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

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.

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

Real Property Tax Law Exemption for Farm Buildings Extended

From Gov. Cuomo's office:

The state's Real Property Tax Law exemption on farm buildings, which provides continued tax relief for New York farmers and growers, has been extended.

The Real Property Tax Law exempts agricultural producers from paying real property tax on buildings that are essential to the production of agricultural or horticultural products, such as temporary greenhouses, dairy barns and exercise arenas for horse-boarding operations. 

 

"New York's agricultural industry is a major sector of our economy, and it's critical that we continue to support local farmers and growers," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo in announcing the extension.

"This tax exemption will help New York's hard-working agricultural producers invest in their farms and grow their businesses, and as a result increase competitiveness and productivity for years to come," he said

The Real Property Tax Law exemption was extended for the next 10 years and applies to newly constructed and re-constructed agricultural buildings through Jan. 1, 2029. Since it was last renewed in 2008, the exemption for farm structures is estimated to have saved New York farmers more than $112.8 million. 

The exemption has helped support the growth of New York's agricultural industry by allowing farmers and growers to use the money saved to invest in their operations, purchase new equipment and modernize facilities, which increases the farms' competitiveness and profitability.

 

Agricultural buildings have been exempt from state taxation for decades, but the law granting the exemption was set to expire on New Year's Day 2019. The new law, sponsored by Assemblyman Bill Magee and Sen. Patty Ritchie -- chairs of the Assembly and Senate ag committees, respecftively -- amends New York State's Real Property Tax Law to extend the tax break and ensure it will remain in effect for the next decade.

 

The law prohibits tax increases based on the value of construction or improvement of structures that are used for essential agricultural operations. That includes the cultivation, harvest and storage of commodities; the feeding, breeding and management of livestock; and housing for farm employees. 

Housing for immediate family members is not covered by the exemption unless the family members are non-owners and critical to the commercial operation of the farm.

 

A complete list of rules regarding the exemption can be found at this link https://www.tax.ny.gov/pdf/publications/orpts/farmbuilding.pdf

Senate-House Committee Leadership Reach Agreement on Farm Bill

Check out this story from the Watertown Daily Times about the Farm Bill.

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/senate-house-committee-leadership-reach-agreement-on-farm-bill-20181130 to see the story.

Happy thanksgiving!

Happy National Farmers Day

Happy National Farmers Day!!

New York State Fair Is Open For Business

The Great New York State Fair opened for its 2018 run at 7 a.m. Aug. 22.

For the next 13 days, people from throughout New York and elsewhere can see all that is great about New York State, from its technological innovations to the animals to agriculture to crafts and culinary specialties to entertainment to to the midway to law enforcement to, of course, FOOD.

And please, while having fun at the fair, don't forget the hard-working farmers who raise animals and crops to feed and clothe each and every one of us 365 days a year. 

Be sure to stop in an animal barn or the horticulture building or the Agriculture Museum (which is celebrating its 90th birthday) and talk to a farmer or an apple grower or a beekeeper or a maple producer or Christmas tree grower.

Have fun at the fair, but remember to celebrate agriculture.

Goat Milking Parlor and Cheese Making Room Near Completion

Check out this story http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news05/goat-milking-parlor-and-cheese-making-room-nearing-completion-at-st-lawrence-countys-cooperative-extension-farm-20180608 from the Watertown Daily Times.

NYS Budget Includes $54.4 M for Agriculture

From state Sen. Patty Ritchie:

For a fourth straight year, the New York state budget includes record funding for agriculture. 

Ritchie

Included in the spending plan is $54.4 million for New York’s leading industry, nearly $20 million of which is the addition of funding or the restoration of cuts made in the Executive Budget and Assembly proposals.

“New York’s hardworking farmers have very difficult, demanding jobs,” Ritchie said. “Through this critical funding, we are demonstrating that we support their efforts to grow and produce the fresh foods we depend on, and that we recognize how important they are to the success of New York’s leading industry."

"I am excited to see how the new state budget further strengthens New York agriculture today — and in the future,” she said.

The 2018-2019 budget includes funding for many innovative programs, including a second round of the “Seeds of Success” program, which helps schools create or expand an agricultural curriculum to encourage students to consider careers in agriculture. 

It also funds — for a fifth year — the “Beginning Farmers” grant program that assists new farms with grants of up to $50,000 to help with the purchase of land, buildings, tools and other farming necessities.

Other highlights of the 2017-2018 state budget include:

·       **  Increased funding to further boost New York State’s Craft

Brewing Industry, including Cornell University’s Hops and Barley, Born, Bred and Brewed Program, the New York Brewers, the New York State Distillers Guild, the New York State Hard Cider Association and Cornell University’s Hard Cider Research program;

    **  Funding for a new farm-to-school program, building on efforts to grow markets for local farmers by increasing the amount of locally produced foods in school lunches;

·        ** The restoration of funding for programs that are critical to helping dairy farms with education, research, marketing, profitability and sustainability, including FarmNet, which works with family farms on business analysis, farming with family, retirement planning and personal well-being. 

      In addition funding has been awarded to a number of Cornell University-based programs such as its Diagnostic Lab, its Quality Milk and Cattle Health Assurance programs, and new funding has been created for Cornell’s Salmonella Dublin program to help farmers diagnose and contain the deadly disease, which impacts dairy herds. 

