If you have an agricultural related announcement and would like to have it posted on this site, please e-mail or call us at: (315) 782-1806. The announcement must be concerning a North Country related event, workshop or opportunity. We reserve the right to accept or reject any announcement. We are not responsible for the content and/or accuracy of announcements other than our own.

Franklin County
Plastic Collections & Baling Demos October ’09

? Follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prepare ag plastics for recycling.
? Plastic MUST be kept clean and dry! Contact CCE or Soil and Water for full BMP Guidelines (see back of this flier for a short version).
? Many types of film and rigid agricultural plastics will be accepted, but each type must be kept separate (e.g., separate bale net and twine from bale wrap).
? Attend a demo to learn how to operate the BigFoot Baler and see how plastic is prepared for recycling.
? Bring used ag plastic to the collection site ONLY during the designated times. If you cannot deliver plastic at these times, please call to make other arrangements.
? If you have >1000 lbs of any one type of ag plastic to recycle (e.g., greenhouse covers, bale wrap, bunker covers, etc.), call to arrange for on-farm baling.
Contact: Chastity Miller at 518-483-4061 or Richard Gast at 518-483-7403.

Tuesday October 27, 2009
Rigid Plastic Container Collection Empty pesticide containers and dairy soap and acid containers up to 55 gallons, will be accepted for recycling at the Malone Highway Dept- 14981 State Route 30. Collection date is Tuesday, October 27th from 2p-5p. Under no circumstance can pesticide containers be dropped off without RAPP staff present. If the scheduled time is inconvenient for you please call to make other arrangements.

Containers MUST be triple rinsed, dry, and free of any residue, with caps removed. ? Follow the recycling protocols developed by the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), found at http://www.acrecycle.org/. Call Blake at 607-216-7242 with questions.

Thursday, October 29, 2009
Baler is reserved for on farm baling for ag films, throughout the day. Please call Rich or Chas to schedule the baler at your farm. Don’t have storage at your facility? Please call to inquire about possible storage arrangements.

Friday, October 30, 2009
10am Highway Dept- 14981 State Route 30- Demonstration to show how recycle ag plastics and use the Big Foot Baler. Drop off plastic beginning at 9am or call to arrange a drop off.

12pm-5pm On Farm Baling- Reserved for on farm baling. Please call to schedule.

 

Jefferson County
Plastic Collections & Baling Demos October ’09

? Follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prepare ag plastics for recycling.
? Plastic MUST be kept clean and dry! Contact CCE or Soil and Water for full BMP Guidelines (see back of this flier for a short version).
? Many types of film and rigid agricultural plastics will be accepted, but each type must be kept separate (e.g., separate bale net and twine from bale wrap).
? Attend a demo to learn how to operate the BigFoot Baler and see how plastic is prepared for recycling.
? Bring used ag plastic to the collection site ONLY during the designated times. If you cannot deliver plastic at these times, please call to make other arrangements.
? If you have >1000 lbs of any one type of ag plastic to recycle (e.g., greenhouse covers, bale wrap, bunker covers, etc.), call to arrange for on-farm baling.

Contact: Art Baderman, Cornell Cooperative Extension Jefferson Co 315-788-8450
 

Collection Location Drop Off Dates & Times Demonstration Time
 

Pesticide Container Collection
Empty pesticide containers and dairy soap and acid containers up to 55 gallons, will be accepted for recycling at any of the collection sites listed above, but ONLY during the demonstration times listed. Please plan to arrive around the time the program starts. Under no circumstance can pesticide containers be dropped off without RAPP staff present.
Containers MUST be triple rinsed, dry, and free of any residue, with caps removed. Follow the recycling protocols developed by the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), found at http://www.acrecycle.org/. Call Blake at 607-216-7242 with questions.

