2018 Friend of Agriculture: Jack Searles
Jack Searles has been an advocate for agriculture in Cattaraugus County since he began his term in 2003 as the Cattaraugus County Administrator.
News
Darin and Katie Hill winners of the NY Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award
Congratulations to Darin and Katie Hill of the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau, winners of the New York Farm Bureau's Young Farmers & Ranchers Achievement Award.
Learn more at New York Farm Bureau Announces Young Farmers & Ranchers and Pro-Ed Award Winners at 2017 State Annual Meeting.
Inherent Risk Reform Bill Signed By Governor
The Governor’s signature delivers a major priority for NY farms that are looking to access legal protections and reduce liability insurance costs for agri-tourism and equine businesses. Learn more about this at the New York Farm Bureau
Census of Agriculture Sign-up
Make Sure Your Farm or Ranch Counts! Sign-up before the end of June to receive the 2017 Census of Agriculture survey later this year.
Your agricultural operation, large or small, is important to U.S. agriculture. The National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts a census of all agricultural operations every five years as well as other agricultural surveys. They need to know about all types of agricultural operations of all sizes.
Farm Worker Housing Funds Available
Farm Credit East announced that it is currently taking applications for farm worker housing construction and improvement loans from the New York State Farm Worker Housing (FWH) Loan Program. These loans are available to New York agricultural producers, including fruit, vegetable and dairy operations. Agricultural producers may apply to borrow up to $100,000 per year for farm worker housing projects. An upfront, one-time fee is applied to cover administrative costs. There are no other fees or interest applied for the term of the loan.
New York State Grown & Certified Agricultural Producers’ Grant Program
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that eligible applicants can now apply for the $5 million New York State Grown & Certified Agricultural Producers’ Grant Program. Funded through the 2017-18 New York State Budget, the program is part of the Regional Economic Development Councils process. It was created to assist New York State agricultural producers meet food safety standards and join the New York State Grown & Certified program.
2017 Agricultural Census to Begin Soon
Farm operators in Cattaraugus County are encouraged to make sure they will receive a 2017 Agricultural Census report form before the end of this year. The USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducts the Agricultural Census every five years, which is the only source of uniform, comprehensive, and impartial agriculture data for every county in the nation.
BE COUNTED - THERE IS STRENGTH IN NUMBERS!
Online Learning Community
Western New York Beginning Farmers and Homesteaders Discussion Group
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program created the Western New York Beginning Farmers and Homesteaders group. This Group has continued to be successful and has created an online learning community which you may join by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/wnybfah.
Agricultural Energy Audits Available to New York Farms Through NYSERDA
New York farms can cut energy use and energy costs with the Agriculture Energy Audit Program.
Beef Directory Launched for Northeast
In consideration of the number of Northeast farmers selling their beef product directly to the public, and those consumers being especially interested in local sourcing of their food, the national beef checkoff has just launched the Northeast Beef Directory through a partnership with the Virginia Beef Industry Council. This new website, includes robust educational resources that inform consumers about their options for choosing beef.
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