      Funding has also been restored to programs such as Northern New York Ag Development, PRO-DAIRY and the Farm Viability Dairy Profit teams, which work with farms to develop profitability and sustainability strategies;

·       **  Increased funding for Cornell’s honeybee program;

·       ** Increased and/or restored funding for New York State producers including the Wine and Grape Foundation, the Apple Growers Association, Maple Producers, berry growers, Christmas tree growers and more;

· 

     **  The restoration of funding for vital programs designed to support agriculture education;

·        ** Restored funding for Tractor Rollover Protection Program, which helps equip tractors with an important piece of safety equipment that helps reduce the risk of injury in the event of a tractor overturn; and

·         ** The restoration of funding to continue fighting diseases such as EEE and rabies.

Since becoming chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee in 2011,  Ritchie has been successful in efforts to secure more than $79 million in restored budget cuts and new funding to help the more than 35,000 farms across New York state.

Ag Literacy Week is March 19-23

This year's Ag Literacy Week book

Ag Literacy Week is March 19-23.

Second-graders throughout New York will read about what it takes to get food grown on the farm to the plates on their tables by reading a book called "Before We Eat -- From Farm to Table."

According to the Agriculture in the Classroom website, the book takes student on "the journey from farm to table to understand different aspects of agriculture and the many possible careers involved. This is a captivating glimpse on what it takes to bring the food we eat to us in order to nourish our bodies and spirits."

"From the busy hub of New York City, to the mountains of the Adirondacks, and to the fertility of the Finger Lakes our state is expansive and encompasses all types of agricultural industries," the website states. "Careers and post-secondary education opportunities are abundant in traditional and developing food-centric industries."

Agriculture in New York state brings in more than $37 billion to the economy. New York is known throughout the country as a leader in apples, maple syrup, yogurt, cottage cheese, grapes, onions and many other products.

"These products and industries create careers essential to the food system that are not always initially thought of: arborists, soil engineers, animal geneticists, butchers, aquaculturists, truck drivers, grocers and more," the Ag in the Classroom website states.

NY Senate Has Plan to Bolster Agriculture

Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/senate-majority-releases-plan-to-bolster-agriculture-20180309 to check out the story.

Industrial Hemp Forum Feb. 28 at Cornell University

From Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office:

The state's first industrial hemp research forum will be held Wednesday, Feb. 28 at Cornell University to support the development of the industry and help transform New York's agricultural economy. 

The forum is part of the Governor's 2018 State of the State proposal to establish New York as a national leader in industrial hemp research, production and processing. 

It will connect researchers and academics with businesses and processors to develop strategies to advance research in the Southern Tier and throughout the state. 

 

"New York will continue to make strategic investments that support agricultural innovation, expand the state's farming and manufacturing sectors, and help meet the growing demand for local products," Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. 

"By positioning the Southern Tier at the forefront of industrial hemp research and production, our farmers will capitalize on the growth potential of this crop, create new jobs, and boost economies across the region and the state."

"Tremendous progress has been made since we convened the very first hemp summit at Cornell in April 2017," said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. "As I travel the Southern Tier and speak to members of the agricultural and academic communities, I sense the great enthusiasm for this opportunity to create a whole new industry in this region. 

"This research and development forum will expand opportunities for New York's businesses and farmers to tap into the full potential of industrial hemp production," she said. "Investing in hemp initiatives will create new jobs and help farmers continue to grow as part of the Upstate Revitalization Initiative."

The forum will focus on improving and expanding New York's Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, which will boost the agricultural sector and ensure the Empire State remains at the forefront of the emerging industry. 

Growing industrial hemp has the potential to diversify New York's farms, connect growers to new markets and provide them with new sources of income. 

Industrial hemp also offers opportunities to support economic growth across the state, including advanced manufacturing of composites, fibers, nutritional supplements and other products.

 

During the forum, participants in the state's Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program will share research findings, challenges and successes from the 2017 growing season. 

In addition, attendees will discuss ways to capitalize on the potential of this crop by assessing research needs and identifying key areas for future research. 

By bringing together growers, academics, processors and business owners, the forum will build connections among participants to enhance the studies being conducted and avoid duplicating research.

 

Advancing Hemp Research and Production Across NY

To further support the development of the industrial hemp industry, the state has invested $650,000 through the Regional Economic Development Councils to establish a brand new, $3.17 million industrial hemp processing facility in the Greater Binghamton area. 

Southern Tier Hemp, the company leading this effort, develops, manufactures, and sells cannabidiol (CBD)-based health products using a proprietary carbon dioxide based method of extraction.

In addition, as promised in the 2018 State of the State address, New York will invest $2 million for a seed certification and breeding program to begin the production of unique hemp varieties. 

Current participants in the Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program rely heavily on imported hemp seeds, which are expensive and often poorly adapted for New York's agricultural environment. A seed certification and breeding program would reduce New York's dependence on seed from other states and countries, and would support more productive research. 

Cornell University will manage the seed breeding program to work to identify the existing hemp cultivars best suited for New York, and to facilitate the licensing and production of certified hemp seed. 

 

Cornell will lead the new seed breeding program by connecting New York industrial hemp farmers, processors and manufacturers to ensure that industrial hemp of the desired quality and quantity is available for various processor uses. 

Morrisville State College will expand its research as well. The college will continue to study pest and nutrient management, and identify new opportunities for the use of hemp stalks as animal bedding and the potential for the plant to be used for soil remediation.