Dean Foods Files for Bankrupty Protection

Check out this story from ABC News.

Go to https://abcnews.go.com/Business/americas-largest-milk-producer-dean-foods-files-bankruptcy/story?id=66947892&cid=social_fb_abcn&fbclid=IwAR0_A9xqHGYRNZwbe-rWH7gEmQ2huxFXJNdlHUklJREzEmmLWZkNA6KYT7A

Farm Babe Felt Disrespected at Farm Aid

Farm Babe gives her take on the Farm Aid concert.

To check out her story, go to https://www.agdaily.com/insights/farmers-disrespected-farm-aid-concert/?utm_source=FbMain&utm_medium=&utm_campaign=

Legislators Go After NYC for Proposal to Ban Flavored Milks

Check out the Watertown Daily Times  story here https://www.nny360.com/top_stories/stefanik-others-arguing-against-nyc-schools-chocolate-milk-ban/article_366b66af-8938-5cfa-bb3e-b1d0d97e3d4f.html

Quick Work Saved Livestock from Fire

Go to https://www.nny360.com/news/jeffersoncounty/quick-action-quells-tylerville-equipment-fire-prevents-livestock-loss/article_883dafdc-7e8b-52e9-a50c-a45c052b7ac7.html?fbclid=IwAR2YgpLWGEdWzE-m1kwBYhQXLMGU9ca6YbT_Ebn_GSqNx5udv9SE-Yl75dY to see the story.

25 Dairy Farms Receive Conservation Easement Grants

More than $18.6 million has been provided in support of conservation easement projects on 25 New York dairy farms. 

Dairy farmers continue to face challenges from prolonged low milk prices, increasing the threat of conversion of viable agricultural land to non-farm development. 

Through the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program, dairy farms can diversify their operations or transition their farms to the next generation at more affordable costs, while ensuring the land forever remains used for agricultural purposes. 

Since early 2018, New York state has awarded more than $30.7 million to dairy farms, protecting 15,102 acres.

 

Protecting the agricultural land base of an operating dairy farm from conversion to non-farm use is essential to the long-term viability and sustainability of New York's agricultural industry. 

New York's dairy industry is the largest sector of the state's agricultural industry and a critical component of its economy, accounting for about one-half of New York state's on-farm production, agricultural support services and value-added products.

New York State is home to nearly 4,000 dairy farms with more than 620,000 cows, producing 14.9 billion pounds of milk. New York ranks fourth in the production of milk and is first in the nation in the production of other dairy products, such as yogurt and cottage cheese.

 

The projects awarded will protect 10,253 acres of viable agricultural land comprised of prime soils:

 

Capital Region

• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $413,670 to protect 260 acres of the New Generation Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $859,075 to protect 648 acres of the Burch Family Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $200,142 to protect 71 acres of the Wagner Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $517,737 to protect 357 acres of the Adams Acres Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $369,261 to protect 309 acres of the Chapin Family Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $821,841 to protect 439 acres of the Otter Creek Farm.
• Saratoga PLAN - $823,706 to protect 172 acres of the Drumm Farm.
• Saratoga PLAN - $1,010,164 to protect 175 acres of the Hanehan Family Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $324,968 to protect 165 acres of the Liddleholme Farm.
• Agricultural Stewardship Association - $ 572,921 to protect 332 acres of the Hickory Hills Dairy.

  Central New York

• New York Agricultural Land Trust - $500,194 to protect 200 acres of CBG Farms.
• New York Agricultural Land Trust - $339,281 to protect 164 acres of Fesko Farms.
• New York Agricultural Land Trust - $1,993,723 to protect 796 acres of Pastureland Farm.
• New York Agricultural Land Trust - $637,219 to protect 299 acres of Fesko Farms.

  Finger Lakes

• Genesee Land Trust - $1,124,759 to protect 567 acres of Koeberle Farm.
• Finger Lakes Land Trust - $967,522 to protect 414 acres of Christiansen Farm.
• Genesee Valley Conservancy - $1,999,750 to protect 1,055 acres of Highgrove Farm.
• Genesee Valley Conservancy - $2 million to protect 1,384 acres of Roll-N-View Farm.

  Hudson Valley

• Scenic Hudson Land Trust - $790,000 to protect 96 acres of Scholldorf Farm.

  Mohawk Valley

• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust - $417,690 to protect 236 acres of Groeslon Farm.
• Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy - $960,971 to protect 823 acres of Creek Acres Farm.

