April 2015 - New York Farm Bureau

Grassroots
www.nyfb.org the voice of new york agriculture® April 2015
NYFB Holds Lobby Day in Albany
NYFB Pushes Back
on Minimum Wage Plan
By Steve Ammerman
Sammerman@nyfb.org
New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, addresses more than 200 New
York Farm Bureau members during the annual Lobby Day Breakfast. He unveiled his new economic report on the importance of agriculture in the state.
You can read more about the positive report in his guest column on page 5,
and see some of the highlights of the Taste of New York Reception in the center spread of this issue.
New York Farm Bureau stood
firm in the final days of the state
budget negotiations opposing the
proposed minimum wage hikes.
NYFB President Dean Norton
was joined by two members on a
press conference call with reporters to explain the economic impact
should the wage hit $10.50 as proposed by the Governor or up to the
$12.60 that is in the Assembly Majority’s plan. As Grassroots went
to press, there was still no deal on
which way it would go.
The current minimum wage in
New York is $8.75, but it is set to
climb to $9 at the end of this year.
NYFB compared it to other minimum wage rates across the country,
including those states New York directly competes with in the dairy industry. California is the only large
dairy state with a similar minimum
wage. California stands at $9. However, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and
Idaho are all at the federal standard
of $7.25.
But this isn’t just about rising
wage rates for those earning the
Continued on page 22
Goodbye, Winter! Hello, Spring!
By Jennifer Rossi
jrossi@nyfb.orgd
W
hat a long strange winter
it has been. The month
of February will go down
in the record books as the coldest
month ever. The cold temperatures
along with what seemed like never
ending snow will be one that many
of us will talk about how we survived it for years to come.
For longtime Farm Bureau member Dickman Farms Greenhouses
and Garden Center in Auburn,
welcome signs of spring are everywhere. The fifth generation family
owned and operated farm has 10
acres worth of greenhouses and 4
acres of outdoor growing space.
Since 1997, Dickman’s has operated as an exclusive supplier and rooting station to the Ball Horticultural
Company, producing young plants,
shipping in excess of 120,000 liner
trays throughout North America.
Eighty Five percent of this product
ships via Dickman Farms company
fleet to all states in the Northeast,
Mid-Atlantic, Southeast, Midwest
and Canada.
As the peak season for cultivating and shipping out their root cuttings is winding down, the focus is
turning toward finished plant production. Dickman Farms Garden
Center has annually been named
one of Today’s Garden Center Top
Revolutionary Garden Centers
in the nation since 2008. The beneficial relations between wholesale
and retail enables them to provide
customers with a large selection of
unique varieties of plant materials,
They are ready for spring at Dickmans Farms Greenhouses and Garden Center in Auburn.
“Fresh from the Greenhouse.”
The Garden Center will soon be
filled with a large selection of specialty annuals, hanging baskets,
designer container gardens, and
new perennials. The nursery will
be blooming with fragrant roses,
hundreds of ornamental trees and
lush flowering shrubs. With people
itching to move on from winter, eager to get their hands dirty in their
own gardens, we turned to the team
at Dickman Farms to find out what
we can expect when the snow finally melts.
And believe it or not the consistent snow cover has unexpected
benefits. It has helped to insulate
the plants and keep the harsh winter wind from desiccating overwintering buds and evergreens to name
a few.
Unfortunately there are some
drawbacks as well.
The weight of the snow and ice
will likely have broken some branch-
GMO Labeling Bill Moves
out of Committee in Albany.
Page 3
es that will need to be trimmed to facilitate regrowth. With a tough winter deer and rabbits may have been
especially active on trees, bushes
and even ground covers looking for
enough to eat to survive. If there is
foraging damage on woody material make sure the wound has clean,
unfrayed edges so that it can heal
properly. There is no need to seal
Continued on page 20
Meet Your Agricultural Youth
Scholarship Winners.
Pages 7
Page 2 Grassroots April 2015
Ag Assessment Cap
Saves Farmers Millions
The 2 percent agricultural land
assessment cap, a major priority
and victory for New York Farm Bureau in 2013, saved the state’s farmers $11 million last year, according
to Governor Cuomo’s office.
Signed into law by Gov. Andrew
Cuomo in October 2013, the law ensures that any increase in the agricultural assessment will be no more
than two percent per year for farmers.
Coupled with the two percent
property tax cap, New York farmers
are now enjoying a more predictable property tax climate.
This predictability allows for
smart business decision-making
that helps to increase productivity
and profitability on farms across
the state.
“The cap on agricultural land assessment was a top priority for our
members who were seeing their tax
bills skyrocket because of rising
land values.
In turn, the money they have
saved can be reinvested into our
farms to help grow our rural economies upstate and on Long Island,”
New York Farm Bureau President
Dean Norton said.
The base assessment value for
agricultural lands nearly doubled
over the seven years prior to Governor Cuomo implementing the
assessment relief, despite a ten
percent cap on annual assessment
growth.
The Department of Taxation and
Finance projects the two percent
cap will yield even greater benefit
to New York farmers in 2015.
New York Farm Bureau members advocated for the bill and
worked closely with Governor Cuomo’s office and the chairs of the
Agriculture Committees, Sen. Patty
Ritchie, R-Heuvelton, and Assemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, on
the legislation.
“Land on Long Island is under
intense development pressure as
property values rise. By controlling
the agricultural land assessments,
New York has helped safeguard
the land for agricultural use while
at the same time slowed the climbing tax rates. That is imperative to
keeping farmers like myself on the
land producing fresh, local food that
is essential for our communities,”
said Robert Nolan, NYFB State Director.
Similar Sentiment was echoed by
Genesee County Farm Bureau president and dairy farmer Jeff Post.
“Running a family farm is a costly venture, and that is why this announcement is so significant,” Post
said.
“Reining in my tax bill frees up
money to spend elsewhere on the
farm. It is initiatives like this that
will help keep farmland in production and support the next generation of farmers who are looking to
purchase land.”
April 2015
Grassroots GMO Labeling Bill Moves Out
of N.Y. Assembly Committee
ALBANY — Despite strong objections
from farmers, scientists, and food producers and distributors, the Assembly Committee on Consumer Affairs and Protection voted 9-6 with one abstention to pass
a bill that would force mandatory labeling
on foods derived from genetically modified crops in New York.
Every step of the food production and
distribution process will be affected by
this legislation, and the added costs of
producing, warehousing and distributing
products with a single state label will be
passed on to the consumer. Consumers already have a choice in the
marketplace if they do not want to purchase GMO foods—by purchasing organic
products or the thousands of products voluntarily labeled as non-GMO.
“This action
isn’t about providing consumer choice. It’s
about vilifying a technology that has proven to be more environmentally responsible and will help feed people in parts of the
world who face malnutrition. It’s about
raising the cost of food for low-income
families whose only choice will be to pay
more or eat less,” said Jeff Williams, New
York Farm Bureau’s public policy director.
A study released last year by Cornell
Professor William Lesser found that a
family of four would see their food bill
rise by an average of $500 per year with a
labeling mandate. Individual state labeling initiatives will create a patchwork of
policies that food producers will have to
navigate in order to get their products on
store shelves, increasing transportation
and distribution costs. Some may choose
to not do business in a state with an individual labeling law.
The bill now goes on to the Assembly
Codes Committee for further consideration.
The opponents of this proposed legislation will continue to call on lawmakers to
reject this measure.
Page 3
NYFB Joins Call for Road Funding
New York Farm Bureau Public Policy Director Jeff Williams
joins a bipartisan coalition at the state capitol last month that
called for increased state funding to repair rural roads and
bridges which are essential to farming and food transportation. At the Albany news conference, state legislators, county
and town highway superintendents and other local leaders
highlighted the need for increasing state funding for the Consolidated Highway Improvement Program, commonly known
as CHIPS, by $200 million to a total of $638.1 million in the
2015-2016 state budget. They’re also seeking the creation of a
new, five-year, $500-million “State Aid to Local Roads, Bridges
and Culvert Program” that would be distributed through the
existing CHIPS formula and funded by a portion of the state’s
$5.4-billion bank settlement surplus.
Agriculture Blogger ‘Dairy Carrie’ visits New York
By Jaclyn Sears
jsears@nyfb.org
Carrie Mess visits Dutch Hollow Farm in Columbia County following the
breakfast. Beth and Brian Chittenden gave her a tour of their dairy farm. The
Chittendens regularly give educational farm tours and are also active on social media.
On March 5, Dutchess County
hosted its 19th annual National
Agriculture Day Breakfast at the
Farm and Home Center in Millbrook.
There were more than 100 in attendance, including farmers, FFA
members, community leaders,
and legislators. Dutchess Putnam
Westchester County Farm Bureau
was one of the sponsors of the
breakfast which included local
products, milk, and yogurt.
This year’s guest speaker was
Carrie Mess, aka “Dairy Carrie.”
After Carrie spoke at the Ag Breakfast, Dairy farmer and Columbia
County Farm Bureau Board Member Beth Chittenden took Carrie on
a brief tour of the Hudson Valley,
ending at Chittenden’s Dutch Hollow Farm.
Mess is a dairy farmer, blogger,
speaker, and agricultural advocate
who has become an internet sensation over the past year or more.
Mess and her husband Patrick
farm in Lake Mills, Wisconsin on
their 100-cow dairy. She shares her
stories of farming on her blog and
through other social media sites
with followers in who are in production agriculture and many who
are not.
With more than 24,000 followers on Facebook, Mess shares her
many experiences on their family’s
dairy. Each time a calf is born, she
shares a picture on her sites, because “everyone likes to see new
baby calves.”
Mess works to communicate
with her followers, and especially
her customers. To her, if someone
is buying milk in a store—they
Continued on page 22
Grassroots Page 4 April 2015
The President’s Message
Grassroots
April 2015
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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N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send change of address
notices on Form 3579 to Grassroots, 159 Wolf
Road, P.O. Box 5330, Albany, N.Y. 12205-0330.
EDITORS
Jeff Williams
jwilliams@nyfb.org
Steve Ammerman
sammerman@nyfb.org
ADVERTISING MANAGER
Times Citizen Communications
casey@iafalls.com
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
Comptroller’s New Economic Report
Is Powerful Tool for Agriculture
Earlier last month NYS Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli released his report on New York Agriculture
and its importance to the Economy of NYS. This report was compiled using 2012 economic data what this
report outlined was a confirmation on what many of us already
knew. Farming is a large part of
the rural economies in Upstate
New York and Long Island.
Direct farm gate economic
activity is more than $5.4 billion
in agricultural product sales in
2012. That is an increase in more
than 22 percent from the last
study done in 2007. When the
agricultural support and processing industries are included,
the total economic benefit that
agriculture provides to the
Dean Norton
state’s economy is $37.6 billion.
NYFB President
When it comes to employment or on farm jobs over
117,000 individuals are working
full time in agriculture. When you add in the farm
support and processing jobs you are looking at over
200,000 New Yorkers working to provide food, fuel and
fiber every day to the people of New York.
The report also outlined diversity in farm products
and the economic importance of each of them. It is
no surprise that dairy leads the way, but it is good for
the state to understand what our nurseries, vegetable
and livestock farmers and grain growers, among others, also contribute to the financial and social vitality
of our great state.
The report also breakdowns agriculture by regions
in the state, highlighting each one’s strengths. It is a
powerful document and I would encourage you to go to
http://www.osc.state.ny.us and read the entire report.
This report has been a great benefit to us as we
have been discussing our priority issue with the mem-
bers of the New York Legislature. We have the report
to highlight the importance of New York agriculture
to the state’s economy and in turn discuss continued
investment by New York State in this year’s budget.
When negotiations are completed I am confident that
this year’s state budget will be positive for the continued growth of agriculture in New York. Much thanks
goes out to Senator Pattie Richie and Assemblyman
Bill Magee, the respective Chairs of the legislatures’
Agriculture Committees. They have been great advocates for us in both the New York State Senate and
Assembly chambers. So if you get a chance please
drop them and your representatives a note thanking
them for the support they have shown to New York’s
Farmers.
Spring is always a time of renewed hope and optimism for the New Year ahead on the Farm. It was
a long, hard winter and one many of us are ready to
call history! I have always enjoyed this time of year
as we prepare to start the planting season and start to
see signs of rebirth and renewal and warmth in our
environment.
Soon the activity on the farms will increase and
the days will get longer. I just want to remind you that
safety is first and taking a few extra seconds to complete a task or to plan your day could mean the difference between a good day and a bad day in the fields.
When moving equipment it is safe to say we are bigger
than those we are sharing the road with. Do your best
to prevent an accident from happening. Our friends at
Nationwide Insurance have many tips on farm safety
go to http://www.nationwide.com/farm-safety.jsp and
review some of the tips that they have to share.
I recall a saying that my grandfather use to share
with us kids. He would tell us that our heads should be
used for something more than a hat rack, translation
think it through first.
Be safe, enjoy spring 2015 and remember that what
you do every day providing food, fuel and fiber is by
the grace of God and an honor to him!!
View From Washington
District 1, Hal Kreher
Clarence Center, (716) 741-8781
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, Darrell Griff
Hamilton, (315) 691-9635
District 6, Jacob Schieferstine
Vernon, 315-404-8417
District 7, David Fisher
Madrid, (315) 261-8231
District 8, Dean Casey
Schaghticoke, (802) 345-4861
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
Nicole Rawleigh, Chair,
Young Farmers Committee
Horseheads, (607) 664-7245
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: The poultry at Bella Terra Farm
in Montgomery County.
Ag Economy Needs Full Immigration Reform
Much of the country is thawing out from a long
winter. Farmers are making plans for the coming season, and in some regions crops are already in bloom.
A big question for many farmers
is whether they’ll have enough
workers to harvest those crops.
Well, Congress has been busy
making plans too. In the last few
weeks, the buzz around immigration has picked up on Capitol
Hill. Unfortunately, the plans
Congress has in mind stop short
of what agriculture needs, and
would do farmers more harm
than good.
The House Judiciary Committee recently pushed forward
so-called e-Verify legislation
Bob Stallman
that would require workers to
AFBF President
present a more secure form of
identification before they could
be hired. Congress, in short, seems ready to require
stricter enforcement of immigration laws without
first repairing the broken immigration system that
exists today.
We agree: worker documentation does need to be
brought into the 21st century to secure our borders.
But stopping there would cripple agricultural production the United States. Effective immigration reform
must address our current workforce and create a new
guest worker program to meet future needs. Agriculture supports millions of jobs both on and off the
farm. No farmer should have to leave fruit to rot or
plow up fields simply because he can’t find ready and
willing workers.
An enforcement-only approach ignores the rest of
our immigration problems and threatens to devastate
the farm economy. Farmers and ranchers are careful
to follow the federal government’s requirements for
checking employment documents, and will continue
to do so. But e-Verify by itself puts the onus on farmers and ranchers who are already hard pressed to find
skilled workers. The fallout would harm the entire
economy. Farm Bureau estimates that food production
would fall by $30 billion to $60 billion in the U.S. if the
government implements a strict enforcement-only
employment verification system.
As food demand grows, farmers will respond with
increased production. The problem is our current
immigration laws all but guarantee it won’t be on our
soil, because most Americans are simply not willing
to take these jobs. Consumers, meanwhile, should
expect their grocery bills to increase 5 to 6 percent.
Washington has a long tradition of granting special
carve-outs and exemptions to laws that fall unevenly on
some sectors, but that won’t solve the problem we face.
Farmers and ranchers aren’t looking for an exemption. We need a solution. That solution may not be a
quick fix, but it can and must be done. We need a new,
flexible visa program that allows foreign-born workers to enter the U.S. legally. Skilled laborers currently
working in agriculture also need a way to earn an
adjustment in status and stay working here, on American farms. Farm Bureau is committed to continuing
our work with Congress to reform our immigration
system. We must not only secure our borders: We
must secure the future of agriculture. Key to getting
that job done is ensuring a stable workforce.
April 2015
Grassroots Page 5
Guest Opinions
Agriculture is Growing New York’s Economy
Agriculture matters to New York
state. You see it each summer at the
fruit stand, or in the winter when
you pour syrup on your pancakes.
Or anytime you take a sip of wine
or grab a gallon of milk.
Apples, grapes, pears and cherries? We grow them.
And we rank in the top 10 producing states for them nationwide,
as we do for peaches, strawberries,
cabbage, cauliflower, cucumbers,
onions, pumpkins, beans, squash,
sweet corn, and tomatoes. This
from a state that experiences relatively long winters.
New York is also a leader in the
production of wine, maple syrup
and ranks first in producing
yogurt, cottage cheese, and sour
cream.
As the State Comptroller, my
office looks at the numbers and
what the numbers tell us. Without
a doubt, the data show us that agriculture is an economic foundation
that benefits hundreds of communities.
So it makes sense for us to promote our farms to diversify our
economy, keep local communities
strong and preserve our land.
My office’s recent report, “Agriculture in New York State” highlights agriculture’s contribution:
$37.6 billion to New York’s economy
in 2012, with $5.4 billion in direct
sales and more than $30 billion from
support industries, an increase of
more than 22 percent from 2007.
with 842 certified organic farms.
We compete on a national level,
Farms in New York are 98 percent
with milk, apfamily-owned. As
ples, horses and
of 2012, approxiChristmas trees
mately
56,000
ranked in the top
New Yorkers op10 New York farm
erated and lived
commodities. Our
on their farms,
largest, not surand 61,000 people
prisingly, is milk,
were hired as lawith $2.4 billion
borers.
in sales, followed
But as many of
by grains, peas
you know, farmand beans at $856
ing as a livelihood
million, accordis a challenge.
ing to the U.S. DeFor
example,
partment of Agin 2012, slightly
riculture’s
2012
more than half of
census.
