Farm
Bureau members are always
busy operating their own farms
and helping with Farm Bureau
business both locally and statewide.
The members of the six counties in
Region 3 are no exception. They do
a great job representing their own
county members and can be proud
of the way the work for agriculture
as a whole.
Cayuga County
Cayuga County Farm Bureau
continues its strong support of
the youth in the county. They have
sponsored six students from the
Moravia FFA to spend one week at
the New York State FFA Summer
Camp, Camp Oswegatchie. These
students are part of a summer
program that will help them learn
the skills associated with running
and managing a farm. This program
is very similar to a job: the students
will build a resume over the course
of two years to make themselves
marketable for an entry level job
at a local farm while still in high
school. The week at camp is just one
part of the program.
Cayuga County Farm Bureau
also helps sponsor a large produce
garden that the Cayuga-Onondaga
BOCES FFA has at their school.
The produce from this venture
helps provide fresh food to five
local
pantries/soup
kitchens.
These pantries continue to have a
growing need, especially from the
working poor, and this is a way that
these FFA students can learn about
agriculture and growing produce
first hand and also provide a real
service to the local food pantries.
Cayuga County Farm Bureau
also will be donating to help
provide for 4-H youth at the county
fair and Big 6 Picnic. That event is
scheduled for July 28-30 at the Ward
O’Hara Agricultural Museum in
Auburn.
Ontario County
Ontario County Farm Bureau
is planning to bring back a county
wide Farm Bureau family picnic
this year.
We plan to have a “meet the
candidates” night, along with a
picnic Aug. 20 and possibly a tour
at two Farm Bureau businesses.
There is an open state senate seat
this year in the county and this has
generated a great deal of interest
along with all the other local races.
The county Farm Bureau has done
a good job in helping to educate its
members in the election process.
With this picnic and candidates
night, we felt we could have some
good fun and food and learn about
our local people running for office.
Region 3
Clinton County Dairy Princess Grace Harrigan promotes the local dairy industry at Downtown Rising in Plattsburgh.
Seneca County
Seneca County Farm Bureau is
actively opposing a proposed local
law in the Town of Seneca Falls.
The Town Board has proposed
Local Law No. 7, which if enacted,
will prohibit expansion of the
solid waste disposal facilities in
the town unless the owner has
a valid operating permit. There
are many components in this law
that also would severely restrict
agriculture. They include manure
storage and spreading, compost,
sewage, containment ponds or
pools or any solid or liquid waste.
The county Farm Bureau has had
the Department of Agriculture and
Markets review the proposed law
and it has told the town and Farm
Bureau that if it is passed it would
be too restrictive on agricultural
operations.
The county Promotion and
Education committee has also been
very busy working with several
school libraries and distributing
the Ag Mag magazine. Heidi Lott
and Tamara Lott along with Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Seneca
County and the local BOCES have
organized the programs. Local
farmers have also talked to the
students about their farms. What
a great way to tell the story of
agriculture.
Tompkins County
Tompkins County Farm Bureau
participated again this year in
Dryden Dairy Day. The event is
held each year to celebrate June
is Dairy Month. There is a parade,
and the county Farm Bureau sets
up an informational booth with
membership materials and member
benefit information.
Tompkins County Farm Bureau
along with the local realtors
sponsored
an
informational
meeting for landowners about
solar energy and leasing land
to solar development. There’s
a lot to comprehend and learn
before leasing your land to a solar
company. There is a lot of interest
in the Finger Lakes area about
leasing land for this enterprise.
Wayne County
Wayne County Farm Bureau
recently
held
its
annual
consignment auction to help raise
money for its young farmer events
and for the Albany and Washington,
D.C. lobby trips. The auction
was held June 4 at the Village
Auction Company in Sodus. The
young farmer group provided the
concession stand and the proceeds
from that went to the total money
raised for the day.
Another
popular
program
sponsored by Wayne County Farm
Bureau is the Department of
Transportation (DOT) courtesy
truck inspection event. The New
York State DOT will inspect trucks
for our fruit producers free of
charge and work with the truck
owners to make sure their trucks
are in top shape and will pass a
DOT road inspection during the
busy harvest season. This program
is very popular with our members
and many of them take advantage
of the service.
Yates County
Owners of the Greendige Power
Plant in Yates County are currently
working with the DEC and EPA to
reopen the power generating facility.
It has been closed for several years
now. Before it was closed, it was a
coal burning plant and millions of
dollars were spent to bring the plant
into environmental compliance.
Now the owners are seeking a new
permit to reopen it as a natural gas
burning plant. Hopefully, permits
can be granted so it will once again
generate electricity. It will be a big
boost for the local economy in good
paying jobs and put much needed
real estate tax dollars back into
local government.
Yates County Farm Bureau
continues to be very supportive of
the county fair. It sponsors several
events and will have a membership
booth in the educational building.
Busy Summer Plans
for North Country
The
sun
is
shining
and
farmers
are
mowing,
tedding,
and
baling lots of
hay. Even with
the mad rush
of
summer,
county Farm
Bureaus
in
Region 7 are
Kim Farnum
still
working
[email protected]
hard
for
members and
are
hosting
many events.
Most notably,
counties in District 7, St. Lawrence,
Region 7
Franklin, Clinton, and Essex,
have joined together to plan the
Foundation Feast North at the
Wild Center in Tupper Lake on
Friday, Sept. 30. The evening raises
funds for NYFB’s Foundation for
Agricultural Education and will
feature local food from the North
Country. Tickets are $100/plate or
$750 for a table of eight.
St. Lawrence County
St. Lawrence County Farm
Bureau has been hard at work for
its members over the winter and
spring.
Board members Kevin
Acres, Jon Greenwood, and David
Fisher attended NYFB Lobby Day.
In an effort to bring in the next
generation, St. Lawrence County
Farm Bureau brought along FFA
members Alyssa Gagnon and
Natalie Chambers who enjoyed
their trip to the Capitol. Looking
forward to a busy summer, St.
Lawrence County Farm Bureau
has its annual Summer Social
and Policy Development meeting
planned for Wednesday, July 20 at
6 p.m. at the Ole Smokehouse in
Madrid. The county Farm Bureau
is also busy planning its annual
Day at the Farm scheduled for
Saturday, Sept. 24 from 10 a.m.-2
p.m. at Greenwood Dairy in Canton.
Please contact Mary Lou McKnight
at
[email protected]
for volunteer and sponsorship
information. Kelsey O’Shea is also
planning a farm tour for young
farmers in July.
Please “like”
the St. Lawrence County Farm
Bureau Young Farmers Facebook
page or contact Kelsey for more
information.
Franklin County
Franklin County Farm Bureau
has not rested on its laurels since
its busy year last year. Board
members Jay Douglas and John
Eick attended NYFB Lobby Days
on behalf of members in March.
For June is Dairy Month, Franklin
County Farm Bureau gave away
dairy gift baskets at Yando’s Big
M in Malone each Friday in June.
Shoppers at the store put their
receipt in a drawing showing they
purchased dairy products and each
Friday a winner was drawn from
the basket. Franklin County Farm
Bureau also helped to sponsor
Sundae at the Farm at Bilow Dairy
Farm on June 12. Looking forward,
Franklin County Farm Bureau
is busy planning an Agricultural
Expo for Saturday, Sept. 10. Headed
Grassroots July 2016
Page 7
From The Field
by local Nationwide agent, Star
Bashaw, the event will feature local
agriculture and agribusinesses
along with safety demonstrations.
Please “like” the Facebook page for
up-to-date information on Franklin
County Farm Bureau.
Clinton County
Clinton County Farm Bureau
continued working hard after State
Annual Meeting in December.
Members Larry Brooks, Janet
Brooks, Tony LaPierre and Pete
Hagar attended NYFB Lobby Days.
In addition, Clinton County Farm
Bureau had a great booth at the
Taste of New York Reception which
featured local products and local
wine. The county Farm Bureau also
hosted a successful DOT Workshop
in April which was well attended
by area farmers. Clinton County
Farm Bureau honored “June is
Dairy” Month by hosting a booth
at Downtown Rising in Plattsburgh
on June 3. Board member Jane
Gregware and Clinton County Dairy
Princess Grace Harrigan promoted
the local dairy industry by handing
out close to 700 individual pieces of
Cabot cheese along with coupons
for a scoop of Stewart’s ice cream.
Don’t forget to “like” its Facebook
page for up-to-date information on
Clinton County Farm Bureau.
Essex County
Essex County Farm Bureau
member Dillon Kelpetar attended
NYFB Lobby Day. The county Farm
Bureau also had a booth at the Taste
of New York reception featuring
local products. The county Farm
Bureau planned its second annual
Summer Barbeque at Leerkes Farm
at 260 Delano Rd, Ticonderoga on
Wednesday, July 13 at 6:30 p.m.
Please bring a dish to pass. Looking
forward, Essex County Farm Bureau
has tentatively planned its second
annual Ag Day Legislative reception
in Elizabethtown for Monday, Aug.
29. Please talk to Shaun Gilliland if
you are interested in having a booth
for your farm or agribusiness. It
would like to showcase the wide
variety of agriculture in the county.
Essex County Soil and Water is
hosting a “Game of Logging” Oct.
13 and 14 at a cost of $25/person.
Members of Essex County Farm
Bureau receive a discount of $10/
person, so mention if you are a
member when you sign up for the
course. Please “like” its Facebook
page for up-to-date information on
Essex County Farm Bureau.
Washington County
In February, Washington County
Farm Bureau young farmers, along
with young farmers from Saratoga
and Rensselaer County Farm
Bureaus, hosted a mixer at Sammy
Cohens restaurant. The event was
well attended by young farmers
from the counties. The county Farm
Bureau had members Jay Skellie,
Alex Wright, Tom Borden, Tricia
Lockwood, and John Hand attend
NYFB’s Lobby Day and had a great
booth at the Taste of New York
Reception. Currently on display
at the Crandell Library in Glens
Falls is an exhibit on immigrant
labor and the sacrifices families
make to work here in the United
States. The exhibit is called “The
Dream of America” and features
pictures of workers here in the U.S.
and pictures of their families back
home in Mexico. Board member
Betty Getty helped put together the
exhibit which runs until the end of
August — a must see if you have the
time. Coming up soon, Washington
County Farm Bureau, along with
other county Farm Bureaus in the
Capital District, are again hosting
Agriculture Night at the Tri-City
Valley Cats on Friday, July 15. They
will have a picnic at 6 p.m. before
the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are $15 for
the picnic and game or $5 for just
the game. Watch your inbox for the
promo code and link to ticket sales.
For the fall, the county Farm Bureau
is planning a Trivia Night scheduled
for Friday, Nov. 11 at the 1925 Barn
in Hudson Falls. Tickets are $25/
person or $175 for a table of eight.
Tickets include a chicken dinner
from DJ Harrington and proceeds
benefit local FFA chapters. Please
contact Tricia Lockwood for more
details. Please “like” its Facebook
page for up-to-date information on
Washington County Farm Bureau.
Saratoga County
Saratoga County Farm Bureau
has been quite active the past
few months. Board member John
Arnold attended the Saratoga
County PLAN Conference to discuss
agriculture in the county. Saratoga
County Farm Bureau young
farmers, along with young farmers
from Washington and Rensselaer
County Farm Bureaus, hosted a
mixer at Sammy Cohens restaurant.
The event was well attended. The
county Farm Bureau had members
Mike Schwerd, David Wood, Dave
Cummings, John Arnold, and Kim
McCormick attend NYFB Lobby
Days and had a great booth at the
Taste of New York Reception. In
the middle of March, Saratoga
County Farm Bureau had its annual
Rural Urban Dinner at Panza’s
Restaurant in Saratoga Springs.
The event featured a speaker from
Stewart’s, who gave a history of the
company. Raffles raised more than
$300 for the Regional Food Bank
of Northeastern New York. On
Sunday, June 12, Saratoga County
Farm Bureau participated in the
annual Sundae on the Farm at
Turning Point Dairy in Saratoga
Springs. Though turn-out was not
as high as in years-past, it was
still a successful event. Saratoga
County Farm Bureau, along with
other county Farm Bureaus in the
Capital District, are again hosting
Agriculture Night at the Tri-City
Valley Cats on Friday, July 15. They
will have a picnic at 6 p.m. before
the 7 p.m. game. Tickets are $15 for
the picnic and game or $5 for just
the game. Watch your inbox for the
promo code and link to ticket sales.
Please “like” its Facebook page for
up-to-date information on Saratoga
County Farm Bureau.
E-lobby Center www.NYFB.org
Hudson Valley Hits
Home Run Offering
Family Fun
Dutchess
Putnam
Westchester
Dutchess
P u t n a m
We s t c h e s t e r
County Farm
Bureau hopes
to get the whole
Hudson Valley
together
by
introducing
Renee
an agriculture
Schoonmaker
night at the
[email protected] home of
the
Hudson Valley
Renegades. It is
an evening for member families to
join the minor league baseball team
and local county Farm Bureaus
for an inexpensive, connecting
experience with local farmers. Not
to mention, the mysterious first
pitch of a choice fruit or vegetable.
The county Farm Bureau is also
very busy planning its public policy
development picnic, July 28, as well
as getting its volunteers lined up for
the booth at the Dutchess County
Fair, at the Rhinebeck Fairgrounds
Aug. 23 -28.
Columbia County
Columbia
County
Farm
Bureau’s Promotion and Education
committee has been successful with
hands-on projects in classrooms this
past spring by teaching children
from 14 different classrooms the
process of seeding and growing
peas.
The projects included building a
trellis system to promote healthy
and effective production. The
county Farm Bureau has teamed
up with the Cottekill FFA to build a
float together for the Chatham Fair
parade in September.
Rensselaer County
With support from Washington,
Saratoga, Albany, and Schenectady
County Farm Bureaus, Rensselaer
County Farm Bureau is hosting a
night with the Tri-City ValleyCats
minor league baseball team. The
game takes place Friday July 15 at
Joe Bruno Stadium. The evening
will feature local farms and
agriculture. A picnic for members
will begin 6 p.m. and the game will
follow at 7 p.m. You can purchase
tickets online at tcvalleycats.com.
Region 10
Check your email for a special
members-only discount code.
Rensselaer County Farm Bureau
also is getting ready for its second
annual equipment auction. It is
looking for any and all consignments
to participate in the auction. The
event will be held Sept. 17 at the
Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. The
Rensselaer County Farm Bureau
board of directors have set the date
for their County Annual Meeting,
Oct. 22 at the Poestenkill Fire
Company, 182 Main St., Poestenkill.
More details on both events are to
follow in the newsletter.
Ulster County
Ulster County Farm Bureau
would like to recognize and honor
a lifelong Farm Bureau member,
Robert “Bob” Dolan of Wallkill.
Dolan was the owner of Dolan
Orchards. He passed away on June
16 at the age of 74.
He was an active member for a
number of years, and he also served
on the county Farm Bureau board
of directors. Locals say he was
always the man behind the scene,
has been said to have continuously
lent a helping hand to New York
Farm Bureau, but he never required
acknowledgment for his support.
Bob will be missed by his loved ones
and all those who had the pleasure
of meeting him.
Orange County
Congratulations
to
Orange
County Farm Bureau for reaching
its membership quota. Good job
Orange County, hard work pays
off and it is something to be proud
of. Young Farmer Kristen Brown
hosted an event at Angry Orchards
in Walden for all of District 10
young farmers. It was a day of
great conversation, good food and
delicious local hard cider.
Rockland County
Rockland County Farm Bureau
is in the process of making history.
It is working with Agriculture and
Farm Protection board to form an
agricultural district. The county
Farm Bureau is doing its best and
exploring all options to better
provide protection and support for
agriculture producers in the county.
President Jose Romero-Bosch is
providing his summer camp to
students interested in farming, and
he hopes to work with New York
Farm Bureau’s Promotion and
Education committee and use its
resources to add to his program and
help educate his community.
Grassroots Page 8 July 2016
Young Farmers and Ranchers
It’s Time to Boot,
Scoot & Boogie
By Jaclyn Kimmes
Sullivan County Farm Bureau Young Farmer and
Rancher Chair
Young Farmers and Ranchers participate in a country barn dance in Jeffersonville.
Madison County Awards Blue Jacket
On May 26 NYFB State Young Farmer and Rancher committee District 5
representatives, Bailey (right)and Greg Coon (left) presented Eugene Burrows
(center) an FFA jacket. Burrows is an 8th grader at DeRuyter Central School.
The jacket was awarded to him as part of the Madison County Farm Bureau
Blue Jacket Award.
On one wild Saturday night on
June 11, a large crowd of 125 people
gathered to boot, scoot and boogie at
a good old fashioned country barn
dance held at Stone Wall Farms in
Jeffersonville.
It began with a delicious barbeque
dinner consisting of pulled pork,
hamburgers, hot dogs, coleslaw,
pasta salad, and baked beans.
Cochecton Mills from Cochecton,
graciously sponsored the dinner,
which was catered by Running W
Pit Stop in White Sulphur Springs.