  North Country

• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust - $880,678 to protect 721 acres of Huntley Farm.
• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust - $468,878 to protect 323 acres of Northrup & Sons Farm.
• Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust - $301,184 to protect 156 acres of Nemeth Farm.
• Adirondack Land Trust - $116,200 to protect 91 acres of Moran Farm.

Following the success of Round 1 of this program, New York state is launching a second round of the Farmland Protection Implementation Grant program specifically for dairy.  The state will accept applications on a rolling basis for farmland protection grants of up to $2 million from eligible entities, such as land trusts, municipalities, counties, and soil and water conservation districts. There is no application deadline.

 

Conservation easement projects will be awarded to eligible dairy farms that are:

• Transitioning to the next ownership of a continuing dairy, but whose operation has been modified to ensure greater financial sustainability;
• Continuing dairy, but diversifying the overall farm operation; or
• Converting to a non-dairy farm operation.  

All farmland protection project proposals must be submitted electronically through the New York State Grants Gateway. For more information regarding the Grants Gateway, visit https://grantsgateway.ny.gov. Additional information and the Request for Applications can be found on the Department's website at https://www.agriculture.ny.gov/RFPS.html

Cream Cheese Festival Sept. 21 in Lowville

It's time for all things cream cheese!!

Stinky Corpse Plant Ready to Bloom at Cornell

Titan arum

The so-called corpse plant at Cornell University is getting ready to bloom.

The full name of the plant is titan arum. The corpse flower and plants “emits a powerful scent that smells like rotting meat to attract carrion flies and other insects that spread pollen to other Titan Arums,” according to Cornell.

For updates on what the plant is doing and even watch a livestream, go to
http://conservatory.cals.cornell.edu/

Companies Chosen to Compete in Grow-NY Food, Business Challenge

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

Eighteen companies have been selected to take part in round one of the Grow-NY food innovation and agriculture technology business challenge. 

The contenders were chosen from a field of almost 200 startups that applied to be part of the initiative, which is focused on enhancing the emerging food, beverage and agriculture innovation cluster in Central New York, the Finger Lakes and the Southern Tier. 

The applicant pool represented 23 different states and 16 countries. The Grow-NY region includes a broad 22-county swath that includes Upstate New York's farming community as well as several major urban centers, including Rochester, Syracuse, Ithaca and Binghamton.

 

 

The selected finalists include:

 

• AgVoice - Norcross, Ga.
• Capro-X - Ithaca
• Combplex - Ithaca
• Dropcopter - Syracuse
• Halomine - Ithaca
• Whole Healthy Food - Ithaca
• Independent Barley & Malt - Litchfield, Mich.
• Livestock Water Recycling - Alberta, Canada
• Nuravine - New York City
• Paragon Pure - Princeton, NJ
• The Perfect Granola - Victor, NY
• Radical Plastics - Beverly, Mass.

• RealEats America - Geneva, NY
• Re-Nuble - Rochester
• Simply Good Jars - Philadelphia, Pa.
• Slate Craft Goods - Westwood, Mass.
• Tiliter - Munich, Germany
• Varcode - Naperville, Ill.

Each startup has recently been assigned a mentor who will help them make connections in the region, plan regional business trips, and refine their business pitches. The finalists will pitch their ideas to a panel of Grow-NY judges and a live audience from Nov. 12-13 at the Grow-NY Food and Ag Summit held at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. 

Cornell University is administering the competition through its Center for Regional Economic Advancement.

Agriculture Academy Sees Enrollment Climb

Check out this story from the Watertown Daily Times.

Go to https://www.nny360.com/news/stlawrencecounty/student-enrollment-climbs-at-agriculture-academy-for-st-lawrence-county/article_71bf5420-7b7c-5aa4-a04c-934b1c91bc52.html to see the story about this agriculture academy.

Check out the New York State Fair Dairy Cow Birthing Center on YouTube Live

I encourage everyone to go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iv0JmUHsS7E now through Sept. 2 to see calves being born right in front of your eyes.

This is the youtube live broadcast from the Dairy Cow Birthing Center at the New York State Fair. Watch a calf come into the world and learn about the process of putting those wonderful glasses of milk on your table each morning.

The Dairy Cow Birthing Center is run by the New York Animal Agriculture Coalition, a farmer founded and funded organization whose mission is to enhance the public’s understanding of and appreciation for animal agriculture by fostering a dialogue with consumers, engagement with farmers and cooperation among members of the industry.

