Agricultural outreach in 2007 by Ag/Grazing Program Coordinator Martha Pickard has included the following:
ANCA staff provided follow-up and technical assistance support to the twenty-five producers who received grazing plans during the 2005/2006 GLCI/ANCA contract period.
ANCA staff implemented an outreach plan that resulted in the development of nineteen grazing plans during the 2006/2007 contract period with GLCI. Nineteen grazing plans have been completed to date.
ANCA received a 2007/08 funding award from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service for $53,150 toward year-nine of a funding partnership with GLCI. $10,000 in funding has been targeted toward a Memorandum of Agreement with the Oneida County Soil Water Conservation District for contracted services in the counties of Oneida, Herkimer, Oswego, and Jefferson.
ANCA staff prepared a Gearing up for Spring 2007 newsletter that was distributed to 55 producers who have benefited from grazing plans and/or involvement with Heifer International.
Staff participated in the Weston A. Price Foundation Adirondack Chapter Meeting with attendance at monthly meetings in Lake Clear. The Foundation is dedicated to restoring nutrient-dense foods to the human diet through education, research and activism. ANCA’s involvement in the local chapter has resulted in increased communication between producers and interested consumers.
ANCA hosted a Value-Added Grass Based Dairy Products Workshop in Malone on February 10 with 25 attendees in partnership with the Franklin County Cooperative Extension. The program addressed the interests of local producers in selling raw milk on farm as well as producing and selling cheese, butter and yogurt. The program included a presentation from Bernard Cheney, Ag and Markets Dairy Specialist, and Tom and Denise Warren of Stone and Thistle Farm.
ANCA continued a working partnership with Heifer International and hosted a Northern New York Farmer’s Partnership Project Self-Review and Fundraiser on March 3, 2007 in Canton. The full-day meeting was led by Heifer Project representative, Aley Kent, to assess the progress of the group and reevaluate project goals for the future. The partnership consists of a core group of small to medium-scale farmers working together to create opportunities for small farmers.
ANCA, the Farmer’s Partnership and Gardenshare will partner in the development of a local food guide that will include information from ANCA’s North Country Meat Directory. The information will be posted at Gardenshare’s website. The website will support ANCA’s goal to develop producer/buyer networks to encourage local purchases of food.
ANCA staff presented at the Agriculture Council of Chenango County on March 30 and provided an overview of Swiss dairy operations.
ANCA staff worked with the Northern New York Farmers Partnership and provided funding to the SUNY-Potsdam GRUB Event featuring Anne Lappe and Bryant Terry, authors of Grub, on April 18.
ANCA staff presented at the Watershed Coalition in Westport on April 19 and discussed ANCA’s Agriculture Program.
ANCA coordinated a Pasturewalk and Heifer Project quarterly business meeting on April 28 that was attended by fourteen producers.
ANCA hosted a Farm to Table Luncheon on May 17 following the Board of Directors’ meeting at The Lodge at Lake Clear. The afternoon Rebuilding of the Farming Community Forum: An Overview of Heifer Project International featured Aley Kent, Field Coordinator from Heifer Project International. The luncheon included commentary from Cathy Hohmeyer, co-owner and chef of The Lodge about the local food preparation and the goals of The Lodge to offer a monthly dinner showcasing local foods.
Staff met with Susan Fuller on April 24 to discuss the potential involvement of ANCA in regional agriculture planning through ANCA hosting a series of forums.
ANCA staff attended a May 24 pasture walk that was hosted by the Jefferson County Cooperative Extension.
ANCA provided a Board of Directors’ resolution in support of increased funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative to representatives of our federal legislative delegation.
ANCA hosted a pasture walk on June 3 in Heuvelton that was attended by thirty participants.
ANCA staff worked with staff from the Adirondack Sustainable Communities in the development of a proposal for a working educational and research farm at the Heaven Hill Farm that is owned by the Uihlein Foundation in Lake Placid.
ANCA staff attended a September 14 Harvest Dinner that was hosted by Garden Share. The agenda focused on the Vermont Fresh network and the goal to start a similar campaign in the Adirondack North Country.
ANCA staff attended a September 19 pasture walk hosted by the Oneida County Soil Water and Conservation District. Staff had the opportunity to meet with the contractor who will be implementing the Memorandum of Agreement with ANCA during 2007/08.
