Statement From Farmers Market Federation on Coronavirus

The Farmers Market Federation of New York posted the following update on how coronavirus or Covid-19 could affect farmers markets in the state.

Go to https://mailchi.mp/acc3c7be6238/market-matters-march-2020?fbclid=IwAR1USSP8XUeg9D91_N5tlCQqBu953-2Lg1aeFNbvoUSScTklxysfsC-dkoo to read the information.

Other coronavirus info:

The New York State Fair also has canceled all events at the fairgrounds in Geddes through the end of the month.

Here is the fair's statement:

"Today, Gov. Cuomo announced that all events in New York state of more than 500 people will be canceled as part of the effort to suppress the spread of COVID-19. Accordingly, we are canceling all public events on the New York State Fairgrounds through the end of March. 

"We are working with event promoters to secure alternate dates for their events when possible and are providing full refunds of deposits. Our first and most important priority is to safeguard the health of everyone who visits the Fairgrounds and we will continue to take all necessary actions in order to achieve that goal."

Also, the WNY EquiFest, a large equine event that attracts more than 6,000 people to the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg, NY, also has been canceled. Here is the statement from the event's Facebook page:

"In an effort to slow down the spread of the COVID-19 virus, Gov. Andrew Cuomo issued a ban today on all public gatherings of more than 500 people. As a result of the governor’s declaration, WNY EquiFest has been canceled for 2020.

The health and safety of our employees, exhibitors, patrons and volunteers is our utmost priority and we truly apologize to all impacted by this announcement."

The event was set for March 21-22.

New York Farm Show on Now Through Saturday at State Fairgrounds

The New York Farm Show in Syracuse is open Feb. 22-24 at the state Fairgrounds.

Inside six huge heated buildings, attendees will more more than 400 commercial agriculture exhibitors, the latest technology in tractors, planters, sprayers and other precision-ag tools, dairy robotic milking systems, beef production information, handing equipment and market info, along with seed and crop protection products, farm supplies and services, woodlot and related industry supplies.

Show times are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day and admission is $5 at the door. Those under age 18 are free.

New York Farm Show is co-sponsored by the Northeast Equipment Dealers Association and American Agriculturist magazine.

For more information on the show, go to https://www.newyorkfarmshow.com/en/home.html this link.

Spring Dairy Carousel Underway at State Fairgrounds

From the New York State Fair:

New York Spring Dairy Carousel is being held April 7-10 at the New York State Fairgrounds.

The Spring Dairy Carousel is recognized as the most prestigious and largest spring dairy event in North America. All seven major dairy breeds are represented in eight shows, five sales and several junior activities. 

In 2016, well over 1,000 animals from 20 states and Canada came for the event. Several thousand people attended throughout the four-day event. 

The public is welcome, admission and parking are free, and food will be available. Exhibitors and staff are happy to answer questions about cattle and the dairy industry. 

A complete schedule of events can be found at this link www.nyholsteins.com

Venue: Toyota Coliseum and the Tractor Supply Company Exhibit Center

Show Hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily
Admission: Free admission
Event Website: www.nyholsteins.com
Contact phone number : (607) 273-7591 or (607) 316-0867

Baby Care Centers Coming to the NYS Fairgrounds

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office

The 2017 Great New York State Fair will feature new Baby Care Centers, providing families with a comfortable, supervised and air-conditioned place to care for their children. 

Each Baby Care Center has private space for nursing mothers, as well as a clean, staffed area where parents can change diapers or relax with their small children. The four Baby Care Centers will be placed around the fairgrounds to allow quick and convenient access for parents.

The buildings are attractive and welcoming, with comfortable seating and dormers to provide natural light. The Amish Structures company, based in Manlius, built the 20-foot A-frame structures. 

Carpenters from the New York State Fair are fitting up the interior, and grounds crews are landscaping the exterior. The buildings will also be available for rent to the private firms that host large-scale events on the Fairgrounds during the year.

"We are committed to enhancing every aspect of the Fair experience and these Baby Care Centers will provide additional comfort and peace of mind to parents taking part in this great New York tradition," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "Our unprecedented investment in promoting the fair in Central New York helps drive attendance, fueling the local economy and spurring tourism – allowing this region to grow and thrive for years to come."

"The governor’s vision for the fair focuses on making enhancements to the grounds that will improve the fairgoer experience," said Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. "These new Baby Centers are a welcome addition to the Fair, providing a great new amenity for families with young children and complementing the work that’s been done already to take the Fair to the next level."

"We’re excited to be able to provide this service to families of young children," said Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner. "It will make it easier for families to enjoy their day at the Fair and it is one more way that we are responding to the needs of our fairgoers."

The new Baby Care Centers are part of the  ongoing efforts to improve access and amenities for all fairgoers. Some of the other elements include improving access to buildings for people with mobility issues, adding seating and shade throughout the grounds, and providing interpreters for fair events and concerts. The fair’s leadership meets regularly with interest groups to solicit feedback and suggestions for improvements.

The project builds on several years of major improvements at the fairgrounds, the home of the nation’s oldest state fair. The improvements began with the state's investment of $50 million, which resulted in a new Main Gate, first-ever RV park, a new home for the Midway and many other enhancements that debuted in 2016.

For 2017, the Baby Care Centers are a part of additional planned improvements, including a new and larger home for the New York State Police exhibit, a revitalized Turtle Mound stage and other improvements in the Indian Village, and a new sky ride along the Wade Shows Midway. 

Cheaper Ride Tickets Available Thursday in 'Halfway to the Fair' Promotion

The Great New York State Fair will celebrate the halfway mark to the 2017 fair by offering, for the first time, the best deal of the year on ride-all-day weekday wristbands to the Wade Shows Midway.  

 

Beginning at 6 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 23, wristbands will be available for $15 through the fair's official online retailer, etix.com.  

 

The promotion will save fairgoers as much as $10 off the full price of a wristband. 