 

Lewis County
Plastic Collections & Baling Demos October ’09

? Follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prepare ag plastics for recycling.
? Plastic MUST be kept clean and dry! Contact CCE or Soil and Water for full BMP Guidelines (see back of this flier for a short version).
? Many types of film will be accepted, but each type must be kept separate (e.g., separate bale net and twine from bale wrap).
? Attend a demo to learn how to operate the BigFoot Baler and see how plastic is prepared for recycling.
? Bring used ag plastic to the collection site ONLY during the designated times. If you cannot deliver plastic at these times, please call to make other arrangements.
? If you have >1000 lbs of any one type of ag plastic to recycle (e.g., greenhouse covers, bale wrap, bunker covers, etc.), call to arrange for on-farm baling.

Contact: Joe Lawrence, Cornell Cooperative Extension Lewis Co 315-376-5270.
 

Other area Collections/Demonstrations Jefferson: Oct 19-20. Contact Art at 315-788-8450 St. Lawrence: Oct 27-28. Contact Blake at 607-216-7242 Franklin Co: Oct 29-30. Contact Rich at 518-483-7403

No rigid plastic collections have been scheduled at this time in Lewis County. If you do have soap, acid and teat dip drums or pesticide containers that you would like recycled, please contact RAPP Field Coordinator Blake Putman at 607-216-7242 to learn how you can recycle them.

 

St. Lawrence County
Plastic Collections & Baling Demos October ’09

? Follow Best Management Practices (BMPs) to prepare ag plastics for recycling.
? Plastic MUST be kept clean and dry! Contact CCE or Soil and Water for full BMP Guidelines (see back of this flier for a short version).
? Many types of film and rigid agricultural plastics will be accepted, but each type must be kept separate (e.g., separate bale net and twine from bale wrap).
? Attend a demo to learn how to operate the BigFoot Baler and see how plastic is prepared for recycling.
? Bring used ag plastic to the collection site ONLY during the designated times. If you cannot deliver plastic at these times, please call to make other arrangements.
? If you have >1000 lbs of any one type of ag plastic to recycle (e.g., greenhouse covers, bale wrap, bunker covers, etc.), call to arrange for on-farm baling.

Contact: Blake Putman, RAPP Field Coordinator 607-216-7242 or blp26@cornell.edu

Pesticide Container Collection
Empty pesticide containers and dairy acid and soap drums up to 55 gallon containers will be accepted for recycling at any of the collection sites listed above, but ONLY during the demonstration times listed. Please plan to arrive around the time the program starts. Under no circumstance can pesticide containers be dropped off without RAPP staff present.
Containers MUST be triple rinsed, dry, and free of any residue, with caps removed. Follow the recycling protocols developed by the Ag Container Recycling Council (ACRC), found at http://www.acrecycle.org/. Call Blake at 607-216-7242 with questions.

 

For Immediate Release: January 16, 2009
Contact: Errol Cockfield
errol.cockfield@chamber.state.ny.us
212.681.4640 | 518.474.8418

Contact: Maggie McKeon
maggie.mckeon@chamber.state.ny.us
518.474.8418

 

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON
ON FINAL RADIO BROADCAST OF JEFFERSON COUNTY’S
HOME GROWN SHOW

“For the past seven years, residents in the North Country have been both educated and entertained by Jefferson County’s weekly agricultural radio show – The Home Grown Show on AM 1240 WATN. Unfortunately for those faithful listeners, the show has ended broadcasting today following the station’s announcement of plans to change formats.

“The Home Grown Show provided a valuable service to the agricultural industry in Upstate New York by bringing the industry together on issues of interest, while educating consumers on the importance of agriculture to the New York State economy. The light-hearted humor and insightful wisdom of radio morning host Mike White and Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator Jay Matteson is sure to be missed.

“On behalf of all residents of the North Country, I bid farewell to The Home Grown Show and offer thanks to the entire staff for years of dedication to the agricultural industry of the North Country.”

