Grassroots - New York Farm Bureau

Stone fruitindustryprofiled.Guesteditorials fromRep. Reed(right),CommissionerAubertine.GrassrootsNew York Farm BureauP.O. Box 5330Albany, NY 12205-0330PRSRT STDUS PostagePAIDALBANY, NYPERMIT #370Page 8Page 5GrassrootsWWW.NYFB.ORG THE VOICE OF NEW YORK AGRICULTURE ® August 2011Legislative session a win for farmersBy JEFF WILLIAMSjwilliams@nyfb.orgThe 2011 legislative session ended with aconsiderable bang, as many long-time unresolvedissues were addressed and approvedby the Legislature with the approval of Gov.Andrew Cuomo.THIS MONTH’S TOP STORYWhile a number of the issues that werefinalized this year were ones that New YorkFarm Bureau worked on throughout the legislativesession, some were outside of ourscope of interest.The fact that so many contentious billswere passed with three-way agreementsamong the Assembly, Senate and Gov.Cuomo is pretty amazing.So far this year, New York has approvedlegislation enacting:◆ A property tax cap and the establishmentof a mandate review council.◆ A state budget that reduced spendingby $9 billion, but increased funding for agriculturalprograms.◆ An expansion of the Linked DepositLoan Program to benefit the agriculturalindustry.◆ The creation of the Recharge-NY thatPlease see LEGISLATURE PG. 26 ➤AGRICULTURE IS ALWAYS FRONT AND CENTER at the Great New York State Fair. This year’s fair runs from Aug. 25 to Sept.5 at the Empire Expo Center in Syracuse.FAIR TIME, FARM TIMELast year just fewer than 1 million visitors passed through thegates of the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.It is likely that many of those in attendance did not think muchabout farming before their visit. Itis certain that for those fairgoers,the two-week event was an eyeopener.“The fair really tries to promoteNew York agriculture inmany different ways,” AssistantDirector Troy Waffner said. “The mostobvious is putting thousands of animals in front of hundreds ofthousands of non-farming fairgoers and letting them experience iton a small scale.“Just as importantly, right inside the main gate is the FairFarmers Market, which allows visitors to buy fresh produce andFRONT PAGE FEATUREPlease see FAIR PG. 26 ➤Future looksbright forNY DairyThe times are changing in the New Yorkdairy industry, and dairy producers of allsizes will benefit from it-from large dairyfarms to small artisan cheesemakers.Chenango County dairy processor AgroFarma, the makersof Chobani greeky o g u r t ,announced in lateJuly that they willexpand in theTown ofColumbus, creating450 new jobs. The new facility will becapable of producing cultured productssuch as yogurt and sour cream and mayexpand to include other milk-derived products.Agro Farma will invest $97 million tobuild and equip a new dairy processingfacility. Empire State Development willprovide Agro Farma with $16 million injob-creating incentives.Gov. Cuomo praised the announcement,saying, “Agro Farma's expansion inChenango County will create hundreds ofnew jobs and increase the demand for milkfrom New York dairy farms. I thank AgroFarma for their commitment to manufacturingquality products and providing meaningfulwork to hundreds of New Yorkers.”Kenneth Adams, president and CEO ofEmpire State Development also welcomedthe expansion.“Agro Farma's new project demonstratesthe strength of the Southern Tier as anattractive region for businesses to expandand invest. The company's investment inChenango County will create hundreds ofnew jobs and ensure New York remains aleader in dairy products manufacturing.”“Agro Farma has been a tremendous assetto our state's dairy farmers,” said DeanNorton, president of New York FarmBureau. “The growth of the Chobani brandhas been truly extraordinary, and we'rePlease see DAIRY PG. 26 ➤

Page 2 Grassroots August 2011AT AGLANCEUSDA sets claims processfor Hispanics, womenIf you believe that the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture improperlydenied farm loan benefits to you between1981 and 2000 because you are Hispanic, orbecause you are female, you may be eligibleto apply for compensation.You may be eligible if: 1) you sought afarm loan or farm-loan servicing fromUSDA during that period; and 2) the loanwas denied, provided late, approved for alesser amount than requested, approvedwith restrictive conditions, or USDA failedto provide an appropriate loan service; and3) you believe these actions occurredbecause you are Hispanic or female.If you want to register your name toreceive a claims package, you can call theFarmer and Rancher Call Center at 1-888-508-4429 or visit www.farmerclaims.gov.Senate Ag Committee passesNPDES Permitting BillThe Senate Agriculture Committee haspassed H.R. 872, the Reducing RegulatoryBurdens Act of 2011, in a strong bipartisanvote.The measure clarifies that NationalPollutant Discharge Elimination Systempermits are not required when applying pesticidesaccording to EnvironmentalProtection Agency-approved labels.Under a federal court ruling in 2009, pesticideapplicators would have to apply for anNPDES permit if the chemical could potentiallyreach the waters of the U.S. WhileNPDES permits will not provide any additionalenvironmental benefits above currentpesticide regulation, the complex newrequirements would add red tape andexpense for farmers and expose them to citizensuits.Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., was oneof only two senators on the committee whovoted against this Farm Bureau-supportedbill. It is not slated for any other committeereviews and is available for vote by the fullSenate. The House passed the bill on March31.AFBF commentson truck agreementWASHINGTON, D.C. — AmericanFarm Bureau Federation President BobStallman in July issued the following statementon a recent memorandum regardingMexican trucks.“The American Farm Bureau is pleasedthat a memorandum between Mexico andthe United States has been signed today,bringing an end to the long-running disputeover Mexican truck access north of the border.“This is the first step in the process forMexico to remove its retaliatory tariffs onU.S. agricultural goods, with 50 percent ofthe tariffs being lifted upon signing and theremaining tariffs being removed once thefirst Mexican truck that meets U.S. requirementsenters the United States. Mexico’sretaliation has resulted in duties rangingfrom 5 percent to 25 percent on targetedfresh and processed U.S. agricultural productsdestined for the Mexican market.“It is important that the United States liveup to its trade agreement obligations underthe North American Free Trade Agreementallowing for the cross-border delivery ofinternational cargo from Mexico into theUnited States. Any effort by Congress toprohibit this from moving forward willcause Mexico to once again put tariffs inplace, putting the burden of non-complianceback on U.S. farmers.”AFBF urges steps to easeregulatory nightmareWASHINGTON, D.C. – Congress musthelp alleviate the burden of an ever-increasingarray of federal environmental regulationson agriculture, according to ArizonaFarm Bureau President Kevin Rogers, whotestified in July before a House Energy andCommerce subcommittee. Representing theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation, Rogerstold the Subcommittee on Environment andthe Economy that the breadth and extent ofthe regulatory challenges facing U.S. agricultureare tremendous.According to Rogers, the regulations covera broad range of issues, including: Clean AirAct requirements, Clean Water Act permittingand other requirements, restrictions onpesticides and other farm in-puts and regulatoryburdens involving both crops andlivestock operations.“It is no exaggeration to say that theonslaught of federal regulations now confrontingfarmers and ranchers acrossAmerica is truly overwhelming,” saidRogers. “A farmer trying to manage his landand his crops knows one thing – the federalgovernment is making it tougher andtougher to make a living from the land.”While not all regulations can be quantified,some can, explained Rogers, and someare substantial. He outlined the followingsteps Congress can take to alleviate agriculture’sregulatory burdens:◆ The House should adopt language inthe House Interior Appropriations bill thatincorporates the provisions of H.R. 910, abill that would allow Congress, not theEnvironmental Protection Agency, to determinehow to regulate greenhouse gases.◆ Congress should adopt language thatwould prevent EPA from regulating agriculturaldust, forcing many rural areas intonon-attainment status.◆ Congress should approve H.R. 2458,which would provide a realistic interval forupdating national ambient air quality standards(NAAQS).Asian trade fuelsdairy demandAsia's growing appetite for pizza andcheeseburgers means the U.S. is exportingthe most cheese ever, boosting commoditycosts for companies including Kraft FoodsInc. and Costco Wholesale Corp.Wholesale cheddar-cheese prices have rallied53 percent this year as the U.S. shippedmore than twice as much to Asia in the firstfour months of 2011 as a year earlier, U.S.Dairy Export Council data show. SouthKorea, the region's biggest buyer, almosttripled imports while China's more thandoubled.— Bloomberg News

August 2011 Grassroots Page 3Policy development process beginsBecome active in education at county fairsMid-summer and out here in westernNew York it's drying up fast. No rain inweeks, while a few months ago we weredrenched. The risks of farming betweencommodity pricing and Mother Nature canbe extreme, but it is one of the most rewardingoccupations.We can all takepride in being ableto be part of producingfood for others,despite the risks.This time of yearis one of outreachand education forthe farm community—asthe countyfair season is in fullDEAN NORTON swing. Look forNYFB PRESIDENTyour county FarmNORTON’S Bureau booths andseek out opportunitiesto participate inADDRESSagricultural educationevents. It's critical to help the publicunderstand what goes into producing thelocal foods that everyone loves to talk about.NYFB will also have a significant presenceat Empire Farm Days and the Great NewYork State Fair this year, so please swing byour booths and visit with our staff and leaders.It's also the time of year when we startthe most important season in the FarmBureau at all levels—policy development.This issue contains several suggested discussiontopics for you to consider, including thecritical immigration and E-Verify issue, aswell as seeking suggestions from you onways to help inform Governor Cuomo'sSummer is one of my favorite times of theyear. For me, it is Mother Nature’s way oftelling us to pull in the reins and calm our pace.Humorist James Dent summed it up perfectlywhen he said, “A perfect summer dayis when the sun is shining, the breeze isblowing, the birds are singing and the lawnmower is broken.” In essence, it’s time toslow down and enjoyour blessings.For me, summer isa time to take pleasuresin my family,the outdoors, theheat—coming fromTexas, the hotter thesummer the better—and of course, thefood. It’s a time toBOB STALLMANAFBF PRESIDENTVIEWFROM D.C.savor all that the seasonhas to offer.Bring on the ’queIn my mind, nothingsays summermore than a backyardbarbeque.There’s nothing better than fresh corn-onthe-cob,potato salad and a juicy steak orchop. Barbecuing is a means of bringingtogether family and friends, as well as anexcuse for us to proudly show off our finelytuned ability to cook meat over a blazing fire.Backyard barbecues are as much a summertradition as cooling off in the water sprinkler,eating ice cream from a truck or cheeringon your favorite baseball team.According to a national study by Weber,outdoor grilling has increased 22 percentthis year. The study also shows that 71 percentof all Americans own an outdoor grill.To me, this says that while the economy is stillclimbing its way back up, Americans are turningmore to at-home entertainment and diningrather than eating out. And as always, America’sfarmers and ranchers are ready to provide all ofthe ingredients, along with the fixins.American grownGrowing up in Texas, nothing was betterthan a rib-eye fresh off the grill. While awhopping 96 percent of all Americans grillburgers according to Weber, I prefer a big,juicy steak any day.But as we sit down to our grilled meats(whatever your preference), potato salad andwatermelon this summer, we need to keep inmind that we are able to feed our familiessafe and wholesome food because ofAmerica’s farmers and ranchers.A monthly reminder of deadlines and detailsTo Do ListAdministration on the regulatory and policybarriers to expanding our farms.But these issues are only suggestionsfrom us for you to consider, and I've foundover the years that the best policy developmentideas come straight from our farmfamilies.Several years ago an apple farmer wantedto start a distillery to use slightly bruisedapples to produce vodka to help supplementthe farm income. That original idea wasput into the NYFB policy book, implementedinto law with the help of some legislativefriends, now there's over a dozenfarm-distillers in New York. This idea didn'tcome from us—it came from you, ourmembers, and led to increased business andprofitability for those farms that chose topursue this opportunity.And that's the real reason for the FarmBureau system—to provide opportunitiesfor farmers to grow and expand their business,and to protect farm families in NewYork from a harsh or unfair regulatory andtax climate.So send us your ideas, and participate in acounty Farm Bureau policy developmentmeeting. Your organization is only as effectivein advocating for you as you make us -so your input is critical and don't feel constrainedonly to provide feedback on theissues we have surfaced for discussion.Click on www.nyfb.org for more informationon our policy issues, in addition towhat you find in this issue of Grassroots.Meantime, I encourage you all to keeppurchasing our locally produced foods, andshopping our wonderful farmers' marketsand farm stands this summer and fall. Ihope to see many of you out on the fair circuit,as well as at Empire FarmDays thismonth.DeanFire up your grill, it’s summertimeFor example, Indiana farmer Heather Hillsells select pork products at her niche market,The Pork Shoppe. Using several hogs from herfamily’s pork farm, she provides local residentswith farm-fresh chops and other pork cuts. Andbecause of fruit growers like Michigan farmerBen LaCross and his family, who grow cherries,plums and apples on their 600-acre orchard andsell them nationally, we can all enjoy America’sbest summer desserts—fruit pies.Whether you find your barbeque ingredientsat your grocery store or local farmers’market, you can bet it was grown with prideby U.S. farmers. So, fire up the grilland tie on your aprons,summertime is here.BobAction More Info Deadline❏ Visit NYFB tent at www.empirefarmdays.org Aug. 9-11Empire Farm Days❏ Attend the New York State Fair www.nysfair.org Aug. 25-Sept. 5❏ Attend your county fair www.agmkt.state.ny.us This summer❏ Attend county policy County Farm Bureau August &development meetings or Field Advisor September❏ NYFB Foundation www.nyfbfoundation.org Sept. 13Golf TournamentGrassrootsAugust 2011Grassroots is published monthly byNew York Farm Bureau as a memberservice. Production services byAtticus Communications, Inc.Subscriptions are available throughNew York Farm Bureau membership.Non-member subscription rate is $12.MAILING ADDRESS106 Main StreetGreenwich, NY 12834EDITORPeter Greggpgregg@nyfb.orgACCOUNT MANAGERScott Keyesskeyes@atticusinc.comREADER SERVICESKim Briggskbriggs@atticusinc.comPHONE/FAXPhone: (518) 692-2204Fax: (518) 692-2205NEW YORK FARM BUREAUMAILING ADDRESSP.O. Box 5330Albany, NY 12205PHONE/WEB SITEPhone: 1-800-342-4143Web site: www.nyfb.orgfacebook.com/NYFarmBureauMANAGEMENTJeffery Kirby ........Executive DirectorJulie Suarez ..................Public PolicyElizabeth Dribusch ........Legal AffairsKevin Cook............Member ServicesFred Perrin ..........Member RelationsPaul McDowell ..Fin & Info SystemsSandra Prokop ....NYFB FoundationNYFB BOARDOF DIRECTORSDean Norton ....................President........................Elba, (716) 474-3901Eric Ooms ................Vice President..........Old Chatham, (518) 392-9594Hal Kreher..........................District 1....Clarence Center, (716) 741-8781Paul Bencal........................District 2............Ransomville, (716) 216-4039Jonathan Taylor..................District 3..................Newark, (315) 331-0760Ashur Terwilliger ................District 4..................Lowman, (607) 733-3957Darrell Griff ........................District 5................Hamilton, (315) 691-9635Eric Behling ......................District 6....................Mexico, (315) 963-8160Robert Gleason ................District 7....................Malone, (518) 483-1308Jay Skellie..........................District 8....................Salem, (518) 854-7883Richard Ball ......................District 9..............Schoharie, (518) 295-7139Charles Larsen ................District 10..........Germantown, (518) 537-6586Kenneth Schmitt ..............District 11....................Melville, (631) 249-2616Ann Peck ..........Chair of Promotion..............and Education Committee..................Newark, (315) 331-7791Andrea Schultz ..Chair,Young Farmers..............and Ranchers Committee............Ransomville, (716) 622-0279REGIONAL OFFICESWestern NY Resource Center877-383-7663 or 585-343-3489Central NY Office866-995-7300 or 315-252-1367Eastern NY Office866-995-7300 or 518-854-7368Long Island Office631-727-3777

Page 4 Grassroots August 2011Local food guidance issued for schoolsBy NICOLE WILLISnwillis@nyfb.orgIn the 2008 Farm Bill, the NationalSchool Lunch Act was amended to encourageinstitutions operating Child NutritionPrograms to sue a geographic preference(specification of region where food isgrown/harvested) when purchasing food.This was intended to increase flexibility ofthe program, not cost.AFBF and NYFB have long supportedefforts to increase the availability of localfoods in schools. The U.S. Department ofAgriculture (USDA) issued guidelines toschools that for the first time allow schoolsto establish a geographic preference inUSDA-sponsored school food programs.Locally produced food is often competitivelypriced with food bought through thenational wholesale system. Depending onlocation and seasonal considerations, localand regional farmers may be selling theirproduce at prices that are the same as, slightlylower or slightly higher than those ofwholesalers who purchase food in thenational marketplace. The use of a geographicpreference does not allow the schoolto increase the prices paid for the food, butit does allow for the specification of locallygrown products.USDA will not define the geographic areathat is considered to be local; the decision willbe left to the purchasing institution, such as aschool food authority (SFA) making the purchaseor the state agency making purchaseson behalf of SFAs. These institutions mayspecifically identify the geographic area withinwhich unprocessed locally raised and locallygrown agricultural products will originate.However, the purchasing institution mustnot define local in a manner that unnecessarilyrestricts free and open competition.Geographic preference in procurementwill not preclude a bidder from outside thespecified geographic area from competingfor, and possibly being awarded, the contractsubject to geographic preference. Thepreference applies to the unprocessed locallygrown and raised agricultural product; it isirrelevant whether the bidder's business isincorporated or has a principal place of businessin the state.This effort attempts to expand the use oflocally grown products. It contributes to thelocal economy and businesses within thearea. Not only are farms of all sizes and commoditiesable to benefit from the inclusionof a geographic preference, but it gives buyersan initiative to buy healthier and fresherfoods from the area. When food servicedirectors make a decision to purchase productgrown in the area, not only do they buyfresh, nutritious produce - they also help tosupport farmers and the region's agriculture.Buying local creates a win-win-win situationfor children, farmers and the community.National Grid grant program helps farmers saveBy ADAM SPECHTaspecht@nyfb.ortWith energy efficiency becoming a keypriority for New York agriculture, NationalGrid hopes to help farmers save money andconserve natural resources through theirAgri-Business Productivity program.The Agri-Business Productivity programprovides farmers with rebates to help coverthe installation costs of renewable energydevices. Agribusiness customers can applyfor a variety of upgrades, including energyefficient lighting and ventilation and renewableenergy generation devices, includinganaerobic digesters and solar panels.According to Jim Stapleton, National Grid’smanager of efficiency and large business programs,the company found that farmers hadbecome a neglected customer class.“Our account reps would always focus oncommercial customers—schools, hospitalsand private sector industry—or we’d focuson residential areas or large industrials,”Stapleton said. “We wanted to penetrateinto agribusiness in upstate, so we broughtin this program specifically for them.”To be eligible for the program, one mustbe a dairy farmer or milk processing facilitythat currently receives electric or natural gasservice from National Grid. Grants will beavailable until Dec. 31, 2011, or until theprogram’s funding has been fully expended.The amount of the grant is dependent onthe total capital investment made by theproducer on the energy efficiency projectand is subject to review by National Grid.Despite the large capital investment neededto adopt energy efficient technology,Stapleton said the savings will eventuallycover the startup expenses—and pay dividendsdown the road.“We know cost is an issue,” Stapleton said.“All of our measures are screened for costeffectiveness. We’re bringing this down toprobably a one-year to 18-month payback onmost measures. The savings are over the life ofthe measure, which can be anywhere from 8to 15 years depending on the equipment.”Though the initial focus of the Agri-Business Productivity program is on thedairy sector, National Grid has receivedinterest from other types of operations,including apple orchards and potato farms.“We’re looking to expand,” Stapleton said.“It’s a broad based program, and it can serveall sectors.”Currently, 12 farms are participating in theprogram, and National Grid is eager to addto that number. The program is a work inprogress—once the current grant periodconcludes at the end of the year, NationalGrid will review its results and adjust theprogram to ensure optimal cost effectiveness.For more information about NationalGrid’s Agri-Business Productivity program,or to apply online, visitwww.shovelready.com/programs.asp, andselect “Agri Business Productivity” under theEnergy Efficiency heading.Food Policy Council meetsThe New York State Council on FoodPolicy convened this past June at the Capitolin Albany. The Council was created by theGovernor's office in 2007 in an effort to recognizethat agriculture is a critically importantindustry to New York State, thathunger is a serious problem facing manyfamilies, that access to affordable, fresh andnutritious food is a serious problem, andthat there are significant environmental,health and economic benefits from expandingagriculture production, including locally-grownand organically-grown food.New York State Agriculture and MarketsCommissioner Aubertine chaired the councilmeeting and led the group throughimportant discussions surrounding topicssuch as healthy food initiatives, farmer'smarket initiatives, nutrition guidelines andreactions to farm bill findings.Alongside the Commissioner was NYFBalong with other Council members such asEmpire State Development Corporation,Office of Temporary Disabilities,Department of State, Department ofHealth, Farmers Market Federation of NY,and numerous other organizations concernedwith food and nutrition issuesthroughout New York.The Council has been moving forward onissues such as geographic preference, growthof food distribution points in the city, andnutrition standards throughout New York.New York Farm Bureau continues tostrongly advocate for local agriculturalinvolvement through many of these issues.Farms have an opportunity in many of thesediscussions to be considered as a localoption and thus boosting the local economy.Commissioner Aubertine has held numerousfarm bill meetings throughout the statein recent months, including a farm bill discussionon the nutrition title comments.Main concerns that have arisen from severalcouncil meetings include funding andbenefits for SNAP (supplemental nutritionassistance program), tracking and evaluationof the farm to school program, research andinvestment in food hubs, expanding farmers'market promotion programs and projects,assistance with geographic preferencepurchasing and reinstatement of potatoes,beans and peas as healthy in the USDAnutrition guidelines.The council will continue to meet onthese important issues under CommissionerAubertine's leadership. NYFB will work toensure that farmers have a voice in all foodpolicy decisions.Ag Society awards open for nominationsThe New York State Agricultural Societyimproves our state’s agriculture througheducation, leadership development, andrecognition programs.The deadline for the society’s annualawards is Sept. 1.The awards recognize a wide array of individualswho have impacted New York agriculturethrough their excellent farm operations,outstanding journalism, commendablebusiness work or lifelong service to thefarm community.Categories include: Farm Safety Awards (2Awards- $500 per farm); “Cap” CrealJournalism Competition; Bicentennial FarmAwards; Business of the Year Awards (2Categories- Production Agriculture & AgBusiness); Ag Promotion Awards (2Categories- Individual & Group);Distinguished Service Citation.The New York Agricultural Society hasbeen strengthening our state’s agriculturesince 1832 If you would like to apply ornominate someone to receive an award, visitwww.nysagsociety.org. For more information,contact Executive Secretary PennyHeritage at penny@nysagsociety.org or 518-384-1715.