This meal had everyone getting up
for seconds and thirds to fuel up
before the dancing began.
As the music played from the DJs
speakers, people began to mosey
their way out to the dance floor
to kick up their heels and learn
some new moves. With the help
of the skillful instructor, Shauna
Schleiermacher, the participants
learned the new line dances.
While many people danced,
others bought tickets for the
Chinese auction, 50/50, or placed
bids on the silent auction items to
support the Sullivan County Farm
Bureau Young Farmer and Rancher
Program. All together we had 26
donations from various businesses
ranging from restaurants to
distilleries to construction outfits
and much more.
The
Jeffersonville
Fire
Department
received
a
$121
donation which was raised from
the 50/50. This event, the first
fundraising efforts for the Young
Farmer and Rancher budget,
brought in around $800 for future
events and trips.
We finished off the night by
enjoying some delicious cake
donated by Stone Wall Farms and
announcing the winners of the
50/50 and various auctions.
This fundraising event wouldn’t
have been such a success if it
wasn’t for all our supporters,
helpers, and guests. There are too
many to list here, but just know
that we appreciate your support.
We’re looking forward to planning
our next event.
YF&R Committee Meets
The New York Farm Bureau State Young Farmers and Ranchers Committee
held a meeting on May 22, 2016 in LaFayette, New York. During the business
meeting, items discussed included future trainings offered, young farmer
activities at State Annual Meeting, collegiate events, the 2017 young farmer
conference and the competitive events program. The committee looks
forward to having many young farmers participate in the Excellence in
Agriculture Award and Achievement Award competitions as well as this
year’s Discussion Meet Contest. After the meeting, the committee joined
other leaders from across the state for a BBQ with AFBF President Duvall
at the Beak & Skiff Apple Hill Campus in La Fayette, NY. The young farmers
loved the opportunity to discuss the future of agriculture with AFBF President
Duvall. If you have any questions regarding the competitive events contact
your NYFB State YF&R District Representatives, NYFB Field Advisor or Patti
Dugan, NYFB YF&R Coordinator.
Young Farmers Gather in Hudson Valley
On June 12 the Young Farmers and Ranchers from District 10 met at Angry
Orchard in Walden, New York. The informal gathering enabled the young
farmers to discuss the Young Farmers and Ranchers Program and highlighted
the various events and opportunities for young farmers to be involved in
Farm Bureau. The young farmers would like to thank Angry Orchard for
hosting the event and all those who attended
Grassroots July 2016
Page 9
Foundation and Education News
Golf Classic Committee Selects Gifts, Prizes
By Sandie Prokop
[email protected]
New York Farm Bureau’s
Foundation
for
Agricultural
Education’s 15th annual Golf
Classic continues to evolve with
special touches and arrangements.
Broome County, New York, the
birthplace of Farm Bureau, is
the venue for this year’s event.
The Classic will once again be
held at En-Joie Golf Club located
in Endicott, on Tuesday, Sept. 13,
2016. The invitation is extended
to one and all to register to play
and sign up for a sponsorship that
will help support the Foundation’s
agricultural education programs
and projects.
As
sponsorships
and
reservations come in, the Classic
committee has been busy arranging
the prize package as well as all the
other details. The selection of the
attendee gift was just the beginning.
Come take part in the Classic
and “Play Where The Pros Play”
in the heart of Central New York’s
Susquehanna Valley. Sponsorship
Continued on page 28
A Foundation Feast
North Sneak Peak
By Sandie Prokop
[email protected]
The New York Farm Bureau
Foundation Fundraising Feasts
are held annually and rotate
throughout different regions of
New York State.
The main ingredient for success
are the local links and support.
This happens with boots on the
ground and local knowledge. The
Feast North will be held in Sept.
in Tupper Lake. The committee is
busy working with the caterer, The
Well Dressed Food Company, and
the many local farmers who will
be supplying ingredients for the
Feast.
First, guests will enjoy the
delight of some local North
Country products, ranging from
cheeses to apples. There is also
the opportunity to experience the
many Adirondack exhibits the
Wild Center offers. Take a walk on
the wild side and sample a variety
of New York wine, local beer, and
cider on the “Wild Walk.” Before
dinner, guests will enjoy a short
video about agriculture in the
North Country, featuring the farms
where the Feast meal was sourced.
Following the video, guests will
be served a full three-course feast
featuring a superb entrée paired
with a selection of New York
State wines and a special dessert
with ingredients from farms in
the North Country. Enjoy great
conversation, a beautiful and
unique venue, and opportunities
to connect and support agriculture
in the North Country and New
York State.
Mark your calendars now and
plan to invite your neighbors and
all community members:
Feast North on Friday, Sept. 30,
2016, at the Wild Center, Tupper
Lake.
The Feast South was a
tremendous
success
as
it
celebrated the true local fare of
the Watkins Glen area. The food,
wine, and all combined was truly
fabulous. Be sure to join as a
sponsor and dinner guest at the
Feast North to complete your full
Feast 2016 dining experience.
Check our website for more
information and details. Feel
free to call with any questions,
comments or wishes to help in any
way at 1-800-342-4143 and just ask
for Sandie.
FFX 2016: Focusing
on Career Exploration
& Development
The Food & Farm
Experience (FFX) is a twoday experience tailored
as
an
agricultural
education
encounter
for those involved in
middle and high school
career exploration and
development, who will
connect with an industry that offers
more than 300 agriculture-related
career opportunities. Participants
will be selected by nomination or
application.
The 2016 Food &
Farm Experience will be
packed with essential and
useful information about
agriculture for a focused
group of 35 participants.
They will visit a variety
of stops along the journey
from farm to fork in addition to
workshop interactive sessions, and
Continued on page 27
A Look into Agricultural Careers
By Judi Whittaker
NYFB State Promotion & Education Committee
The agricultural industry in New
York is vast.
There are many career choices that
can be found here, from the farmer to
all those involved in the rest of the
industry and food chain.
Our committee is working to show
just how varied agriculture can be
and encouraging our youth to take
a look, or maybe a second look, at
what agriculture can do for them.
Here is the third of three
interviews with people involved in
the agricultural industry:
Preparing for graduation or
even having graduated already can
be an exciting, but stressful time.
Many students may be thinking to
themselves, what do I want for a
career?
Many students in the agricultural
field may be going back to the family
farm, but on the other hand many
are not. I was one of those students
that did not go back to the family
farm full time.
So let me introduce myself. I am
Erin Madden, a County Executive
Continued on page 28
Mother Nature – Friend or Foe?
By Linda Fix
NYFB State Promotion and Education Committee
Mother Nature—friend or foe?
The answer is both.
She gives us what we need to
grow our crops, warm sunshine and
just the right amount of rain. But
on the other hand, she can be very
cruel. An ill-timed spring freeze or
a hail storm just before harvest can
really throw your yearly plans a
curve ball.
It is what all farmers in all parts
of the world deal with every year.
You really have to respect her
power. The usual complaints – too
hot, too cold, too wet or too dry does
not make weather perfect but it is
what we as farmers accept. What
other business in the world would
Ag Trivia
True or False: On the Fourth of July, if you enjoy corn on the cob,
there’s an 86 percent chance it came from Florida, California, Georgia,
Washington or New York, which together produce two-thirds of the
nation’s corn crop.
work all year, take the risk and
lose everything on one of Mother
Nature’s events?
This year Mother Nature dealt
us one of those events. A “polar
vortex” is the term they use. The
Midwest and East Coast suffered
damage on fruit crops that had just
started the growing season. Our
biggest snow of the year came in
April with low temps for a whole
week. Fruit trees get one chance
each year to grow a crop.
So why be a farmer? There are
many reasons. We love our land
and our animals that produce the
food that feeds millions of people
all over the world. While there are
challenges, it is the feeling that
we make a difference to those that
rely on our hard work. Producing
a quality product and being able to
serve that product is the greatest
feeling in the world.
It is important that the public
understands the effects that
weather can have on a farm.
One year on our farm, we had an
early hail storm. When pick-yourown apple time came around, we
notified our customers that our
orchard had apples filled with hail.
While the apples were not pretty,
they were still delicious. The hail
did not affect the flavor. We were
Continued on page 28
Answer: False . There is a 67 percent chance. Source: USDA NASS
Grassroots Page 10 July 2016
Compliance Corner
Prevalence of Drones Raises Legal Issues
By Lisa A. Ovitt, Paralegal
[email protected]
Although
the
technology
of
unmanned aerial vehicles
(UAVs) or “drones,” has been
primarily utilized by the military,
technological
innovation
has
broadened
the
market.
The
emergence of smaller, cheaper, and
more capable UAVs has generated
an array of potential business and
other applications, but it has also
sparked concern over striking the
right balance among privacy, safety,
and beneficial UAV usage.
Use by Farmers
Farmers can utilize drones for a
variety of tasks, such as identifying
potentially yield limiting problems
in a timely fashion. Near-infrared
imaging can identify stress in a
plant 10 days before it becomes
visible to the eye, such as that
caused by a significant insect
attack, thus preventing large-scale
crop losses.
Drone Use by Others
In most cases, a farm is also home
to the farmer and his family. Beside
being an annoyance, drones could
frighten young children. In addition
to privacy concerns, farmers are
concerned that the use of drones
by others presents animal safety
and biosecurity hazards. Livestock
can be easily startled by drones
flying overhead, and trespassers
and equipment can carry diseases
onto farms and threaten the health
of herds and flocks. In 2013, PETA
(People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals) announced its intent
to utilize drones in its anti-meat
consumption efforts. To date,
this activist organization has not
released any drone footage, but its
website features for sale an “Air
Angel Drone” that is low noise and
water resistant with a wide angle
lens and JPEG photo capture and
video storage capabilities.
Earlier this year, poultry farmers
in California reported seeing a
drone flying over two separate hen
houses. More recently, suspected
activists were spotted at several
California dairy farms filming
with drones and professional film
equipment.
Current Law
Originally expected to establish
comprehensive drone regulations
by 2015, the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) plan could
be pushed back as late as 2017,
according to the Government
Accountability Office. As it stands
now, the FAA’s interim final rule,
issued in December 2015, requires
owners of drones between .55 lbs.
and 55 lbs. to register their crafts.
(Aircraft weighing more than 55
lbs. cannot use this registration
process and must register using
the http://www.faa.gov/licenses_
certificates/aircraft_certification/
aircraft_registry/”
Aircraft
Registry process.)
Current law also provides for
the FAA to “promote safe flight”
of aircraft including the “aircraft”
itself. Aircraft is defined as “any
contrivance invented, used, or
designed to navigate, or fly in the
air.” UAVs are aircraft that are
“used or intended to be used for
flight in the air with no onboard
pilot.” Generally speaking, for a
flight by aircraft in the air space
above the land of another to
constitute a trespass, there must
be substantial interference with
the use and enjoyment of the
underlying land. Flights taking
place in the navigable airspace
cannot constitute trespass. Drone
use over private property may
result in a nuisance or a trespass
claim, depending on the facts of
each individual situation.
What Can Be Done?
First and foremost, no one
can legally shoot down a drone.
Federal law provides for a fine or
imprisonment of up to 20 years for
willfully setting fire to, damaging,
destroying, disabling, or wrecking
any aircraft. Law rarely keeps up
with technology and the courts
struggle when applying existing
laws and previous rulings to new
technologies, like drones. In New
York, the State Legislature is still
assessing potential legislation that
would govern registration and use
of drones in the state. Currently, the
legislative proposals pending in the
State Legislature are stricter than
those of the federal government
and focus on the use of drones by
government and law enforcement
agencies.
Here are some proactive steps
farmers can take:
• Contact your local law
enforcement now to begin a dialogue
and ask for their recommendations
on how to handle unwanted drone
activity;
• Post “no trespassing” signs on
your property; and
• Contact law enforcement to
report any concerning drone
activity over your farm or home.
The Future
The FAA released the final Small
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Rule
as this article goes to press. AFBF
submitted comments to the FAA
during its proposed rulemaking
Info Available
About Covered
Farm Vehicles
In order to help farmers with
questions regarding the changes
to covered farm vehicles, the
Department of Motor Vehicles
has set up a hotline to help
answer questions. Drivers who
have questions about the covered
farm vehicle law, particularly in
relation to obtaining a CDL and
hazmat endorsement, can contact
the DMV hotline at 518-402-2747.
This number is solely for questions
related to the CFV issues.
h t t p s : / / d m v. n y. g o v /
commercial-drivers/coveredfarm-vehicle.
last year, and while the final rule
did not include all of AFBF’s
recommendations, it does provide
a path forward to integrate this
emerging tool for American
agriculture. The rule will become
effective in late August 2016, and
we will provide an update in the
September issue of Compliance
Corner.
For more information:
http://www.faa.gov/licenses_
certificates/aircraft_certification/
aircraft_registry/
h t t p s : / / w w w. f a a . g ov / n ew s /
p r e s s _ r e l e a s e s / n e w s _ s t o r y.
cfm?newsId=20515
The information contained in this
article is provided for informational
purposes only. It is not intended to
be, nor should it be considered, a
substitute for legal advice rendered
by a competent attorney. If you have
any questions about the application
of the issues raised in this article to
your particular situation, seek the
advice of a competent attorney.
NYFB Foundation Feast
Sept. 30, Tupper Lake
Grassroots July 2016
Page 11
News Briefs
Inside Albany
Grants Support
Plant Health and
Resilience Research
Some Gains at the End of Legislative Session
In June, the U.S. Department
of Agriculture awarded more
than $14.5 million in grants to
support research into plant health,
production and resilience. Made
available through the Agriculture
and Food Research Initiative
Foundation program, authorized by
the 2014 Farm Bill and administered
by the USDA’s National Institute of
Food and Agriculture. The grants
were awarded through AFRI’s Plant
Health and Production and Plant
Products area, which supports
basic and applied research.
Cornell University was awarded
a grant for understanding plantassociated microorganisms and
plant microbe interactions and a
grant for controlling weedy and
invasive plants.
The New York State Agricultural
Experiment Station in Geneva and
the Boyce Thompson Institute for
Plant Research received grants
for plant-associated insects and
nematodes.
Reed and Stefanik
Sponsor Biogas
Incentives Bill
New
York
Representatives
Reed and Stefanik are sponsoring
H.R.
5489,
the
Agricultural
Environmental Stewardship Act.
This bill incentivizes investment in
biogas systems by making biogas
and nutrient recovery systems
eligible for the thirty percent
investment tax credit already in
place for fuel cells, solar power,
wind energy, combined heat and
power systems and geothermal
projects.
This legislation is aimed at
making
biogas
and
manure
resource recovery technologies
more affordable, enabling New
York dairy producers to increase
the number of uses of nutrients
produced on their farms
Senate GMO
Compromise Found
In June, Senate Agriculture
Committee Chairman Pat Roberts,
R-KS, and Ranking Member Debbie
Stabenow, D-MI, announced that
they have reached agreement on a
bill to address GMO labeling issues
and the Vermont law.
The bill provides preemption
to protect interstate commerce
and
prevent
state-by-state
labeling laws, directs the USDA
to initiate formal rulemaking to
set definitions and standards for
the labeling of products that may
contain ingredients derived from
biotechnology, includes a strong
definition of bioengineering that
will help protect future breeding
techniques from being stigmatized
as “GMO” and the legislation will
require mandatory on-package
disclosure. Food companies will be
mandated to provide information
through an on-package statement,
symbol or some other means of
electronic
disclosure
through
standards developed and regulated
by the USDA.
By Jeff Williams
[email protected]
The 2016 Legislative Session
ended not with a bang, but a muchappreciated whimper for the
agricultural industry. After seeing
minimum wage increases and paid
family leave in this year’s state
budget, New York Farm Bureau
was happy with a quiet resolution
of session in early June.
Two big New York Farm Bureauopposed bills, GMO labeling and the
farm worker labor bill, failed to pass
the Assembly, let alone move in the
Senate. This spells good news for
our industry, especially pending a
possible federal fix to GMO labeling
in Congress.
The Senate and Assembly approved
a number of bills, which are awaiting
the Governor’s consideration, that
were supported by New York Farm
Bureau, including:
• A bill that would create a farm
investment fund to provide for
farm infrastructure grants of up to
$50,000
• A bill that would allow school
districts to order from certain
farmers without requiring a waiver
when the purchase of food is under
$25,000 (Signed by the Governor)
• A bill that would extend the time
period for deer hunting in Suffolk
County from December until March
31.
• A bill that would authorize the
sale, distribution, transportation
and processing of industrial hemp
• A bill that would help new and
beginning farmers to gain access to
farmland
• Establishes a tax credit for
farmers to help offset the costs of
donating food to food banks
• A bill that would further
facilitate the growth and flexibility
of New York’s farm beverage
industry
• A bill that would authorize farm
vehicles to travel on a highway from
the point of sale to a farm
New York Farm Bureau will be
discussing these bills and a number
of other regulatory issues with the
Governor’s office over the summer
and fall. Given that 2016 is an election
year, it is obviously anticipated that
the slow end of session will lead
into a very active fall in Senate and
Assembly districts across the state.
