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Page 14 Grassroots January 2009
THE FACE
of New York Agriculture
Margaret Beeman,
Broken Wheel Ranch,
Millerton
What’s the full range of things you do
in your equine business?
I am an equine appraiser, consultant, clinician,
and trainer.
Here at the ranch I train horses and their
owners to reach whatever goal they have
chosen.
I board horses, take horses in training,
and give clinics and workshops.
How and when did you get into this
work?
I grew up on our family’s ranch in
Litchfield County, Connecticut — a third
generation horsewoman. My father
bought nine untrained pony stallions for
my brother and me to learn our skills on.
My brother and I traveled the tri-state
horse show and rodeo circuit, trick riding,
and competing in both English and
Western riding, and driving to promote
the sale of ponies.
Do you have any employees? How
many?
I have two part-time employees.
Who were your mentors as you grew
into this?
My dad and a few old horsemen he
knew: Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, Buck
Brannaman, and Peter Campbell. John
Lyons taught me to how to teach. Ray
Hunt brought me the gift of going where
I had to go to understand the horse.
What do you see as the near-term and
long-term outlook for the equine industry
of New York?
I think the New York horse industry will
fair well in these hard times. Prices may
drop and entries may also, but horse folks
will always have horses, they will just be
more conscience of their spending like
everyone else.
Aside from the horse business, what
hobbies do you have?
I used to play upright bass and sing in a
bluegrass band before I became deaf. Now
I enjoy being outdoors, gardening.
Read any good books lately?
I like adventure and suspense and read
to relax in the evenings.
Any magazines you read regularly?
Western Horseman, Eclectic Horseman,
Practical Horseman, and Psychology
Today.
What other organizations or civic
activities are you involved with?
I belong to the American Association of
Equine Appraisers, The American Paint
Horse Association, The Dutchess County
Professional Horseman’s Association, and
work with 4-H and Pony Clubs
Why do you think it is important to
be a Farm Bureau member?
Because it’s important to know about
the industry you have chosen to make
your living in and to have the support of a
large and knowledgeable organization
which will speak on your behalf when you
need them to.
Anything you’d like to add?
Farming and agriculture are not only a
unique and multi-faceted industry. It’s a
way of life that has its roots deep in the
beginning of this country.
I give thanks to those beginnings and to
my forefathers and mentors for giving me
the knowledge and ability to make it
through these tough times with pride and
confidence.
JOHN LINCOLN presents the Distinguished Service to Agriculture award to Sen. Joseph
L. Bruno, R-Brunswick, above, and Rich Jerome, below, with his wife, Mary.
NYFB honors Bruno,
volunteer Rich Jerome
ALBANY —Sen. Joseph L. Bruno, R-
Brunswick, and Rich Jerome of Ontario
County were honored for Distinguished
Service to Agriculture, New York Farm
Bureau’s most prestigious award, on
Wednesday, Dec. 10, at the organization’s
State Annual Meeting.
In presenting the awards, retiring Farm
Bureau President John Lincoln said, “The
Distinguished Service Award is one of the
highest honors that can be bestowed on a
member of the agricultural family. We are
fortunate this year to have two very deserving
recipients.”
Bruno served 32 years as a New York State
Senator for the 43rd district and 13 years as
Senate Majority Leader. His commitment to
agriculture through his many years leading
the Senate helped to ensure a more positive
business climate for farmers and recognition
for the industry as a major revenue generator
for the state of New York. He retired
from the Senate in July, 2008.
For many years, Bruno expressed his desire
to partner with New York Farm Bureau on
various issues and this proved to be a successful
relationship. From including agricultural
cooperatives in the Empire Zones program,
to funding for the New York Farm
Viability Institute, the senator was always
committed to including agriculture as a
strong component of economic development.
Also under his leadership, hundreds of legislative
proposals favorable to agriculture
passed the New York State Senate and others
that would have hurt agriculture were
defeated. The industry would not be as
strong today without his vision and dedication.
Rich Jerome has been a volunteer and
advocate for Farm Bureau for more than 30
years. Jerome and his wife, Mary, reside in
Naples, where they recently celebrated 50
years of their u-pick grape operation. Their
farm market also sells raspberries, strawberries
and other vegetables.
Jerome served on many committees of
New York Farm Bureau to help advance the
mission of the organization, but most
notably are his service to the Promotion and
Education Committee and the NYFB
Foundation for Agricultural Education. He
was also New York’s representative to
American Farm Bureau Federation’s national
fruit committee and served as its chair.
Jerome has served on both the Ontario
County Farm Bureau Board of Directors
and as a New York Farm Bureau Director for
District 3.
In addition to his work with Farm Bureau,
Jerome has been a great spokesman for the
grape and fruit industry and currently serves
on the NY Wine and Grape Foundation
board. He is also involved to his community
and serves on Ontario County’s Farmland
Protection Board and Agricultural
Enhancement Board.