Reports Says There are Too Many Veterinarians

Interesting story on cattlenetwork.com

See it at http://www.cattlenetwork.com/e-newsletters/drovers-daily/AVMA-report-indicates-excess-veterinary-capacity-204363291.html

New York Ranks 25th in Food Production in the U.S.

Here is a list of states that produce the most food. 

Go to http://wherefoodcomesfrom.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=9076#.UYBq_MrS9l_ to check it out. The list is from the Where Food Comes From website.

Wegmans Recalls Ground Sesame Seeds

Wegmans issued a recall Tuesday of Krinos Tahini, ground sesame seeds, in the one-pound container.

The UPC code is 75013-28500.

All jars with an expiration date of Oct. 16, 2014 up to and including expiration date of March 15, 2015 are included. The expiration date is stamped on the lid of the container.

Krinos Foods has recalled the merchandise because it may be contaminated with salmonella. All product can be returned for a full refund.

For information, call Krinos Foods at 800-877-5757.  

New Tool Created by USDA to Help People Find Out About Local Federal Ag Projects

Go to http://www.usda.gov/maps/maps/kyfcompassmap.htm to find the Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food compass. It's a map tool for finding federal projects being done throughout the country and what the money is being used for. Many of the projects deal with the buy local theme or buying foods from local farmers.

You can zoom in on the map to any area -- even Central New York. Check it out and click on the little dots for information.

Rural Tourism Trend Continues Throughout U.S.

Want to learn something about rural tourism?

Check http://ric.nal.usda.gov/rural-tourism out this website.

Cazenovia's Beezie Madden Wins Rolex FEI Jumping Crown

From Rolex FEI website

Go to http://www.fei.org/disciplines/jumping/press-releases/rolex-fei-world-cup%E2%84%A2-jumping-final-20122013-final-competition to check out the story.

Montgomery County Farmer wins Generation Organic Award

Hudyncia

Organic Valley has recognized three young farmers from the United States with its Generation Organic Award.

One of the winners is from New York state. Julia Hudyncia, of Fort Plain in Montgomery County, won the honor along with Sarah Holm of Elk Mound, Wis. and Kevin and Erin Donnay of Kimball, Minn. They were recognized during a banquet April 10 in La Crosse, Wis.

Generation Organic is a group of Organic Valley farmers aged 18 to 35 who represent the next generation of sustainable agriculture leaders and who believe in the power of organic farming to change the world. 

Here is what was written about Hudyncia by those at Organic Valley:

Julia Hudyncia thinks that farmers need to tell their story. As an agricultural science teacher, she is doing an excellent job of that herself. 

Julia grew up milking cows with younger brother Ryan, her parents, and her grandfather in Fort Plain, New York. Organic Valley farmer-owners since 2006, the Hudyncias farm 450 acres and milk 60 cows. The entire family has a passion for agriculture and a special affection for registered Holsteins. Julia was active in 4-H, the Junior Holstein Club and won the title of 2007 New York State Alternate Dairy Princess. Julia still lives on the farm and does farm work on breaks and weekends. 

Julia is in her third year teaching at a local high school after earning a bachelor’s degree in animal sciences and a master’s degree in biology and agricultural education from Cornell University. Julia’s goal as a teacher is to help her students discover a personal connection to agriculture. 

This year, her class took a leap of faith and transitioned two acres that had been used to grow conventional corn into two acres of organic sunflowers. She is encouraged to see that her students are excited at the prospect of using the sunflower seeds to create bio-fuel for three school tractors. 

In the future, Julia sees herself back on the farm. “I believe that my job in education is very important, but my heart lies with the farm. I am trying, at a very young age, to give back to the agricultural industry and community as much as I can.”

Cornell's Ag Experiment Station in Geneva Home to World's Largest Collection of Apple Varieties

Check out http://www.motherjones.com/environment/2013/04/old-apples-of-new-york-book-vintage-illustrations The Apples of New York.

Natural Resources Conservation Services Works to Protect Water Quality

Check out what the http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/home/?cid=STELPRDB1097524 Natural Resources Conservation Service is doing to protect water quality.

Remember Workers Who Have Died on Worker's Memorial Day April 28

 

Let's remember all workers, including farmers who have died trying to provide us food, clothing and beverages. 

Also check out this video:

Video created by George Washington University.

Great Kids Science Event Today at Cornell

Nothing to do today??

Check out this great kids event at Cornell University. Go to http://events.cornell.edu/event/kids_science_day for info. Begins at 1:30 p.m.

Horse Show Today and Sunday at NYS Fairgrounds

Nothing to do today?

Head out to the state Fairgrounds for the Syracuse Chapter of the Professional Horseman's Association Show. Begins Saturday and Sunday at 9 a.m. Free.

Farming is a Dangerous Occupation

Here's http://qctimes.com/safety-expert-farming-is-the-most-dangerous-industry/article_9a56c53b-e22e-5165-8b13-4876756dc723.html something most farmers already know.