August 2011 Grassroots Page 5GUEST OPINIONSA great timefor agriculturein New YorkREP. THOMAS REED, R-CORNING, right visits John Lincoln’s Linholm Dairy inBloomfield, Ontario County. Lincoln, center, a past president of New York Farm Bureau,talked about the importance of immigration reform and how detrimental the mandatory E-Verify bill pending in the House of Representatives will be on farmers. He noted that whilehis family farm is lucky enough to have the support of his children, including daughterJulie Pellet, left, many farms must rely on migrant workers to help care for their animalsand crops. Reed explained that he supports E-Verify when it is coupled with a viableguest worker program to address the needs of agriculture.Southern Tier’s Reedpromises to addressimmigration reformBy REP. THOMAS REEDreed.house.govNew York state is blessed with a rich varietyof terrain, soil, minerals and water whichenable a wide array of commodities to beharvested. Agricultural production in NewYork is critical to the economy on our farmsand even more critical to our economy offour farms. Without our farmers, NewYorkers would not be able to enjoy highqualityproducts grown and raised right herein the Empire State at an affordable price.A stable labor supply is crucial to adequateoperation of our farms. The linear relationshipbetween agricultural labor and the consumableswhich consumers purchase at marketis often overlooked. The reality is thatwithout a stable labor supply, farmers faceuncertainty about whether or not their cropwill be harvested at the prime time orwhether they will have enough hands tomilk their cows daily. Agriculture is alreadychallenged by uncertainties such as forecastingwith weather and predicting productdemand. Our farmers in New York stateshould not have to face added uncertaintywith their labor supply when it comes to thefinal stage of production before their productsgo to market.The H2A program is one option that hasbenefitted some of our agriculture producersin growing numbers since 1992. Thoughthe program has grown tenfold since then,there continue to be issues with the reliabilityand ease of use of the program. Red tapeseems to be commonplace in federal programsand H2A is no different. Dairy farmersdo not find the program useful at all andthose farmers who do apply are frustrated bycountless hoops to jump through.Applications made by farmers are at timesrefused without explanation or approval isnot given until after the date the labor isrequested.The onerous H2A approval system is aclassic example of a program with beneficialintentions but unsatisfactory results. Inorder to provide a legal agriculture workforceunder current policy, alterations mustbe made to H2A to increase the applicableuse of the program. The application processmust be streamlined and determinationsmade in a more timely manner.Without serious improvement in our agriculturelabor policies, farmers in New Yorkmay be forced to transfer their fields over toless labor intensive, and less profitable, commodities.In turn, consumers will no longerhave an array of local fruits and vegetablesreadily available.I am working in the 112th Congress oncertain legislative fixes to the H2A programwhich will expand the program’s applicabilityand benefit for farmers in New York state.Through meetings with representatives ofthe agriculture industry and a recent meetingwith my New York colleagues andDeputy Labor Secretary Seth Harris, wecontinue to identify the issues with the H2Aprogram and find possible solutions toreducing the burdens that the programplaces on our farming community. This is acritical issue for all New Yorkers.◆◆◆Rep. Thomas Reed, R-Corning, representsthe 29th District. He serves on the HouseWays and Means Committee.TRIVIAQuestion: When was the New York StateFair established?A. 1766, B. 1832, C. 1841Answer: Page 6By DARREL J. AUBERTINEDepartment of Agriculture and MarketsIt’s a great moment to be in New Yorkagriculture. Business is looking up statewideand we’ve begun to transform Albany. Afterthe long, wet spring, it’s great to see ourefforts beginning to bear fruit.We’ve had a productive year. As you know,Gov. Andrew Cuomo named meCommissioner of Agriculture and Marketsin January, and the year has seen a flurry ofactivity already. I’ve been barnstorming thestate learning about your business, and we’vebeen working to make sure that New York’sinterests are properly represented in theupcoming Farm Bill in Washington, D.C.Closer to home, Albany is closer than everto being a national example of effective government.What a change. We got an ontime,balanced budget with no tax increasesor new borrowing, closing a $10 billion gap.We got meaningful ethics reform. A newcan-do spirit in Albany says to the world,“New York is open for business.”One of the most exciting changes is thenew attitude Albany is showing towardsagriculture. In the past, support for agriculturewas too often an afterthought. Now,agriculture is recognized as an importantplayer in economic development in NewYork State. After all, in many of our communities,agriculture is the backbone of thelocal economy. And this administration ‘getsit.’ For the first time, the Department ofAgriculture and Markets is closely tied toeconomic development: we are workinghand-in-hand with Empire StateDevelopment to bring more opportunitiesfor agriculture, marketing, and processing.There is now broad recognition that anyeconomic recovery in New York will have toinclude agriculture. The Department will beon the Governor’s Regional Councils, makingsure that the interests of our industry areheard and that we will be part of the solution.Regional Councils are an exciting public-privateeffort to identify opportunitiesand solutions that fit the different regions ofthe state. I am personally very excited aboutthis effort, and look forward to participating.It’s clear that agricultureis alreadyyielding success storiesin the New Yorkeconomy. Demandfor milk, whichmakes up about twothirdsof the agriculturalsales in thestate, has reachedAUBERTINE record levels, thanksin no small part tothe phenomenal demand for Greek-styleyogurt. This is a product that is shippingnationwide. This success has resulted in newplants, many of which are being plannedand have been announced. We’ve had over80 new processors, both large and small,come on line in the last year, and there’s nosign of it slowing down any time soon. Inaddition, popular interest in fresh food canonly help New York farmers. After all,nobody can provide New Yorkers with fresherfood than our own farms. Farmers’ marketshave seen huge growth in sales, and newones are cropping up all the time across thestate. We already have over 500 marketsstatewide. There are bright spots all around:we even had a record year for maple. All this,and crop prices are solid, too.Based on these developments things arelooking bright for agriculture in New York.Business is looking up. There is strongdemand for New York agricultural products.We have good prices. The public wantsmore fresh, locally grown food. On top ofthis, we have a new attitude in Albany. Wehave a governor committed to promotingagriculture as a key part of our economicdevelopment.It’s easy to see why I am excited aboutwhat’s ahead. I’ve been having a great timetravelling across the state hearing your successstories, and finding ways to build onthose successes to make New York a betterplace to do business. It’s my great pleasureand honor to be serving you, and I look forwardto getting to know you even better inthe months to come.

Page 6 Grassroots August 2011FB EDUCATION NEWSNATIONAL AG IN THE CLASSROOM Conference attendees Sandra Prokop, Ann Peck,Taura McMeekin and Heather Davis enjoy a break in the steaming hot south.Florida hosts ageducation conferenceBy SANDRA PROKOPsprokop@nyfb.orgBasking in the sunshine and tremendousag industry of Florida, attendees at the 2011National Ag in the Classroom Conferencehad an opportunity to build a network thatwill allow them to share materials andresources.The workshops were diverse and full ofinformational materials that will be used togreat effect in New York. Attendees weretreated to a variety of tours that reached intoall sectors of Florida’s diverse agriculturalindustry.The content from this conference fueled uswith ideas and enthusiasm and left us in aweof what the nation’s teachers and educatorshave accomplished. We all agreed that educationis necessary for the farming community’scontinued success. Misconceptions and negativeimpressions of agriculture begin with onesmall seed of misinformation.If we can reach those who will be makingthe decisions in the future, we ensure ourfuture.Foundation Classic Sept. 13By SANDRA PROKOPsprokop@nyfb.orgThe New York Farm Bureau FoundationGolf Classic will celebrate its 10thanniversary and the Farm BureauCentennial in Broome County, the birthplaceof Farm Bureau.All are invited to join us at the En-JoieGolf Club in Endicott on Tuesday, Sept.13. Registration is now open for bothplayers and sponsors. Proceeds will helpsupport the Foundation’s agricultural educationprograms and projects.Sponsorship and player information isavailable at www.nyfbfoundation.org. Wewould be happy to mail or e-mail to informationthose interested in playing orsponsoring. For information, call 1-800-342-4143.Foundation challenge continuesBy SANDRA PROKOPsprokop@nyfb.orgMark Zaweski’s challenge to donateMarch new member rewards ($20 per newmember) to the New York Farm BureauFoundation has netted yet another supporter.The challenge account now includes $520in donations, with a check from LongIsland’s Fred Hammerle reaching us afterthe report was written last month. If youhave not had a chance to meet this challenge,it is never too late.Thank you to everyone who has takenpart in the challenge in support of agriculturaleducation.NEAF supports the NYFB FoundationBy SANDRA PROKOPsprokop@nyfb.orgAs expenses continue to rise, theNortheast Agricultural EducationFoundation, Inc. (NEAF) hascome to the rescue.Recently, a grant applicationwas approved to help underwritethe costs associated with ourannual School Fact Calendar thatis distributed to 3,500 third gradeclassrooms throughout New York.Since our first printing, the productionand distribution costs haverisen significantly in addition to thegrowing list of schools we reach. It isestimated that the 2011-12 SchoolYear Calendar will require at least$9,800, which includes a significantincrease for postage and shipping.That said, the cost is relatively lowwhen you calculate the number ofstudents and teachers impacted.We generally raise a portion ofthe costs through commodity,Farm Bureau and individual sponsorships,but approximately$5,300 is not supported by directsponsorship. The Northeast AgEd Foundation’s generosity willensure that every community benefitsfrom this successful program.In addition, we hope to have anupgraded listing from every countyso our distribution is thorough.The upcoming calendar editionwill include 12 months so that itcan be used throughout the yearuntil the next edition is received.Traditionally, we have onlyincluded the months that schoolis in session, but will upgrade thiseducational resource with the calendaronly for the summermonths so that the months offacts are continually available toany who may be interested.In addition to the above request,we also received a small amount offunding to increase the number ofthe Ag Master kiosks. This supportwill help us to reach our goal of akiosk in every NYFB districtthrough increased participation inthe Executive Club. The units arebooked for use in county officebuildings, fairs, association meetings,libraries and anywhere else thata user-friendly area can be secured.These units are a natural draw forour computer driven population.We are very appreciative of thecontinuing solid support from theNortheast Agricultural EducationFoundation as they maintain theirpartnership on these importantand successful projects.Foundation exhibitsready for useEnvision this scenario: An invitationarrives to showcase agricultureat a Rotary event, the countyfair, a business conference, a careerday at the local school, or anyother number of events. You needan exhibit, but you have absolutelyno time to prepare one.Luckily, the Foundation hasexactly what you need.Next time an opportunity comesalong, use the Foundationresources to showcase agriculture. Alisting of exhibits is available atwww.nyfbfoundation.org. The listingcovers a range of commodities,plus interactive displays and games.If you have an exhibit youwould like to share, let us know sothat we can include your work forothers to use.Scholarshipmaterials availableHigh school seniors who havebeen involved with agricultureand plan on continuing studies inthis field have an opportunity toapply for scholarships.Sponsored by the New YorkFarm Bureau Promotion andEducation Committee, threeawards of $1,500, $1,200 and$1,000 will be offered.As county Farm Bureaus work tospread the news and inform highschool seniors of this opportunity,the State Promotion and EducationCommittee has developed abrochure and poster that can beused to make their job a bit easier.Visit www.nyfb.org and scrolldown to “Essentials” and followthe links for the scholarship. Youwill be able to utilize the brochureto print and alert the public aboutthis opportunity.The application submission deadlineis Nov. 18, 2011. The committee’sgoal is for every county to haveat least one student apply.Upon request, further information about NYFBFAE’s activities and programs willbe provided. If you wish additional information on the NYFBFAE’s activitiesand programs, please write: New York Farm Bureau Foundation For AgriculturalEducation, Inc., P.O. Box 5330, Albany, NY 12205. The NYFBFAE’s AnnualReport may be obtained by writing either the N.Y.S. Attorney General, CharitiesBureau, 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271 or the New York Farm BureauFoundation For Agricultural Education, Inc., at the above address.AG TRIVIA ANSWERAnswer: C-1841. The first state fair held in the United States tookplace in Albany with about 15,000 people who came to see ag eventssuch as plowing contests, livestock and equipment. However, 1832 wasalso a significant year; it marked the founding of the New York StateAgricultural Society, whose members included farmers and legislatorswho wished to promote agriculture in the state.

August 2011 Grassroots Page 7FROM THE FIELDISLESLong Island Farm Bureauhonors local citizensBy JOE GERGELAjgergela@lifb.comLong Island Farm Bureau is proud toannounce that there will be two deservingindividuals sharing the spotlight this year.Robert Nolan ofDeer Run Farms willbe receiving theAmherst DavisMemorial FarmerCitizen of the YearAward and TomIsles, SuffolkGERGELAREGION 11County Planner(retired) is the recipientof the LongIsland Farm BureauCitizen Award.We will celebratethe achievements ofboth honorees at the 94th Annual AwardsReception on Friday, Sept. 9, 2011 at theBellport Country Club, South CountryRoad, Bellport.The awards event will begin at 7 p.m. witha cocktail and buffet reception followed byawards ceremony and dinner. Tickets are$90 per person and include hors d’oeuvres,dinner, beer, wine, soda, and door prizes.Call 631-727-3777 to make your reservation.Membership eventsand policy devlopmentBy BAMBI A. BAEHRELbbaehrel@nyfb.orgAlbanyAlbany County Farm Bureau President JohnMead is gearing up for a new member campaignto focus on defining potential prospects,while county Pro-Edchair Nancy Neff getsready for theAltamont Fair byworking with severalschools to sow theseeds of agriculture.By far the biggest partof Albany CountyFarm Bureau is policydevelopment whichBAEHRELREGION 9NOLANthey take very seriouslyin part by doingkitchen conferencesto include members.It can certainly besaid that Albany County dots its Is and crossesits Ts.ChenangoAfter a successful membership year,Membership Chair Rainy Collins Vickers isgetting ready for the 2012 campaign. Thecounty did a fund raiser July 30 at the ArtistPallet in Norwich featuring sponsorChobani. The event, which included wineand yogurt tasting, also featured an art auctionwith pieces from local artists all benefitingthe Chenango County Farm Bureauto enable them to continue all the programsthat have been so successful.DelawareTwo themes say it all for this county:LIZ SIGLER with her show heifer promotes membership in Delaware County.membership and policy development. Withthe largest percent of regular membergrowth in the state (113 percent) Delawarehas a plan for 2012. New membership chairDuane Martin is working on a prospect listand membership committee membersLonnie and Liz Schafer are taking it up anotch. A logging event was held in HancockDeposit, where Catskill Cattle Companyhosted a membership kickoff event. LizSigler-Schafer manned the booth, andhelped educate and encourage the public tonot only buy and eat local but to supportthe Farm Bureau. The county is also hostinga policy development meeting for all regularmembers on Aug. 8.GreenePolicy development, membership and theGreene County Youth Fair are what’s happeningin Green County. Pro-Ed chair PattiRoss has set an area aside at the Youth Fairfor kids to color using the Foundation coloringbooks and kiosk for tools. In additionthere will be an exhibit in the trade tent toencourage membership. President BillSchnare has kicked off the policy developmentby reviewing the policy book anddoing a letter to the Department ofEnvironmental Conservation to support ourcurrent policy. Robert Partridge has onceagain offered to chair the membership committeewhich is currently targeting sportsmens’clubs to encourage a partnershipbetween hunters and farmers. The countyalso supports the rollover protective structure(ROPS) program with funding set asideto get a ROPS for a Greene County farmer.OtsegoOtsego County set a challenge to all othercounties to help put more ROPS on farmer’stractors that need it. Working directly withNew York Center for Agricultural Medicineand Health (NYCAMH), the county hasbeen successful in encouraging many othercounties to step up to the plate. The countyis once again hosting the District 9 policydevelopment meeting in August. They arealso doing two events the Morris Fair andHarvest Festival with the Farmers’ museumto promote agricultural education by distributingover 350 coloring books from theFoundation. They are actively working onpolicy development and membership plansfor 2012.SchoharieSchoharie County Farm Bureau PresidentWinnie Nelson, who also serves on the StatePro-Ed committee, has personally seen to itthat the county takes part in as many educationalevents they can. They are workingwith Sharon Springs FFA to provide bagsand materials for a petting zoo day andbreakfast for the dairy princess and participatedin the Dairy and Berry Festival inCobleskill. They are getting ice cream forthe Festival Farmers’ Market Farm BureauDay, and helping to provide materials andtastings for the Cobleskill Fair. The countyFarm Bureau is also currently working withROPS to get a farmer in the county retrofitted.It has set Aug. 4 for its policy developmentmeeting and is inviting the entire regularmembership to participate, either inperson or on line. The event will take placeat the Carrot Barn. They are working onplans for 2012 membership which mayinclude a Facebook page and YouTube site.Time to visit yourlocal farm marketBy MARILYN HOWARDmhoward@nyfb.orgIt’s the time of year to visit your localfarmers’ markets for a variety of wonderfulfruits, vegetables, meats and flowers. TheHudson Valley hasbeen very busyHOWARDREGION 10Director CharlesLarsen held a verywell-attendedDistrict 10 meetingin Ulster County,where ideas wereshared and NewYork Farm BureauVice President EricOoms updated thecounties on therecentsession.legislativeColumbiaLinda Fix has continued with her schoolgarden program and is well into planningfor the Columbia County Fair with her agbuilding and the Farm Bureau booth.Meetings with political representatives, bothlocal and federal, have been ongoing.Eastern New York Holsteins held a very wellattended and successful picnic at the BenekeFarm.Dutchess Putnam WestchesterCongratulations to Dutchess PutnamWestchester Farm Bureau for making membershipgoal and to Dave Tetor, PresidentMark Adams and Mark Doyle for their hardwork. The Policy Development Picnic washeld at the end of July and plans are underwayfor the Dutchess County Fair Aug. 23-28 with a booth. Adams, Doyle, Tetor, MikeAthanas and others are on Ag Committeesand lend their ideas on the progress inAlbany and Washington.OrangeCongratulations to Orange County FarmBureau for making membership goal and toYF&R Chair Kristen O’Dell and PresidentJohn Lupinski for their hard work. ChrisPawleski is considering the establishment ofan Onion Appreciation Day. The OrangeCounty Cooperative Extension/OrangeCounty Farm Bureau picnic celebrating 100years of each group will be held Aug. 7.O’Dell is competing in the discussion meetand has built a group of active young farmersin the county. John and Diana Lupinskicontinue to promote agriculture throughtheir farmers market booth.RocklandCongratulations to President Linda Hill,on the mend from appendicitis, and JaneVlastelica for their work for RocklandCounty Farm Bureau making membershipgoal. On a sad note, Tom Schimpf, formerpresident for many years and current boardmember, passed away in July. He was arelentless force for agriculture in the countyand will be missed.UlsterCongratulations to Ulster County FarmBureau for making membership goal.President Chris Kelder and others have beenworking hard.There are so many exciting equine eventsin all of the counties in the Hudson Valleyand the horse councils are very active. Lookfor a horse show, English or western, polomatch, or just go on a trail ride.All counties are making plans for the comingmembership year and starting in August.The search for new members is on.

