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agriculture

Batavia Daily News for Tuesday: Farm injuries among migrant workers

By Philip Anselmo

A front-page story by Tom Rivers in today's Daily News examines the toll taken on the health of migrant workers by "grueling farm work." We wouldn't do the article much of a service by trying to sum it up here. It's lengthy and detailed. So if you're interested in the topic, you may want to pick up a paper today.

Several articles are featured on the front page and elsewhere in today's paper on the proposed state budget cuts. They tackle, in particular, the issue of cuts to school aid and agriculture. A chart on page five lists the school districts in Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties and the amount of proposed cuts along with percentages. In what looks to be a wire story on the back page, the state Farm Bureau criticizes Gov. David Paterson for his proposed cuts, which "disproportionately" target agricultural programs. The article is informative, but it's hard not to wonder that every member of every group that may see their programs cut in the state budget wouldn't make the same claims of a governor who is being unfair and "disporportionately" targeting them. As we mentioned in a post earlier today, the Albany Times Union noted that busloads of protestors—at least 1,000 of them today—have been disembarking at the capitol to make noise about "unfair" cuts.

Main Street Coffee owner, Rob Credi, plans to close up shop likely by the end of the year and sell the business to property owner Ken Mistler. Credi will then manage the Daily Grind, the coffee shop and juice bar that Mistler will be opening inside a health club going up at the corner of Main and Jackson streets. Credi hopes the place will be open by the end of January.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Batavia Daily News for Friday: Protecting farmland in the town of Batavia

By Philip Anselmo

About 16 people gathered in the town of Batavia last night for a meeting to discuss possibly formulating a farmland protection plan for the town, according to the Daily News.

The town has about 19,000 acres of agricultural land, which accounts for roughly 60 percent of total land in the town.

Roger Muehlig writes:

The goal is to create a land use policy on how to keep agricultural land in production and protect it from commercial and residential development.

In other news, the city of Batavia has hired a new code enforcement officer. Apparently, Ronald Panek has been working since last week. Panek, 41, is from Wyoming.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Video: Alternative Energy on the Farm - II

By Philip Anselmo

This past July, we paid a visit to Rigoni Farms in Pavilion. Steve Rigoni was a dairy farmer his whole life, and his father and his father's father before him. Not long ago, however, Steve made the switch to cash crops and began experimenting with alternative sources of energy. When we visited him in July, Steve showed us the tank in which he planned to burn switchgrass to heat the air to dry his corn crop—bushels of dried switchgrass would replace propane as the fuel source. He told us about how he manufactured the device and a little about his reasons. Please, be sure to go back and watch that video.

Well, we got a message from Steve last week asking us to come back out and see his invention in action. Long story short: it's a success. There are some things that need to be tweaked, as there are always things that need tweaking. But all in all, it works great. We put together another video to show you the burner and hear a little bit more from Steve about how it works. You can check that out below.

Before you watch it, however, let me say one thing. This video does not quite capture the marvel that I felt—and that I would hope some of you would feel—when I saw up close what Steve had built. This burner was made by hand, by Steve from whatever he could find to piece it together. He welded, he fanagled, he improvised. He manufactured a heat exchanger out of metal sheets and pipes. It's a thing of beauty, really. And that's before you consider that he now grows his own fuel and saves some 1,000 gallons of propane per day, every time he uses the dryer.

Is a new age dawning for agricutlure?

By Howard B. Owens

Mark T. Mitchell, writing for First Principles Journal, discusses sustainable farming in an article "The Rediscovery of Agriculture?"

Is there any farm in Genesee County like Polyface Farms in Staunton, Virginia?

Although he sells beef, chickens, eggs, turkeys, pork, and rabbits, Salatin calls himself a grass farmer. That is, he is in the business of raising meat and eggs for sale, but he realizes that the quality of his products, and ultimately the success of his farm, depends on the quality of the grass in his pastures. Unlike the vast majority of meat products in the U.S. today, Salatin’s cows are raised and finished on grass; his chickens are pastured; his hogs are happy, and his turkeys, well, they seem friendly. The Polyface website affirms their belief that the natural world is the model they seek to emulate: “Believing that the Creator’s design is still the best pattern for the biological world, the Salatin family invites like-minded folks to join in the farm’s mission.”

