Commissioner Ball Wants More Upstate Farm Products in NYC

Go to http://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2014/12/29/duly-noted-agriculture-commissioner-pushes-greater.html to check out the story.

Is California Egg Law the Wave of the Future for Farming?

Interesting story about egg law and the future of farming.

Go to http://www.agweb.com/blog/The_Farm_CPA_243/is_california_egg_law_the_wave_of_the_future_for_farming/ to check it out.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from the Empire State Farming blog!!

Farmers Work Every Day -- Even Christmas

I put this on my Facebook page this morning, but also wanted to put it on here.

I was at Stewart's in Adams getting a coffee this morning and a gentleman came in after me, also getting a cup of coffee. 

The employee was pleasant and wished us a Merry Christmas. Then she asked the man if he had to work tomorrow. 

He said "I work every day." She said "what do you do?" He said "I'm a farmer." 

God bless the farmers and remember them tomorrow as you are relaxing around your tree. They are probably out milking cows or doing some other chore. 

A farmer's work is never done.

New York Farmers Did Well in 2013

In case you needed it, here's more proof that New York IS agriculture.

New York's farmers set record sales in 2013.

The state's farmers brought in nearly $5.7 billion in 2013, compared to $5.5 billion in 2012.

Cash receipts for crops, livestock and other raw agricultural products were up, according to numbers calculated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

More than half of the receipts were for livestock, dairy and poultry items, with the rest coming from the sale of crops such as corn, fruits and vegetables.
 
The numbers don't include sales of products derived from New York agriculture, such as cheese, wine or cider.
 
Overall receipts in the U.S. were down slightly in 2013 to $401 billion from nearly $405 billion the year before.

“The newly released USDA sales numbers for 2013 are proof of the value of agriculture to New York state," said Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau.

"Hard work, farmer innovation, world markets, and a commitment from New York state have boosted overall farm sales yet again. The new numbers reveal cash receipts for last year total $5.67 billion, up more than $200 million from the previous year. This is money that goes right back into the rural communities supporting local jobs," Norton said.

New Members Named to National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection

The following are new members of the National Advisory Committee on Meat and Poultry Inspection  for the 2014-2016 term:

Dr. Michael Crupain, Consumer Product Safety and Sustainability; George Wilson, Wilson & Associates, LLC; Dr. Tanya Roberts, Center for Foodborne Illness Research and Prevention; Kurt Brandt, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union; Dr. Dustin Oedekoven, South Dakota Animal Industry Board; Dr. Krzysztof Mazurczak, Illinois Department of Agriculture; Michael Frances Link Jr., Ohio Department of Agriculture; Dr. Manpreet Singh, Purdue University; Dr. Randall K. Phebus, Kansas State University; Dr. Patricia Curtis, Auburn University; Brian Sapp, White Oak Pastures, Inc.; Sherri Jenkins, JBS, USA, LLC; Dr. Betsy Booren, American Meat Institute; Dr. Alice Johnson, Butterball, LLC.

Returning members are: Sherika Harvey, Mississippi Department of Agriculture; Dr. Carol L. Lorenzen, University of Missouri; Dr. Michael L. Rybolt, Hillshire Brands Company; Dr. John A. Marcy, University of Arkansas; and Christopher A. Waldrop, Consumer Federation of America.

Established in 1971, the 17-member advisory committee meets on food safety concerns and advises the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture on matters affecting federal and state inspection program activities. It also contributes to USDA's regulatory policy development.

The new members were announced by Agriculture Secretary Thomas Vilsack.

Time is Running Out to Find that Perfect New York Christmas Tree

Only seven days (counting today) to get out and buy that fresh, New York-grown Christmas tree.

There are many Christmas tree farms throughout the state and buying local not only supports local farm businesses, it also assures you have the freshest tree possible. Fresh cut trees smell better and keep their needles longer.

“If purchased locally, and displayed properly with plenty of water, most real Christmas trees have excellent needle retention. Many of our customers report few or no needles on the floor after several weeks in their homes. While most people enjoy the aroma of our farm fresh trees, we also grow a fragrance-free variety that is a favorite with people with sensitive noses,” said Faye Beckwith from Beckwith Family Christmas Tree Station in Hannibal, Oswego County.

“Real Christmas trees are the best choice for both the environment and the economy. Real Christmas trees are a renewable and recyclable resource," she said. "They are grown as a crop, by local farmers who provide jobs for others. Trees are harvested and replenished annually. As they grow, real trees absorb harmful carbons and produce fresh oxygen. “

Buying a fresh and local Christmas tree is also a great bonding experience for families. 

“The experience of going to the farm to choose the perfect tree fosters family traditions and creates memories that last a lifetime," Beckwith said. "We have several four generation families who come annually to ride the tractor-drawn wagon to the fields - in search of the perfect tree.”          

To find a Christmas tree farmer near you, go to www.christmastreesny.org  

Then click on Real Trees at the top of the page and then go to Find a Tree.