 

The Halfway to the Fair sale marks the date that is six months from the opening of the 2017 fair.  Tickets can be purchased at http://www.etix.com/ticket/p/3526036.

 

Only 5,000 wristbands will be available for purchase through this special sale. Buyers will be emailed a barcoded voucher allowing them to exchange it for a wristband at the Wade Shows Midway customer service booth. 

 

A wristband allows one person to enjoy as many rides on the Wade Shows Midway as desired during a single day.  The $15 wristband is good only on weekdays, though fairgoers visiting on Saturday or Sunday can upgrade to the weekend wristband for $5 at the Wade Shows customer service booth.

 

In 2016, Wade Shows provided the largest number of rides ever seen at the Fair --75 rides -- including the largest traveling roller coaster in America. Fairgoers responded, riding the rides in record numbers on the new, larger Midway area.  

 

Many exciting new rides are coming to the 2017 fair and will be announced soon.

 

Ride-all-day wristbands cost $20 for weekday use and $25 for weekend use during the advance sale period and are $25 on weekdays and $30 on weekends during the fair. A weekday wristband can be used on weekends by paying the $5 upcharge at the Wade Shows customer service booth.  

 

Wristbands will not be good for use on the new SkyRide.

 

Wristbands purchased during the Halfway to the Fair sale will cost $15.46, which includes credit card and etix service fees. Buyers may purchase a maximum of four wristbands and will receive vouchers for the wristbands by email. Those vouchers must be brought to the Wade Shows customer service booth during the Fair to receive the wristbands.  Purchase of the wristbands does not include admission to the Fair.

 

The 2017 New York State Fair, operated by the state Department of Agriculture and Markets, runs from Aug. 23 to Sept. 4.

New York Farm Show Opens Feb. 23 st State Fairgrounds

The 2017 New York Farm Show is the place to visit this winter for information on new innovative farm and woodlot products and equipment.
 
The 32nd edition of the show runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 23, 24 and 25 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, west of Syracuse.
 
The annual show hosts more than 400 exhibitors in six heated buildings, including the Arts and Home Center, Center of Progress, Dairy, Horticulture, and Science Buildings, and International Pavilion.
 
  “It’s a spring planning show,” New York Farm Show manager Scott Grigor said. “It gets people out of the house. The economy is off a little, and it helps people enjoy life a little bit.”
 
The show had 406 confirmed exhibitors as of Jan. 11 with more expected, Grigor said.  There are 13 new exhibitors this year, including Yanmar Tractor of Georgia

Exhibit area covers more than 222,000 square feet of space.

Topics covered by seminars includes: beef, forestry, and health and safety. There also will be the popular FFA toy auction and 4-H members will again be selling hitch pins as a county fundraiser. 
They are offering Tisco 6-by-¾-inch hitch pins at $5 each or five for $20. They will be located at the main entrance doors of the Center of Progress, Dairy and Horticulture buildings.
 
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health will offer information on ROPS (rollover protective structures), safe skid steer operation, blood pressure screenings and youth safety activities.
 
The center also will again have its farm hazards display board set up to help people identify hazardous situations on the farm. It will supply information on PPE (personal protective equipment) selection and catalogs and applications for the John May Farm Safety Fund, and roadway safety tips in conjunction with the state troopers.
 
BEEF SEMINARS
Here are some of the beef seminars from the New York Beef Council to be held in the beef area of the Toyota Building:
 
Daily presentations beginning at 10 a.m. will feature:10 a.m.: ABCs of EPDs - Phil Trowbridge, Trowbridge Angus11 a.m.: Trace Minerals - Its role on the Cattle Immune System, Dr. Bob Gentry, MultiminNoon: Quality - The Consumer Expectations, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - ThursdayNoon: Beef Up Your Marketing, Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC - Friday1 p.m.: Johne’s - What it is and Programs Available, Dr. Melanie Hemenway, NYSCHAP 2 p.m.: Unraveling Official Identification, Dr Jane Lewis, USDA Ag. And Markets3 p.m.: Beef showmanship clinic,  Robert Groom/ Jeanne White-  Thursday3 p.m.: Fitting clinic, Robert Groom - Friday
 
Saturday will be dedicated to youth doing the presentations on different related beef topics. Grab a seat on the bleachers as these young individuals demonstrate their experiences and knowledge of the beef industry. Jean O’Toole, the new executive director of the New York Beef Council, and Katherine Bronson will open the presentations. 
10 a.m.: How to Master “Agvocacy,” Jean O’Toole/ Katherine Bronson, NYBC11 a.m.: Our National Livestock Judging Experience in Louisville, KY- By Melissa Keller, NY Junior Beef Producer11 a.m.: Three Ways to get Involved with the Beef Industry, Megan Cranwell, NY Junior Beef ProducerNoon: What I Learned about NYBC (NY Beef Council) through C2C (Cattlemen to Consumers) Program, Jala Murphy, NY Junior Beef Producer12:30 p.m.: What Telling our Story Means and Why We Should, By Sam and Sarah Birdsall, NY Junior Beef Producers1 p.m.: Small Steps to Becoming Socially Savvy in our Beef Industry, By Anna King, NY Junior Beef Producer1:30 p.m.: Important Factors When Doing a Project Beef Animal for Sales at County Fairs - Feed, Nutrition, Record-keeping, Animal Care, Marketing, etc., By Daisy Trowbridge and Jordin Radley, NY Junior Beef Producers2 p.m.: Primal and Retail Beef Cuts, By Loretta and Suzie Lippert, NY Junior Beef Producers 
As you attend the presentations enjoy a hot beef sundae served up daily by the New York Beef Producers, starting at 11 a.m.
 
The New York Beef Council will have a face-to-face presence at this year’s NY Farm Show! Stop by to “Beef Together” with the NYBC’s innovative marketing initiatives to promote YOU, our farmers, and the quality beef you produce.
 