For more information, contact the New York Cener for Agricultural Medicine and Health on its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/NYCAMH?hc_location=stream or its website http://www.nycamh.com/ here.

Cornell Ranks Third in Biological-Agricultural Graduate Schools

Go to http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-engineering-schools/biological-agricultural-rankings?int=b07d60 to check out the rankings.

Construction Project at Ag Experiment Station in Geneva Receives Money

Go to http://www.cnybj.com/Home/tabid/37/itemid/18497/sourcemid/415/State-awards-Cornell-funding-for-construction-project-at-experiment-station/Default.aspx?returnUrl=/Home.aspx to read a story about this project.

G-8 International Conference on Open Data for Agriculture Comes to Washington April 29

Ag Secretary Thomas Vilsack's column for this week:

Here in the United States, we enjoy incredible benefits from scientific research – including an amazing amount of useful data.

Data is a very powerful tool, and an important asset for innovation. President Obama made clear on his first day in office that the U.S. is committed to openness in government, and that includes expanded access to scientific data.

We have a history of achieving great things by providing open access to data. For example, the release of weather data has fueled production of new tools that return more than $4 billion every year to the U.S. economy. The release of Global Positioning System technology has led to an industry that returns an estimated $90 billion annually to the U.S. economy.

Data is equally important when it comes to agricultural research. Today, taxpayer-funded agricultural research is already a great value – returning $20 in economic benefits for every dollar invested.

By opening up data generated within the government, we can get even more value for the taxpayer dollar. We can enable outside partners to build on our work, and make new advancements that help farmers, ranchers and rural communities.

We’re taking an important step this month to open access to data. On April 29 and 30 here in Washington, the G-8 group of nations and the World Bank will bring agricultural leaders from around the world together at the first-ever “G-8 International Conference on Open Data for Agriculture.”

This two-day event will bring government representatives together with public and private sector partners to explore new opportunities to share data.

We’ll offer new ways to share U.S. agricultural information that we hope will stand as a benefit to our research partners. Meanwhile, we will explore additional opportunities for the U.S. to work with other nations to strengthen our shared goals in agricultural research.

With our partners around the world, we hope to generate new tools to confront modern challenges in agriculture – while helping to build capacity in the developing world. By working together, and by opening access to data, we can achieve even more for agriculture and rural areas across the globe.

Disaster Assistance Available for Those Hurt by Superstorm Sandy

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced disaster aid valued at $209 million to help farmers, land owners and communities recover from the effects of Superstorm Sandy.

Funding is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Emergency Conservation Program (ECP), Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) and Emergency Watershed Protection Program (EWP). The money will help rebuild and repair land damaged due to flooding and other events in 12 states.

The 12 states are: New York, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and West Virginia.


The Farm Service Agency has been collecting applications in anticipation of the funding becoming available and will begin providing assistance immediately to eligible landowners. Applications will continue to be accepted through May 31.

For more information on eligibility requirements and applications, go to http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov or visit your nearest Farm Service Agency office.

Great Wins by New York Wines at Pacific Rim International Wine Competition

This news comes from Jim Trezise at the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

New York wines took a total of 110 medals this week at the Pacific Rim International Wine Competition in San Bernardino, Calif., including 46 gold, 47 silver and 17 bronze.

And of the 42 Golds, 12 were also rated Best of Class, and one (Torrey Ridge Catawba) shared honors for Best Dessert Wine.

Pacific Rim is sponsored by the National Orange Show, chaired by the inimitable Don Galleano with sidekick Coke Roth as head judge, and all run expertly by Yolanda Daly and her husband Jonathan in conjunction with a great group of volunteers.

The Gold/Best of Class honors went to 21 Brix 2011 Vidal Ice Wine; Belhurst Estate Winery Natural; Chateau Frank 2007 Blanc de Noir, 2007 Blanc de Blanc, and Celebre; Dr. Konstantin Frank 2012 Dry Gewurztraminer and 2012 Riesling; Swedish Hill 2011 Dry Riesling and 2011 Marechal Foch; Torrey Ridge Winery Blue Sapphire, Catawba Pink, and Niagara.

Other Gold medals were awarded to 21 Brix 2011 Noiret, 2012 Dry Gewurztraminer, 2012 Dry Riesling, Ella's Red, Ella's White, and Thirsty Elephant; Americana 2011 Crystal Lake; Belhurst 2012 Dry Riesling; Chateau Frank 2006 Brut; Chateau Lafayette Reneau 2012 Riesling; Coyote Moon Brianna, Marquette, and La Crescent; Dr. Frank 2012 Dry Riesling; Earle Estates Raspberry Reflection and Apple Enchantment; Goose Watch 2011 Chambourcin, 2011 Diamond, 2011 Riesling-Gewurz, and Golden Spumante; Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards 2010 Merlot, 2011 Pinot Gris, White Cat, 2011 Riesling, and Schooner Red; Swedish Hill 2011 Riesling; Thirsty Owl 2012 Riesling, 2012 Dry Riesling, and 2012 Snow Owl;  and Torrey Ridge Cous'n Emmy Lou.