ANCA staff discussed agricultural planning needs with Susan Fuller and scheduled a Sustainable Agriculture session for December 11.
ANCA staff attended a Heifer International Meeting on October 13 in Brasher Falls to discuss the organizational structure of the Northern New York Farmers’ Partnership.
ANCA staff spoke on November 3 at the Beginner Farmer Course hosted by Cooperative Extension at Paul Smith’s College.
ANCA staff spoke on November 6 at the Franklin County Beef Group.
ANCA Represented at National Conference
Grazing Specialists to Speak at National Conference
November 14, 2006 - Managed grazing, or grass-based agriculture, has gained in both acceptance and adoption by farmers over the last 15 to 20 years. In particular, the last five years have seen a rapid rise in the number of farms that have changed from more conventional methods to better utilization of pastures – it is being treated as a crop. This change has occurred due to a combination of factors, including tighter profit margins and more environmental awareness. Read more...
Agricultural outreach in 2006 by Pickard has included the following:
March 23 – 24 Herkimer County Farm Visits and Grazing Conference
March 25 Grazing Conference in Vernon/ ANCA had a display
March 30 Grazing Basics Speaking Engagement/ Oswego County
April 5 St. Lawrence County Beginner Grazing Workshop Speaking Engagement
April 12 Sustainability Lecture Presentation/ Paul Smith’s College
April 13-14 GLCI Advanced Training Seminar in Norwich
April 18 Food Security Group Meeting/ Canton
April 19 Grazing Workshop/ Pasturewalk Massena
May 8 – 9 Farm Visits/ St. Lawrence County
May 9 Grazing Presentation/ Jefferson County
May 16 Pasturewalk in North Bangor and Heifer International Meeting
May 20 – 21 Weston Price Foundation Seminar sponsored as a benefit for the Family Farm Festival in High Falls, NY
May 23 – 31 Outreach Farm Visits/ St. Lawrence, Franklin, Herkimer and Oswego Counties
June 9 Farm Visits/ Clinton County
June 13 Farm Visits/ Franklin County
Future Meetings and Outreach: ANCA will coordinate pasturewalks and attend conferences and trainings as outreach to recruit involve farmers in grazing plans. Twelve plans are scheduled to be completed by July 14. Pickard is scheduled to attend A Tour of Grass-based Agriculture and Traditional Cheese Making, hosted by the Weston Price Foundation, in Switzerland from July 21 – August 4. The trip has been sponsored by Heifer International and supported by the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Work in August will include a pasturewalk in Oswego County.
Adirondack North Country Chapter of Weston A. Price Foundation
ANCA strives to connect consumers and grass-based producers. ANCA has recently organized a local chapter of the Weston A. Price Foundation.
ANCA Partners with Heifer Project International in the Development of a Northern New York Farmers Partnership
August 16, 2005 - The Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) has recently entered into a partnership agreement with Heifer Project International (HPI) with funding awarded over a three-year period by Heifer Project International of $94,250. Funding will be targeted to provide project support and facilitation to a group of dedicated grass-based farmers in the Adirondack North Country Region. Read more...
Permaculture Design: Saturday, January 15th, 2005 in CCE Farm, Canton, NY
Permaculture: a word coined by David Holgrem and Bill Mollison meaning permanent agriculture. They defined permanent agriculture as being diverse, resilient, adaptable, and cooperative with nature’s design.
This seminar will introduce the core elements of Permaculture Design. An exciting line-up of speakers will discuss energy efficient homes, vegetable gardening, orcharding, pasture management and harvesting from the forest. Each presentation will discuss how to best utilize your land base and existing resources to save you time and money.
Discover what potential crops are growing in your forest!
Farm Diversity Day: Saturday February 5th, 2005 in NCCC Campus, Malone, NY
This seminar will feature speakers from Northern New York who have diversified their farm operations. Participants will be able to find out how these farmers have diversified, marketing tips and trade secrets from folks just like themselves!
For more information contact Martha Pickard at ANCA at 518-891-6200 and to register for these seminars contact Bernadette Logozar, Franklin County CCE 518-483-7403.
Discover how other farmers find time to market their products!