A live beef cattle display representing numerous beef breeds will enhance our Beef Area, including breed information to take home.
 
Engage with the “Face of Our Farmers.” Beef Farmers have filled out questioners to help you get to know them better. Engage in a conversation with beef producers, see their likes, dislikes and ask them beef related questions. 
 
Pick up a Scavenger Hunt paper at the Beef Gazebo and then read our “Face of our Farmers” posters to get your answers and win a prize.
 
Beef recipes and beef related information also will be available in the beef area for attendees to take home and enjoy.
 
FOREST SEMINARS
 
Free programs to help landowners get more benefits from their woodlots will be presented by the New York Forest Owners Association each day of the New York Farm Show.
 
Visitors to the show can meet with a forester from the State Department of Environmental Conservation or speak with a Cornell trained volunteer.
 
Visitors are encouraged to bring their questions and pause at the booth area before or after attending a seminar program. The DEC foresters and trained volunteers are there to help with resource materials, displays and expert advice.

 “Learn More, Earn More” seminars are free and open to all. Topics include federal cost sharing for woodlot improvements, working with foresters, improving bird habitat, heating with wood, and forest farming. Programs start on the hour and allow time for questions and discussion.
 
The booth is on the main corridor of the Arts and Home Center, and the seminars are held in the Somerset Room just steps away on the lower level of the building.
 
These programs are presented by the New York Forest Owners Association in cooperation with the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Cornell Cooperative Extension and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.



Seminar topics and speakers for each day include:
 
Thursday, Feb. 23

11 a.m.: DEC Can Help Family Forest Owners, by Matt Swayze, state Department of Environmental Conservation
1 p.m.: Assessing Impacts from Deer, by Kristie Sullivan, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: Legacy Planning for Your Property, by Shorna Allred, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service 

Friday, Feb. 24

10 a.m.: Unwanted Vegetation in Your Woods, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
11 a.m.: Woodlot Inventory: How Many Trees Do You Have?, by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester, Cornell University
1 p.m.: Insects and Diseases that Threaten Your Woods, by Mark Whitmore, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University
2 p.m.: The Law: Rights and Responsibilities of Woodlot Owners, by Timothy Fratesch, Fratesch Law Firm, Syracuse
3 p.m.: Getting Federal Aid for Woodlot Improvements, by Michael Fournier, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resource Conservation Service
 
Saturday, Feb. 25

10 a.m.: Heat with Wood While Growing Timber, Michael Kelleher, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
11 a.m.: Improve Bird Habitat with Smart Timber Management, by Suzanne Treyger, Forest Program Manager, Audubon New York
1 p.m.: Working with Consulting Foresters, by Rene Germain, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
2 p.m.: Wilhelm Farm: A Case Study in Agroforestry, by Ann Wilhelm & Bill Bentley, woodlot owners
3 p.m.: Woodlots and Income Taxes, by Hugh Canham, Emeritus Professor, SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
 
Visit the New York Forest Owners Association website (www.nyfoa.org for more information.

Cuomo Unveils Next Phase of State Fairgrounds Improvements

Gondola proposed for linking fairgrounds to amphitheater

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo Jan. 23 announced Phase Two of the historic redesign and transformation of the New York State Fairgrounds and endorsed the State Fair Task Force recommendation to expand the fair to 13 Days in 2017. 

Phase Two of the capital program to develop the fair into a year-round destination includes $50 million to develop an 80,000-square-foot, multi-use Exposition Center and an aerial gondola to connect visitors to the fairgrounds and Onondaga County’s Lakeview Amphitheater. 

In addition, a $20 million investment from the Upstate Revitalization Initiative will allow for the construction of a new on-ramp to I-690 West and other improvements to the Orange parking lot, while other fair enhancements will include constructing a new Aerial Sky Ride and offering new, diverse events to attract visitors year-round.
“By reimagining one of New York’s historic and beloved traditions, the first phase of our revitalization has already transformed the New York State Fair experience, strengthening a prized tourism destination in Central New York and generating record-breaking attendance in 2016,” Cuomo said.  

“I look forward to continuing the State Fair’s momentum with Phase Two and the additional $70 million in investments to get it done. I thank the Task Force members for their quick work and smart recommendations for this next phase. The new State Fair will bring exciting shows, artisans, concerts, and local food and beverages to visitors from across the state and the nation year-round for generations to come.”

A poster of other events planned for the fairgrounds

In November 2016, Cuomo appointed a State Fair “Phase Two” Task Force of 21 local officials and industry leaders, co-chaired by State Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball and Onondaga County Executive Joanie Mahoney. 

The Task Force was charged with developing new innovative ideas that would build upon the Phase One improvements debuted at the 2016 State Fair and they provided their recommendations to the governor at the end of 2016.
Taking into full consideration input from the State Fair Task Force, the governor proposed in his Executive Budget $50 million for two transformational capital projects that will compliment and expand upon the work advanced in 2016.
Phase Two Investments Include:

• $35 million to construct a multi-use, 80,000 square-foot hybrid building and Expo Center that will be available year-round for local, regional and statewide events to secure the fairground’s role as a premier year-round destination in Central New York.
• $15 million to build an aerial gondola to transport visitors and concertgoers from the fairgrounds to Onondaga County’s Lakeview Amphitheater and the Loop the Lake Trail, creating an entirely new fair experience in the sky.
• $20 million through the Upstate Revitalization Initiative to construct a new on-ramp to I-690 West and other improvements to the Orange parking lot, to allow for easier parking, travel and less congestion during the annual state fair and other large events throughout the year.

In addition to these recommendations, the annual fair, which has historically run 12 days, will be extended to 13 days allowing additional time for visitors to enjoy New York’s world-class food and beverages, agriculture, arts, shows, concerts, and more.
In 2017, the fair will also add a new premier attraction to the Midway, the Aerial Sky Ride, which will debut opening day of the fair Aug. 23. 

