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

Local Producers Can Taste Test Products at Fort Drum Commissary

Here is some important information from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County:

Are you a producer trying to market a value added product? 

As part of the Food Hub Initiative Cornell Cooperative Extension and Food Venture Advisors (FVA) invite you to participate in a taste-testing of your product to a potentially significant market – Military Commissaries in the North East.

Northern New York producers making/marketing eligible products will lead the way by showcasing their value added foods at a taste testing in the Fort Drum Commissary from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 17.

Food Venture Advisors is searching for high quality, value added products that can meet required year round quantity and food safety standards and which contain mostly locally produced ingredients.  Producers will be asked to supply samples of their products to FVA.   

Samples should be delivered to CCE – Jefferson no later than Nov. 1. Examples of value added products include locally produced cheeses, pickled vegetables, jams, jellies, meat jerky, mustards etc. 

Producers with products that meet the criteria will be notified and should deliver their samples and for-sale products to the FVA warehouse at 200 Howk St., Watertown on Nov. 14. 

Products will be evaluated to ensure the product meets required quality, ingredients, packaging, production history, estimated capacity, etc.  

On the day of the event, FVA will transport all products to the Commissary in refrigerated vehicles.   Any unused products can be returned to CCE Jefferson office for producers to pick up after the event.   

Producers are invited to attend and participate at the event and will be carpooled onto the Fort from CCE – Jefferson Office starting at 9 a.m. Producers will be allowed to sell their product during the tasting. However, samples are not reimbursable. 

Please bring your own sample spoons, cups, napkins, plates, signage, etc. The Commissary will provide: tables, trash, staff and marketing.

Products which attract significant interest at the event will be selected by the Commissary staff.  Selected products will be stocked on a limited basis and distributed by FVA to the Fort Drum Commissary.   

Note: as with any retail opportunity distribution fees and retail markups apply. However, Commissaries generally mark up products only 5 percent. 

For more information contact Remy Cline at (315) 789-0042.

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Benefits Available Now

Farmers' Market Nutrition Program benefits are now available for eligible families and seniors across the state. 

The program provides checks to be redeemed at participating farmers' markets and farm stands now through the end of November for the purchase of fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables. 

In addition, eligible New Yorkers can use their checks at even more farm stands this year. The number of farm stands participating in the program has nearly doubled in two years, from 40 in 2015 to 77 so far this year.

"Increasing awareness and accessibility to healthy, nutritious food is critical to the health and well being of families across the state," said Gov. Andrew Cuomo. "When New Yorkers eat fresh, local produce, it not only makes for healthier communities, but spurs the state's agricultural industry, creating a stronger New York for all."

Farmers Market Nutrition Program 

A total of $6 million in FMNP benefits are available to families through the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children. 

About 250,000 booklets consisting of six $4.00 checks, or a total of $24, will be distributed this year, allowing for the purchase of fresh, locally-grown fruits and vegetables from over 900 farmers vending at over 600 farmers' markets and farm stands across the state.

Checks are available to eligible families at nearly 400 sites across New York State and at WIC clinic locations. A pocket folder with instructions on how and where to use the checks to purchase fresh, local fruits and vegetables from farmers at the market will be included with each booklet. 

Checks can be used at participating farmers' markets and farm stands through November 30 of this year.

Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program

The $2.5 million Senior FMNP provides checks to eligible individuals age 60 and older to purchase $20 worth of produce. Program benefits are provided on an individual basis instead of per household, also expanding the reach of the program to older New Yorkers. 

 

In upstate communities, checks are now available at county Offices for the Aging.

Eligible recipients must be age 60 or older and meet the income eligibility requirement$1,860 or less per month for a single or $2,504 per month for a couple — or affirm that they are currently receiving or eligible to receive Supplemental Security Income, or public assistance or Section 8 housing subsidy. Recipients cannot have received Farmers' Market Nutrition Program checks from any other location this season.

The Senior and WIC FMNP are administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, in cooperation with the state Office for the Aging and the state Department of Health. The programs are funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and New York state. Nutrition education is provided by Cornell Cooperative Extension.

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.

Farm Credit East Provides Updates on Agriculture Economic Conditions

Farm Credit East recently launched a section on its website containing snapshots for nine Northeast agriculture industries. 

These snapshots provide industry-specific year-to-date updates on economic conditions in various sectors of agriculture.
 
Snapshots are available for the Northeast’s dairy, fruit, vegetable, nursery and greenhouse, cash field, timber, aquatic/fishing, and livestock industries, as well as an update and outlook on input costs for the region’s producers. 

These snapshots will be updated on a quarterly basis and also contain links to other resources and recent articles relating to each industry.
 
The most recent update reports that overall, U.S. agriculture, as well as that of the Northeast, continues to face some challenging market conditions, but there are also a number of bright spots and some improvements are in the forecast. 

Cash field crops in particular are dealing with adverse pricing and while dairy prices are improving, there continue to be marketing challenges in some areas. Nursery and greenhouse, which have had improving economic conditions for the past few years, are reporting relatively good spring results.
 
To dive deeper into industry-specific snapshots, visit FarmCreditEast.com.