Salatin has developed innovated methods of enhancing his grass farm and thereby providing a good place for his animals. For example, his cows are moved to new pasture almost daily, and these docile beasts are anxious to move, for each fresh pasture represents, in the cow’s mind, what Salatin calls “cow ice-cream.” As in nature, once the herbivores (in this instance, cows) have moved to another field, the birds (in this case, chickens) come next. Portable chicken coops make it possible to move the chickens through a recently grazed pasture. The chickens flourish on the cropped grass, and they pick through the cow dung, eating bugs and parasites, and in the process spread the manure over the field, while depositing plenty of their own. The symbiosis of this relationship between cows and chickens replenishes the pastures even as it sustains the animals living there. This is just one example of how the people at Polyface seek to work with the natural world to raise healthy animals while simultaneously sustaining and even improving the land on which they farm.

Mitchell then goes on to talk about the work of economist John E. Ikerd, professor emeritus of agricultural economics at the University of Missouri.

Ikerd admits that his views are not typical of economists, but

[B]eing an economist is no excuse for ignoring ecological and social reality. How can agriculture meet the food and fiber needs of a growing world population if we destroy the natural productivity and regenerative capacity of the land? Economists generally assume that we will find substitutes for anything we use up and will fix any ecological or social problems we create, but these are simply beliefs with no logical, scientific support in fact.

Furthermore, although it is true that, at least in the short term, industrial agriculture can produce an incredible amount of food, there are trade-offs, and we are remiss to ignore what is inevitably sacrificed.

What is the net benefit of an agriculture that meets the physical needs of people but separates families, destroys communities, and diminishes the overall quality of life within society? How can it possibly be good to defile the earth, even if it is profitable to do so? Economists simply don’t consider the social, psychological, or ethical consequences of the things people do to make money. Economics treats such things as social or ecological externalities, which may impose irrational limits or constraints on the legitimate pursuit of wealth.

Mitchell then lists three reasons why centralized farming is bad for the nation.

  • Industrialized food doesn't taste as good and isn't as healthy;
  • Centralized agriculture is less secure against terrorist attacks;
  • Industrial farming is not sustainable.

This is an agricultural community.  I would be interested in two reactions to Mitchell's piece -- is it realistic based on what you know about local farming, and are there any farms in Genesee County implementing sustainable agricultural tactics?

Obama's Plan for Rural America, and our food supply

By Howard B. Owens

The blog Ethicurean, a site dedicated to healthy, locally produced food, put together a post about President-Elect Barack Obama's farm and food policies as detailed during his campaign.

Since Genesee County is a rural farming community, it is probably useful to look at some of the key issues raised by Obama in his speeches and policy statements.

Here's the key point of the post:

So what might we expect from an Obama administration when it comes to food policy? Maybe quite a bit. In his plan for rural America, he lays out a number of policy positions that are a departure from the status quo. Obama:

  • Supports subsidies as a safety net, but calls for a $250,000 payment limitation and closing of loopholes, so that the program supports family farmers, not corporate agribusiness.
  • Supports regulation of CAFOs (factory livestock operations).
  • Wants to enforce anti-trust laws that so that smaller farmers can compete against large-scale meatpackers.
  • Wants to cap the size of agricultural businesses that can receive government funds for environmental cleanup so that taxpayers don’t subsidize cleanup for large, polluting corporations.
  • Supports Country of Origin Labeling (COOL) for meat, a critical issue as we learn how widespread melamine contamination of animal feed is in countries like China.
  • Wants to increase support for organic agriculture and local food systems by helping farmers with organic certification/compliance costs.
  • Wants to provide incentives to encourage and support new farmers, land conservation, renewable energy on the farm, and microenterprise for farmers and other rural Americans.
  • Calls for greater food safety surveillance and communications.
  • Plans to encourage local foods in schools.
  • Supports providing farmers with incentives that will prevent agricultural runoff.

From his campaign web site, here is Obama's Plan for Rural America.

Video: Cooking with the Dairy Princess: Halloween Special (Jell-O Eyeballs)

By Philip Anselmo

We begin our countdown to Halloween tonight with the first of five videos devoted to the celebration of the spooky. Our good friend Anika Zuber, the Genesee County Dairy Princess, will show us how to make Jell-O eyeballs, a perfect treat for the ghoul and goblin in your life. So, without further ado...

Funding Available for Farm Projects

By Jan Beglinger

Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is accepting proposals from local farmers for cost-sharing projects for funding under Round 15 of the Agricultural Non-point Source Abatement and Control Program (Ag NPSACP).  $13 million in program funds is available statewide for non-point source abatement and control projects that plan or implement agricultural Best Management Practices on New York State farms.  The cost-sharing program is designed to help farmers address and prevent water pollution from agricultural activities by providing financial and technical assistance.  All projects must consist of activities that will reduce, abate, control or prevent non-point source pollution originating from agricultural sources.