Dutch Hill Maple Wins Grand Champion at State Fair for Third Year in a Row

Dutch Hill Maple does it again.

The maple producer from Tully in Onondaga County has won Grand Champion at the New York State Fair for its syrup.

This is the third year in a row Dutch Hill Maple has been Grand Champion.

So thrilled for Cristy and Nate Williams and the whole Dutch Hill Maple crew.

Go to https://www.dutchhillmaple.com/ to learn more about this maple producer.

Butter Sculpture Unveiled at New York State Fair

By DEBRA J. GROOM

This year’s New York State Fair butter sculpture is telling everyone to love milk because it’s real.
 

New York Dairy Princess Reegan Domagala with butter sculpture

“Milk. Love What’s Real” is the theme of the 51th sculpture — one of the most visited sites at the entire New York State Fair.
 
In the center of the Dairy Products Building across from Chevy Court, the sculpture is made from 800 pounds of butter made at O-AT-KA Milk Products in Batavia. 

This year’s masterpiece created by artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, Pa., shows a grandfather and child dunking cookies in milk and a young couple sharing a milkshake, illustrating how the love for real dairy connects many cherished moments in life.
 
“When we create meals, we create memories and real dairy is there,” said Joel Riehlman of Venture Farms in Fabius, Onondaga County. “From the ice cream at a child’s birthday party to our cheese pizza on Friday to the milk in our lattes every morning, milk plays an important role in our everyday lives.”
 

One side of the New York State Fair butter sculpture

Also on hand Aug. 20 to unveil the new butter sculpture was Reegan Domagala of Lewis County, the New York State Dairy Princess. One of the key parts of her job is to represent the state’s dairy industry at the New York State Fair and she was smiling and greeting visitors, dignitaries and media throughout the butter sculpture event.
 
After the fair is over on Labor Day, the sculpture will be taken apart by Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and transported to Noblehurst Farms in Linwood, Livingston County, where it will be recycled in a methane digester to create electricity and liquid fertilizer for crops.
 
The American Dairy Association North East is in charge of the butter sculpture each year. The sculpture is sponsored this year by Wegman supermarkets.
 
The New York State Fair runs from Wednesday, Aug. 21 through Labor Day.

Holstein Association USA Looking for Research Proposals

From the Holstein Association:

Every great scientific discovery begins with an idea. Innovative research is the backbone of progress in any industry — and that includes the dairy community.
Holstein Association USA is currently accepting research proposals for the next round of funding. The applications must include expected outcomes to benefit the profitability of Holstein cattle. 

Submit applications for research grant funds to researchgrants@holstein.com by Aug. 15, 2019.
Supporting research is a top priority for Holstein Association USA, the world’s largest dairy breed association. 

Holstein Association USA is currently funding two projects. 

**One at North Carolina State University that’s looking at how genomic information can be used to manage inbreeding; and 

** A second project at the University of California-Davis exploring the opportunity to breed Holstein cows for heat tolerance using the slick hair gene. Both hold great potential for future progress with U.S. Registered Holsteins.

More details about the Research Grant Program guidelines and process can be found on the Holstein Association USA website at www.holsteinusa.com/programs_services/research_grant.html.

Finger Lakes Named Best Wine Region in U.S.

Check out this great read.

The Finger Lakes have been named the best wine region in the U.S.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/news/2018/09/21/finger-lakes-best-wine-region/?fbclid=IwAR2HZGZDBt37kTPLYfCVRhp_SgTsuz0uF9HJ9nMKIFULVAtQQxY5ufdRvW4

Soil Health Program Coming Up Aug. 7 in Madrid

Info on an important program coming up Aug. 5 in St. Lawrence County.

Long-time Lysander Vegetable and Fruit Farmer Cecil Reeves Dies

From the Bville Blotter:

New York and Central New York has lost a giant in farming.

Cecil Reeves, who began Reeves Farm in Lysander, has died.

See the following obituary:

Cecil E. Reeves, 95, of Baldwinsville passed away Friday at his home. 

He was a 1942 graduate of Baldwinsville where he lettered in 3 sports and was All-County First Team in football for the 1941 season. He spent most of his life in partnership with his wife, Dorothy, and their nine children in the creation and success of Reeves Farms, after purchasing his grandfather's farm in 1951. 