Page 8 Grassroots August 2011COMMODITY REPORTOrchard thrives on varietyBy ADAM SPECHaspecht@nyfb.orgOne cannot help but be astounded by thevariety of fruit produced at Singer Farms.Cherries, apples, peaches, plums, apricots,pears and quince—all at a single operationon the shores of Lake Ontario.“We are picking something almost everyday from the first of July to the first ofNovember,” said Jim Bittner, who operatesSinger Farms in partnership with JacquelineSinger. The 500-acre Niagara County farmdistributes wholesale tree fruit to farmers’markets across the northeastern UnitedStates. Singer Farms also provides local consumerswith a u-pick cherries programthroughout the month of July.“We only had about half of the sweetcherry crop and about 25 percent of thetart cherry crop we usually do,” Bittnersaid. “It was just such poor pollinationweather.”Fortunately, the majority of Singer Farms’fruit varieties were largely spared, andBittner notes that despite the dramaticallylower quantity of cherries produced, thequality of the product is high. The low supplyhas caused retail prices to rise, which hashelped soften the financial blow to someextent.Like many farmers across New York, laboris a primary concern for Bittner. Fortunately,he been able to maintain a consistent, hardworkinglabor force to harvest his farm’sfruit. Because Singer Farms’ harvest season isso lengthy, they are able to provide work foremployees for an extended period of time,which provides them with a pool of experiencedand dependable workers. This hasallowed them to bypass the cumbersomefederal H2A program—a common butincreasingly problematic source of labor forNew York farmers.Bittner also is concerned about the regulatorycrackdown on many common pesticidesused in New York fruit production,which has significantly increased his costsNIAGARA COUNTY FRUIT GROWER Jim Bittner has become an influential voice in New York agriculture.while failing to provide the same level ofcoverage as previously used materials.“We’ve lost some of the tried and truechemicals, and some of this new stuff is notas good as the old stuff,” said Bittner. “Itcosts more, it doesn’t last as long, and itdoesn’t control as many insects as they usedto, so it’s becoming quite a challenge.”Jim Bittner’s interests are not limited to hisown farm. In May, Bittner was elected chairmanof the board of directors of the NewYork Farm Viability Institute NYFVI, anon-profit organization that provides fundingfor agricultural research projectsthroughout the state. The institute hasbecome a passion for Bittner, who describesit as being essential for the future of NewYork agriculture.“We have to be on the cutting edge of newtechnologies in order to survive,” saidBittner. “The Farm Viability Institute hasbeen unique in that all of our research isdriven by growers—it’s stuff farmers are askingfor.”As chairman of NYFVI, Bittner is deeplyconcerned about the future of the institute.NYFVI receives its entire funding from thestate government, and in precarious budgettimes, its allocation is often targeted forreduction.“In the last two years, the real problem hasbeen that our reappropriation was taken outof the budget,” Bittner said. “This meantthat money that had been allocated toNYFVI in previous years’ budgets but hadn’tbeen spent yet—disappeared. And that wasabsolutely brutal, because many of the projectswe fund are multi-year projects.”As chairman of the institute, Bittner aimsto make NYFVI a valued participant in allfuture state budget negotiations.“We’re not asking for the moon, but we’vegot to have our repapproriation and at leastsomething in the executive budget.”CODLING MOTH CONTROL IN APPLESCodling moth damage is a significantthreat to New York appleorchards. In addition to increasingthe need for insecticide sprays, theinsect damage causes buyers toreject fruit resulting in lost incometo the orchard.A New York Farm ViabilityInstitute-funded project withDebbie Breth has equipped growerswith non-insecticidal matingdisruption tools and improvedtiming of insecticide applicationsto control the pest, potentiallyreduce production costs, protectfruit quality, and earn higher premiumprices.Gary Davy believes the projectopened grower eyes to viable newsolutions to the codling mothproblem. “Without New YorkFarm Viability Institute fundingwe would have been reluctant to invest in implementing the technology. WithDebbie's help and seeing the results we are continuing to implement mating disruptionpractices. It gives us good quality apples free of insect damage”The use of mating disruption pheromones has increased from a few small demoplots in 2007 to over 2,000 acres in 2010. The number of growers with infested fruitdropped from a peak of 111 in 2008 to 65 in 2010, infested truckloads during thatperiod dropped by 38% resulting in a saving of $225,000 in fruit value. In additionusing mating disruption dramatically reduces the need for insecticide sprays.NEW YORK FARM VIABILITY INSTITUTE PHOTPThis Month: TREE FRUITNext month: EQUINEIn the newsCherry production downAccording to the USDA’s NationalAgricultural Statistics Service, New Yorkoffice, 2011 tart cherry production is forecastat 6.50 million pounds.This forecast is 17 percent below last year’sproduction of 7.8 million pounds and 42percent below the 2009 crop. Growers areexpecting record low production.Lake Ontario growers reported that excessiverain and lack of pollination affected the productionpotential this year. The Finger Lakesarea was impacted by heavy snowfall in thewinter and cold temperatures in the spring.U.S. tart cherry production is forecast at266.1 million pounds, 40 percent above therevised 2010 production and 26 percentbelow 2009. Michigan, the largest producingstate, expects a crop of 210 millionpounds, up 56 percent from the revised2010 crop. Development of the crop wasbehind normal due to below average springtemperatures. The bloom was reported to beexcellent despite cool, wet conditions whichhampered pollination in many locations.Sweet cherry production in New York isforecast at 930 tons, 7 percent below the2010 crop of 1,000 tons, and 25 percentbelow the 2009 crop. A normal cherry seasonwas expected in the Lake Ontario fruitregion. Growers reported cold weather inthe winter and a wet spring that broughtrecord moisture before and after bloom.Final ’10 apple cropnumbers outEnd of season surveys of apple growersand processors place New York’s 2010 productionat 1,270 million pounds, 7 percentbelow the 2009 crop of 1,370 millionpounds, NASS reported.Fresh market production of 600 millionpounds, down 12 percent from 2009, comprised47 percent of the total. Apples forprocessing amounted to 660 millionpounds, down 2 percent from the 2009 cropyear.

August 2011 Grassroots Page 9Early Farm Bueau membership patterns assessedBy MARIE KRENZERmvkrenzer@rochester.rr.comAs we kick off another membership yearin Farm Bureau, this centennial series takesa look back at our organization’s earliestmembership efforts and campaign philosophy.In 1917, the New York Farm BureauMembership Committee reported unanimousagreement that “an established andactive county Farm Bureau should be ableto acquire at least 20 percent of its totalnumber of farmers. A newly formed farmbureau should be able to get at least 10 percent.”The committee also reported that theybelieved the most effective campaign consistedof farmer members soliciting theirneighbors for membership.The chart shows the organization’sgrowth over a five-year period.In 1917, it was reported that among 43county Farm Bureaus there were 1,929defined communities. Among these, 743committee conferences were held by 4,837advisory committeemen with a total of7,160 in attendance. These numbers representthe flurry of activity that was takingplace at this time. Farmers were seeing positiveresults on their own farms and naturallywanted to spread the word to theirneighbors.All of this activity was a significant factorin the level of membership growthachieved in these early years.One county Farm Bureau in particularstood out in their campaign efforts. In1919, Tioga County with 2,833 farms wasFARM BUREAUCENTENNIALA YEARLONG SERIESable to increase their Farm Bureau membershipto 1,932, or 67 percent of totalfarms in the county. This was a record at atime when the state average was only 31percent.The May 1919 issue of Extension NewsService reported:“The success of the campaign was due totwo things: a complete organization whichhad confidence in Farm Bureau work; andthe fact that each man was responsible fora definite territory.”School districts at this time were small—probably the smallest delineation within acounty.Tioga’s membership campaign structureinvolved a committeeman responsiblefor a school district, a communitychairman responsible for a group ofschool districts and each executive committeemember responsible for severalcommunities.The campaign started with an advisorycouncil meeting that included local speakerson various stages of the campaign anda get-together dinner that allowed for eachmember of the executive committee tomeet committeemen in his district andtalk over the details of the campaign.The chart above shows us that by the endof 1918, just seven short years from theformation of the first Farm Bureau inBroome County, all agricultural counties inNew York had formed county FarmBureaus. By 1919, all 55 county FarmBureau’s in the state had a membershipcomponent as part of their financing structure.Next month’s segment will take a closerlook at county Farm Bureau financing in1918 - just one year prior to the formationof the American Farm BureauFederation.NYFB BOARD TOURS DRILLING SITETHE NYFB BOARD OF DIRECTORS made a trip across the state border to aChesapeake Energy natural gas drilling site in northeastern Pennsylvania while inthe Southern Tier for July's board meeting. ABOVE: Vice President Eric Ooms andDistrict 2 Director Paul Bencal stand in front of the massive drilling operation.BELOW: District 11 Director Ken Schmitt (left) discusses the drilling site with aChesapeake Energy representative.

Page 10 Grassroots August 2011FARM BUREAU MEMBERS OFFER FEEDBACK TO EASTERN N.Y. CONGRESSMANREP. CHRIS GIBSON, R-Kinderhook, center,gathers his Agricultural AdvisoryCommittee in the 20th District recently to getfeedback on issues like farm labor, the FarmBill, dairy policy, farm credit and other topics.Some members of his committee includeFarm Bureau members, from left, BrianCampbell, Neal Rea, Vice President EricOoms, Kevin Bowman, Jay Skellie and TomBorden. The agricultural advisory committeeincluded representatives from all sectors ofthe agricultural and agricultural businesscommunity in the Congressman’s district,and spanned the geographic breadth of thedistrict. The Congressman also thankedNYFB and AFBF for work supporting hisamendment to an appropriations bill recentlypassed by the House, which restoredfunding for an important rural broadbandexpansion program. Gibson noted that hisamendment was broadly supported in a bipartisanfashion from House representativesthroughout the country, and was one of theonly amendments sponsored by a House“Freshman” to receive approval.Harvest to Hand ‘app’ supports local agFarm FamilyGLENMONT — Farm Family andAmerican National are bringing ruralAmerica’s bounty to consumers’ tables, onefarm stand at a time, through a unique, newfree iPhone app, now available on the AppStore.Through this easy-to-use app for theiPhone or iPod Touch, consumers can locatefarmers markets, local festivals, locally madeproducts, family-friendly farms, local wineries,breweries and eateries, and agritourismvenues in their town or wherever the roadtakes them. The venues may be categorizedseveral different ways, and users can mapout directions directly from the app whereverthey may be located. Harvest to Handapp users can also add venues to theirfavorites, and share finds with friends andfamily a number of ways.‘Farm Family and American National areexcited about this new technology and whatit can do to help promote buying local.Agriculture and successful farm families arevital to our rural way of life and to our economy,”Farm Family President & CEOTimothy Walsh said. ‘More than 100 millionconsumers own iPhones, and that number isgrowing every day as other telecommunicationscompanies offer the iPhone to theirsubscribers. This is an incredible opportunityto help promote farmers and the agriculturalcommunity we are dedicated to serve.”Participants do not have to be clients ofFarm Family or American National to participate.The main criteria are that the venue,event or farm must be accessible to the generalpublic and feature locally produced orgrown and harvested products. If you wouldlike to get your event, agritourism venue orfarmers market listed, simply go towww.harvesttohand.com and complete theonline form. And if you have an iPhone youcan also find a link to the app store to downloadthis free app on this website.

August 2011 Grassroots Page 11State’s first hopsspecialist namedPosition will aid microbrewersCornell UniversityThe time for a hops renaissance in NewYork state is right: Microbrew consumptionin the Northeast and the number of breweriesin New York are on the rise. Manybreweries are committed to using localfoods, reducing their carbon footprint andkeeping jobs in the state.To help them, Cornell CooperativeExtension of Madison County has recruitedSteve Miller, New York’s first hop specialist, tolead a statewide effort to expand local productionof hops, one of beer’s key ingredients.Hops are vigorous, 20-foot climbingplants that produce flowers, or “cones,” thatshape a beer’s character, infusing it with bitternessand aromas that can range from citrusto spicy or floral. Most hops are grownin Oregon, Washington and Idaho, but localbrewers making the case for increasing NewYork hop production.“The handful of established hop growerswas inundated with requests for tours andinformation on growing hops,” said BeccaJablonski, agricultural economic developmentspecialist with CCE of MadisonCounty, who worked with the New YorkHop Alliance to secure grant funding for theposition from the New York StateDepartment of Agriculture and Markets.“We saw a clear need for an extension educationprogram to organize the learningprocess for new growers.”Miller, who has worked with hundreds ofgrowers in the horticulture and vegetableindustries in New York, has expertise inhorticulture, entomology and plantpathology and is an experienced extensioneducator with CCE.“The type of high-quality aromatichops grown in New York is in demandby craft brewers,” Miller said. “Becausethe industry is expanding quickly, thereis a need to develop information that ispertinent to the Northeast.”Miller is working to develop hopworkshops and resources with a team ofresearchers from across the Northeast,including CCE integrated pest managementspecialist Tim Weigle, Cornellfood science professor Karl Siebert inGeneva and extension specialists fromthe University of Vermont to identify thebest varieties and production methods forhops in this part of the country.The first program is slated for July 16 atthe Northeast Hop Alliance SummerHopyard Tour and Picnic at Climbing BinesHop Farm in Penn Yan.Also, the proposed “Preserve, Produce andGrow” legislation package sponsored bystate Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, andAssemblyman Bill Magee, D-Nelson, wouldcreate a special license to allow farmers tobrew and sell up to 15,000 barrels of beer ontheir property as long as they use a certainpercentage of New York grown products.Before the Civil War, New York producedmore than 90 percent of U.S. hops, but theindustry was weakened by outbreaks ofdowny mildew and aphids beforeProhibition struck the final blow in 1920.Miller’s task in reviving production is helpinggrowers overcome specific obstacles inproduction and processing.“New growers need basic informationabout production practices, such as weed andpest control,” said Miller.Harvest and processing can present significantchallenges for small growers. After harvest,the cones are mechanically separatedfrom the bines, but high temperatures willdestroy the delicate aroma compounds. Inaddition, most brewers prefer to use hopsthat are dried, pulverized and pelleted ratherthan the green, “wet” cones.SENIOR SENATOR VISITS WINERYSEN. CHARLES SCHUMER, D-N.Y., visits Yates County’s Anthony Road Winery,owned by Ann and John Martini, to discuss wine labeling issues. In a recent letter toAlcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau Aministrator, John Manfreda, Schumerurged the agency to work with the wine industry to find ways to streamline the applicationprocess. "Every day that a label is delayed costs the winery in delayed or lostsales and thus reduces the amount of federal excise tax collected on those winesales," Schumer wrote.Legislative updates, member-only contentwww.nyfb.orgCornell steps upfood safety effortITHACA — In the ever-increasing waragainst pathogens, Cornell Universitywill become a hub of food safety training,thanks to a new $2.5 million grant fromthe U.S. Department of Agriculture.Food science professor MartinWiedmann will head a national collaborationwith six other universities toengage children, undergraduates, graduatestudents, teachers and others professionalsin food safety programs.The effort includes a new undergraduatefood safety track and a Master ofProfessional Studies degree at Cornell, anexpansion of a summer undergraduateresearch program, intensive workshopsfor high school teachers, and lessons atelementary and secondary schools.Food science is a discipline virtuallyunknown to high school students, teachersand guidance counselors, Wiedmannsaid. “Most university food science programsfocus on training students forcareers in product development, and veryfew undergraduate degree options with afocus on food safety are available.”

Page 12 Grassroots August 2011Cuomo names Czubas Asst. Secretary for AgALBANY — Governor Andrew Cuomoannounced recently that Jackie Moody-Czub, an agricultural policy expert, hasjoined the Cuomo administration as anassistant secretary for agriculture.She will work with the governor’s economicdevelopment policy team, and will beresponsible for agricultural policy adviceand coordination of agricultural relatedissues for Cuomo.“This is wonderful news for farmers acrossthe state, who will all benefit from Jackie’syears of service and her strong expertise infarming and food issues,” New York FarmBureau President Dean Norton said.Prior to joining the Cuomo administration,Czub was the deputy commissioner forthe Plant Industry Division for theDepartment of Agriculture and Markets,headed by Agriculture CommissionerDarrel Aubertine. In that role, she wasresponsible for coordinating industry feedbackand overseeing regulatory programs forseed, feed and fertilizer, and invasive speciesregulatory work.CZUBShe also was thestaff person instrumentalin the commissioner’sWineGrape Task Force,and shepherded thedevelopment of recommendationsforstreamlining that ledto the passage of legislation,S.4143-a, toassist farm and commercialwineries inreducing red tape and paperwork.Czub’s experience in agriculture is extensive,as she has also served at theDepartment of EnvironmentalConservation, on the second floor for formerGov. Mario Cuomo, and as ExecutiveDirector of the Council on AgriculturalOrganizations.Czub also worked for New York FarmBureau’s Public Policy Department. Shelives on a working family farm in RensselaerCounty, with her husband and children.GILLIBRAND HOLDS LISTENING TOURCOMMISSIONER TALKS NURSERIESSENATOR KIRSTEN GILLIBRAND (center) continued her series of agricultural listeningsessions by visiting Bob Nolan’s Deer Run Farm on the east end of LongIsland. Nolan (center) is joined here by his son, Sam, daughter, Valerie, and his mother,Alice. A large number of farmers, agribusiness representatives, community officialsand other attended to talk about the Farm Bill, conservation efforts, farmlandprotection and other concerns. The Senator began this series of listening sessionslast summer and is expected to hold several more in different parts of the state duringthe August recess.NED CHAPMAN of Sunnyside Gardens hosts Agriculture Commissioner DarrelAubertine for a nursery and horticultural discussion. Representatives of nursery, sod,Christmas tree and greenhouse industries met to discuss growing concerns. Topicsof concern included labor, invasive species, eminent domain, ag assessments, energy,integrated pest management and many others. Aubertine emphasized that thereis a need to break down previous barriers stressed the importance of governmentagencies to work together and be conscious of each others decisions and how itaffects the agricultural industry.Egg farmers, animal activists strike dealThe United Egg Producers (UEP) and theHumane Society of the United States(HSUS) have announced an agreement hadbeen reached between the two organizationsto jointly petition the federal government toenact new welfare standards. The proposedfederal legislation will call for new “enrichedcage” standards to be phased in.In a joint UEP-HSUS press release, BobKrouse, chairman of UEP, said, “America’segg producers have continually worked toimprove animal welfare, and we stronglybelieve our commitment to a national standardfor hen welfare is in the best interest ofour animals, customers and consumers.”If enacted, the proposed standards advocatedby UEP and HSUS would requireconventional cages, currently used by morethan 90 percent of U.S. commercial layers,to be replaced with new enriched housingsystems. The standards would apply to allcommercial layers in the U.S., and theindustry costs are estimated at approximately$4 billion over the next 15-17 years.As a condition of the agreement betweenthe UEP and HSUS, HSUS has agreed tostop all undercover videotaping at U.S.poultry operations and cease seeking anyadditional state legislative or ballot initiatives.“Passing this bill would be an historicimprovement for hundreds of millions ofanimals per year,” said Wayne Pacelle, presidentand CEO of HSUS. “It is always ourgreatest hope to find common ground andto forge solutions, even with traditionaladversaries.”The enriched housing systems required bythe proposed legislation would provide eachhen nearly double the amount of space theyare currently allotted. The proposed legislationalso mandates labeling on all egg cartonsinforming consumers of the methodused in production, create euthanasia standardsfor egg-laying hens, and prohibit thesale of eggs or egg products that don’t meetthe requirements.“We are committed to working togetherfor the good of the hens in our care andbelieve a national standard is far superiorthan a patchwork of state laws and regulations,”said Krouse.Farm Bureau has traditionally opposedefforts to legislate animal care standards,preferring instead that any welfare criteriabe established using science-based methods.

August 2011 Grassroots Page 13NYFB POLICY DEVELOPMENTPolicy Development — a success storyMember’s idea leads to tax benefits for commercial equine operationsThe beauty of Farm Bureau's policy developmentprocess is that everything starts witha single idea-and that idea can have a profoundimpact upon the lives of New Yorkfarmers. Nowhere is this more evident thanin the equine industry.Currently, owners of commercial horseboarding operations are eligible to receivethe benefits of agricultural districts and agriculturalassessments law, but commercialequine operations-which provide additionalservices like horse training, trail riding andriding lessons, in addition to boarding-arenot covered. This gross oversighthas cost the owners of commercialequine operations thousands ofdollars.Members of Long Island FarmBureau to decided to address theissue during their local policydevelopment process. With severalcommercial equine operations onthe island, it was a significant concernto their membership. Theidea was voted upon at the LongIsland Farm Bureau AnnualMeeting, discussed by the stateequine committee in Novemberand was finally brought to thefloor at the 2010 NYFB StateAnnual Meeting in December.This new commercial equineoperations policy was passed withstrong support from NYFB delegates,establishing it as a state policyfor the organization.At that point, the NYFB publicpolicy department got to work. Abill was introduced in May in theSenate and Assembly by Sen. PattyRitchie and Assemblyman BillMagee, respectively, that wouldamend Department of Agriculture& Markets law to provide agriculturaldistrict protections to commercialhorse operations. The billensures that only legitimate commercialoperations with at least 10horses and an annual gross of atleast $10,000 are eligible. In thefinal days of the legislative session,the bill passed bothchambers unanimously.At presstime, the bill had notyet reached Gov.Cuomo's desk, but ithas strong bipartisansupport, and NYFBis optimistic it will besigned into law.Please encourage thegovernor to sign this bill by visiting the E-Lobby section of www.nyfb.org.The work of LongIsland Farm Bureauto transform thisidea into law highlightsthe critical roleof the policy developmentprocess.Everything startswith a single idea,which is then shapedby the collaborativeprocess into something that can benefit theagricultural community as a whole. This iswhat sets Farm Bureau apart from otherorganizations, and why Farm Bureauremains one of the most influential groupsin all levels of government - from the countycourthouse to the U.S. Capitol.Do you have an idea that could help NewYork agriculture? Get involved with yourcounty Farm Bureau's policy developmentprocess this summer and fall. For moreinformation, contact your county FarmBureau leaders or visit New York FarmBureau's website at www.nyfb.org.Long Island FarmBureau's mission tohelp commercial equineoperations has been atremendous success, andserves as a profoundexample for countyFarm Bureaus to follow.However, it's still onecritical step away frombecoming law, and weneed your help.Visit the E-Lobbysection ofwww.nyfb.organd tell Gov. Cuomo tohelp the state's equinecommunity by signingthis bill into law!