Enrollment of the farm in the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program is required.  The AEM program provides a cost free, confidential environmental risk assessment of the farm (Tier II).  After the farm assessment, the planning phase (Tier III) follows, this can include such projects as barnyard improvements, rotational grazing plans, livestock fencing, watering facilities, manure management and agrichemical mixing facilities.  Cost-sharing of up to 75% of the cost of implementation of the project (Tier IV) is available through this grant.
 
Genesee County SWCD will apply for the competitive grant on behalf of farmers and coordinate funded projects.  Farmers are invited to submit proposals for farm projects to be included in this grant application by December 5, 2008.  For more information or to schedule an AEM farm assessment, contact Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District at (585) 343-2362.

Great time to buy local produce

By Jan Beglinger

 

Great time to buy local produce
 
It’s still a great time to go out and buy locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. When it’s fall everyone thinks apples and apple cider. Despite the hail this summer, you can still find plenty of apples. Some of the varieties out now include: Jonagold, Yellow Delicious, Macoun, Empire, Crispin, 20 ounce, Cortland, Empire and Honey Crisp. Pears and plums are also available.
 
October may not be the month you think of for fresh produce, but it’s out there. At the Farmers Market on Friday there was a wide array of vegetables: peppers in a rainbow of colors, cucumbers, green beans, spinach, broccoli, beets, carrots, cabbage, and cauliflower (white, orange or purple).
 
Now is a great time to stock up on onions, potatoes, and winter squash. And don’t forget the pumpkins. Whether you are making pies or carving a Jack O’Lantern, pumpkins come in any size you want – from minis to giants.
 
So while you are out enjoying the changing leaves stop at your local farm stand. There is still time to visit the Genesee Country Farmers’ Market. They will be at the Batavia Downs parking lot Tuesday’s and Friday’s until Halloween. Need other ideas? Visit the Cornell Cooperative web site and look under the Agri-tourism guide. Check Listings for an up to date list. http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/content/view/197

Upcoming events at the Extension

By Philip Anselmo

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County has announced events through the end of the year. Check the Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu for more details about these and other programs.
 
Tuesdays, November 4 through December 16- Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin in 2009. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
Thursdays, October 2 through November 13 - Positive Parenting Series – times vary. Held at the First Baptist Church - 5 East Main St. in LeRoy .  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 1st from 9 am to 2pm - New York Agriculture In The Classroom “Food, Land, And People Educator Training”. Held at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Avenue in Buffalo, NY. Food, Land & People (FLP) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment, and people of the world. Food, Land & People’s science-and social-science-based curriculum, “Resources for Learning”, currently serves Pre-K to 12th grade students with 55 hands-on lessons, developed and tested be more than a thousand educators. Attendees will  receive Food, Land and Peoples Resources for Learning CD-Rom (includes 55 lessons), Various NY Ag in the Classroom Materials including lessons plans, book lists, brochures, and more. Four hours of professional development credits and a participation certificate are included in a fun-filled day at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens (including lunch and tour of the gardens). If you are interested in attending or would like to learn more about the program contact Barb at 343-3040 ext. 122, visit the Cooperative Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu or stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 6 at 6 p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Winter Birds”.  Held at the Extension Building. This presentation is back by popular demand. Did you know that there will be different birds at your feeders during the winter months?  Do you know that to feed them or how to identify them?  Let our “birding” expert, Jan Beglinger give you in-depth information on this subject, while you enjoy coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
November 10 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
November 10th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th, November 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spanish For (Ag) Working People. Instructed by Camy Sorbello. Learn enough Spanish in ten hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees. English-speaking managers & co-workers learn enough job-oriented basic Spanish that allows them to greatly improve job performance, workplace quality & business functioning. Camy's teaching method is suited to people who have little time to learn Spanish, as she uses simple phrases & a non-grammatical approach, with an emphasis on the words & language customarily used in each specific business or job function. Camy is a professional Spanish translator. To ensure the best learning experience, we will have a maximum of 20 participants. Cost is $125 per person (includes handouts). Register by November 3rd by calling 585-343-3040 ext 126 or stopping by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
November 20 from 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm - Feed Dealer's Meeting. Byrncliff Resort & Conference Center, Varysburg, NY. For more information contact Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040 x 138 or by email at cfw6@cornell.edu.