New York farms
Farmland ochad sales of less
cupies nearly a
than $10,000. And
quarter of the
just 43 percent of
Thomas P. DiNapoli
state’s land area,
farmers worked
Comptroller,
preserving open
exclusively
on
New York State
space and protheir farms, needviding fresh, loing to rely on outcally sourced food
side employment
through popular farmers’ markets to make ends meet.
And farming is an aging profesand other activities.
Approximately 59 percent of this sion. As the number of New York
land is dedicated to crops, 22 per- farms is declining, the average
cent is woodland and 10 percent is farmer’s age is rising. It’s now 55
pastureland, with the remaining 9 years old. Fewer younger adults are
percent dedicated to conservation entering the farming profession.
To support farmers, New York
and other uses.
As of 2012, New York was home state has initiated several policies.
to more than 35,500 farms located in Paying close attention to our mix of
every region of the state, even New state policies is essential.
Our New Farmers Grant Fund
York City. We rank third nationwide
encourages young people to take
up farming with start-up grants for
equipment purchases, supplies or
construction. The Fresh Connect
and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable programs help bring farm food to communities and schools. Our Farmland Protection Program can fund
up to 75 percent of municipal purchase costs for conservation easements. And the newer Food Metrics
Law encourages state agencies to
purchase food produced by New
York farmers.
In addition, one of the New York
Farm Bureau’s legislative initiatives is infrastructure funding, a
topic my office has reported on.
Safe, modern roads and bridges
are an essential ingredient to move
products to market.
And our state faces billions in
necessary spending over the next 20
years to replace and repair our aging transportation infrastructure
across the state.
As State Comptroller, I will do everything I can to support a vibrant
agricultural community – and the
families who make it happen. The
numbers tell the story. Agriculture
is a cornerstone of our state’s economy.
Together, we can keep local communities strong and preserve our
land.
It makes economic sense. Investing in agriculture is investing in
New York’s future and our families.
Bees Please: Cooperation is Needed to Protect
this Vital Food Supply Link for Agriculture
Few people think about bees beyond positive images of honey and
beautiful flowers or unpleasant
memories of stings and pesky disruptions at picnics. Yet, each day we
reap the benefit of these little workers, as bees provide one mouthful
of food out of every three bites we
take.
For several years, there has been
growing concern that honey bees
are under increased stress. Losses
of both managed and wild pollinators could have profound impacts
on the cost and availability of food –
especially fruits, vegetables, meats
and dairy products.
About 90 U.S. agricultural crops
require honey bee pollination.
Species such as apples, avocados,
cranberries, blueberries, cherries,
squash, cucumbers, melons and
sunflowers require honey bees to
provide more than 90 percent of
their pollination needs.
California’s $4 billion almond
industry completely depends on
honey bees, requiring 60 percent of
managed colonies used in the U.S.
All told, honey bee pollination adds
more than $16 billion annually to
the value of agricultural crops in
the U.S. and up to $296 billion globally.
In the U.S., about three-fourths
of bee pollination comes from managed honey bees, and the rest from
wild bees and other pollinators.
There are between 2.6 and 3.3 million managed bee colonies in the
U.S. Commercial beekeepers normally have more than 300 hives
each, which they transport around
the country to provide pollination
services to farmers.
Unfortunately, commercial beekeepers have reported serious
losses since 2006, with two causes
attracting a lot of buzz: Colony Collapse Disorder and winter losses.
CCD is a syndrome with telltale signs but no clear cause: the
adult bees have vanished, but a live
queen, honey and immature bees
remain.
In 2006, beekeepers reported CCD
losses of 30 to 90 percent. Similar
mentions of bee disappearances
also occurred in the 1880s, 1920s and
1960s. Other unusual colony losses
have occurred locally in some parts
of the U.S. for the past two centuries.
General losses occur to some degree every winter.
Beekeepers can sustain normal
losses of less than 18.9 percent.
However, winter losses have averaged much higher— 29.6 percent -for the past eight years.
Total losses declined a bit to 23.2
percent in 2013-2014 (compared to
a steep loss of 30.5 percent in 20122013 and 36 percent in 2007-2008). Of
course, these numbers represent
the average: Some states saw losses
as high as 65 percent and others as
low as 12 percent in 2013-2014.
Despite numerous claims of
“smoking guns,” ranging from neonicotinoid pesticides to cell phones,
researchers haven’t narrowed bee
decline to any single cause.
A 2012 Report on the National
Stakeholders Conference on Honey
Bee Health underscored that there
are multiple factors associated with
CCD, the Varroa mite being one of
the most important.
Consider the European Union,
which suspended neonicotinoid use
in 2013. Farmers in Germany and
England growing rapeseed (canola
oil) experienced devastating crop
losses without the protection of
these pesticides, but with little positive impact on honey bees for the
cost. By contrast, neonicotinoids
are still used in Australia, but with
no history of the Varroa mite there,
honey bees don’t appear to suffer
the losses seen in Europe and the
U.S.
Other leading causes of decline
include weather, insufficient hive
management, other pests, viruses,
the nosema fungi, and a lack of
diversity or availability of other
sources of pollen and nectar. Even
managed bee colonies used to pollinate crops require additional
nearby pollen and nectar sources.
Urbanization, development and
landscaping near farm land or bee
colony sites have reduced flowering
plants, brush and other plants essential to supporting bees and other
pollinators.
A wide range of stakeholders –
beekeepers, regulators, farmers,
ranchers, academic researchers,
and federal agencies – are engaged
cooperatively in trying to find solutions.
Federal agencies have been directed to build pollinator habitats
into their landscaping, construction
and environmental preservation
plans, and highway rights-of-way.
Pollinator habitat preservation also
played a role in maintaining the
conservation reserve program in
the 2008 and 2014 farm bills. Farmers and other landowners can do
their parts as well, through responsible pesticide use and by maintaining pollinator habitat.
State and local pollinator plans
foster the cooperation, good management and ongoing research that
are all critical to protecting honey
bees, and essential to preventing
the sharp sting that consumers
could feel from lower food supplies
and higher prices.
Robert Giblin writes, speaks and
consults about agricultural and food
industry issues, policies and trends.
Page 6 Grassroots April 2015
Foundation and Education News
Promotion & Education
Reflections
on 100 Years
Committee Welcomes
for Family Farm Meghan Rodwell
By Judi Whittaker
NYFB State Promotions & Education Committee
As of March 2015 our farm will be 100 years in operation with the same family.
That is a milestone I have looked forward to for
a long time. Many farms in New York have attained
that or a higher milestone. But to me, for our farm to
achieve that status is amazing.
The first years our ancestors farmed here was a
struggle. From reading the words left in notebooks
it is easy to see the strong stock these folks must
have been made from. To keep something going thru
weather problems, health problems, the Great Depression, and milk pricing. They were smart at using
their resources. Selling butter, eggs and milk to the
people in the nearby city to sustain their farm, I often
wonder what they thought. If they knew the legacy
they would be leaving behind.
The transition our farm has faced is much like others. Often living and dying in the same home never
having traveled all that far. Succession planning back
then was often written in the will left behind. The
next oldest son would take the reins when the senior
members passed away. And it began again. Along the
way adding acreage from a neighboring farms. This
farm began as 53 acres. Today we are almost at 1,000.
What began with five milking cows some chickens,
pigs and a few horses and mules has transformed into
500 milking cows. Some of the change did not come
due to choice. We sustained a devastating fire in the
1980s. At a cost of losing many calves and heifers, a
milking barn and some machinery. Also lost was the
summer’s harvest of baled hay. Quickly many decisions had to be faced. How do we clean up this mess?
Do we continue farming? How do we rebuild?
Within eight weeks of the fire a new barn was erected and ready for use. Many hands helped get us to that
point. From neighbors, the volunteer firefighters, local feed companies and equipment dealers we began
the process of bringing the cows back home. Helping
them learn the new surroundings and how to navigate
around. We are so thankful for all the help we had then.
As we get ready to celebrate 100 years this spring
we look forward to a future for our farm filled with
even more memories, events, and I am sure problems
to solve. We do a few thing a little differently here now
than in 1915. But it is with the same heart and determination we tackle every day providing for the consumer
locally a fresh, wholesome supply of ice cold milk.
I like to remind people all the time that the American farmer is the original environmentalist. Caring
for his land just as he did his family, nurturing, feeding and watching over it as it grows and blooms.
Get to know your local farmer. Ask him or her their
story. The future of that family’s farm depends on the
consumer knowing them. Know where your food, fiber and fuel come from. Your local farmer. They all
have great stories to share.
To my fellow friends in the agriculture community,
I thank you all for the hard work and sacrifices you
take on every day. Our communities are so much richer for all that you do.
By Sandie Prokop
sprokop@nyfb.org
The NYFB Board of Directors recently approved the appointment of Meghan Rodwell
to the State Promotion and Education Committee as an at-large representative.
Rodwell, her husband, Aaron ,and their
children Connor, 8, and Tessa, 7, are Livingston County Farm Bureau members.
Roswell has donated her talents and time
to many programs and projects within Farm
Bureau as well as throughout the community and farm sector. She has been a member
since 2010, and has spent a very busy five
years involved and providing important support. She utilizes her agricultural expertise
in many ways as a volunteer and through
her role as a Senior Loan Officer for Farm
Credit East, ACA. Her “farming” history has taken many
turns. When she was 15, she happened upon a
part-time job working for a small dairy farm
in New Jersey. That farmer, to this day, would
tell you that when she stepped off the school
bus on the first day, he never thought she
would last the afternoon. But Rodwell kept
coming back, and he kept investing in her.
This part-time job ultimately altered the
course of her life in a way words cannot describe. That farmer and his family instilled
in Rodwell with a love for agriculture. (Her
mother still questions her love for cows.)
She went on to work for a handful of other
farmers in New York and Virginia while at
college. Roswell graduated from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in ag business.
Rodwell has been employed with Farm
Credit East, ACA since 2001 and works
closely with farmers and agricultural business owners. She always wanted to be “the
farmer’s wife” – as it turns out she is, they
just don’t own the farm. Her husband works
for Gary Swede Farms, Inc. a large cash crop
operation in Wyoming/Livingston County.
Meghan and Aaron hope to share their love
for agriculture with their children as they
begin their 4-H experience…they can’t wait
to start their hobby farm.
Continued on page 30
Fusion Forum Spotlights Leadership
Comedic speaker and author Steve Gilliland gives the keynote address to more than 100 participants at the Fusion Forum last month in Syracuse. The conference focused on developing
leadership skills and igniting the passion from within to be a leader for New York agriculture
and Farm Bureau. Gilliand’s topic encouraged people to make a difference in their lives every
day through purpose, passion and pride. There will be much more on the Fusion Forum in the
May edition of Grassroots.
Ag Trivia
True or False: The celebration of Arbor Day varies, but usually
takes place the last Friday in April. Sometimes it is combined with
a more popular celebration called Earth Day, on April 22.
Answer: True. Arbor Day is a day of planting trees. It began in 1855 in Nebraska. Julius Sterling Morton (of the Morton Salt
Family) is said to be the “Father of Arbor Day.” He was born on April 22, which is another reason why many combine Earth
Day with Arbor Day. Julius, settled on the Nebraska plains, which were pretty treeless and was also editor of the “Nebraska
News” newspaper at the time. He truly felt the prairie needed more trees for the following reasons :( 1) Windbreakers; (2)
Hold Moisture in Soil; (3) Lumber for Homes and Buildings. Only two countries celebrate Arbor Day; The United States and
Puerto Rico. Julius Morton will always be remembered as the man who legally established planting trees as a holiday.
Grassroots April 2015
Page 7
Foundation and Education News
2015 Agricultural Youth Scholarship Winners
Three New York high school seniors have received the distinct
honor of being named statewide
winners of the New York Farm Bureau Agricultural Youth Scholarship.
Each student was previously
named as one of 11 district-wide
winners, and then competed at the
state level.
The winners were selected
based upon their application and
essay submission answering the
question, “If you had the power to
change something in your community or on your farm, what would
you change and why?”
The applicants also must be a
family Farm Bureau member or a
Student Farm Bureau member.
First Place
The first place winner is Benjamin James Gardner of Hillsdale
(Columbia County, District 10). Ben
received a $1,500 award.
Although he did not grow up on
a farm, Ben has spent the last 10
years raising, showing and improving the genetics of his own Jersey
cattle housed at a neighbor’s farm.
Presently a senior at Taconic Hills
High School, he will receive a Regents Diploma in June, with an Advanced Designation and honors in
math and science.
Having developed a passion for
agriculture, Ben plans to pursue
his education at Cornell with a degree in dairy science and then vet
Benjamin Gardner
Kristen Gallagher
school with a specialty in dairy
cattle health care.
Second Place
The second place winner is Kristen Gallagher, from Waterville
(Oneida County, District 6). She received a $1,200 award.
A senior at Waterville Central
School, Kristen is looking forward
to attending SUNY Cobleskill or
Cornell to study animal science.
Her responsibilities on Gallagher’s Luckyvale Farm have gone
from calf and heifer chores to milkings and feedings. She is active in
NYS Jr. Holstein club and the NYS
Jr. Guernsey Clubs, and a long list
of other activities.
Third Place
The third place winner is Stephanie McBath, from Schuylerville
(Saratoga
County—District
8).
Stephanie received a $1,000 award.
She was just crowned the New
Strub
Hopkins
Maslyn
Karr
Nassimos
Gregory
Stone
Andrews
Stephanie McBath
York State Dairy Princess. She has
spent four years in dairy promotion and was the current Saratoga
County Dairy Princess. She is a senior at Schuylerville High school
and plans to attend Cornell University to study animal science. She is
active in the FFA and the NYS Jr
Holstein Club. District 1
Natalie Strub is from Erie County and attends Springville Griffith
Institute. She plans on attending
Morrisville College and majoring
in dairy science.
District 2
Katherine Hopkins is from Niagara County and attends Akron Central School. She plans on attending
SUNY Cobleskill and majoring in
sustainable crop production.
Continued on page 20
Collegiate Chronicle: Busy Month for Chapters
Cornell
For the first time in the history
of our club, the collegiate chapter
of Farm Bureau at Cornell University chapter sent eight students to
attend Lobby Days and the Taste of
New York reception.
Participants in the event this
year were Quade Kirk, Max Russell,
Amanda Moretti, Ashley Howlett,
Kaitlyn Kelder, Kelsey Neckers, Andrew Lefever, and Elizabeth Spoth.
We all made it to Albany just in
time to set up for the Taste of New
York reception where we served
ice cream from the Cornell Dairy.
We also had plenty of time to taste
our way around the room, and
make connections with people from
across the state while doing so.
Out of state member Lefever of
Pennsylvania said, “The Taste of
New York reception was a great representation of the many agricultural products produced and marketed
in New York and was a great networking opportunity. Lobby Days
itself was truly a learning experience as I have never lobbied to state
legislators before. It was nice to talk
with them about New York agriculture and about how current policy
decisions could affect the industry
in the near future”.
Visiting our legislators the following day was also very educational, and a lot of fun. Our out-of-state
members were paired up with various counties so they could have the
same great experience.
“It was interesting to see the different views regarding the issues
with funding for agricultural programs and research, as well as, the
minimum wage increase,” Kelder
said. “I had never been on that side
of things, and I enjoyed being able
to voice my opinion as an agriculture student with a group of farmers and maybe have a positive influence on changing the proposed
issues. Also, in every office we
went into, we took a group picture
with all the county representatives
which was a good way to network.”
Not only did we learn a lot
through our experiences at Lobby
Days, we also had a lot of fun. Our
trip to Albany was a great opportunity to get to know people both inside and outside of the club as we
networked with other people who
share our passion for agriculture.
The experience of networking
with other agriculturists and legislators from around New York state
was truly rewarding,” Neckers
said. “It was great to advocate for
an industry we are all so passionate
about to get much needed support
from our government officials.
Cobleskill
The collegiate Farm Bureau chapter at SUNY Cobleskill has been very
busy. During March six students attended the National Post-Secondary
Agricultural Students Conference in
Boise, Idaho.
At this conference, the students
competed in Career Program Areas where they completed extensive paperwork and had interviews
SUNY Cobleskill students attend the National Post-Secondary Agricultural Students Conference in Boise, Idaho.
based on their career paths. Some
students also competed in the Employment Interview portion of the
conference and in specialty competitions such as animal specialties,
agriculture mechanics, as well as
crops and soils.
Cobleskill was well represented
by the students as they were able
to bring home some national titles.
Rachel Lee placed fourth in the
Agricultural Educational Career
Progress contest, third in the Sheep
Specialty contest and competed in
the Agriculture Education Employment Interview.
Geoffrey Peck placed eighth in
the Power, Structural, and Technical Systems Career Progress
contest and competed in the Agricultural Machinery Service Technician contest. Xavier Almeter competed in Agricultural Machinery
Service Technician contest and in
the Agriculture Equipment Service
Employment Interview. Kate Ewer
placed 2nd in the Sheep Specialty
contest and 5th in the Agribusiness
Administration Employment Interview. Cheryl Staats placed 12th in
the Agribusiness Administration
Employment Interview, 17th in the
Equine Specialist Competition, and
13th in the Impromptu Speaking
contest. Kassi Hetherly placed first
in the Non-Ruminant Animal Systems Career Progress contest, first
in the Sheep Specialty contest, and
seventh in the Feeds and Animal
Health Employment Interview.