Page 14 Grassroots August 2011NYFB POLICYKey issues explained and points toImmigration, guestworkerprograms: Who decides whoworks on your farm?MORE ON ALL THESE ISSUES ONLINE:WWW.NYFB.ORG CLICK ON THE‘POLICY DEVELOPMENT’TABMore issues: Page 16Farmers have continually struggled to maintain a reliable workforce throughoutthe planting, growing and harvesting seasons. Farms must comply with numerouslabor laws and regulations at both the state and federal levels of government.When farmers face a shortage of workers for the season, they turn to the H-2Aprogram to supplement their workforce and sustain production on their farm.However, this program has become increasingly problematic and the nation isnow facing further legislation that would impact hiring and employment standardson farms with or without reform to the H-2A program.The federal government has proposed numerous immigration reforms throughoutthe years, with the most recent being a push towards a national E-Verify program.Farm Bureau has policy opposing mandatory E-Verify. Despite attempts toalleviate the drastic changes the program will ensue, the agricultural communityis concerned about how this will impact their business. This system would requireall employers to utilize an electronic verification system to determine the eligibilityof their employees to work in the United States.Furthermore, many states have initiated state level E-Verify laws that wouldrequire individual businesses to utilize the E-Verify system (despite notcurrently being mandated by federal government). Courts are rulingthese separate state laws to be legal as they do not trump federal immigrationlaws.Currently, Assemblywoman Addie Russell, D-Theresa, is developinglegislation that would allow New York to implement a state-level guestworkerprogram for agriculture. Similar to the current H-2A program,it would be administered by the Department of Labor and would providea process for first obtaining domestic workers with the ability tohire foreign workers when domestic options have been exhausted.At the federal level, Rep. Dan Lungren, D-Calif., is developing anamendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide for atemporary agricultural guestworker program. This legislation wouldremove the administration of a guestworker program for agriculturefrom the U.S. Department of Labor and would place it under thedirection of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.Immigration issues continue to be a growing concern for farmsthroughout New York of all sizes and commodities. While numerousproposals are continually being submitted, it is important that NewYork’s voice is heard on our need for a qualified labor force on farms.FOOD FOR THOUGHT◆ Does New York need a separate state program thatwould establish a guestworker program or is the issue betteraddressed at the federal level?◆ As the H2A program remains at the federal level,should administration of the program be moved from theU.S. Department of Labor to the U.S. Department ofAgriculture?◆ Should New York adopt an E-Verify program at thestate level? If provisions are made to adopt a user-friendlyagricultural guestworker program, with the adoption ofE-Verify legislation, should New York support or continueto oppose the E-Verify program?Regulatory reform:an opportunity or moreof the same?NYFB staff consistently tells lawmakers that the more time farmersspend on paperwork, the less time they spend in their fields and tractorsgrowing food for all of us to eat. At perhaps no time in history hasit been more apparent that we are living in a new world of governmentexpansion. No matter what commodity or size farm, the clear messageheard by NYFB staff is that the array of new, duplicative, and sometimesconflicting, paperwork mandates is a major barrier to farmgrowth and expansion.In 2011, Gov. Andrew Cuomo has said that he wants to address thenegative impact of government on small businesses, including familyfarmers. However, while it is easy to talk about reducing red tape, it’sclearly challenging to implement. Cuomo began work on this issuewith the SAGE Commission — which seeks to find redundancies andeliminate wasteful spending in government. Cuomo also pledged duringthe campaign to do more with reducing regulatory barriers togrowth and called for a Regulatory Reform Commission. The end ofthe legislative session saw not only a property tax cap, but also the formationof a Mandate Relief Council.This Mandate Relief Council will make recommendations to thegovernor, upon the petition of a local government or other public comment,to eliminate mandates on local governments. The focus of thiseffort is to control local government (and thus taxpayers’) costs, notbusiness mandates. However, since so many farmers serve in variouslocal government capacities, NYFB hopes that your expertise mighthelp inform the NYFB polibegin shortly. NYFB apprecregulatory barriers, and dupWhile NYFB does have socertain requirements, NYFRegulatory Reform sectionFO◆ Should NYFB adReform Commission, won-the-farm red tape a◆ What issues (bothyou in your business demandates cause you toor signing forms?◆ Do you have suggeon your farm that couvisit? (e.g. farmworkertions, etc.)?◆ Are there permitsobtain from one state aones required by othernot make any sense?◆ What governmenttwice about expandingnology? (e.g. CAFO anFederal TCongressional fact-findingchanges to the federal tax coCongress will most likely ophaul.Farm Bureau is on recordminimum tax (AMT) and ca complete overhaul of the fal sales tax. However, with tcies that speak to the currentax code that would cripplenesses that depend on agricuCurrent Farm Bureau taxWe support replacing theshould encourage, not penaentrepreneurship. It shouldsonal information. Any replRevenue neutral (not incrEliminate payroll taxes, tgains taxes, and personal anRepeal the 16th amendmfrom levying an income taxBased on net, not gross, inNot tax business-to-busintion;and Require a two-thirdsAre cash accounting, defimportant tax code provisioa profitable business?Cash accounting allowsexpenses.Deferral of income is impdeferred arrangements whichyear after the sale.Farmers can deduct prepaifarm costs for that current tatilizer, seed, feed or other ining the most current tax yeaSection 179 allows farme(temporarily $500,000, preand allows for bonus deprecFO◆ Current policy is wrtax with a national salplans to overhaul, notmade to Farm Bureaucussion?◆ Are there tax codranchers that they shothey?◆Are there tax code

August 2011 Grassroots Page 15DEVELOPMENTpondercy process. It is clear that substantive discussions williates input from farmers specifically on the red tape,lications that are roadblocks to expansion.me state and federal policy regarding elimination ofB staff is considering adopting a new Mandate &of the policy book.OD FOR THOUGHTvocate for the formation of a Regulatoryith a specific focus on cutting business andnd paperwork?state and federal) are significant problems forvelopment, i.e. what regulatory or legislativespend too much time in front of a computerstions for specific inspections that are doneld be consolidated into one agency or onehousing, sanitation inspections, truck inspecorlicenses that you are currently required togency or local government that are similar toagencies? Are there permits that simply dorules or regulations are causing you to thinkyour farm operation or investing in new techimalunit limitations, etc.)?ax Code Reformhearings are underway that could lead to significantde. As in 1986, when the tax code was last rewritten,t to modify the tax code instead of doing a full overinsupport of repealing the estate tax, the alternativeapital gains taxes. Additionally, Farm Bureau supportsederal tax system, replacing income tax with a nationhisunlikely, should Farm Bureau have other tax polittax reform possibilities? And are there changes to thefarming and hurt the communities and related busilture?policy (paraphrased) says:current federal income tax system. The new tax codelize, success and encourage savings, investment andbe transparent, simple and require a minimum of peracementtax system should meet these guidelines:ease tax revenue to the federal government);he estate tax, the Alternative Minimum Tax, capitald corporate income taxes;ent (which would prevent the federal government);come;ess transactions or services except for final consumpmajorityto impose new taxes or increase tax rates.erring income, prepaid expenses and Section 179ns that farmers and ranchers need in order to operatefor the deferral of income and an acceleration ofortant as agricultural products are often sold underallow for payment for the product to be made in thed expenses of up to 50 percent of all other deductiblex year. Prepaid expenses are the amounts paid for ferputcosts, to the extent that it has not been used durr.rs to deduct the purchase price of farm equipmentviously $250,000) for both old and new equipmentiation.OD FOR THOUGHTitten to support replacing the current incomees tax. With Congress moving forward withreplace, the tax code, should changes bepolicy in relation to the current tax policy diseprovisions so important to farmers anduld be off the tax reform table? What areprovisions that would be worth giving up inPolicy Development Discussion Forum 2012This forum explores severalemerging issues relevant to agriculturein New York and the UnitedStates. Please review these topicsand bring this to your county policydevelopment meeting and CountyAnnual Meeting this summer andfall as a jumping off point for discussionin your county. Please alsorefer to the enclosed issue sheetsfor discussion points on the larger,more substantive issues facing theagricultural community. These arealso available in the members-onlysection at www.nyfb.org . Farmersalways have the best ideas forwhat issues to bring to the organizationto address. This list is onlya guide, please make sure anyideas you have on improvingthe state or national policy climateare brought to the countyFarm Bureau for consideration.STATE POLICY TOPICS1. The Hunts Point TerminalMarketplace in New York City isin serious need of repair, andwhile the produce cooperativehas signed a three year extensionof the lease, it’s clear thatall parties concerned—farmers,dealers, customers, and NewYork City—would like to seemajor changes to the facility.What changes do farmers inNew York need to see made tothe marketplace in terms oftransportation, infrastructureaccess, a separate place for a“New York only” stall or wholesalefarmers market, etc., inorder to better facilitate NewYork farm products going to ourlargest consumer marketplace?2.Should NYFB support thedevelopment of “food hubs” inNew York as part of an expandedeconomic development initiativefor the farm community?Yes No Not important3.Should New York FarmBureau support legislation thatestablishes a tax creditdesigned to support and promoterestaurants purchasinglocally grown produce?Yes No Not important4.Should NYFB promote a100 percent real property taxcap exemption for certain newlyplanted trees and nursery treeproducts grown in New York,similar to the real property taxbenefit provided for newly plantedorchard/grape crops?Yes No Not important5.Should county fair associationshave the ability to hostevents, exhibitions and activities onfairground property throughout theyear, in order to support its annualmission of hosting a county fair?Should the municipality in whichthe fair is located have oversightand veto power over these activitiesheld on fairgrounds?Yes No Not important6.Should retired farmers beallowed to serve on county agriculturaland farmland protectionboards?Yes No Not important7.Should conservation educationand invasive species mitigationbe included in the statutoryduties and responsibilitiesof county soil and water conservationdistricts?Yes No Not important8.Should building structuresused in small scale on-farmdairy manufacturing be exemptfrom the state fire preventionand building code standards,similar to maple sugar shacks?Yes No Not important9.Should New York developa standard of identity for honey?Is this issue better addressed atthe federal level? What should astandard, if any, look like inorder to benefit all New Yorkhoney producers?Yes No Not important10. Should NYFB work withthe Department of Labor toestablish a farm internship programthat would enable farmersto hire college student levelinterns within specific parameters?Yes No Not important11. New York’s agriculturalworkforce has faced continualchallenges in recent years. Whatposition should NYFB take inregards to a state E-Verify program?Is there potential for abetter guestworker program?What authority should stateshave in administration of eitherof these programs?Yes No Not important12. Should the StateDepartment of Education licensethose that practice equine dentistry?Should only thoselicensed for equine dentistry beveterinarians or veterinariantechnicians? Should currentpractitioners that are notlicensed veterinarians or veterinariantechnicians be allowed tocontinue their practice?Yes No Not important13. Should the minimumstate Concentrated AnimalFeeding Operation (CAFO) sizecategory for medium operationsbe increased from 200 to 300cows, consistent with EPA’smedium CAFO sizing category?Yes No Not important14. What improvements orchanges should be made to thestate’s CAFO permit program tobetter serve New York dairyfarmers and the environment?Yes No Not important15. Should New York dairyfarmers pay for industryresearch and education programswhich are currently fundedwith state dollars, such asPRO-DAIRY, through a statedairy research order?Yes No Not important16. Should there be a registrationof all terrain vehicles(ATVs) that would be similar tothat of a farm plate registration?Yes No Not important17. Should New York have alaw banning the undercovervideotaping of farm operations?Yes No Not importantNATIONAL POLICY TOPICS18. Should potatoes andother starchy vegetables, likecorn, peas and lima beans, belimited in the federal guidelinesfor the school lunch and breakfastprograms?Yes No Not important19. If the U.S.’s Country-of-Origin Labeling (COOL) programis struck down by theWorld Trade Organization,should the United States moveforward with this initiative andface tariff retaliation from Mexicoand Canada? Should the UnitedStates develop some otherlabeling strategy that wouldmeet WTO agreements? If so,what would that be?Yes No Not important20. Should changes bemade to the calculations forgrape crop insurance?Specifically, should the periodused to determine varietal averagesstill be 10 years? Shouldvarietal price calculationsinclude actual cash values?Should an automatic harvestdeduction be part of calculatingthe indemnity?Yes No Not important21. Should farmers considera food traceability system formeat, fruits and/or vegetablesonly to the farm level?Yes No Not important

Page 16 Grassroots August 2011Food Traceability:Can it benefitagriculture?Full traceability of food from the farm gateto the retail level has become standard insome countries and U.S. retailers and consumersincreasingly express interest in developingsimilar systems in this country. Foodsafety regulation in the United States. ischanging as a result of the Food SafetyModernization Act passed last year, but currenttraceability standards require firmsinvolved in food production and distributionto maintain records that allow traceabilityone step forward and one step back.However, farms are specifically exempt fromthis requirement. The trace-back capabilityis meant to help identify the source of anycontamination of a food product, while thetrace-forward capability permits potentiallycontaminated products to be identified andremoved from distribution channels.Conceptually, full food traceability wouldprovide the ability to track a retail foodproduct back through the supply chain allthe way to the farm of origin. For most foodproducts, there is a practical limit to thedegree of precision that is feasible withrespect to traceability. For example, it willnot generally be feasible to trace a gallon ofmilk from the retail level to a particularfarm. In such cases, identifiers such as lot orbatch numbers can help to identify the multiplefarms which were the source of rawingredients from which a suspect retail itemwas produced.U.S. traceability standards generally lagbehind those of other countries. For example,the European Union, Australia, Japan,South Korea, Brazil, and Canada have developedmeat traceability systems to permit thetracing of retail meat products back to thefarm (or farms) of origin. These systemsexist not just to facilitate trace back/traceforward in response to a food safety event,but also to permit the rapid identificationand location of suspect live animals in theevent of a disease outbreak. Looking ahead,market pressure to develop food traceabilitysystems will continue to increase and traceabilityoffers both potential opportunitiesand challenges for farmers.Full traceability could reduce the marketimpacts of food safety events by allowingagencies to narrow the scope of food recallsand increase the confidence of consumers inthe efficacy of recalls, potentially reducingthe negative impacts on demand from suchevents.In the livestock sector, the most intensepressure for traceability will most likelycome from foreign, rather than domestic,customers. In many major foreignmarkets (notably Japan and SouthKorea), consumers are accustomed tohaving access to farm-level origin ofretail meat products. The U.S. is currentlyless equipped to provide thatinformation and as the share of productiongoing to export grows, the potentialnegative consequences of this competitivedisadvantage will becomegreater.Current Farm Bureau policy supportslimiting traceability to no farther thanthe farm of origin (not to the field orinput level) and a voluntary nationalanimal ID system for disease controland eradication.FOOD FOR THOUGHT◆ Do food traceability benefitsto farmers outweigh the managementand cost burdens?◆ How can traceability bemade to more directly benefitfarmers? What role would thegovernment play in such a system?◆ If farms are required toadopt traceability, what shouldbe included and what limitsshould there be? What level offood traceability can we live withand support?Honey standards:sweet dealor sticky situation?An issue that has come to the forefront ofthe beekeeping industry, for both commercialproducer and hobbyist alike, is whetherNew York should establish a standard ofidentity for honey and, if so, what shouldthat standard look like.While New York Farm Bureau has currentpolicy supporting the concept of a standard ofidentity for honey products, the devil is trulyin the details if such a standard is implemented.Advocates of a strict standard of identitypoint to the need for the industry to ensureconsumer confidence and prevent substandardproducts from coming to market. Othersare of the opinion that an overly strict standardof identity would prevent reputablehoney producers from accessing specific marketsor cause labeling restrictions. Either way,it is clear that current legislation that wouldintroduce a strict standard of honey, S.IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU. New York Farm Bureau policy development is truly a ‘grassroots’endeavor. Learn more about the process at www.nyfb.org.3321/A. 5164, has beekeepers buzzing.The main tenants of this legislation, whichis modeled after a California statute, areviewed as a boon or a boondoggle for beekeepers.The legislation requires that honeysold at retail or wholesale have no more thanan 18.6 percent moisture content. Those insupport of this language cite federal honeyloan programs that utilize this moisture contentstandard. However, some producers seethis is as a stinging rebuke, since they currentlysell honey with greater moisture content tofood companies as a less costly alternative.The bill also establishes a definitional differencebetween true honey products andhoney flavored products. Advocates of thestandard assert that this maintains the integrityof the product, but others argue that thiswould cause many products that contain realhoney, such as yogurt, teas or wine to belabeled as “honey flavored.” With consumers’heightened awareness of healthyfoods and food products, they are combingthrough stores for the most natural productsavailable. The perception of a product that is“honey flavored.” despite the fact that realhoney is in the product, may unnecessarilyprejudice the shopper against the product.Lastly, the legislation establishes sugar contentstandards for specific pollinating plants toset strict parameters for labeled honey products.Supporters defend this language citinginternational industry standard for sugar contentfor maintaining consumer confidenceand standardization of product. However,opponents have concerns that specific inclusionof pollinating plants in legislation wouldprevent new flora from being included in thestandard of honey without statutory changes.So far, it seems as if the legislature will notmove forward on this legislation withoutbroad agreement by all stakeholders involved.Legislators are not exactly swarming toaddress controversial industry issues and, as aresult, these issues must be hammered out bythe industry before they proceed.FOOD FOR THOUGHT◆ Does New York need a standardof identity for honey or is the issuebetter addressed at the federal level?What role should the Department ofAgriculture and Markets have in thisissue?◆ How should moisture or sugarcontent of honey be addressed inany final standard or should suchissues be better left to the marketplace?◆ There are criminal penaltiesalready established for misbrandingor disposing of honey in aninappropriate manner. How shouldthis legislation address thesepenalties?

August 2011 Grassroots Page 17100 YEARS OF NYFB CELEBRATEDAQUACULTURE REPS MEET WITH DECJUDI AND SCOTT WHITTAKER and Melanie and Dean Norton pose with a muralcelebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Farm Bureau. Broome County FarmBureau hosted the NYFB Board of Directors during their July board meeting inBinghamton.DEC COMMISSIONER JOE MARTENS (center) recently met with members of theNew York Aquaculture Association and NYFB: (l-r) Bill Brauninger, Ted Universal,Dave Relyea and Darin Hickling. The group discussed issues regulations and policiesregarding shellfish leasing lands, shellfish harvesting, black bass as food fish andcounty fish hatcheries.Black Horse Farms partners with Food BankThe Regional Food Bank of NortheasternNew York is happy to announce the firstdonation of the year from Black HorseFarms in Coxsackie.The decade-long relationship culminatedwith a 2010 donation total of over 130,000pounds — an amount that contributed tothe Regional Food Bank’s more than 1.2million pounds of donated fresh produce,and the state’s 5.2 million pounds of producein the Harvest for All program.New York Farm Bureau’s participation inHarvest for All, a national partnershipbetween American Farm Bureau Federationand Feeding America, has seen continuoussuccess through farm/food bank relationshipssuch as the one between Black HorseFarms and the Regional Food Bank ofNortheastern New York. The national programrun through the Young Farmers &Ranchers Program, has seen New York FarmBureau in one of the top spots for poundsraised by a state for the past four years. In2010 NYFB placed second within thenational competition, second only toCalifornia.“Usually the items we donate have somesort of cosmetic flaw that makes them undesirableto our buyers. The cosmetic appearancemay not be perfect, but the nutritionalvalue is all there,” said Lloyd Zimmermann,owner of Black Horse Farms.“The donated produce wereceive from local farms is thefreshest, most nutritious wehave to offer to the 1,000agencies we serve,” saidJoanne Dwyer, Director ofFood Industry Relations &Business DevelopmentRepresentative for the FoodBank.“It used to be that the guyswould throw anything badaway right in the field, butthat also included nutritionallygood though unmarketableproduce,” Zimmermann said.“Now, they know to pick suchitems as well and bring themin with the rest for the sortingroom to decide. The only differencebetween the donatedproduce and the stuff you canbuy at our stand, for example,is that it has a blemish — theeating quality is perfect.The benefits of donatingdon’t rest solely on the side ofthe Food Bank; it has had an impact oneveryone at Black Horse Farms as well.“For me, the main benefit is that I knowBLACK HORSE FARMS owner Lloyd Zimmerman is teaming up with the Regional Food Bank ofNortheastern New York.people are getting a good, solid product thatis needed and appreciated; but my men feelgood as well, which is something I didn’trealize would happen. They are proud to behelping out and giving back to those whoneed it the most,” Zimmermann.Tight supply still driving corn pricesAmerican Farm Bureau FederationWASHINGTON, D.C. — The AgricultureDepartment forecasts higher corn stocks in itsJuly crop report released today compared to itsJune report, but economists with theAmerican Farm Bureau Federation stress thatcorn supplies are still very tight and a big cropis needed to meet strong demand and buildreserves to a more comfortable level.USDA’s July World Agricultural Supplyand Demand Estimates peg corn stocks at870 million bushels for the 2011/2012 marketingyear, up 175 million bushels from theJune stocks estimate. Todd Davis, AFBFcrops economist, said the increase is duemostly to USDA raising its harvested cornacreage estimate to 84.9 million acres in July,up 1.7 million acres from its June forecast.“The increase in corn acreage from the Junereport should mean an additional 270 millionbushels in corn production this year,”Davis explained. “USDA is now forecasting acorn crop of 13.47 million bushels, which wewill need to meet very strong demand. Oursupply situation is still very tight. In June,USDA showed a stocks-to-use ratio of 5 percent,which is just 19 days of supply. USDAraised its stocks-to-use ratio to 6 percent,which is still only 24 days of supply.”Davis emphasized the tight stocks situationmeans there is no room for any productionproblems this year.“Corn farmers have faced a lot of challengesthis year, from late planting to floodsto drought, and a lot can happen from nowuntil harvest,” he said. “We still have a longway to go to realize a corn crop of 13.47million bushels this year. There is a verygood chance that both the production andstocks estimates will come down in USDA’sAugust report.”Meanwhile, Davis said drought is clearlytaking its toll on the U.S. cotton crop.USDA projects that a record 30 percent ofthe U.S. cotton crop will be abandoned thisyear, due to historic drought conditions,mainly in Texas and Georgia.“Our hearts go out to Texas cotton farmers,”he said. “Texas produces 50 percent ofthe U.S. cotton crop and about 50 percentof the Texas cotton crop will be abandonedbecause of the drought.”E-lobby at www.nyfb.org