December 4 at 6 p.m. Holiday Greens Workshop.  Join Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver and the Master Gardeners for a fun-filled hands-on holiday greens workshop. Participants will  be able to make a Holiday Wreath or Holiday Centerpiece. This workshop will be held at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in  Batavia. Cost is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia or log on to http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
December 8 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
December 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Held at Cornell University, Kennedy Hall - David L. Call Alumni Auditorium. This year's conference will explore the theme of improved market access for New York farmers. The opening session, which will begin at 10 am, will examine emerging trends toward demand for local and regional food systems and emerging marketing and business opportunities in more distant markets. The theme of this portion of the program is Market Access for NYS Producers: Local and Long Distance Dimensions. For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
December 9 - 11 Northeast Region Certified Crop Advisor Training. Holiday Inn, Waterloo, NY (Just off I-90 exit 41, south on Rt. 414) New Crop Advisers: Individuals seeking certification should attend CCA Basic Training to prepare for the regional and international certification exams. Basic Training does not include exam registration. Basic Training registration is for all three days.  The 3-day training event costs $225, and includes all coffee breaks, 3 lunches and one dinner. Register before November 8 for early discount! Next CCA Exam Date: February 6, 2009. Registration Period: October 1 - December 12. For registration materials, visit https://www.certifiedcropadviser.org/become-certified/exams/registration/ . Contact: Jeanette Marvin at 315-986-9320, jmarvin@rochester.rr.com
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of “emergency information” for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association’s annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009.  Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York – This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners – Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management.  Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service – Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more.  Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.  Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau – Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more.  Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs.  Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties.  For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

Agriculture in the Classroom

By Philip Anselmo

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:

Food, Land & People (FLP) is a nonprofit organization committed to helping people of all ages better understand the interrelationships among agriculture, the environment, and people of the world.  Food, Land & People’s science-and social-science-based curriculum, “Resources for Learning”, currently serves Pre-K to 12th grade students throughout the United States. The curriculum consists of 55 hands-on lessons, developed and tested be more than a thousand educators.  The subjects range from environmental science and stewardship to human populations and land use issues.  Twenty of the lessons are available in Spanish.  FLP’s mission is to develop citizens literate about the relationships between agriculture, the environment, and human populations.
 
There will be an educator training on November 1, 2008, from 9:00 a.m. –  2:00 p.m. at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens, 2655 South Park Ave., Buffalo, NY 14218.  Phone: 716-827-1584, Website: www.buffalogardens.com .  Attendees will  receive Food, Land and Peoples Resources for Learning CD-Rom (includes 55 lessons), Various NY Ag in the Classroom Materials including lessons plans, book lists, brochures, and more. Four hours of professional development credits and a participation certificate are included in a fun-filled day at the Buffalo Botanical Gardens (including lunch and tour of the gardens).
 
If you are interested in attending this workshop contact New Your State Agriculture in the Classroom, 106 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca NY 14853; call 1-607-255-9253; Fax: 607-255-7905; or e-mail: hed24@cornell.edu.  You can also check out the Ag in the Classroom website at: wwwnyaged.org/aitc.
 
As of December 31, 2006, 30,292 educators have been trained to use Food, Land & People’s lessons in twenty-seven states.  It is estimated that they have reached over 6.5 million students since 1998. New York Agriculture in the Classroom is the state affiliate agency for Food, Land, and People in New York.  They have aligned the 55 lessons with New York State Learning Standards in all curriculum areas. 
 
If you are interested in using Resources for Learning, or would like to learn more about it, contact Barb at 343-3040 ext. 122, visit the Cooperative Extension website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu or stop by the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.

Batavia Daily News for Thursday: Apples

By Philip Anselmo

Today's Daily News features reporter Tom Rivers' third installment in the apple orchard series that started Tuesday. That's about all for this issue.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Spanish for Agriculture Working People

By Jan Beglinger

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County presents:
Spanish for Agriculture Working People
 
Learn enough Spanish in 10 hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees.
 
Class Dates:
Monday, November 10, 2008
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Monday, November 17, 2008
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Time:  7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
 
Fee: $125 per person
 
Where: Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension office
420 East Main Street, Batavia, NY 14020
 
Register: contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext 126 by Nov. 3.

Batavia Daily News for Friday: Farm Bureau elects new president

By Philip Anselmo

Byron diary farmer Robin Keller, 39, has been elected the new president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau, according to the Daily News. Tom Rivers reports that Keller replaces Dale Stein, a Le Roy dairy farmer, who did not seek re-election after his four years in the position. Keller and her husband moved to the area a little less than a decade ago, looking to expand their dairy business.