He was a veteran of WW II serving with the Navy as a machinist mate on submarines serving in The Philippines. 

He was a past president of the Onondaga County Vegetable Growers as well as a former member of the Lysander Planning Board, Town Board and Baldwinsville Central Schools Board of Education. He and his wife, Dorothy with members of his family, donated land, money, equipment, labor and many hours of time for the establishment of the Diane Reeves Memorial Park. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy, daughter Diane, son Chris, and grandson Ryan. 

Surviving are daughters, Carol (David) Norris of Mobile, Alabama and Joan Reeves of Baldwinsville; sons, Tim (Joan), Bruce (JoAnn), Mark, Andy, and Brian all of Baldwinsville; 22 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren; sister, Rosalie Depew of Henderson, Nevada; brother-in-law, Gerald Snow of Warners, and several nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Baldwinsville Volunteer Center, 8 Mechanic St., Baldwinsville, NY 13027 or Maureen's Hope Foundation, 44 Oswego Street, Baldwinsville, NY 13027. online@falardeaufh.com

Go to Western NY Farm for Some Cow Cuddling Therapy

Did you know cows can sooth the savage beast in you?

Check out this story at https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/travel/story/cow-cuddling-thing-costs-75-hour-64388247?fbclid=IwAR33rhmPcAb22Z0_7c9tEQCTpz4k5sjFp6wgeR9n-ixNuXtcxu7ikWCq9ik

All you have to do it go to this farm in Ontario County (south of Rochester and Canandaigua) to hug some cows.

Western NY Farm Commemorates Moon Walk with Corn Maze

Check out this cool drone footage of a corn maze celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon launch and man walking on the moon from a farm in Western New York.

Go to
https://www.facebook.com/JohnKuckoDigital/videos/1630852673713787/ 

Video done by John Kucko Digital. Here is what he wrote on Facebook about the video:

We Have Liftoff!: VERY cool and timely corn maze here in WNY at Wickham Farms in Penfield, NY. They are commemorating the 50th anniversary of Man on the Moon with this terrific work of art in their cornfield. It’ll be open for the public beginning Aug. 17 when the corn will be fully grown. 

Lots of exciting things going on at this farm which you can learn about here by going to its Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/WickhamFarms/?__tn__=K-R&eid=ARDrXwfuQZo7q8jeQKRsYGJAicb_bCORtTlFrLb08WiyiQ98_kVxACsGKh2FsV-DehV7YIgkgwvUyZu3&fref=mentions&__xts__[0]=68.ARB3vLnpJY_eZoghjj6Uxo5i2kFT-gwf_iIhKTAGdGYJPEb4Npwz2uY9wWKxHu9TOJwbfzTbVGoRS-6r3v9sR88AEgh7meD3NHCI1JJj6QZ9fc_E6KoS-CIn7IGDcLM3iPJIosRfUBljH3tFxqBYnybs8sytZRwZwBUv4VVXvo7teKIPOYNjHB4tB_tzEAk_HSW26CvjXCzIyx0GiTdnjQt7o2kCigRTB9c7g7J2Kh4baJkxTP35L__Utf060nGDRn5_IQeM0e_UVpJoXnEWayAaUXoWZ2eCWpY7xLRdE95FbV47i_EXFH4zlrKc43-I9GcVCFsy7xLdZ_7QQYckUmaNLH3NyMrtJBLFIYS9. 

It was 50 years ago today when Apollo 11 lifted off from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida — four days later history was made. Thanks to Vertigo Drones for the guidance in flying the Typhoon H Plus.

Finger Lakes Cheese Festival July 27

Do you love cheese?

Then this event is for you.

Rain, Cold Could Delay Crops; Officials Seek State, Federal Help

Check out this story from the Watertown Daily Times.

Go to https://www.nny360.com/communitynews/agriculture/officials-prepare-for-possible-crop-shortage-seek-state-and-federal/article_92d078a4-3f66-5bb9-9be6-a0cb1e2ac343.html

Former Farm Bureau President John Lincoln Dies

Sad news for New York state agriculture.

New York Farm Bureau has reported the death of former New York Farm Bureau President John Lincoln.

Lincoln

Lincoln died last week at the age of 80. He served as this organization's leader for 14 years, from 1994-2008. 

During his time as president, Lincoln was successful in helping to secure the adoption of significant property tax savings that were essential for New York farmers. He also had a tremendous impact on funding for agricultural education and applied research, supporting Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences by serving on the CALS Agricultural Advisory Board, and helping to establish the New York Farm Viability Institute. 