Page 18 Grassroots August 2011Emerald ash borerfound in BuffaloThe New York State Department ofEnvironmental Conservation this summerannounced an infestation of emerald ashborer (EAB) was found in the City ofBuffalo’s South Park.This is the first EAB infestation to bedetected in Erie County. EAB is a small butdestructive beetle that infests and killsNorth American ash tree species, includinggreen, white, black and blue ash.“The discovery of the emerald ash borer inBuffalo is extremely unfortunate but notsurprising,” DEC Commissioner JoeMartens said. “Despite multi-state efforts tocurtail its expansion, EAB has spread acrossthe northeastern United States over the lastdecade. DEC is coordinating with federaland local government partners across thestate to prevent the further spread of thisdestructive insect, especially outside of thequarantine areas. Awareness and preparednessare our best defenses, both of which areemphasized in DEC’s strategic Slow AshMortality (SLAM) program.”New York State AgricultureCommissioner Darrel J. Aubertine said,“EAB is a destructive pest that is unfortunatelytaking foothold here in New Yorkstate. The economic impact of such a pest istremendous on our forest products industries,and our parks and tourism industries,and is causing challenges for municipalities.As a state, we are dedicated to combatingEAB and will continue to offer “train thetrainer” workshops, funded by USDAAPHIS, that enlist citizens and volunteers tosurvey for this beetle, and which led to thisdetection.”“Emerald Ash Borer is a serious threat tothe region and the City of Buffalo has beenpreparing for its arrival for some time,” saidDeputy Commissioner Andrew Rabb of theCity of Buffalo’s Department of PublicWorks, Parks and Streets. “An effort toreduce the number of ash on city propertywas put in place after the first outbreaksoccurred in Michigan. Ash now makes upless than 2 percent of Buffalo’s street treepopulation and roughly 10 percent of treesin city parks. The city is working closelywith the Buffalo Olmsted ParksConservancy to develop and implement atreatment plan for historic landscape trees.”Buffalo Olmsted Parks Executive DirectorThomas Herrera-Mishler said, “We havebeen partnering with the City of Buffalo andDEC for over a year to prepare for this outbreak,raising funds and public awareness totry to minimize the impact of EAB on thehistoric Olmsted Parks and Parkways.”DEC, Cornell University, the City ofBuffalo and Buffalo Olmsted ParksConservancy began collaborative responseefforts to address the infestation at SouthPark immediately after the discovery inJune. Initial surveying suggests that less thana dozen trees in South Park show signs ofinfestation; the trees are located along thepark’s perimeter in a natural wooded area.An intensified delimitation survey at thesite and surrounding area is being conductedto determine the extent of infestation.Information from the survey will be used toestablish “Management Response Areas”around the delimited core area. In accordancewith DEC’s SLAM strategy, managementactions appropriate to each definedarea will be taken.EAB was first detected in New York inCattaraugus County in 2009. Since then,infestations have been confirmed in sevenother counties including Genesee, Monroe,Livingston, Steuben, Greene, Ulster andnow Erie. Sixteen counties in western NewPlease see EAB PG. 25 ➤COMPLIANCE CORNERHome processors of foodBy LISA OVITTlovitt@nyfb.orgA “home processor” of food refers to anoperation that has been inspected andfound eligible to manufacture foods forsale by either wholesale marketing or inretail agricultural venues like farms, farmstands, farmers markets, craft fairs and fleamarkets. Note: The use of the Internet inany form (sales, advertising, emailaddresses or websites — includingFacebook, Craigslist, etc.) is prohibitedunder home processor regulations.New York regulations state that homeprocessed foods are food processed in aprivate home or residence using only theordinary kitchen facilities of that home.That is, the equipment used by the individualto prepare meals for themselves andtheir family and household. Commercialequipment is not considered ordinarykitchen facilities. Processors should checkwith local zoning officers for any necessaryapprovals before commencing anyfood processing operations.In order to protect the public health,only foods considered to be “non-potentiallyhazardous” are included in the abovedefinition. Foods in the non-potentiallyhazardous category are:• Bakery products: bread (but not quickbreads) rolls, cakes (not requiring refrigeration),brownies, fudge, and double-crustfruit pies;• Traditional fruit jams, jellies and marmalades;• Spices and herbs;• Snack items such as popcorn, caramelcorn and peanut brittle;• Candy (excluding tempering chocolatefor molding or dipping).Items considered potentially hazardousand thus not allowed to be produced andsold by home processors are essentiallythose items that are perishable — in wholeor in part — and are usually items thatmust be refrigerated, and include as ingredientsmilk products, eggs, poultry, meat,fish and shellfish. Foods in the potentiallyhazardous category include but are notlimited to:Fruit/vegetable breads; Relishes; Pickles;Cheesecakes; Vegetable oils; Wine jellies;Butters; Cream/meringue-based pies; “Open”pies, such as pumpkin; Quick breads.Manufacturers of potentially hazardousfoods must obtain a Food ProcessingLicense under Article 20-C of the NewYork State Agriculture and Markets law.Manufacturers of non-potentially hazardousfoods are exempt from licensingrequirements. However, their facilitiesmust be inspected and approved by theDepartment of Agriculture and Markets.This is a simple process whereby aninspector visits the home to ensure overallcleanliness and that there are no pestspresent or pets in the kitchen area, as wellas checking that food and supplies areproperly stored. In addition, an inspectorwill ensure that the kitchen has potablewater that has been tested for coliform.(some municipal water users will not haveto have this testing done). The only feeassociated with this inspection is for thewater testing. If a facility passes inspection,the processor is issued a “HomeProcessing Exemption InspectionReport.” A copy of this report mustalways be brought to the market. Toschedule an inspection, contact a regionalAgriculture and Markets Office.For more information:Information for Home Processors ofFood, New York Farm Bureau Fact Sheet,www.nyfb.orgHome Processors, NYS Department ofAgriculture & Markets,http://www.agmkt.state.ny.us/fs/consumer/processor.htmlBecoming a Small-Scale Food Processor:Guide to Farming in New York State,Cornell Cooperative Extension,http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pdfs/Guide/BecomingASmall-ScaleFoodProcessorUpdated12-09.pdf.◆◆◆Lisa Ovitt is a paralegal with New YorkFarm Bureau.GROWERS MEET GOVT. OFFICIALSAGRICULTURE COMMISSIONER Darrel Aubertine and Sen. Michael Nozzolio, R-Fayette, second from left, meet with former Ontario County Farm Bureau PresidentLaura Pederson and Wayne County Farm Bureau President Jon Sorbello.Latest news,legislative updates, legal library,member-only contentonly at ...www.nyfb.org

August 2011 Grassroots Page 19THE FACEof New York AgricultureBrian Sheridan,Farm Service Agency,Oxford, NYTell us a little bit about what you dowith Farm Service Agency.For the past two years I have worked forthe Farm Service Agency in New York. Ibegan my FSA career as a program technicianin the Schoharie/Schenectady CountyService Center. As a program technician Iassisted producers with program sign-ups.After 1-1/2 years as a program technician, Iapplied for a position as a county operationstrainee, and was accepted into theprogram. The COT program is a one yearintensive training program designed to prepareindividuals to take on the role as acounty executive director. Through theCOT program I travelled throughout NewYork state gaining in-depth knowledge ofFSA programs, and most importantlylearning leadership and management strategiesfrom current county executive directors.I have had the opportunity to trainthroughout New York, including: Madison,Cortland, Albany, Schoharie/Schenectady,Genesee, Onondaga and Monroe Counties.What is your background in agriculture?I grew up on my family’s dairy replacementheifer farm in Oxford, N.Y. At a youngage I began owning and caring for my owncattle. Growing up I was always involved inChenango County agricultural programs,participating in 4-H dairy bowl, 4-H dairyjudging, Jr. Holstein Club and exhibitingcattle at local and state shows. I credit programslike these for sparking my interest anddevotion to agriculture at a young age. Iattended SUNY Cobleskill to further myeducation in the agriculture field.When did you decide that you wantedto pursue an ag-related career?I think we all go through the years in highschool wondering, what do I want to donext—which is quite a big decision. WhenI was a senior in high school I was enrolledin the New Vision Agriculture andEnvironmental Science program and theNew York State Junior Dairy LeaderProgram through ProDairy. These programshelped to show me the ‘big picture’ of agriculturein New York and across the countryand helped me to make my decision of pursuingan ag-related career. I chose to attendSUNY Cobleskill majoring in agriculturalbusiness management, and I received mybachelor’s degree in 2008. From that point Iknew I wanted to work with and help farmers;but I was not sure as to which professionalfield. I came across the position availablewith the Farm Service Agency, and ithas proven to be the right choice for me. Ienjoy working in the agricultural field—and most enjoy helping New York’s farmers.What clubs or associations are youinvolved with?I am a member of the New York HolsteinAssociation, Chenango County HolsteinClub, New York Farm Bureau, NYFBYoung Farmer and Rancher Program, andthe National Association of FSA CountyOffice Employees. Through these organizationsI attend many conventions and conferences.You seem to be involved in a variety ofclubs and associations; how do you feel programssuch as Young Farmers & Ranchersbenefit youth involved in agriculture?I recently became involved with theYF&R program when I attended theLeadership conference this past March. Ifeel as though events like these provide avaluable opportunity to further our leadershiproles in the agricultural industry.Additionally, as a young person involved inthe agricultural industry, events like theseprovide the opportunity to network withproducers from across New York and theNortheast.When you are not working for FSA,what do you do in your spare time? Anyhobbies?In my spare time I enjoy being home onthe farm, working with the replacementheifers that my family still raises. One ofmy favorite hobbies has always been spendingmy summers at dairy shows, whether itmay be showing my own animals, fitting,or even just watching.Name a goal you have set for yourselfto be accomplished in the next five to 10years.A professional goal of mine is that inwhatever county I end up in, I would liketo become an integral part of the agriculturalcommunity there. I look forward tobeing an agricultural leader and mentor tomy peers and to the next generation. On apersonal level; one of my goals is to purchase/builda small farm and from theredevelop a group of deep pedigreedHolsteins to market from.Why is your Farm Bureau membershipimportant to you?Farm Bureau is there to speak on behalfof New York’s farmers when they need itthe most. I feel that being a part of FarmBureau’s strong membership cause isimportant for everyone involved in theagricultural industry. I am proud to be apart of this organization that strives to keepagriculture a viable industry in New York.

GrassrootsFarmers’ MarketClassfieds/Dealer Listings/AuctionsAdvertisers in this sectionsupport the missionof New York Farm BureauCall Missy Nichols for Classified Advertisements (518) 436-8495 or e-mail classifieds@nyfb.orgHAYIDAHO'S FINEST ALFALFA. LarsenFarms 607-865-8844. rbishop@larsenfarms.comQUALITY HAY for sale. Alfalfa-Grassmix. 45 pound bales. $2.75 per bale.315-866-3348HAY FOR SALE. 4x5- 1000lb.Round silagebales, mixed grass, no chemicals, canload 18- wheelers. 1st cut and 2nd cutavailable. Cash upon loading.Schaghticoke, NY 518-796-2344A.G. EMERICH & SONS. Hay, straw andbagged shavings. Serving NY and NEsince 1935. Van trailer loads droppedor picked up by the bale. 518-399-1893 or 518-399-7444JENOVA FARMS Hay Service. All wedo is hay. Finest in WNY since 1947.Pick up or delivered in Western NY.716-560-8779 ordvance57@hotmail.com.HAY FOR SALE. 1st cutting 45lb bales$3/bale. 2nd cutting #3.50/bale. Round4x4, 700 lb rotochopped bales thathave been kept off the ground$22/bale. 518-872-1664HAY FOR SALE. Orchard mix - Alf &Timothy horse hay. All cuttings - all summer.Load your wagons or you load. Sq.bales 35-40 lbs. No chem.. barn dried.Priced at cutting. Gansevoort-Saratogaarea. 518-793-4507HAY FOR SALE. Quality hay & Alfalfa. Sm& Lg squares.Westchester, Dutchess andPutnam area. 845-406-5655HAY FOR SALE. 1st cut $1.50/bale,2nd cut $1.95/bale. Silage and haylage4x5 1000lb silage bales and drybales. 315-691-4878 and 315-691-2606HAY FOR SALE. Large quantity hay, 40-50lb squares by the bale or ton. No deliveries.585-547-9269 or 585-591-0180HAY FOR SALE. 35 lb squares, 4x5rounds, corn silage and haylage. 315-691-4878, cell 416-9641TRACTORS, MACHINERYJOHN DEERE Front mount aux fuel tank60 gal fits 10-55 series tractors. $150Call 716-532-4380JOHN DEERE 400 bucket loaderw/backhoe. $6800 obo. SouthernOtsego County. 607-764-8663CASE 444 lawn tractor. 48” mower deck,all original. $1150; used 6' brush hogsquealer 3pt needs 1 ⁄2 shaft $575. 315-964-1161NEW HOLLAND 140 ft. mow conveyorwith iDeal gear-driven unit and iDealbale locater. $1000. Buyer removes.Lew County. 315-493-0273IH1440 4wd combine, many new parts,Demco 500 gallon sprayer, 45'hydraulic folding booms. Case IH 5100grain drill 40' hay/grain elevator onwheels, pto driven. Hay rake. 315-789-0882IHC 2PR 2-row pull type corn picker, widerow. Shed kept and in good working condition.Western,NY 585-547-9573INT 435 haybaler for parts. Excellentkicker but rest for parts. $600 716-992-4560FUERST FLEXIBLE Tine, needs somerepair $175; Disc, 9 foot, good condition,perfect for smaller property $225.Arm injury ended field work. SteubenCounty. 607-698-4676RADIATOR off 9500 cornbine. Goodcondition $300. 8x14 steel hay rack$500. Bogg potato grader for smallfarm, used once also cow station -Jamesway brand, good condition.Make offers. 315-673-3485INTERNATIONAL 4500A 2WD roughterrain forklift w/22 ft lift height. Goodcondition. Columbia County. 914-475-6336 or 516-281-1505INTERNATIONAL M Tractor.Restorable. Excellent tin, not rustedout. $1800 obo. 716-662-3250ATV Mower, brush hog GT42, 42”, 8hprotary cut $275; Post hole digger, Ford#905 w/9” auger $450; Grader blade, Ford#785 w/stone rake $650; Sprayer,tree/fruit, Dobbins #C525, trailer model, 30gallon tank, 12 VDC motor w/hand gun &boom $175;Water pump, Honda #WN20,600 gpm w/2” suction & 1 1 ⁄2 discharge lines$250. 845-889-4237 lentfarms@optonline.net.HESSTON CHOPPERS 7145 & 7155 2hay heads, 2 RN corn head choppers,need knives and spiders $2500 obotakes all. 716-523-9951ROUND BALER for sale. Hesston 545silage, great machine. I am no longerdoing hay. This unit has always beenstored inside. $9500. 607-369-2329PARTS for H.G Clentrac. Axels, drivegears, sprockets, and complete reardrive assemble. 315-573-2365FORD 2000, Case VAS w/cultivators,VAH (High Crop), 430, Farmall 300,Super H, Ford 2N, MH Pony (mint),Large selection of Molines (rare andrestored) call for info and pics. 518-922-6301ANTIQUE 1940 Master Yard WorkmanMA#568 pull behind road grader. In workingorder. Lyons, NY 315-946-6204MARTTEL MOWER, 7 foot sickle bar, 3pt hitch. Good condition $650. 845-255-1891 evenings.MOSQUITO MAGNET. Large 20 lb tank.Everything intact. Pd $500 asking$250. 518-641-9661 or 518-374-9107GREENHOUSE EQUIPMENT. Ellissuper flat/pot filler. Fills pots up to 16”tall. Only premier pro-mix was used inthis machine. Works great. Located onLong Island 631-831-7259GREENHOUSE EQUIPMENT: 5 furnacesmodine (4) 16,000 btu (1)11,250 btu. 2 blowers acme 40” x2'x40” deep. 2 automatic lowers40”x63” and a Gleason Econc-PakFlat & Pot filling system. Md# FFR-30-H. 6'6”, width 3'5”. 716-532-4358STORAGE/LIVESTOCK Housing.Farmtek hoop house, “Super Moo-Tel”26Wx12-1/2 H X 40L, use to store tractors,equipment, feed or raise livestock.Brand new. Paid $7000 asking $4500.845-453-1169HIGH PRESSURE washer, waukeshaustainless food grade pump, 5 foot Ezee-Flow fertilizer spreader. Glenside OrganicVineyards, Naples NY 14512. 585-374-2091 glensidevineyards@frontier.com.MILKING SYSTEM: Complete 10 stallflat barn parlor (discontinued usebecause of new parlor) WestfaliaATO's, universal systems. 2 pipelinesincluding numerous items. Will separate.List available. Brian Newton. 607-863-3931KNIGHT 3025 TMR Mixer. 2002 model.Good scales, we have outgrown it. $5000obo.607-746-3785 please leave messageWOODMIZER seat for portable sawmilling; used twice $500. Land Pridescafier - like new $600 obo. 607-692-4755 evenings or leave message.0% FINANCING on Hesston & MasseyFerguson Round Balers, Mowers andmost hay tools. Call us for Hesston andCase IH Hesston parts. www.mabiebrosinc.comor 315-687-7891CALL US for KRONE hay tools and parts.Tedders and Rakes in stock.www.mabiebrosinc.com or 315-687-7891TOOL STORE CLOSING. $100,000 inventory.Woodworking/Automotive Equipment.Air, hand tools, compressors, generator,jumbo socket/wrench sets, engine standsto 2000lbs. Vices, hoists and much more.Call 845-266-5537RETIRING JD Tractor Mechanic is sellingShop Service and Repair Manuals,extra parts, come tools and some toysNIB. Call 631-830-7051 or Emaildeeredoc161@yahoo.com.2 CONCRETE STORE Silos. 20x80. Bestoffer. Call Kinderfields. 518-758-22491989 J-Austin Livestock trailer. Gooseneck.20x6x6. Completely refurbished, electricbrakes. 845-706-3633HAY WAGON: 9x18 B&E Kicker wagon.Excellent condition $3000. 315-536-2717HAY WAGON: 8'x16'. All metal, no wood,3 pt hitch metal fertilizer/lime spreader.Yamaha Grizzly, 125cc ATV, 4-strokecamo color. All in VGC. Pygmy goatstoo. 518-966-8130HAY WAGON: 8.5x16', never stored outside.3 Pt hitch fertilizer spreader, 16' hayelevator, 300 gallon fuel tank with handpump. Call evenings 518-686-9851WANTED: Cornell barn cleaner chain, righthand turn, 200+ feet. 607-723-8707VEHICLES & PARTS1957 CHEVY HOOD Good condition.$125.00 518-692-78101979 FORD F-700 farm vehicle, 390 gasengine, 4w/d, does not dump, lots ofnew parts, brakes and seals, great haytruck, will go anywhere. $5500. 518-532-70861929 MODEL A Frame, Body, Engine,Many parts - no time to restore. Totalpackage $1750. 585-547-9269MILITARY ALL Wheel drive 2.5 and 5ton trucks: M818 truck tractor 6x6 withCummins NHC250 diesel, 5 speedmanual trans, 2 sp transfer case.Road/field ready; make great fieldtrucks with their all wheel drive. M818$5500. M35A2 $4000 and up, M35A3with Cat 3116 and Allsion AT $8500Altamont, NY call/text 518-542-0899MAX ATV's - The six-wheeler workhorsethat is built to last. Nothing Compares!Call 315-853-3640.1996 33 FOOT MOTOR HOME. 4600miles. GM chassis & engine. Sleeps 6.A/C, Satelite TV, full kitchen & bath,generator. Excellent condition.Originally $85,000 asking $25,000. InBrewster. 845-406-1266HONDA ENGINE DEALER - SeawayRental Corp, Watertown, NY. Stockparts and services, Honda engines.315-788-4700.EQUINEEQUINE DENTAL SERVICES acceptingnew clients in all of New York State315-829-3135.NATURAL Barefoot trimming for horses ofall sizes. Reasonable rates, multi-horsediscount. Call Ashlee 315-868-4223 orvisit www.gentletouchfarrier.webs.com.WESTERN CHAPTER NYS HorseCouncil. Serving the equine community inWNY. www.wcnyshc.org. 716-941-9120.WILDWOOD FARM - standing importedLusitano Stallion - Voluntario Interagro.Quality Iberian warmblood young stockavailable. 607-693-5091.REINING HORSES FOR SALE -Ticonderoga, NY. Check out websitewww.willowwoodfarm.comFOUNDATION QUARTER HORSEbreeding and sales. Suitable for manydisciplines, especially ranch horse versatility.Raycliff Farm. 315-823-4321LAND'S END WHIPPORWILL. Reg.Section B Liver chestnut Welsh ponystallion! By #1 ranked Hunter PonyStallion Caroline's Red Fox! $500 privatetreaty. Foxtale Farm. foxtalefrm@aol.comor 607-215-5594JP RHOADES FARM. Reg. Morganhorses. All ages. Trained and youngstock. Bred for soundness, athleticism,sensibility. Pine City, NY 607-732-8485Prhoades@stny.rr.com.MORGAN HORSES- We offer the finestin trained mares, geldings and outstandingyoung stock. Terrific quality,sane, and sound. Hartland Morgans,www.hartlandmorgans.com Windsor,NY, 607-655-2604.REGISTERED MORGAN MARE. Liverchestnut. Ground drives, trail rides withcompany. Good for farrier.Experienced beginner rider. 8 yrs old,15 hands, Elegant. Knows leads,WTC, willing to please. Great potential.$3000 obo. Cell# 914-489-32506 YR OLD HAFLINGER cross mare. Novices. 14.3, green broke $800 518-792-0437HAFLINGER Horses. All ages. Topbloodlines. Mostly imported. From 14.1to 15.1 hands. Reasonable prices forPlease see CLASSIFIEDS PG. 21➤