Ag Day Flourishes at Cornell University

Check out https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.299662213500675.1073741832.284826998317530&type=3 these photos from Ag Day at Cornell University.

Cornell University has Hawk Cam Going Again

I know this isn't farming related, but I just have to share.

Again, Cornell's Lab of Ornithology has the camera set on the red-tailed hawk nest at Cornell University. Three chicks have hatched.

Go to http://cams.allaboutbirds.org/channel/16/Red-tailed_Hawks/ to watch them. You can check in any time -- sometimes you see Mom there sitting on the chicks, sometimes you can see feeding time (always an adventure) and sometimes you can see just the chicks. Watch them grow until they are ready to leave the nest!!

USDA Wants to Control Bedbugs

Ugh.

A disgusting topic, but relevant.

A U.S. Department of Agriculture researcher is looking for ways to control bedbugs.

2012 Dairy Cow Culling Up 6.4 Percent

This story is from AgWeb:

Go to http://www.agweb.com/article/_2012_dairy_cow_culling_up_6.4/#.UXaYIumQK0A.twitter to check it out.

Cabot Creamery Offers Contest To Meet Some Cabot Farmers

Here's something from the Cabot Facebook page:

"Spring is here and we're getting ready for another beautiful vacation season in The Green Mountain State.

Here's an exciting chance to get in on all the fun of a Vermont vacation! Cabot and Vermont Tourism want you to enter for a chance to win a 3 day/2 night trip for four to stay with one of the 1,200 farm families who own Cabot.

There will also be lots of delicious Cabot Cheddar Cheese. Enjoy your Vermont farm stay vacation at Liberty Hill Farm in Rochester, Vermont. Go to http://vermontvacation.com/meetthefarmers/ for details."

And for those of you wondering why I'm posting something about Vermont -- remember, many New York state farmers, and come in Central New York, send their milk to Cabot Creamery.

Find Out How to Sign Up For a CSA

Go to http://blog.syracuse.com/cny/2013/03/find_out_how_you_can_join_a_csa_community_supported_agriculture_program_in_syracuse.html to find out how to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture program this year.

Training Available for Farmers Wanting to Sell Through WIC Program

Go to http://www.agriculture.ny.gov/AP/agservices/fmnp-wic-vf.html to find out what you need to know to apply for the New York State WIC Vegetables and Fruit Check Program and how to sign up for webinars for WIC training.

Dairy Outlook Outlined by Officials

Get the full dairy http://dairybusiness.com/seo/headline.php?title=cropp-dairy-situation-outlook&date=2013-04-22&table=headlines#ixzz2RO13nNsX outlook by reading this and watching the video.

Farmland Protection At Work in the Hudson Valley

Go to http://newyork.farmland.org/farmland-protection/partnership-protects-7-hudson-valley-farms to read the story.

There also are a number of good farmland protection groups working in Central New York, such as the New York Agricultural Land Trust. Check it out at http://www.nyalt.org/

In New York, the American Farmland Trust has helped preserve thousands of acres of farmland. According to its website, "saving farmland from suburban sprawl is critical to sustaining the state's nearly $5 billion agricultural economy, which employs more than 100,000 New Yorkers."

The website goes on: "Though farmland serves as the basic infrastructure for the state's robust farm and food economy, the stae continues to lose farmland to development at a rate of one farm every 3 1/2 days. Between 1982 and 2007, the state lost 449,000 acres of farmland to development."

Know Your Greens and their Nutrition

Here's something that was posted on Facebook by the Richardson Farm. Enjoy and learn!!

Tornado Damages Farm Technology

Go to http://msbusiness.com/businessblog/2013/04/12/tornado-damaged-telecom-tower-cripples-farming-efforts/ to check out the story.

Farmers and Earth Day

Picked this off Facebook.

New York State Fair Promoting NY Wines

This is from the state Department of Agriculture and Markets:

The New York State Fair is putting some new initiatives into effect this year to promote New York wines.

State Agriculture Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine today announced the annual competition for New York’s amateur and professional wine makers, along with free public wine tastings in the International Building both highlight an exciting effort to display the vitality of one of New York’s signature industries.

“There is no better place to market New York state agricultural products than the 12-day Great New York State Fair,” said Aubertine. “Where else but the Fair can New York State businesses mass market their products to a million people? This is an exciting time to be in the wine business and the Fair is proud of its role in helping this growing New York industry market itself as a world class enterprise for fairgoers.”  

New York’s wineries provide both quantity and quality.  The state is the third largest producer of wine and grape juices. At the same time, New York wines are winning more fans and more gold medals at competitions around the world.