The team of Kassi Hetherly, Rachel Lee, and Kate Ewer competed in
the Sheep Specialty contest and was
recognized as the 1st place team.
The students also competed in the
College Bowl where they were asked
questions regarding all aspects of
agriculture. After the conference,
the students had a chance to do some
sightseeing in the Midwest.
With the end of the semester fast
approaching, the chapter is helping
out at Cobleskill’s Dairy Fashions
Sale where they will be providing
refreshments and helping with
parking.
Page 8 Grassroots April 2015
From The Field
Bureau believes changing the use
of a permanent easement meant
to preserve farmland could jeopardize the integrity of the entire state
farmland preservation program.
More updates to follow as the issue progresses. The county Farm
Bureau has also sent out scholarship applications to all high schools
in the county. The county Farm
Bureau offers two $500.00 scholarships to high schools seniors pursuing a college degree in agriculture. For more information please
contact the CNY Regional Office
or Tricia Bana. Onondaga County
Young Farmers, led by committee
chair Marcus Richards, participated in the Young Farmer tour in
conjunction with Cortland County
Young Farmers. They were part of
the twenty six young farmers who
braved a very frosty day touring
farms and agribusinesses in Cayuga County.
Celebrating
Agriculture
As a native
of New Hampshire, I am used
to cold snowy
winters
but
this year was
a throwback to
my childhood
years. Since I
moved to New
York 20 years
ago, I have not
seen a winter
Mark James
like this one
mjames@nyfb.org
for a long time.
I look forward
to a gradual warming trend and
spring when we can renew our commitments to production agriculture and Farm Bureau. Locally, the
county Farm Bureaus in Central
New York are bustling with activity.
Cortland County: A wonderful
evening was had by all celebrating
agriculture at the Cortland County
Agriculture Appreciation Dinner
on March 18. The event is sponsored
by the Cortland County Business
Development Corporation, Tompkins Trust Company, Farm Credit
East, Cortland County Chamber of
Commerce, CCE of Cortland County, Cortland County Soil and Water
Conservation District, and Cortland
County Farm Bureau. More than
150 farmers and supporters of agriculture gathered at the Hathaway
House in Solon to listen to a variety
Region 5
Cortland County Farm Bureau President Paul Fouts presents a check to Cortland County CCE for $2,500 for 4-H programs.
of speakers including the keynote
speaker, Agriculture and Markets
Commissioner Richard Ball. Honored that evening were Dean and
Ruth Esther Delevan as Farm Family of the year and Tom and Marti
Dumas with the Geraldine Young
Friend of Agriculture Award.
Also that evening, Cortland
County Farm Bureau President
Paul Fouts presented a check for
$2,500 to Cornell Cooperative Extension to further advance 4-H Programs within Cortland County.
Membership development is continuing and as of the date of this
article the county Farm Bureau
is lacking 5 memberships to reach
membership goal. We expect that
they will reach this number by the
time you are reading this article.
Cortland County Young Farmers
also were part of a agricultural
tour in Cayuga County.
Twenty-six
young
farmers
toured Cayuga Milk Ingredients
in Auburn, Sunnyside Farms in
Scipio Center to see their new 100
cow rotary milking parlor, and
the Galton Sheep Farm in Lock
where a few thousand sheep are
being milked for cheese production. More young farmer activities
are planned for the future. We also
had a number of volunteers reading books to students for National
Agriculture Week.
Onondaga County:
County
Farm Bureau President Harvey
Skeele testified before the Onondaga County Legislature in January
to support the recommendation
of the Ag and Farmland Protection Board to renew Agricultural
District 3 in Elbridge with a few
modifications. Harvey was able to
convince the legislature to reject a
request by the Town of Elbridge to
remove three hundred parcels from
the district. Thank you Harvey for
your strong advocacy on behalf of
our county farmers.
Onondaga County Farm Bureau
is also continuing to advocate on
behalf of farmers impacted by a
proposed expansion of a power line
from Elbridge to Auburn. NYSEG
and National Grid have proposed
acquiring an additional right of
way across two farms where the
development rights have been sold
and conservation easements are
in place. Onondaga County Farm
Advocating
for Agriculture
Fulton: Fulton
County
Farm Bureau,
led by Board
members, Lee
Hollenbeck,
Clark
Subik
and
Todd
Rogers,
just
wrapped up a
great
Lobby
Day by visiting
Todd Heyn
with their state
theyn@nyfb.org
representatives including
Senator Hugh
Farley and Assemblyman Marc
Butler.
The lobby team also visited with
adopted legislators Assemblyman
Edward Ra and Assemblyman Nick
Perry. These legislators are from the
New York City area and thus have
very little exposure to agriculture.
By adopting these individuals we
are able to educate them about important issues to the NYFB. Those
efforts paid off last year when Perry was awarded the NYFB Circle of
Friends Award.
Fulton County is also busy planning for Agriculture Literacy week
where they will be reading to second grade classrooms throughout
the county. In support of the agriculture in the schools, the county
board of directors is also working
with neighboring counties to support an outreach effort to educate
their educators about how agriculture can be incorporated into
the school’s curriculum as well as
become a sought after occupation.
Finally, as the fields of white are
quickly turning to brown, they are
planning for the upcoming growing
season as well
Herkimer: Herkimer County
Farm Bureau has been very busy in
support of local agriculture. It continues to support the County Dairy
Princess Program and the County
Fair as well. The county is also continuing their support for the Agriculture Safety Day and the Agriculture Literacy Week. The county
has recruited Lea Jeanne Schlenker
as the new Young Farmer Chairman. Schlenker is currently mak-
Region 8
April 2015
Grassroots Page 9
From The Field
Continued from page 8
ing plans to hold a couple of events
over the next year to bring the counties young farmers (between 18 and
35) together for fun, social and networking opportunities.
Montgomery:
Montgomery
County Farm Bureau had a very
good contingent at the NYFB Taste
of NY Reception and Lobby Day.
The Taste of NY reception was organized and led by Vickie Jennings
and her baklava which has become
a sought after treat at the event. The
lobbying team consisting of Mike
Jennings, Russell Kelly, Mike Settle
and Curtis Peninger.
During the day, they were able to
explain the most important agricultural issue to Sen. George Amedore,
Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, and adopted Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz, and Assemblywoman Margaret Markey.
The Board of Directors will also
be putting on a new member recruitment effort. This effort is being
headed up by Gordon Schaufelberg,
Membership Chairman and Mike
Jennings, County President. They
are always looking for assistance
when going out and visiting- farms
and farmers. If you would like
to contribute to this effort please
reach out directly to Jennings at
518-332-2904.
Otsego:
Otsego County has
been very busy with their legislative efforts as well as planning for
upcoming events in the county.
The county was well represented
at the NYFB Lobby Day with Harold Palmer, Darin Hickling, Paul
Greer, and Barbara Bayes. During
their day in Albany they were able
to discuss agricultural issues with
Assemblyman Pete Lopez, Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, Adopted
Assemblywoman Aravella Simotas,
as well as Sens. James Seward and
Claudia Tenney.
The county is also busy planning
its annual Rural/Urban dinner that
is currently scheduled for May 19 at
the Tally Ho in Richfield Springs.
For more information on this event,
do not hesitate to reach out to Otsego County Office manager, Sue
Schaffer at either suesocfb@hotmail.com or 607-264-8042. Finally,
the county is also planning a “Day
of the Farm” event hosted by Jennifer Jennings for late spring.
The details of this event are still
coming together so be on the lookout for more details in the coming
weeks.
Schenectady:
Schenectady
County Farm Bureau has been active while we were all waiting for
the warm weather of spring. Lyle
News,
E-lobby Center,
Marketplace,
More ...
www.NYFB.org
and Frances Brown headed up the
contingent that walked the halls of
the capitol during the NYFB Lobby
Day. During the day, the Browns
were able to meet with and discuss
agricultural issues with Sen. Hugh
Farley, R-Schenectady, Assemblyman Phil Steck, D-Colonie, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco, R-Glenville,
and Assemblyman Santabarbara.
Their discussions will go a long way
towards maintaining and enhancing the legislation that supports
agriculture throughout the county
and state.
The County is also looking at
enhancing their outreach to young
farmers. The county Young Farmer
Chairman, Emma Lewis VanVorst,
is currently making plans to hold a
couple of events over the next year
to bring the counties young farmers (between 18 and 35) together for
fun, social and networking opportunities.
Finally, the county is also making plans for their annual “Spring
Fling” Meet your Legislators night.
The plans are coming together so be
sure to look for more details in the
very near future.
Schoharie: Schoharie County
Farm Bureau has been active in promoting agriculture in the county. It
was involved with the Agriculture
in the Classroom project which read
the book “Weaving the Rainbow” to
second grade classrooms throughout the county. The county also has
been active in their support of both
the 4-H Earn-an-Animal program
and the FFA programs at Schoharie, Cobleskill/Richmondville and
Sharon Springs. Schoharie County
Farm Bureau is also proud to be
one of the main sponsors of the
Schoharie Family Farm Day to be
held in August.
Focusing
on Membership
A l b a n y
County:
Albany
County
Farm Bureau
kicked off the
March Membership Campaign
with a meeting
and review of
their prospect
list and a $99 invitation mailed
Bambi Baehrel
out, and folbbaehrel@nyfb.org lowed up with
phone
calls
and personal contacts. The county
members also did a bit of reading during Ag Literacy week. The
main focus was their April Lobby
Day event, living close to the capital
has advantages and the county was
able to bring eight members for the
day which generally includes 10 legislative appointments followed by
lunch. To cap off lobbying efforts,
the county met with their Congressman back in the district.
Delaware: The major focus of
this county has been membership.
Coming into the 2015 March membership Campaign the county needed about nine for total goal. It kicked
things off with a membership ad in
a local Ag journal, followed close
Region 9
behind by Maple Weekend which
is actually two weekends in March.
The county customized the Foundation Placemats with County Farm
Bureau Information and invited
guest to join Farm Bureau while
they enjoyed pancakes and maple
syrup. The county then proceeded
to hit the ground and sign up the
members needed for quota and beyond.
Greene: Greene County Farm
Bureau attended lobby day and
worked on membership during the
month of March President Jim Van
Orden teamed up with Delaware
County President Duane Martin
to visit their legislators in Albany.
Van Orden then took the next step
and flew down to Washington, D.C.,
for the first of the Farm Bureau
national lobby trips. While home
in Greene County, Van Orden took
the prospect list and got his board
involved in doing some follow up
membership work.
Prospecting
new members is always a highlight
in this county.
Sullivan: Getting into the membership swing Pro Ed Chair Shannon Budnik kept the posts coming
on the county Farm Bureau Face
Book page. Budnik never lost a beat
in keeping the members informed
of the issues that impact them as
well as inviting folks to join Farm
Bureau and help support and grow
Sullivan County. Her husband,
Gary, has invited all his friends and
neighbors to join Farm Bureau. The
county Farm Bureau is committed
to Agriculture and rural living and
growing Sullivan County.
Page 10 Grassroots April 2015
News Briefs
NRCS Money
To Repair NY Roads
Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced that USDA’s
Natural Resources Conservation
Service will invest an additional $84
million through the Emergency Watershed Protection Program to help
disaster recovery efforts through
more than 150 projects in 13 states,
including in New York.
EWP provides critical resources
to local sponsors to help communities eliminate imminent hazards to
life and property caused by floods,
fires, wind-storms and other natural occurrences. EWP is an emergency recovery program.
The money earmarked for New
York includes $416,000 for efforts
to restore parts of Penn Yann that
were heavily damaged in a 2014
storm. Work will stabilize land
around three roads and prevent future erosion. EWP work must be
sponsored by a public agency of the
state, tribal, county or city government. NRCS provides 75 percent of
the funds for the project; the public
organization pays the remaining 25
percent.
New ‘Farm to Fan’
Experience in Albany
The Times Union Center in Albany will host a new “farm to fan”
partnership with the “Taste NY”
program to promote New York agricultural products at this entertainment venue. This agreement represents the first such partnership
between “Taste NY” and a large-scale
entertainment complex and will feature New York food and beverage options for visitors, as well as “Taste
NY” branding throughout the arena.
Newly-produced sectional banners are now installed throughout
the concourse of the Times Union
Center. Every one of them includes
the “Taste NY” logo combined with
a logo for a craft beer produced in
New York State. Two 135-foot long
LED ribbon board digital units and
the circular LED ribbon board at
the bottom of the scoreboard will
feature the “Taste NY” logo. In addition, the “Taste NY” logo has been
inserted into the ice at the arena.
“New York is home to the best
food and beverage products in the
world, and Taste NY’s rapid expansion continues to help our hard
working farmers reach new customers and grow this state’s economy,”
Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “We hope
that this newfound enterprise will
serve as a model for similar venues
across New York state to help our
farm economy continue its rapid
growth.”
Piglets, Sows
Return to NYS Fair
State Agriculture Commissioner
Richard A. Ball and New York State
Veterinarian Dr. David Smith have
announced the return of the piglets
and sows exhibit and competition at
the 2015 Great New York State Fair. In 2014, due to a relatively new virus known as Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea virus, which has a high mortality rate among piglets, a decision
was made by the State Department
of Agriculture and Markets to suspend the exhibit to protect the wellbeing of piglets and their mothers. Because there were no reported cases at the State Fair as well as county
fairs in 2014, coupled with no unusual uptick in cases this winter in
contrast with last winter, Ball and
Smith have made the decision to allow this exhibit to return in 2015.
“I’ve gotten more questions on
the status of this exhibit for 2015
than I can count, and after careful
consideration by the one of best
animal health experts in the country, we couldn’t be more pleased
that this wildly popular exhibit is
returning to the Fair in 2015,” Ball
said.
SAVE THE DATE!
NYFB Legal Affairs Presents
Opening The Barn Door:
Communicating With The Public
About Your Animals and Your Business
Thursday, October 29, 2015, Doubletree, Syracuse
DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN, a world-renowned expert in animal
care and handling practices, will be keynote speaker at this daylong members-only conference. The goal of this program is to
educate members about the importance of being proactive in their
everyday communication BEFORE something terrible happens.
Participants will learn how to build awareness and knowledge and
to be proactive in establishing best practices as well as taking the
legal steps necessary to protect their farm.
The activists have done a much better job of
communication with the public. When you get
bashed, you need to be opening a door, not shutting
a door, because when you shut the door, that’s
automatic implied guilt. We’ve got to communicate
with the public. We don’t have any choice.
—Temple Grandin
Grassroots April 2015
Page 11
Inside D.C.
Food and Drug Administration Looking
at ‘Culture Shift’ in Implementing Food Safety Act
By Darrin Youker
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
The Federal Food and Drug Administration is going through a
“culture shift” as it looks to implement a new food safety act that will
bring sweeping changes to how the
agency regulates food.
The Food Safety Modernization
Act will require farmers to keep
records to document the steps they
take to ensure food safety.
“There will be profound changes within FDA to implement these
standards,” Mike Taylor, deputy
commissioner of the FDA, said
during a seminar held as part of
the 96th annual American Farm
Bureau Federation Annual Convention. “Central to our work is to
change the mindset at FDA and put
education before regulation.”
The agency is working to train
officers that will be dedicated fulltime to food safety, as opposed to
having regulatory oversight in multiple areas, Taylor said.
Additionally, the FDA is taking
the approach that the majority of
farmers and food processors are
concerned about food safety.
“It is about science-based standards that can be tailored to particular operations,” he said. “Our job is
to facilitate compliance, and provide
education and technical assistance.”
At the same time, the FDA is
working to better educate consumers on how they can prepare foods
safely at home.
“We are starting this year to help
with an educational program that
can change behaviors for some consumers,” he said. “It is difficult because you can’t regulate what happens in the home.”
As the FDA looks to implement
the new rules, it is focusing on
three broad themes: a farm-to-table
approach, practical common standards and holding imported foods
to the same standards as those produced in the United States.
Currently, FDA inspectors only
examine around 2 percent of imported foods, so the new food safety
standards shifts the onus to importers, who must provide verification
that the items meet U.S. standards.
In both drafting and implementing these new rules, the FDA is focused on voluntary compliance instead of enforcement, Taylor said.
“Our operating assumption is
that most people want to do the
right thing. We’ll get a bigger public health bang for our buck if we’re
working together with stakeholders
on implementation,” he said. “We
really see the agriculture community as a primary constituency, a
collaborative partner.”
Friend of FB Awards Handed out in D.C.
Newly elected Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro, center, meets with New York
Farm Bureau members at her Washington, D.C., office.
New York Farm Bureau President
Dean Norton presents Sens. Charles
Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and
Rep. Grace Meng, D-Flushing, top left,
with the American Farm Bureau Federations’ Congressional award program, known as the ‘Friend of Farm
Bureau’ The award is given once during each session of Congress to those
individuals who have supported Farm
Bureau policy as shown by their voting record or other chamber-wide
actions.
NYFB Attends National Advocacy Conference
New York Farm Bureau had
three members participate in the
new Issue Advisory Committee
meetings, which were held in conjunction with the AFBF 2015 Advocacy Conference. They are Jim
Bittner, Roxaina Hurlbert, and Dr.
Paul Virkler.
These members were appointed
by the AFBF Board of Directors
to serve two year terms on these
new committees which replace the
Commodity Advisory Committees.
Members of the Board including:
President Dean Norton, David Fisher, John Sorbello and Jake Schieferstine also attended the Advocacy
conference and met with members
of the Congressional Delegation as
part of the three day conference.
This included a meeting with Rep.
Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro.
AFBF Says WOTUS Rule
Would Disregard Exemptions
American Farm Bureau Federation
The proposed Waters of the U.S.