 

Opinion and Commentary
For immediate release                   
Date: Monday, June 23, 2008
Contact: Jay M. Matteson

Celebrating a Special Retirement During Dairy Month

Frequently we celebrate the retirement of friends and family with a party, maybe a cruise, and sometimes even special notice in the local newspaper. If the person made important contributions to our community, they are deservingly lauded for all, as an example of their benefit to our society and that we should all strive to live our lives accordingly. Given that June is dairy month, the retirement of a very special lady from her long and productive career bears noting. This month, Dairy Cow # 183 retired from North Harbor Dairy Farm. Cow 183 plans to go across the road immediately and join Old McDonald’s Farm in Sackets Harbor, NY. There she’ll take up her retirement residence on the Wizard of Oz hayride trail to relax, enjoy frequent visits from thousands of children, and relish the benefits of being “put out to pasture.”

By now you’re asking, okay, why are we celebrating the retirement of a dairy cow? Cow # 183 is not any ordinary dairy cow. She was born on February 20, 1993 to proud Jersey and Holstein parents.183 has worked at North Harbor Dairy for 13 years, a long time for a dairy cow. Most cows are milked for five to six years. Our retiring cow has worked far beyond that. Ron and Nancy Robbins, owners of North Harbor Dairy and Old McDonald’s Farm, in celebrating their employees retirement, noted 183’s been a perfect employee every year since she started with them at the age of 2. “Her milk production was great and she’s been a fantastic mother,” Mr. Robbins said.

Throughout her career, Ms. 183 consumed her daily intake of 100 pounds of feed and 30 gallons of fresh water. Nutritionists and veterinarians worked with her to maintain the best possible diet to help her stay in good health and productivity. A cow’s figure is very important, you know!

Three times a day she visited the milking parlor where she provided her fresh, and nutritious supply of milk. When North Harbor Dairy Farm upgraded their milking parlor to a high tech computerized system, it made life a little confusing for 183 the first few days. Over time, the expensive investment by the dairy farm made it easier and more efficient for 183 to be milked, providing her more comfort and security. Over her career, 183 produced 178,000 pounds of milk, or 22,250 gallons. Her milk usually became world class naturally aged cheddar cheese manufactured at Great Lakes Cheese in Adams. The milk produced by 183 made 17,800 pounds of cheese.

One of 183’s enjoyments at the farm were the pedicures she received 3 to 4 times a year. Getting your toe nails trimmed by professionals keeps a cow happy and healthy. We humans complain about how sore our feet get after a day at work. Try having four feet and a much bigger body to carry around all day!

Even 183’s waste stream (manure) was closely monitored and managed. The dairy farm hired a specialist to plan out exactly how her wastes would be recycled to produce more feed for her and her friends in the barn. Her organic wastes were carefully applied to the fields to fertilize them for new crops and repeat the circle of life on the farm. Her work was as “green” as any industry could want to be.

Another enjoyment in 183’s life are her calves. Thirteen calves were born to 183. Seven were heifers (girls) and 6 were bulls. 183 enjoyed a number of grandchildren as well. Some are still working at the dairy farm.

Besides producing enough milk to make nearly 18,000 pounds of cheese, Cow 183 has had quite an impact on her local community. Our local dairy farms pay on average $52 per year per cow in local property and school taxes. Thanks to 183, that equals $676 in local taxes providing important services to residents and school children. More tremendous though, is the total economic impact of 183. According to Penn Sate University, every dairy cow has an impact of $13,737 on the local economy. That measures the total impact through purchasing, trucking, income generated and employment generated from a dairy cow. Over her thirteen years, our newly retired cow has generated nearly $179,000 for her local community.

So as we bid adieu to 183, we owe her our thanks for the safe and healthy milk she produced, the local taxes paid by the farm because of her, and the huge impact she had on our local community during her career. We hope that she enjoys her retirement at Old McDonald’s Farm where she will continue to have an impact, as thousands of children see her everyday, as they learn about the importance of a dairy cow, in each of our lives.

By Jay Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator
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History is Made!
Thousand Islands – Seaway Wine Trail Cuts The Ribbon to Business!