Page 12 Grassroots July 2016
New Solar Leasing Fact Sheet Available
A new fact sheet on solar land
leasing has been released by
NYSERDA and the Department of
Agriculture and Markets. The fact
sheet highlights some important
points to consider in making a
decision to sign a land lease.
You can find a link to the fact
sheet at www.nyfb.org near the
bottom of the homepage under
“Landowner Considerations for
Solar Land Leases” or at http://
tinyurl.com/haexmgk.
NYFB
emphasizes the recommendations
that landowners consult both an
attorney knowledgeable in these
leases and their local assessor before
signing any lease. Members can
receive attorney recommendations
through NYFB’s Legal Referral
program by calling Lisa Ovitt at
1-800-342-4143. We can also provide
additional information on tax
implications of this and other
renewable energy installations.
If you have questions, don’t
hesitate to reach out to NYFB and
we will be happy to help.
Farm Bureau Hails Supreme Court
Victory: Farmers May Sue to Stop Clean
Water Regulation of Ordinary Farmland
A unanimous Supreme Court
ruled May 31 that landowners may
challenge the federal government
whenever the Army Corps of
Engineers tries improperly to
regulate land with regulations
designed to protect water.
Landowners have attempted
many times to challenge Corps
rulings known as jurisdictional
determinations, but the government
successfully argued that those
determinations were not “final
agency actions” and the lawsuits
were dismissed. Now, when the
Corps asserts jurisdiction over low
spots that look more like land than
water, it will have to do so knowing
its jurisdictional determination
can be tested in court.
“This decision removes a huge
roadblock that has prevented
landowners from obtaining relief
from the courts when the Corps
illegally claims their land is federally
regulated water,” AFBF President
Zippy Duvall said. “Now, farmers and
ranchers can have their day in court
when the government tells them they
cannot plow a field or improve a ditch
without a federal permit.”
AFBF filed amicus curiae briefs
in the lower court and the Supreme
Court in support of the plaintiffs.
Grassroots July 2016
Page 13
Farm-Raised Ironman from NY
By Gabrielle Sant’Angelo
[email protected]
Hard work, determination and
attitude. These are three words
and qualities that are significant
to Matt Migonis. They may not be
as important to you, but after a
2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bike ride,
and then a 26-mile run you might
feel differently. Migonis has twice
completed this competition known
as the Ironman Triathlon. He also
became World Champion for his
age group (30-34) in the Sprint
Triathlon in Alberta, Canada, in
2014. In addition, he has competed
in dozens of races in the past 13 plus
years and has no plan on slowing
down.
Migonis owns and manages
his own business named Migonis
Multisport, where he coach’s
athletes interested in competing
in marathons, triathlons, and
duathlons. With his wife in medical
residency and their 4-year-old son,
it’s amazing he had time to be
interviewed. Even with this array
of titles; entrepreneur, world class
athlete, father and husband, there
is one other that has influenced all
the rest and that is, farmer.
Migonis attributes a majority of
his success to his childhood working
on Cedar Crest Farms. Cedar
Crest is a dairy farm in Hamilton
which is soon approaching its
100th anniversary. A particular
experience on the farm resonated
with Matt as being one of the
most difficult days of his life. On
a hot day in the summer of 2001,
his father, Farm Bureau member
Andrew Migonis, was given a silo
to use. The only catch was, it needed
to be cleaned out.
He found himself knee deep in
more than two feet of rotten and
rancid silage, while he and his dad
spent the day having to empty it. He
explained that unlike racing, there
is no cheering or congratulations
after the job is finished, only the
understanding that tomorrow you
will do the same thing all over
again. On that tough day he found
his satisfaction, which didn’t come
in the form of a trophy or cheers,
but rather the help and happiness
he provided to his father.
People often ask Migonis, how
can you keep competing and
what motivates you? He answers
this simply, “There is something
inside me which comes from my
upbringing. You have to keep going
as a farmer, there’s no calling in
sick.”
When asked if his career would
have been different if he had not
grown up on a farm, he replied “I
think I would have still pursued
this career, but might not have
Growing up on a farm in Hamilton, NY, helped to prepare Matt Migonis for competitions and his career later in life.
Migonis is a Triathlon World Champion and coach.
been as successful. Farming is
continuous—while
competing
allows for days of rest at a time. It
taught me to not get bored or upset
and if I didn’t have my farming
experience I may not have known
how to cope with those difficulties.”
Coaching is now his primary job.
Helping people realize their full
potential and achieve happier and
healthier lives is what he loves to
do. He says farming taught him to be
flexible, which is a necessary skill
when coaching. Teaching people the
skill of perseverance to overcome
their obstacles and continue on to
achieve their goals is where his
farming experience stands out.
In speaking with Migonis, you
realize there is an additional quality
that needs to be added, and that is
focus. To achieve and compete in
what Migonis has done, in addition
to hard work, determination and
attitude requires the ability to keep
your mind on the task in front of
you. That same unwavering focus
and endurance to complete the job
that must get done is a quality of a
farmer.
Learn more about
member benefits
NYFB.org
Grassroots Page 14 July 2016
The Face of Agriculture
Leslie Hamilton
Triple H Farms
Livingston County
Farm Bureau Can
you
describe
your
operation?
Our operation, Triple H Farms,
is a 1,200 acre crop farm in Geneseo.
I am currently the third generation
on our farm, working alongside my
father and uncle. We grow grain
corn, soybeans, snap beans and
peas in the Genesee River Valley.
Our grain commodities are sold
at local grain elevators, while our
vegetable crops are sold through
canning and freezing companies.
In the past two years my cousin
and I have started a small beef
operation, River Valley Angus,
to diversify our farm operations.
Currently we own 22 fattening
steers, one cow/calf pair and a
heifer which are the very modest
beginnings of our growing our
herd. We have started selling
freezer beef, fat steers at auction,
and USDA meat cuts in a local
retail store, Honey Girl Gourmet,
in Geneseo.
What is your role on the farm? I returned to our farm operation
in the winter of 2013 and the past
three years have been a whirl-wind
of gaining new skill sets. I’ve been
working with my dad and uncle
on transitioning into the business.
I assist with field and shop work,
along with the responsibility of
spraying our crops. I also am in
charge of feeding and checking our
cattle on a daily basis.
How has the industry changed
since you started?
Compared to the average farmer,
I am just starting out in the
agricultural industry. That being
said, with the rate of technology
and the growing interest in farming
from the public, things have been
changing rapidly throughout the
last ten years. GMO’s and food
labeling have become a point of
interest to the public, which very
directly affects the way we grow
our crops and animals. In the past,
farmers embraced the most efficient
technology and didn’t worry how the
public perceived our practices. We
now strive to talk with consumers
about the crops and meat we produce
and the practices we utilize.
How do you incorporate
technology into your operation? Technology is changing and
growing so quickly today that there
is always something new available.
We have begun recording maps
of our plantings and fields with
the different seed varieties and
populations. We then use the same
maps with our custom harvester to
map our yields. We can then take
this data and compare yields with
varieties, as well as field variations
and differences. This allows us to
make more informed decisions
about growing inputs.
With our beef operation, the
network of social media has been a
very simple and fast way to get the
word out about our beef availability.
We can reach a large number of
people very quickly, virtually for
free. What is the biggest challenge
facing the agricultural industry
in New York State?
As I mentioned before, I think
public perception will be one of our
largest challenges going forward.
The average American is so far
removed from agriculture that they
no longer think about how or why
we run our operations the way we
do.
Our goal is to deliver safe, healthy
products in the most efficient and
economical way possible. We need
to promote and market ourselves
and our industry in a positive
and informational way. This way
consumers can make educated
purchases that then in turn drive
market demand and regulatory
legislation. What
is
the
biggest
opportunity?
Even though public interest and
perception can be a negative factor,
it can also be positive. Farming and
food have become very popular in
the last 10 years. People are more
interested in where their food
comes from. They are willing to pay
more for high quality, local produce,
which is especially exciting for
smaller, niche markets. Terms
like “food to table”, “artisan” and
“local” have all become phrases
and buzzwords that excite people.
Now we just need to harness this
interest into a informing people
about agriculture and explaining
our practices is a positive way.
What do you enjoy most about
your job?
Almost every farmer would tell
you that it isn’t just a job, it’s a way
of life. Getting to work outdoors,
alongside your family and animals,
all while being your own boss is an
incredible way to live. I don’t think
there is just one factor that stands
out, the combination is what makes
it so fulfilling.
If other young people are
interested
in
getting
into
farming,
what
would
you
suggest would be the best way to
get started?
Get involved. The first step is that
simple. Most farms need part-time
or seasonal help, which is perfect
for a young person. Depending on
their age, New York has a variety
of trade and agricultural schools.
These are an indispensable way
of gaining a degree as well as a
network of peers that will help you
throughout your career.
I would also say to try everything.
An internship, or class in a certain
subject or field might lead you to
a job or experience that you never
expected to love.
Why
is
Farm
Bureau
important to you?
Farm Bureau does for farmers
what we cannot do on an everyday
basis. They lobby for our concerns
and
needs,
while
promoting
agriculture in a positive light. Most
farmers work such long hours that
they do not have enough time to
do those things regularly. Farm
Bureau does all these things on a
much larger scale than the average
farmer could do alone. They reach
not only locally, but throughout the
state and to the federal government
as well.
Grassroots July 2016
Commodity Report: Field Crops
Triticale Growing
in Popularity
By Jaclyn Zaleski
[email protected]
Cover crops have long been
included in best land management
practices, however they may not
always seem practical for farmers
to utilize due to the added cost, time
and energy it takes to plant them
after harvest.
Triticale, which is a hybrid of
rye and wheat, has been seeming to
rise in popularity among dairy and
crop farmers alike.
“A lot of people don’t think of
triticale as a cover crop because
it is used as a forage as well,” said
Emmaline Long of CY Farms
in Elba, Genesee County.
“It’s
beneficial to get first cutting
triticale off quicker than you would
alfalfa in the spring.”
Long is the crop production
manager at CY Farms, and her
duties include crop rotation,
nutrient and pest management
among other things. She said the
farm has been utilizing triticale
as a cover crop and forage for over
five years, and it varies from year
to year how much of the crop they
plant depending on the rotation
schedule.
“This past year we only grew
about 60 acres, but the year prior
we grew about 200,” she said “and
in a wet spring, it can help dry out
a field.”
Long mentioned that many dairy
farmers have seen an increase in
milk production directly related
to feeding triticale as a forage.
“Triticale is relatively easy to grow
with an outstanding yield,” said
Long.
The New York Farm Viability
Institute (NYFVI) has also funded a
number of projects researching the
benefits of winter forage crops, like
triticale. According to NYFVI, in
2010 there were less than 2,500 acres
of triticale planted in New York,
and in 2014 the number of acres
sky-rocketed to 25,000 acres—just
in Western New York.
Cover crops, like triticale, are
used by farmers to manage soil
erosion, pests and weeds. One of
the benefits of planting winter
triticale is that it is harvested
quickly in the spring and the land
can immediately be planted with a
short season corn. The quick turnaround is especially helpful in New
York, which has a relatively shorter
growing season than other areas of
the country.
Page 15
Page 16 Grassroots July 2016
National Ag Safety Grain Bin
Rescue Simulator to be at
2016 Empire Farm Days
The New York Center for
Agricultural Medicine and Health
is bringing the National Education
Center for Agricultural Safety
Grain Bin Rescue Simulator from
Peosta, IA, to New York for the Aug.
9-11, 2016 Empire Farm Days.
National Education Center for
Agricultural Safety Director Dan
Neenan will be offering 20-minute
educational presentations each day
of the agricultural expo at Rodman
Lott and Son Farms in Seneca Falls,
and providing firefighters and
emergency rescue personnel with
a free 4-hour, hands-on training
opportunity after the show closes
on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 9
and 10.
The free training from 6 p.m.
to 10 p.m. for firefighters and
EMS personnel with Neenan,
a Paramedic Specialist with a
Firefighter
Specialist
degree,
includes one hour of classroom
time and three hours of handson experience with the Grain Bin
Rescue unit filled with 110 bushels
of grain.
Trainees will practice lockout and
tag out and extrication of engulfed
victims. Personnel must bring their
own bunker gear, including safety
glasses and respirator.
Registration for the special
training is required by contacting
NYCAMH
Agricultural
Safety
Specialist Jim Carrabba at 800-3437527 x2216, jcarrabba@nycamh.
com.
Each day on the half-hour of
the Aug. 9-11 show from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and
9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday Neenan
will offer 20-minute safety education
demonstrations with information
on the four most common ways
people become entrapped in grain
bins, the equipment every bin
operator should have on site, and
how to protect yourself from grain
dust and mold when working near
a bin.
According to Michigan State
University Extension, it can take
fewer than 10 seconds for an
average adult to become completely
submerged in a grain bin accident.
The Grain Bin Rescue Simulator
will be among the hundreds of
exhibits at the farm show that
is the largest of its kind in the
Northeastern
U.S.
Additional
sponsorship for the grain bin
rescue demonstrations is provided
by Farm Credit East and the NY
Farm Bureau Member Services
Safety Group 486.
Empire Farm Days features
300 acres of equipment displays,
field demonstrations, live animals,
seminars, safety presentations,
rural living resources, antique
tractors, and more. Find details at
www.empirefarmdays.com.
July 2016
Grassroots Page 17
NYFB Policy Development:
A Special Report
Farm Bureau Member’s Initiative Leads
to Reduction in Trailer Registration Fees
By Ivy Jean Reynolds
[email protected]
Dennis Egan, owner of
Meadowhurst
Farms
in
Northern New York, saw an
opportunity for change and
chose to act by engaging in
New York Farm Bureau’s policy
development process. For years,
farmers have been burdened
with a high registration fee
for agricultural trailers. This
compounded on top of high
fuel prices made transporting
agricultural products a costly
yet essential piece of most
agricultural operations.
Egan said it is hard to for
New York farmers when outof-state farmers pay in 10 years
the price of registration for one
year in New York. The issue was
particularly problematic in the
North Country.
“Something
needed
to
change,” Egan said. He took
action to ensure that New York
farmers would have similar
rates.
The previous fall, Egan took
his concerns to the Franklin
County Farm Bureau Annual
Meeting where they breathed
new life into a years-old
policy on agricultural trailer
registrations.
This policy was endorsed by
the delegate body at State Annual
Meeting. From there, New York
Farm Bureau highlighted the
issue as a priority in the 2015
Legislative Session. New York
Farm Bureau staff headed to
the Capitol to ensure that this
problem would be corrected.
“Farm
Bureau
is
the
organization
that
brings
member ideas and makes them
legislation. It never hurts to try
a policy idea,” said Egan.
Assemblywoman
Aileen
Gunther and Sen. Pattie Ritchie
worked together to draft this
legislation, which changed the
agricultural trailer registration
fee from $5.39 per 500 pounds to
$2.51 per 500 pounds.
The bill traveled through the
committee process with New
York Farm Bureau’s support
and passed Assembly on June 9,
2015 and the Senate just two days
later.
The bill was signed into law by
the governor on Dec. 11 last year.
Farm Bureau members across
the state can be part of the same
process to move their ideas from
the meeting room into law.
Back issues
of Grassroots
NYFB.org
Page 18 Grassroots July 2016
Grassroots July 2016
Page 19
Policy Development:
A Special Report
Discussion Forum 2017
This forum explores several emerging
issues relevant to agriculture in New
York and the U.S. Please review these
topics and bring this to your county policy
development meeting and County Annual
Meeting this summer and fall as a jumping
off point for discussion in your county.
These issues are only suggestions and ideas
generated from your county should also be
an important part of your consideration.
These questions are also available in the
Members Only section of www.nyfb.org
under Legislative Affairs.
State Policy Topics
1. Should all New York State residents
be allowed to possess a driver’s license,
regardless of immigration status?
Background: Currently, 12 states
provide access to driver’s licenses for
all residents, regardless of immigration
status, including California, Illinois, and
our neighboring states of Connecticut and
Vermont. Prior to 2002, New Yorkers were
able to get drivers’ licenses, regardless of
immigration status, when then-Governor
George Pataki changed the law to require
motorists to have a social security number
in order to obtain a driver’s license.
Advocates for this change believe that
licensing all drivers improves public safety
by ensuring that everyone driving on our
roads is properly licensed, informed of our
traffic laws, and is operating a registered,
inspected and insured vehicle. They also
believe the economy will be stimulated
through additional state revenue and lower
insurance rates. However, concerns exist
regarding giving undocumented residents
government approval for those in the
country illegally.
2. Should solar installations be
exempt from conversion fees when placed
on property that has an agricultural
assessment?