Rule, “unless dramatically altered,”
will result in potential Clean Water
Act liability and federal permit requirements for a tremendous number of commonplace and essential
farming, ranching and forestry practices nationwide, according to the
American Farm Bureau Federation.
In testimony, AFBF General
Counsel Ellen Steen told a House
Agriculture subcommittee that the
WOTUS rule will create enormous
uncertainty and vulnerability for
farmers and ranchers nationwide.
“It is impossible to know how
many farmers, ranchers and forest
landowners will be visited by [EPA]
enforcement staff or will be sued by
citizen plaintiffs’ lawyers—and it is
impossible to know when those inspections and lawsuits will happen,”
Steen said. “But what is certain is that
a vast number of common, responsible farming, ranching and forestry
practices that occur today without
the need for a federal permit would be
highly vulnerable to Clean Water Act
enforcement under this rule.”
According to AFBF’s general
counsel, several statutory exemptions demonstrate a clear determination by Congress not to impose
Clean Water Act regulation on ordinary farming and ranching activities. However, agency and judicial
interpretations over the past several decades have significantly limited the agricultural exemptions that
have traditionally insulated farming and ranching from Clean Water
Act permit requirements.
Continued on page 14
Find your local Nationwide agent at:
Nationwide.com/NYFB
Or Contact Scott Keyes at
518-431-5615 or skeyes@nyfb.org
Working Together To
Serve Our Members
Page 12 Grassroots April 2015
NYFB Holds Mid-Winter Meetings Around State
By Fred Perrin
fperrin@nyfb.org
“What’s new in Farm Bureau?”
was the theme of the 2015 mid-winter regional meetings.
More than 150 Farm Bureau
leaders attended meetings in seven
locations in February to get the latest update on Farm Bureau policy
priorities, prepare for the New York
Farm Bureau Lobby day, and take a
look at an exciting new program to
enhance County Farm Bureau activity.
Farm Bureau staff teams including Public policy staff and member
Relations staff presented information at locations in Albany, Beekmantown, Watertown, Elmira, Auburn, Batavia, and Ellicottville.
The NYFB state and National
priority issues were discussed with
leaders from counties in preparation for visits with local, state, and
national elected officials.
“Farm Bureau Builder,” a new
pilot program from American
Farm Bureau, was unveiled for the
first time. Farm Bureau builder
will give counties the opportunity
to self-evaluate their progress in
eight different program areas. New
York is piloting the areas of volunteer engagement and membership
growth.
Each meeting included a showing of the award winning “Every
Farmer” video.
Comments and discussion was
conducted by members of the NYFB
board of directors.
Members gather in Auburn (top) and Watertown (bottom) for NYFB regional meetings that were held across the state.
They were updated on public policy priority issues, membership information and the new Farm Bureau Builder program.
Grassroots April 2015
Page 13
The Face of Agriculture
Jamie Pettis
Thomas Poultry
Farm,
Schuylerville
How did you get involved in
agriculture?
I was very fortunate to be born
into and brought up by two farming
families. My father’s family had a
dairy farm and my mother’s family
had a chicken farm that produced
eggs. So as you can see, agriculture
was right in front of me from the
beginning of my existence. I went
to SUNY Cobleskill to further my
education in agricultural business
and came back home to the chicken
farm. This was only due to the fact
that my father had decided to give
up dairy farming while I was away
at school.
What is the background of
your family’s farm?
My grandfather and grandmother on my mother’s side began the
chicken farm back in 1948. They
started with roughly 500 chickens
producing eggs for their accounts
in Glens Falls. As time went on and
their children got older they grew
through the years to accommodate
their new customers. That growth
has continued until today with
roughly 200,000 birds producing
eggs and another 70,000 pullets. We
also grow approximately 600 acres
of field corn for feed.
What is the biggest challenge
facing agriculture or your farm?
One of the biggest concerns for
agriculture in general is the regulatory burdens of the government.
The second biggest concern for
agriculture is the lack of trust by
the general public on how we raise
the food and fiber that is needed to
feed and clothe them. We, as farmers, need to be a little more open on
what we do and why we do it. Because we are only 2 percent of the
population in this country, that is a
very tall order to educate the other
98 percent of the population.
What do you see as the biggest
opportunity? The biggest opportunity for
those of us involved in production
agriculture is to be able to successfully feed the growing population
with a shrinking land base. It seems
that this is a very daunting task but
with science and technology I am
sure we can do it! Farmers, as we
all know, are a very resilient group
of people.
What is the biggest lesson
farming has taught you?
The biggest lesson that farming
has taught me is that even when
the going gets tough, patience
and perseverance will get you
through. There are some days when
you might want to throw in the towel but when you step back and look
at things from a different angle you
can usually see your way through
those difficult times.
How important is the care of
your animals?
The care of our animals on our
farm is extremely important. It was
once said that a healthy chicken
produces a healthy egg. We do everything we can to ensure that our
birds are healthy and happy to produce the eggs we sell.
How has your farm adapted to
customer trends?
Our farm has adapted to customer trends by becoming members of
the United Egg Producers (UEP).
This is a national organization of
egg farmers that holds member egg
producing farms to specific stan-
dards and meet certain requirements. Farms must meet all of these
requirements to belong to the organization and UEP does independent
audits of every member farm every
year. If something is wrong you
have to get re-audited and be able to
have corrected the problem or problems in order to maintain membership. Fortunately, we have not had
any issues with this and never have
been re audited.
What is the No. 1 question you
get asked and what is your answer?
One of the questions that I get
asked is, if my birds are caged or
cage free. My answer is that my
Continued on page 23
Page 14 Grassroots April 2015
Inside Albany
Gains on Ag Assessment,
No News on Budget
By Jeff Williams
Director of Public Policy
By the time you are reading this
column, the final state budget will
be voted on and in the books…
Hopefully. Next month’s column
will detail… again, hopefully… critical final funding for agricultural
programs in the state budget.
However, the budget isn’t stealing all the oxygen in the Capitol, as
standing committees are meeting
and legislation is being passed that
potentially impact the agricultural
industry.
For example, New York Farm Bureau Public Policy staff has spent a
considerable amount of time talking
with legislators about our opposition
to legislation that would mandate
the labeling of food produced using
the process of biotechnology in New
York. We have explained the science
behind biotechnology and how safe
the process is until we are blue in the
face, but the bill continues to gain
momentum in State Assembly.
The bill, S. 485/A. 617, has been
approved by the Assembly Consumer Protection Committee and is
currently waiting to be considered
by the Assembly Codes Committee.
We have been successful in holding
this bill back from passage over the
past two years, but the momentum
seems to be greater this year.
However, there is some good news
on legislation, as well. Legislation
recently was recently passed out of
the Senate Agriculture Committee
that would allow farms to increase
their farm woodland eligible for the
agricultural assessment from 50
acres to 100 acres.
On the Assembly side, the Assembly Agriculture Committee
recently approved legislation that
would establish purity and quality
requirements in law for birch and
walnut syrup and sugars similar to
those established for maple syrup.
New York Farm Bureau is also
very proud of a recent announcement by Governor Cuomo, which
you will read about in this issue of
Grassroots, that revealed that the
recently enacted two percent cap on
Agricultural Assessment increases
has saved farmers $11 million in
property taxes over the past year.
This is a tremendous example
of New York Farm Bureau’s grassroots process. Reducing Agricultural Assessment rate increases was
identified by our membership as a
critical issue, placed on our Priority Issue list by the State Board of
Directors and then farmer-members worked extremely hard at the
Capitol to see this legislation enacted and implemented. To see the
results of our powerful and unique
policy development and implementation process succeed on this scale
is particularly gratifying.
As you can see, New York Farm
Bureau’s Public Policy success is
wholly dependent on the strength
of our membership and the work
and involvement of farmers who
join New York Farm Bureau. In the
end, New York Farm Bureau needs
every farmer and every farmer
needs Farm Bureau.
Water
Continued from page 11
“Much of the remaining benefit
of those exemptions would be eliminated by an expansive interpretation of ‘waters of the United States’
to cover ditches and drainage paths
that run across and nearby farm
and pasture lands,” Steen said.
“The result would be wide-scale
litigation risk and potential Clean
Water Act liability for innumerable routine farming and ranching
activities that occur today without
the need for cumbersome and costly
Clean Water Act permits.”
Steen explained that because
ditches and ephemeral drainages
are ubiquitous on farm and ranch
lands—running alongside and even
within farm fields and pastures—
“the proposed rule will make it
impossible for many farmers to
apply fertilizer or crop protection
products to those fields without
triggering Clean Water Act ‘pollutant’ discharge liability and permit
requirements.”
Grassroots April 2015
Page 15
Rural Roads Require Extra Caution
By Terance Williams
Nationwide Agribusiness President
Larger, faster equipment used by
farmers combined with in creased
traffic flow by the public and other
factors have created increased risks
for both farmers and motorists.
Consider these statistics:
Rural Road Facts
• The National Safety Council
estimates that 15,000 collisions involving farm vehicles occur on U.S.
roadways each year.
• Though 19 percent of Americans live in rural areas, 55 percent
of highway deaths occur on roads
considered rural.
• More than half of the 32,885
traffic fatalities in the U.S. occur on
rural roads.
• The fatality rate per 100 million
vehicle miles traveled is 2.5 times
higher in rural areas than in urban
areas.
• Crash victims are five to seven
times more likely to die if arrival
time to a hospital exceeds 30 minutes.
• The time between a crash and
arrival at a hospital averages 36
minutes in urban areas and 53 minutes in rural areas.
• It takes more than twice as long
for EMS personnel to arrive at a
crash scene in a rural community as
compared to an urban community—
19 minutes versus seven minutes.
Not to be overlooked is the fact
that farm machinery is getting
larger—much larger—and often extends dangerously over the center
line.
Farmers are also acquiring more
land, requiring additional road
time to travel to distant fields. Plus,
to get the most from every acre,
crops are planted closer to roadways, sometimes visually obstructing intersections.
Add to that the disrepair of many
rural roads and bridges and travel
on America’s
rural
roadways has become
more
dangerous
than ever.
Sharing
the road with
motorists unfamiliar with
large, slow-moving farm
equipment makes for a
very dangerous situation. According to the
National Safety Council, accidents involving
a farm vehicle are five
times more likely to produce a fatality than any
other type of motor vehicle accident.
Preventative Steps
Here are a few commonsense tips
to help you avoid farm-vehicle accidents:
1. Clearly mark your vehicle.
Make sure your vehicle and equipment are well marked with reflective tape, lights or flags, particularly if your equipment is oversized or
extends beyond one lane of traffic.
2. Use your lights. Keep headlights, reflectors and turn signals
clear of any dirt or debris that may
have accumulated during work, and
always use turn signals when turning and changing lanes. Consider
installing magnetic, battery- operated lights that can be purchased
relatively cheaply.
3. Install proper signage. Properly
install slow-moving vehicle (SMV)
emblems so motorists around you
are aware of the difference in speed
between your vehicle and theirs.
4. Watch your mirrors. Always
use rearview and side mirrors so
you know your position on the roadway, as well as that of other motorists. The mirrors will help make
you aware of your vehicle’s dis-
Changes Seen on NYFVI Board of Directors
After more than 10 years of service, Larry Eckhardt of Kinderhook Farms Stephentown and Ron
Robbins of Harbor Dairy Sackets Harbor have retired from the
New York Farm Viability Institute’s board of directors.
Eckhardt, who was serving as
the representative for New York
Vegetable Growers Association,
will be replaced by Shannon Torrey Kyle. Robbins’ successor as
the New York Corn and Soybean
Growers Association representative has not yet been named.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “I’ve
known Larry Eckhart and Ron
Robbins for many years. Both
have made outstanding contributions to the New York Farm Viability Institute on behalf of our
state’s agricultural sector and I
wish them nothing but the best
in all their future endeavors.”
“Larry’s contributions to the
board have been significant. His
wisdom, wit and diligence will
be missed.” said Jim Bittner,
Bittner-Singer Orchards and
Chairman, NYFVI.
“The projects chosen through
our competitive grant process
have delivered a six to one re-
turn on investment. Ron has been a
big part of that, always pushing for
near term impact.”
tance from the
shoulder.
5.
Secure
your
load.
Equipment that
is being towed
must be secured and properly balanced.
Double
check
that safety-hitch pins are
securely fastened before
getting on the road.
6. Take it slow. Drive
slowly, especially when
making turns or driving down steep inclines.
Lower speeds will help
you avoid a rollover.
7. Travel on less-busy roads.
When possible, avoid highly traveled roads, especially during times
when traffic is heaviest.
8. Keep passengers off the equipment. Do not let passengers, especially children, ride anywhere on
the vehicle except for inside the
cabin.
9. Know the state laws and regulations. Stay informed of the latest
codes and requirements, as well as
recommendations from the American Society of Agricultural and
Biological Engineers for equipment
like vehicle markers.
10. Practice good maintenance.
Always keep your vehicles and
equipment well maintained and
your farm equipment insurance
and farm car insurance current.
Today, Nationwide is the No. 1
farm insurer in the U.S. and a leader
in insurance and risk management
solutions for commercial agribusinesses in the food, fiber and fuel
chains. While working with farmers, ranchers and agribusinesses
for over 100 years, Nationwide is
taking a stand to increase awareness of the dangers and risks of
navigating large farm equipment
on rural roads.
Central to this effort is rural
roadsafety.com, a new site dedicated to providing case studies, tools
and other resources to assist America’s hardworking farmers in making balanced decisions before pulling onto the road and smart choices
when navigating traffic and other
obstacles.
Learn More
For further information or to
participate with us, go to www.ruralroadsafety.com or www.nationwideagribusiness.com and follow
Nationwide Agribusiness on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube.
Grassroots Page 16 April 2015
New York Farm Bureau Hosts Ann
The annual New York Farm Bureau
Taste of New York Reception and Lobby
Day was a big success. More than 200
farmers traveled from across the state
last month to show off their food and agricultural products in a packed Empire
State Plaza Convention Center.
Many of the booths were sponsored by
county Farm Bureaus or farm-related organizations, more than 70 in all.
Senators, Assembly members, their
staff and representatives from state agencies made the reception a priority. It is always a highlight on the legislative calendar. Representatives are able to get a real
taste of the impact of farming in New
York and hear directly from the hardworking farmers about their concerns
and issues.
Following the Monday night reception,
NYFB members gathered early the next
morning for the Lobby Day breakfast.
New York State Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli, addressed the group. He unveiled his
new report that highlighted the economic
impact of agriculture in New York. It is
responsible for nearly $38 billion in economic activity.
“It makes economic sense for the state
to retain and promote our farms to feed
our residents and preserve our land,”
said DiNapoli.
“This in-depth look highlights the dedication of farmers, the diversity of products and the unmistakable conclusion that
agriculture is a cornerstone of our rural
economy both upstate and on Long Island,” said NYFB President, Dean Norton.
Members then spent the day visiting
their representatives in the Senate and Assembly along with their adopted lawmakers. They stressed NYFB’s priorities including refundable investment tax credit,
support for critical research and environmental programs, the creation of a farm
EZ Pass to reduce Thruway costs, ending
the inherent risk law for equine operations, new funding for agriculture education and FFA programs, and opposing another minimum wage hike, among others.
NYFB President Dean Norton meets with Sen. Agriculture
Committee Chairwoman Patricia A. Ritchie, R-Heuvelton
NYFB P
Fayette.
Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Science Dean Kathryn
Boor, visits with President Norton.
NYS Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets, Richard Ball, with
Norton and Ball’s wife, Shirley Ball, Schoharie County Farm Bureau President.
Sen. Rich Funke, Harry Booth, N
Fairs, Norton, Ball, Sen. Joe Griffo
Norton with Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara
Assemblyman Marcos Crespo, Norton, Assemblyman Phil Palmesano, and Assemblyman Francisco Moya.
Assemblyman Gary Pretlow, NYF
Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry.
Members of Cornell’s Collegiate NYFB Chapter pass out Cornell
dairy products at the Taste of NY Reception.
Assemblyman Joseph Saladino, NYFB State Director Ashur Terwilliger, and Sen. Tom O’Mara.
Mark Adams, Assemblywoman D
County Farm Bureau, and Todd E
Grassroots April 2015
Page 17
nual Taste of New York Reception
President Dean Northon meets with Sen. Mike Nozzolio, R.
NYS Association of Agricultural
o.
Assembly Agriculture Chairman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, meets with the Tully FFA.
Norton with Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush
FB Vice President Eric Ooms, and
Didi Barrett, Linda Fix, Columbia
Ehrling.
Norton with NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli
Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney samples some McKenzie’s Hard
Cider.
Representatives from Erie, Wyoming, Livingston and Wyoming
County Farm Bureaus met with Senator Patrick Gallivan in his office.
NYFB Deputy Director of Public Policy Kelly Young, Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Sen. Liz Krueger and Ooms
Assemblyman John McDonald visits with Jessica and Stuart Ziehm
of Washington County Farm Bureau.
Grassroots Page 18 Apple Association Visits Albany
Safety Reminder:
Conduct a Good
Pre-Operational Check
By Jim Carrabba
NYCAMH
Orchard growers from across New York and members of the New York Apple
Association participated in their annual lobby visit to the Capitol in Albany.
They thanked lawmakers for their continued support and asked for funding
to be restored to last year’s level of $750,000 to support critical marketing
efforts for New York apples. New York is the second-largest apple producing
state.
April 2015
Are equipment operators on your
farm taking the time to do daily preoperational checks?