The Sky Ride will be built, operated and maintained by Wade Shows Inc. and will feature at least 100 double-passenger seats, giving fairgoers an unmatched view of Syracuse and the surrounding area while ferrying above the fairgrounds expanded Midway. 

Additionally, as a direct result of the state’s investments to improve and expand the fair, new events have already committed to the fairgrounds to offer more entertainment year-round. 

Right Coast Inc., promoter of the PPG Syracuse Nationals, will bring three brand new events to the New York State Fairgrounds in 2017, including Syracuse SnowCross, Kawasaki Syracuse StadiumCross and the Syracuse Man Show. 

New York State Fair Public Input Meeting Dec. 6

From the New York State Fair:

A task force recently was appointed to examine possibilities for a second round of investment in the New York State Fairgrounds of up to $50 million. 

To help shape future improvements, the task force will hold a public input meeting from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 6 in the Art and Home Center at the fairgrounds in Syracuse. 

The Task Force is also inviting New Yorkers to send their ideas for the Great New York State Fair at statefairideas@agriculture.ny.gov

Fair Survey Results Show Great Improvement; Task Force Named for Phase Two

By DEBRA J. GROOM

Were you stopped as you left the New York State Fair this summer and asked to answer some survey questions?
 
If you did, the results of that survey are in.
 
Officials with the New York State Fair did the survey during the 12-day run of the 2016 fair to find out what people like about the fair, what they don’t like about the fair, which attractions are visited the most and if people are aware of some of the biggest exhibits at the fair.
 
A total of 600 fairgoers answered the questions. There is a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent.
 
In all, visitations increased for most exhibits and attrractions. The Midway food, rides and games wre all rated highly and showed improvement over 2015.
 
There was high awareness of the wristbands, Megapass and Gold Access programs for the Midway and there also was high awareness for the Taste of NY program and the Dairy Cow Birthing Center.
 
The Dairy Cow Birthing Center had a highly positive rating of those who went there, with 83 percent giving it a thumbs up. Of those who saw the State Fair History exhibit, 76 percent gave it top ratings and 74 percent thought the equine demonstration was great.
 
The results:
 
Of agriculture exhibits, the butter sculpture and cheese sculptures in the Dairy Products Building are a big draw. A total of 81 percent of the people taking the survey said they checked out this exhibit. That is up from 63 percent in 2014 and 72 percent in 2015.
 
The entire Dairy Products Building is another popular spot, with 85 percent of the fairgoers surveyed saying they are sure to stop into the building to check out what’s happening there. That was up from 63 percent in 2015 and 61 percent in 2014.
 
The Horticulture Building is extremely popular, with 66 percent saying they always stop there. And one exhibit in the Horticulture Building — the New York Maple Center — always hit a sweet spot with fairgoers as 54 percent said they stop to check out all that is maple.
 
In fact, the maple center saw a huge increase in visitors — up from 38 percent in 2015 and only 28 percent in 2014.
 
Even though awareness of the Dairy Cow Birthing Center was more than 50 percent, only 33 percent of those taking the survey said they went to the center. That was the same percentage as in 2015 but up from the 22 percent in 2014.
 
Less than half of the respondents were aware of the equine demonstration ( 46 percent) and the State Fair history exhibit (42 percent). Awareness of the equine demonstration was down from the year before, when it was at 60 percent. 
 
The fair’s annual survey found that 87 percent of the 2016 attendees rated the changes to the fairgrounds this year as positive. The fair also received record-high ratings for its family friendliness and affordability.
 
As part of the fair’s record approval ratings and record attendance for 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has set up a new task force to provide recommendations to further improve the New York State Fair.
 
On Nov. 2, he announced the task force will recommend improvements for Phase Two of the State Fair Master Plan and evaluate options to maximize the state’s historic investment and grow the region’s economy.
 
He said the task force recommendations will build on the state’s $50 million plan to revitalize the historic fairgrounds in Onondaga County. The state will invest as much as an additional $50 million for the completion of Phase Two of the Master Plan, pending the recommendations of the Task Force and Legislative support.
 
“From the new Main Gate and Empire RV Park to the expanded Midway, we are bringing the New York State Fair into the 21st century to showcase Central New York’s beauty to more fairgoers – and this year’s attendance record is proof positive that our investments are working,” Cuomo said.
 
“We will continue our renewed focus on the fair to drive tourism in the region and move the economy forward,” Cuomo said. “I look forward to receiving the Task Force’s recommendations this fall and exploring new ways to transform one of Central New York’s greatest assets into a year-round economic generator.”
 
“The governor’s $50 million plan truly reinvented the State Fair, while remaining true to its focus on agriculture, great food and music and family fun,” said state Agriculture Commissioner and task force co-chair Richard A. Ball. “The changes were clearly met with great enthusiasm and the record crowds were proof positive that we got it right.”
 
“The success of this year’s fair also reaffirmed its importance as a major economic engine for Central NY and the State, and it is critical we continue to invest in its growth,” Ball said. “I look forward to the discussions of the new task force, which, I have no doubt, will provide valuable feedback and innovative ideas on phase 2 plans that will take the New York State Fair to a whole new level.”
 
“Our fair team worked hard to give people the best fair in our long history in our beautiful new home, and we look forward to the hard work necessary to make this second phase of the project into an even greater success,” said Acting Fair Director Troy Waffner.
 
Phase Two Improvements to the State Fair
 
The governor charged the new task force with making additional recommendations and developing fresh ideas for Phase Two of the state’s ongoing investment in the fairgrounds.
 
The task force will meet in November to review the State Fairgrounds Master Plan developed in 2015, and provide the Governor with their recommendations for additional investment opportunities by the end of the year.
 