Background: Solar leasing companies
have
been
aggressively
pursuing
agricultural land to lease for solar
development in New York. Currently,
agriculturally assessed land that is
developed with small wind or anaerobic
digesters is exempt from conversion fees,
but solar is not. Solar development, however,
has a much larger land footprint than wind
and digester installations, perhaps 20 to 40
acres at utility scale. Under the Governor’s
plan to vastly expand renewable energy
in the state, it is estimated that nearly
15,000 acres of land could be developed for
solar generation to meet these goals. Open
agricultural land is easy to develop and
leasing rates are generally much higher
than other income options for land. In
addition, leasing companies are often
agreeing in the leasing contract to pay any
conversion fees that the landowner accrues.
When evaluating land for solar installation,
developers are considering a number of
factors, but usually not the soil types and
quality of land that is being considered.
Solar development at current leasing rates
could put pressure on land availability
for those looking to lease land for crops,
particularly beginning farmers. In 2016,
the state legislature considered bills that
would add solar to the list of renewable
energy systems exempted from agricultural
assessment conversion fees.
3. Should voters be able to approve
by a supermajority (60 percent) certain
separate propositions for their school
districts, outside the normal school
budget, without forcing the district to go
over the property tax cap?
Background: In 2013 New York State
passed a 2 percent property tax cap, which
was supported by NYFB. But now a number
of local communities are concerned about
their public schools operating in some
budget years with little to no growth. While
this policy has helped to tame the rapid
expansion of property taxes, which have
a significant impact on farms, there is an
impact on our public school system as well.
In Albany, lawmakers have been looking at
ways to address some concerns and this is
one proposal.
4. Should the New York State Fair be
partially or completely privatized?
Background: Governor Cuomo recently
announced his intentions to consider
either partially or completely privatizing
the New York State Fair. He has attempted
to do so in the past, but private operators
were not interested in taking over a State
Fair that needed major upgrading. Now,
with $50 million in state investment in the
State Fair, the Governor appointed a Task
Force to again investigate privatization.
Dean Norton, President of New York Farm
Bureau, is a member of this Task Force.
5. Should workers’ compensation
reform be addressed in the coming year,
what changes would you like to see?
Background: Reforms to our state’s
workers’ compensation program are
perennially discussed and could be
addressed in the coming year. Public Policy
staff is seeking any policy recommendations
to help New York Farm Bureau inform the
larger conversation. See page 74 in the 2016
Policy Book for our current list of related
policies.
6. Should indemnification clauses in
contracts between shippers and motor
carriers be prohibited?
Background: Legislation has been
proposed that would disallow the use
of indemnification clauses in contracts
between shippers and motor carriers.
Current law does not prohibit a shipper
from including indemnification (hold
harmless) language in the contract
between the shipper and motor carrier.
An indemnification clause absolves the
shipper of all liability for damage to
goods regardless of fault. For example, if
a shipment of produce is damaged in the
warehouse because it was kept there too
long, it is the responsibility of the trucking
company because of the indemnification
provision in the contract.
7. Should farmers be exempt from the
requirement to consult with a professional
engineer when installing backflow devices
into public water lines?
Background: Since 1990 the New York
State Department of Health has enforced
a Cross Connection Control Program
through local water authorities. This
program is used to protect public potable
water from backflow from a customer’s
distribution systems. The program requires
all customers to submit an application
and an engineering report, as drafted by a
professional engineer, to the Department
of Health for its approval. Upon the
Department of Health’s review, the
customer is then subject to install backflow
valves in accordance with the degree of
hazard caused by their activity. While the
monitor of backflow into public drinking
water is a concern, hiring a professional
engineer can pose a significant cost to
farmers.
8. Should municipalities or New York
State be allowed to impose a 5 cent fee on
plastic bags in grocery stores? Should the
state preempt municipalities from doing
so? Should the 5 cent fee be changed to a
deposit?
Background: The New York City Council
recently enacted a 5 cent fee on plastic bags.
Due to state legislative pressure, the change
was postponed until February 2017. However,
there is considerable momentum on this
front in other areas of the state, as well.
9. Should farm breweries, farm cideries,
and farm distilleries be able to sell their
products at licensed roadside farm
markets?
Background: Currently under New
York State Law, farm wineries are able
to sell wine by the bottle for off-premise
consumption to farm roadside stands that
are located within 20 miles of a licensed
farm winery, special winery, or microwinery. The roadside stands are required
to obtain a roadside farm retailers license,
with an annual fee of $100, to sell the wine
and can only sell New York State labeled
wine from no more than two wineries.
10. Should class A-1 and B-1 distilleries
be able to sell liquor, by the bottle or
for on-premise consumption, that is
manufactured by the licensee?
Background: Legislation has been
introduced that would allow a class A-1 and
B-1 distilleries to sell and sample liquor
on a licensed premise. Under current law,
only class D, Farm Distillery licensees,
may sample, sell, and retail liquor at their
licensed premise. Farm Distilleries are
required to use 75 percent New York-grown
products in their liquor and may only
produce 35,000 gallons/year of liquor. A-1
and B-1 distilleries do not have production
limits and do not have to use New York
State-grown products in their liquor.
National Policy Topics
11. What changes should be made to
the Margin Protection Program for Dairy
for the 2018 Farm Bill to better reflect the
inputs in the calculation of the margin?
Background:
The
2014
Farm
Bill
Continued on page 20
Page 20 Grassroots July 2016
NYFB Policy Development:
A Special Report
National
Continued from page 19
The College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University hosts President Duvall. From left, Chris Watkins from
Cornell Cooperative Extension, NYFB President Norton, Jan Nyrop of the Cornell University Agricultural Experiment
Station, CALS Dean Kathryn Boor, President Duvall, and Tom Overton of PRO-DAIRY.
President
Continued from page 1
with leaders in the College of
Animal and Life Sciences, saw
the latest agricultural research
happening
at
the
Geneva
Experiment Station, and visited
numerous family farms, including
Scott and Judi Whittaker’s Broome
County dairy farm and Anthony
Road Wine Company in Penn Yann,
to discuss things like immigration,
environmental regulations and
food safety. It was all an effort to
better educate himself so he can
educate policy makers.
“If I go up on the hill and talk to
a congressman or senator and it’s
about regulation, I need to know
how those regulations are affecting
farmers and ranchers in New York.
I can testify to that and say I have
been there, talked to them. That
is a valuable thing for me to carry
with me when I do this job,” said
Duvall.
But he also needs the backup
of Farm Bureau members. Often
times, when there is a call-toaction on an important issue,
farmers have a tendency to put it
off or think they will get to it later.
As a farmer, he understands that
farmers are busy people with a lot
on their minds, and that it is easy
to forget about making that phone
call to an elected official or sending
an email to the state capitol. He
said that thinking must change,
especially as groups like HSUS,
AARP and others can generate
millions of responses quickly to
Capitol Hill. Farm Bureau must
be able to keep up or we will be left
behind.
“That is when we become
successful and that’s when we
move the needle and make our lives
in rural America better,” he said.
It isn’t just public policy that
he is concerned about, but also
public perception.
Unlike any
time in recent memory, consumers
are taking a more active role in
learning about the food they’re
eating, where it is coming from
and how it is grown.
While some of the discussion,
particularly in social media, can
be critical of farming, Duvall said
we need to move beyond being
offended.
“We need to look at it as an
created a new program for dairy
farmers that was meant to offer
protection to dairy farmers when
the difference between the all milk
price and that average feed cost, or
the margin, falls below a certain
dollar amount selected by the
producer. Producers had the option
to purchase “buy-up” coverage that
provides payments when margins
are between $4-$8 per cwt. In 2015
producers paid approximately
$73 million in fees and premiums,
however, only $700,000 has been
paid out in payments to producers
so far. Some producers believe that
the average feed cost used by FSA
is not reflective of the actual feed
cost paid by producers, skewing
the margin and resulting in nonpayments.
12. Should the Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Program include
processed fruits and vegetables
(frozen, canned, dried, etc.)?
President Duvall meets with Scott and Judi Whittaker and others about issues
that New York farmers face in their newly refurbished barn on their dairy
farm in Broome County. Below left, Duvall visits with the Cornell Collegiate
Farm Bureau.
opportunity,” he said.
He encouraged farmers he met
on his tour to take a more active
role in sharing their stories. He
says there is no better place to do
that than in our rural communities.
This is where farmers work and
live. They should be discussing
this with their neighbors and look
for opportunities to get in front of
an audience. That is a strength of
Farm Bureau that can sponsor an
FFA group or booster club event.
They can get in front of a civic
club and talk about their farm and
production methods.
“What I have discovered all
across America is public opinion is
just as important as public policy,”
said Duvall. “Farm Bureau has
spent almost 100 years promoting
our policy and now we have to
realize that there is something just
as important and that is what the
public thinks about us.”
President Duvall said he was
in awe of the beautiful scenery in
New York. He was impressed with
the farms and innovation taking
place here. And he was moved
President Duvall examines this year’s
grape crop with with John Martini
at Anthony Road Winery.
and overwhelmed by the people
he met. Farmers in the Northeast
aren’t much different than their
counterparts across the country.
They all care passionately about
what they do and the care they take
doing it, and he is happy to share
those stories with people who may
not realize what we have going for
us and working against us in the
region.
“I look forward to working hard
for the farms and ranchers in this
state and across America. It is a
privilege and an honor and I take it
very seriously,” he said.
Background: Approved through
the Farm Bill, the Fresh Fruit
and Vegetable Program provides
federal financial assistance to
schools to provide free fresh
fruits and vegetables to students
in
participating
elementary
schools. Schools qualify due
to their high rates of free and
reduced cost meals. The program
was created in the 2002 Farm Bill
and continuously expanded to
provide young people access to the
fruits and vegetables they might
not otherwise experience and to
improve health. In negotiating the
Child Nutrition Reauthorization
Act this year, Congress has made
an attempt to amend the language
of the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable
Program to include frozen, canned,
dried and other processed fruits
and vegetables into the program.
NYFB opposed this change in the
last Farm Bill to preserve the use of
whole fresh produce, but nationally
farmers have argued that expansion
to minimally processed products is
preferable.
13. Should Farm Bureau
support “right to repair” laws on
the national level?
Background: New York Farm
Bureau state policy supports “right
to repair” legislation, stating, “We
support requiring manufacturers
who operate and sell in New York
to make available diagnostic and
repair information for all digital
electronic parts and machines”
(page 123, #33 in the 2016 State
Policy Book). A national movement
to pass federal “right to repair”
legislation is beginning, but AFBF
policy is silent on the issue. Farm
equipment often does not break
during normal business hours
and providing this diagnostic and
repair information could help
a farmer repair modern farm
equipment on a weekend or late
into the evening.
Grassroots July 2016
From left, Heidi Lott, Romulus Central School Librarian Stacy Merrill and Tamara
Lott
Seneca County Rolls
Out ‘Ag Mag’ for Kids
What is an Ag Mag? It is four
pages of learning activities and
information on topics including
Beef, Apples, Biotechnology, Bees,
Careers in Agriculture, Corn, Dairy,
Pizza, Sheep, Soybeans, Energy and
Poultry comprise the Ag Mag series
– an agricultural magazine for kids.
Sponsored
by
the
Seneca
County Farm Bureau Promotion
and Education Program, Heidi
and Tamara Lott, Lott Farms
in Waterloo, started the Ag Mag
program in the libraries of the
Waterloo, Finger Lakes Christian
School, Romulus and South Seneca
elementary schools in Seneca
County last January. They chose six
topics and presented one a month
from January to June.
Personal visits from local
farmers brought each topic alive.
Kelsey DeCloux Rappleye who
co-owns Westwind Farms in
Interlaken met with students to add
a personal dimension to the poultry
topic. Kelsey told the children in
grades 3-5 about how the family
farm hatches chicks to be raised
to lay eggs and about the 20,000
layers they have on their farm that
provide a fresh supply of eggs to
local stores.
Heidi and Tamara also went
into each school to talk personally
with 5th graders about the Ag Mag
describing Careers in Agriculture.
“Ten years old is not too early to
start to think about this,” Heidi
said. Heidi and Tamara are both
in college now pursuing careers in
agriculture.
“As members of a farm family we
thought about what we would do for
a livelihood very early in our lives,”
said Tamara.
The elementary school librarians
worked closely with Heidi and
Tamara to supplement the materials
with related information.
Page 21
Page 22 Grassroots July 2016
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Solar Meetings held in Western New York
Two informational solar meetings were held in Western New York. At the Fredonia solar meeting (left) is Attorney Dave Colligan speaking to group, which had
about 60 participants. The Yorkshire solar meeting (right) had about 90 participants. Pictured is Mike Saviola from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets.
July 2016
Grassroots Page 23
Page 24 Grassroots July 2016
Schuyler County School
Kids Tour Farm
Erika Eckstrom from Painted Bar Stables talks with 6th-graders from Schuyler
County.
By Lindsay Wickham
[email protected]
How great is this? If you are in
6th grade and attend a public school
in Schuyler County, you will spend
a whole day at a farm, courtesy of
Schuyler County Farm Bureau.
For the seventh consecutive year,
155 sixth grade students from the
three school districts in the county,
Bradford, Odessa-Montour, and
Watkins Glen, spent the day visiting
three farms, Reisinger’s Apple
Country, Lakewood Vineyards, and
Shtayburne Creamery and Dairy
Farm. A main focus area of each
speaker were careers in agriculture.
At Reisinger’s, students rotated
between three stations. Owner
Rick Reisinger toured the orchards
and spoke about growing apples,
co-owners Karen Reisinger and
daughter Lisa Brower took the kids
through their farm store and storage
area, while giving all the kids slices
of the legendary Honeycrisp apple
that had been stored since the fall.
The final station featured Erika
Eckstrom from Painted Bar Stables
and three of her finest horses, and
veterinarian Dr. Julia Gray, talking
about the stable and trail riding
business, and animal care.
Lakewood Vineyards was the
midday stop for all the students
and included six stations, grape
growing with Dave Stamp, weather
and agriculture with Hans WalterPeterson, crop protection services
with Dave Orsell, winemaking
with Chad Hendrickson, and an
agriculture
safety
discussion
featuring
a
dummy
getting
pulled apart by a PTO with John
Vanderwerken from NYCAMH.
A fabulous lunch featuring pizza,
apples, cheese sticks, yogurt
and milk was also served which
included donations or discounts
from Jerlando’s, Tops, Kraft, and
Byrne.
At Shtayburne, owner Lorin
Hostetler spoke about the cheese
making process and provided
lots of samples, Steuben CCE’s
Kerri Bartlett toured the dairy
barn and talked about animal
nutrition, Schuyler Soil and Water
Conservation District’s Elaine
Dalrymple spoke about soils and
their make-up, conservation, and
Continued on page 26
July 2016
Grassroots Page 25
Iowa FB Members Visit New York
Iowa Farm Bureau members
spent most of five days visiting
New York as part of their annual
membership rewards trip to
somewhere in the country.
While in New York, the 120
members spent the first 24 hours in
Niagara Falls.
From there, it was off to three
days in the beautiful Finger Lakes
Region, staying in Watkins Glen.
An opening welcome reception
was held at the Roosterfish Brewing
Tasting Room and Beer Garden,
featuring Roosterfish Beer, Heron
Hill wine, Finger Lakes Distillery
Kelly Weiss, left, from NYFB member winery Heron Hill did a tasting at
Roosterfish, with (from left) Schuyler County Farm Bureau board member Dan
Teed, and Iowa Farm Bureau members Linda and Earl Comstock.
NY State Releases Pollinator
Task Force Findings
New York State in June
released recommendations of the
New York State Pollinator Task
Force. To address the decline in
pollinators that has occurred
in recent years, the Governor
directed the Commissioners of
the Department of Agriculture
and Markets and the Department
of Environmental Conservation
to meet with farmers, research
institutions and key industry
leaders to develop a roadmap to
conserve and grow pollinator
populations across the state.
Pollinators – which include
various types of bees and butterflies
– contribute significantly to the
state’s
agricultural
economy
by adding roughly $350 million
in pollination services on an
annual basis.
The New York State
Pollinator Protection Plan was
created in coordination with
the Task Force advisory group,
which included a wide variety of
stakeholders—including farmers,
apiarists, pesticide applicators, and
environmentalists. New York Farm
Bureau’s Assistant Director of
Public Policy, Lauren Williams, also
served with the group.
The Task Force held four
roundtable meetings with the
advisory group, and solicited public
comments, on important issues
critical to the development of the
plan. As a result of listening sessions
and stakeholder input, the Task
Force focused its recommendations
on four priority areas:
• Development of Voluntary
Best Management Practices for all
pollinator stakeholders, including
beekeepers, growers, land owners,
state agencies and the general
public;
• Habitat enhancement efforts to
protect and revive populations of
native and managed pollinators;
• Research and monitoring of
pollinators to better understand,
prevent and recover from pollinator
losses; and
• Development of an outreach
and public education program
on the importance of pollinators,
engaging the public to be active
participants to seek solutions to
pollinator declines.
“We are pleased to present the
NYS Pollinator Protection Plan,
which includes best practices for
our farmers, land owners, bee
keepers and state agencies, many
of which we can get to work on
immediately,” said Commissioner
of Agricultural & Markets Richard
Ball.