The fair’s effort to promote New York wines is visible in the twin annual competitions for professional wineries and amateur winemakers. Commercial wines will be judged on July 13 and amateur wines on July 16. Wines must be received by July 5 for the commercial wine competition and by July 10 for the amateur competition. 

In 2012, 61 professional wineries submitted 365 bottles of their best creations for judging. In the amateur competition, 144 exhibitors turned in bottles of 494 wines in various categories.

Go to http://www.nysfair.org/competitions/how-to-enter for full details on how to enter both competitions.

Fairgoers can judge the quality of professional wines for themselves in the International Building, where the winemakers man a booth that provides free samples of the wines submitted to the competition  The winemakers use the booth to reach new customers and provide education to people about the different types and tastes of wine.

The State Fair hosts 49 competitions covering everything from crops and flowers to animals, classic cars and talent.  Participants do not need to win a local competition in order to enter a State Fair competition.

         

Gillibrand, Maine Sen. Collins Push for Milk Pricing Reform

Go to http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/22/usda-milk-pricing-dairy_n_3128360.html to read the story.

Cicero Farmers Market Seeks Vendors; Others May Need Vendors Too

Go to http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/town_of_cicero_seeks_farmers_p.html for more information.

Also check out http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/farmers-market-profiles/markets/markets.html this site for the Farmers Market Federation of New York to see if there are any other markets where you could sell your goods. you can search this site by community and then find a phone number to call to see if there are openings to sell your wares.

USDA Page Lists Law Pertaining to Animal Welfare

Go to http://awic.nal.usda.gov/government-and-professional-resources/legislation-regulations-and-guidelines-subject/farm-animals to check up on the laws.

Oneida County Farmer Helps FFA, 4-H

Go to http://www.romesentinel.com/news?newsid=20130417-142213 to check it out in the Rome Sentinel.

Vermont Moves Toward Allowing Farmers to Grow Hemp

Check out http://bostonglobe.com/metro/2013/04/17/bill-would-set-vermont-permits-for-hemp-farming/OjyT4QXEpctEyT8mHPYy6O/story.html this Associated Press story.

Farming and the Environment: Thoughts on Earth Day

Check out this opinion piece from the Modesto Bee.

Go to http://www.modbee.com/2013/04/19/2678855/nature-farming-a-delicate-balance.html to see the story.

New York State #1 in Yogurt Production

Here is Gov. Andrew Cuomo's news release about New York gaining the Number 1 spot in the nation for yogurt production:

Some Greek yogurt

 


Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced New York state is officially America’s Yogurt Capital, surpassing California in 2012 as the top producer of yogurt in the United States. 


Cuomo convened the state’s first Yogurt Summit in August 2012 to bring together dairy farmers, yogurt producers, and state officials to find new ways to support the industry’s growth in New York. 

Cuomo this week delivered on a promise made at the summit, removing regulatory burdens to make it easier for dairy farms to expand their herds while ensuring that the state’s water bodies remain protected.

As a result of this action, smaller farms will be able to expand their herd sizes without having to implement costly environmental permit requirements.

By removing the regulatory burdens, New York’s dairy farmers will be able to increase milk production, which will benefit New York’s growing yogurt industry, create jobs, and grow local economies.

“The new New York State is a place where businesses can grow and thrive, and the fact that New York state is now, for the first time ever, the nation’s leader in yogurt production demonstrates that our efforts to open the state’s doors to business and grow the private sector are truly working,” Cuomo said.

“Our state government is working closer together with the private sector than ever before, rolling back bureaucratic red tape and addressing the burdens that are facing job creators," Cuomo said. 

"With New York state officially being crowned Yogurt Capital of America, it is clear that our approach to growing the economy and creating an entrepreneurial government is paying off.”
 
New York State #1 in the Nation in Yogurt Production
 
New York state yogurt processors produced 692 million pounds of yogurt in 2012 compared to 587 million pounds of yogurt in California. By comparison, in 2011, California produced 627 million pounds of yogurt, compared to 554 million pounds here in New York state.
 
While New York has gained a reputation as a national leader in Greek yogurt production, this is the first time since data on yogurt production has been available that New York has led the nation in all yogurt production. 

In the last five years, New York’s yogurt plants have nearly tripled in production, and milk production grew by more than 1 billion pounds.

A number of initiatives were put into place in the last couple of years aimed to help the industry, including providing incentives for plant expansion and lowering costs for dairy farmers, which has led to increased milk production.

New York state is also the fourth largest milk producing state in the country, producing 13.2 billion pounds of milk in 2012. States producing more milk are California, Wisconsin and Idaho.
 
As was promised during the Governor’s Yogurt Summit, the state lifted the current cap under the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations regulations (CAFO) from 199 dairy cows to 299 dairy cows.

Under the new, more farmer-friendly regulations, issued this week by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC), dairy farms with 200 to 299 mature dairy cows are no longer subject to the CAFO regulations.

Eliminating this costly regulatory burden on relatively small farms allows farmers to reinvest their resources to expand operations allowing the state to grow its milk production for the yogurt industry. CAFO farms that discharge remain subject to the Clean Water Act.
 
