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.

SUNY Morrisville Fall Yearling Sale Sept. 16

From SUNY Morrisville:

SUNY Morrisville presents its annual Fall Yearling Sale at noon Sunday, Sept. 16 at the college’s Nancy Sears Stowell Arena on Swamp Road in the town of Smithfield, Madison County. 

Yearlings are available for inspection after 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 15.  

The sale is free and open to the public. It usually draws a crowd of potential buyers, sellers, trainers and owners from across the Northeast.

A total of 72 yearlings, including 13 offered by the college, are catalogued for the sale. All of the 55 trotters and 17 pacers in the sale are New York eligible.

The sale is represented by 16 of the top sires in the industry, including yearlings by the first crop site Bolt The Duer, and the first New York crop of Third Straight.

The annual event, which features year-old Standardbred horses sold on consignment by the college, is organized and run by SUNY Morrisville Equine Department faculty, staff and students.

Equine students participate in every aspect of the sale, from administrative duties to horse handling and showing horses in the sales ring.

Last year, the sale grossed $970,000, with an average of $13,440. 

Profits from the sale go toward general maintenance and enrichment of the college’s equine programs. 

For more information about the event, visit  www.morrisvillesale.com The site utilizes TrackIT Pedigree for each yearling.

Congress Passes Tax Bill with Horse Benefits

Go to http://www.horsecouncil.org/press-release/congress-passes-tax-bill-with-horse-benefits-president-will-sign-it/ to see the story.