August 2011 Grassroots Page 21Classifieds▼ Continued from PG. 20top bloodlines. NEW TREND FARM.518-762-1503HORSES/PONIES. Large selection. Quietfamily to fancy show. Thoroughbred andPaint/warmblood stallions. Broodmares.Photos. WWW.HIGHPOINTFRM.COM845-266-3678GYPSY VANNERS for sale: PremierAmerican and European bloodlines.Long island bred foals, yearlings, geldingsand mares are available now. Visitwww.Ellena'sGypsy VannerFarm.comor call David at 631-921-9300HERD REDUCTION - FREE to a goodhome, thoroughbred broodmares withoutpapers or $1000 with papers. 3 referencesrequired. 607-369-9100REG. HAFLINGER foals and Percheroncross foal, excellent temperament, movementand very versatile.bigoakview@msn.com or 518-663-5220PAIR OF PONIES. 14 hands.Brother/sister. Clyde/welsh crosses.Gray. Ride, drive (single and double).Gelding was used for vaulting. UTD oneverything. Good for farrier, loading etc.$5000 obo. 518-441-4035GENUINE HEINZ 57 part draft 8 yr oldblack gelding. Excellent work horse. 12yr old Quarter horse cross sorrel geldingtrail horse. Too many horses, too littletime. 607-382-7472PERCHERON DRAFT Horses. Herdreduction, 15 to choose from. Greatdispositions, some broke for riding andhitching. 607-796-9026SHIRE SALE. 3 pair. 2 whites, 2 bays, 2blacks (1 of which is a stallion).Extraordinary temperaments, terrific quality.Sired by Metheringham Upton Isaac.631-477-0229 Township of Southold.HORSES TRAINED - Youngstersstarted/problem horses. RegisteredMorgans for sale - sweet tempered andbeautiful. www.blackwillowmorgans.com.FINGER LAKES THOROUGHBREDAdoption Program has new horses availablefor show and pleasure. These horsesare looking for a great home. For informationand pictures visit www.fingerlakestap.org.585-905-7457C.B. WALKER STABLES. Brewster NY.Horses boarded, leased, bought and sold.Lessons in all disciplines.Training in dressage,jumping and eventing. 845-278-1731 or info@cbwalkerstables.com.CHEVAL STABLES - Horse boarding inMarion NY. Indoor and Outdoor arenas,trails, round pen. Call 1-585-520-5088CHESTNUT RIDGE Stable in Cambridge,NY. Boarding, Lessons and Training.Indoor and Outdoor Riding Arenas, CrossCountry Course and Trails. Indoor andOutdoor Board. 518-677-3545.AFTER HOURS FARM, Clifton Park NY.Specializing in "TLC" horse boarding,superior English riding lessons andtraining. Indoor and outdoor rings.Horse shows, clinics and summercamp. (518)384-6441.FULL CIRCLE TRAINING STABLE LLC.Certified John Lyons Instructor of NaturalHorsemanship. 30 years experience-stilllearning everyday. Woman's workshopsMarch-Nov. Private lessons and training.Children welcome. Michelle Labriola. Rte40 in Easton, NY 518-692-7111 -farm cell518-338-7401 or www.fullcircletrainingstable.comADIRONDAK FOOTHILLS EQUINE inComstock, NY offers horse boarding,lessons, indoor arena and much more.Brand new 120x280 outdoor providesthe perfect venue for ranch sorting,team penning, barrel racing andgymkhanas. Visit www.adkfoothillsequine.comfor a listing of events. Call518-642-3755 or e-mail adkfoothillsequine@roadrunner.com.PHELAN TRAINING STABLE. Horses forsale, excellent dispositions. Lessons available,all seats. Qualified teacher.www.PhelanTrainingStable.com or 585-657-6952RENEGADE FARM in Schenectady NY.Reasonable rates with experienced qualityservice since 1996. Boarding, training,English & western lessons by Lynn Bakos.ARIA certified instructor. Monthly AdultHorsemanship course, summer camp.Indoor & outdoor rings, trails, over 40acres of pastures. 518-864-5518 orlgbrenegade@yahoo.com.INFINITY FARM, a private boardingfacility located in the WestCharlton/Glenville area, currently hasopenings. Large box stalls, tons ofturnout (w/ run-ins), large outdoor ridingring, trails, round pen and manyextras. Check us out www.infinitehorses.comor call 518-374-9838HORSES BOARDED like family. 12x12stalls, all day turnout onto lush greenpastures. 10 miles of State Forest trails.Near Esperance. Retirees/Layups welcome$270/month www.Hearts-Haven.blogspot.com. Compare ourrates! 518-875-9944HORSE BOARDING at Sunset ValleyFarm, full board $225 per horse or$200 per multiple horse. Board hashay, grain, stall, turnout, lighted 80x130outdoor arena, trails / fields on 100+acres, large pastures, training and lessonsavailable. Owner on premiseswith 30 years of experience. 518-794-8129 or taz1919@aol.com.HORSE BOARDING: 10 minutes offNYS Thruway Exit 23, Albany. Fullexcellent care, lush pastures withKeepsafe Mesh fencing, outdoorarena, great trails for an hour to 5 hoursriding. http://earl1.angelfire.com. Call518-475-0929HORSE BOARDING- Sullivan County.New barn. Lots of turnout with run-ins.Endless trails, tireless care.www.HighRoadHorseFarm.com or845-482-4706HORSE BOARDING - Private familyhorse farm, Abundant secure pastures.Unending quiet woodland trails. Verylarge indoor arena. Large box stalls.Individual care. Resident veterinarian.Otego, NY 607-988-7779HORSE BOARDING - includes personalcare, bi-monthly worming, use of outdoorarena and access to gravel road and trails.Separate paddock and roomy stall.$200/315-314-1932 labowgirl@yahoo.com.References available.QUALITY STABLES. Quality care forboarding and training horses. Largelesson program for all ages. Visitorswelcome. Oneonta, NY 607-432-8977. www.qualitystables.com.HORSE HEAVEN STABLES: horse boarding,English/western lessons, IEACompetition Team, full board includesturnout, feed and bedding.Indoor and outdoorarenas, heated tack room. Familyowned and operated. 315-462-2354 orjpetruzz@rochester.rr.com.BOARDING,TRAINING & SALES:Pasture and rough board. Natural trainingmethods in dressage, trail riding and westernhorsemanship. Lusitano crosses andquarter horses for sale. Clinton Corners,NY 845-594-9915FROM HUNT SEAT to race horses. Weoffer quality boarding, training and lessons.Horses started to fine schooling atvery reasonable rates. Check us out atwww.southerndutchess.com. 24/7 supervision.BAR JMC RANCH offers full boarding,training programs, and lessons -englishand western. Family run facility inGreene County. Reasonable rates withquality service. 845-820-4072CORNERSTONE TRAINING STABLES.Training, lessons and sales. Check us out.Training, Lessons and sales. 607-359-2390 or www.cornerstonetrainingstables.com. Addison, NY.FOUNDATION TRAINING & Solutionsfor Problem Horses. 32 acres of heavenjust outside of Saratoga. NaturalHorsemanship Approach (PNH). Learnwith your horse! Call Sue Knight atRound Table Training. 518-885-0402SUGAR HILL FARM of Victor, NY offers ridinglessons for all levels. A safe environmentbuilds confidence and teaches compassionwhile working with horses. 585-924-8240 or www.Sugarhillarabians.com.STONEWALL STABLES, I do everything,50+ acres to enjoy, full board$200. Alden, NY 716-937-7682.PLEASANT HILL STABLES. Trail riding,Western/English tack & Apparelshop, Boarding, Lessons, Indoorarena. Horse & Carriage for Weddings,Team & Wagon for Parties, Birthdayparties, Gift Certificates. www.pleasanthillstable.comor 607-648-4979WINDROCK FARM solving commontraining issues with your horse, safetrailering, no kicking, biting, leadingwith respect, starting young horseswith confidence, ride and obstaclecourse. Check web site for details.www.SwansonPetersonProductions.com.HORSES - Sales, training, lessons,breeding, boarding. Morgans, Paintsand Quarter Horses. www.northstar-GrassrootsFREE!farm.com or 716-532-3390BOARDING, TRAINING (foals to seniors),Lessons, and Sales.Natural Horsemanship.WWW.hoofstepstrainingLLC.com (845)820-0339 “Hoof Steps Training LLC,Doing things right one step at a time”.RETIREE HORSE BOARDING on familyfarm in Heldenberg, Knox NY. Boxstalls, good pasture, quality hay andexperienced caregivers on premises24/7. Call Bonnie at 518-872-2151RETIRED HORSE BOARDING. Customdiets, 12x12 stalls with windows, turnouts- individual/group, indoor arena.Specializing in nutritional problems.Equine nutritionist-owner/manager. Afton,NY. www.equineretirement.com 607-639-2409HORSE BOARDING & Riding Lessons.Brunswick NY. Oversized indoor arena,heated stables with all amenities.Board $525. Lessons for beginnersintermediateon seasoned horses $35.PlacidHillsStables.com 518-279-9717HORSE BOARDING at Stillwater IslandFarm. 20 min from Saratoga or CliftonPark. Spectacular views from the 50acre private island. We have room for2 boarders. Indoor arena, large boxstalls, turnout in grass pastures withrun-in sheds. Individual care.Maintained trails. ResidentVeterinarian. Foundation Training availablewith natural horsemanship methods(PHN). $650 518-281-6383GLENWOOD FARM in Oneonta -Parent/Child opportunities! UniqueSpanish language learning and horsemanshipprogram for all ages in a fun environment.607-433-1754 oramlusins@hotmail.com.FOUR SEASONS Therapeutic RidingCenter. Where people speak throughhorses. Therapeutic riding instruction,EAAT and Hippotherapy for people ofall abilities. NARHA member center.Please see CLASSIFIEDS PG. 22➤Classifieds!Reach fellow Farm Bureau members throughout thestate! Sell equipment, real estate ora service — you name it!One Free Classified Ad for NYFB Members!All ads must be received by the 15th of each monthto appear in the following month’s issue.Members receive one free ad per month.Be sure to submit ads no longer than 30 words.Additional ads for members may be submitted at a rate of $15.(Non-members may submit an ad at a rate of $30.)E-mail submissions to: classifieds@nyfb.orgor Mail to: Grassroots ClassifiedsPO Box 5330 • Albany, NY 12205or Fax: (518) 431-5656For more info, call: (518) 436-8495NYFB Reserves the right to refuse to accept any classified ad, paid orunpaid, at its sole discretion.

Page 22 Grassroots August 2011Classifieds▼ Continued from PG. 21845-434-5912INSTRUCTIONAL TRAIL RIDING in theNational Forest on Tennessee WalkingHorses. Why trot when you can glide?Experience the Cadillac of rides. Horsesales as well. Call Stan 607-330-1198LUKENS HORSE Transportation.Providing the best care for your horse forover 25 years. Weekly trips from theNortheast to Kentucky. Give us acall! 1-800-621-1225 or www.horsetransport.com.CARRIAGE DRIVING and BeginnerRiding lessons, Pony Parties. ShadowBrook Farm, Middletown, NY Call Betty845-692-5046.BUMPER PULL TRAILER. Completelyrefurbished, straight load. Fits quarterhorses, Llamas, Alpacas, sheep, minisand pigs. Howes Cave, NY $1600 obo585-278-74921990 CIRCLE J 2-horse trailer, straightload w/ramp, storm doors, 2 escapedoors, tack compartment. 4 new tires.Very good condition. 607-225-49091974 HARTMAN 2-horse trailer. Newbrakes, good condition. $800. 845-226-1424 or 845-309-4444NEW Easy entry miniature horse andpony carts, mini 400 pony 425. AlsoBio harness available. 716-990-33175th WHEEL Hitch wagon, draft size,spoke wheels, good condition $2000Amish Buggy, high gloss black, open,single or double. Excellent condition$2000. 607-796-9026CON-TACK CONSIGNS and sells anyhorse related items including tack, ridingapparel, antiques, etc.845-757-4442 or visit www.con-tack.com.CUSTOM SADDLES at wholesaleprices. Custom tack. Six to eight weektime frame. 845-292-9224.FARRIER TOOLS at Afton FarrierSupply. Rasps, Nippers, Hoof Knives,horseshoes and more. 607-206-3867or www.aftonfarriersupply.tripod.comSTOP ARENA DUST Now you can havea dust free indoor! MAG Flakes eliminateswatering, saves money. Provenand safe. www.StopArenaDust.comEmerson Supply 716-434-5371PREMIUM QUALITY THRIVE horsefeed; complete feed, highest qualityingredients. Great for all ages/breedsof horses. Aids with normalizingweight, build healthy hooves, improvescoat, aids with establishing a calm temperament.Feed as nature intended.See website: prayroadstables.com orcall 315-393-3433TRAIL RIDES: Join us for a fun ride onour trails and fields. 585-638-5042.EQUINE CONNECTIONS © MASSAGETHERAPY. Enhance Performance.Safeguard against injury. Give your horsesthe best possible care. CJ Mathewson.Certified Equissage © Therapist. Info@www.equitouch.webs.com 518-848-4599COGGINS TESTING - AGID and ELISA.Chemistry, Hematology, Urinalysis,Fecal and Serology too. Have your veterinariancontact us at Mohawk ValleyVet Labs (MVVL) located inWestmoreland, NY 1-877-853-4930AQHA IF Western Pleasure prospectsand broodmares. Paid up in NSBABreeders Futurity. Prices start $1500-$7500. May help pay for trucking expenses.Ticonderoga, NY 518 585 3040 Webaddress www.freewebs.com/journeysendfarmqhsA HORSE DRAWN AFFAIR/BROEFARM home of Rosevale Leggo. 16.2black morgan stallion standing at stud.Boarding ,lessons, training, dressage,driving ,hunters, Sales 518-329-5249MINIATURE HORSES,AMHA,AMHR,Stallions, Mares, Geldings. Championbloodlines, Show and Pet quality. AlsoMiniature Donkeys, Llamas &Peacocks. Fairwise Acres. 607-545-6247 or visit www.fairwiseacres.com.MINIATURE HORSES, appaloosa stallion,mares, great dispositions. $600,saddles. Ticonderoga, NY. Lord HoweValley Farms. 518-585-3009LIVESTOCKBULLS! BREEDING- Age Jerseys, verygood - excellent dams with 20,000lbs +records. Dreamroad Jerseys Call Flip518-762-2375.BULLS - REGISTERED HOLSTEINSIRES:from EX dams w/high fat & proteinplus longevity traits. Over 50 on hand -seethe dams when you visit. Call Wayne @Ridgedale 518-673-2809REGISTERED BLACK ANGUS: CedarRidge Farm in Colton NY has qualitybred, registered heifers and bred cowsfor sale. Traveler 004 and Sitz NewDesign 349M lineage. Call 209-931-5228 or 315-276-1124 for more info.REG. RED ANGUS Bull for breeding. 2yrs old, 1600 lbs. 315-691-4878, cell416-9641REGISTERED ANGUS Bulls: Yearling byFinal Answer.Three year old by Duff NewEdition 6108.Call or email for performancedata and more details.Amp4265@yahoo.com or 716-597-7836REGISTERED POLLED Hereford Heiferand Bull calves; high weaning weights,good bloodlines. Berne, NY 518-872-0256DAIRY HEIFERS. 4 Holstein and 4 holstein/jerseycross. 400-600 pounds.607-639-3187REG. HEREFORD bred heifers. Safe incalf to MSU TCF Revolution 4R.Developed through Penn State HeiferDevelopment Program. Excellentgenetics. jwagner@mhcable.com or518-469-3777HOLSTEIN STEER 1200lbs, butcher ready$1100 or $1.90 hanging weight. 4 holstein/jerseysteers, 600lbs, $500 finish offthis summer! All fed certified organic feed,pasture raised. 585-554-4468HOLSTEIN STEER. Roughly 750pounds. Raised naturally withoutgrowth hormones or antibiotics. 716-941-5123BEEF CATTLE WANTED: Tiffany HillFarm is a cutting horse facility inWappingers Falls, NY. We are seekingcattle suppliers for our practice sessions.We require 30 to 35 head on amonthly basis. Cattle must be fresh(not worked with horses).We will pickup and return. Please contact Jim at845-462-2774 or 914-403-2015 (cell)or e-mail jim@industrialwindow.com.BROCKETT HOOF TRIMMING 2006Graduate of Dairyland Hoof Care, nowserving Lewis County and the surroundingareas. Times are tough butcow health is not the place to cut. CallTim today. 814-644-5323PERFORMANCE Dairy products. Livemicrobials for your dairy cows. Let FredMyers help you improve your herd average.315-271-5329 or 315-865-6190REGISTERED ALPINE dairy goats. 2009kids, yearlings and milkers. CAEPrevention Certified Scapie Program.315-727-1887Classified ad deadlineGrassroots Classified ads need to arrive at the FB offices by the15th of the month to ensure placement in the upcoming issue.DAIRY GOATS - ADGA registeredOberhasli National Top Ten DHIR milkers,yearlings, bucks, goat milk soap. Deliciousmilk, high butterfat. Darien 585-547-9906.www.harperhillfarm.com.REGISTERED NIGERIAN Dwarf GoatDoes and Buckling. Nice markings.Easy to handle. Excellent milkers. Milkis very good for you and makes greatcheese. Great for a small family or 4Hproject. 518-854-9702 orAlanna@starlitridge.com.REGISTERED NIGERIAN Dwarf dairygoats - breeding stock, ideal for personalmilk supply, 4-H projects, driving& back packing. Does and bucksavailable. Shots-wormed- Binghamtonarea, call 607-693-2682ADOPT-A-GOAT to NO KILL FARMSONLY. Young and healthy fromSaratoga County. $75 adoption fee.Call Lou at 518-584-3041 orwww.exit13s.comANGORA GOATS. Reg. breeding stockfrom super fine Texas bloodlines.Breeding age bucks, does and starterflocks available, also raw or washedmohair fleece. Some pet quality stockalso available. 518-537-4487AKBASH PUPPIES. Livestock guardiandogs. Adult dogs on premises workingsheep, alpacas and goats. Puppies livewith all species. Ready now. Excellenttemperaments! No coat maintenance.Springside Farm. 315-683-5860SHETLAND SHEEP BREEDING stock forsale. For information or photos, 716-244-0290 or wildgeesefarm@gmail.com.OLD ENGLISH sheepdog puppies:adorable, willing learners, love children.Health guarantee. Payments,shipping available 716-483-6511.TINY YORKIE Puppies. 5 girls, 1 boy. Mom6 lbs, dad 4lbs.All Registered. Ready July19th. $900 each. 518-792-0437MEAT GOATS: market-show-breedingstock. See: Empire State Meet GoatProducers Association websitewww.ESMGPA.orgGOATS, DONKEYS, TURKEYS, springchick, fresh eggs, live and dressed.NPIP certified 518-733-9332.DAY OLD CHICKS - Cornish Rock crossbroiler chicks, Red Sex linked layerchicks, and Broad Breasted Whiteturkey poults. Call or write for pricesand availability. NEPPA Hatchery, 660Fordsbush Road, Fort Plain, NY 13339518-568-5322CLUN FOREST TWIN ewe and ramlambs. Grainless growth, meat orfleece. windyridge@twcny.rr.com 315-653-7575.2011 WHITETAIL FAWNS for sale. Max,Palmer, Xfactor,, Rolex, MaxboExtreme and Absolute genetics. Greatcrosses. Limited number of fawns forsale. Taking deposits. NorthernWhitetail Farms, Akron, NY. Moredetails on the website atwww.NorthernWhitetailFarms.com.LOVEABLE Llamas. All ages, males,females, back-packers. 315-543-7011ALPACA PARADISE offering friendly,loving, pet quality alpaca males from$250-$1500. Some females available.Also have some raw fleece. KenCurrie. 716-297-3443 or 716-523-3444ALPACAS! ALPACAS! ALPACAS!Invest in the New York Farm lifestyle!Near Belleayre Mountain. www.alpacasofdundorwoods.net845-254-4602.ALPACAS. Show quality stock. Excellentbloodlines, fiber and color. Many tochoose from. Plan a farm visit. Call518-475-7774ALPACAS - Rice Farms of CayugaCounty offers huge savings on highquality female alpacas. Outstanding lineagesat low prices. $500 down with0% financing. 315-626-6768 orwww.ricealpacafarm.com.CONSIDERING ALPACAS...At Spirit WindFarm and Fiber Studio we take pride inoffering quality alpacas with competitiveprices and guarantees. Providing educationin alpaca husbandry and fiber w/ongoing support before, during and afterthe sale. Contact us w/ questions or toschedule a visit to our farm and studio.315-926-5427 email:kyoung8@rochester.rr.comOTTER CREEK ALPACAS located inJohnsonville, NY. Come visit our herdof Show and Pet quality alpacas. Weare a full service farm from sales andtours to our farm store. Enjoy allaspects of the alpaca lifestyle.Christine at 518-783-4059 orwww.ottercreekalpacas.comOh, My! Alpacas. A complete herd frompet to show quality. Over 50 animals.Alpaca products. Farm tours available.Stanley, NY 585-526-6308ALPACAS FOR SALE in Little Falls, NYat Inghams Mill Farm. We have nicelypriced females, males and babies tochoose from. They can be seen atwww.AlpacaNation.com/inghamsmill.asp. 315-823-1605ALPACAS - Reg. quality breeding females,pet/fiber quality males. Call for sales list.Reasonably priced. Package deals available.Visitus, just outside of Syracuse, NY315-445-2865 www.brierhillalpacas.com.LAMBS - Old English Babydolls. Reg.Flock. 2011 rams and ewes. 845-469-4462PAINTED DESERT SHEEP, Miniaturedonkeys, Pygmy goats, NarragansettTurkeys, Golden Lacken Velder chickens,White bobwhite quail, Ryder Pond Farm518-568-2953ICELANDIC SHEEP: Meat, breedingstock, fleece, roving, yarn, felt, pelts. Highquality products. Shepherd's Falls Farm.315-683-9408 or visit our website atwww.shepherdsfallsfarm.comWHITE DORPER SHEEP. Shedding, noshearing needed, ewes, ewe lambsand ram lambs for breeding, custombutcheredfreezer lambs, pastureraised without any grain, hoof rot free.www.whitecloversheepfarm.com orEmail ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com.Phone 585-554-3313FREE RANGE grass only beef bulls1.00 a pound live weight 518-883-8284FORESTRY PRODUCTSLOCUST POSTS Poles Lumber split railfencing hardwood, softwood, lumberwood. Lot's wanted 518-883-8284.WHITE CEDAR fence posts. Varioussizes and prices. Taking orders now.Please see CLASSIFIEDS PG. 23➤