Overlook Farm Training Weekend hosted by Hiefer International
On November 5-7, ANCA’s grazing technician, Martha Pickard and Franklin County CCE Rural and Ag Economic Development Specialist, Bernadetter Logozar attended the Annual Overlook Farm Training Weekend in Rutland, Massachusetts hosted by Heifer International.
Pickard attended the on- farm veterinary skills workshop taught by Dr. Huber Karreman, an Allopathic/Homeopathic Vet from Pennsylvania. Dr Karreman is a 1995 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, School of Veterinary Medicine. He is a dairy practitioner in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. With his wife, Becky, they run Penn Dutch Cow Care, a practice dedicated to working with dairy farmers who are ecologically motivated and who prefer natural treatments for their cows.
Logozar attended the Aquaculture Field Trip held at ReVision House in Dorchester, Massachusetts. ReVision House is a shelter for women suffering from domestic violence. ReVision is comprised of two buildings that comprise an emergency shelter and a long-term living center for women seeking employment, going to school or raising an infant. ReVision bought a vacant lot from the City of Boston for a $1 five years ago. They have turned this lot and the land between the houses into a farm.
Sign in Garden at ReVision House
ANCA and CCE have been working with Heifer International to form a partnership to fund and provide technical support to a twenty-five member Farming Alternatives group comprised of producers in St. Lawrence and Franklin County. The farming group, with assistance from ANCA and CCE, will apply to Heifer International for funding in the spring of 2005.
Holistic Management Decision Making
ANCA’s grazing technician, Martha Pickard accepted a full scholarship to attend the Holistic Management Decision Making Conference for agency, non-profit professionals and farmers held at White Eagle Conference Center in Hamilton, NY on November 4 & 5, 2004. The Central New York Resource Conservation and Development, The Cornell Small Farms Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, SARE and the Savory Center sponsored the event.
Holistic Management is a decision-making process that helps people make decisions that are socially, economically and environmentally sound. The process is based on the premise that if we do not take into account the social, economic, and environmental consequences of our actions, we risk damaging the environment, our relationships, and our finances now and for future generations.*
The two-day workshop covered the basics of holistic management decision making and the attendees worked with real-life case studies to better understand the process. More workshops and trainings are planned in farming regions all over New York State. The training sessions will also address the formation of learning communities.
*Ann Adams and Jody Butterfield, The Essence of Holistic Management In Practice—a publication of the Savory Center.
Holistic Decision Making - Its Impact on Quality of Life
Phil Metzger, RC&D Coordinator
USDA NRCS / Central NY RC&D
The question is often asked, how do we live a life in concert with our values? And how do we make sure we are considering what we value most deeply? What about when we feel we are having trouble moving toward what we desire in our lives? Read more...
Pasture Poultry Group September Meeting
Sept. 13, 2004 - Aley Kent from Heifer International (HI) will meet again with the group to discuss Read more...
The Mobile Processing Unit has arrived!
July 23, 2004 - A few weeks ago, ANCA received a call from the Central NY RC&D in Norwich NY. The Central NY RC&D worked with Heifer International seven years ago to fund a mobile processing unit Read more...
Raising Grass Fed Beef for 18 Years
July lst, 2004 - On June 5th, ANCA hosted a pasture walk at The Bishopp Family Farm in Deansboro, NY. The Bishopp farm has been in the family for four generations. Currently, Troy Bishopp has been raising grass fed beef and pastured poultry for 18 years. Read his article.
Agricultural Newsletter
Table of Contents
July 15th Processing Day - Heifer International Visit - ANCA Website - Workshop Idea? - News From the Farms - ANCA Farm Tour for British Visitor
By Martha Pickard
July 15th Processing Day
Brian and Ann Bennett have invited anyone interested in processing with them to join them on July 15th after 9am. The Bennetts live in Heuvelton.
Take Rt. 11 through Canton; in Canton get on Rt. 68N to the flashing light in Flackville. At the flashing light, take a left to the village of Heuvelton. In Heuvelton take a left
Read more...
Think Abundance
By Martha Pickard
The flaws in our current agricultural system are becoming more and more apparent. The three groups that suffer the most from these flaws are: the consumer, who is becoming increasingly unsure of the safety of the food supply; the farmer, who is not able to make a living or raise a family off the farm’s income, and the land which is Read more...