According to the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, pollinators provide
approximately $344 million worth
of pollination services to New York
and add $29 billion in value to crop
production nationally each year.
New York’s ability to produce crops
such as apples, grapes, cherries,
onions, pumpkins and cauliflower
relies heavily on the presence of
pollinators. spirits, and appetizers from Nickel’s
Pit BBQ.
Subsequent tours took them to
the Finger Lakes Produce Auction,
Climbing Bines Brewery and Hop
Farm, the Geneva Experiment
Station, Bergen’s Seneca View
Dairy Farm, Hoffman’s Sunset
View Creamery, Reisinger’s Apple
Country, Lakewood Vineyards and
Winery, and a visit to the historic
gorge at Watkins Glen State Park.
Quite a change from the mostly
flat 1,200 acre average farm of corn,
soybeans, hogs and beef cattle
found in Iowa.
Roosterfish Brewing Tasting Room and Beer Garden recently hosted 120 Iowa
Farm Bureau members and two dozen local New York Farm Bureau members
on Iowa Farm Bureau’s visit to New York.
Page 26 Grassroots July 2016
Keeping
Visitors
Safe on
Your Farm
By Emma Garrison
New York Center for Agricultural
Medicine and Health
For the seventh consecutuve year, 6th-graders from Schuyler County public schools tour local farms.
Kids
Continued from page 24
mapping, and Dan Teed spoke
on behalf of the New York Beef
Council.
The day ended with each student
getting some ice cream as they
boarded their buses and headed
back to their respective schools.
The weather was absolutely perfect
all day. The best part of this whole
exercise is knowing that another
group of students has a new found
appreciation of agriculture, all of
its many direct and indirect jobs,
and how agriculture really does
support the community and feed
the world.
State’s Maple
Production Sets
Record
New York’s 2016 maple production
increased by 18 percent, breaking
last year’s 70-year production
record by more than 100,000
gallons and maintaining the state’s
standing as the second leading
producer of maple syrup in the
nation, according to the National
Agricultural Statistics Service.
New York’s maple farmers
produced more than 700,000 gallons
of maple syrup in 2016, a record
that can be attributed to warmerthan-normal temperatures, which
allowed for an extended season.
“New York produces some of
the best maple syrup anywhere on
the globe, a product that remains a
key part of this state’s agriculture
industry,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said
in a news release.
New York’s maple production
constituted about 16.8 percent of
the national total, or about one
sixth of the nation’s output. This
year’s increase was up 18 percent
from the 601,000 gallons produced
in 2015, which held a 70-year record.
The number of maple taps also
continues to climb, with more than
2.5 million taps in production in
2016, the highest number of taps
since 1947.
The USDA also estimates that
the average maple syrup collecting
season in New York in 2016 was
36 days, ten days longer than the
previous year, which was limited
by harsh winter weather. By
comparison, the season was 40 days
long on average in 2013.
It’s tourist season folks.
Agricultural
safety
experts
have weighed in to offer a few
simple safety guidelines for your
agritourism operation.
Post plenty of signs: Effective
signage is short, simple, and
often includes some sort of selfexplanatory pictogram that small
children can easily understand.
Replace any weathered signs and
don’t let overgrown brush cover
up any of these important safety
messages.
Store
your
tools
and
machinery: While displaying
farm machinery and other
vehicles can be educational and
exciting for many visitors, they
also pose a very tempting safety
risk, particularly for children.
In the case that visitors are
permitted to explore any tools or
equipment, it is recommended
that an employee be present to
supervise.
Clearly designate parking areas
and control traffic flow: Identify
parking areas with highly visible
signage about a half mile from
the designated parking area. This
will help prevent motorists from
parking illegally on roads or in
places that will inhibit the farm’s
traffic flow.
Fill in the potholes and clearly
mark
pedestrian
walkways:
Prevent slips, trips, and falls by
ensuring that all areas where
visitors will be traveling by foot
are mostly level, free of clutter,
and void of potholes. Walkways
should easily funnel visitors from
one attraction to the next by using
signage to clearly marked paths.
Be mindful of “attractive
nuisances”: Anything that both
unintentionally attracts children
and also presents a significant
safety hazard is considered an
attractive nuisance, for example,
a farm pond or a parked tractor.
It’s recommended that you survey
your farm from a child’s eye view
and try to secure all potential
attractive nuisances, as they are
accidents just waiting to happen.
For more information about
how to design an agritourism
operation that has carefully
considered every aspect of
visitor health and safety, visit the
Marshfield Clinic’s website at:
http://www.marshfieldresearch.
org/nccrahs/agritourism.
Grassroots July 2016
Sundae on the Farm in Saratoga County
A tour group learns about dairy cows and the day-to-day operations on a dairy farm. Turning Point Dairy in Saratoga
County hosts the 2016 Sundae on the Farm June 12. Saratoga County Farm Bureau sponsors and participates in the
event.
FFX
Continued from page 9
they will get a feel for the multitude
of career opportunities available
in the agricultural industry. The
participants will also meet with
industry experts, employers, and
post-secondary educators.
The 2016 Food & Farm Experience
is:
• A two-day program for 25 to 35
target group members – starting
with a reception and dinner on
Wednesday, Oct. 19, in Batavia,
enhanced with a panel presentation
of agricultural businesses that
hold tremendous potential for
their students, and winding down
with a trade show of agricultural
education and opportunity on
Friday, Oct. 21, concluding at noon.
• Application is necessary for
inclusion in the annual Food &
Farm Experience.
• Food, lodging, and workshop
material costs are covered.
• The Food & Farm Experience
offers open conversations that
allow participants to enhance their
understanding of food and farming,
and connect on multiple levels to
provide an enhanced network and
links to the agricultural industry.
• Application deadline is July 15,
201
Interested in attending the 2016
Food & Farm Experience or know
someone to nominate? Contact New
York Farm Bureau’s Foundation for
Agricultural Education at 1-800-3424143.
Applications can be downloaded
at www.nyfbfoundation.org and
returned to [email protected].
Page 27
Page 28 Careers
Continued from page 9
Director (CED) for the USDA Farm
Service Agency (FSA). As a CED
I am responsible for directing
and managing program and
administrative operations for three
counties.
I help carry out commodity
production,
commodity/facility
loans, conservation, environmental
quality,
indemnity,
disaster,
emergency and defense programs
under policies established by FSA.
I provide basic FSA farm
program services along with the
help of my staff. I perform office
and field activities as needed to
accomplish program objectives. I
also manage and direct activities
of my staff. As a CED I am able
Lawsuit
Continued from page 1
constitutionality of the challenged
farm labor exemption.” Farm Bureau believes that
the exemption of farmworkers
from collective bargaining rights
is constitutional, and that the
exclusion of farmworkers from the
State Labor Relations Act law is
based on decades of rational public
policy and legal precedent that
is outlined in NYFB’s motions to
intervene and to dismiss. New York Farm Bureau believes
Grassroots to support my fellow farmers, as
well as stay connected with the
agricultural community. There is
a lot of diversity that comes with
working for FSA.
My job is always exciting and
each day brings a new and exciting
challenge.
I feel my job is very fulfilling. I
always take every chance I get to
either work with our producers
at the counter or get out to their
farms.
There are so many different
aspects of working in agriculture.
My family had a small dairy farm
growing up and it was that life
style, along with growing up in
the agricultural community that
showed me there are many aspects.
No matter what career you end
up choosing—and there are many—
being able to make a difference in
the farming community has meant
the most to me.”
that the legal precedent is clear. This
is not a question for the courts, and
the NYCLUF is attempting to make
an end-run around the legislature,
which has not approved collective
bargaining for farmworkers despite
numerous opportunities. “New York Farm Bureau has a
century long record of defending
the state’s family farms, and today’s
action is one of the most important
in our long history. If we can’t count
on our state leaders to do the right
thing in this case, we are prepared
to stand up for our members in
court to protect their rights,” New
York Farm Bureau President Dean
Norton said.
Weather
Continued from page 9
very surprised when so many came
to support us, and the orchard was
picked clean.
After hurricane rains, some
of our fellow farmers lost barns,
livestock and crops. But they have
been able to continue, rebuild,
and move on because this is their
livelihood.
So when it is dry – we irrigate.
When it rains – we try to drain.
When it is cold – we use our air
machines to circulate the warm
Golf
Continued from page 9
and
player
information
is
available on our website at
www.nyfbfoundation.org.
We would be happy to mail or
email to those who may be interested
as players and or sponsors. Be sure
Letter
Continued from page 1
farmworkers enjoy, which can
include complimentary housing
and utilities, skills training,
participating in retirement plans,
and even earning equity in the farm
business.
“In fact, your own Departments
of Labor, Health, and Agriculture
and Markets are involved in
overseeing and inspecting farm
operations to ensure that the
multitude of state and federal
labor laws that specifically protect
farmworkers are met.”
In addition, the letter goes on to
highlight the myriad challenges
that family farms are facing in New
York and the notable repercussions
that will likely follow if the
governor does not defend the law.
“Combined
with
already
higher taxes, a stifling regulatory
environment, and a minimum
wage increase this year, collective
bargaining
would
make
the
continued operation of many family
farms untenable,” the groups wrote.
“Farmers, who we have always
contended are tied to the land, are
July 2016
air and when it is hot – well, there
is not much to do about that. But a
farmer always tries their hardest to
work with Mother Nature the best
way with the best methods that we
have to do that with.
As I traveled to Washington, D.C.
for the AFBF Woman’s Committee
and Promotion and Education
conference, I learned from ladies
all over the country how unkind the
weather has been.
I heard the same crop issues that
we have here in the Northeast. This
is something as farmers we have to
endure, but with the true love of
farming, we all need to make the
best of what Mother Nature gives
to us.
to check out the special early bird
rates for county Farm Bureau
teams and all golfers. If you would
like information, please call us at
1-800-342-4143.
Golfing numbers are limited to
ensure a great golfing experience,
so make your reservations and be
sure you have a place on our player
roster.
This Classic will be one you do
not want to miss.
now seriously investigating moving
their businesses out of state and
closing their doors. Your actions this
year have left them feeling abandoned
by the state they call home.”
Signing onto the letter with New
York Farm Bureau, were Agri-Mark,
Inc.; Dairy Farmers of America,
Inc. Northeast Area; Empire State
Forest
Products
Association;
Empire State Potato Growers, Inc.;
Farm Credit East; Harness Horse
Breeders of New York State; New
York Apple Association, Inc.; New
York Corn and Soybean Growers
Association; New York State
Agribusiness Association; New
York State Grange; New York State
Maple
Producers
Association;
New
York
State
Turfgrass
Association; New York State
Vegetable Growers Association;
New York Thoroughbred Breeders,
Inc.; Northeast Agribusiness and
Feed Alliance; Northeast Dairy
Producers Association, Inc.; and
Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc.
There has been no response from
the Governor to this letter, but
subsequent public comments from
his spokesperson indicate that he
will not be changing his position on
the lawsuit defense.
The full letter can be seen at
www.nyfb.org.
July 2016
Grassroots Page 29
All-American July 4th Cookout Ticks Up,
Still Costs Less Than $6 Per Person
A cookout of Americans’ favorite
foods for the Fourth of July,
including hot dogs, cheeseburgers,
pork spare ribs, potato salad, baked
beans, lemonade and chocolate
milk, will cost slightly more this
year but still comes in at less than
$6 per person, says the American
Farm Bureau Federation.
Farm Bureau’s informal survey
reveals the average cost of a
summer cookout for 10 people is
$56.06, or $5.61 per person.
Although the cost for the cookout
is up slightly (less than 1 percent),
“Prices in the meat case are starting
to look better from the consumers’
perspective,” said Veronica Nigh,
an AFBF economist.
“Retail ground round prices are
trending lower,” she noted, pointing
to the nation’s cattle inventory
and commercial beef production,
which continue to rebound from
dramatically low levels in 2014 and
2015.
In addition, “On the pork side,
commercial
production
also
continues to grow and is at the
highest level in 25 years,” Nigh
said. Spare rib prices are about
the same as a year ago, while the
amount of product in cold storage
is up 121 percent, Nigh pointed
out. “This is helping mediate the
normal seasonal upswing in spare
rib prices we typically see around
the July 4th festivities,” she said.
AFBF’s summer cookout menu
for 10 people consists of hot dogs
and buns, cheeseburgers and buns,
pork spare ribs, deli potato salad,
baked beans, corn chips, lemonade,
chocolate milk, ketchup, mustard
and watermelon for dessert.
Commenting on factors driving
the slight increase in retail
watermelon prices, Nigh said,
“While watermelons are grown
across the U.S., most come from
four states – Texas, Florida,
Georgia and California – which
together produce approximately 44
percent of the U.S. crop. Shipments
of watermelons are down nearly 8
percent compared to the same time
period last year,” she said.
U.S. milk production is up 1
percent compared to the same
period last year.
During the first quarter of
2016 (January-March), U.S. milk
production reached historic levels,
putting
significant
downward
pressure on the price farmers
receive for their milk.
Nigh said the increase in the
price of cheese slices highlights
the spread in prices that often
occurs between values at the farm,
wholesale, and retail stages of the
production and marketing chain.
A total of 79 Farm Bureau
members (volunteer shoppers) in
26 states checked retail prices for
summer cookout foods at their local
grocery stores for this informal
survey.
Grassroots Farmers’ Market
Classified Ads FREE to NYFB members
HAY
HAY FOR SALE. Quality timothybrome-orchard grass mix. Small
square bales for pickup or delivery
in
Westchester, Dutchess and
Putnam area. 845-475-7100
ALPACA HAY. Tender, soft 3rd
and 4th cut grass and some alfalfa.
Caseyland Farm 518-461-7922
STRAW FOR SALE.
Skanda
Equine in Cazenovia has beautiful,
soft straw for sale. $4.10/bale. 917940-4963
HAY FOR SALE. Nice quality dry
hay. Small, well packed square
bales. No chemicals. Never wet.
1st cutting $2.75/bale, 2nd cutting
$4.00/bale. 315-562-8280
TOP QUALITY tested horse hay;
references available. Timothy/
Orchard mix, RFV 92-98. Small
square bales $5.50-$6.50 each. Can
ship anywhere in continental USA.
607-538-9685 or scotchvalleyranch@
gmail.com.
Reach Farm Bureau members throughout the state!
Sell equipment, real estate or a service, you name it!
One free ad — up to 30 words — per month for every member, as long
as we receive your ad by the 15th of the previous month.
Want an additional up-to-30-word ad? No problem.
Members pay just $15. Non-members pay $30.
We gladly accept ads by e-mail at: [email protected].
or mail to: Grassroots Classifieds, PO Box 5330, Albany, NY 12205
or fax to: 518-431-5656 For more information call: 518-436-8495
Advertisers in this section support the mission of
the New York Farm Bureau. NYFB reserves the right
to refuse to accept any classified ad, paid or unpaid, at its sole
discretion. Payment must accompany order with all paid ads.
processed baleage. 1st, 2nd & 3rd
cut available. Malette Hy-View
Acres. 518-497-6837
HAY FOR SALE. Legume grass 4x5
baleage, 2nd & 3rd cutting which
has been tested. Also stored inside
1st cut 4x5 hay. Chemung County
607-962-1477
FOR SALE. 4x4 rounds. Grass hay,
1st cutting. Organic Certified. $35/
each. 607-849-3798
HAY FOR SALE – Orange County
area – Mixed grass/timothy/
alfalfa. Standard 40lb bales (10 &
up). Pick up or delivery for fee.
845-374-5471 ask for Jeff Soons.
[email protected].
HAY FOR SALE. Alfalfa & Alfalfa
Mixed. Quality tested. Round
HAY FOR SALE. Tubed round
bales of oatlage and 3rd cutting
alfalfa mix balage; 1st & 2nd
cutting Savanah-Sorghum balage
and round dry bales under cover.
518-753-4387 or 518-466-1457
HAY FOR SALE. Pure Alfalfa
and forage soybean bailage. $75/
bale. 50lbs corn $6.00. Potsdam/
St.Lawrence County. 315-265-6788
STRAW FOR SALE. Clean/dry 3x4
wheat straw for feeding or bedding.
Delivered by truckload. Wes at 866575-7562
HAY FOR SALE. 4x4 netted round
bales. Timothy/mixed grasses.
Good feed, never wet, stored
inside, no chemicals. $50 cash
upon loading. 585-637-9632 leave
message.
TRACTORS,
MACHINERY
JOHN DEERE
1070 JD 1020 Row Crop tractor
with bucket, rear PTO & 3 pt hitch.
Runs. Have manuals. $4000. 631827-4891; 1978 Troy-Bilt H61E
rototiller. Needs magneto. $400
631-827-4891; 1984 10,000 lb WARN
electric winch with 100 ft SS cable.
$350. 631-827-4891
JD Combine 1972, 4400, 6 cylinder
Diesel, has 13’ grain head, runs and
operates. $4200 obo. 607-652-7590
STORED INSIDE. JD 430 round
baler. $3500. 585-591-0795
JD 4430 with loader. Runs good.