August 2011 Grassroots Page 23Classifieds▼ Continued from PG. 22315-386-8863LOGGING, LAND CLEARING, firewood,call Rainbow Ridge Farms 518-733-9332.TIMBER HARVESTING/LAND CLEAR-ING Buyers of standing timber and logs.Full insured. Immediate Payment. J.L.McNamee, Ltd. 518-851-LOGS (5647)SUSAN KEISTER, Forester. Specialty: softwood,low grade and high grade timbersales; Management Planning. 585-728-3044 or visit www.susanjkeisterllc.com.CONSULTING FORESTRY : Timbersales, 480A, Gas Line and otherappraisals, Firewood/improvementmarking, ect. Roy D. Hopke, CF, 607-648-4573 Info Google “Roy Hopke”.FOREST MGT. Services. 480a,Stewardship & NYC watershed forest mgt.plans, timber sale admin., appraisals,hunting leases & other services. JPZylstra, Cert. Forester. 845-355-9042 orJPZMAN@Yahoo.com.NEW LEAF ENVIRONMENTAL LLC.North Eastern Wildlife and ForestryConsultants. Contact Lance Ebel andAndrew Fuerst at 607-229-0272 or visitwww.newleafenvironmental.com formore information.ENERGY INDEPENDENCE. Firewoodprocessors and other products tochoose from. View videos at www.windancerfarm.com.607-656-4551MOORES LOGGING - Buyers of standingtimber. Hardwood and softwood.607-293-7968.SAW MILL on Long Island. Custom Cutlumber Boards, Planks, Beams. 631-727-5920 Ed Thompson.SAW MILL BLADES 1 40 in. $500 obo,1 48 in $1,000 obo, 1 50 in 1000 obo,518-883-8284SAWMILL American #2 50” blade$1000. Also 52” left hand blade $600.716-307-3175FIREWOOD FOR SALE. Long length (8-15') hardwood logs delivered all longIsland and South East NYS. 845-667-2540APPLE WOOD & FIREWOOD availablein Columbia & northern Dutchesscounties and all adjacent areas.Delivery available, call for free quote.845-876-5999STANDING TIMBER WANTED.Hardwood, softwood, top prices paid.Harvesting with flotation equipment -low impact. J.B.Winter & Sons LoggingCompany Inc. 518-392-8173TIMBER & LOG BUYERS. “TheWagner Company” purchase standingtimber, hardwood logs and timberlandthroughout New York and the NorthernTier of PA. 607-687-5362 or www.wagnerlumber.com.$$$LOGGING$$$. Buying standing timber.Hard, soft, maple, cherry, walnut,ash, red &white oak. 50-500 acres.Paid before cut. Free consultation;good network. 315-668-3786 or 315-706-4592ROUGH CUT hard/soft wood lumber,custom sawing. 585-547-9269 or 585-591-0180NOW BUYING TIMBER: any kind. Aspen,poplar, cotton wood, willow, soft maple.Pole wood, fire wood stock. Standing orharvested. Picked up or delivered. CoveyTree Inc. 716-484-6183LOCAL SAWMILL since 1958 able toprovide roughcut hard and soft woods,custom log sawing, millblade hammering.Also hay for sale. Alexander, NY.Ken 585-547-9269 or 585-591-0180TRAVELCOME VISIT OUR FARMS! New YorkDeer & Elk Farmers Association invitesyou to come visit a deer or elk farmnear you! There are over 540 farms inNew York State! Contact NYDEFA at716-685-4019 or NYDEFA@NYDE-FA.org to locate a farm near you!EASTON VIEW OUTFITTERS are specialistsin putting together just the kind of outdooradventure you have in mind! Fromonce-in-a-lifetime trophy hunt to wildernessphotography to using our lodge foryour gathering or as your source of qualitycervid stock for a new or existing farm, wepromise you an unforgettable outdoorwilderness experience. Call 518-692-9999 for more information.www.EastonViewOutfitters.com.WILD WEST TROPHY HUNTS:Trophy elk,whitetail, red deer and buffalo.Wildwestrophyhunts.com 607-847-6658.LLAMA TREKS. Take a guided naturehike with our pack llamas, throughforested ravines with a stream andwaterfalls, while they carry drinks andsnacks. Spring, summer and fall.www.woodmanseellamas.com 315-696-8997FRONTENAC POINT Vineyard & EstateWinery is now open Fridays, Saturdays& Sundays. Located on the west sideof Cayuga Lake. We participate in theLocal Farms discount program forFarm Bureau members. www.frontenacpoint.com.607-387-9619FARM MARKETMOON VALLEY PLANT CO. 5664 RT14Dundee NY. 607 243 5120 Open dailyApril-October 10% Discount for FBMembers on selected items. Familyowned and grown since 1981“THE MAPLE LADY” visit her atwww.MapleLady.com for unique mapleproducts, gifts and recipes.MOUNTAIN WINDS FARM Maple syrup,all natural farm fresh eggs, broilerchickens, vegetables in season.Second generation on the farm teachingthe third generation. 518-872-0513VENDORS WANTED: Farmers Marketin Menands retail market season,Saturdays 9AM to 1PM, May throughOctober. Especially baker, fiber arts,dairy, garlic, candles and soap. CallErin 518-465-1023 www.capitaldistrictfarmersmarket.org.VALERIES GARDEN's open for theseason. Annuals, herbs, perennials,vegetables and so much more. 732Middle Road, Horseheads, NY 607-739-5237 Mon-Fri 10-6 Sat-Sun 10-4.MARKETING BOOST. New York FarmBureau's “Local Farms, Local Food”promotion program gives your retailfarm market more visibility with pressreleases, advertising, point-of-purchasematerials, and Web site listing,plus a commission on new FarmBureau memberships you sell. Toinquire send e-mail toMemberSupport@nyfb.org or call 800-342-4143, ext. 5631.SUPPLIESDISCOUNT PESTICIDES. We ship daily.info@thompsonag.com 716-934-3808.GENERIC PESTICIDES - SpringwaterAg Products. 8663 Strutt St. Wayland,NY Open 7 days a week! Farmerfriendly prices. Call for early savingsand prices. Serving the Finger Lakesarea since 2003. We sell brand namesas well. 585-728-2386SLATE ROOFING for sale. 607-796-9026GALVANIZED 300 gallon stock tank$95. Galvanized 169 gallon stock tank$65. 2 pony saddles $45 each. Stallhay rack (metal) $14. 315-245-0687DRUMS and CONTAINERS Great forhome brewery. Polyethylene plasticdrums ideal for storage. 10 gal. whitedrum w/ blue screw on lid $10 each.20 gal square containers w/ blue snapon lids, will hold 60lbs of wheat.$5/each. 55 gal. plastic open top drumsfor rain barrel $10 each. 1/2 oz and 5oz glass amber bottles with caps $.13each. Contact paul@ontariorecycling.comfor pictures, pricing and shipping.585-328-4253.SUPER SALE!!! 300,000 BTU AmericanRoyall Outdoor wood/coal boilers. Trueclosed system dual fuel. List price $8,600.Sale $7,000 + freight. $1,500 TAXREBATE!! 716-945-1414SAVE UP TO 65% off your hot water bill withEarthKind Solar. Use the sun to savemoney, save energy and reduce yourdependence on imported fuels. Great fordairy farms. Call 1-877-Earth-71.HEATERS - portable type kerosene andpropane. Seaway Rental ofWatertown, NY, stocks many commonparts to repair many brands. Phone315-788-4700. Review our main rentallist at www.seawayrentalcorp.comLISTER LASER Shearing Machine withextra combard culler, with plastic carryingcase. Never used. Paid $320, asking$300. Firm. 716-992-3806PRECISION GPS Guidance Equipment.We sell units that Guide operators,auto steer tractors, map spraying andsystems that guide within 1-2 inches.Outback Guidance center. Geneva, NY14456 315-789-0037COUNTRY CLIPPER Zero TurnMowers. Joy stick operation. Tilt-upmid mount deck. Commercial andhomeowner models. On the web atwww.Countryclipper.com. Americanmade. Oh, My! Mowers. Stanley, NY585-314-4912WOODWORKERS: Planer/jointer knivesanyone can change! Free shipping forNYFB members. www.dispozablade.com800-557-8092.SULLIVAN COUNTY FARM has compostfor sale. Buyer responsible fortrucking. Dry manure available. 845-295-0063.TEXAS REFINERY LUBRICANTSSince 1922. Top quality oils and greases.TIRESEAL never equaled. Leadingfuel conditioner for wear and depositreduction in diesel. 716-581-0570Made in USA.AMSOIL SYNTHETIC LUBRICANTS.Wholesale prices available. The pioneercompany since 1972. Will loweroverall operating cost. For free informationpack call 1-800-753-8679.PURCHASE AMSOIL Synthetic lubricants.Reduce engine wear, lower youroperating cost and help Farm Bureau.Visit www.lubedealer.com/ve Usedealer number ZO 1664563EGG CARTONS AND POULTRY SUP-PLIES at discounted prices. 1-888-852-5340.Visit www.EggCartons.com.TARPAULINS: 1000 denier heavy dutyweave, white, silver, green/silver, 26sizes 8' x 10' thru 50' x 100'Rubber/nylon tiedowns. 845-266-5537.POND SUPPLIES, fish stocking andalgae control. Contact us for your pondneeds. 1-888-854-8945. www.willowpondaquafarms.comLAKE BED aerators, fountain display aerators,lighting, waterfall pumps, stationaryfountains and organic treatments forponds.NYS dealer of www.aquacontrol.com,email info@pondsandbeyond.com or callJim 518-527-9328.HONEYBEES 100+/- colonies, on bee pallets,equipment near new, extractingequipment also available. 315-723-1505HONEYBEES - Start Beekeeping today,we offer Italian, Carniolan and RussianHoneybees in Packages, Queens andNuc Hives. Contact Betterbee, Inc at 1-800-632-3379 or online at www.betterbee.comand order today. Please mentioncode FARMB2008HONEYBEES and equipment. Ordernow for spring delivery. 845-427-2809or elwill@frontiernet.netHONEYBEE COLONIES wintered overand washed empty 55 gallon openhead barrels. Available after May 1st.585-964-3121WASHED BEDDING SAND, STONE,GRAVEL, LIMESTONE CRUSHER-RUN prompt service fully insured since1949. Van trucking 315-263-2647EQUIPMENT- Gates, pens, feed panels,corrals, feed throughs, all sizes. FingerLakes. 585-394-1515 or 585-315-0498 ask for Ron.EQUIPMENT - CATTLE: chutes,headgates, sweeps, panels. EQUINE:stalls, saddle racks, round pen. Also havekennels. Call Layden's. 888-589-7033SPECIALTY PRODUCTSFISH HATCHERY at FalconwoodFarms. Live fish for ponds, restaurantsand farm markets. Grown in pondsand tanks supplied by water from wellsand springs.. 845-832-6086 www.fishfarm.comWOOL yarn, retail LAMB and sausagefrom our flock. www.Paragonfarm.comPalmyra, N.Y. 315-597-6742.SEW WHAT? FABRIC SHOPPE -Fabrics, yarn , classes and machinequilting. Addison, NY 607-359-4308OLFACTORY FARM has dried lavenderbuds for sale! 2oz. bag $4.95, 4oz. bag$7.95 or 3 large dried lavender bundlesfor $18 plus shipping. 315-754-8828HAND SALVES, Creams, bug spray,sunblock, pet products, baby productsand more. Made with local ingredientsincluding most of my own organicherbs. Richmondville. 518-534-3003www.earthlyremediesbyerin.com.VITAZYME BIOSTIMULANT improvesfertilizer efficiency, boost crop yieldsand quality. Call 585-455-0331 or visitwww.agbioinc.comPACIFIC WESTERN OUTDOOR woodboiler furnaces, 409 stainless steel, pricedto pick up Oneonta 607-434-3474.SEEDLINGS - Colorado Blue and WhiteSpruce 3 yr 8”-16” 20 for $21.95 100 for$79.95. Shipping minimum $15, 25%deposit, balance due prior to shipment.CNURSERY@Frontiernet.net. 585-657-7165 fax 585-657-7167CLOVER SEED. Medium red, cleanedand on farm. 607-546-4055EVERGREENS - Landscape B&B.Barnestreefarm.net or 585-392-9279.Best time to plant Evergreen Trees.GOOD QUALITY EAR Corn. Ton quantitiesavailable. Call for info. 607-546-4055MR.POPPING COB " The popcorn thatpops off the cob. Proven product forfarm markets. Easy sales. Takingorders for the 2010 season. Call 518-Please see CLASSIFIEDS PG. 24➤

Page 24 Grassroots August 2011Classifieds▼ Continued from PG. 23527-0667ask for Lloyd.CATTLE FREE STALL SAND. Inorganicbedding sand, delivered by the yard.Provided by Ashcroft ConstructionCompany. Greenwich, NY. 518-692-2014BULK PINE SHAVINGS Available forPick-up Truck to Tractor Trailer LoadsPriced by Cubic Yard Mike SmithLogging 877-658-3250 or mikesmithlogging@msn.comSAWDUST and bark Mulch.Also wood cutsoffs-ends from sawmill. Ideal for outdoorfurnaces. Will deliver to Sussex, NJ,Orange-Chenango-Sullivan-Delaware,Putnam, Wayne Counties. All callsreturned. 845-986-2946BULK PINE Shavings loaded on yourpick-up or dump truck. Mike 607-859-2394 or www.sawdustguy.com.MULCH. All natural barks and coloredmulches, bulk stone and boulders,Rinox brick and block products,Aquascapes, pond supplies.GreenScapes Inc. 315-469-0007 orwww.greenscapesonline.com.KILN DRIED SAWDUST and woodshavings, green sawdust available.Quality, clean horse and dairy bedding.20 to 120 yard loads available. PromptService. 315-729-1499BAREFOOT WOOD PELLETS.$275/ton. Worcester Valley LumberRte 7 West, Worcester, NY 12197.607-397-8002LAMB for your freezer (legs, chops,burger, 3 flavors sausage, etc.)Registered Cotswold breeding stock,natural colored sheep too. Exceptionalhandspinning fleeces, prepared fiberand sheepskins, all from our flock.www.nistockfarms.com or 607-522-4374. Located in Prattsburgh.ADIRONDACK BALSAM PRODUCTS.$5.00 per pound Balsam. Pillows,sachets, door stoppers, etc… 5789State Rte 28N Newcomb, NY 12852518-582-2260GOT COLD FEET? Alpaca socks arethe warmest socks you'll ever wear.100% Alpaca - made in the USA fromour own herds fleece. Buy on-line atwww.HideAwayAcres.com. HideAwayAcres - Sardinia, NY 716-496-7225.NORTHERN WHITETAIL SCENTS sellspremium scents direct from our deer toyour door! We are a family owned andoperated white-tailed deer farm right herein New York. Our scents are collected andbottled fresh daily! 100% natural, the waynature intended! We now have antlersand mounts for sale. Call 1-800-683-3002or visit www.NorthernWhitetail.com.ARMSTRONG'S ELK FARM has ARM-STRONG'S VELVET ANTLER CAP-SULES for sale. Velvet antler providesnutritional support for joint structure andfunction. This natural dietary supplementis 100% natural - 100% Whole VelvetAntler from Armstrong's Elk Farm inCornwallville, NY. Call 518-622-8452 or e-mail elkfarmerd@aol.com.REAL ESTATEGET CASH FOR YOUR NOTES - If youhave sold a home or property and havecarried back a mortgage note - GETCASH for all or part of your note. 716-207-2002/800-816-2735.CLEAN LICENSED & FENCED SAL-VAGE/REPAIR YARD with new house50% done. Great location, next to I-88.Some inventory 100 plusengines/transmissions, complete shop- lift - tools, waste oil furnace, bodycrusher - loaders - picker. Roll back,back hoe and lots more. DANA'sAUTO PARTS. Bainbridge, NY. Visitwww.danasautoparts.web.com.$350,000. $85,000 down, EX Terms.607-624-8370 or 352-308-4746FANCY EQUESTRIAN FACILITY forlease, 15 stalls, 80 x 165 indoor, muchmore, Nunda, NY www.DanMarRanch.com585-468-2679.HAMBURG, NY. 50 acres of farmland forlease with agricultural zoning. In additionto a spacious barn with 25 stalls, a largeindoor riding ring and 2 outdoor rings. CallShawn at 818-384-9638BEAUTIFUL BARN/stables for rent at$2500 per month. Hamburg, NY.Excellent location for boarding or trainingprograms. Includes 25 large stalls(with hay) , large indoor and outdoorriding arenas and storage space. CallShawn at 818-384-9638SMALL HORSE FARM w/ 3 bedroomranch house. Barn with small indoor,34 acres pasture/woods. $245,000518-424-2637FURNISHED ROOM private bath oneperson share home. Quiet countryside,security, references, $390.00 monthly518-854-7862.APARTMENT in Rexville, SteubenCounty. 607 area code. 2nd floor, 2br,new carpet and floors, full bath $300 +utilities. 1st floor, 2 br, full bath $400 +utilities. 516-429-2002COUNTRY HAVEN on 32 acres, beautifulmodern 3 bdrm home, pool, garage,private setting 518-922-6301186 ACRE FARM - Otsego Co.Edmeston NY. Close to Cooperstown.4 bedroom home, barn, machine shed,good pasture, fenced, hay fields,woods. Great for horses and livestock.Excellent hunting. 607-965-217449 ACRES FOR DEVELOPMENT.Niagara County, Town of Lewiston.Easy access to bridges to Canada.Owner looking to partner with a grapegrower/wine producer to develop thisprime land located on Niagara WineTrail. Located on Ridge Road (Hwy104) Contact Bob Clark716-745-3839PROPERTY IN EDEN NY. Prime location,many possibilities. 35 acres tillable,15 acre woods. Home with 5bdrm, 1.5 bath, dining room, gas wellon property, barn. Can be divided.Has Lake Erie sunsets and Buffaloskyline views. Call for details. Qualifiedbuyers only. 716-207-302240 ACRE Christmas tree farm. Primereal estate. 3 building, country house,pond, scenic. In thriving businessarea. 15 miles from downtown Buffalo.www.treehavennursery.com 716-652-4206 evenings.RANCH: 5 yrs old, 3br,2bath, full basement,double garage, 200 amp electric,mudrooms. On 11 acres in SouthHerkimer County, NY. $215,000Approved principles only, no brokersplease. 732-449-5499BUILDING maintenance businessestablished for 38 years in same area.$300,000 in equipment, $400,000 inbusiness for 2009. Must sell, makeoffer. Will stay in area for 12 months tohelp new owners. 716-649-7942 or716-861-3984FOR SALE/LEASE: Profitable, oldestablished, seasonal, antique flea &farmers market. Oswego County.17,000 sq. ft indoor, home, 20+ acres,indoor boat storage. 315-298-4085www.hillsidefleamarkets.com10 BEAUTIFUL acres overlookingSeneca Lake, Yates County. Very nice3 bedroom colonial home with stonefireplace, nice set of barns. 40x80Morton building with shop. 315-536-2717. Please leave message.HOME on 5.2 acres, central to Albanyand MA. Reduced to$150,000 Neg .Also, hunting land for lease. Call 518-733-9332. Rainbow Ridge Ent.THE VILLAGES, FLORIDA, 3/2 house/2car garage.Built 2006.Golf cart community(33+ golf courses) everything to do butno ocean. 2 week minimum @ $1100 andup. www.Vacationrentals.com. (#38462)call 518-766-3905 or 526-390576 ACRES: private hunting preserve.Borders state land in Steuben County.Wooded and open. Great deer andturkey population. 315-945-5559BEEF&HORSE Farm. 66 acres. Greatpasture, lots of water, 4 bedroomhome, garage/shop, pole barn. Lowtaxes in an excellent location. 15 minutesfrom Syracuse. Illness forcessale. Will sell with or without machinery.Reasonably priced. 315-380-0089ask for Richard for more details.HUNTERS PARADISE. Ducks, geese,Deer. 114 acres with acreage for a camp.17 ponds constructed to Ducks UnlimitedSpecs for nesting. 315-397-2783SELLING YOUR FARM? Want to buy afarm? We can help. Go toFingerlakesrealestate.com then clickon FARMS. We cover all of New YorkState. We have buyers ready to buyand they have been Pre-approved.Want to buy, we have farms for sale.Call Richard Schmidt at 315-729-3672or email richardschmidt@realtor.com.SELL YOUR LAND OR PROPERTYDEVELOPMENT RIGHTS TAX FREE.Call Free brochure on IRC §1031Exchange designed to help farmerssince 1921. 800-748-5720DISNEY AREA ORLANDO MAGICKissimmee, Florida 4 bdrm, 3 bath fullyequipped with private heated pool inEmerald Island Resort. Free phoneand internet-free tennis $900 perweek. 516-333-9596 ztea@aol.comEMPLOYMENTSHOW HORSE FARM needs experiencedhelp. Heated indoor facility. Housing plussalary. Call 518-756-9777.THOROUGHBRED FARM Oneontaarea exercise rider wanted to re-trainrace horses: Prospects and facilities inplace; split proceeds 607-783-2696.EARN $60,000/YR Part-Time in the livestockor equipment appraisal business.Agricultural background required.Classroom or home study coursesavailable. 800-488-7570 or www.amagappraisers.com.GREENHOUSE GROWER F/T.Greenhouse knowledge & 2 yrs experience,Team manager, responsible, takinginitiative. Sales Person F/T. 2 yrs experience,admin. Skills, responsible, teamplayer. North Fork, LI. Resume and ltr:hr.koppertcressusa@hotmail.com.HERDSMAN wanted for small (40 cow)registered Breeding/Dairy. Partnershippotential available. Please sendresume to : Resume - PO Box 111,Kanona, NY 14856ANTIQUES, COLLECTIBLESLAND OF OZ AND ENDS Bus tourswelcome. Rare OZ items among distinctiveantiques in a “homey” setting.Thur-Sat, 10:-5: Sun 1:-5: or byappointment , 2 miles west of downtownChittenango on route 5 315-687-3319 www.landofozandends.com.“HORSE DRAWN” farm and loggingequipment. Plows, plow parts, handles,videos, draft horse clinics. 585-567-8158.www.farmerbrownsplowshop.com.JERRYS DEERE BARN - Vintage JohnDeere Lawn & Garden tractors & twocylinder tractors. New website for hobbyists,collectors, restorers. Helpforum, library, photo gallery and more.All free. www.JerrysDeereBarn.comWANTED- BUYING OLD CLOTHING &accessories, hats, shoes, 1960's andolder. Need not be perfect. Also buyingvintage fabric and sewing items,other antiques, bee supplies;Rochester area. 585-820-6619HAND SCYTHE $60, Log Tongs $40,Ice Tongs $25 and 40 gallon milk can$50. Lewis County. 315-376-3781SERVICESELLEN WATSON PHOTOGRAPHY.Foryour photography needs on LongIsland. www.ejwatson.com.FERRLAND PRESS - Graphic design,printing and promotional products.Discount pricing available. Contact us fora free quote. www.ferrlandpress.com. Tollfree: 888-332-3253, email trent@ferrlandpress.com.KELSEY'S MEAT CUTTING & PRO-CESSING. We process both Farm andWild Game animals. Mobile SlaughterUnit for farm slaughter and pickup.Open Mon-Thurs 10am - 8pm and Fri-Sun 10am - 6pm. Call 315-942-2540 orwww.kelseysmeatcutting.synasite.coBRANDT'S CUSTOM MEAT CUTTINGand mobile processing offers on siteslaughtering for all types of farm animalsas well as poultry. Now taking appointments.For those ordering chicks, we offeron site slaughtering of all poultry. Also sellingquarter's and halves as well as wholebeef, butcher hogs and pasture raisedpoultry. Jordan or Rachel Brandt 315-493-9120AUBIN'S BUTCHERING & PROCESS-ING. Slaughtering beef, pork, veal, lamb,goats. Smoking hams, bacons, beef jerky,slim jims. 40 years experience. Gary andBert Aubin 315-688-2964A&G DOG Boarding at Cedar CreekFarm. Bring your dog on a summervacation!! We provide a warm homeenvironment on a 70 acre farm in EastFishkill, NY. Daily exercise. Call Kim at845-206-1756.CERTIFIED Animal Aromatherapist.Available for the common and uncommon:environmental issues, trauma,immune system, show placing and rescueanimals. Appointments for the 4 &2 legged. Itoocare@aol.com or 607-862-9536SELLING YOUR Farmhouse or does itjust need some help? Interior decoratorwith 20 years experience will travelto your home, work within your budgetand guarantee spectacular results.From Cooperstown to Lake George, Ican help. Call 518-961-2894 to set upa time to get started.HOME IMPROVEMENTS: Erie &Niagara Counties. Interior & ExteriorRenovations and Repairs. Kitchensand baths. Family owned business forover 28 years. References and estimates.716-695-1414 or emaildirhomemaininc@aol.com.KEYSTONE DESIGNERS of EllicottvillePlease see CLASSIFIEDS PG. 25➤

