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

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.

Magee Bill Would Extend Property Tax Exemption on New Farm Buildings

A bill written by Assemblyman William Magee to extend the current real property tax exemption for new farm buildings until 2029 recently passed the Assembly.

The bill, A-10057, extends the property tax exemption for increases in value due to construction or improvement of buildings needed for farm operations by 10 years.

“Farmers work from sunrise to sundown to produce everything from crops to dairy products for our families,” Magee said. “But the cost of running and maintaining a farm is a lot to keep up with. This tax exemption is critical in helping farmers update their buildings and infrastructure and invest in businesses so they can afford to stay open and keep growing.”

Farm upkeep can be very costly, and building or upgrading vital structures like milking parlors, barns and stables is an expense many family farms can’t afford, Magee noted. The structures must abide by regulations that can drive these costs up even further. The bill helps lessen this burden, Magee said.

“Many farmers have invested in newer style milk barns which are more open, airy and efficient,” said Nelson Town Supervisor Roger Bradstreet. “Property tax assistance for this investment is helpful. I encourage the New York Senate to pass this important legislation, as the New York state Assembly has done in recent weeks.”

As the chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Magee has been a vocal advocate for farmers. Expanding the real property tax exemption and lowering the cost of production encourages farmers to invest in their farms, helps make farms more profitable and makes it easier to pass farms down to the next generation and keep them in the family, Magee noted.

Tiny Parasite Wreaks Havoc on New York Bee Supply

A column from state Sen. Patty Ritchie:

Bees, both wild and managed, play a key role in our state’s agriculture industry, helping crops of all kinds thrive.  

However, these powerful pollinators are under attack by parasitic mites.

The varroa mite – a tiny parasite that attacks honeybees – has infected 90 percent of the bee colonies surveyed this year. As a result, agriculture could see up to $500 million in potential losses. The top crops that are dependent on healthy and abundant pollinators are apples, pumpkins and tomatoes. 

In addition, managed bee colonies in Upstate New York have lost up to 70 percent of their bees over the last few years because of disease, pesticides and loss of habitat, according to a recent state study. Once the mites take hold, potentially deadly viruses spread throughout the colony, which could wipe the colony out.   

Experts say that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep this mite from spreading. The varroa mite thrives off weakened bee colonies and when one colony dies, nearby hives will take honey from the weakened bees, which causes the mites to spread at a rapid rate.

The destruction of bee colonies is starting to reach alarming levels. In an effort to combat this problem, I’m pleased to have been able to secure $290,000 over the past two years in state funding for various programs at Cornell University, aimed at conducting vital research and disease testing to protect our state’s bee population.  

As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will continue to work to support programs and spearhead initiatives designed to preserve our state’s pollinators and help keep this key sector of the state’s economy “buzzing” for years to come.

Cool Temperatures, Rain Delay Planting in Some Parts of NYS

The cool temperatures and rain have delayed planting in many parts of the state.

Here is a story from the North Country.

Read it at http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/few-weeks-of-rain-and-cold-delay-crop-planting-little-to-no-other-impact-for-farmers-20170522 this link.

Gillibrand Hosts Farm Day

Gillibrand

U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand is hosting Farm Day at 5:30 p.m. today in the Russell Senate Office Building in Washington, D.C.

Farm Day brings together producers of New York’s award-winning wines, farm-fresh products and seafood, as well as leading restaurateurs from across New York state to showcase some of New York’s very best.

“Farm Day is an opportunity for farmers, vintners, restaurateurs and producers across the state to remind Americans of all that the State of New York has to offer,” Gillibrand said. 

“From our dairy farms to specialty crops, vineyards to fine dining, Farm Day allows New York to show some of its best qualities and all we have to offer, all in one location in Washington, D.C. These displays encourage agricultural growth and promote good nutrition as essential parts of New York’s health, tourism, and our statewide economy,”‎ she said.