Specifically, the task force will focus on:
 
** Improving transportation options between the amphitheater at Onondaga Lake to the fairgrounds, so fairgoers can make the most of this state-of-the-art facility during their visit;
 
** Addressing public transportation and parking around the fair to better accommodate the increasing number of attendees and make it easier for people to get to and from the fair;
 
** Building the partnership between the county and the village of Solvay to connect the work being done on Milton Avenue and along the Bridge Street corridor;
 
** Ensuring the fair remains a world-class showcase for our TasteNY entrepreneurs and leveraging the state’s beer, wine, spirits, yogurt, cheese, maple syrup industries.
 
Members of the Governor’s State Fair Task Force are: co-chairs Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive and Ball; state Sens. John DeFrancisco, Dave Valesky and Patty Ritchie; Assembly members Bill Magnarelli, Pam Hunter, Bill Magee and Al Stirpe; RoAnn Destito, state Office of General Services commissioner; Matthew Driscoll, state Department of Transportation commissioner; Rick Fedrizzi, International Well Building Institute, president and chief executive officer; Charlie Smith, Populous Group; Eric Mower, chair and chief executive officer of Eric Mower and Associates; Christine Nycholas, Nicholas & Lence Communications; John Trimble, C&S Engineers; Frank Zaitshik, Wade Shows; Brian Schuman, Fair Productions; Eugene Cassidy, chief executive officer, Big E; Richard Lee, CENTRO; and Rob O’Conner, The Nationals.
Also contributing: New York State

Reservations Being Taken Now for Camping at the NYS Fair

From the New York State Fair:

Empire RV Park on the state fairgrounds is now accepting camping reservations for the full 12 days of the fair.

Empire RV Park lies within the New York State Fairgrounds, home of the nation’s first and oldest state fair and host of about 150 public events each year. 

The Empire RV Park will be available during the Fair to those renting a space for the term of the 12-day Fair. The Great New York State Fair runs for 12 days each year, ending on Labor Day.

The Empire RV Park reservation includes an RV parking site for up to a 16-night stay (includes water, electric, sewer and garbage pick-up), one vehicle parking permit, and two 12-day admission wristband passes to the Fair

The price is $600 plus a $9 reservation fee per site.

Any questions should be directed to 315-487-7711 or go to nysfair.ny.gov

Spring Dairy Carousel Beings Friday

The New York Spring Dairy Carousel is scheduled for April 8 to 11 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, just west of Syracuse.
 
 

Holsteins grazing in New York.

New York Spring Dairy Carousel is recognized as the most prestigious and largest spring dairy event in North America. All seven major dairy breeds are represented in eight shows, five sales and several junior activities.
 
In 2015, more than 1,000 animals from 20 states and Canada attended and several thousand people attended the four-day event.
 
The event is open to the public and admission and parking are free. Food is available. 
Exhibitors and staff are happy to answer questions about cattle and the dairy industry during the show.
 
Here is a schedule of shows and sales:
8 a.m. April 7, barns open and cattle may move in
7 p.m. April 7, all cattle must be in place.
8 a.m. April 8, Holstein USA National Judging Conference
Noon April 8, junior showmanship.
2:30 p.m. April 8, Richard Keene Memorial Judging Contest, juniors welcome
6 p.m. April 8, protein breeds sale (Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn).
9 a.m. April 9, New York Junior Holstein Show, (resident New York juniors).
1 p.m. April 9, Ayrshire show
1 p.m. April 9, Guernsey show.
4 p.m. April 9, New York Spring Holstein Sale.
6 p.m. April 10, protein breeds sale.
8 a.m. April 10, Red & White show.
9 a.m. April 10, Milking Shorthorn show.
12:30 p.m. April 10, Jersey show and Brown Swiss show.
8 a.m. April 11, International Spring Holstein Show.

New York Spring Dairy Carousel Set for April 8 to 11 at State Fairgrounds

From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine:

By DEBRA J. GROOM
Empire Farm & Dairy
 
The New York Spring Dairy Carousel is scheduled for April 8 to 11 at the New York State Fairgrounds in Geddes, just west of Syracuse.
 
Entries for the shows must be postmarked by March 10 to avoid late fees. Every owner/exhibitor must have a signed entry form on file.
 

Holsteins grazing in New York.

Forms not signed by the owner will be returned for signature. Forms entered online will constitute a signature.
 
New York Spring Dairy Carousel is recognized as the most prestigious and largest spring dairy event in North America. All seven major dairy breeds are represented in eight shows, five sales and several junior activities.
 
In 2015, more than 1,000 animals from 20 states and Canada attended the show and sale and several thousand people attended the four-day event.
 
The event is open to the public and admission and parking are free. Food is available. Exhibitors and staff are happy to answer questions about cattle and the dairy industry during the show.
 
Here is a schedule of shows and sales:
8 a.m. April 7, barns open and cattle may move in
7 p.m. April 7, all cattle must be in place.
8 a.m. April 8, Holstein USA National Judging Conference
Noon April 8, junior showmanship.
2:30 p.m. April 8, Richard Keene Memorial Judging Contest, juniors welcome
6 p.m. April 8, protein breeds sale (Ayrshire, Brown Swiss, Guernsey, Milking Shorthorn).
9 a.m. April 9, New York Junior Holstein Show, (resident New York juniors).
1 p.m. April 9, Ayrshire show
1 p.m. April 9, Guernsey show.
4 p.m. April 9, New York Spring Holstein Sale.
6 p.m. April 10, protein breeds sale.
8 a.m. April 10, Red & White show.
9 a.m. April 10, Milking Shorthorn show.
12:30 p.m. April 10, Jersey show and Brown Swiss show.
8 a.m. April 11, International Spring Holstein Show.
 
Entry forms for the Spring Carousel are available in the February issue of New York Holstein News and at www.nyholsteins.com.
 
Also, in conjunction with the Spring Carousel, Holstein Association USA is planning a 2016 Judges Conference from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. April 8 in the Coliseum at the fairgrounds.
 