"Genesee County was the ideal location for growing a farm business," she told Rivers.

Genesee County Legislature Chair Mary Pat Hancock told the Daily News that

the New York State Association of Counties is not going to sit back and allow the state to impose budget cuts without NYSAC having some say in how those adjustments are made and implemented.

County Manager Jay Gsell said that the current fiscal crisis on Wall Street could be an "opportunity for reform in Albany" by getting the state to cut back its "expenditures, jobs, services" and "unfunded state mandates"—what Paul Mrozek describes as "the albatross on the back of county governments."

Mothertime Marketplace will roll into St. Joseph's School this Saturday and Sunday. The consignment sale event that often includes everything from bedroom sets to books, will run from 10:00am to 5:00pm Saturday and from 10:00am to 3:00pm Sunday. Admission is $2 per day or $3 for both days. Some coupons are available at selected locations around the city. Visit Mothertime Marketplace online for more information. St. Joseph's School is located at the corner of Summit and East Main streets downtown.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

Video: Growing up in the Muck

By Philip Anselmo

Ann Gavenda didn't only talk about the Elba History Barn when we met a few weeks back. She had some great stories to tell me about working in the muck on the Elba onion fields back in the 1940s, when her and the other girls ran into snakes, cigars, highly articulate Jamaicans and more dimes than you can shake a stick at—and she had the blisters to prove it. Without further ado:

Video: Elba History Barn

By Philip Anselmo

A few weeks ago, I paid a visit to the new History Barn in Elba, built to store all the ancient farm equipment and other relics that were locked up in who knew how many barns all over the town and its environs. Ann Gavenda was kind enough to come down and tell me a bit about the town's new treasure and the treasures inside it. Here's what she told me:

Were you able to make out the price of a gallon of gas on the old Esso pump?

Ann didn't only tell me about the history barn. She told me a lot more about growing up in Elba and working in the muck fields. Please be sure to check out that video which should go up later this afternoon.

Another look at the Extension

By Philip Anselmo

Many of us drive by the Cornell Cooperative Extension every day without knowing much about what goes on inside. They've got something to do with gardening. Most of us know that much. So, in the hopes of reintroducing to Genesee County what Beverly Mancuso calls our "best known secret," I sat down with Bev this morning to find out just what goes on at the extension. Here's what I learned...

"We want to focus on what no one else is doing and what we could do the best," says Bev.

That means agriculture education, which is probably priority number one for the extension. Back in the day, the Farm Bureau and the extension were one and the same, but they split off. Farm Bureau now handles all the lobbying for the agriculture community, while the extension takes care of education. They do it all, from vegetable growing to dairy production and everything in between, whether they're working hands-on with farmers or with students.

For students, the incubation program and Dairy Day are the two biggest draws. The incubation program is exactly how it sounds: incubators are brought into schools so the students can watch eggs hatch and learn about it. Dairy Day is targeted at the younger grade schoolers. For one day, they're bused out to a farm to learn everything that goes on, first-hand and up close.

Aside from working with school students, the extension also offers several courses for adults and families, most of which are free to the public. Unfortunately, not too many people are taking advantage, Bev tells me.

One of the extension's most valuable programs is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is an eight week course on how to eat better by buying smarter and more healthy foods. Anyone who wants to take this course can register at TOPS Market in Batavia. All you have to do is fill out a registration card and drop it in the box near the produce section.

What makes SNAP worthwhile? Well, for folks who complain about the high cost of doctor bills or obesity or how they can't afford to eat healthy, these courses will teach you the fundamentals on such things as food safety and portion size. You can learn how to eat better on your budget.

Speaking of your budget. The extension offers a trio of what they call "empowering" programs: one on how to save on energy costs, another on credit and debt management and a third on how to put together a spending plan to better make your ends meet.

All of these programs are free, folks. Now I can't understand why people wouldn't be taking advantage of this. I understand that we're pressed for time and money. But these programs could help you better manage both of those.

"At the end of the day, it's all about trying to make the community better," says Bev.

Classes on how to eat better and how to better manage a tight budget are sure to help out, as long as folks take advantage. It's easy to do people: visit the extension's Web site, or give them a call (343-3040), send them an e-mail or stop by at 420 E. Main St. They're happy to help out.

Oh, we almost forgot: as we said at the beginning, the extension is also about gardening. Perhaps their most popular course is the twelve-week master gardener program. This one isn't free. It costs about $250. But for folks with a desire to green their thumb, it's a great way to get some in-depth knowledge of gardening.