Watertown, NY. Thursday, May 24, 2007 became an important date in history for Jefferson County’s Agricultural Industry. The ribbon was cut opening the Thousand Islands – Seaway Wine Trail for business, the first time in Jefferson County’s history that a wine trail has existed. The historic moment was celebrated at a ribbon cutting ceremony near Wescott’s Beach State Park where the 78 mile long wine trail begins. The ribbon cutting was followed by a reception at Yellow Barn Winery that featured wine tasting opportunities from all three of Jefferson County’s wineries.
 

Steve Conaway, owner of Thousand Islands Winery near Alexandria Bay lead the ceremony. Conaway thanked our State elected officials, NYS Senator James Wright, NYS Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine, and NYS Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava for their work in getting the legislation passed to form the wine trail. Conaway noted that it usually takes two years for wine trail legislation to be passed. The legislation for the Thousand islands –Seaway Wine Trail was passed in a few short months.

Assemblyman Darrel Aubertine commented on what the development of a wine industry in Jefferson County brings to our agricultural economy. The Assemblyman echoed the image of Jefferson County that the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation has been championing, “Jefferson County is truly the land of milk, honey and wine!”. Assemblywoman Scozzafava congratulated the wineries on their success and indicated her excitement at the opportunity brought by the wineries for further economic development in agriculture.

Jefferson County Board of Legislators Chairperson Kent Burto provided the Legislature’s support for this growing industry. Chairperson Burto congratulated the wineries on their successful efforts and noted the opportunities this creates for further agricultural development of our land base in the County.

Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator, Jay Matteson suggested that the development of this wine trail could be a boon to our tourism industry as well as agriculture. The trail provides more opportunities for visitors to Jefferson County to travel, spend money and have a memorable experience. Matteson recognized Kyle Hafeman, owner of Otter Creek Winery near Philadelphia, as a bright new young entrepreneur who chose to stay in Jefferson County and start his own business rather than pursuing a career elsewhere. Mr. Matteson suggested that the loss of our young people to other areas is a huge problem, locally and regionally. It was encouraging to see Kyle stay local and start his own business.

The Thousand Islands – Seaway Wine Trail is New York States newest wine trail. It travels 78 miles across Jefferson County and currently has three farm wineries on it. Yellow Barn Winery is located near the beginning of the Trail near Sackets Harbor, NY. Thousand Islands Winery is the oldest winery on the trail located near Alexandria Bay. Otter Creek Winery just opened its’ doors this Spring and is located near Philadelphia, NY. Jefferson County is truly the land of milk, honey and wine!
 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jay M. Matteson
Date: January 8, 2007

Ag Development Corporation Adds FFA Representatives to Board

Watertown, NY. The Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation (JCADC) is starting a new effort to better involve young adults in the future of agriculture. The Corporation Board of Directors decided in December to invite a representative from each of Jefferson County’s five FFA chapters to participate in their monthly Board of Directors meetings. Each FFA chapter will serve as an advisory agency to the Board and will actively participate in the meetings. The participating chapter will join agencies such as Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, The North Country Regional Office of Empire State Development, and the Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District, among others, in providing non-voting representation and guidance to the Corporation Board. Four of the five chapters have decided to accept the invitation.

Student representatives from the Indian River School District, Belleville Henderson School District, Carthage School District and South Jefferson School District FFA Chapters will attend the January 10, 2007 Board meeting. Mr. Steve Jones, Belleville Henderson faculty advisor for FFA stated, “this is a real honor for the students to experience what goes on in the agricultural industry and work with all the agricultural agencies to support agriculture.” The students who will represent FFA are:
?Brooke Davidson will represent Indian River FFA. Brooke is the Chapter President, a former Jefferson County Dairy Ambassador and has a strong interest in pursuing aquaculture in college.
?Katie Hill, who represents Belleville Henderson FFA, is Chapter President and works on her family dairy farm outside of school.
?South Jefferson FFA is sending Corey Reed as their representative. Corey is chapter Vice President and works on his family’s dairy farm.
?Sara Hall is President of the Carthage School District Chapter of FFA and will represent them on the JCADC Board. Sara is also a Jefferson County Dairy Ambassador.