The conference will include judging classes as well as classroom time and lunch. Participants will judge six high-quality Holstein classes, one of which they will be assigned to provide reasons for their judging.
 
A panel of officials will give attendees who meet the minimum requirements a “satisfactory” rating. Those planning to apply for the Holstein Association USA judges lists in the future must first attend and receive a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA judges conference before submitting an application.
 
Individuals on the judges list must have attended and received a satisfactory rating at a Holstein Association USA judges conference within a five-year period.
 
Attendees at the judges conference must be at least 22 years of age by day of the conference. The fee to attend is $50 for pre-registrants (closing two weeks before the conference) and $100 for late registrants.
 
Register for the conference online with a credit card at this link:
www.holsteinusa.com/shows/judges_preregister.html
 
Anyone with questions about the judging conference should email Jodi Hoynoski at jhoynoski@holstein.com.

$4 State Fair Admission Tickets on Sale Thursday

New York State Fair admission tickets for $4 will be on sale beginning at 6 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 25. 
 
The tickets, to celebrate the midway point to opening day of the 2016 fair, are available online at http://event.etix.com/ticket/online/performanceSale.do?performance_id=4218907&method=restoreToken

This “Halfway to the Great New York State Fair” makes 10,000 tickets available for purchase at 33 percent off the advance sale price and 60 percent off the $10 price at the gate.
 
They are good for admission any day of the 2016 fair.

3-Day New York Farm Show Kicks Off Feb. 25

By DEBRA J. GROOM
EMPIRE FARM & DAIRY
 

A farmer shows his little girl the huge piece of machinery at last year's Farm Show

The New York Farm Show kicks off its 31st year in late February with three days filled with everything new and innovative for New York state farmers.
 
More than 225,000 square feet of exhibition space indoors in six buildings at the New York State Fairgrounds will be filled with farm equipment, booths with helpful information, demonstrations, seminars and workshops and, of course, the ever-popular toy auction and sale.
 
The show runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 25, 26 and 27 at the fairgrounds Admission is $5 at the door and free for those less than age 18. Parking is free and shuttle buses are available for various buildings.
 
Tickets are available from many Northeast equipment outlets.
 
Visitors can shop and compare the latest equipment and technology and then buy the items to help make their farms more efficient. Show Director Scott Grigor said everyone should visit the show website at www.newyorkfarmshow.com to see a full list of new products.
 

A restored tractor that was being sold by the FFA Association last year

Many organizations will offer workshops and presentations, including the New York Beef Industry Council, forest management workshops and agricultural safety program.
 
“These organizations have dedicated a lot of time and effort to provide high quality programs for the show visitors,” Grigor said.
 
A popular highlight each year is the Robert Watson Memorial Toy Auction, which begins at 5 p.m. Feb. 26 in the Empire Room of the Arts and Homes Building. 

Nearly 200 farm toys will be sold to the highest bidder, with all proceeds benefiting the New York FFA. Visitors can view farm toys at the toy show in the Art & Homes building before the auction.
 
PRECISION AG workshop
 
A highlight of the farm show this year is a new program called “Precision Agriculture: Decision Making for a Profitable Future,” from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25 in the Arts and Home Center building.
 
Developed by the New York Farm Viability Institute, the program will include discussions about precision agriculture, the hardware and software needed for precision agriculture (such as harvest technology, planting and crop care and transforming yield data to management decisions) and optimizing variable rate seeding technology. 
 
There also will be a panel discussion with a mix of farmer experience and ag industry expertise.
 
David Grusenmeyer, managing director of the New York Farm Viability Institute, said precision agriculture allows farmers to collect the data they need to make decisions on which crops to plant in certain soils and how much nutrients and fertilizer is needed for that soil and crop.
 

A safety mask at the NY Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health 

exhibit

The goal is to optimize the amount of money made over the amount of money spent in growing the crops.
 
“There can be six to eight different soil types or topographies in one field on one farm,” Grusenmeyer said. “Crops grow differently in one soil from another and nutrients are used differently (in different soils). We need to manage our farms not just as one big field.”
 
As an example, he said a farmer who has a field monitor on his combine knows exactly what his crop yield is for various sections of his field. If there is a wide variety in yield from one part of the field to the next, the farmer can make adjustments to maximize yield in the lower-producing areas.
 
“What we have to do is control those variations and profit from it,” Grusenmeyer said.
 
Some things that can be done to manage the yields is change the seeding rate, change the seeding depth, change to a different seed variety and keep tighter control on fertilizer use.
 
This is exactly what Todd DuMond does at his farm in Union Springs, Cayuga County.
 
DuMond, who grows about 5,000 acres of soybeans, corn and other grains, uses precision agriculture in his production. He said it comes down to crop optimization and machine optimization to ensure he is obtaining the most he can get out of his soil.
 
He uses a machine that has an autotrack system on it, so it always follows the same tracks in the soil when planting or harvesting. He said this allows for less overlap between rows.
 
The machine and the data he receives from his computerized equipment also gives him the ability to apply seed, fertilizer or other nutrients in the proper amount.
 
“We started gathering data in 2006 and began application in 2010,” DuMond said. “The real value is from the data. We use the data to put everything (seed, fertilizer) wher it can be utilized.”
 
Here is a schedule of what will be discussed at the seminar:
 
** 3 p.m.: Learn what’s new in precision ag tech for field crops and horticultural systems, the greatest opportunity areas.
** 3:20 p.m.: Three commercial technology leaders tackle how to transform field and feed quality data into management decisions, how planting and crop care equipment technologies can be harnessed and how yield maps/data can improve operation efficiency.
 
Attendees will learn how to evaluate the data collected over the growing season (planting, soil testing, yield, application, Feed Quality from JD Harvest Lab) and interpret big data in desktop software setting to provide real information from which the grower can either streamline record keeping for insurance purposes and/or understand what practices are making a profit on their farm. Winter planning allows optimization of the crop season to best fit your agronomic and profit practices.
 