August 2011 Grassroots Page 25Classifieds▼ Continued from PG. 24can provide any product with yourfarm, barn or company logo embroideredor printed. Call Jennie at 716-699-4062 or toll free at 866-988-2110.AUNT LULU's Embroidery specializesin livestock embroidery on garmentsand accessories. Denim shirts, awardchairs, hats and much more. Checkout www.StitchesByAuntLulu.com forbreed specific embroidery. Laura 585-765-2280EMBROIDERED APPAREL. Your logo ortext on a wide selection of caps, shirts,jackets and more. 631-929-2800,www.omnibusinessproducts.com andemail omnibp@optonline.net.LOVE TO PIECE QUILTS? I domachine quilting. Quilts for sale. Doyou have favorite articles you wantmade into a quilt? Erma Martin, Clyde,NY. 315-923-7217SAMPLERFARM CUSTOM QUILTSmade to your order. Pieced, appliquéd, artand T-shirt quilts are professionally createdand quilted. Longarm Machine Quiltingservices available. Nancy at samplerfarm@aol.comor 518-885-8427FENCING. Serving Western New York forover 14 years. We install livestock, horse,deer and many other types of fence. Alldesigned to fir your specific needs. CallR&R Fencing. 585-599-3489FENCING: we install agricultural and residentialfencing to meet your needs. Postpounding, woven wire, board, split rail,chain link, vinyl. 25 years experience.Serving Western and Central NY. Stablefences & Vineyards, LLC. 585-349-4119www.StableFences.com.NUISANCE WILDLIFE CONTROLServices. Let a professional trapperharvest muskrats from your propertythis season. Licensed and Insured. Abeaver control specialist serving CNY.Call Scott 315-200-0777CHEMICAL CONSULTANT, GDAConsulting “Chemistry at Work” GuyD'Angelo, Chemist. Call: 631-878-2912.HORTICULTURE/NURSERY/CONSULT-ING. Diversify your ag business, expandor create. FREE initial consultation.Contract Growing available.Billsplants@optonline.net or 631-924-1513HEDGE TRIMMING by Peter Vorkman.We trim hedgerows up to 16+ feet. Wewill trim them back to the originalhedgerow. Call 607-319-4960DESIGN-BUILD-CONCEPTS for ALLyour Equine/Ag building plans as wellas Residential and Commercial. Giveus your information at our websitewww.design-build-concepts.com for afree quote. 607-292-3690SPANISH/ENGLISH; translating, interpreting,classes; 14 years experience;www.camysorbello.com Camy Sorbello315-597-9791.FRUIT AND VEGETABLE STORAGE,refrigeration, and ventilation. ArcticRefrigeration Co., Batavia, N.Y. Tel.585-343-2678.INCOME TAX PREPARATION.Individuals, Farms, Businesses,Electronically! MBA, EA. Elma Phillips,Pattersonville, 518-887-5740,taxlady@ptcconnect.netFULL SERVICE YEAR around taxaccounting & payroll service in Marion,NY. New clients receive 20% off the taxreturn fee. New payroll clients receive20% off their current monthly payrollfee. Call Boerman Tax Accounting &Payroll. 315-926-0203FUEL TAX REFUNDS: Farmers/manufacturers/minerswho purchase qualifiedfuel are eligible for a refund oftaxes paid! Call for more information.Peachin&Associates. www.peachincpas.biz.Or 607-432-5314PAUL STOEP Gravel & Excavating &Trucking. Lyons, NY. Call Paul for themost reasonable rates and the fastestservice! 315-576-6610.STEVE O'S EXCAVATION Land cleared,roads, ponds, culverts, bridges, drainage,retaining walls, trucking, demolitionInsured 607-432-4284.LEONARDS Logging & Excavating.Land clearing, logging, ponds, all typesof excavation. Call Joe Leonard at607-746-6616CAPITAL SAWMILL SERVICE. Buckettruck tree removal and portable sawmillservice. Serving the greater capital regionand will travel. Landscape design andinstallation. www.capitalsawmill.com 518-479-0729H2A, H2B Consulting service. Help withpaperwork all levels and locating workers.Micosta. H@Express 518-755-4102, h2express@yahoo.com.H2-A and H2-B work visas. Call U.S.Americans for free consultation at 516-997-1065IMMIGRATION ATTORNEY (H-2A/H-2B): Experienced attorney to handle allaspects of visa processing, includingadvertising, forms preparation, consularprocessing, legal consulting.L.J.D'Arrigo, Esq., Whiteman,Osterman & Hanna, LLP. 518-487-7642 or ldarrigo@woh.com.GOAT HOOF GROOMING services,NYS Meat Goat Associates, call Johnat 845-246-9052.REFRIGERATION EQUIPMENTdelivered to your site. Check myweb site www.altref.com oremail: altref@rochester.rr.comSHEARING SERVICES: Llamas andSheep. Baitsholts Farm. 518-797-5201.SLATERSQUILTBARN.COM. Fabric!Quilts! Special gift or need fabric foryour project? Slater Quilt Barn hasready-made and will make to orderquilts with your choice of 100% cottonto choose from. We offer custom andpanograph machine quilting for yourtops; also handquilting. 716-753-3786.BULK MAIL SERVICES - Let us send youradvertising mail. Call or email. 845-482-3010 or jdayton@pronetisp.net.BARBEQUE CATERING. Let us cateryour next event. LaJeunesse Cuisine.518-673-2453. Email lajeunessecuisinellc@yahoo.com.THE PICKERING PUB 170 South MainStreet Canandaigua. Warm friendlyatmosphere. Pick the Pub for FridayNight Fish Fry $7.50, Wednesday:drafts and tacos $1.00, Tuesday: WingNight. 585-396-9060AG & SMALL ENGINE PARTS: If youneed any parts for tractors, beddingchoppers, lawn mowers & more, visitus on the web at www.wnyparts.comor www.nyparts.com. 315-347-1755REPAIR-vs-REPLACE. ElectronicDairy Board Service. Specializing inrepair of WestfaliaSurge, BouMatic,Germania, DeLaval and Muellar Milktank control Repair. 406-590-7764TRUCK BODIES, CUSTOM BUILT TOYOUR NEEDS. Dump bodies, rollbacks,stake racks, flat beds, round bail wagons,dump trailers, equipment trailers. WesternFabrication (315)827-4008ENGINE & Cylinder head rebuilding.Specializing in Ag Diesel & gas enginerebuilding. Complete engine or sendus your components and we willrebuild them and you assemble. CallSteve Dannible's Engine & Machine inSt. Johnsville. 518-568-7794AG & HEAVY Equipment part andrepair. In house machine shop andfabrication shop. New replacementparts for most makes and models ofequipment. www.pdmechanical.com315-288-5307ENGINE REBUILDING AG Tractors,cars, trucks and small engines. Allengine machining, cleaning, grindingand inspection needs. We have enginekits, gasket kits and A&I parts. 315-789-0037FARM AND HEAY EQUIPMENT BODYREPAIR. Heavy Equipment, Truck andTrailer and Tractor body repair; Aluminumand Stainless Steel welding; steel for sale.www.MapleGroveEnterprises.com or call585-492-3340LIME-LAKE PERFORMANCE. ServicingSleds- Jet Skis- ATV's. Ask for Mike. 716-353-8262 or 716-560-6018GRANDPA'S EXCAVATING DIV. Ditching,Tiling, Ponds, Land clearing, Roadways,Demolition, Orchard Removal ServingWestern NY 315-483-6784grandpas@rochester.rr.com or JamesVan Eenwyk 6720 Rotterdam Rd , SodusNY 14551AQUASCAPE RAIN Xchange rainwaterharvesting systems/Water gardens.Installations, consultations, products.Chips Landscaping. 518-339-4869/Fax518-893-2064 website www.chipslandscaping.net.MISCELLANEOUSSAVE ON HEATING COST - Lopi Wood,pellet, gas stoves & fireplaces. LeisureLine & Saey Coal Stoves. Piping, accessories,& installation also available. 5%material discount with Farm Bureau membership.Countryside Stove & Chimney ofOxford, Route 12 & Warn Pond Road,Oxford 607-843-2000WIND TURBINES - Solar Panels:Representing nine different wind turbinemanufacturers and solar pv insures youreceive the best option for your site andyour energy requirements. Call PyrusEnergy 315-834-6406WIND ENERGY FOR YOUR FARM.Sustainable Energy Developments, Inc.has installed over 25 wind turbines atfarms and homes throughout NY State,leading the state and third in the country insmall wind turbine installs. www.sednet.comand 1-877-WINDNRG.OIL & GAS ATTORNEY: RichardGerard, Practice limited to Oil and Gas.Exclusively representing Landownersin NY and PA. Call 607-732-3793GAS LEASE ATTORNEY: ChenangoCounty area, attorney Ed Downey,review and consulting on gas leasesand right of ways, 607-316-5601 oredowneylaw@nycap.rr.comBOOK OF NEW YORK'S Agriculturalhistory is rich and fascinating! “FourHundred Years of Agricultural Changein the Empire State” by Robert Bitz.Purchase on-line from both Amazon orBarnes & Noble.BATHTUB. Jacuzzi brand with jets.Oversized: 6' long, 3; wide, 19” deep.Light grey $300. Raycliff Farm. 315-823-4321A LITTLE BIT OF HEAVEN Horse andCarriage Events/Occasions -Carriage,Hay, Sleigh, Weddings 518-587-8706.ALASKA STOKER STOVES, automaticcoal stoves up to 170,000 BTUs.ValleyView Farm, 518-872-1007, www.vvfstoves.comGAS RIGHTS - Looking for memberswho want a better return from theirmineral rights. We are members whocan help you learn/earn more. Call Tim607-425-7733 or email tbrlandowners@live.com.TIOGA GAS LEASE. The Tioga CountyLandowners Group is now acceptingmembers. Membership informationand educational resources on gasleasing can be found at:www.TiogaGasLease.org.DISCLAIMER: NewYork Farm Bureaureserves the rightto refuse to acceptany classified ad,paid or unpaid, atits sole discretion.EAB:▼ Continued from PG. 18York and Greene and Ulster counties remainquarantined.The EAB has metallic green wing coversand a coppery red or purple abdomen; it issmall enough to fit easily on a penny.(Photos of the Emeral Ash Borer are availableon DEC’s website.)Damage is caused by the larvae, whichfeed in tunnels just below the ash tree’s bark.These tunnels disrupt water and nutrienttransport, causing branches, and eventuallythe entire tree, to die. Adult beetles leavedistinctive D-shaped exit holes in the outerbark of the branches and the trunk. Othersigns of infestation include tree canopydieback, yellowing, extensive sproutingfrom the roots and trunk. Infested trees mayalso exhibit woodpecker damage from larvaeextraction.Since its discovery in southeasternMichigan in 2002, the EAB is responsiblefor the death and decline of tens of millionsof ash trees in the United States. The beetlehas been detected in 14 states and twoneighboring Canadian provinces. Thisinsect primarily spreads when firewood andwood products are moved from one place toanother.Many of New York’s forests and parklandsare high-risk areas due to firewoodmovement. New York has more than 900million ash trees, representing about sevenpercent of all trees in the state; all are at riskshould EAB become established across thestate.New York has actively surveyed for EABsince 2003, inspecting declining ash treesand setting detection tools statewide incooperation with Animal Plant Health andInspection Service (APHIS), US ForestService, Cornell University, CornellCooperative Extension and SUNY ESF.After more than three years of outreach andeducation efforts about the risks of movingfirewood and the state’s regulation, DEC isincreasing its enforcement efforts to preventthe movement of untreated firewood intoand around New York.

Page 26 Grassroots August 2011DAIRY: Department of Ag & Markets lightens regulatory burden on cheesemakers▼ Continued from PG. 1proud to have our state's farmers supplyingthem with fresh, high-quality milk.”Members of the State Senate andAssembly, many of whom played a criticalrole in fostering Agro Farma's expansion,conveyed their appreciation as well.Sen. James L. Seward, said, “This is greatnews for Otsego and Chenango Countiesand the area as a whole. It's been my pleasureto work with Hamdi Ulukaya on thistremendous, growing business that is helpingdairy farmers, providing jobs, and growingagri-business in our area.”Assemblyman Clifford Crouch said,“Attracting and retaining business is essentialfor the economic well-being of communitiesacross New York State. Today we have seenthe results of a business environment thattogether with the public sector's help has▼ Continued from PG. 1offers lower cost power to agricultural operations.◆ Stricter ethics reform legislation forstate officials and lobbyists.◆ A new Article X statute outlining stateoversight over power plant siting.The enactment of a property tax cap, alongwith substantial mandate relief for municipalitiesand school districts, was on NewYork Farm Bureau’s priority issue agenda forthe 2011 legislative session. Throughout theyear, Public Policy staff and our grassrootsnetwork worked with other statewide businessgroups to push the bill forward andaddress the escalating property taxes thatforcing farms and businesses to close.The newly enacted property tax capstatute will generally limit annual taxincreases to 2 percent or the inflation rate.The bill also creates a critical new mandaterelief piece by establishing a Mandate ReliefCouncil that will review existing unfundedstate mandates and create a mechanism fortroublesome mandates to be reworked oreven repealed. That said, New York FarmBureau is equally committed to working foradditional mandate relief through the legislativeprocess next year.In addition, the farmworker labor bill wasnot taken up for a vote in either theAssembly or Senate, but a number of billsthat New York Farm Bureau supported andwere approved in both houses are awaitingthe Governor’s consideration.LEGISLATURE: Wins for farmersA few examples of New York FarmBureau-supported legislation that passedboth Houses in 2011 are:◆ A bill that authorizes the Commissionerof the Department of Agriculture andMarkets to render an opinion to local governmentofficials on land use regulationspertaining to agricultural practices prior tothe enactment of a local law.◆ A bill to allow farm electricity customersto “remote meter” electricity by generatingrenewable energy and taking thebenefit on other meters located on the farmproperty (Signed into law).◆ A bill that allows farms that utilize“agricultural amusements”, such as corn orhay bale maze to have the lands on whichthe mazes are located be eligible for an agriculturalassessment (Signed into law).◆ A bill that expands the sale of ice creammade with wine to frozen desserts, such assorbet and sherbets (Signed into law).◆ A bill that allows “commercial equineoperations” that train horses, provide ridinglessons and trail rides to be eligible forAgricultural District protections and anagricultural assessment if they meet certaineligibility requirements.◆ A bill that streamlines and improves thelicensing and regulation of wineries andfarm wineries in New York.The year is really just about half over andmuch has been accomplished. We must keeppushing New York Farm Bureau’s agriculturalagenda, however, to benefit our farmbusinesses and economy.Here’s my card...brought new jobs to Chenango County. Thisis a major boost for the dairy products industryand I commend Governor Cuomo formaking job creation one of his top priorities.”On a smaller scale, artisan dairy producersalso have reason to celebrate.Effective immediately, cheesemakers whowish to sell their product at a farmers' marketwill also be allowed to slice and packagecheese at the market without a food processinglicense from the state.“Farmers' markets have become the go-toplace for locally grown and specialty foodproducts,” said Darrel Aubertine,Commissioner of Agriculture. “While westrive to protect public health, we also recognizethe financial motivation associatedwith the presentation and marketing of artisanalcheese by allowing customers to dictatethe weight of the product and the art of slicingand wrapping cheese on site.”The new rule eliminates the requirement forcheese makers slicing and packaging at farmers'markets to obtain a food processing licensefrom the State. This requirement has been inplace for almost 40 years as part of Article 20-C of the state's Agriculture and Markets Lawregulating food processing establishments.Article 20-C applies to all types of food processingactivities ranging from wholesale foodmanufacturing to simple operations, such asmaking a sandwich or slicing cheese. Theexemption takes effect immediately.While the exemption does eliminate theneed to acquire a food processing license,the new exemption does require certain sanitaryconditions are met. Those conditions▼ Continued from PG. 1vegetables on their way out of the fair andthe Pride of NY Market, where people cansample and purchase jams, jellies, sauces,mustards and just about everything elsemade from New York farm products.”This year’s fair runs from Aug. 25 to Sept.5, but the festivities actually got under wayin June when, appropriately enough, NewYork agriculture was center stage with theawarding of the first blue ribbons in thefair’s commercial wine competition.Dozens of other competitors will vie forblue ribbons over the course of the fair incategories ranging from Aberdeen angus towool.“There are a lot of great things to look forwardto at the fair — of course it begins andends with agriculture,” Waffner said.“During the 12 days of the fair, there will bethousands of animals entered into competitionsfrom dairy cows to horse shows to rabbitshows, we have it all. More than that, onour Youth Stage, we host competitions for4-H and other groups who have competedat county fairs throughout the state.“In total, we receive 40,000 entries forcompetitions during the Fair. We are proudof our ability as a major State Fair to givefairgoers the ability to see, interact with andbetter understand animals, farms and food.”Much of the better food to be found incentral New York in late summer has beenserved up at the New York State Grill andthe New York Cafe, two restaurants addedto the fair grounds two years ago.Fairgoers also have benefited in recentyears from an expanded and improved presencefor the state’s maple syrup industry,which recently rolled out its 1,600-squarefootNew York Maple Center.are referenced in the exemption and refer toPart 271 that relate to retail food store regulations.For example, cheese makers whowish to slice and package cheese at a farmers'market will be required to maintain an adequatehand washing facility, wear sanitarygloves and hair restraints when handlingproduct, exclude pests and environmentalcontamination by protecting the productthrough the use of display cases or other covers,and maintain clean utensils and foodcontact surfaces.2011 has truly been an extraordinary yearfor the New York dairy. NYFB will continueto work on behalf of farmers in the EmpireState to maintain this positive trend.FAIR: It’s time to promote farmingOf course,many fairgoersare alsoNew Yorkgrowers, whocome toSyracuseeach summernot only tocompete inag competitionsandpromote theirrespectiveindustries,but also toenjoy all theLIVESTOCK COMPETI-TIONS help farms earnribbons and show off theiranimals to farmers andnon-farmers alike.sights andsounds that draw city folk and country folkalike to a state fair.If you’re planning to return this year — oreven attend the Great New York State Fairfor the first time — you can expect a fewchanges that organizers hope will enhancethe experience.“Our midway, which is operated by theStrates Shows, is being reconfigured withnew rides and a new ticketing system,”Waffner said. “One of the new rides is SkyFlyer which dangles people over 50 feet offthe ground and then twirls them aroundand around at speeds up to 30 miles perhour.Also, new this year is the Strates Show FunCard replacing traditional ride books andindividual tickets with a single electronic,bar coded card that can be used on all of theof the rides on both the Midway and atKiddieland. This will be one of the firsttimes that the FunCard is used at a majorfair in New York State.”New York Farm Bureauis now onFind us at:facebook.com/NYFarmBureauand click “Like”