You may have seen the work of the extension's master gardener graduates around the county. Once they've gone through the program, many of them volunteer some time back to the extension by sprucing up gardens at sites such as the VA Medical Center or the School for the Blind.

Hopefully, that will help people get to know a little more about Genesee County's best known secret. Check back with The Batavian in the coming weeks and months as we plan to work more closely with the extension and 4-H to get up the news and happenings of our next generation.

Fall classes and programs at the Cornell Cooperative Extension

By Philip Anselmo

From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
 
October 4 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. - Unwanted Pharmaceuticals Collection. Pavilion Fire Department, 11310 S. Lake Rd. (Rt. 19), Pavilion (1 mile south of Route 63). Residents will be able to dispose of unwanted, outdated and unused medicines, both prescription and over the counter drugs, FREE OF CHARGE and anonymously. Appointments are NOT required for this event. Residents from Genesee, Livingston and Wyoming Counties are eligible to participate. Sponsored by GLOW Solid Waste 1-800-836-1154.
 
October 6th through October 11th - National 4-H Week. 4-H is the only youth development program directly connected to the technological advances and latest research of Cornell University. 4 H members learn leadership, citizenship and life skills through hands-on projects in science, engineering and technology, healthy living, or citizenship. 4-H is one of the largest youth development organizations in America with more than 6.5 million young people ages 5-19, 538,000 volunteers, 3,500 staff and 60 million alumni. Learn more about the 4-H adventure at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
October 7th at 5:30 p.m. - Achievement Night and Volunteer Recognition Event. Held at the Kennedy Building located on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in Batavia. This is the perfect time to see what the best kept secret in Genesee County is all about. Join the 4-H youth, dedicated volunteers, and staff as they recognize the accomplishments of the past year.

October 9th at 6p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Putting Your Garden to Bed”. Held at the Extension Building. Your gardening tasks do not end with that killing frost.  There are many things you can do in your garden to assure gardening success next spring.  Let the Master Gardeners share their knowledge and tips with you. Other titles in the series include Spring Flowering Bulbs and Winter Birds. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
October 16th from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. - Anti-Rabies Immunization Clinic. LeRoy Village Highway Garage.  Offered by the Genesee County Department of Health. A $5 voluntary donation per dog, cat or ferret is requested to offset clinic expenses.
 
October 15th. Leadership Genesee Applications Deadline for 2009 – Applications are currently being accepted for the Class of 2009.  Application deadline is October 15th. For more information or to obtain an application, contact Program Coordinator Peggy Marone at 343-3040, ext. 118, stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia or visit the website http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu.
 
October 18 - Agriculture Career Camp - Careers Related to the Viticulture Industry & Field Crop Farms. This is the second in a series of opportunities for 7th - 12th graders to explore the many careers that agriculture provides. The cost is $5 per session or $30 for all seven sessions. To register or for more details contact the CCE Ontario County office at 585-394-3977 x 427. Or visit http://fusiongrant.org and click on "Ag Career Camp".
 
October 20th at 5:00 p.m. – Board of Directors Finance Committee Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
Tuesdays through October 21st - Positive Parenting Series – 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. The next series will begin November 4th. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
October 23rd at 6p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Spring Flowering Bulbs”. Held at the Extension Building.  Do you know when and how deep to plant your tulips, daffodils, hyacinths, etc.  What is the latest you can plant your spring flowering bulbs?  This program will give you the “ins and outs” of spring flowering bulbs. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea and some dessert while learning about your spring garden! “Winter Birds” will be offered November 6th. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
Thursdays, October 2nd through November 13th - Positive Parenting Series – times vary. Held at the First Baptist Church - 5 East Main St. in LeRoy .  Nutrition and Parenting Educator Mariellen Woodward-DeFelice will teach the following classes: Anger in the Family, Responsibility and Your Children, Disciplining Your Children, Setting Limits and Expectations, Winning Ways to Talk with Kids, and Family Enrichment. The series is offered at no cost to Genesee county residents and at a nominal fee for residents of surrounding counties. For more information or to register contact Mariellen by phone at 343-3040, ext. 105, e-mail mew33@cornell.edu, or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
October 28th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm. Achieving Greener Communities through Civic, Private and Government Sector Innovation. Held at the Genesee River Restaurant, Mt. Morris, NY. This one-day conference of the Rural Learning Network of Central and Western New York will explore: The roles of local/regional/state governments, The contributions of citizens, civic organizations and public and private entities, The roles of research and innovation, The interrelationships among energy, land use, and climate change issues. For more information contact Jan at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
Fridays through October 31st from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. - Extension Educators at the Farmers’ Market.  Extension educators will be at the market Fridays throughout the summer and fall to offer hands on activities, food samples, soil testing and to answer any of your gardening, agriculture, 4-H and Youth Development or Nutrition questions. For a complete schedule of educators at the market call 585-343-3040, ext. 101 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
November 6th at 6 p.m. - Coffee and Dessert Series: “Winter Birds”.  Held at the Extension Building. This presentation is back by popular demand. Did you know that there will be different birds at your feeders during the winter months?  Do you know that to feed them or how to identify them?  Let our “birding” expert, Jan Beglinger give you in-depth information on this subject, while you enjoy coffee and dessert. Cost is $10 per class and limited to fifteen participants per class. Pre-register at the Extension Center, 420 East Main Street in Batavia, visit our website at http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu, or contact Gail Culver at 343-3040, ext. 132 for more information.
 