He saw Farm Bureau through some major victories for agriculture, including substantial revisions to the agricultural districts and agricultural assessments program in the 1980s, the inception of the farmland protection program, passage of the farmers' school property tax credit in 1996, authorizing interstate shipment of wine, various incentive programs through NYSERDA and the tax code to encourage on-farm production of renewable energy and fighting for specialty crops funding in the federal Farm Bill.

Lincoln also served on the American Farm Bureau Federation Board of Directors.    

In all, Lincoln served for 29 years on the farm bureau board of directors. Prior to becoming president in 1994, he served as the organization's vice president for nine years and for six years as a New York Farm Bureau board member. He also served as the county president for Ontario County Farm Bureau.
Through it all he remained a farmer, operating Linholm Dairy LLC with his wife Anne. The farm has expanded over the years to include his daughter Julie and son Mike, ensuring that the next generation of Lincolns will keep the farm in Bloomfield.

Court, Legislative Battle Continues Over Right of Farmworkers to Organize

A great story out of the Watertown Daily Times.

Check it out at https://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/court-legislative-battle-continues-over-right-of-farmworkers-to-organize-20190224

Schumer Announces $4 million for Maple Development Research

Good news for maple.

Check out https://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/schumer-announces-4-million-for-maple-development-research-grants-20190226

Dairy Princess Grew Up on Port Leyden Dairy Farm

Another story on the new New York State Dairy Princess.

Check it out at https://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news04/newly-crowned-state-dairy-princess-grew-up-on-port-leyden-farm-20190221 this link.

Lewis County Teen Named New York State Dairy Princess

The 2019-2020 New York State Dairy Princess Court includes New York State 1^st Alternate Dairy Princess Morgan Hungerford (left) from Delaware County, New York State Dairy Princess Reegan Domagala (center) from Lewis County, and Alyssa Roorda (right) from Chemung County.

Reegan Domagala from Lewis County was crowned the 2019-20 New York State Dairy Princess Feb. 19 at the Holiday Inn in Salina, outside Syracuse.

Having served as the Lewis County Dairy Princess since spring of 2018, Domagala will devote an additional year to promoting milk and dairy products with American Dairy Association North East.

As state princess, she receives a $1,200 scholarship and will serve as a dairy industry ambassador and spokesperson, working with the American Dairy Association North East to represent dairy farmers at a variety of special events, including county dairy princess pageants, farmer meetings, fairs, and school visits. 

She will also play an integral role in the training and mentoring of new county dairy princesses.

Alyssa Roorda from Chemung County was named first Alternate State Princess, and Morgan Hungerford from Delaware County was selected as second Alternate State Princess. They receive a $700 scholarship and $600 scholarship, respectively. Both young women will assist the New York State Dairy Princess with training, appearances and other duties.

Twenty-two county dairy princesses competed in the state pageant, which included a personal interview, impromptu questions, a prepared adult speech, a product knowledge exam, writing skills test, and informal interaction with others. Judges evaluated the contestants on their communication skills, knowledge of the dairy industry, poise and personality.

Pageant judges were: Judi Dixon, International Sales, Dot Foods; Katherine Brosnan, New York Beef Industry Council, Director of Industry Relations & Consumer Promotions; and Holly Pullis, Hollywood Enterprises & Roedale Farm. 

Sponsored by the American Dairy Association North East, the 56^th annual coronation completed the yearlong reign of Hailey Pipher of Elmira, Chemung County.

American Dairy Association North East is the local affiliate of the National Dairy Council® and the regional consolidation of three promotion organizations including the American Dairy Association and Dairy Council, Inc., Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program.

Appellate Court Hears Case of Farmworker Trying to Organize Union

Check out this https://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/suit-to-allow-farmworker-organizing-heard-in-albany-appeals-court-20190212 story from the Watertown Daily Times.

Corn Growers Bash Bud Light Super Bowl Ad

Interesting.

Another company bashing an ag product.

Corn growers not thrilled with Budweiser.

Check this out http://fortune.com/2019/02/04/corn-farmers-bud-light-super-bowl/?fbclid=IwAR1lUfT_js3mxlIi1m8npIsSNVf9lYExlYv9zRD2IaMjtF9eORe7gIHUI8E

Maple Weekend 2019 Coming Up in March

Can't wait for maple season!!