$10,000. 315-447-3196
JD60 NFE with 3pt hitch and JD
snow plow. Runs good. 315-6262881
JD 2840 Tractor, good engine, rear
end. 315-695-5738 for more info.
1945 JD Model B Farm Tractor.
Restored, 4 new tires, parade ready.
$3000. Daniel 607-359-2693
Page 30 Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
JD 346 Hay Baler. Very good
condition. Stored inside. $5500
obo. 585-259-7289
JD 5ft snowblower. New, never
used, front mount, hydraulic
directional chute. $5500. Located
between Lowville and Watertown,
NY. 315-955-2898
JD MDL305 Fairway Mower, trailer
type, self contained pto hydraulic
system. 4 fold-up reel mowers,
mowing 10’. $2400 obo. Frank 315271-4490. Rome, NY.
ALLIS CHALMERS
AC B tractor with belly mower,
snow plow, tire chains and
cultivators, VG, runs great. ONAN
commercial 5k generator on trailer
with flood lights VG; Yamaha G1
golf cart VG. 315-263-0872
MASSEY FERGUSON
1990-91 MASSEY 1035. Many new
parts,has front bucket and rear
backhoe. Runs very well. 4 wheel
drive. $12,000 518-733-9332
NEW HOLLAND
NH 575 Baler, 13’ White 256
disc, Allied 51’ elevator, Landoll
V-ripper, White 10 shank chisel
plow with colters. 845-427-2254
489 NH Haybine in good condition.
Barn kept. $3800. 518-827-6733
NH 2006 TC30 Diesel. 4x4, hydro,
front bucket, R4 tires, 680 hours,
serviced, with manuals. Asking
$13,950.
New Brushmaster
15hp
chipper/shredder.
$695.
Harpursville, NY 607-437-8886
HESSTON 9 foot haybine. Pull –
type. $1500 obo. 607-228-0775 or
607-546-4055
FARMALL
FARMALL Super-H, live hydraulic,
excellent tin $3000; Farmall Super-M
excellent sheet metal $3000; SUPER
“C”. Excellent condition $2500;
Farmall 504 Hi-Clear. Also have
International 4166, good condition.
315-536-9438
FARMALL 560 Diesel. Strong
engine, strong TA. 95% rear tires,
3 sets of rear weights. Runs great,
needs batteries. Asking $4200. 607264-3947
FORD
FORD TW25-2; 137hp; 540and 1000
pto, 5100 hrs. New tires and clutch.
$16,000 obo. Runs great. 315-2121386
1980 FORD 30’ bucket truck. $1200
obo. Repair or salvage. Also have
1973 - 353 Diesel log skidder, asking
$10,000 obo. 518-733-9332
FORD 1900. 4 wheel, has ROPS,
power steering, 5’ bucket, block
heater, ag tires, loaded, 5’ rear
finish mower. 845-227-0405 leave
message
KUBOTA
M70-60 Kubota. 2013. Bucket, cab,
weights, air and radio. 70 horse,
loaded. 20 hours. 845-857-0242.
CASE
2001
INTERNATIONAL 4700
DT466, 5x2, air brakes, 33,000 GVW,
Arbortech 14” dumping multipurpose tree chip body with 2500
lb tuck away hydraulic lift gate and
full through tunnel box.. 27k miles
$29,500. Adams Tree Service, Inc.
914-241-3849
DOZERS
DRESSER 175C crawler loader.
1995 with 1800hrs. 4in1 bucket,
new undercarriage. Exc. Condition.
$20,000 negotiable/trades.
516767-1528 or Ralph@rbonavitacola.
com.
2008 KOMATSU CK35-1 Crawler
Skid Steer with only 1036 hours! 2
speed, turbo charged diesel engine.
$25,500. 518-251-2424
CAT 955L Track Loader with new
tracks, rollers, sprockets. Has 4 in
1 bucket and rear winch. $12,500.
914-949-4100 or [email protected].
EQUIPMENT
OEM Massey, Gleaner, New Idea,
White, Agco, & Challenger parts.
0% financing on Hesston and
Massey Ferguson round balers,
mowers & most hay tools. . www.
mabiebros.com or 315-687-7891
CALL US for KRONE hay tools and
parts. Tedders and Rakes in stock.
www.mabiebros.com or 315-6877891
ANTIQUE OLIVER Super 88 all
new tires. Mint. $5,000; 1949 JD
B Series, all restored $5,000; 1960
705 MOLINE, all restored $6,000;
1944 D2 CAT tractor, never had
a blade on it, all restored $5,000;
2 new 20x30 tractor chains $300;
new 20x25 articulator loader chains
$300. 845-726-4180
ANTIQUE JD Manure spreader.
Horse drawn or tractor adaptable.
All parts complete. “Slats & Chain”.
Mint condition. Illness forces sale.
$400.00 845-226-1424
BELARUS 805 85hp with cab. 1460
hrs, 2 wheel drive, 18 speed forward
4 speed reverse. Pto 540 and 1000
rpm, 3pt hitch, very good condition.
$8900 obo. BELARUS 250AS 31 hp,
244 hrs, 2 wheel drive, 540 pto, live
hydro, 3pt hitch, 8 speed forward
and 6 reverse. Very good condition.
$3500 obo. 315-699-2459
ZERO TURN MOWERS by BIG
DOG. 7yr warranty, 0% (48 month)
financing available. Oh, My!
Mowers. Stanley, NY 585-314-4912
Jay-Lor 3425 Vertical feed mixer
with hay knives. Has crosscut
converter so it can feed either side.
Can be seen anytime. Mexico,
NY 315-963-7311 or 315-727-3860
$23,000.
FARM KING 17ft pull tedder; Farm
King 6ft rotary cutter; Farm King
5ft rotary tiller; Farm King 5ft finish
mower and a used Ford Landscape
Rake. 607-529-3294
ANDERSON NWX 660 x tractor
round bale roppers, stored inside,
excellent shape. $22,000 open for
offers. 716-735-7912
1939 NEW IDEA Manure Spreader
Model 10A. Horse or tractor drawn.
Complete restoration. All new
wood. Complete paint job. Use it or
just show it. $1995.00 585-362-7039
INT 440 baler with kicker; 1946
Minneapolis Molines RTY, runs
good, narrow front. 716-992-4560
CULTIVATOR 12’ $350; Chisel
plow seven shank $1000; 30’ 4”
grain auger $300; Hay elevator 40’
$400; GEHL 309 Manure Spreader
$2000; 5500 generator $500; Back
blade $250. 315-963-7195
HESTON PT-7 Mower Conditioner
and NH56 Hay Rig. Asking $1500
for Hay Rig and $1500 for Mower
Conditioner.
Good running
condition. Photos available. Small
manure spreader, can be towed
behind ATV. Powder Coated.
Good Cond. $500 845-658-3584
or [email protected] for
inquiries.
1937 Allis Chalmers WC tractor,
numerous parts available. 1920’s
single bottom Oliver plow on steel,
excellent condition. Massey Harris
2 bottom trailer plow, very good
condition. $2200.00 for all. 716-9468921
WELDER generator, Honda GX270,
excellent condition, 72 hours of use,
4000 watts, 120/240 volts, welder
rating 125 amp. Water Mill, NY
631-726-9537
NH 130 BU Manure Spreader; JD
Baler #40 ejector; JD 346 parts baler;
JD Forge Box Apron Chain; KUHN
Hay Tedder; Vacuum pump. 315337-1499
575 Baler, JD 3020 tractor; Hay
Wagon Running Gear, Post Hole
Digger; 1411 Brushhog 10’, 12’
Cultivator, NH 1411 mower, NH
Bale Wagon, 36” elevator. EBY
Livestock Trailer. 518-963-7593
TRACTOR CHAINS. Double link
heavy duty set to fit 16.9-28 tire.
Used on JD 2 wheel drive for snow
and mud. Located in Stillwater, NY.
Pick up only. $400/set. 518-6646242
3 – standing 22,000Bu. Grain bins
with full floors, 8 inch unloading,
36 ft diameter. 1 standing 2,000Bu.
Hopper bottom bin, 1 MC675 grain
dryer, 1 – 10inch x 22ft transport
auger. 315-536-9178.
FREEMAN Loader – presently set
up for JD 520 but easily adaptable
to many others. Nice condition,
includes valve and hoses. Easily
disassembles for transport. $450
obo. 607-546-2341
2 H&S 9x18 basket/kicker wagons
on 8 ton Pequea running gear,
always inside, like new. $3500 each.
1000 gal fuel tank on skids, sand
blasted, primer painted, pressure
tested, new filler cap and gauge,
electric pump. $1200. Charles 716913-6313 or 716-652-1101
FOR SALE (used) Ford Landscape
Rake (mint) $650; One Bottom 3pt
16” plow $350; 61/2 ft drag – pull
type $275. NEW 5ft rotary tiller
and 17ft pull tedder. 570-888-5370
or 607-529-3499
TIRES FOR SALE.. all on rims.
1-11:00x22; 2-9:00x20; 1-R22.5;
July 2016
8-8:25R20; 1-7:50xR20. All good or
better. $100 each. 315-491-9041
AGCO PARTS – Massey Ferguson,
Challenger, White, New Idea,
Oliver, Allis Chalmers and more.
We ship UPS daily! 518-731-6019
or www.maxwoodequipment.com.
WILD WOMAN COMPANY, INC.
All types of survey equipment.
GPS – Repairs – supplies –
accessories. We repair all brands
of survey equipment. 30 years in
business. Woman owned firm.
Call Laurie Mass. 516-922-7740 or
wildwoman@survey-equipment.
com. Please call for a quote.
ROBERT BRONGO RETIREMENT
Farm Machinery Auction. Held on
Thursday, July 14th at 5pm. 2185
Manitou Road in Rochester, NY.
www.harriswilcox.com for list and
pictures.
WANTED
WANTED: Front Bucket loader
assembly for a Zetor 9540 farm
tractor. 607-965-2174
WANTED. Old grist mill stone,
iron garden gates ,fencing & anvils
201-906-2135 or [email protected].
WANTED: Feeder wagon with or
without head locks. 315-839-7237
VEHICLES
PICKUP TONNEAU black soft
cover used 1 year, like new , fits
1999-2012 full size Chevy GMC or
2013-2014 Ford F150 with 6.5 box.
Asking $200. Binghamton, NY 607722-2499
LUX Undercover SE – Tonneau
truck bed cover. Will fit all Fords
from ’09 to ’14 F-150 with the 5.5’
beds (short bed). White. Perfect
condition with all parts. Installation
constructions included. Has inside
LED light. $600 or best. 315-6825552
2000 FREIGHTLINER FL70. 14k
original miles, dump body with
swing gate, Cummins 15B230,
5.9liter diesel, 6 speed, air brakes,
exc. Cond. $37,500. 914-949-4100 or
[email protected]
1969 INT 1900 like new. 30k miles,
30yrs in barn. 8x16x4 box. 2 speed
axel, air brakes, 2 50 gallon gas
tanks $6,000. 845-726-4180
2002 JAYCO 5th wheel. Needs some
repairs. $1500.00. 518-372-0936
1988 4x4 Chevy Scottsdale P.U. long
bed, v-8, excellent cond. One owner.
86k miles. Will trade for restored
1066 Int, 4020 JD or $12,500. 315536-2717 please leave message.
SPECIAL OFFER TO NYFB
Members – GM Preferred Pricing
and additional $500 rebate on
new Chevrolets from Ken Barrett
Chevrolet in Batavia. Great
selection of New and Used. 585344-1000 or www.kenbarrett.com.
GET YOUR BEST DEAL with
personal service at Emerling Chevy,
the #1 Fleet Sales Volume Chevy
Dealer in NYS. Call, email or stop at
the dealership. All NYFB members
are eligible for an additional $500
rebate. Bill Solak. 716-941-5255 ext.
205 or [email protected].
July 2016
Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
EQUINE
WESTERN CHAPTER NYS Horse
Council. Serving the equine
community in WNY. www.
wcnyshc.org. 716-941-9120.
NYS Horse Council “To create a
strong unified voice for all interests
toward the preservation of a future
for horses in New York State”. New
2015 Membership Opportunities.
www.nyshc.org.
JD NORTH Farm Trail Challenge,
Stanley NY. Sunday, Sept. 18th,
first ride out at 9am. Benefits Light
Hill Hospice and Stanley/Hall/
Gorham Ambulance. Six divisions
including leadline. FMI Debbie at
585-526-5803, happy.hunter.deb@
gmail.com.
LOOMIS QUARTER HORSES:
Training reining and performance
horses, Halter, Pleasure and
starting colts. Western lessons and
clinics available. Short and long
distance trucking. 315-388-7736 or
[email protected].
RAYCLIFF FARM – Foundation
Bred Quarter Horses.
Blue
Valentine – Peppy San Badger
and more. Ranch Bred, wonderful
conformation, disposition, color.
All ages and stages. 315-823-4321
SHOW HORSE Appraiser. Maple
Row Farm. 716-435-0114 (cell) or
716-741-6900
EQUINE
CONNECTIONS
©
MASSAGE THERAPY. Enhance
Performance. Safeguard against
injury. Give your horses the best
possible care.
CJ Mathewson.
Certified Equissage © Therapist.
Info@ www.equitouch.webs.com
518-848-4599
A HORSE DRAWN AFFAIR/BROE
FARM home of Rosevale Leggo.
16.2 black morgan stallion standing
at stud. Boarding ,lessons, training,
dressage, driving ,hunters, Sales
518-329-5249
60 FOOT ROUND PEN COVER.
Excellent condition.
View at
FarmTek, priced at less than half for
a new one. $15,000. Beautiful light,
creates safe footing year round,
protection from the elements. cari@
cariswanson.com or 914-456-3155
HORSE STALLS. 10x10 modular
assembled, total of 10 stalls back
to back, grilled sliding doors,
free stand option, never used.
Bought for $15k, sell as is for $12k.
[email protected] or
518-325-1287
BOARDING/LESSONS
AUBREY HOUSE FARM, Copake,
NY features indoor and outdoor
arenas, an outside course, trails
and many acres of turnout. Our
trainer specializes in Hunters,
jumpers and equitation. www.
aubreyhousefarm.com , 518-3251287, Catherine@aubreyhousefarm.
com.
AERING GREEN EQUESTRIAN
CENTER. Schodack, NY is a full
service dressage and eventing
facility. Offering board, training,
lessons on our well trained horses
and day camp. With out indoor and
Olympic size outdoor and ample
turnout, our horse are spoiled year
round! Laura Fay at 518-429-6825
or www.aeringgreen.com.
BEDNAREK QUARTER HORSES
Offering boarding and training
of all breeds. We have 40 years
experience in the horse world.
10x12 stalls, indoor ring. Jamesville,
NY 315-243-4387
CHESTNUT RIDGE STABLE in
Cambridge, NY: Boarding (indoor
or outdoor), lessons and training.
12x12 box stalls, 72x200 indoor
arena, 125x250 outdoor arena. 518677-3545
DUTCH MANOR STABLE – Since
1967. Where quality board, training
& instruction are a Capital District
tradition. Large heated indoor
and outdoor riding arenas. USHJA
certified instruction. 518-456-5010
www.dmstable.com
HIGHLAND
MEADOWS
Equestrian Center in Newark, NY
offering boarding, training, lessons
and summer camps. Large indoor
and outdoor arenas. Contact farm
manager, Madelyn Hersh 347-8867030
AFTER HOURS FARM, Clifton
Park NY. Specializing in “TLC”
horse boarding, superior English
riding lessons and training. Indoor
and outdoor rings. Horse shows
and clinics. (518)384-6441.
QUALITY STABLES. Quality care
for boarding and training horses.
Large lesson program for all ages.
Visitors welcome. Oneonta, NY
607-432-8977. www.qualitystables.
com.
LUKENS STABLES – nationally
known trainers of American
Saddlebreds, Hackneys – road
horses. Also boarding for retirees
& broodmares. Excellent run-in
facility, lessons by appointment.
Ravena, NY. 518-756-9777
ISLAND HILLS STABLE for all
your equestrian needs. Boardingtraining, we specialize in lay-ups
also have a selection of horses &
ponies for sale or lease. Excellent
turnouts with 24 hr care, large
matted stalls fully bedded, large
indoor & 3 large outdoor lighted
tings. Lessons for all levels, Clinics,
USEF rated horseshows year
round. [email protected]
or 631-924-4046
BRING
YOUR
HORSE
TO
COLLEGE!!! Large family operated
equestrian
facility
offering
boarding and lessons near SUNY
Canton, SUNY Potsdam, SLU and
Clarkson. Full board starting at
$350/month tax included. www.
honeydewacres.org.
NATURAL HORSE LOVER FARM.
Holistic care & education for people
and animals – helping everyone
live happier and healthier, balanced
lives. Lessons, clinics, consultations,
classes, Reiki, aromatherapy and
more.
315-389-5817 or www.
naturalhorseloverfarm.com.
RETIRED
horse
boarding.
Binghamton area. Custom care.