November 10th at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Directors Meeting. Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 420 East Main St., Batavia.  For more information call 343-3040, ext. 112.
 
November 10th, November 12th, November 17th, November 19th, November 24th from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Spanish For (Ag) Working People. Instructed by Camy Sorbello. Learn enough Spanish in ten hours to improve communication with your Spanish-speaking agricultural employees. English-speaking managers & co-workers learn enough job-oriented basic Spanish that allows them to greatly improve job performance, workplace quality & business functioning. Camy's teaching method is suited to people who have little time to learn Spanish, as she uses simple phrases & a non-grammatical approach, with an emphasis on the words & language customarily used in each specific business or job function. Camy is a professional Spanish translator. To ensure the best learning experience, we will have a maximum of 20 participants. Cost is $125 per person (includes handouts). Register by November 3rd by calling 585-343-3040 ext 126 or stopping by the Extension office at 420 E. Main Street in Batavia.
 
December 4th at 6 p.m. Holiday Greens Workshop.  Join Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver and the Master Gardeners for a fun-filled hands-on holiday greens workshop. Participants will  be able to make a Holiday Wreath or Holiday Centerpiece. This workshop will be held at the Kennedy Building on the Genesee County Fairgrounds on Route 5 in  Batavia. Cost is $20 per person and pre-registration is required. Contact Consumer Horticulture Educator Gail Culver at (585) 343-3040, ext. 132, stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia or log on to http://genesee.cce.cornell.edu/.
 
December 9 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. - Agribusiness Economic Outlook Conference. Held at Cornell University, Kennedy Hall - David L. Call Alumni Auditorium. This year's conference will explore the theme of improved market access for New York farmers. The opening session, which will begin at 10 am, will examine emerging trends toward demand for local and regional food systems and emerging marketing and business opportunities in more distant markets. The theme of this portion of the program is Market Access for NYS Producers: Local and Long Distance Dimensions. For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 126 or stop by the Extension office located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of “emergency information” for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association’s annual meeting to determine organization leadership. The deadline for enrollment in the 2009 agriculture information service is February 1, 2009.  Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
 
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Eat SMART New York – This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
 
Master Gardeners – Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management.  Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service – Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more.  Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour.  Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
 
Master Gardener Speakers’ Bureau – Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more.  Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs.  Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties.  For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.

News roundup: Another opening at the Towne Center

By Philip Anselmo

Bed, Bath & Beyond opened for business Tuesday at the Towne Center off Veterans Memorial Drive in the town of Batavia, according to the Daily News. Target already opened in July and a Lowe's home improvement store is currently getting ready to "co-anchor" the shopping complex along with the large-scale retailer. Michael's Crafts expects to open Sunday, and Petco hopes to hold its grand opening on September 26. An AT&T store is likely to occupy another of the buildings on site. Roger Muehlig reports that the developer was hoping to get a restaurant to settle into one of the 8,500-square-foot buildings at the site, "but no occupant has been announced."

A couple of stories in today's paper were already posted to this site. News of Dave Wellenzohn's departure from the helm of Muckdogs management was featured on The Batavian yesterday afternoon. Sophie's Run: a run from Ontario, Canada to New York City by Nicole Chuchmach and her team of runners in an effort to raise awareness for colorectal cancer was featured on The Batavian Monday.

Genesee County's Chamber of Commerece is gearing up for the 19th annual Decision Makers Forum and Tour, which will be held at Batavia Downs Tuesday. Tom Rivers reports:

The Chamber each year uses the forum to focus on a topic critical to agriculture. The forum in recent years has explored renewable energy, groundwater and other environmental issues, new technologies on the farm, wind energy and immigration policies.