** 4 p.m.: This session covers auto-steer’s entry-point tech, costs and benefits, plus expected financial impacts.
** 4:20 p.m.: The New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association will present a variable-rate seeding model to be farm-tested this year.
** 4:40 p.m.: Farmer survey results will be shared on promising technologies, barriers to adoption, costs, labor concerns and more.
** 4:50 p.m.: Travis Torrey of Torrey Farms, Dan Shirley of North Harbor Dairy and Joe Brightly of Brightly Farms will share experiences with three different precision ag systems.
 

Antique milk bottles on display at last year's Farm Show

Dairy robotics
 
Robotic technology continues to be the biggest dairy game-changer for all farm sizes.
 
Learn what improvements are available at the Dairy Robotic Update Friday, Feb. 26. All four robotic manufacturers will present their latest changes and new products in 30-minute sessions in the Bistro Room.
 
Here’s the schedule:
** 1:30 p.m.: Lely will highlight examples of Lely’s “large herd concept” plus on-farm results of its Vector robotic feeding system.
** 2 p.m.; AMS Galaxy will introduce its Cow Health Monitoring system offered on the Astrea 20.20 robotic milking system.
** 2:30 p.m.: GEA will share key details on its Dairy ProQ robotic rotary parlor and the soon-to-arrive single-box robot.
** 3 p.m.: DeLaval will cover the latest upgrades to its Voluntary Milking System plus the new stand-alone teat spray robot.
 
Bring your notebook plus lots of questions. This is a rare opportunity to see the equipment and quiz experts.
 
New products
 
Farm machine and equipment manufacturers each year come out with new gadgets and machinery to make work easier on the farm.
Cazenovia Equipment Co., with stores in Cazenovia, Chittenango, Clinton, Cortland, LaFayette, Lowville, Oneonta, Sandy Creek and Watertown, will be on hand at the New York Farm show with a number of its new products and technology.
 
Some of the new items it will show include a L300 series new square baler, a 8000 series self-propelled forage harvester and a XUV590 crossover utility vehicle.
 
Cazenovia Equipment sells and services more than 30 brands, including John Deere, Frontier, Ariens, Honda, Stihl, Kuhn, Pottinger, H&S and Geringhoff.

The company also offers renewable energy systems such as wind power, solar electricity, solar thermal, microhydro power, microgrids and hybrid systems.
 
“We’re happy to now provide wind turbine and solar panel leasing opportunities, which allow customers to acquire the benefits of renewable energy, with little or no money down,” a company official said. 

They also offer free site feasibility assessments. Cazenovia Equipment is in booth 815.
 
Beef information
 
New this year, attendees can engage with the “Face of Our Farmers,” which allows those at the show to get to know some beef farmers. Talk with beef producers, see their likes, dislikes and ask them beef related questions. Pick up a Scavenger Hunt form at the Beef Gazebo, read our “Face of our Farmers” posters to get your answers and win a prize.
 
Those coming to the show also can sign up for the Protein Challenge. The 30 Day Protein Challenge is a fun, step-by-step way to help people get an optimal amount of protein throughout the day.
 
Research shows some people can lose and/or maintain a healthy weight, support a healthy metabolism, and age more vibrantly by consuming more high-quality protein. Participants in the 30 Day Protein Challenge will receive daily emails with goals, tips and inspiration to keep on track.
 
The beef area in the Toyota Building also will have numerous beef recipes and beef related information for attendees.

New York State Fairgrounds Grandstand Imploded

Well, the grandstand at the New York State Fairgrounds is no more.

It was imploded Saturday to make way for the fairgrounds renovations. Work will begin Monday as it needs to be done by the Syracuse National show in July.

Here are a couple of photos I took at Saturday's implosion.

For another look, go to https://youtu.be/m4LppjKbx4Y and check out this video from Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office. You can also check another video by going to http://www.localsyr.com/news/local-news/raw-video-state-fair-grandstand-demolition.

You also can see some GoPro video of the implosion by going to https://youtu.be/bHVEL9Vmtps  

Here are the governor's remarks while he was at the fairgrounds Saturday:

Happy New Year to everyone. 

We are getting ready to go back to work in Albany soon and we are laying out an agenda for the legislature. We are going to continue doing what we’re doing and that is continue focusing like a laser on Upstate and bringing jobs back to Upstate New York and that’s a big part of what today is all about.

We already announced over these past few days, an Upstate economic agenda for upstate New York. We’re going to continue to cut taxes which is, I believe, the key in bringing upstate back economically. We’re going to cut the tax rate for small businesses from 6 down to 4.5 percent. That’s going to make a big difference.

We are going to continue to invest in job-creating activities across Upstate New York. We’re going to freeze the tolls on the New York State Thruway so we keep the cost of doing business down. We’re here with Commissioner Ball, of the Department of Agriculture. All agriculture vehicles on the Thruway won’t have to pay a toll on the Thruway, so farms could have a big boost.

We are going to invest again in the I Love NY campaign which has already created 100,000 jobs for Upstate New York. So a lot of good news, a lot of good work and progress and today is symbolic of even more.

The State Fair, really is in many ways, a metaphor for Upstate New York. It’s where we get together, it’s where we show the state-of-the-art in what we’re doing, where we show off to each other and to the other states all around this country. 

The State Fair is a great institution and the truth is, it needs advancements. It has not had the kind of investment it should have had over the past few years. Parts of it were not competitive anymore like the grandstand, which brings a great sense of nostalgia. You get as old as I am – I have been coming here for many, many years, so there is a real sense of nostalgia about it. 

But especially from the grandstand's point of view, we would have had to invest a lot of money to make it safe again. We would have had to change the entire venue to make it competitive for acts to come. And the county, thanks to County Executive Joanie Mahoney, has built a great new amphitheater which is exactly state of the art, so – this is going to be part of the new fairgrounds,, and that’s how I see it. It’s not that it’s a loss. This is about progress and this is about going forward and this is a big step.

