Ag in Cattaraugus County

News

2025 Friend of Agriculture: Dan Steward

Dan has served as a field crops consultant and CAFO planner with the Western NY Crop Management Association in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie Counties since 1991. He is a graduate of Randolph Central School where he participated in FFA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology from Cornell in 1990. He is a certified crop advisor (CCA), Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) planner, and Technical Service Provider (TSP) for NRCS.

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Friend of Agriculture Award

2025 Conservation Farm of the Year: Telaak Farms

Telaak Farms - Conservation Farm of the Year

The Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District has selected Telaak Farms, LLC for the 2025 Conservation Farm of the Year Award. Don, David, Joyce, Mike, & Kimberly operate a Dairy operation in Mansfield, milking approximately 390 cows. Together with many long-term employees, like Justin, Rachael and Michael, the farm operates roughly 1100 Acres around the Maples - Mansfield Creek area. Telaak Farms has been actively participating in NY State’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program since the program came to Cattaraugus County.

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Conservation Farm of the Year Award

2025 Farm of the Year: Williams Ranch & Cattle

Williams Ranch & Cattle began in 1998 when Jeff Williams bought the farm. In 2000 the first cows he purchased to start the farm and were just average commercial beef cows. In 2005 Jeff and Vicky welcomed their daughter, Alysa, into the family and a year later Jeff married Vicky. They are both a huge part of the farm. Vicky is the best secretary, ever, and even better at feces removal (expert shovel operator). Where she notices the little details that Jeff misses.

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Farm of the Year Award

2025 Agriculture Legacy: Dave Zilker

FFA and my Ag teacher did more to develop my character than anything in school. I was given the choice of going to college or purchasing a farm, I chose the farm. (No regrets)

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Ag Legacy Award

Cattaraugus County 4-H Horse Members Ride for Success

On Sunday, March 30th, ten Cattaraugus County 4-H members were selected to participate in our first “Ride for Success” with clinician Chase Barnes hosted by our 4-H Horse Committee members at Linn Acres Performance Horses in Portville, NY.

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Learn

Horse

CCE Cattaraugus, NY Seed to Supper (S2S) Program to Begin in April, Free Gardening Classes in Salamanca NY

Seed to Supper Program (S2S) – starts April 8^th, 2025, with sessions to be held at Salamanca High School Cafeteria – Open to the Public

Local 4-H Members Compete in Diary Bowl Competition

On Saturday, March 1, the annual NY Western District 4-H Dairy Quiz Bowl Contest was held at Pioneer Middle School in Cattaraugus County. A total of 76 4-H members represented 22 teams from 5 counties in this event.

Farmers Market and Meat Marketing Workshop - March 4th and March 11th

This series shares how farmers selling directly to consumers can benefit from new tools, resources, and teaching on the topics of marketing and pricing for the upcoming 2025 market season. Each evening, the workshop will cover two topics. The topics are the same for each location. Both topics apply to livestock producers selling meat directly to consumers while the second part of the evening will also appeal to dairy, egg, fruit, and vegetable producers and those selling any farm product at a farmer’s market.

Beginning at 6:00 PM

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Master Forest Owner Volunteer Training

Cornell Cooperative Extension Opportunity - Master Forest Owner Volunteer Training

Have you ever thought about using your knowledge and skills to help your neighbor woodland owners? Join the hundreds of woodland owners who have served their neighbors since 1993.

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Cattaraugus County 4-H Public Presentations Sees Over 90 Participants for 2025

February 8th & 10th – On Saturday, February 8th at Cattaraugus-Little Valley Central School and Monday, February 10th at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Cattaraugus County 4-H members showcased their public speaking talents. Members had various topics from “How to Ice Fish” to “Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour” and everything in between! In 4-H, public speaking helps develop life skills by encouraging young people to improve communication, boost confidence, and engage an audience.