County FBs busy in Catskills foothills

By BAMBI A. BAEHREL, bbaehrel@nyfb.org

Albany County
The county continues to take a lead role in local issues, town planning, and education. For every town master/ comprehensive plan put out there is a strong agricultural voice, Albany County Farm Bureau. In the latest plan reviewed, the county Farm Bureau got a page and a half and cell towers got 10 pages. Makes you wonder if people need to talk more than they need to eat. Albany County has also taken a strong look at its membership and is working on a targeted plan of contacts for new members that should belong.

Columbia County
Always a strong advocate in the local issues arena, the county is currently researching a water usage issue and the implications to both the farmers and the town. Membership is always a primary focus, with team leader Adrian Ooms always contacting and talking to potential members. Special thanks to the Monks Agency, Farm Family, always supporting the efforts of the county Farm Bureau 100 percent.

Delaware County
The main issue in most of the towns in Delaware County has been wind power. Many meetings have seen the voicing of both the positive and negative and have kept the Farm Bureau seeking to find the best possible solution. Local issues include a water rights problem. The county Farm Bureau has gotten the Farm Land Protection Board involved, and although this issue may go to trial, the county Farm Bureau has maintained a strong positive voice in the county Right to Farm Law and best management practices. June is Dairy Festival Month in Delaware County. Last year with heavy rains, high winds, and mud slides the festival was canceled. This year a positive forecast for the weather is on everyone’s mind. Farm Bureau will have a major role in promotion and education as well as membership. The NYFB Foundation for Agricultural Education will be in attendance as well.

Greene County
Coming off a membership campaign in March and gearing up to work the May and June program, Green County Farm Bureau also has a list of activities under their belt. The county Farm Bureau helped sponsor a PDR work shop and made sure all schools got to take advantage of Ag Literacy with the county donating all the books and materials needed. Farm Bureau members were represented on the Greene County IDA committee for planning a new Ag addition to the industrial park. Farm Bureau also participated in several town comprehensive planning discussions to see that agriculture was represented and donated 100 Ag Activity books to Greenville Elementary School. Plans are already under way for the Greene County youth fair in July.

Otsego County
The County Farm Bureau worked membership drives in March and then read in the schools on Ag Literacy day. The county has been active partners with NYCAHM to promote tractor safety and ROPS program for rollover bars. Otsego County Farm Bureau held their Rural Urban Dinner in May with NYCAMH and Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker as the featured speaker. NYFB Executive Director Jeff Kirby attended and offered insight into NYFB activities. The county also took up the challenge to work the May and June new membership effort.

Schoharie County
The county worked hard on membership in March and the biggest effort was having more than five Young Farmers attend the NYFB Young Farmer and Rancher conference. The county is now forming an active county committee. This is first in many years for the county. The new committee is looking to participate in a parade with a float and take over the Dairy and Berry Festival in the park in June. The county Farm Bureau board has made a commitment to these young people, and supports all their efforts. The county Farm Bureau also remains committed to local issues and the four issue partners and their strong voice and lobby efforts.

Strong membership, educational efforts

First off I would like to congratulate Orleans County Farm Bureau on reaching its membership goal. Great effort … thank you so much for that final push to goal. In addition, I would like to highlight Monroe County Farm Bureau’s efforts in May at the Rochester Public Market. MCFB put together a display and handed out a “ton” of information and worked to educate the public about agriculture in Monroe County. Awesome job!

I would also like to say “Thanks” to Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, and Orleans County Farm Bureau’s for the efforts on Ag Literacy Day. It is so important to get out into the schools to educate kids about New York agriculture and I applaud all of your efforts. Once again Genesee County Farm Bureau has put together a fantastic “Dairy Day” experience for the first graders in the county. More than 700 students attended this event at Hildene Farms.

The kids were treated to tours of the milking parlor, various educational displays and a petting zoo.

Finally, Niagara County Farm Bureau is looking forward to hosting the NYFB Board of Directors Summer Board Meeting. NCFB is planning on taking the group on a tour of the Power Vista, the local Air Base, the H2Grow Hydroponic Tomato facility, and Niagara Falls. It should be a fun and educational tour.