One of the best things you can do
to make sure your equipment is in
top shape is to do a complete, walk
around inspection of the machine
before you use it, to ensure that
your equipment is in good repair
and is safe to operate.
Pre-operational checks are not
only a good safety practice, they
can also save you a lot of money in
maintenance and downtime costs.
A breakdown with your machinery
could cost you thousands of dollars
in repair costs and could also cost
you a lot of money in crop losses if
a mechanical breakdown causes a
harvest delay.
Good operators will have a daily
checklist of items to look at as they
perform the pre-operational check.
These items to check can be on a
printed form, and the operator will
check off the items as they are inspected. Having a list such as this
will help the operator to remember
all the things that they should be
checking as they perform the preoperation check. To perform a good
walk around inspection of a tractor,
start at one point and check things
as you go all the way around it. If
you find any problems during your
pre-operational check, make sure
you correct the problem before using the machine. Here are some
items to look at:
Check all fluid levels such as engine oil, coolant, fuel, and hydraulic
fluid
Look underneath the tractor; do
you see any big leaks or puddles of
fluid that have accumulated?
Check tires for proper inflation,
condition, and any cuts or gouges
Check lug nuts for tightness
Check lighting and marking,
such as SMV emblems
Ensure PTO and other shields are
in place and properly maintained
The NYCAMH outreach team
sincerely hopes that you have a
safe and productive spring. Please
remember that we are always available to come to your farm and
provide free on-farm safety training session or conduct an on-farm
safety survey. We have a low-cost
PTO shield and personal protective
equipment program. We are also
available to answer any questions
you have about agricultural safety issues. For more information,
please contact us at (800) 343-7527.
NYCAMH, a program of the Bassett Healthcare Network, is enhancing agricultural and rural health
by preventing and treating occupational injury and illness.
Carrabba serves as NYCAMH’s
agricultural safety specialist and
education coordinator.
Connect
with us!
Like us on
Facebook and stay
up to date with all
the latest NYFB
news.
http://facebook.
com/nyfarmbureau
Grassroots April 2015
Page 19
Commodity Report: Poultry
Farming their Own Piece of Paradise
By Steve Ammerman
sammerman@nyfb.org
Paul Varco and Joan Madonna
are living their dream. After working for more than three decades
helping manage the meat and
greenhouse operations of a Hudson
Valley farm, the couple is running
their own diversified farm in Montgomery County.
They moved up to Bella Terra
Farms three years ago, and the
pair is busy prepping for spring.
They’re eager to turn their animals out to pasture. Right now, the
barn is about as diversified as you
can get. It is home to about a dozen
beef cows along with a handful of
sheep, goats and pigs being raised
for meat.
But it is the poultry that is the
bread-and-butter of the operation so
to speak. They raise about thousand
bird units a year, including more
than 100 turkeys and around 75 laying hens. They also raise 25 meat
hens at a time as well. It is a small
farm, but that is the way they like it.
“At the farm where I had worked,
I had 12 people working under me
and it was hard to find good employees. I was high-strung and very verbal,” said Varco. “When I go back
people say, “Oh my God Paul, you
have changed.”
But it was their former work life
that gave them the opportunity to
run their own business.
“It was kind of easy for us because I worked in this profession
for 35 years. We saved up money
and everything is paid off. If we had
loans out, it would be hard to make
it. It was our goal to just do this,”
said Varco.
Their diversification on the farm
is what helps pay the bills. They
sell their vegetables and meat at
the Schenectady Green Market, but
winter can be slow. It is their onfarm slaughterhouse that can make
the difference when sales at the
market dip.
Varco has a state license that allows him to process his own poultry
for sale at the market. Otherwise,
he could be spending as much as ten
dollars a bird to send it off somewhere else for processing.
“If you are starting out, you have
to do your own processing because
it is like paying yourself. The other
vendors have to rely on USDA plants
to cut and wrap it,” said Varco.
Poultry is the only meat that
he can do this himself if he plans
to sell it at market. All other meat
animals must go through a USDA
licensed facility. However, his home
license does allow him to slaughter
other animals for private use that
are not sold at market, which is an
additional source of income for the
farm. Bella Terra is inspected yearly to receive the permit.
The couple says raising poultry
is not too difficult. They recently
made the decision to install lighting in the poultry room to boost
egg production during the winter.
Chickens tend not to lay eggs in
the dark. Their egg production had
dropped from about 25 dozen a week
to just seven dozen, in part because
of snow covering a skylight. To reduce any stress the light may cause,
they say they only turn it on from 4
to 8 a.m.
Also, to make up for the lack of
pasture in the winter, Joan Madonna is raising barley fodder in their
greenhouse to feed their birds. She
places the grain in trays of water
that are able to drain down below
through a homemade system, and
within a matter of days, the fodder
Paul Varco and Joan Madonna, of Bella Terra Farm in Sprakers, stand inside their
chicken house along with a three-week-old lamb. The couple has been running
their farm for the past three years, calling it a dream.
has sprouted a few inches high. It
looks like a fresh green lawn ready
for mowing. They say it is high in
protein and the birds are able to digest about 80 percent of it.
“It is good for them,” said Madonna. “They get to eat something
green over the winter.”
Raising turkeys has also been
good for the farm. They have Nicolas Whites and use most of the bird.
Varco takes custom orders and often makes turkey sausage and kielbasa. That is in addition to the turkey steaks, breasts, smoked drums
and bacon that they also sell at the
market.
They enjoy selling the products
themselves in Schenectady and the
relationships they have built up
with their customers. Some of their
patrons have even visited the farm
and helped out in their garden.
Some of the questions they are
asked include if they use antibiotics. They answer yes, when their animals are sick, but not at any other
time. The farm is also not certified
organic though the couple uses what
they call natural and organic methods in their vegetable garden. It is
the regulations around being certified that keep them from registering.
“It just cost so much to get certified. There is the paperwork and
the visitors,” Madonna said.
They know they could make more
money if they were to expand their
farm and hire a couple of employees to help, but they aren’t interested. They have all the work that they
can personally handle right now
and enjoy the farm life that they
have created for themselves over
the past three years.
“We wake up every morning with
a smile. It is a dream come true,”
said Madonna.
NYS Vet Reminds Farmers to Protect Poultry from Diseases
New York State Veterinarian Dr.
David Smith is reminding New York’s
poultry industry to practice good biosecurity to keep their birds free from
avian influenza and other diseases.
In the Northwestern and Central
parts of the United States, animal
health officials have detected a few
new strains of Highly Pathogenic
Avian Influenza (HPAI) among poultry flocks. None have been found in
the northeast yet, but animal health
officials are concerned as birds continue to migrate back to the U.S. as
spring approaches. HPAI infections
in poultry result in significant illness and death of infected birds. No
human infections have been reported with any of these detections, either in the United States or abroad. “HPAI has not been detected in
New York State in many years and
we want to make sure it stays that
way,” said Dr. Smith. “Migratory waterfowl are one way in which HPAI
is spread to domestic poultry, but
the disease can also spread by the
movement of materials and people. There are some simple steps that industry can take that have been proven to prevent avian influenza from
entering a flock.” Dr. Smith advises:
• Cages and equipment should be
cleaned and disinfected daily.
• Clean clothes and shoes should
be worn at all times when caring for
birds and hands should be washed
thoroughly prior to entering the
area in which birds are kept.
• Visitors should not be allowed
near birds and equipment should not
be shared among poultry owners.
• Poultry should not be allowed to
have any contact with wild birds.
Dr. Smith advises that there are
no public health concerns associated with these virus strains at this
time and the CDC considers the risk
to people from these HPAI infections
in poultry to be very low. While the
risk of human illness from these
particular strains is very low, it is
still wise to always practice good
hand hygiene when working around
poultry and their waste. Thoroughly cooking poultry will safeguard against avian influenza and
other illnesses that can be acquired
through undercooked poultry. The
most severe form of avian influenza, known as H5N1, has never been
found in the United States. New York has been extremely
proactive in preventing avian influenza among poultry flocks in the
state. The Department of Agriculture and Markets’ Division of Animal Industry has enforced a number of important regulations aimed
at eradicating and controlling avian
influenza in the live bird marketing
system within the state’s borders.
These regulations apply to all sectors of the system including suppliers, distributors and live bird markets. Source flocks from which birds
enter live bird marketing channels
are required to test negative for avian influenza prior to moving into
the system. State Animal Health
Officials monitor the birds in the
marketing system by verifying test
records and monitoring sanitation
levels at the live bird markets. Poultry held in live bird markets
are routinely tested for avian influenza by the Department’s Division
of Animal Industry. Last year, approximately 35,000 birds in the New
York live bird marketing system
were tested for the disease. Positive
findings for avian influenza in live
bird markets are followed by trace
backs to address possible infections
in supply flocks.
If a market tests positive, it is depopulated and thoroughly cleaned
and disinfected. Markets must be inspected and tested for avian influenza by Animal Health Officials prior
to re-opening. New Jersey and Pennsylvania have similar programs to
New York and working together, they
provide an effective “early warning”
network for avian influenza for much
of the eastern United States.
According to the U.S. Census of
Agriculture, there are 6,175 farms
with poultry located in New York.
It is unclear how many poultry hobbyists there are in the state.
Poultry producers should report
sick birds or unexplained deaths to
the Office of the New York State Veterinarian at (518) 457-3502 or Federal
Officials at (518) 536-7593 for further
investigation. Early detection is key
to preventing the spread of this disease. In addition, questions about
testing and examination of sick poultry can be directed to Dr. Jarra Jagne,
Extension Poultry Veterinarian at
the Animal Health Diagnostic Center
at Cornell University at 607-253-3900.
Grassroots Page 20 Scholars
Continued from page 7
District 3
Jacob Maslyn is from Ontario
County and attends Manchester
Shortsville High School. He plans
on attending either SUNY Morrisville or SUNY Cobleskill with a major in dairy or animal science.
District 4
Ryan J. Karr is from Steuben
County and attends Arkport Central School. He plans on attending
Penn Tech, Williamsport Pa., or
Alfred State with a major in diesel
mechanics.
District 5
Lucas Nassimos is from Madison
County and attends Madison Central School. He plans on attending
LeMoyne, Delphi, SUNY IT, Brockport with a major in nursing.
District 7
Loyal Gregory is from Clinton
County and attends Northern Adirondack Central School. He plans
on attending SUNY Cobleskill with
a major in dairy management.
District 9
Rachel Stone is from Otsego
County and attends Cooperstown
Central School. She plans on attending SUNY Cobleskill with a major in
dairy production and management.
District 11
Rosemarie Andrews is from Suffolk County and attends Shoreham
Wading River High School. Her
choice of college is undecided but
she plans on a major in nutrition/
food science with a minor in agriculture.
Spring
Continued from page 1
the wound.
People may also want to consider
beginning to apply repellants as the
weather warms and new growth
begins. Animals are intelligent
and once they have found there is a
salad buffet in your backyard they
may need some persuasion to move
back out to the woods.
The snow also acts as perfect
cover for small animals, like meadow mice, that may have done some
damage by chewing near the base
of shrubs so just be aware to look
for that as the snow melts.
Plants that are situated next to
walkways and driveways could
have some salt injuries. The salt
soaks into the soil with the melting snow and is taken up by the
plant roots. The salt can also become airborne and blow onto the
plants. The best thing a homeowner
can do overall is to keep their plants
healthy. This might include trimming up any broken or damaged
branches, applying a nice layer of
compost and/or an organic fertilizer to the root area and being sure
to water during this upcoming summer if we have a dry spell.
As the snow melts off of the
landscape and garden, rake areas
that have any heavy damp piles of
leaves or debris that may have accumulated over the winter. It will
have a double benefit; promoting
a healthy, attractive landscape and
getting you outside and active after
this long winter.
April 2015
April 2015
Grassroots Page 21
Page 22 Grassroots April 2015
Dairy Carrie
Continued from page 3
are her customer. It doesn’t matter
if the milk came from her farm or
not, they are buying a dairy product that is ultimately supporting
the dairy industry as a whole—and
farmers should be thankful for that.
Mess’ outlook on life and educating
and reaching consumers is so innovative that it makes perfect sense.
We need to talk to our consumers,
we need to thank them for buying
our product; even if it didn’t come
directly from us.
Minimum
Continued from page 1
minimum. Farmers in New York
routinely pay well above current
rate. It was revealed during the
press conference call, that according to the USDA, farms in New York
already pay an average agriculture
wage rate of $12.15.
Farmers expressed that upping the New York minimum wage
would lift all wages on their farms.
They said a worker, who already
earns a higher hourly rate based on
experience and time on the farm,
would also expect a bump in salary
to match.
Sandie Prokop, a dairy farmer
with Crossbrook Farm in Schoharie County, estimates a $1.75 wage
increase and additional payroll taxes for her six employees would add
an additional $44,354 to her payroll.
This is at a time when the income
her family’s farm receives for milk
has dropped dramatically in recent
months.
Because of dropping milk prices
set by the federal milk marketing
order, she said her milk income has
fallen more than $40,000 in the first
two months of the year and expects
the March check to be even lower.
Prokop said they have already cut
costs where they can and do not
know where else to trim should labor costs climb again.
“You can’t give one employee a
raise and not another,” Prokop said.
“It’s a significant amount of money
without any time to prepare. We are
At Dutch Hollow, the Chittendens
took Mess on a tour of their farm,
and she met some very “familiar”
Jerseys.
We hope that Dairy Carrie enjoyed her visit to New York and the
Hudson Valley, and we appreciate
her effort in reaching out to consumer’s and having real conversation about dairy farming—the good,
the bad, and the rewarding. She has
a great sense of being able to tackle
the “difficult” conversations about
what goes on at a dairy farm and
that can be appreciated by anyone
in animal agriculture.
Visit Dairy Carrie’s website at
www.dairycarrie.com or follow her
on social media @DairyCarrie.
price takers and not price makers.
We do not have that $45,000 available. The choices become very dark
and very serious for everyone that
is milking cows and farming in
New York.”
Brian Reeves of Reeves Farms
in Baldwinsville runs a vegetable
and fruit farm, including a u-pick
operation.
He also expressed that this hike
would drive up wages across the
board for his employees. He estimates that a $10.50 rate and added
payroll taxes would cost his farm an
additional $50,000 a year.
“This isn’t a story of ‘gee, we
have minimum wage workers and
can’t give them another quarter.’
We are already paying well above it.
Our entire payroll creeps up when
the minimum wage goes up and has
a profound impact on your bottom
line,” Reeves said. “Where the rub
is for me is I compete with Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Michigan,
states that typically have fewer expenses to farm than we do in New
York.”
New York Farm Bureau has continually supported keeping the state
minimum wage linked with that of
the Federal minimum wage, as our
farmers are competing in a global
marketplace. Farmers can’t pass
along the increases to wholesalers,
processors and grocery stores because of competition from farms in
other states and countries.
“Farmers can’t simply raise our
prices because labor prices are going up. This is not a wise strategy
to support agriculture or business
in the state of New York,” Norton
said.
Find your local Nationwide agent at:
Nationwide.com/NYFB
Or Contact Scott Keyes at
518-431-5615 or skeyes@nyfb.org
Working Together To
Serve Our Members
Grassroots April 2015
Page 23
Compliance Corner:
Springtime on the Farm and on the Roads
By Lisa A. Ovitt, Paralegal
lovitt@nyfb.org
It’s been a long, rough winter all
over the state, but the snow is melting and it won’t be long before farmers will begin prepping the ground
for planting.
That means more trucks and other farm equipment will be on the
roads, so let’s review some common
scenarios and rules of the road in
New York.
Clean roads
New York has laws restricting and
prohibiting the depositing or dropping of foreign substances on roads.
Section 1219 of the Vehicle and
Traffic Law states that “no person
shall throw or deposit on any highway glass bottle, glass, nails, tacks,
cans, snow, or any other substance
likely to injure any person, animal,
or vehicle upon such highway.” A
farmer, or anyone who intentionally deposits such items on a highway,
will be fined. However, the courts
have also interpreted this law to apply to the unintentional situation.
Even if such objects are placed
on the highway accidentally, the
person responsible will be guilty
of a violation of the law. Therefore,
farmers who may be more apt to
transport such refuse or materials
in open trucks or wagons should
be careful not to drop such objects
in the road, and if they do, and are
cognizant of it, should make efforts
to remove it.
Spring brings melting snow and
rain, and both result in muddy
fields. That mud (and manure) can
be carried on farm vehicle tires and
deposited onto roads. Section 1220
of the Vehicle and Traffic Law prohibits depositing materials on roadways, including “any nauseous or
offensive materials.”
This law allows a “reasonable or
unavoidable deposit of nauseous or
offensive matter” when transporting agricultural trucks, machines,
or implements or dairy or domestic
animals. The courts have found that
it is “sound practice” for a farmer
to transport animal waste from one
location of his farm to another, on
public road, for the purpose of applying it to the land.
However, the farm community
should exercise responsibility regarding the dropping of mud and
manure in the road and remember
that everyone benefits from clean
and safe roads.
Sharing the road
The law in New York pertaining
to slow moving vehicles (SMVs)
includes a definition of agricultural equipment, which states that
if agricultural equipment is selfpropelled or used in combination
like a tractor and hay wagon, for
example, each shall separately display a slow-moving vehicle emblem.
It also requires the use of lamps
when visibility is not clear 1000 feet
ahead or behind agricultural equipment regardless of the time of day.
While there is no law in New York
requiring farm tractors to pull over
onto the side of the road or onto a
shoulder part-way in order to not impede traffic, it would be considered
good practice to do so when possible
to help alleviate large build-ups of
traffic or in areas where you may be
less visible to on-coming traffic.
For specific information on SMV
emblems, signaling devices, and
lamps, access a brochure prepared
Pettis
Continued from page 13
birds are caged because we feel that
we can identify problems within the
chicken house faster if they are in
cages. This goes back to the healthy
hens produce healthy eggs. We also
feel that the eggs are cleaner and
easier to wash and package from this
controlled environment. After all,
eggs are our only source of income
so this is of utmost importance.
by the committee, Sharing the Road
with Slow-Moving Vehicles, at
http://www.safeny.ny.gov/media/
SMV-broc4-09.pdf.
More detailed information on
these and many more topics are contained in NYFB’s publication Farmer’s Guide to Truck & Farm Implement Laws & Regulations, 4th ed.,
available to members at the member
price of $30 by calling 1-800-342-4143.
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.
Why are you a member of New
York Farm Bureau?
I am a NYFB member because of
what the organization does for its
members. Being a full time farmer,
I do not have time to go to Albany or
Washington, D.C., to lobby anytime
an issue arises. Our organization
does a very good job of representing
us in those situations. NYFB makes
sure that our voices are heard
whenever a situation comes to the
forefront. That makes me proud to
be a NYFB member.
Page 24 Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
April 2015
Classified Ads FREE to NYFB members,
and darn cheap for everybody else!
HAY
IDAHO’S
FINEST ALFALFA.
Larsen
Farms
607-865-8844.
rbishop@larsenfarms.com
QUALITY HAY for sale. AlfalfaGrass mix. 45 pound bales. $2.75
per bale. 315-866-3348
HAY FOR SALE. 4x5- 1000lb.
Round silage bales, mixed grass, no
chemicals, can load 18- wheelers.
1st cut and 2nd cut available. Cash
upon loading. Schaghticoke, NY
518-796-2344
A.G. EMERICH & SONS. Hay,
straw and bagged shavings.
Serving NY and NE since 1935. Van
trailer loads dropped or picked up
by the bale. 518-399-1893 or 518399-7444
HAY FOR SALE. Mixed hay, 1st
cut. 4x4 rounds. 450-500lbs. Under
cover, never wet, no chemicals. $35
each cash. 518-851-9802 or 518-7554553
HAY FOR SALE. Quality timothybrome-orchard grass mix. Small
square bales for pickup or delivery
in
Westchester, Dutchess and
Putnam area. 845-475-7100
HAY 1st and 2nd cutting. Small
squares. Prices vary. 518-461-3779
HAY FOR SALE. Large round
bales. Also have Percheron draft
horses and slate roofing for sale.
607-796-9026
HAY FOR SALE. Water resistant,
double NET wrapped 4x4 round
bales..does NOT require inside
storage…perfect for horses. Also,
small squares. All hay is a timothy
mix. Call Dave at 518-966-8130 or
text 518-649-7058anytime.
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. Quality mixed
grass hay, 1st and 2nd cuttings, small
square bales, Timothy,clover,grass,
dry in barn, no chemicals. You pick
up. Saratoga County. 518-793-4507
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
HAY FOR SALE. 1st cut round
bales, grass hay, 4x4 and 4x5.
Timothy/orchard grass mix. Stored
inside, no rain. Attica, NY 585-5079300
BARLEY STRAW. 400 bales
available. So. Oneida County. 315853-3667
HAY FOR SALE. 4x5 2nd cutting
grass hay stored inside. Also small
squares from 2013 crop $1/bale.
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: classifieds@nyfb.org.
or mail to: Grassroots Classifieds, PO Box 5330, Albany, NY 12205
or fax to: 518-431-5656 For more information call: 518-436-8495
All credit cards accepted.
unpaid, at its sole discretion.
Truckload quantities available. 518588-1402
good tires, VG Condition. $6950.
716-632-9419
10 LARGE bales of wheat straw
$50/each. 8 large bales of baleage
– mostly grass, 2nd cutting, never
wet. $50/each. 315-396-7682
CASE
TRACTORS,
MACHINERY
JOHN DEERE
JD 5085 M Series. 380 hours, like
new. Power reverse, self-leveling
bucket, 32 speed trans. Call for
price. 845-857-0242
JD 4 row corn planter, model 494A.
For parts or to restore. Works,
with plates. Make offer. Southern
Otsego County. 607-764-8663
1944 JD Model A. For parts or
restoration. Tin very good. $1500.
518-377-4136
JD 7000 4 row corn planter $4000
obo; 22 ton Husky wood splitter,
like new $1000 obo. 315-212-1386
ALLIS CHALMERS
ALLIS CHALMERS 160D with new
brakes, low hours and recently
serviced. Call for more details.
Also have 5 foot rotary tiller with
3 pt hitch and an 8’ landscape rake.
607-529-3294
NEW HOLLAND
PARTING OUT NH489 Haybine.
Do
your
own
dismantling.
Charging 25% of new parts cost.
315-865-5826. Holland Patent, NY.
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
FORD
8N Ford Tractor, runs good; 1973
Fruehave Dump Trailer, steel body.
631-276-4467
FORD 1710 tractor, 4wd, 3 pt hitch,
Diesel, 60” belly mower, 1246 hrs,
International 300 utility tractor
with plows and an International
450 bare. 607-734-9762 or 607-2150825
IN 1980 Model 784 with 3328 hrs
and a back blade. Good Condition.
518-793-0822
CASE 1660 combine.
Good
condition, 1063 corn head. Model
10-20’ flex head, package deal or
will separate. Trades considered.
315-789-0882.
885 CASE INT, 4wd, ps, diesel,
80ho, =/- 3900 hrs, front tires
98%, rear 50%, strong runner and
worker. $17,900. 716-632-9419
DOZERS
DRESSER 175C crawler loader.
1995 with 1800hrs. 4in1 bucket,
new undercarriage. Exc. Condition.
$27,000 negotiable/trades.
516767-1528 or Ralph@rbonavitacola.
com.
DRESSER TD76, 76hp, 3719 hrs,
VG Condition, good undercarriage,
runs&operates excellent. $16,900.
716-632-9419
EQUIPMENT
CONTRACTOR
generator
on
wheels w/ welder $800 obo.
Kawasaki 4 wheeler $4000obo.
Brodies Maple Farm. 607-264-3521
ask for Eliot.
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
BOBCAT Skidsteer Loader Model
#553. Low hours, heated cab, quik
mount attachments, comes with
bucket. Diesel, removable steel
tracks, good condition. 607-965-
2174
THOMAS SKIDSTEER Model
103. Diesel; Oswalt 460 mixer and
scales, 500 cubic feet stainless liner;
Ford 4000 Select-O-Speed and
sawdust spreader; Foot trimming
table, hydraulic. 716-861-2637
CHRISTMAS TREE BALER. Up to
13’ trees. Electric. Works PERFECT.
$1800 obo. Call Jim 607-659-7693
BRILLION cultipacker. 2 yrs old,
14’ Hydraulic transport. Good
condition. 585-506-7300 or 585-6244402
AQUAPONIC
SYSTEM
with
400 gallon tank, Hydroponic
trays & covers, some Nutrients,
Waxed Lettuce cartons, Modine
225,000 BTU Propane Heater $280.
Evaporative Cooling System and
End Wall Vent $1000. 607-652-3451
PULL BEHIND road grader, used
by the highway department. Good
condition. 716-560-7844
7 TON 24’ gooseneck trailer.
Deckover with duck tail and
ramps. Excellent condition. Call
for details. 845-985-7866
BELARUS 822, 81HP, 4 wheel drive
with cab, 3 pt hitch, 540 + 1000 pto,
loader, no bucket, good condition
$6500. BELARUS 250 AS 270 hours,
31HP, 2 wheel drive, live hyd. Cat
#2 3 pt hitch. $2900. 315-699-2459
TEW MODEL 1650 Vegetable
washer complete, needs table top
and gear motor $2500, new it is
$8500. 2 point 7’ Sickle Mower,
excellent condition $900 obo. 518852-5726
GLEANER N6 Combine with
Cummins 8.3L engine and RWA.
1200 engine and 2800 separator
hours. In good condition, includes
20 foot flex head. Always shedded.
$12,000. 585-526-5834
HESSTON 530 Round Baler. Exc.
Condition. Stored inside. $4500
obo. 585-813-3692
KELLY RYAN BAGGER 9’, very
good condition. INT 8’ Transport
Disc Harrow; INT 12’ Spring Tooth
Drag. 518-642-2361
FOR SALE. New foamer for sprayer
up to 90’ boom. Model Landmark
Smucker. $500. 315-725-9262
SELF propelled sprayer, 1996
Patriot HL, Hydrostatic 4WD, 750
gallon tank, 60’ booms with 6 auto
shutoff. Trimble 750 GPS with auto
steer. Teejet 3 way nozzles. $28,000.
315-725-9262
WHITE
tractor
1000rpm/pto, 2
forward/6 reverse
hours. Tires 23.1x34.
575-4513
4-175,
4x4,
remotes. 18
speeds. 5519
$15,000 315-
HESSTON dbl. 4 wheel rake –
opens to different widths. $1500;
Brillion 16’ Transport Cultipacker
$1300. Both field ready. Peru, NY
April 2015
Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
518-643-8052
3 POINT HITCH Auger. 18” and
6” diameter bits. “Rancher” brand.
$500. Doug at Glorie Farms. 845325-3387
ELECTRIC MOTOR 7.5hp, single
phase, 220v. New new condition
$275. 716-632-9419
DISMANTELING FOR PARTS!!!
1996 Dodge 1 ton dump truck;
HD-5-HD-6
Allis
Chalmers
crawler/loader;
2000
Ford
tractor,loader,backhoe.
716-6329419
1962 MACK B-75 tractor, single
axle, excellent condition. In dry
storage for 43 years. Running
when parked. $9500 firm. 315-2714490. Rome, NY
2009 4x4 Kubota L3450 Factory
cab/heat/AC/stereo, Loader with
QA Bucket. 35hp Dsl, low hrs.
Hydro R-4 tires, all new manuals.
Super clean. One owner. Used only
for snow, no manure. $22,500. 315964-1161
JAMESWAY shuttle stroke gutter
cleaner, drive chain and sprockets.
Wheel hub for a John Deere 4944
Corn Planter. 518-234-2820
WANTED
COMMERCIAL
NUT
PROCESSING equipment, such as,
sizers, shellers, blanchers etc. for
use with hazelnuts. Please email
DawnZ@Znutty.com
SKELETON HAY ELEVATOR
TRANSPORT. JUST the wheeled
section and braces to support a 24’
hay elevator. I need to be able to lift
and lower the unit. 315-564-5395.
Must be in good condition.
POTATO DIGGER WANTED! 1
or 2 row, operable PTO driven late
model or antique okay. Pulling
with Farmall 140 22hp tractor. 631369-3620
JOHN DEERE N (narrow) tractor.
5400-5500 series. 315-767-9114 or
315-846-5246
PARTS FOR 7HP Kohler Engine,
piston rod. 518-828-9060
WOODEN Poultry transport crate;
rabbit hutch. 315-839-7237
VEHICLES
DRAW-TITE Mdl. 6033 5th wheel
hitch with bed rails. 16k max.
trailer weight & 4k man. Tongue
weight. $550 neg. 516-449-1282 ( c
) or 607-369-4206.
PICKUP TONNEAU black soft
cover used 1 year, like new , fits
1999-2012 fullsize Chevy GMC or
2013-2014 Ford F150 with 6.5 box.
Asking $200. Binghamton, NY 607722-2499
1980 must see FORD F600, Detroit
Diesel, 16’ dump body with stakes,
67,680 miles, kept in barn. 2 new
batteries, new brakes, 5-speed
transmission. 2-speed rear axle,
$6000. Excellent shape. 607-6870686
2000 GMC 3500. 8’ utility body,
gas, v8 automatic, low mileage.
$6500. 914-391-0678
1999 COACHMEN Catalina 31’
motorhome. 20,400 miles. One
owner, generator, AC, sleeps 9,
large bath room, bunks in back
with table or bed on other side.
Only $16,000. 607-725-5216
Training reining and performance
horses, Halter, Pleasure and
starting colts. Western lessons and
clinics available. Short and long
distance trucking. 315-388-7736 or
loomisqh@gmail.com.
1969 INTERNATIONAL 4yd. dump
truck. Less than 50,000 miles. Good
for around the property. Engine &
transmission good; needs brake
work. Asking $850. 845-279-7179
ext. 103 or mmaffei122@aol.com.
FINGER
LAKES
THOROUGHBRED
Adoption
Program has new horses available
for show and pleasure. These
horses are looking for a great home.
For information and pictures visit
www.fingerlakestap.org. 585-9057457
1999 COACHMEN Catalina 31
foot motor home. 20,400 miles, one
owner. Generator, AC, sleeps 9,
large bathroom, bunks in back with
table or bed on other side. Only
$16,000. 607-725-5216
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 bsolak@emerling.com.
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.
WILDWOOD FARM – standing
imported Lusitano Stallion –
Voluntario
Interagro.
Quality
Iberian warmblood young stock
available. 607-693-5091.
LAND’S END WHIPPORWILL.
Reg. Section B Liver chestnut Welsh
pony stallion! By #1 ranked Hunter
Pony Stallion Caroline’s Red Fox!
$500 private treaty. Foxtale Farm.
foxtalefrm@aol.com or 607-2155594
LOOMIS
QUARTER
HORSES:
STOP ARENA DUST Now you
can have a dust free indoor! MAG
Flakes eliminates watering, saves
money. Proven and safe. www.
StopArenaDust.com
Emerson
Supply 716-434-5371
SHOW HORSE Appraiser. Maple
Row Farm. 716-435-0114 (cell) or
716-741-6900
EQUINE APPRAISALS by ASEA
appraiser and NYFB member. Done
for show horses, sales, insurance,
court, bankruptcy, purchases, etc.
Many years experience. See ad
for Renegade Farm. 518-269-0480.
lynn@renegadefarm.com
and
www.horseappraisalsbylynn.com.
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
COGGINS TESTING – AGID and
ELISA. Chemistry, Hematology,
Urinalysis, Fecal and Serology too.
Have your veterinarian contact
us at Mohawk Valley Vet Labs
(MVVL) located in Westmoreland,
NY 1-315-853-4930
FULL SERVICE Equine veterinary
practice, serving WNY. Services
include: Vaccinations, dentals,
lameness,
imaging,
breeding,
pre-purchase,
chiropractic,
acupuncture,
laser
therapy,
minor surgery, small ruminants.
Henderson Equine Clinic. www.
hendersonequineclinic.com. 585243-5560
A HORSE DRAWN AFFAIR/BROE
FARM home of Rosevale Leggo.
16.2 black morgan stallion standing
at stud. Boarding ,lessons, training,
Page 25
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
TOM CURTIN CLINIC!! Colt
starting/Problem
solving,
Horsemanship,Cow
Working
presented
by
Tom
Curtin
(tomcurtin.net) May 29-31, 2015 at
245 Putney Road, Rensselaer Falls,
NY 13680. Call 315-323-5248 or
howardputney@gmail.com.
BOARDING/LESSONS
STALLS AVAILABLE FOR LEASE.
State of the art 72x180 indoor arena,
bull pen, round pen, 1/8 mile track,
outdoor arena, turnout, miles of
trail riding. Karen 607-222-4447
Binghamton area.
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
Page 26 Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
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.
C.B. WALKER STABLES. Brewster
NY. Horses boarded, leased, bought
and sold. Lessons in all disciplines.
Training in dressage, jumping and
eventing. 845-278-1731 or info@
cbwalkerstables.com.
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
DIAMOND DERBY Ranch. Horse
boarding, daily turnout, trails and
lessons. Western, English. 845-5587160
AFTER HOURS FARM, Clifton
Park NY. Specializing in “TLC”
horse boarding, superior English
riding lessons and training.
Indoor and outdoor rings. Horse
shows, clinics and summer camp. (518)384-6441.
RENEGADE FARM in Schenectady
NY.
Reasonable
rates
with
experienced quality service since
1996. Boarding, training, English
& western lessons, ARIA certified.
Monthly Adult Horsemanship
course, summer camp. Indoor &
outdoor rings, trails, over 40 acres
of pastures. 518-864-5518 or lynn@
renegadefarm.com.
HORSE BOARDING Private
family horse farm, Abundant
secure pastures. Unending quiet
woodland trails. Very large indoor
arena. Large box stalls. Individual
care. Resident veterinarian. Otego,
NY 607-988-7779
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.
Southern Dutchess Equestrian
Center: Offering something for
everyone and every discipline.
Boarding, training & lessons all
at reasonable rates. Visit us at
southerndutchess.com or call 845226-1256
SUGAR HILL FARM of Victor, NY
offers riding lessons for all levels. A
safe environment builds confidence
and teaches compassion while
working with horses. 585-924-8240
or www.Sugarhillarabians.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
UPHILL DRESSAGE CENTER. Salt
Point, NY. New dressage boarding
and training facility. Heated large
regulation indoor with dust free
footing; large regulation outdoor.
Trainers on premises or bring your
own. 914-450-0413
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. Islandhills@optonline.net
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.
HORSE BOARDING – Excellent
care with 20+ years of horse
boarding experience. Abundant
secure pastures with diamond
mesh Keep-Safe fencing and leantos, outdoor riding areas. Access
to hours of country trails. 518-4750929
EQUINES 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
MINI JENNY. Registered. 11 yrs
old, 32.75” tall, super sweet, follows
you everywhere, halter broke. Gets
along with anything you put her
out with. She has had foals and is a
great mom. $400. 716-692-8828
FOR SALE: 2- 6 month old mini jack
donkeys. $300 each 845-482-4061
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.
SKYLOFT MORGANS –Morgan
mare, 2010, 14.1h, flaxen, ready
to become an incredible carriage
horse. Flashy, balanced, sound,
from proven sport lines. Purchase
includes 2 months training time.
Contact for pics/info.
www.
skyloftmorgans.com or 207-3103037. Rochester area.
D&H ARABIANS..home of the
St. Egyptian Arabians! Lots of
“Morafic” breeding. We have 2
mares and 2 weanling fillies for
sale. Come see them!. Marathon,
NY 607-849-4860
AKHAL-Teke/QH mare.
Sane,
sound and sensitive. 15.2 hands.
Endurance prospect. Great feet. 14
yrs old. $2500. 845-737-7556
MINIATURE horse mare, 4 yrs old,
32” tall, Mahogany bay, very sweet.
No papers. Very correctly built little
mare. $400. 716-548-4840
CARRIAGE
DRIVING
and
Beginner Riding lessons, Pony
Parties. Shadow Brook Farm,
Middletown, NY Call Betty 845692-5046.
MAMMOTH JENNY donkey.
White with grey spots, taller than
standard horse, very calm and
sweet. Also selling her black gelded
son. Good coyote killers. $400
EACH to a good home. We also
have a Jenny burro that is brown
and black $300. 518-851-7922
6 yr Reg. QH mare. 15hands.
“Tucket Sudden Zippo”. $8000; 2 yr
filly, dam is “Tucket Sudden Zippo”,
sire is “Makenzies Gallant Jet”. 14
hands $2500; 7 yr Reg. Paint mare
“You Gotta Lov Her”, 16 hands
Sire “I Got Charisma” Dam is “Red
Hot Dorsey”. Ready for showing.
$15,000. Windy Mountain Horse
Farm. Guilford, NY 607-336-5541
TRAILERS/
TRANSPORTATION
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.cc.
1987 2 HORSE bumper pull Valley
Horse Trailer. Good floor, electric
and tires. Thoroughbred size, 7’
interior height, 3/2” from chest bar
to front, 7’ from chest bar to rear. 2
escape doors. Putnam Valley, NY
845-518-0771
TACK
USED HORSE TACK.
18”
Australian Stock Saddle (no
horn),all leather, padded seat with
fleece cover (Double T brand).
Complete and like new $195.315245-0687 near Camden, NY.
Con-Tack consigns and sells
horse tack, riding apparel, equine
antiques and collectibles. 845-7574442 or visit www.con-tack.com.
ARIAT CROWNE PRO Field Boots.
9.5 womens. Med/wide pull ons,
slightly broken in. Comes with all
original packaging. $250. Near
Albany, NY. 518-791-2533
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
LIVESTOCK
CATTLE
100%
PUREBRED
WYAGU
BREEDING BULL available for
sale or lease. Semen available, will
deliver. Forever Hopeful Farm.
518-369-6874
REGISTERED POLLED Hereford
Heifer and Bull calves; high
weaning weights, good bloodlines.
Berne, NY 518-872-0256
CATTLE oilers and scratchers
for sale, have brushes and parts.
Ron. 585-267-6307 or ronferris@
rochester.rr.com.
BULLS FOR SALE! Angus and
Herefords, Trowbridge Bulls. 518369-6584. phil@trowbridgefarms.
April 2015
com . Sale May 2, 2015.
13 BEEF COWS. Due starting in
April. $1500 each. 716-735-7912
GOATS/SHEEP
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
CASHMERE GOATS. Kinds and
adult does and bucks from prizewinning lines. Breeding stock,
bucks for rent, pets. Culls available
for meat. Hermit Pond Farm,
Brookfield.
hermitpond@gmail.
com or 315-899-7792
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
2014 BABYDOLL rams for sale.
Two, one proven, black, one white,
8 months, twin, bottlefed, very
calm. Registered with NABSSAR
$350 each. www.cabincreekacres.
com or 518-587-6008
WHITE DORPER SHEEP shedding,
no shearing needed, and KIKO
GOATS, pasture-raised without
any grain, hoof rot free. www.
whitecloversheepfarm.com , Email
ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com.
Phone 585-554-3313
PUREBRED KIKO Performance
Bucks. Excellent bloodlines from
Dr. An Pieschel. Goats Unlimited.
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 American Saanen
buckling and doeling. DOB 4-8-14,
Disease free tested herd. 607-7395744
BREEDING STOCK, wool blankets,
yarns, roving and frozen lamb.
Crazy Legs Farm. 518-638-8132
SWINE
FEEDER PIGS. Castrated males.
Born
9-2014.
Yorkshire-cross;
parents on premises. Also 1 yr old
sow & boar for sale. Proven breeders.
Thyme’s Right Farm. 716-791-0034
FEEDER PIGS for sale. Born in
November, Healthy and vigorous.
Gilts and barrows available. $100.
518-797-3021
WORKING DOGS
Akbash Guardian Dogs: The
natural way to keep predators
away. Pups available now, working
sheep, goats, alpacas. Parents on
premises. We sleep at night, because
they don’t! Springside Farm 315683-5860.
April 2015
Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
LIVESTOCK guard dogs. Great
Pyrenees. Born Feb 2014. Currently
raised with poultry and cows. 2
males remaining. Asking $500 each
or $900 for the pair. 518-293-7487
or thefarm@wovenmeadows.com.
POULTRY
DAY OLD CHICKS – broilers,
layers and turkeys from our local
hatchery. Can be picked up or
shipped. Call or write for prices
and
availability.
518-568-5322
giespasture@frontiernet.net, www.
NEPPAHatchery.net.
BLACK
Copper
Maran,
Welsummer & other chicks. NPIP
tested. Hatching weekly MarchJune. Pick up only. Elba, NY. Text
or call 585-300-7898
GOATS, DONKEYS, TURKEYS,
spring chick, fresh eggs, live and
dressed. NPIP certified 518-7339332
MEAT CHICKENS. Pasture raised
in Newfane, NY $4.00lb; unfrozen
or frozen. Available weekly at the
Lockport NY and Kenmore NY
Farmer’s Market or by appointment
716-444-2096 or 716-438-2157
ALPACAS/LLAMAS
FREE! Registered Alpacas with
good bloodlines. Many Colors.
Owner
needs
to
liquidate.
Hideaway Acres. 716-496-7225
HUACAYA ALPACAS – Heavenly
Sunset Farm, Woodhull, NY.
Superior bloodlines at affordable
prices.
Several herdsires and
breeding quality females to choose
from. Also many with excellent
fiber quality for companions and/
or pets. Friendly customer support.
Farm visits encouraged. Farm store
on premises. www.alpacanation.
com/heavenlysunsetfarm.asp.
607-458-5499 or 607-765-0306.
AUTUMN HILL Alpacas has
breeding and pet quality alpacas
for sale at low prices. We offer
excellent support after the sale. If
you are interested in producing
fiber or just want some companion
animals, we have the alpacas
for you. 607-478-5254 or www.
autumnhillalpacas.com.
ALPACAS. Pets and breeding
females. Also raw alpaca fiber sold
by the pound. 518-497-6009
ALPACA ODYSSEY & Mercantile
– Akron, NY – Open daily or by
chance. Visitors welcome. Tours
by appointment. Shop now for
Holiday Gifts – Yarn, Sweaters,
Scarves, Socks, Queen blankets and
more. 585-542-3939
ALPACAS of Breezy Hill Ranch,
alpacas for sale, store filled with
alpaca clothing, accessories and
yarn. Call ahead for tours. Lisa &
David Proulx 518-854-3680
ALPACA sales and products:
Breeding and pet quality alpacas
plus yarn and alpaca products.
Thorn Hill Alpacas, Schodack, NY.
www.ThornHillAlpacas.com 518766-0256
AT ALPACA SHACK’S LOFT.
100% alpaca handmade hats,
scarves, mittens, cowls, shrugs and
more. See our complete inventory
at www.alpacashackloft.com.
BLOOMING FIELD FARM Alpacas,
Rochester, NY area…offers quality
breeding stock, competitive prices,
guarantees & excellent customer
support. Farm visits welcome by
appointment. 585-705-3785
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
SUSAN
KEISTER
Consulting
Forester. Specialties: grade harvests
(maple, oak, cherry), low grade
harvests (beech, aspen, pine, etc.),
valuations/appraisals
(ROW,
utility easements, estates, trespass),
Management Plans and real
property tax savings. Approved
NRCS Technical Service Provider.
585-728-3044 or visit www.
susanjkeisterllc.com.
Got TIMBER-land?? You can start
earning income while improving
forest health & productivity,
improve wildlife habitat. Leasing
of hunting privileges service
available. We work for U to meet
your needs. Certified Forester
qualified to prepare plans to
obtain cost share monies where &
when available. Azimuth Forestry
Services,LLC. 845-355-9042 or
jpzman@yahoo.com
FREE WOODWORKING KNIVES
SELF-SET: Joiner and planer knives,
buy any start-up kit and receive
a FREE set of HSS replacement
blades. Retail orders only. www.
dispozablade.com or call DispozA-Blade 800-557-8092
APPLE WOOD & FIREWOOD
available in Columbia & northern
Dutchess counties and all adjacent
areas. Delivery available, call for
free quote. 845-876-5999
CUSTOM
cut hard
available.
Call Ken.
0180
SAWING of logs, roughand soft wood lumber
Mill Blades Hammered.
585-547-9269 or 585-591-
FIREWOOD. Cut, split and
delivered for $195/cord (within 30
miles). Serving Upstate NY. Visa
and Mastercard accepted. Call RM
Bacon 518-686-5996 or rmbaconllc@
yahoo.com.
LOCUST fence posts for sale. Also
standing timber wanted. 607-7832787
CEDAR FENCE POSTS. 6’,7’,8’
and other sizes and diameters
by request. Grays’ Garden and
Greenhouse. Saint Johnsville, NY
518-568-5764
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. Buying logs and standing
timber Cannonsville Lumber, Inc.
607-467-3380 or lobodrjjm@tds.
net.
GUTCHESS
LUMBER
CO.
since 1904 has been purchasing
Page 27
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.
Gateway to the Hamptons. An hour
away is the Montauk Lighthouse,
Minutes away are the Long Island
Game Farm, Wineries, fishing. 631878-1964
ROUGH SAWN barn boards, air
dried, on hand sawing and stacking
since 1980. Douglas Spaulding
Sawmill. Corwall, NY. Orange
County. 845-534-8038
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
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 607-687-0270
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.
TRAVEL
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 716-685-4019 or NYDEFA@
NYDEFA.org to locate a farm near
you!
EASTON VIEW OUTFITTERS are
specialists in putting together just
the kind of outdoor adventure you
have in mind! From once-in-alifetime trophy hunt to wilderness
photography to using our lodge for
your gathering or as your source
of quality cervid stock for a new or
existing farm, we promise you an
unforgettable outdoor wilderness
experience.
Call 518-692-9999
for more information.
www.
EastonViewOutfitters.com.
LLAMATREKS. Take a guided nature
hike with our pack llamas, through
forested ravines with a stream and
waterfalls, while they carry drinks
and snacks. Spring, summer and
fall. www.woodmanseellamas.com
315-696-8997
HOGANS BED & BREAKFAST in
East Moriches, Long Island, the
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.
NORTH MYRTLE BEACH: enjoy a
week on the ocean. Two bedroom,
two bath, full kitchen, hot tub,
heated pool, only $800.
One
bedroom $500. Available March,
April, or May. 315-497-2292
CNY Fiber Festival June 13-14
@ Butternuthill Campground,
Bouckville, NY. Over 100 vendors
under tents. Kids Activities,
Live
Animals,
Fleece
Sale,
Demonstrations, Fiber, Food, Fun!
www.cnyfiber.org.
Join the 23rd Annual Washington
County Fiber Tour.
April 2526. Quality animals, fleeces,
yards, even food.
www.
washingtoncountyfibertour.org.
518-744-3947
SUPPLIES
WOODWORKERS: Planer/jointer
knives anyone can change! Free
shipping for NYFB members. www.
dispozablade.com 800-557-8092.
LAND DRAINAGE SUPPLIES – a
complete line of yellow and black
corrugated polyethylene pipe and
fittings to solve your drainage
problems.
Heavy duty, high
quality, NYS approved. For info
call Paul Schwarting 315-689-6460
IRRIGATION pipe. 2” x 30’ Wade
Rain Solid Set. Also 4” & 5” Wade
Rain pipe with couplers. 561-7184247
DRIP
IRRIGATION
TUBING
for orchard, vineyard or berries.
Grassroots Page 28 April 2015
Grassroots Farmers’ Market
NETAFIM 17mm heavy wall
pressure
compensating
selfflushing tubing.
24” emitter
spacing. Various lengths up to 1000
‘. 607-533-4295
LISTER LASER Shearing Machine
with extra combard culler, with
plastic carrying case. Never used.
Paid $320, asking $300. Firm. 716992-3806
SULLIVAN COUNTY FARM has
compost for sale. Buyer responsible
for trucking. Dry manure available.
845-295-0063.
FUEL TANK FOR SALE. 275 gallon
oval fuel tank with 100 gallons of
dyed kerosene. Excellent condition.
Practically new.
Bharris62@aol.
com 585-472-5188
MEAT CUTTING BAND SAW.
Byro Model #33. Mint condition.
Have manual and extra blades.
$1200. 518-842-9612
WILD WOMAN COMPANY, INC.
Survey and Mapping equipment
for sale. 30 yrs in business. Levels,
Lasers, Transits, GPS, Total Stations,
Repairs and Supplies – all brands.
New/Factory
Certified
Used.
Laurie Mass.
516-922-7740 or
wildwoman@survey-equipment.
com.
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
OILS/LUBRICANTS
PURCHASE AMSOIL Synthetic
lubricants. Reduce engine wear,
lower your operating cost and
help Farm Bureau. Visit www.
lubedealer.com/ve
Use dealer
number ZO 1664563
LUBRICANTS
&
FUEL
SOLUTIONS.
Cen-Pe-Co,
TRC, Amisol, B’laster, Alemite,
Milwaukee,
Lincoln,
Baldwin
Filters, Columbia Paints & Roof
Coatings, Sampling, Fuel Cans,
Tanks & Pumps. Etc. Delivered.
Erich 607-591-1156 or www.nylfs.
com.
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.
SPRING is here and it’s time to
get you Hydraulic and Engine oils
changed for the season. Niagara
Lubricant Company has special
Farmers pricing. Call Rachel today
at 716-874-2300
HONEY BEES
HONEYBEE COLONIES wintered
over and washed empty 55 gallon
open head barrels. Available after
May 1st. 585-964-3121
AG CONSTRUCTION/
SUPPLIES
WASHED
BEDDING
SAND,
STONE, GRAVEL, LIMESTONE
CRUSHER-RUN prompt service
fully insured since 1949. Van
trucking 315-263-2647
BEDDING SAND AND STONE
DUST – Western NY, Gernatt
Family of Companies delivers top
quality bedding sand for free stall
barns year round. Bulk stone dust
– ideal for Re-mineralization. Call
Neil at 716-532-3371
EQUIPMENT- Gates, pens, feed
panels, corrals, feed throughs, all
sizes. Finger Lakes. 585-394-1515
or 585-315-0498 ask for Ron.
SPECIALTY PRODUCTS
GOAT MILK SOAP – handcrafted
with our certified organic goat’s
milk, organic and non-organic
soaps available. Wales, NY 716430-9928 or www.alpinemade.com.
KEEP A DAIRY GOAT Employed.
Buy goat milk soap. Bars contain all
natural ingredients: our fresh milk,
our own lard, dried garden flowers.
No sulfates, phthalates or artificial
dyes. www.harperhillfarm.com.
FULL CYCLE SOAP – all natural
soap with very high glycerin
content. This is a vegetable base
co-product of biodiesel production.
Bob
585-727-5100.
www.
fullcyclesoap.com.
LAMB for your freezer (legs,
chops, burger, 3 flavors sausage,
etc.) Registered Cotswold breeding
stock, natural colored sheep too.
Exceptional handspinning fleeces,
prepared fiber and sheepskins, all
from our flock. www.nistockfarms.
com or 607-522-4374. Located in
Prattsburgh.
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
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
AWALD
FARMS.
Mature
Blueberry plants (bald), 4’ tall.
$15/ea. Dormant bare root grape
;raspberry & blackberry plants.
Visit www.awaldfarms.com. 716337-3162
FRASER & DOUGLAS FIR Bough
Material.
Pine, Spruce & Fir.
Maples, Oaks and more. Fall is for
planting! www.forevergreens.net
716-560-8004
BLUE SPRUCE, Fat Albert, Spring
Ghost, Morheim, Hoopsii Spruce…
as low as $3.00 per foot! Call
631-873-9123..delivery available..
Pfluum Pfarms.
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
and involve the kids! Set World
Records! www.bigseeds.com.
BLACK OIL Sunflower seeds. 30
pounds for $15. Wedgerock Farm.
315-822-5342
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
SOYBEAN BALEAGE.
Triple
wrapped in dark green. The ideal
winter food plot. 2nd cut grass
baleage. Delivery available. Also
have a 6 bale dump trailer available.
315-265-6788
MEDIUM Red Clover. Cleaned and
in 50# bags. $80 per bag. 315-5399439
GOOD CLEAN MEDIUM Red
Clover seed. $90 per full 60 pound
bushel; also Timothy seed $50 per
bushel. 315-536-8848
NORTHERN WHITETAIL SCENTS
sells premium scents direct from the
deer to your door! Family owned
and operated white-tailed deer
farm right here in New York. Scents
are collected and bottled fresh daily
to order. 100% natural, the way
nature intended! From 1oz. to a
5-gallon pail. Consumers, retail and
wholesale. Call 1-800-683-3002 or
visit www.NorthernWhitetail.com.
AG LIME/FERTILIZER
AGRICULTURAL
LIME.
New York Lime – Long Island
Deliveries. Bulk 34 ton minimum.
Analysis: Moisture 1.1%, Calcium
21.43%, Magnesium 11.02%. Total
neutralizing value 92.05% $54.00
per ton delivered price. 646-8794752 or 631-874-3640
COMPOST
100%
ORGANIC.
NOFA
approved.
$10-$32
depending upon grade and use.
Delivery can be arranged. FOB.
Homestead Organics. 518-762-1467
or 518-848-7185
LOW COST FERTILIZER. Delivered
in bulk to farms that meet criteria.
Call Casella Organics to provide
necessary
permits,
nutrient
management support. Ability to
store and spread semi-solid material
preferred.
Kellianne.driessen@
casella.com or 518-631-3763
½ PRICED PELLETIZED Fertilizer.
Delivered in bulk, including spreader.
Down2earthfarms.
D2efarms@
gmail.com or 908-859-2619
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 585-289-7267
SAWDUST/WOOD PELLETS/BEDDING
SAWDUST. $15 per yard. Delivery
available, call for price. 570-5372937
BULK PINE Shavings loaded on
your pick-up or dump truck. Mike
607-859-2394 or www.sawdustguy.
com.
BEDDING FOR SALE: Clean
Cow Premium Dairy Bedding is 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
info@erwaste.com.
REAL ESTATE
2-3 bedroom house with Northern
light. Peaceful, quiet surroundings
with good neighbors on country
road near town. Catamount Ski
Resort nearby in Hillsdale. 3 hours
from NYC. Great for vacations
or writing. Recently renovated.
Drinda 518-851-7855
44 ACRE farm with beautiful,
custom-built four bedroom home
with custom-built barn with total
of 6 stalls, tack room, and carriage
room. Hebron, NY. Visit www.
starlitridge.com for additional
information.
OPERATING DAIRY FARM. Dairy
of Distinction. Cortland County.
63 acres. Tie stalls, bulk tank.
Additional acerage available. 5
bedroom farmhouse. $269,900. NY
LAND QUEST. Carl Snyder, RE
Broker. 607-280*5770. Nylandquest.
com.
138 ACRES of pasture, hay fields,
and forest for sale in Candor,
N.Y.
Twenty miles from the
Cornell campus. Unsurpassed
gently
sloping
southernexposure vista. Details at http://
candorlandforsale.blogspot.com or
call 518-461-3244.
BUY LAND. 40 years experience
in Farm and Land sales in Orange
County. D.L. Hawkins & Assoc.
845-629-6896
PUTNAM NY. 475 acres +/-. 4
bedroom home, barns, brook runs
through property. Beef/horse or
crop farm, exc. hunting. $625,000.
No reasonable offer refused. 518585-7907.
CHRISTMAS TREE FARM FOR
SALE. 88 Acres, 10,000 marketable
trees, sales building, wreath making
April 2015
Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
& choose/cut, machinery building,
6 yr old house with outdoor wood
boiler & oil radiant heat. Above
ground heated pool. All machinery
included for $450,000 518-854-7358
BUILDING LOTS for sale in Great
Valley, NY. Near Holiday Valley
Ski Resort in Ellicottville, NY. 716945-1509
FOR LEASE: Seeking an experienced
operator to lease a small apple
orchard and/or vegetable acreage
located in Southern Columbia
County. Contact owner’s rep at
516-281-1505 or fax 516-333-7555.
mdalton@rosenmgmt.com.
MONROE/WAYNE/ONTARIO
County area: Two Farmettes, one is
5ac with 2600ft house, big barn and
outbuildings, one 9ac with Quonset
hut. psorbello@gmail.com.
FOR RENT. Hen layers house, hog
barn, cattle barn. Odessa, NY. 607594-3688
61 ACRES on paved town road in
Washington County, 14 of which are
flat and certified organic. Excellent
hunting, timber and views of
Adirondack and Green mountains.
Must lease back hay ground for
2015 crop year. $125,000. 518-4990239 gsearles@verizon.net.
ORANGE COUNTY. To Settle
Estate. 96 acres, long established
manual sawmill, greenhouse, old
farmstead. Needs restoration, Ag
District, brook through property, on
highway, 70% wooded. $320,000.
315-271-6565
LEASE all or part of our organic
certifiable farm. Well suited for
ruminant, horse or vegetable
businesses. Convenient to Ithaca
and Binghamton, NY on well
maintained valley floor roads.
80 tillable acres and 2 large well
maintained barns. We will waive
up to 100% of the lease cost in
return for assistance with our
resident family elder care needs.
607-642-8801
EMPLOYMENT
SHOW HORSE FARM needs
experienced help. Heated indoor
facility. Housing plus salary. Call
518-756-9755.
CLASS-A driver wanted with horse
experience. Part-time as needed.
Ravena, NY 800-621-1225
AGRICULTURAL
MACHINE
BUILDER: We design and build
special machines. We’re always
looking for creative, “MacGuyver”
types. Check our website www.
lagasseorchards.com
and
email your resume to works@
lagasseworks.com or call 315-9469202
FULL-TIME
CLINICAL
VETERINARIAN with an interest
in herd health and production
medicine is needed in our
Western NY facility. Responsible
for the health and care of our
purpose bred canine and ferret
populations.
Limited
travel
outside the US required. Email
clinicalveterinarian@gmail.com.
PROMINENT LONG ISLAND
farm is seeking general farm labor
including mowing, plowing etc.
516-885-5952
HELP WANTED. Sell farms &
land in CNY for a well known
Real Estate Broker. Full and Parttime positions. Must have farming
experience and local contacts. We
supply quality leads. Van Bilings.
315-429-0300
DUMP TRUCKS AND DRIVERS
WANTED. County Line Stone is
seeking independent truckers for
the 2015 aggregate and paving
season, starting the spring. Steady
work and great earning potential.
Call Brad 716-542-5435
CUSTOM FERTILIZER & Spray
Applicators WANTED! Must have
Class B CDL, some experience
preferred. Immediate full-time
position available with benefits.
CROP PRODUCTION SERVICES,
Dutchess County, NY. 845-3739913 or adam.coom@cpsagu.com.
FSA seeks County Operations
Trainees for Riverhead, Long Island
office, to administer federal farm
programs, including commodity,
credit and disaster assistance
programs.
Management and
agricultural experience required.
315-477-6304 for details.
SERVICES
HORSE BLANKETS: Cleaned,
waterproofed and repaired. Over
30 yrs experience. 845-677-6906
Serving Westchester, Putnam,
Dutchess, Columbia Counties and
Long Island.
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE! Free or
minimal charge to those who work
in agriculture! Enrolling children
eight weeks to five years old.
Transportation, diapers and meals
provided. ABCD at Batavia, NY
585-343-8160
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.
AUCTIONS. Reynolds Auction Co.
can help with all asset liquidation
including
farm,
horticulture,
commercial, restaurant, vehicles,
estates, antiques and real estate.
www.reynoldsauction.com
for
upcoming auctions. 315-597-8815
DIRECT
MARKETING
LIVESTOCK
SERVICE.
B.K.Transfer. 5324 County Rd 14 in
Odessa, NY is accepting all types
of livestock. Mondays 9-4 and
Thursday 9-3. 607-703-0052 and
607-227-5282
FULL SERVICE USDA Meat
processing.
Slaughter, vacuum
packaging, smoking and specialty
products. Beef and pork slots still
available for 2015. Eagle Bridge
Custom Meat. 518-677-2702
CUSTOM HAY BALE WRAPPING.
Round or square, inline tube
wrapped or single bale wrapped.
Seneca Falls area. 315-745-9924
FREIGHT RAILROAD in Albany
County looking for firms interested
in finding ways to reduce their
raw/finished good material costs
by utilizing the North American
rail network. In today’s very
competitive farmers’ marketplace,
getting control of your transport
costs are crucial to success and
growth. jmccreavy@smsrail.com RECYCLED ORGANIC FOOD
WASTE. Seeking farms to receive
pre-consumer food waste for
beneficial reuse as farm-feed.
Must accommodate tractor-trailer.
Food is free/as is.
mconley@
epsofvermont.com or 518-465-4000
PROMT,Professional Water Well
Drilling Service in Wyoming
County since 1954. For all your
well water needs call Willey Well
Drilling at 716-492-3930 or www.
willeywelldrilling.com.
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. Itoocare@aol.com
or 607-862-9536
FIBER
FACTORY
MILL
PROCESSING of alpaca and other
fibers. Now open and accepting
new customers! Roving, Batts,
Felt, Yarn, and Finished Products
made from your fiber.
www.
thefiberfactory.com
or
info@
thefiberfactory.com. 585-709-5099
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
AUNT
LULU’s
Embroidery
specializes in livestock embroidery
on garments and accessories.
Denim shirts, award chairs, hats,
logo business apparel, awards for
shows and much more. Check out
www.StitchesByAuntLulu.com for
breed specific embroidery. Laura
585-765-2280
COMMERCIAL
Pesticide
applicators
and
technicians.
NYS DEC approved certification
Category
3A
(Ornamental,
Shade tree, Turf) May-Sept, 2014.
Innoculate ash trees for EAB. Mark
– Onondaga County SWCD 315457-0325
BARBEQUE CATERING. Let us
cater your next event. LaJeunesse
Cuisine.
518-673-2453.
Email
lajeunessecuisinellc@yahoo.com.
FRUIT
AND
VEGETABLE
STORAGE,
refrigeration,
and
ventilation. Arctic Refrigeration
Co., Batavia, N.Y. Tel. 585-343-2678.
HONEY
BEE
POLLINATION
SERVICE. 100-200 hives available
for pollination during the 2014
WNY growing season. Hives will
be returning to WNY in April ready
to go to work. 716-479-6338 for info.
POND SERVICE and supplies,
fish stocking and algae control.
Contact us for help enjoying your
pond more. 585-394-5890. www.
nationalpondservice.com.
WNY’s LEADER in spray foam
insulation!
Thermal Imaging
Services and Biomass Heating
projects.
Hydronic
Specialty
Supply. 716-792-7665 or www.
hydronicspecialtysupply.com.
Page 29
NYSERDA Qualified Renewable
Heat NY Contractor.
FARMERS or “WANNA BE”
Farmers, bring me a used cow
stanchion and I will make you a
floor lamp that you will be proud
of. George Atkinson 518-537-6873
EXCAVATING – DL Excavating/
Landscaping contractor. Site work,
bulldozing, land clearing, septic
systems, drainage, demolition,
retaining walls, trucking and
concrete work. 518-835-4382
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
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 fir 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, fitzfence@aol.com.
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.
AG CONSULTING/
ENGINEERING
CHEMICAL CONSULTANT, GDA
Consulting “Chemistry at Work”
Guy D’Angelo, Chemist. Call: 631878-2912.
CHEMICAL CONSULTING OF
BABYLON. We perform soil-foliarwater
testing/analysis
before
you plant or replant. Will save
time, money & the environment.
Babylon, NY 631-587-0632 or fax
631-587-0827
HORTICULTURE/NURSERY/
CONSULTING. Diversify your ag
business, expand or create. FREE
initial
consultation.
Contract
Growing available. Billsplants@
optonline.net or 631-924-1513
CONSULTING REAL ESTATE
APPRAISER:
Specializing
in
conservation easements for PDR
and or IRS donations; MAI,
Associate member, ASFMRA, 30
yrs experience: R. Peters Hubbell,
Jr. – R.P. Hubbell and Company,
Inc. 845-454-6525 or 518-846-3322
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 billhud@flmtgif.org.
Page 30 Grassroots Grassroots Farmers’ Market
TAX SERVICES – year round.
Individuals, Farms, Businesses,
Payroll. Elma Phillips, EA, MBA.
Pattersonville, NY. 518-887-5740
or taxlady@ptcconnect.net. www.
elmastax.com.
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
NEED HELP in building your
financial self-security? FB member
discount applies. tommoneyllc@
gmail.com.
H2A SERVICES
H2A, H2B Consulting service.
Assist or complete paperwork at
all levels. Micosta/H2Express 518451-0109 h2express@yahoo.com.
www.h2expressinc.com/ approx..
$900 plus ads and USCIS.
H2-A and H2-B work visas. Call
U.S. Americans for free consultation
at 516-997-1065
SPANISH/ENGLISH; translating,
interpreting, classes; 14 years
experience;
www.camysorbello.
com Camy Sorbello 315-597-9791.
AG & ENGINE REPAIR
NORTH STAR AUTO ELECTRIC:
complete custom rebuilding or
exchange of starters, alternators &
generators. 6 thru 48 volt. Specializing
in farm & industrial applications.
Also Pertronix electronic conversion
kits and distributor rebuilding. We
can ship UPS. 5% discount to Farm
Bureau members. Macedon, NY.
800-659-8163. “After the sale it’s the
service that counts!”.
ENGINE
&
Cylinder
head
rebuilding.
Complete
engine
balancing, line honing, decking,
resurfacing, boring, sleeve repair, big
bore, pin boring, performance valve
jobs, cast iron welding, guides and
seat boring & installation etc. Call
Steve Dannible’s Engine & Machine
in St. Johnsville. 518-568-7794
TIRES!TIRES!TIRES!. We buy &
sell new and used tires of all kinds.
Full service at your place or ours.
We pump Rim Guard and calcium.
Tire Merchants International. 315592-2812
TIRES: ALL YOUR TIRE NEEDS!
www.FarmersTires.com or 518712-3394
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 @ 1-800-432-8669
SEAWAY RENTAL CORP: A
Honda dealer for sales & service of
generators and pumps. We stock
Honda parts and rent equipment for
general maintenance. 315-788-4700
or www.seawayrentalcorp.com.
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 1-877884-1753 or info@chasewind.com.
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.
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
& Hanna, LLP. 518-487-7642
orldarrigo@woh.com.
LEGAL SERVICES – Personal
Injury & Wrongful Death Litigation,
Immigration,
Employment
Discrimination, Real Estate, Civil
Rights, Etc. Paul A. Marber, Esq.,
Rosato & Lucciola and The Cochran
Firm NYC & State. 212-553-9166
GAS
LEASE
ATTORNEY:
Chenango County area, attorney
Ed Downey, review and consulting
on gas leases and right of ways,
607-316-5601 or edowneylaw@
nycap.rr.com
AG&MARKETS REGS for farms
Rodwell
Continued from page 6
Since 2010 Rodwell has been the
Treasurer of Livingston County
Farm Bureau, a great use of her
financial skills. As a member of
the executive committee she works
closely with the President and Vice
President in all LCFB activities.
Her primary focus is agricultural
education and promotion on this
board.
In 2012 she received the James
Quinn Award. And her list of leadership extends much farther as she
was the Farm Fest Coordinator
2011-2014; the Farm Fest Facebook
page administrator 2011-present;
the Farm Fest co-chair 2015 and a
tremendous supporter of the Foundation Feast West, doing many
things that helped to make the
event a true success.
Some other organizations that
have benefited from her help include the Wyoming County Dairy
Fest Committee; the Farmer Neigh-
April 2015
& food producers. WATER LAW –
EPA & DEC rules, drainage. Law
Office of Michael Nunziata LLC.
Hudson, NY 917-526-1558 mnunz@
nyfwlaw.com.
MISCELLANEOUS
BOOK
OF
NEW
YORK’S
Agricultural history is rich and
fascinating! “Four Hundred Years of
Agricultural Change in the Empire
State” by Robert Bitz. Purchase online from both Amazon or Barnes &
Noble.
FINDING MY WAY TO MOOSE
RIVER FARM by Anne T. Phinney
is a memoir of a happy life lived
in the company of extraordinary
animals.
What do Noah the
potbelly pig, Olivia the Canada
Goose and Lowtchee the Dutch
Friesian have in common?? Makes
a great Christmas Gift at $17.95.
Order from Amazon, Barnes &
Noble and www.mooseriverfarm.
com. Book video at http://vimeo.
com/70606026.
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.
DISPLAY YOUR LOCAL FARM
PRODUCTS OR SERVICES at the
inaugural KettleFest on Sept. 26,
2015 in Victor, NY. Two miles from
Eastview Mall. More info at www.
kettleridgefarm.com/kettlefest of
joe@kettleridgefarm.com.
DISCLAIMER: New York Farm
Bureau reserves the right to
refuse to accept any classified
ad, paid or unpaid, at its sole
discretion.
bor Ag dinner planning committee;
the Ag Consultant Committee for
BOCES/FFA; the Genesee Valley
Conservancy finance committee;
The Southwood Clovers as a 4-H coleader; the York Farmland Preservation committee; PTA; Vice Chair
of the YCS Education Foundation
Board; YCS Education Foundation Facebook page administrator;
the York Junior Knights Football
Board; and many more. Rodwell
likes to keep busy and being involved gives her the opportunity to
learn, grow and nurture an industry that holds her heart.
Rodwell said Farm Bureau is important because she believes whole
heartedly in the mission. The only
way she knows how to payback and
honor the farm family that started
her down this path is to pay it forward and hopefully have that same
impact on someone else. Farm Bureau allows her to do that through
involvement with the Ag education
and promotion programs. We all
look forward to working with her
in this new position and expect that
the results of her involvement will
truly benefit the entire industry.
April 2015
Grassroots Page 31
Page 32 Grassroots April 2015