These regulations will become effective upon publication in the State Register May 8.
 
According to the USDA’s 2007 Census of Agriculture, there are 872 smaller farms in New York State with between 100 and 199 cows. Under the new regulations, smaller farms can expand their herd sizes into the 200 to 299 range without having to immediately implement costly controls.
 
The new regulations can be found on DEC’s website at http://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/87499.html.

The state also is removing duplicative requirements for medium and large dairy farms. The state's action will exempt a permitted CAFO farm from most registration or permitting requirements under the solid waste program for the land application of food processing waste, storage of food processing waste with manure or anaerobic digestion of many organic wastes.

Having the two regulations govern the same activity is a burden on dairy farms and provides no additional environmental protection.
 
The state's action also will exempt a permitted CAFO farm from most registration or permitting requirements under the solid waste program for the land application of food processing waste, storage of food processing waste with manure or anaerobic digestion of many organic wastes.
 
These regulations will become effective June 17.

Farmers also are being helped with increased funding to help them invest in additional environmental protections. In the last two budgets, Cuomo has provided $2.19 million for Cornell University’s PRO-DAIRY program through the Environmental Protection Fund and Aid to Localities Fund.

The PRO-DAIRY program experts work directly with farmers to assess farm operations holistically, bringing best business practices together with state-of-the-art environmental and energy efficiency management.

Since 2000, the number of yogurt processing plants in New York has increased from 14 to 27 today with another major plant, Muller Quaker Dairy in Batavia, expected to begin production in a few months. This follows Alpina Foods, based in Columbia, South America, opening its yogurt plant in October 2012, also in Batavia.

From 2007 to 2012, New York’s yogurt plants have nearly tripled in production, from 234 million pounds to projected production of 692 million pounds. Over the same time period, the amount of milk used to make yogurt in New York increased dramatically from 166 million pounds to approximately 1.7 billion pounds.

Most of the increase in yogurt production is due to the introduction and production of Greek style strained yogurt, which requires three times more milk than traditional yogurt.
 
In 2011, New York’s dairy manufacturers employed an estimated 8,070 people with total wages of $414 million, a 14 percent increase from 2005. The significant increase of yogurt production in New York has had a positive effect on businesses throughout state, not only for the yogurt industry, but for dairy farms, manufacturers and local communities across New York.
 
Dairy farming and processing combined presents a total impact of $8.9 billion to New York’s economy. Moreover, one on-farm job is created for every 40 to 50 cows added. For every new job created on a dairy farm, an additional 1.24 jobs are created in the local community.

Finger Lakes Wines Judged High in National Competition

Here is news from Jim Trezise of the New York Wine and Grape Foundation:

Some of Dr. Frank's wines

Dr. Konstantin Frank (Keuka Lake) 2012 Dry Riesling was awarded Best of Show (of all wines), and Sparkling Pointe (Long Island) 2003 Brut Seduction was Best of Show Sparkling Wine at the recent U.S. National Wine Competition sponsored by Vineyard & Winery Management magazine.

On its way to the ultimate prize, the Dr. Frank Riesling also took Best of Show White, meaning that New York wines topped two of the five major categories (White and Sparkling).

Sparkling Pointe also won a Gold for its Brut, and Chateau Frank won a Gold and Best of Class for its 2007 Blanc de Noirs along with a Gold medal for its Celebre.

Other awards included Gold medals for Anyela's Vineyards (Skaneateles Lake) 2010 Noiret; Coyote Moon (North Country) 2011 River Time (also Best of Class), and 2011 Brianna; Goose Watch (Cayuga Lake) 2011 Viognier; Swedish Hill (Cayuga Lake) Vidal Blanc and Spumante Blush (both of which also won Best of Class honors).

Organic Standards Board Rejects Effort to Continue Antibiotic Use on Apples, Pears

Go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/organic-standards-board-rejects-effort-to-continue-antibiotic-use-on-apples-pears/2013/04/12/3e6ed124-a394-11e2-bd52-614156372695_story.html to read the story.

Spring Wine and Cheese Festival at Seneca Lake Wine Trail April 26-28

The Spring Wine and Cheese Festival along the Seneca Lake Wine Trail is scheduled for April 26-28.

The more than 30 wineries along the trail will combine classic tastes of wine and cheese during this event. During the self-guided tour around the lake, visit the wineries and sips wines paired with a sample of a cheese-themed dish the winery has prepared.

The event is co-sponsored by the Finger Lakes Cheese Trail.

The event is open 1 to 5 p.m. April 26 and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 27 and 28. Admission is $35 per person. Call 877-536-2717 or go to www.senecalakewine.com to buy tickets.

AgWeek Reports Farm Bill Markup Set for May 15

This is from AgWeek:

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Frank Lucas, R-Okla., plans to mark up the farm bill on May 15, Agweek has learned. 