Here are companies and farms that have contributed to Farm Day:

Micosta Enterprises – Hudson Valley syrups and juices; black & red currants; blackberries; salad and vegetables featuring Micosta Green Supreme Dressing

Schenectady County Community College – Heirloom Tomato Gazpacho; Hudson Valley Duck Rillette on a Crostini with Pickled Red Onions; Carrot Cake.  Ingredients sourced from Old World Farm and The Carrot Barn at Schoharie Valley Farms

State University of New York (SUNY) at Cobleskill – Roasted Butternut Squash Salad with herbed Chevre and Ricotta Cheese drizzled with a Black Peppercorn Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette; Schoharie County Apple Cranberry Crumb Bars

Empire Brewing Company – Slo' Mo IPA, a new proprietary IPA brewed with a blend of New York State farm grown hops, with a full hoppy flavor and a crisp, dry finish

LI-LAC Chocolates – Butter Crunch and French Mint Chocolate, Non-Pareils, Almond Bark, and Caramel Squares 

Orwasher's Bakery – Morning Spelt, Levain Locale, Ultimate Whole Wheat, Cabernet Rustica breads made with flour from Farmer Ground and North Country Farms, and starters made with grapes from Channing Daughters Winery                                        

Wines & Spirits of New York City – A selection of award-winning products from Brooklyn Oenology, Brooklyn Winery, and Kings County Distillery

Jewel – Crescent Farm Duck Breast; Farro Salad; Blackberry-Coffee Coulis; Licorice Greens by Chef Thomas Schaudel

K & B Seafood – Fresh Oysters and Clams 

Wines of Long Island – A selection of award-winning wines from Bedell Cellars, Bouquet, Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard, Lieb Cellars, Macari Vineyards, Martha Clara Vineyards, McCall Wines, Osprey's Dominion Vineyards, One Woman Wines & Vineyards, Paumanok Vineyards, Pellegrini Vineyards, Sannino Bella Vita Vineyard, and Wolffer Estate Vineyard

Wines of the Hudson Valley – A selection of award-winning wines from Benmarl Winery, Brotherhood Winery, Millbrook Vineyards, Robibero Family Vineyards, Stoutridge Vineyard, and Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery

   

Cabot Creamery Cooperative – Cabot New York Vintage, Cabot New York Extra Sharp, and McCadam Empire Pepperjack Cheeses                                     

Mercer's Dairy – Strawberry Sparkling, Spice, Chocolate Cabernet, and Red Raspberry Chardonnay Wine Ice Creams 

North Country Specialties – Maple Mini's, Maple Straws, Tri-berry Jam over Philadelphia Cream Cheese with Crackers, and Sweet Tango Apples  

Seaway Trail Honey – Fresh Light Honeycomb, Three Village Cheese Company Cascadita Goat Cheese Drizzled with Light Honey, Honey Chocolate Cookies, Wixon's Honey Creamed Cinnamon and Creamed Apricot Honey on Baguettes, Catskill Provisions Honey Whiskey

Wines & Cider of the Thousand Islands – from Coyote Moon Vineyards, Kaneb Orchards, Thousand Islands Winery, and Tug Hill Vineyards 

Dessert & Ice Wines of New York – A selection of award-winning wines from Dr. Konstantin Frank, Harbes Family Farm & Vineyard, Heron Hill Winery, Hunt Country Vineyards, Lakewood Vineyards, Penguin Bay Winery, Sheldrake Point Winery, Thirsty Owl Wine Company, and Tug Hill Vineyards

New York Wine & Culinary Center – Charcuterie Board of Local Meats, Cheeses, and Accompaniments; Chocolate Bark with Seneca Salt. Ingredients sourced from Bostrom Farms, Ithaca Water Buffalo, First Light Farm & Creamery, Muranda Cheese Co., Old Chatham Sheep Herding Co, Artesian Foods, Jake's Gouda, The Piggery, Lively Run Goat Dairy Farm & Creamery, Oak & Osage Farm, Italy Hill Produce, Shimmering Light Farm, Doan Family Farms, Seneca Salt Co., and Luke's Mill Creek Farm