I also want to announce today that I’m going to propose to my colleagues in the legislature to spur tourism in Upstate New York and to spur economic development in Upstate New York, I want to invest $200 million in Upstate airports to make them state of the art, so we get more flights, more business coming in to Upstate New York.

And when you put all these pieces together, its really going to be an exciting year for Upstate New York.

Now on the grandstand, you know everything I know about blowing up a grandstand, which is – there is the plunger. That’s all I know. 

I also know that you will hear a two-minute warning siren. There will be a one-minute warning siren, and then there will be a countdown. The plunger will then be pushed. There will then be a slight delay. And then there will be an explosion that brings down part of the grandstand, which will then facilitate the demolition of the grandstand. 

It is the first time I’ve been part of blowing anything up, physically anyway. I blew up a few things in Albany but not like this. 

So I’m excited to be here and again it’s a beginning of a new year, it’s a beginning of a new environment, a new economy for upstate New York. I’m pleased to be with all my colleagues, my legislative colleagues, my local officials, all my friends, and all the people who turned out today to see this. So we now will begin, and we’ll turn it over to the engineers to do what they have to do and we will assembly around the plunger and we’ll get to work. Thank you.



 

More Details on Expansion, Renovation at State Fairgrounds

Here is a more detailed story about renovations coming to the New York State Fairgrounds:

From the governor’s office:
 
Andrew Cuomo recently unveiled a sweeping $50 million redesign plan to transform the New York State Fairgrounds in Onondaga County into a year-round, premier multi-use facility that can attract more events and visitors from across the nation.
 
The plan includes a new multi-purpose exposition center with 110,000 square feet of flexible space, an expanded festival stage to bring in larger concerts, a larger Midway to accommodate more attractions and a 400-site RV Park, as well as various parking and pedestrian safety improvements.
 
The plan includes:
 
REMOVE THE GRANDSTAND AND MOTOR TRACK

The existing grandstand, which was originally constructed in 1972, is outdated and not designed to function as an outdoor concert venue, and is not equipped to meet the needs of modern acts.
 
Additionally, with the opening of Onondaga County’s Lakeview Amphitheater in close proximity to the fairgrounds, the region will already have a premier, state-of-the-art venue capable of hosting large concerts.
 
The motor track is used only once per year for the annual Super DIRT Week. Like the grandstand, removing the motor track will also create room for crucial enhancements and modern facilities that can be used for a wider variety of events, year-round.
 
Removal of both the grandstand and the motor track is projected to cost $3 million.
 
CONSTRUCT A NEW EXPO CENTER

The new Expo Center will be about 110,000 square feet, adding much-needed space that allows current shows to expand and new shows to be added in the future.
In addition to new concert and event space, the Expo Center will house new equestrian facilities. 
 
CONSTRUCT A LARGER, MODERN CHEVY COURT STAGE

The construction of a larger, state-of-the-art stage will strengthen the fair’s longstanding reputation as a leader among free, quality music festivals. The new stage and roofing system will be built to modern standards and offer the capacity for larger production shows with video walls, lighting and sound. 

Safety and security enhancements include a full camera system, electronic access controls, fencing, gates and proper parking locations for tour buses and production vehicles.
 
Additional seating will be added to increase audience capacity by 20 percent, to a total of more than 30,000.
 
Completion of the new Chevy Court Festival Stage is expected in July of 2016 at a construction cost of $4 million.
 
ENLARGE AND UPGRADE THE MIDWAY

Under the plan, the Midway will be expanded from 12.5 acres to nearly 16 acres and reoriented as the epicenter of the fairgrounds. 

During non-fair times, the new Midway will also allow for more organized parking for events, a much larger space for outdoor shows as well as an expanded camping area that will enable the Fairgrounds to continue hosting large rallies and camping shows.
 
Completion of the Midway enhancement is expected in July of 2016 at a construction cost of $2.5 million.
 
FRONT GATE
 
The front gate will be visually pleasing, with new streetscapes, seating, shade and other visitor amenities.
 
Additional improvements will allow for the creation of the “NY Experience” – a functional, park-like area that will highlight the past and future of New York state from perspectives that include its economic, cultural and historical significance. 

The NY Experience will be a living area designed to showcase facets of the Empire State each day during the Fair, such as through demonstration plots of New York specialty crops.
 
Completion of these improvements is expected in July of 2016, at a construction cost of $7.7 million.
 
CREAT A NEW, 400-SITE RV PARK

The plan includes the creation of a new, 400-site RV Park. This will include full camper hook-ups with 50/30/20 amp electric options, the infrastructure to support communications/fiber, water and sewer connections, as well as bathrooms and showers. 

Security improvements include a full camera system and a blue light system in select locations.

Plans for New York State Fairgrounds Renovations Unveiled

Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday announced plans for the renovations to the New York State Fairgrounds.

Go to http://www.localsyr.com/new-york-state-fair/story/d/story/gov-unveils-plan-for-50m-for-state-fairgrounds-sup/12150/m8Bmjw0JGEOKY85lN0p8fQ to check it out.

Also go to https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-sweeping-50-million-redesign-new-york-state-fairgrounds for more information on the plan.

Empire Winefest This Weekend at State Fairgrounds

The Empire Winefest is scheduled for 5 to 10 p.m. Friday, and 1 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the New York State Fairgrounds. 

Sample wines, go to the "paint while you drink wine party" (free!), stomp grapes with your bare feet (free!), play Giant Jinga, Yard Scrabble and Cornhole (free!) with your friends or spread out a blanket and listen to music. 

The food lineup is fantastic and you can see this and more on the event website: www.empirewinefest.com . There also is A Safe Ride Home Program being offered for $25. Go to the website for the program.

Tickets for the event can be purchased on the website or at any Wegmans. The group discount is available on the website only.