July is National Grilling Month

July is National Grilling Month.

While it's true that some people grill year-round, July is highlighted as the weather has become very nice, more people are outside and it's the perfect time for cooking outside.

According to the National Day Calendar website, "Summer is the time for the best outdoor cooking, so it is no surprise July is National Grilling Month."

Anyone thinking of grilling can buy meat at area grocery stores, locally owned meat markets or -- better yet -- find a local farmer who raises beef, pork or poultry and buy fresh meat right from them. 

That way, you not only will be getting local farm raised product, but you'll also be helping one of your neighbors by putting some money into their pockets.

So fire up that grill and get out and cook something! Oh and remember, in addition to meat, veggies also are great on the grill and those can be purchased from your local farmer too!!

NOFA-NY To Hole On-Farm Field Day in Richland

From NOFA-NY:

The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York is offering an on-farm field day called “Diversifying your Agricultural Offering: Adding Meat to your Veggies” from 3 to 6 p.m. June 20 at Grindstone Farm, County Route 28, outside Pulaski.

Dick and Lucas de Graff will discuss the challenges and successes of adding livestock to their established vegetable operation. Visitors can learn how Grindstone Farms’ diversified offerings have opened up new market doors.

Grindstone Farm, which grows 120 types of fruits and vegetables, has provided Central New York with healthy organic products for over 25 years.

Grindstone Farm is a supporter of NOFA-NY’s On Farm Skills Guide as a tool for training interns. 

NOFA-NY staff will provide a brief overview on how this tool can assist farmers in their training programs.

This event is produced by NOFA-NY with support from the New York Farm Viability Institute.

Pre-registration is encouraged. Cost is $15 per person or $25 for two or more people from the same farm. Visit www.nofany.org to register and for more information.

Market Your Products to Customers Subject of Thursday Forum

From the office of state Sen. Patty Ritchie:

State Sen. Patty Ritchie is encouraging those in the food, beverage and agriculture industries from throughout Central and Northern New York to attend a free event that will help connect them to resources that will help grow their businesses. 

Sponsored by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Empire State Development, state Department of Agriculture and Markets and Cornell University Cooperative Extension, “Access to Capital” will take place 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 25 at Jefferson Community College in Watertown. 

Participants will get an inside perspective from experts and lenders during three different panel discussions on a variety of topics, including financing, lending, alternatives to traditional bank loans and access to training and technical assistance.

“This event is the perfect way for those in agriculture-focused industries to learn about the tools and assistance available to them to help their business grow,” said Ritchie, who serves as chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “I encourage anyone who is just starting out, or looking to expand their business to attend this event.”

“Access to Capital” will take place at the Jules Center Amphitheater, located at Jefferson Community College. Breakfast and lunch will be provided to attendees.  

Following lunch will be a “resource expo,” featuring nearly 20 participants from local, state and national organizations, including area banks, the USDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension Association and the Development Authority of the North Country.

Registration is required.  To do so, go to www.ritchie.nysenate.gov this link.

In 'Local Food' Excitement, What Happened to Dairy Farmers?

Check this out https://www.northcountrypublicradio.org/news/story/33723/20170412/in-local-food-excitement-what-happened-to-dairy-farmers from North Country Public Radio.

Farmers Should Sign Up Now for Taste NY Thruway Sites

From New York Thruway Authority

The Thruway Authority and the State Department of Agriculture and Markets  encourages farmers across New York state to sign up to sell their products at service areas along the Thruway this season.
 
For years, New York state has been committed to showcasing some of its finest vendors and their products. From locally grown fruits and vegetables to some of the most superb cheese and herbs in the northeast, promoting these products to travelers continues to be a priority.
 
“Providing motorists with exceptional service in every aspect of our system is paramount in all that we do,” said Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Bill Finch.
 
“Continuing to expand our Taste NY Farmers’ Markets to offer travelers access to locally grown, healthy foods while also helping to create agricultural jobs in New York is an initiative that all of us at the Thruway Authority take great pride in and I encourage farmers to take part in this program,” Finch said.
 
The Thruway Authority has outdoor farmers’ market locations at service areas across the state. Last year, nearly one dozen farmers from regions all across New York participated in the markets at 19 service areas, reaching millions of visitors who travel the Thruway throughout the spring and summer months.
 
A list of Thruway Authority service area locations is available here -- http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelers/travelplazas/index.cgi
 
“Farmers’ markets are a welcome addition to the Thruway’s service areas,” said state Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball. “They highlight each of the region’s agricultural strengths and provide our farmers a unique opportunity to connect with new consumers.
 
“Taste NY Farmers’ Markets also give travelers healthy food options and a chance to interact in person with our state’s great producers,” Ball said.
 
New York vendors interested in selling food products at Taste NY Farmers’ Markets should email TravelersServices@thruway.ny.gov for more information on how to participate this season.
 
Taste NY is an initiative launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2013 to promote New York’s food and beverage industries.
 
It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture and Markets and has created opportunities for local producers to showcase their goods at a variety of venues throughout the state and at large public events, such as the Great New York State Fair and the Barclays Tournament at Bethpage State Park. 

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.