Mr. Aaron Kimmich, JCADC Board member and Branch Manager for First Pioneer Farm Credit in Burrville, NY, introduced the motion to add the FFA students. Mr. Kimmich indicated, “it is critical to do everything possible to encourage our young adults to come back to Jefferson County and pursue agricultural careers after college.” “I see this as one small way we can help these students learn about opportunities in Jefferson County and hopefully they’ll return here after college,” Kimmich added. Another JCADC Board member, Nancy Robbins, who owns Old McDonald’s Farm in Sackets Harbor, NY, and supported the initiative added, “I think having these four, bright student leaders at the JCADC Board table will bring fresh perspectives and new ideas to our mission of assisting agriculture.” Said Robbins, “Involving our future leaders in making decisions about agriculture can only result in a positive outcome for today, tomorrow, and beyond.”

The Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation is a stand alone, 501-C-3, not for profit local development corporation dedicated to agriculture. Designed similar to other local economic development agencies usually focusing on manufacturing and retail business, JCADC’s mission is to assist in the retention, growth and promotion of Jefferson County’s $700 million dollar agricultural industry. The Corporation is involved in many efforts that range from helping individual family farmers find resources to grow their business, recruiting 16 families to Jefferson County who invested over $3.2 million in farm purchases, to maintaining the County’s agricultural website, www.comefarmwithus.com. Jay M. Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator, serves as the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer.
 

For Immediate Release
Contact: Jay M. Matteson
Date: Tuesday, July 18, 2006   


New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont Agricultural Commissioners Invite Two Jefferson County Residents to Participate on Northeast Dairy Leadership Team.

Watertown, NY. Mr. Ron Robbins, owner of North Harbor Dairy Farm in Sackets Harbor and Mr. Jay Matteson, Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator with the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation are invited to participate as Charter Members of the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team. The invitation is extended by Mr. Patrick H. Brennan, Commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets; Mr. Dennis C. Wolff, Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; and Mr. S.R. Kerr, Secretary of the Vermont Department of Agriculture, Food and Markets. The pair will participate in the first meeting of the Team on July 24 and 25th.

On June 12, 2006, the Commissioners/Secretaries of Agriculture from New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, ratified a Memorandum of Understanding that, for the first time ever, established a formal relationship to work cooperatively to further enhance the dairy industry throughout the milkshed. The Commissioners/Secretaries are calling for a “cooperative focus on our dairy industry as a region rather than individual states so that programs, tools, resources and research institutions will be maximized to ensure the Northeast remains a competitive and viable milk producing region.” The Northeast Dairy Leadership Team is an advisory group that will provide leadership goals and direction for the Northeast Dairy Industry. The Team is expected to meet two to four times a year.

The first meeting is to set direction and establish specific goals and objectives for the Northeast Dairy Industry. The Commissioners/Secretaries have set the goal to reorient the Dairy Industry’s collective focus and thinking towards the opportunities gained through coordination and collaboration of resources throughout the region. Mr. Ron Robbins indicated, “this is a rare opportunity for New York dairy producers to participate in an effort that brings three states together, working together, to reshape the future of our dairy industry in the Northeast.” Mr. Robbins believes that the three states working together can become a political dairy powerhouse which can create a more favorable environment for our dairy farms to maintain and grow their businesses. Jay Matteson stated that this is an important time and opportunity for our dairy industry. He said, “in the North Country, we have already made tremendous strides in working together regionally to better our dairy industry, from the North Country Dairy Viability Initiative to the Come Farm With Us program.” “These local efforts,” Matteson finished, “go beyond political boundaries and have been successful, and a Northeast Dairy Initiative will amplify what we’ve achieved locally.” Both Matteson and Robbins indicated they look forward to representing Jefferson County and the North Country on the Northeast Dairy Leadership Team.
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