12x12 stalls, turnout with sheds,
pasture. Specializing in nutritional
problems related to age and
illness. References upon request.
30 yrs experience. www.equine-
retirement.com or 607-639-2409
EQUIDS FOR SALE
MORGAN MARE 6 yrs old, Liver
chestnut by Bell Flaire. Rides
English/western, long lines,clips,
cross-ties, jumps 3’, light mouth,
15.1 hands. Barefoot. Death in
family forces sale. $7500. Warwick,
NY 973-615-4795
MORGAN HORSES- We offer the
finest in trained mares, geldings and
outstanding young stock. Terrific
quality, sane, and sound. Hartland
Morgans, www.hartlandmorgans.
com Windsor, NY, 607-655-2604.
AMERICAN
SADDLEBRED
youngsters for sale. All impeccably
bred for show and breeding. Priced
to sell. Contact Brian Ferguson,
Valleyfield Farm, Victor, NY. 585766-3323 or www.valleyfieldfarm.
net.
ARABIANS
AND
HALFARABIANS for sale!
Well
mannered, family friendly Sugar
Hill Farm show horses bred here
and started under saddle. Also
retired show and seasoned lesson
horses available to love! Betsy
Kubiak 585-924-8240 or visit Victor,
NY. www.sugarhillarabians.com.
TRAILERS/
TRANSPORTATION/OTHER
1990 Circle J 2-Horse trailer,
straight load w/ramp, storm doors,
2 escape doors, tack compartment.
4 new tires. Very good condition.
607-225-4909
LUKENS HORSE Transportation.
Providing the best care for your
horse for over 25 years. Weekly trips
from the Northeast to Kentucky.
Give us a call! 1-800-621-1225 or
www.horsetransport.com.
HORSE TRANSPORTATION: Fort
Christopher’s
Thoroughbreds,
LLC
transportation
division
offering affordable weekly trips
to KY,MD,NY and all major sales.
Fully insured with new trucks/
trailers and professional drivers.
Proudly served the thoroughbred
community for past 12 years. Please
contact Christopher Shelli at 518858-1790 or info@fortchristophers.
com.
1983 Rustler 4 horse trailer,
Gooseneck with dressing room.
$2000 obo. 607-775-4196
TACK
SADDLE: 17”, wide tree, Country
All Purpose. Excellent Condition
$2000 and a 17” wide tree, Carlyle
(made by Harry Dobbs). Very good
condition $1000. Bharris62@aol.
com. 585-472-5188
RUBBER TIRE DRAFT Wagon,
cutter sleigh, 17” Ammerman
Roping Saddle, collars, draft
blankets, 2 outback oilskin dusters,
farrier supplies. 518-692-1041
LIVESTOCK
COSIGN/SELL
your
goats,
sheep,pigs, feeders, calves and beef
every Monday at 4PM at Empire
Livestock, Rte.203 in Chatham, NY.
Selling chickens, rabbits, ducks, etc
2nd and 4th Monday at 2PM. 518-
Page 31
392-3321 for info.
EXOTICS
DISCOVER
THE
BISON
ADVANTAGE: New producers
wanted to raise 100% grass-fed
bison. Established markets. No
special fencing needed. Technical
assistance provided. Breeding stock
available. 518-588-1402
CATTLE
CATTLE oilers and scratchers
for sale, have brushes and parts.
Ron. 585-267-6307 or ronferris@
rochester.rr.com.
JERSEY BULLS for sale. Electric
fence trained. Located in Tully, 20
minutes south of Syracuse. 315391-4290
POLLED HEREFORD bull coming
3 yrs old. 315-626-2881
LIMOUSINE-cross beef feeder
calves for sale. Small family farm
in Ransomville, NY. 716-791-0034.
[email protected].
REGISTERED Hereford breeding
stock and Black Baldies since
1967. Straight Hereford and
Angussimi bulls ready for duty.
“Put Heterozygous Vigor into your
program”, it pays!. ABC Ranch.
607-324-2286
REGISTERED HOLSTEIN for sale.
Coming 6 year old, just fresh, big
typey, well mannered. $2500 obo.
518-268-0311
PUREBRED Red Angus. One/two
year old breeding stock and steers.
315-837-4134 after 5pm. Leave
message if not available.
BELTED COW, 2 years old with her
solid black bull calf at side. She is
tame. $1500 for the pair. 716-5484840
WANTED. Day old Holstein Bull
Calves. Must be fed Colostrum.
Can pick up on a regular basis.
Matt at 518-496-8902 or Jim at 518844-9304
GOATS/SHEEP
BABY Lambs and goats and baled
hay available all year long. Mike
845-434-7764
PUREBRED SHEEP FOR SALE.
Fine wooled MERINOS. Meat
producing SHOPSHIRE. Yearling
ewes, spring lambs, some brood
ewes, starter flocks. Excellent
breeding stock. Wayland, NY 585721-3038
BABYDOLL LAMBS. Born spring
2015, off white ewes (2), 1 ram,
can be wethered. Registered
NABSSAR. Schuylerville area.
www.cabincreekacres.com or 518587-6008
WHITE DORPER SHEEP shedding,
no shearing needed, and KIKO
GOATS, pasture-raised without
any grain, hoof rot free. www.
whitecloversheepfarm.com , Email
[email protected].
Phone 585-554-3313
PUREBRED KIKO Performance
Bucks. Excellent bloodlines from
Dr. Ann Pieschel. Goats Unlimited.
Grassroots Page 32 July 2016
Grassroots Farmers’ Market
Healthy and hardy bucks of various
ages and colors from a closed herd.
Upgrade your kiko herd or add
hybrid vigor to other breeds with
the Kiko Advantage for $600. Ask
about our started packages! www.
Roll-n-HillsRanch.com or Ken at
607-760-5660. Johnson City, NY.
REGISTERED NIGERIAN Dwarf
dairy goats – small and easy to
handle. breeding stock, ideal for
personal milk supply, 4-H projects,
Can pull carts or be a pack animal.
Does and bucks available. ShotswormedDownsizing
herd.
Binghamton area, call evenings
607-693-2682
TEXTEL RAMS for sale. Yearling
and ram lambs.
Textels have
remarkable muscle development
and leanness. Very easy keepers
and thrive on grass. Docile and easy
to work around. Lambs are very
hardy. Ewes are excellent milkers.
518-853-3678
TWO Registered Suffolk ewe
lambs. Born Feb. 2015. Used as 4H
projects. Downsizing. $500 for the
pair. Good maternal line. 716-5311697
FRESHLY shorn sheep fleeces from
Elihu Farm, Washington County,
for handspinning and crafts. Our
fleeces win prizes at fairs and
festivals. Farm open April 23-24 or
by appointment. 518-744-3947 or
[email protected].
SWINE
Two Yorkshire-cross sows. 2yrs old,
each has had a successful liter; 1
yr old @200# barrow for sale. Also
looking for Limousin or Angus bull.
716-791-0034 or thymesrightfarm@
gmail.com
WORKING DOGS
AKBASH Livestock Guardian dogs.
Taking reservations for puppies in
late spring. Experienced dogs also
available, guarding sheep, alpacas
and goats. We sleep at night,
because they don’t! Springside
Farm. 315-683-5860
POULTRY
DAY OLD POULTRY – Layers,
Broilers, Turkeys, Ducks, Geese,
Guineas, Bantams, Rare Breeds,
started laying hens. Farm Family
Owned, NPIP TESTED, DEC
Licensed, Humane & Organic
practices, pasture raised. FB-FFA4H & Farm discounts – Pick up
OR shipping. 855-824-4257 www.
Thepoultryhatchery.com.
BLACK COPPER Muranas & other
chickens or chicks. 585-300-7898
ALPACAS/LLAMAS
HUACAYA ALPACAS – Heavenly
Sunset Farm, Woodhull, NY. Not
going out of business…downsizing
necessary due to health issues.
Superior bloodlines at low prices.
Perfect for start-up or to add to
existing herds. www.alpacanation.
com/heavenlysunsetfarm.asp.
All prices negotiable…call for
discussion 607-458-5499 or 607765-0306.
ALPACAS.
Pets
and
breeding
females. Also raw alpaca fiber sold
by the pound. 518-497-6009
BEAUTIFUL
and
reasonable
huacaya Alpaca sales, fiber, yarn
and finished goods in the store and
farm visits ongoing. Cria due midsummer. Call for appointments 607397-8051. www.prestonsalpacasllc.
com.
AT ALPACA SHACK’S LOFT.
100% alpaca handmade hats,
scarves, mittens, cowls, shrugs and
more. See our complete inventory
at www.alpacashackloft.com.
ALPACAS for sale at reasonable
prices; males, females and a
gelding. Visit us at Inghams Mill
Farm for pictures and more info.
315-823-1605. We will consider all
offers.
ALPACAS at CABIN VIEW
ALPACAS. Superior genetics for
seed stock/breeding; foundation
females and pet/fiber boys. Top
quality service, boarding, breeding
and high-end alpaca products. 607279-3567 or info@cabinviewalpacas.
com.
LLAMAS – we offer animals that
can fill a variety of purposes; a
loveable companion, show animal,
pack, guard, or a source of exquisite
fiber. www.dakotaridgefarm.com,
[email protected].
Ballston
Spa, NY.
ALPACA SALES & BREEDING.
High-quality huacaya alpacas.
Exceptional new owner support.
Yarn & handmade garments.
Faraway Farm Alpacas, Yorktown
Heights, NY. Visitors welcome by
appointment. 914-962-2110 www.
FarawayFarmAlpacas.com.
FORESTRY
CUSTOM SAWING of logs, roughcut hard and soft wood lumber
available. Mill Blades Hammered.
Call Ken. 585-547-9269 or 585-5910180
CEDAR FENCE POSTS. 6’,7’,8’
and other sizes and diameters
by request. Grays’ Garden and
Greenhouse. Saint Johnsville, NY
518-568-5764
BARK MULCH, used 8”x48”x18’
CRANE mats. Treated Ties, Stone
pallets stock and made to order;
Rough cut Pine and Hemlock
lumber stock and cut to order.Air
dried speciality lumber; Curly,
Wormy, Butternut, etc. Buying logs
and standing timber Cannonsville
Lumber, Inc.
607-467-3380 or
[email protected].
GUTCHESS
LUMBER
CO.
since 1904 has been purchasing
hardwood standing timber, logs &
forestland in NY & PA. Put your
woodlot to work and speak to our
Foresters. 607-756-0942 or www.
Gutchess.com.
THE WAGNER COMPANIES.
Purchasers of hardwood logs,
standing timber & forest lands.
Forest Management & Timber
Appraisals by Certified Foresters.
Seven locations from Allegany to
Boonville, The Wagner Companies
procurement department has a
certified forester or log buyer ready
to serve you. www.wagnerlumber.
com or 607-687-5362
OILS/LUBRICANTS
LOCUST POSTS, poles, up to 30ft.
Authentic locust split rails, posts.
Sawn lumber 4x4,6x6,1x6 ect. 8-16ft
oak * cherry 1x4,1x6 other sizes and
species available. Buy standing
locust and log length locust. Tom
518-883-8284 leave message.
“SLIPIT general purpose lubricants.
Use in USDA inspected facilities.
FDA food grade for incidental food
contact. Made in the Hudson Valley
New York, Please try some. www.
slipit.com/shop.html;
845-7787219“
TRAVEL/AGRITOURISM
COME VISIT OUR FARMS!
New York Deer & Elk Farmers
Association invites you to come visit
a deer or elk farm near you! There
are over 540 farms in New York
State! Contact NYDEFA at 716-6854019 or [email protected] to
locate a farm near you!
Buy AMSOIL at wholesale prices.
AMSOIL Preferred Customers save
25-30% off lubrication products
shipped to your door! AMSOIL
made in the USA, the first in
synthetic lubricants. Call/text 607226-1195 www.myamsoil.com.
HONEY BEES
HOGANS BED & BREAKFAST in
East Moriches, Long Island, the
Gateway to the Hamptons. An hour
away is the Montauk Lighthouse,
Minutes away are the Long Island
Game Farm, Wineries, fishing. 631878-1964
VSH ITALIAN Queen Bees.
Upstate NY raised from USDA VSH
&Pol-line stock. Available MayAugust $30 each. 315-939-0321 or
[email protected]
LAMPPOST BED & BREAKFAST
in Lansing, NY. A 200 year old
home in the heart of where the food
is grown. On the Cayuga Wine
Trail. Lamppostbandb.com. 607351-7030
WINE!
$1 shipping to NYFB
members in NY State. Go to our
website:
Atwatervineyards.com,
place order, use NYFB as coupon
code, all other discounts apply.
607-546-8463
VACATION in the US Virgin
Islands on St. Croix. No passport
required.
An
uncrowded
agricultural island with rain forest,
livestock, and secluded beaches.
2 bedroom,2 bath villa with your
private pool and ocean view. www.
stcroixrentavilla.com/SunKissed.
html or call Anne at 800-533-6863
and ask about SunKissed Villa.
STOP FYRE Fire Extinguishers.
Ake.com. Statt’s Response Kit
LLC. An independent authorized
dealer. 26 Church Street. Honeoye,
NY 14471. The ONLY NYS dealer!
585-489-9408 or toddstatt@hotmail.
com.
STEP BACK into the 19th century
at Raked South Garden Bed and
Breakfast.
See the orchard in
season from your 2nd floor room.
Call Dottie at 315-589-8012
VISIT
FRONTENAC
POINT
Vineyard Estate Winery in the
Finger Lakes near Ithaca. Open
May – November. For hours:
www.frontenacpoint.com or 607387-9619. We offer Farm Bureau
members a discount and private
tastings.
PLATTSBURGH BREWFEST 8-616 online ticket sales at www.
PlattsburghBrewfest.com.
5%
Farm Bureau discount with code
FARMER.
HANDCRAFTED SPIRITS from
our family farm distillery. Free tours
and tastings at Old Home Distillers,
Lebanon, NY. Corn whiskey, gin,
applejack and more. 315-837-4123
or www.oldhomedistillers.com
WANTED – Farmer Vendors for
Market. Thursday, Friday June
– October, 3-7PM. Vegetables,
fruit, cheese, meat, honey, maple,
etc.
BUSY road-front location,
Rte 31 in Clay, NY. www.
SideTrackFarmersMarket.org.
SUPPLIES
PESTICIDES
PESTICIDES – Springwater Ag
Products. 8663 Strutt St. Wayland,
NY. Farmer friendly prices. Call for
a quote.. Serving the Finger Lakes
area since 2004. 585-315-1094
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
NEW
PRO-AGRICULTURE
THEMED GIFTS. Mugs, cell phone
cases, mouse pads, humorous
tees, kid’s tees, etc by farmers, for
farmers. Visit www.AGtiveWear.
com Be an advocate. Wear your
pride!
AQUACULTURE
ALL POND FISH, Grass Carp,
Forage & Supplies SHIPPED TO
YOUR DOOR. Pond dye, muck,
algae & weed control solutions. Full
service management, consulting,
aquaponics, solar, windmill, electric
aerators & fountains. 585-322-7805
or www.smithcreekfishfarm.com.
HORTICULTURE
JEFFERSON COUNTY SOIL &
WATER Conservation District’s
annual tree sale is underway. Order
forms available online at www.
jeffersoncountyswcd.org or 315782-2749
HAZELNUT AND CHESTNUT
Trees for sale. Grown in zone 5a,
Cortland, NY. Enjoy your own nut
trees for commercial orchard, home
planting or erosion control. www.
znutty.com or 607-756-4409
CERTIFIED ORGANIC herb and
vegetable transplants, compost
based organic potting soils, custom
grown
transplants,
produce
and more. Wholesale and retail
customers welcome. Honeoye Falls,
NY 585-582-5725 www.lighthousegardens.com.
GIANT VARIETY Vegetable Seeds
– grow giant pumpkins, corn,
sunflowers, etc. and make a show
for your farm market. Start a contest
July 2016
Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
and involve the kids! Set World
Records! www.bigseeds.com.
COVER CROPS. Winter Rye,
Winter Wheat, also Barley, Teff,
Alfalfa, Clover, Timothy and many
more forages and turf grasses and
Mixes. Deer plots. Grain and Silage
corn, Soybeans, Bulk vegetables
and Flower Seed. Page Seeds. 607656-4107
MEDIUM Red Clover. Cleaned and
in 50# bags. $80 per bag. 315-5399439
BLACK PLASTIC Mulch 5+1/2
4000ft rolls of 3ft, 1mil. Embossed
at ½ price. Berry Plants: Raspberry,
Blackberry, Currants & Grape
Vines. Many varieties. 716-3373162
OPEN
POLLINATED
CORN
SEED. Silage, grain, wild life plots.
Available Certified Organic. Early
Varieties.
75,85,87,95,100,114,120
Day field corn varieties, sweet
corn, pop corn. Non GMO ear and
shelled corn for feed also available.
Green Haven Open Pollinated
Seed Group. 607-566-9253. www.
openpollinated.com.