Wines of the Finger Lakes – from Atwater Estate Vineyards, Dr. Konstantin Frank, Fox Run Vineyards, Lakewood Vineyards, Lucas Vineyards, Red Newt Cellars, and Swedish Hill Winery

Wines, Spirits & Ciders of the Finger Lakes – A selection of award-winning products from Anthony Road Winery, Billsboro Winery, Buttonwood Grove Winery, Honeoye Falls Distillery, Hosmer Winery, Knapp Winery, Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars, Owera Vineyards, Penguin Bay Winery, Silver Thread Vineyard, and Wagner Vineyards

Chobani – All natural Greek yogurt

Cornell University – Consider Bardwell Rupert Reserve, Nettle Meadow Kunik, and Cornell University's Charter Day Cheddar Cheese

National Grape Cooperative/Welch's – Concord Grape Juice, and Red and White Sparkling Grape Juice 

Upstate Niagara Cooperative – Non-fat Greek Yogurt; Intense Vanilla, Chocolate, Strawberry, and Flavor of the Month milks

  

Wines of Lake Erie and Niagara – A selection of award-winning wines from 21 Brix Winery, Black Willow Winery, Johnson Estate Winery, Leonard Oakes Estate Winery, Liberty Vineyards & Winery, and Schulze Vineyards & Winery 

Food Network – Chilled Tomato Soup with Corn Relish and Kale, and Goat Cheese Bread.  Ingredients sourced from Kelder's Farm & U-Pick, Flying Pigs Farm, Sycamore Farms, Painted Goat Farm, Hudson Valley Fresh

New York Apple Association – Fresh New York Apples and Red Jacket Orchards Cider    

New York State Maple Producers – Soft Maple Sugar Shapes 

  

 

    

Nineteen Farm Businesses Receive State Grants

From New York State Ag and Markets:

The New Farmers Grant Fund is providing more than $610,000 in grants to help support new and early-stage agricultural businesses across New York state. 

Nineteen businesses were awarded grants Wednesday, May 20. The grant fund, enacted in the 2014-15 budget, will be used to assist early-stage farmers and encourage them to consider farming as a career, adding to the continued growth of New York’s agricultural sector. 

This money will allow these farmers to employ the use of innovative agricultural techniques on commercial farm operations throughout the state.
The award recipients, by region, are:
Western New York

· H & H Meadows, Cattaraugus County: $43,219 · Providence Creek Farm, Erie County: $15,104

Southern Tier

· Painted Goat Farm, Otsego County: $29,121 · Mauer's Mountain Farms, Delaware County: $50,000

Finger Lakes

· Silver Thread Vineyard, Seneca County: $20,123

Central New York

· Main Street Farms, Cortland County: $33,000 · New Moon Farms, Madison County: $50,000 · Common Thread CSA, Madison County: $23,969

Mohawk Valley

· Arabeth Farm, Herkimer County: $50,000 · Falls Pride Dairy, Oneida County: $32,765

North Country

· Blue Pepper Farm, Essex County: $34,000 · Full and By Farm, Essex County: $18,576 · Fledging Crow Vegetables, Essex County: $37,248

Hudson Valley

· Alewife Farm, Dutchess County: $16,332 · Yellow Bell Farm, Dutchess County: $50,000 · Raven & Boar, Columbia County: $50,000 · Ironwood Farm, Columbia County: $17,748

Long Island

· Condzella Hops, Suffolk County: $17,009 · Browder's Birds, Suffolk County: $22,045

Empire State Development, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture and Markets, is administering the fund and has received more than 100 applications for the program. 

Projects were scored competitively based on specific criteria, including demonstration of project readiness. Grant funds will be used for project costs associated with the expansion of production, construction of farm buildings, purchase of equipment and seed, or upgrades to increase efficiency and boost production. 