Lucas’s plan was first reported April 18 in Politico, a Washington insider publication. The National Association of Wheat Growers said the same day it had gotten “official” word that the markup would be May 15. 

The plan raises the possibility that the House Agriculture Committee will mark up the bill before the Senate Agriculture Committee, which marked up first last year. Senate Agriculture Committee Chairman Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., has said she wants to hold a markup before the Senate leaves for a recess at the end of next week, but that deadline seems to be slipping.

Poll: American Consumers Skeptical of Organic Foods

Interesting story about organic food from Dairy Herd New York.

Check it out here http://www.dairyherd.com/e-newsletters/dairy-daily/Americans-skeptical-of-greenwashing-including-organic--Poll-203453231.html

HolsteinWorld Takes Its Photo Contest on the Road

Go to https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151858805834418&l=fa46f4fe04 to see what the Holstein magazine is doing with its Instagram contest.

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Info Available

A meeting of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Stakeholders at USDA was conducted April 11.

For anyone interested in seeing the meeting, a closed-caption recording of the event is http://www.aphis.usda.gov/stakeholders/   available here. Comments and feedback can be shared by going to partnerships@aphis.usda.gov

 

Onondaga Lake Watershed Program Friday Morning in Syracuse

Friday is the day for the "F.O.C.U.S. On Onondaga Lake Watershed" program at City Hall Commons in Syracuse.

The program, from 7:30 to 8:45 a.m. on the first floor at 201 E. Washington St., will look at the Onondaga Lake Watershed, which consists of Onondaga County and part of  Cortland County. About 265,000 people live in the watershed.

Speaker will be Kenneth P. Lynch of Elbridge, who works for the state Department of Environmental Conservation. His work has included implementation of the 1996 Clean Water/Clear Air Environmental Bond Act, negotiation and implementation of the Amended Consent Judgment to address Onondaga Lake wastewater issues and negotiation of a Consent Decree with Honeywell to begin removal of hazardous waste from Onondaga Lake.

Lynch is a graduate of Jordan-Elbridge High School, Yale University and Syracuse University College of Law.

USDA Makes Second Attempt at Livestock ID System

Go to http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/usda-makes-2nd-attempt-with-livestock-id-system-meant-to-help-control-spread-of-animal-disease/2013/04/17/5f7ff86e-a72e-11e2-9e1c-bb0fb0c2edd9_story.html to read the Washington Post story.

Media Workshop Teaches Farmers How to Tell Their Stories

Go to http://www.news.cornell.edu/stories/2013/04/media-workshop-teaches-farmers-tell-their-stories to read the story about this workshop.

Auburn Farmers Co-op Market Moves to New Site June 1

From the Auburn Farmers Co-Op Market Inc.

The Auburn Farmers Co-op Market would like to announce we will be moving to a new location beginning June 1.

The market will now be located at the corner of State Street and Routes 5/20 in the Curley's parking lot. This will allow our customers to enjoy free parking and will allow us to bring in numerous new vendors with new products not sold at the market currently, and allow us to continue to grow the market even more.

We will post more information about these new vendors and products as they commit to the market.

The Auburn Farmers Co-op Market would like to thank all of our dedicated customers and patrons for their support over the years and though our moves. We hope that support continues as we work to improve the market even more this year.

Cape Vincent Dairy Brings Robots into Milking

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/article/20130418/NEWS03/704189821 to read the story in the Watertown Daily Times.

Food Website Taken To Task for Twitter Post on Boston Tragedy

OK, all. 

What do you think of this? Honoring those in Boston or exploiting the tragedy?

http://www.mediabistro.com/prnewser/pr-fail-food-website-exploits-boston-tragedy_b63010

Estate Planning Essential for Farmers

Here's a good story from AgriNews:


Go to http://agrinews-pubs.com/Content/Default/Field-Editor-Blogs/Article/Estate-planning-is-essential-for-the-future-of-farm-family/-3/82/6772 to check it out.

More Babies Being Born on the Farm

Cross Island Farm's organic yearling calf "Redbull" (right) greets his newborn sister (as yet unnamed) while mother "Hannah" continues to dry the organic heifer calf, who is just minutes old. Photo by David Belding

Another new baby at Cross Island Farm on Wellesley Island. The calf was born Wednesday. Thanks to farmers Dani Baker and David Belding for sharing this.

What Do You Think About Raw Milk?

A website called "Where Is My Milk From" has run a two-part series about raw milk.

Go to http://whereismymilkfrom.com/blog/trends/raw-milk-safe-or-senseless-part-1-of-2/ for part 1 of the raw milk series.

Go to http://whereismymilkfrom.com/blog/trends/raw-milk-safe-or-senseless-part-2/ to read part 2 of the raw milk series.

Here is a story http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2011/10/raw_milk_some_consumers_swear.html I wrote in The Post-Standard in October 2011 about raw milk.

Read all of them and decide what you think about drinking raw milk.