GRAINS. Whole corn $10; Ground
corn $11; Wheat $10; Clean Oats
$15. Prices are per 100 pounds.
716-984-8088
NORTHERN WHITETAIL SCENTS
sells premium scents direct from the
deer to your door! Scents are 100%
natural, the way nature intended!
Bottled to order. From 1oz. to a
5-gallon pail! Consumers, retail and
wholesale. Call 1-800-683-3002 or
visit www.NorthernWhitetail.com.
AG LIME/FERTILIZER
½ PRICED PELLETIZED Fertilizer.
Delivered in bulk, including
spreader.
Down2earthfarms.
[email protected] or 908-8592619
ORGANIC COMPOST – Produced
locally in Farmington, NY. We offer
a NOFA approved organic compost
and regular compost, purchased in
bags or bulk, pick-up or delivery.
www.vermigreen.com or 585-2897267
COMPOST. 100% organic. NOFA
approved. For lawn or landscaping.
Bulk or Bag. Material sold FOB site
or delivery available. 518-762-1467
or 518-848-7185
SULLIVAN COUNTY FARM has
compost for sale. Buyer responsible
for trucking. Dry manure available.
845-295-0063.
SAWDUST/WOOD
PELLETS/BEDDING
SAWDUST. $16 per yard. Delivery
available, call for price. 570-5372937
BEDDING FOR SALE: Clean
Cow Premium Dairy Bedding. A
premium dairy bedding alternative
to sand, sawdust, shavings and
straw designed to deliver total farm
health from stall to field. Clean Cow
bedding is a pH adjusted blend of
thermo-mechanically
processed
virgin wood fiber, cellulose fiber,
lime and clay. Clean Cow bedding
is custom formulated to meet your
farm’s particular needs; fiber,lime
and clay content can all be modified
per your specifications. Available
picked up in Glens Falls NY for
$10/ton
($4/cu.yd).
Delivery
available. Call CTI at 413-552-3688
for more info.
BEDDING FOR SALE. Quality
wood shavings can be picked up or
delivered. Load size 20 or 40 yards.
Friendly service and a dependable
source year round. 585-289-7267 or
[email protected].
BULK KILN DRIED sawdust and
wood shavings. 100 yard loads
or pick up available. Year round
availability. Prompt, courteous
service. 315-729-1499
REAL ESTATE
PUTNAM NY. 163 acres +/- house,
barn, brook runs through property,
Combo wood open land. Excellent
hunting. $260,000. 518-585-7907.
FOR RENT. Hen layers house, hog
barn, cattle barn. Odessa, NY. 607594-3688
COUNTRY ESTATE on 28+ acres.
Convenient to Cayuga Lake, Cornell
& Rt 81. Newer 40x120 main
building includes custom home &
dream workshops. Woods, fields,
1 acre pond, outbuildings, view.
[email protected] 607-838-3311
LAND WANTED FOR SOLAR
FARMS:
Competitive lease/
purchase options. Adjacent to three-
phase power lines. 15 acres or larger.
Zoned
Agricultural/Industrial/
Commercial. Contact Solar Land
Solutions LLC. 805-765-2776 or
[email protected].
www.solarlandsolutions.com.
FOR SALE. 30 acre gentleman’s
farm in Saratoga County. Prime
location. Quiet neighborhood, big
country home, picturesque views,
move in condition, 4-stall horse
barn with storage, large paddocks,
pond, mowed fields and historic
outbuilding. 518-827-5396 call for
more info.
25 ACRE farm in Preston Hollow
NY for rent. 2 barns, out building,
2 bedroom house, apple grove.
Rent $1500/month. eacciardi@aol.
com or 201-906-2135
OPERATING MANUAL Sawmill
business on 96 acres in western
Orange County.
70% wooded
with stream,state highway, ag
district, sawmill, old house, barn,
workshop, greenhouse, buildings
need restoration, includes sawmill
equipment. $295,000. 315-271-6565
COMMERCIAL PROPERTY –
Dutchess County 1.4 acres on a
heavily traveled central road. 2
buildings ,formerly feed store/
grain center. Motivated seller.
$140,000. 845-485-5800
64 ACRE fruit orchard for sale.
None organic. Fenced in with 8’
perimeter fencing, irrigation well.
Wading River, Suffolk County.
$28,000 per acre. 631-928-6105
NEAR ITHACA. Exactly 30 minutes
to Cornell and Ithaca Commons.
Land Only: 116 acres of pasture, hay
fields, and hardwood forest with
lowered agricultural assessment.
Breathtaking panoramic view.
Candorlandforsale.blogspot.com
or 518-461-3244
APPROX. 30 acres of prime, open,
organic hay land. Not tilled in 40+
years. Near Lake Ontario therefore
later frost. Lyndonville, NY. Price
negotiable. Possible land contract.
716-266-3041
CENTRAL SQUARE NY. Up to 100
acre operating horse farm. Custom
home, 4 car garage, 3 barns, indoor
arena, hayfields, streams and
woods. 315-430-3252
WAYNE COUNTY – 72 cow free
stall dairy, 150 acres, farm house,
heifer barn, equipment sheds, shop,
Page 33
3 silos, parlor, milking equipment.
$425,000. Marie Pelloni, Deangelis
Real Estate Llc. 315-406-1109
REAL ESTATE BROKERS
FARMLAND for sale. nyfarmquest.
com.
BUY LAND. 40 years experience
in Farm and Land sales in Orange
County. D.L. Hawkins & Assoc.
845-629-6896
BUYING or SELLING Property?
Offering $1000.00 seller/buyer
BONUS! Call Nicolas Carbone for
details. 845-590-9831
15
YEARS
EXPERIENCE
specializing in Farms & Country
Estates in Orange, Ulster, Sullivan
& Dutchess Counties. Exclusively
Equine Properties, LLC. Jess Gocke
Licensed NY Broker. 845-294-4224
[email protected] or www.
hudsonvalleyfarmforsale.com.
EMPLOYMENT
SHOW HORSE FARM needs
experienced help. Heated indoor
facility. Housing plus salary. Call
518-756-9755.
PROMINENT LONG ISLAND
farm is seeking general farm labor
including mowing, plowing etc.
516-885-5952
MONROE
COUNTY
SOIL
&
WATER
CONSERVATION
DISTRICT is hiring a Planning
Technician to implement the
Agricultural
Environmental
Management program in Monroe
County, NY. Certified Crop Advisor
preferred. 585-753-7380
AGRI-BUSINESS
Retention
&
Expansion
Coordinator.
Programming:
Agricultural
Business Management including
tax management, estate planning,
business
planning,
business
expansion, succession planning.
Bachelor’s: Agricultural Business
Management,
Agricultural
Economics. Application/complete
position
description
http://
sullivancce.org/jobs.
JOBS! Class A & B Drivers and
Plant Laborers – required preemployment drug screen and
clean license. Apply in person at
Carolina Eastern – Crocker, LLC,
8610 Rte 237, Stafford NY 14143
Page 34 Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
LOOKING FOR Feed Mill Manager.
716-761-6141 or ronmeeder@gmail.
com.
FIELD ENUMERATOR needed to
interview agricultural producers
for the National Association of
State Departments of Agriculture
(NASDA), in Saratoga, Albany
& Schenectady County areas.
Intermittent, part-time: $10.77
per hour starting salary plus
mileage. Must be familiar with
basic computer functions and
email.
Telephone and on-farm
interviewing work, with some
travel required.
Agricultural
background is desirable. Excellent
communication and people skills
are essential. Must have valid
driver’s license and reliable
transportation. EOE. Anne Ross
518-727-2875
Anne.ross.2012@
gmail.com.
SERVICES
HORSE BLANKETS: Cleaned,
waterproofed and repaired. Over
30 yrs experience. 845-677-6906
Serving Westchester, Putnam,
Dutchess, Columbia Counties and
Long Island.
NEW
pro-agriculture
themed
apparel.
Pro-GMO, humorous
tees, kid’s tees, etc by farmers, for
farmers. Makes a great gift! www.
AGtiveWear.com. Be an advocate.
Wear your pride.
DANS ELECTRONIC REPAIR
Service. Repair vs replace. I
can repair Boumatic, DeLavale,
Westfalia and Surge, Muller Refrig
controls and most circuit boards.
406-590-7764
COUGARS
&
COWBOYS
Nutrition. Farmers helping farmers
achieve weight loss, increased
energy, overall health goals. Free
coaching. Katie & Adam Becker.
www.cougarsandcowboys.com.
716-698-1310
or
716-474-4738.
Supplemental income opportunity.
EARLY AMERICAN Cobblestone
and masonry restoration using
lime mortar. Reproducing any
19th century mortar for perfectly
matching repair to original. Also
plastering and early paint color
analysis. 315-515-8805
CUSTOM HAY BALE WRAPPING.
Round or square, inline tube
wrapped or single bale wrapped.
Seneca Falls area. 315-745-9924
CERTIFIED
Animal
Aromatherapist. Available for
the common and uncommon:
environmental issues, trauma,
immune system, show placing and
rescue animals. Appointments for
the 4 & 2 legged. [email protected]
or 607-862-9536
company
with
48+
years
experience. Competitive pricing
on directional boring, drainage tile
installation, pond construction,
site work, trucking and more.
rbrhlrinfo@robinsoncontracting.
com or 607-659-5153
CENTRAL
NY
Insulation
Contractor. 25 yrs experience; fully
insured. Custom fiberglass and
Blown-in High Density Fiberglass.
New and existing buildings.
Residential/Commercial/Homes/
Pole Barns/Garages. Snowbelt
Insulation. 315-865-4186
REDLINE DRAINAGE – Tile
Drainage Installation contractor
with 10+ years of experience
providing
a
high
quality
professional
install.
www.
redlinedrainage.com or 518-8463620
M&M TRANSPORT SERVICE. Roll
back flat bed for hire. Tractors,
machinery or vehicles picked up
or moved. 10% off all Farm Bureau
members. 631-655-3333 or 607-8634510
AG FENCING/
TREE SERVICES
FENCING. Serving Western New
York for over 14 years. We install
livestock, horse, deer and many
other types of fence. All designed
to fit your specific needs. Call R&R
Fencing. 585-599-3489
SHAMROCK FARMS FENCING
– “If we can’t fence it, it can’t
be fenced”.
All Agricultural,
livestock,horse,predator & wild
life. Installations since 1981. Call/
email Dan: Wayland, NY. 585-6692179, [email protected].
FENCING: we install agricultural
and residential fencing to meet
your needs. Post pounding, woven
wire, board, split rail, chain link,
vinyl. 25 years experience. Serving
Western and Central NY. Stable
fences & Vineyards, LLC. 585-3494119 www.StableFences.com.
OVERGROWN
pastures,
hedgerows, and field edges? We
can bring them back into shape with
our excavator mounted mulching
head. Machine cuts and chips
brush and trees in place. Vegetation
Management LLC. 607-423-6145
AG ACCOUNTING/
TAX SERVICE
ACCOUNTING
and
TAX
SERVICES available year-round
for sole-proprietor farms and
small businesses. Tax prep for
individuals. Finger Lakes Farm
Services. William Hudson, EA,
Bath NY. Phone/Fax 607-776-6479
or [email protected].
CUSTOM CARDING & SPINNING.
Processing all fiber types. Batting,
roving or yarn from your own
fleece – no minimums. Visit OnLine www.battenkillfibers.com or
come for a tour. 518-692-2700
FARM FUEL: Farmers are eligible
for a refund of NYS taxes paid on
qualified fuel. Contact Melissa at
The Peachin Group, LLC to file for
a refund. Melissa@peachingroup.
com Or 607-432-5314
POND SERVICE and supplies,
fish stocking and algae control.
Contact us for help enjoying your
pond more. 585-394-5890. www.
nationalpondservice.com.
NEED HELP in building your
financial self-security? FB member
discount applies. tommoneyllc@
gmail.com.
RB
ROBINSON
CONTRACTING,INC. Excavation
AG & ENGINE REPAIR
TIRES: ALL YOUR TIRE NEEDS!
www.FarmersTires.com
712-3394
or
July 2016
518-
& Hanna, LLP. 518-487-7642
[email protected].
SEAWAY RENTAL CORP: A
Honda dealer for sales & service of
generators and pumps. We stock
Honda parts and rent equipment
for general maintenance. 315-7884700 or www.seawayrentalcorp.
com.
LEGAL SERVICES: Farm Products
Liability, Seed, Fertilizer, Sanitation
Chemicals,
Barn
Collapse,
Insurance Claims, Personal Injury.
Call Welch, Donlon & Czerples
PLLC 607-936-8057
HEAVY EQUIPMENT & AG
REPAIR. Lowest shop rates
guaranteed.
Service
calls,
Hydraulics, Welding, Fabrication
and Machining. Matt Sigler. 518875-9238 or siglersawmill@gmail.
com.
FUEL SERVICES
FUEL
SERVICE:
Call
for
Special Fuel Pricing. Mohawk
Home Comfort Services a full
service
Heating
&
Cooling
installation company delivering
Oil,Kerosene,Diesel,Gasoline and
Propane products. Ed @ 1-800-4328669
LOW COST DIESEL in 48 hours or
less! Farm Diesel delivered to you
at affordable prices. Use over 1000g
a season? Call your trusted energy
partner Blueox Energy at 800-7232583. Serving Broome, Chenango,
Delaware, Otsego and Madison
counties.
SOLAR/WIND ENERGY
WIND
TURBINES/SOLAR
SYSTEMS. Check out the benefits
of Ownership over leasing. We
have highest approval for USDA
REAP Grants in NYS. Call for
free proposal . 716-215-1930 www.
niagarawind.com.
WIND
TURBINE
ELECTRIC
GENERATORS.
We
offer
all
NYSERDA
approved
manufacturers from 3.5kW to
775kW. Free site evaluation and
help with permitting, grantwriting,
design,
construction
and installation, operation and
maintenance. Chase Wind 1-845380-2831 or [email protected].
SOLAR PV SYSTEM – no cost for
equipment or installation. For
qualifying residential locations.
Sound too good to be true? We
thought so also but our electric bill
is halved. 845-901-4779
WIND TURBINE. Lease a wind
turbine for $0 down and power
your home or farm today with
United Wind. 800-268-9896 or visit
www.unitedwind.com to learn
more.
CAPTURE the sun’s energy in
2016! Solar can help lower the
operational costs of your farm or
business. Contact Rochester Solar
Technologies today. 585-924-2176
or www.solarrochester.com.
AG LEGAL SERVICES
IMMIGRATION
ATTORNEY
(H-2A/H-2B):
Experienced
Immigration attorney to handle all
aspects
of visa processing, including
advertising, forms preparation,
consular
processing,
legal
consulting, I-9 issues. L.J. D’Arrigo,
Esq.,
Whiteman,Osterman
LEGAL
SERVICES:
Personal
Injury, Agriculture & Markets
Law, Criminal Defense, Litigation,
Family Law, Real Estate & Right
of Way, Investigative Services.
Stanclift, Ludemann, Silvestri
&McMorris PC. 518-745-4343 info@
stancliftlaw.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
GET JOE PECK’S new book of farm
humor, A Farmer on Clean Overalls
& Other Tall Tales. $14.95 plus
tax and postage. 518-584-4129,
[email protected] or www.
joepeckonline.com.
NEW BOOK: “Stand Tall: Against
the Odds,” Inspiring story of 96
year old farmers Everett Rau and
family, who replaced bad times
with good times. $21 at Amazon.
SMALL FARMERS Journals. 100
issues back to 1977. Excellent
condition. $200 obo. 315-524-9517
MILLERS MILLS Grange 5k
Sundae Run & Ice Cream Social.
Sunday, July 17, 2016. Race 9:15am.
Social 11am – 2pm. Music and
local artisans. Southern Herkimer
County. www.millersmillsny.com
or 315-822-6860
TIOGA GAS LEASE. The Tioga
County Landowners Group is now
accepting members. Membership
information
and
educational
resources on gas leasing can be
found at: www.TiogaGasLease.org.
WANTED TO BUY. Old American
made firearms for my own
collection. I have a FFL Collectors
License (C&R). Will pay fair prices.
716-664-0006 or jeffer@windstream.
net.
MCFB members are invited to
nominate themselves or another
farm for the Pioneer Award,
recognizing farms in their first 5
years of new family ownership.
Contact WNYFB Office 585-3433489
SAVE THE DATE!!
Celebrate
Agriculture Dinner August 13,
2016. Enjoy some delicious Monroe
County grown food while getting
to know your neighborhood
farmer! Sponsored by MCFB, the
MCSWCD & CCE-MC.
SCHOOLING DRESSAGE SHOW.
July 17th 10-2. Sponsored by the
Dutchess Putnam and Westchester
Farm Bureau. Tymor Equestrian
Center,
165
Duncan
Road.
Lagrangeville, NY. Register by July
8. For class info 845-724-5247
DISCLAIMER: New York Farm
Bureau reserves the right to
refuse to accept any classified
ad, paid or unpaid, at its sole
discretion.
July 2016
Grassroots Page 35
Page 36 Grassroots July 2016