“I couldn’t be happier with the number of applications that were submitted for the New Farmers Grant Fund, indicating there is truly an excitement around agriculture in New York state," said Ag and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball. 

"The next generation of farmers are passionate and driven, and have the opportunity to use innovative solutions to expand their operations. With some assistance from New York state, these farmers will now be able to grow, benefiting the agriculture economy for years to come,” Ball said.

Governor Cuomo and the legislature committed an additional $1 million in the 2015-2016 New York State Budget to support a second round of the New Farmers Grant Fund program in an effort to continue to expand New York State’s agriculture industry.

“Having access to capital to either start or grow a farm is one of the greatest challenges facing new farmers today, and today's announcement will help the recipients clear that hurdle," said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau. "Ultimately, these grants are an investment into New York agriculture. The farms support their local, rural economies upstate and on Long Island and will contribute to the state's rich agricultural history."

State FFA Convention May 14 to 16 in Morrisville

News from Morrisville State College:

More than 1,000 high school students and future New York state agricultural leaders will come to  Morrisville State College May 14 to 16 for the State FFA Convention.

The convention, which helps the next generation of agricultural leaders reach their goals, features a line-up of motivational and informational presentations, as well as competitions. 

Students will have the opportunity to explore a career show, attend leadership and career workshops and view an array of exhibits.

There will also be campus and industry tours and concerts including a performance by country artists, the Beadle Brothers.  

Career development contests, planned throughout the day May 15, include: agricultural communications, veterinary science, agricultural issues, marketing plan, job interview, food science and more. 

Charles Ax, host site coordinator and Morrisville State College collegiate FFA adviser, said presenters from all over the country will be speaking throughout the event, which features high school students in grades nine through 12. 

Speakers include Ryan Porter, “Make Your Own Lunch,” Victoria Maloch, National FFA secretary from Arkansas and Tracee Schiebel, of Vernon, Miss Mohawk Valley 2015.

Additional guests include state FFA officers from nine other states including, Utah, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

Most attendees have earned their way competing at local, regional, and sub-state levels. The top students from the state convention will go on to represent New York and compete at the national competition. 

In addition to students, nearly 400 volunteers will also be assisting in the convention, along with judges who include Morrisville faculty and staff, high school teachers from various FFA districts, and business and industry leaders and personnel. 

For a list of competitions: visit http://www.nysffa.org/students/competitions-93814/careerdevelopmentevents/200-state-convention-cdes.

Training on Hiring Employees Set for January, February

Cornell Cooperative Extension is offering training later this month help farmers who will be hiring their first employees in 2015.

This beginners course topics cover payroll accounting, minimum wage, withholding, general work agreements, worker’s compensation, unemployment insurance, youth hiring rules and rates, termination, quarterly and annual report filing requirements. 

OSHA safety regulations, dangerous jobs, Right to Know and training will also be covered.

“There are several critical considerations to put in pace before you take on employees. Those attending this course will receive a To-Do list and a set of resources to prepare them for hiring,” says workshop co-organizer Anita Deming with CCE Essex County. “Learning how to properly manage workers can expand your earning potential exponentially.”

Deming notes that even if a farm owner hires a professional to help with employment forms and government reporting requirements it is wise for the farm owner to have a working knowledge of what is legally required for hiring and employee management.

The Hiring Your First Employee workshops are set for:

7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday Jan. 14, Plattsburgh, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 6064 Route 22 Suite 5; register with 518-561-7450

1 to 3 p.m., Thursday Jan. 15, Westport, Cornell Cooperative Extension, 3 Sisco St; register with 518-962-4810 x0

1 to 3 p.m., Friday Jan. 16, Malone, Soil and Water Conservation District Office, 151 Finney Blvd; register with 518-483-7403.

Workshops will be held in February in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. 

For more information, contact Anita Deming, 518-962-4810 x409, ald6@cornell.edu or Peggy Murray with Cornell Cooperative Extension Lewis County, 315-376-5270, mlm40@cornell.edu.