Fertilizer Plant Explodes in Fire in Waco, Texas

Early reports on fertilizer plant explosion in Waco, Texas:

Go to http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/official_several_injured_in_pl.html#incart_m-rpt-2 to read an Associated Press story.

Here is http://news.yahoo.com/police-report-fertilizer-plant-explosion-near-waco-texas-015859240.html what Reuters is saying about the explosion.

Wisconsin Farmer Talks About "Ag Gag" Laws

Interesting view about cameras in the barn from a Southern Wisconsin dairy farmer.

Go to http://dairycarrie.com/2013/04/16/aggag/ to read it.

Leave comments on what you think here on my blog.

Program Today in DeWitt Focuses on Talking To Farm Consumers

The New York Farm Bureau Promotion and Education Committee's Spring Conference is today in DeWitt.

The conference for the committee, farmers and others in the agricultural field will include discussions about how to talk to consumers about the food they eat.

According to Farm Bureau, the one-day meeting "will  jump start your expertise and comfort level in dealing with consumer questions and attitudes about agriculture. Through these conversations, we can work to dispel myths and misconceptions that exist."

The main presentation, conducted by the U.S. Farmers and Ranchers Alliance, will review consumer research and messaging techniques. Additional presentations will be given on how to deliver
quick and appropriate messages to engage consumers in conversations about the safe, local food supply.

The program is from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Doubletree Hotel.

Study Planned on Economic Impact of Finger Lakes Grape and Wine Region

More news from Jim Trezise of the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation:


The economic impact of the Finger Lakes grape and wine industry is featured in a newsletter from the New York State Department of Labor.

Written by Kevin Jacks, the article starts with a great quote from the New York Time's Eric Asimov ("Really, if you haven't tried any wines from the Finger Lakes in recent years, you're missing out."), and then highlights the various ways in which our industry is a major economic engine.

Read it at  http://www.labor.state.ny.us/stats/PDFs/enys0313.pdf 

Of course, we've known that for years, with studies to prove it. I'm delighted to report we will soon be launching an updated and expanded economic study that hopefully will be done by the end of the year. The last one, based on 2008 data, showed our industry generates annual economic benefits to the state exceeding $3.76 billion.

Morrisville State College Conducts First Western Sale

Here is a story by Franci Valenzano of Morrisville State College:

Megan Freemantle, 21, of Middlefield, Conn., stands with one of the horses up for auction during Morrisville State College’s first western horse sale.  Freemantle is a student in the college’s equine science: western breaking and training bachelor degree program.

Ginger and Sean MacRae had their eyes focused intently on Grace, a four-year-old mare whose name complemented her docile demeanor and elegance in the show ring.   

“We really like her temperament,” said Ginger MacRae about the poised horse up for auction during Morrisville State College’s first western sale held April 13 at the Nancy Sears Stowell Arena.

The MacRaes, of Morrisville, ended up the highest bidders and won Grace, who will be a trail riding horse and a companion horse to another they have at home.

A donation to the equine program last year, Grace was trained entirely by students in the college’s Breaking and Training course.

“That’s how we knew she was a good horse,” Sean MacRae said. “Horses that come from the college have a reputation and we know she has been taken care of and trained well.”

The MacRaes were among a crowd of prospective buyers, horse enthusiasts and spectators who filled the arena during the event which featured 31 reining, pleasure and hunter prospects up for auction, including top consignments from the college’s own equine science: western breaking and training program. Twenty-three horses were sold during the auction.

“We had an exceptional group of young horses, many by leading sires and dams,” said Dodie Howard, equine instructional support assistant, who coordinated the college’s western sale.

“The sale was a great success, said Bonnie Miller, director of western studies and equine science department chair. “It will be an annual event and will focus on providing potential buyers with high quality horses with a solid base of training,”

Four of the consignment horses were specifically sent to the college a month before to prep and show in the sale ring for clients.

Linda and Thomas Genovese, of South New Berlin, NY, were looking for a hunter and preparing to bid on two horses owned by the Morrisville College Foundation.

“We like the way this sale is being run,” Thomas Genovese said. “They demonstrated the horses prior to the bidding, the set-up is nice, and everything is well-coordinated.”

Duke and Barbara Dygert, longtime supporters of the college’s western program, served as auctioneer and clerk for the event. 

Eighteen students in Howard and Miller’s Western Breaking and Training class had their hands in all aspects of running the sale, from riding and preparing horses for the ring to helping with the business aspects. 

“The students did a tremendous job of preparing the horses and the western barn complex for this event,” Miller said.

“This is a great experience for us and something that we will be doing some day when we are working in the industry,” said Megan Freemantle, 21, of Middlefield, Conn. “You get so immersed and everything is hands-on. It really prepares us for when we go out to get a job.”   Freemantle is a student in the college’s equine science: western breaking and training bachelor degree program.