This Tuesday, the Chamber will discuss careers in agriculture.

Anyone can attend the forum but they must register. Call (585) 343-7440 ext.27 or send an e-mail to the Chamber to register.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

News roundup: Big jump in farm revenue

By Philip Anselmo

Ag industry revenue in Genesee County and statewide surged, according to the Daily News. Tom Rivers reports that farms in the state brought in $4.45 billion in 2007 as compared with $3.49 billion in 2006. Genesee County alone climbed up 27 percent, from $140.2 million to $178.5 million.

Typically, the total agricultural receipts vary 1 or 2 percent each year, said Steve Ropel, director of the National Agricultural Statistics Service in New York.

"This is one of the sharpest increases I've ever seen," he said Monday by phone from Albany. He (has) worked 36 years studying farm statistics.

Increased demand for dairy (overseas) and corn (for ethanol) fueled the 28 percent increase for the state. That means you can thank the increase in the price for a gallon of milk and, in a way, the increase in the price of a gallon of gas—indirectly for encouraging the use of biofuels—for driving the surge in ag revenue.

See the article in the Daily News for the full details and figures, including a chart listing the comparable revenue between 2006 and 2007 for nine upstate counties.

Surplus school revenues for the 2007-08 school year mean a reduction in the district's tax levy of $45,000, and that means a decrease of $1.12 per $1,000 in assessed value for taxpayers.

A public hearing is scheduled for 7:00pm tonight at the Batavia Town Hall, 3833 W. Main Street Road, for anyone interested in learning more about the environmental impacts of the Genesee Valley Agri-Business Park being planned for E. Main Street Road.

We encourage you to pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

News roundup: Wal-Mart shrinks, public market grows — life in Western NY

By Philip Anselmo

A Wal-Mart store in the works for the village of Le Roy may be the company's first ever to be shrunken down from its original size, according to the Daily News. Of course, that doesn't mean it still won't be a "Supercenter"—retail's answer to the question: What if people could buy socks, tomato sauce, a new bike and a gardenia all at the same store? So yes, the store planned for West Main Street in Le Roy will still be a Supercenter, only getting reduced from 163,700 square feet to 138,000.

Claims made in the article that this will be a "more environmentally-friendly" Wal-Mart seem somewhat dubious. Check out this quote from Le Roy's Code Enforcement Officer Gene Sinclair:

"It's still going to be a Supercenter, just smaller," he said. "The parking lot is more environmentally friendly, with four islands and a natural filtration system of trees and shrubs."

"We're told it's a new design for their stores and the first in the United States like this."

It's wonderful that everybody has caught the going green bug—especially the marketing departments of massive corporations—but I think we have to draw the line at "environmentally-friendly parking lot." Hasn't anyone ever listened to Joni Mitchell? What did they pave to put up a parking lot? Yep, that's right: paradise.

Anyway, good for Le Roy. Now they've got a Wal-Mart to go with the new Walgreens. Speaking of the Walgreens... construction of that is on hold now owing to a "blizzard of asbestos" encountered during the demolition of the old Masonic temple and its neighbors. (Hmm. Is there any connection between this blizzard of asbestos and the blizzard of words Charlie Gibson attributed to Sarah Palin last night?)

In other news, Tom Rivers paid a visit to the Rochester Public Market where a lot of Genesee County farms head every weekend to ply their wares before the big city crowds. It's another great article from a talented writer about a fun topic. So read it.

Attica resident Roddy Harris wrote a postapocalyptic novel about a brother and sister who try to rebuild their lives after 99 percent of the world is killed by terrorists who release "vast amoiunts of chemical and biological agents into the atmosphere." The article's headline is misleading: Attican pens 9/11 book. That's just not true. While the article begins by saying that Harris "turned his thoughts and feelings about the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, into a novel," the novel is not about 9/11 at all. The book is titled: After Terrorism: A Survival Story. It's available from Publish America.

Former Chairman of the United States Chamber of Commerce's Board of Directors Paul S. Speranza told an audience at Genesee Community College yesterday that if the state wants to fix its economy, communities need to join together.

Speranza said New Yorkers need to move beyond parochialism and regional feuding. Speaking with one voice and forming coalitions among groups with divergent views is the way to get the state's economy back on track and to improve its quality of life, he said.

Paul Mrozek does an excellent job covering the speech, so be sure to check out the article if you're interested.

We encourage you to get out and pick up a copy of the Daily News at your local newsstand. Or, better yet, subscribe at BataviaNews.com.

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