News

WASHINGTON, July 14, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has declared Aug. 2 through 8, 2015, as "National Farmers Market Week." The declaration was made official by proclamation signed by Secretary Vilsack. This year marks the 16th annual National Farmers Market Week in honor of the important role that farmers markets play in local economies.

Jim Ellis is a native of Cattaraugus County and has been a farmer all of his life.  He started showing cattle at age 9 and was named the Brown Swiss Champion of New York State in 1954.  He was an Empire State FFA Awardee his Senior Year of High School.  After serving in the United States Army, he came back to Cattaraugus County to run the family farm.

Mr. Ellis has been President of Dairy Herd Improvement Corp, President of Cattaraugus County Breeders Association, member of Cooperative Extension and a former member of Farm Bureau.  He was also a 4H leader for 25 years.

Farming has become Mark Printz’s one true calling in life. It has just taken him some time to realize it. 

Born and raised in Allegany, NY, he attended Allegany Central School and received his BA in Marketing at SUNY Brockport. After graduation, Mark worked for local businesses in the purchasing, sales, and merchandising fields.  After 10 plus years, he realized that he was not suited for the business world and in 2001; he experienced a complete career change and became the Farm Manager at Canticle Farm.  

The Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, along with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau, the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District and the Southern Tier West Regional Planning and Development Board will host the Fourth Annual Cattaraugus County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner on Wednesday, April 8, 2015 at the West Valley Fire Hall, 9091 Route 240, West Valley, NY.