“It’s turned me into a better rider and has given me skills to use in the industry,” said Meghan Moriarty, 22, of Adams Center, N.Y., about the college’s breaking and training program. “We get to show and ride different horses and I also learned to work with clients.”

Amanda Hunt, 20, of Laceyville, Pa., an equine science: western breaking and training major, has been involved with many aspects of the college’s equine programs. “There is so much diversity. We also get to be involved with breeding classes, driving and working the standardbred sale,” she said.

“I am extremely proud of all the students who worked so hard to make this event such a success,” Miller said. “Their enthusiasm and dedication to the western equine program is very evident.”

Morrisville State College offers a bachelor of technology degree in equine science and two associate degrees in equine racing management and equine science and management.  The diverse equine science curriculum includes specializations in breeding, western, hunt seat, draft/driving, thoroughbred racing, standardbred racing, business, and equine rehabilitation therapy.

An Equine Breeding and Training Center, a 34,000 square-foot breeding and hunter/jumper facility, includes a breeding and foaling barn, hunter/jumper barn, stallion barn, a complete breeding laboratory, collection area, laptop classroom, and three indoor riding arenas. There is also a new state-of-the-art equine rehabilitation center.

The college also has an 80-acre Equine Center complete with paddocks, stables, and the only half-mile harness racing track on a college campus in the nation. Additional stables include a draft horse barn with a covered round pen and runouts.

                                     

Cooperstown Teacher Named Ag In the Classroom Teacher of the Year

Parr

Go to http://www.agclassroom.org/ny/programs/teacher_year2013.htm to read the story about Amy Parr.

Parr was recognized in January at the Ag Society Forum and will be formally recognized as the 2013 New York Agriculture in the Classroom Teacher of the Year at the New York Farm Bureau's Spring Conference in Albany.

She will attend the National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference in Minneapolis, MN in June where she will compete to become a nationally recognized Teacher of the Year.

USDA Blog Posts Story about Food Companies and Produce Healthfulness

Shouldn't this have been going on all along?

http://blogs.usda.gov/2013/04/16/u-s-food-companies-refocus-on-product-healthfulness/

New York's Locavore Ranking Improves

Shoppers look at locally grown produce at the Downtown Syracuse Farmers' Market

Rodale.com has ranked states for how locavore friendly they are. That means, how enthusiastic are consumers in getting out and buying locally grown and raised foods.


Go to http://www.rodale.com/locavore-index?cm_mmc=Facebook-_-Rodale-_-Content-RecentNews-_-IsYourStateLocavoreFriendly to see where New York state ranks.

Buying Local has become more and more popular in recent years in New York state and Central New York. Madison County has its own Buy Local Week each year http://blog.syracuse.com/farms/2011/05/buy_local_week_in_madison_coun.html and more and more farmers' markets and Community Supported Agriculture locations have popped up recently.

Age is Just a Number for 100-Year-Old Farmer

This is from the USDA blog:

Go to https://blogs.usda.gov/2013/04/12/age-is-just-a-number-for-100-year-old-farmer/ to read about a 100-year-old farmer who just keeps farming.

New York State Wine and Grape Foundation Updates Website

Here's news from the New York State Wine and Grape Foundation about changes to its website:


New look, new content, and new features are all part of our new www.newyorkwines.org website -- a more visually attractive, educational and user-friendly resource for the thousands of visitors eager to learn about New York grapes, grape juice and wine.

The new look includes updated graphics throughout the site as well as photos that rotate on the home page.  Among other new features:

-- A Winery page lets visitors use their current location to find nearby wineries

-- A Regional page shows all the wineries in New York's various wine regions

-- A Facts and Figures page features all statistical data in one place, including a photo archive and downloadable "New York's Great Grapes" merchandising materials

-- An Awards and Accolades section lists Gold medals, high scores, and other forms of recognition for New York wines, and is searchable by winery, wine competition, wine type, and year

-- A Media page contains information most commonly sought about our industry

-- An Industry page is focused on giving updates information and links to our industry members

In addition, New York wineries will be able to update their information on the web site as often as they wish.  The new site, at www.newyorkwines.org is compatible with the most popular browers, including Internet Explorer 9, Moxilla Firefox 14, Google Chrome 21, and Apple Safari 6.

       

CNY Orchard Owners Happier This Year

Go to http://www.syracuse.com/news/index.ssf/2013/04/how_about_them_apples_central.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter to check out a story about this spring compared to last spring for the fruit orchards.

Software Seminar for Farmers Set for April 22

Trac Software seminar set for next week at the Ag Experiment Station in Geneva.

Go to http://blogs.cornell.edu/fruit/files/2013/04/TracWorkshopGenevaPromo2013-2ajvwqy.pdf for more details. Deadline to sign up is Wednesday, April 17.

Holstein Winners Listed for 2013 Spring Dairy Carousel

Go to http://dairyshowsonline.com/2013/ny-spring-holstein/ for winners of the spring International Holstein Show at the 2013 Spring Dairy Carousel at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes.