Work in a Feed Facility? You Need the NEW FMT!

Article provided by AFIA

Are you a feed mill manager with questions about manufacturing operations or plant management? Or, maybe you have an important inspection coming up and want to make sure your employees understand their responsibilities meeting current regulatory standards? Then, you may want to check out the American Feed Industry Association’s new Feed Manufacturing Technology (FMT) book!

This comprehensive online resource, written by nearly 100 industry experts and professors with decades of experience, is a great reference tool for everyday animal feed manufacturing operations, covering everything from employee safety and health to materials handling and storage, sanitation and pest management, quality assurance and more. It also includes detailed information on planning for new facilities or remodeling existing facilities.

“The book contains a wealth of knowledge about feed manufacturing from the history of this great industry to current regulations affecting how we operate,” said Gary Huddleston, AFIA’s director of feed manufacturing and regulatory affairs. “It’s an A-to-Z manual on how to manage a feed mill.”

Learn more and subscribe today on AFIA’s website.

New York Lobby Day Promotes State Budget Programs Key to Ag Community

NEAFA Representatives meet with NYS Assembly Member Donna A. Lupardo during Lobby Day.

By Rick Zimmerman, NEAFA Executive Director

Zoom is the go-to platform for legislative meetings, and NEAFA made the best of this opportunity on March 3rd when members of the NEAFA Board of Directors and the Governmental Relations Committee hosted a series of meetings with New York State lawmakers.  Ten legislators met with the NEAFA team who focused on legislative priorities including important State budget supported agricultural programs and legislative policies that could significantly hamper NY farmers’ ability to grow crops.  The State budget is due by April 1st. 

“The Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance prioritizes the advocacy work we undertake throughout our northeastern region, and the New York Lobby Day is one example of this outreach,” said John Clark, NEAFA president. “Our work in Albany is essential to assure that the state budget appropriately prioritizes New York’s agriculture industry. We are proud to be part of a collaborative effort to make sure agriculture’s voice is heard throughout northeastern state capitals.”  

NEAFA hosted a dozen meetings throughout the day, focused on legislative leaders from the Senate and Assembly, including the chairs of the agriculture committees, Senator Michelle Hinchey and Assemblymember Donna Lupardo. Other legislators who met with NEAFA advocates included Senators: Borrello, Mannion, May, Oberaker and Assemblymembers: Lemondes, Manktelow, Tague and Woerner.  

“NEAFA joins with a large cross section of the New York agriculture lobby to support essential budget-funded programs,” said Andy Dugan, chair of NEAFA’s Governmental Relations Committee. “Programs such as PRO-DAIRY, NY FarmNet, Integrated Pest Management and Farm Viability Institute provide critical services and assistance to New York’s agriculture industry.”

Budget priorities NEAFA discussed during New York Lobby Day include:

Resources to enhance Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY:

• Core funding for PRO-DAIRY of $1.201 million. PRO-DAIRY works with dairy farmers to address agronomic, economic and environmental challenges to enhance the overall sustainability of New York’s dairy industry.

• Dairy Profit Teams ($220,000) have assisted nearly 250 dairy farms with strategic business planning to improve operational efficiencies, uncover improvement opportunities and support the next generation of farms.

• The Dairy Advancement Program ($700,000) has assisted nearly 400 small to mid-size farms with environmental planning.

• The new Agricultural Environmental Stewardship Program (SPEAR) of $400,000 is a new initiative focused on the management of nutrients in the biological loop of crop production, animal feed and manure recycling to the land. 

Cornell Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Programs:

• The Animal Health Surveillance & Control Program ($5.43 million) is a comprehensive program dedicated to improving the health of food and fiber producing animals, companion animals, sport and recreational animals, exotic animals, and wildlife.

• The Quality Milk Production Program ($1.174 million) serves New York’s dairy industry by promoting the production of high-quality milk through the control of mastitis and the avoidance of antibiotic residues in milk.

Enhanced funding for the NY Farm Viability Institute ($1.9 million)

• This farmer-driven program funds projects to enhance farm profitability. It has returned more than $7 to the State’s economy for every $1 invested.

Enhanced funding for NY FarmNet.

• Core funding for NY FarmNet ($872,000) 

 Mental Health Initiative ($400,000)  

Through NY FarmNet, financial and mental health consultants help farm families and businesses deal with financial and emotional issues related to farm stress. Last year, FarmNet professionals worked with more than 635 farmers on issues ranging from economic and mental health to business and estate planning.

Funding for a Cornell Farm Labor Specialist ($200,000)

• A professional farm business/human resources Extension specialist provides timely, valuable information and guidance to farmer employers throughout the state. The program is especially important this year due to the significant farm labor law changes.  

Another legislative priority includes keeping the State Legislature from passing bills to ban pesticide use in New York.  Currently Senate Bill S.699-A and Assembly Bill A.4082, would ban the neonicotinoids class of pesticides, including those used as seed treatments. These bills would severely hamper New York agriculture, particularly corn and soybean crops.  Of course, much of NY corn and soy is used to feed NY dairy cows.  Both bills have not been acted on by the legislature, and NEAFA will continue to speak out about the serious consequences posed by legislative pesticide bans.  

HHNC Panel Focuses on Innovative Approaches to Managing During the Pandemic - 4/6

By Eric Jenks, Special for NEAFA

The Herd Health and Nutrition Conference will be taking place as three hour afternoon sessions on April 5th-6th as a virtual conference. Presented by NEAFA and PRO-DAIRY, the event features live presentations on a wide variety of subjects, including an informative panel discussion on innovated methods to managing during the Covid-19 Pandemic. The panel will feature Andy Dugan, of Gold Star Feed and Grain, Dr. Kaitlyn Lutz, of Keseca Veterinary Clinic, and Tonya Van Slyke, Executive Director of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association (NEDPA), and will be moderated by Corwin Holtz of Holtz-Nelson Dairy Consultants and NEAFA Board member.

“The pandemic has required us to be focused and creative as we continued to serve our dairy farm customers, “ said Andy Dugan, Vice President and General Manager of Gold Star Feed and Grain and former President of NEAFA.  “As essential workers, my team of dedicated employees remained committed to our company’s mission despite the peril they were individually facing. We proved how to stay healthy while on the front lines as essential workers.  I am extremely grateful for my dedicated team.”

Dugan’s feed career began in 1982 when he became employed by Wayne Feeds as a dairy feed salesman.  “Wayne Feeds provided great training and gave me opportunities in sales management as well as the opportunity to move to Iowa,” said Dugan. “ In 1997 I joined the IL Richer Co as Sangerfield Area Manager. John Mitchell mentored me, and gave me several opportunities for growth. He expected me to give back to our industry and guided me to membership in NEAFA.  We purchased the Agway mill in 2002, and operated it as Sangerfield Grain Company, LLC. During 2012 Gold Star Feed was formed, and I was named VP and General Manager.”

Dr. Kaitlyn Lutz, earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 2011. Since graduating, Lutz’ career includes working as a livestock practitioner in academia and private practice in Colorado, Pennsylvania, New Zealand and New York. Currently based in Geneva, NY, as an associate veterinarian with Keseca Veterinary Clinic, Lutz is passionate about education opportunities for farm workers, as well as dairy cattle health and welfare.

Tonya Van Slyke, is the Executive Director of, NEDPA, a roll she took over in 2013. During her tenure with the organization  Van Slyke, has represented NEDPA on the Ag Workforce Development Council, FARM Workforce Development Task Force, NY CAFO Workgroup, NYS Milk Market Advisory Council, NYS OSHA Workgroup, and Water Quality Workgroup. She has also represented dairy members on the Strategic Interagency Task Force on Lessening Obstacles to Agriculture (SILO), and the NYS Ag & Markets/DOL Ag Labor Advisory Workgroup.

HHNC will also feature presentations by Dr. Gerard Cramer, of the University of Minnesota, Dr. Heather White, of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dr. Chris Wolf of Cornell University, Dr. Julio Giordano of Cornell University, and Dr. Mike Lormore, of Zoetis. Topics focus on cow health at the macro and metabolic level, a retrospective analysis of how the pandemic effected the  dairy market at large, and ways to maximize herd performance, profitability, and the drivers of financial success at a dairy.

For more information or to register, visit: https://cals.cornell.edu/pro-dairy/events-programs/conferences-seminars/herd-health-and-nutrition-conference.

Annual Meeting, Good Works Tournament Rescheduled to 8/30-9/1, Turning Stone Golf Club and Resort

The NEAFA Board of Directors made the difficult decision to reschedule the 2021 Annual meeting and Golf for Good Works Tournament from June 23 – 25 to August 30 to September 1, 2021 at the Turning Stone Golf Club and Resort in Verona, NY. “The NEAFA conventions committee and the Board of Directors agreed that hosting an annual meeting and golf tournament this June would not allow us to meet in a manner that we are accustomed to”, stated Mark Anderson, NEAFA Conventions Committee Chair. “Physical distancing and restrictions are likely to remain in place through this July which would inhibit us from hosting a conference and golf tournament that allows the essential networking and meetings our events are well known for.  We anticipate the opportunity to gather without strict social distancing requirements by the end of August.”

The event will include a welcome reception Monday evening on August 30th, followed by a day long annual meeting and forum Tuesday August 31st. The Golf for Good Works Tournament will be Wednesday September 1st. “The Golf for Good Works Tournament has been a marque event, where we raise funds for NEAFA’s Good Works Program,” said John Clark, NEAFA Board President and Good Works Committee Chair.  “Our Good Works donations are completely funded through tournament proceeds, and we’ve donated over $120,000 to worthy causes over the past decade. Funds from the Good Works Program have supported youth in agricultural programs, agriculture leadership development, public/agriculture awareness initiatives such as “fun on the farm days” and the NYS Fair Birthing Center, along with outstanding farmer recognition programs.”

The Turning Stone is a world class resort/casino/golf club facility that will serve us well for this combined event. Traditionally held as separate events, the annual meeting and golf tournament has been combined due to the extraordinary circumstances presented by COVID-19. Turning Stone’s Shenendoah Golf Course offers 18 holes of PGA-level golf in a spectacular natural setting. The course was designed, constructed, and is maintained to PGA standards.  In 2006, Turning Stone Resort’s Shenendoah Golf Club was host of the PGA National Club Professional Championship. Current list of accolades: 2018 Golfweek - Best Casino Courses, 2017 Casino Player Magazine - Best Golf Course in New York, 2018 Northeast Golf Magazine - Best in New York Golf - Public Courses (#7).

The Conventions Committee is excited to assemble nationally known speakers addressing provocative topics. The annual meeting will also feature a farmer panel, that will gather to talk about current challenges moving forward from the pandemic.

NEAFA would like to thank all our members for their continued support throughout the pandemic as we pursue goals that will make the agricultural industry and our communities a better place. We look forward to having the chance to gather again this August and September, and we hope to see you there.

Member Alert: FMCA extends hours-of-service relief for livestock feed

Article Provided by NGFA (www.ngfa.org) 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced Feb. 17 that it has extended the hours-of-service relief stemming from the coronavirus relief effort through May 31, 2021, for haulers of livestock and livestock feed in all 50 states. FMCSA provided the exemption from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  

The closures of many feed manufacturing facilities due to extreme weather conditions has resulted in a backlog of shipments that requires extra regulatory flexibility to resolve.  

Additionally, FMCSA added hours-of-service relief for drivers providing direct support to relief efforts related to the severe winter storm. The relief applies to efforts in Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming.

The hours-of-service relief for the winter storm effort expires at the end of the day on March 4, 2021. This relief is only for drivers transporting supplies, goods, equipment, heating fuels, including propane, natural gas, and heating oil, and other fuel products including gasoline into and from the affected states. The hours-of-service relief for haulers and livestock feed expires at the end of the day on May 31, 2021.

Turn Obstacles into Opportunities at the Animal Ag Alliance’s Virtual Summit

Article Provided by Animal Ag Alliance

Challenging times. Unprecedented times. Uncertain times. We’re all over the clichés. But  we’re far from over the impact COVID-19 and 2020 in general have had on agriculture and  the food industry. However, there is hope. With the right tools we can ensure the food chain  is stronger than ever. We can use this time to hone our messages, fine-tune our strategies  and connect, engage and protect like never before. Now is the time to turn the obstacles of  2020 into opportunities for the decades to come, and 2021 Virtual Stakeholders Summit  attendees will leave with the right tools and ideas to do just that. 

The 2021 event is set primarily for May 5-6, with preconference webinars scheduled for the  five business days leading up to the Virtual Summit. To open the event, Timothy Caulfield,  author and professor of health law and science policy at the University of Alberta, will deliver  a keynote presentation on addressing misinformation in the time of COVID-19. Caulfield is  an unrivaled communicator who debunks myths and assumptions about innovation in the  health sector — from research on stem cells to diets to alternative medicine — for the benefit  of the public and decision-makers. 

Speaking of misinformation, we know facts alone aren’t always enough to alter false  narratives about animal agriculture. We also know that starting with shared values is the  best way to start a conversation, so how can we apply this to conversations around hot  topics like cell-based meat? To kick off the preconference webinar series, Alison Van  Eenennaam, PhD, cooperative extension specialist, animal genomics and biotechnology at University of California-Davis, will take the virtual stage to address the role of animal  scientists and others in animal agriculture in these conversations and how can we learn  from past communication mistakes. 

To continue the conversation about why shared values and relationships matter, Michelle  “The Farm Babe” Miller will join Fernando Machado, chief marketing officer at Burger King, to tell the story of how she turned an obstacle into an opportunity when the burger chain  debuted a commercial that upset many in the farm community. Michelle is a testament that  farmers are our best allies, and that is why we must continue to elevate their voices in  dialogues surrounding food and agriculture. Four voices, from a beginning beef rancher to a  poultry veterinarian, will share their passions in advocating online and in their communities,  obstacles they face as they reach outside the choir and opportunities for the animal  agriculture community to better support their efforts. 

Other sessions will highlight ways to position animal agriculture as a path forward to climate  neutrality, how to reposition animal protein on the plate and strategies for virtual  stakeholder and influencer engagement. A preliminary agenda featuring many of the exciting  and high-caliber speakers you can expect to see at the 2021 event has been posted on the  Summit website. Also, if you refer a friend to attend the Virtual Summit who has never  attended a previous Stakeholders Summit and they list your name as the person who  recommended them when they register for the event, you’ll both be entered in a drawing to  win a $100 gift card! Each referral will count as one entry and there is no limit on the  number of entries for referrers. The Alliance will give away two $100 gift cards during the  Virtual Summit - one drawing for referrers and one drawing for those who were referred. All 

registrations with a referral listed made until online registration closes on April 30 will be  entered. Both the referrer and the person referred must be registered to claim the gift card. 

To register, go to http://bit.ly/AnimalAgSummit.

Net Zero: A Dairy Industry Reality

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

Sustainability is on the minds of many in numerous industries across America, the dairy industry included. The Innovation Center for U.S. Dairy for example, has “set aggressive new environmental sustainability goals to achieve carbon neutrality, optimize water usage and improve water quality by 2050.” While these goals are not easy, the industry has tools to continue moving towards them during 2021. “The dairy industry has been working and focused on sustainability for a number of years,” said David Darr, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer for Dairy Farmers of America (DFA). “That work has continued to advance in the last 24 months to the point where we have been talking more openly about reaching net zero. A fundamental driver for that goal, at least ours at DFA and even broader, is the belief in the goodness of dairy farms and dairy farming, and the belief that dairy farmers are part of environmental solutions, not problems. We as an industry are engaged and proactively working to be able to better influence environmental policies and strategies for the betterment of dairy farmers.”

For the industry to reach these goals, Darr believes a major focus has to be at the farm level. “We know that across the US Dairy industry, a majority of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions lie at the farm level,” said Darr. “It’s a must to communicate, inform and have dialog with farmers across the country.” According to Curt Gooch of Dairy Management Inc. (DMI), approximately 70% of total emissions in the industry take place at the farm level. “That’s where the majority of opportunities exist,” said Gooch. Darr and Gooch both identified four specific areas on the farm to focus on. “When we look at the carbon or GHG footprint of a farm there are four primary categories of emissions where there are opportunities for improvement,” said Darr. “There’s manure management with anaerobic digesters, soil health and carbon sequestration for crops grown for animals, renewable energy production on farm from wind or solar, and the cow itself through the emissions that ruminant animals produce. The latter can be controlled through improvement in genetics and nutrition or in housing., Nutrition is a big segment of that GHG improvement.”  According to Curt Gooch, approximately 70% of total emissions in the industry take place at the farm level.   Gooch is currently taking leave from his position at Cornell PRO-DAIRY to provide his expertise to DMI’s Net Zero Program.

The approach for sustainability is different for each farm. “The farms in the northeast and midwest, the traditional dairy states, they’re farms that are made up of generations of farmers and have grown over time,” said Gooch. “It’s hard to find two farms that are the same, which means that each farm has its own areas of opportunity. Some of these farms will be able to make bigger changes to manure management, others to crops and to how the cow is fed, etc.” Darr agreed. “We know that in the US Dairy industry that you can be successful and build a viable business model in many different ways,” said Darr. “However, when we talk about nutrition or feed there is not one magic solution. It’s going to be farm by farm through various feeding strategies to show improvements in GHG emissions. You can start sourcing from lower carbon sources, using feed additives like cilantro, garlic, seaweed, etc. There are a lot of things that show up in a newspaper or website, and many have merit but none of them are a silver bullet.” 

“We need to meet farms where they’re at,” said Darr. “We have to be thinking about farms that are producing their own feed and how they source feed.. There are opportunities to strip till, no till, minimal till, or use cover crops; all agronomy practices that will enhance carbon sequestration in soils. That sequestration can apply to those making feed for dairy farms, even if the feed is manufactured off the farm.” 

Both Gooch and Darr agreed that maximizing feed efficiency is key to moving towards Net Zero on the farm level. “The biggest challenge is the enteric methane (EM) that’s produced within the cow’s digestive system,” said Gooch. “Methane has a higher global warming potential than CO2. A more efficient cow will have less EM per unit of milk production. Feeding cows lots of forages and less concentrates results in less CO2 and methane per unit of milk produced.” Darr and Gooch both urged farmers to work with a nutritionist for best results. 

“The best way to use rations to control GHG emissions is by working with a nutritionist and follow a program that maximizes dry matter intake per pound of milk,” said Darr. “The more energy that we can get into the cow generally lowers the GHG intensity associated with that cow. As we look at an intensity basis of GHG per hundredweight, there’s a correlation that as diets move towards higher levels of grain and concentrates, emissions trend lower. On an intensity basis, a cow on pasture will have a higher GHG per hundredweight than a cow that’s fed a total mixed ration. As we balance rations and target specific rations for cows, we’ll be more efficient in managing the GHG emissions associated with cows. 

“It’s also not only about the ration but how we’re managing feed, said Darr. “For every pound wasted, there is a portion of land that’s inefficiently used in growing that feed. Anywhere that there’s feed loss or shrink, there is an opportunity to increase efficiency by addressing that loss. You have to think about what your practices are for pushing up feed, and what we are doing to make sure cows have access to enough feed to maximize production while minimizing waste or lost feed.”

For northeastern states, some of this GHG reduction effort has potentially been complicated by climate change. “Droughts are not helpful,” said Gooch. “Research from the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell University has predicted more rain in the spring, no rain in the summer, and the evidence shows it so far. Crops that are stressed means that their digestibility isn’t the same. It’s best to check in with your nutritionist and adjust your rations as necessary.”

Member Highlight: Lawes Agricultural Service Inc.

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

Lawes Agricultural Service Inc. (LAS), in Brandon, VT, has served the fertilizer and seed needs of the Northeast area since 1986, though its roots are older than that. “The business was originally Old Fox Chemical and then Old Fox Inc. when I started working there in 1981,” said Brad Lawes, owner of LAS. “My brother Dean and I took over the business in 1986. The nice thing about selling fertilizer is that I’m still doing business with a high percentage of the same farms. It may be a different generation you know, because a lot of times I’m working with their kids, grandkids, etc., but we still do business with a high percentage of the same farms. They’ve gotten larger, but they’re all honest and fun to work with. Being born and brought up on a dairy farm in the Northeast Kingdom, it’s a natural relationship for me.”

For LAS, dairy farms are a large portion of their clientele, though their organic business is growing. “About 90 to 95% of our business is dairy related. But in the past ten years we’ve developed a substantial organic market, usually for small scale, roadside mom and pop vegetable operations. We deliver organic materials through VT, NY, MA, NH. Organic fertilizer is typically more expensive, but there’s more margin to it, and we don’t have that excessive margin on our products, which people appreciate. The other aspect of our business is our turf and forage seed business. The organic and the turf businesses actually tie together nicely, as we carry them on the same truck, and can make 2-3 stops instead of just one, which is good for efficiency.”

LAS produces both dry and liquid fertilizers. “We blend components together,” said Lawes. “There’s no chemical reaction taking place, no heat, pressure, etc. We then deliver to the farms, and we also offer dry and liquid applications, which is primarily used on corn fields for silage, some soybeans, and also pasture renovations for horse farms.” 

While Lawes’ brother Dean Lawes retired recently, the business is very much still family oriented. “My son Nick works with me here doing sales and as an applicator,” said Lawes. “In this business, one person isn’t dedicated to one job. Everyone does what needs to be done. You might be on a spray rig today, or on the road selling or servicing or standing behind the bagger for fertilizer. You have to know how to do a little bit of everything.”

Besides expecting growth in the organic market to continue, Lawes sees promise in his seed business. “We’ve had a good run for the last three to four years with our turf seed,” said Lawes. “I think the seed business, primarily turf, is a good market. We’ve been selling to hardware stores throughout VT and even in Syracuse, NY. There’s some competition, but I think that the market has changed, and there’s some potential for growth right there.”

Cornell CALS Dean meets with NEAFA Board

Cornell CALS Dean Benjamin Houlton, Photo provided

By Rick Zimmerman, NEAFA Executive Director

Ben Houlton, Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, met virtually via zoom with the NEAFA Board of Directors during their February 8th Board meeting.  Houlton started as the 12th Dean of Cornell CALS October 1st, 2020. Despite COVID-19 restrictions, Houlton is using virtual platforms to meet with and continue the CALS tradition of working agriculture community leaders. The meeting with NEAFA was informative for both the Dean and the Board, as they identified common ground on industry challenges and opportunities.  

Houlton’s upper Midwest dairy farming and feed manufacturing family background provided him with a formative platform for an academic career in global ecosystem processes, climate change solutions, and agricultural sustainability.  Houlton currently holds a faculty position in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, as well as in the Department Global Development.

During the meeting, Houlton recognized NEAFA for its leadership in successfully seeding two faculty positions within the Department of Animal Science. NEAFA led the drive to raise $1 million from the agribusiness community to fund these positions. Kristan Reed and Joe McFadden, the Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance Partners Sesquicentennial Fellows in Dairy Cattle Biology, were recognized by Houlton for their contribution to advancing animal science. Houlton further thanked the NEAFA Board for their support of key programs such as PRO-DAIRY, Integrated Pest Management, and FarmNet.  

NEAFA Active in Albany and Montpelier

By Rick Zimmerman, NEAFA Executive Director

Advocacy is one of NEAFA’s three primary objective pillars and NEAFA leaders implemented this objective when spending time (virtually) in Montpelier and Albany.  The Alliance was invited to present before Vermont’s House and Senate Agriculture Committees on February 17th and Governmental Relations Committee members Andy Dugan, John Clark and Art Whitman took the opportunity to brief the committees on agribusiness’s role in supporting Vermont’s dairy industry through feeding and nutrition recommendations driven by the latest animal science.  Precision feeding and precision agriculture were addressed as well as the need for a PRO-DAIRY like program for Vermont dairy farmers.  Alliance representatives referenced recent milk production statistics showing Vermont’s average milk production lagging behind comparable NY herds.  One asset New York Dairy farmers have over their counterparts in Vermont is PRO-DAIRY.

NEAFA’s New York Lobby day will take place March 3rd with a series of Zoom appointments with Assembly and Senate lawmakers.  Members of NEAFA’s Board of Directors and Governmental Relations Committee will spend a good part of their day zooming with legislators and their staff.  The State Budget will be the primary topic, given there are several key programs, like PRO-DAIRY, FarmNet and the Farm Viability Institute, that require annual budget appropriations to keep them going and serving the agriculture community.  Agriculture committee chairs, Assemblymember Donna Lupardo and Senator Michelle Hinchey, will be meeting with NEAFA members and we thank them for their support of NEAFA’s budget priorities.  

The virtual meeting platform has proven to be a reasonable alternative to face-to-face meetings and will probably continue for the foreseeable future.  We will continue to take advantage of this convenient platform to arrange future meetings with state lawmakers and their NEAFA member constituents.  

Alliance Remembers Grieg T. Dougherty

Grieg T. Dougherty; formerly of Skaneateles, NY, passed away on Tuesday, 1/12/21.  Grieg began his undergraduate studies at Indiana University where he joined Phi Delta Theta as a legacy to his father, Al.  In his second year of undergrad studies Grieg transferred to SUNY Morrisville and would transfer one more time to complete his undergrad studies at Cornell University.  Following his graduation from Cornell, Grieg completed a training rotation with the Chicago Board of Trade before returning to the area where he became employed by Agway, Inc. merchandising for their Geneva elevator until 1994. In the following year, Grieg, along with Dick Damaske, opened the Auburn, NY office of R.F. Cunningham & Co Inc establishing a local presence in the grain merchandising world. In 2005 Grieg and Dick left R.F. Cunningham & Co Inc to join Lansing Trade Group, LLC as a satellite office operating out of Auburn, NY.  Grieg was the on-site manager of Lansing Trade Group, LLC’s Auburn, NY office from 2005 through December of 2019 when Lansing Trade Group, LLC merged with The Andersons, Inc.  In August of 2020, Grieg retired from The Andersons and moved to Florida with his wife Jill. 

Throughout his career, Grieg was an engaging advocate for local producers and Ag businesses.  He worked to develop strong relationships across not only New York State, but the entire Northeast region that delivered value to the local agriculture community.  Grieg was very proud to be able to serve the Agriculture industry and the people in it, and he was very grateful to have built many long-lasting friendships over his time in the business.  

Grieg is survived by his mother; Elizabeth Dougherty, of Moravia, NY; his wife Jill Voorhees Dougherty; his children Genevieve, Johnathon, and William; his sisters Alexandra Zimmermann and Sarah Dougherty; several nieces, grandchildren, and numerous lifelong friends.

Howlett Farms Win 2021 Next Generation Farmer Award

Carly Howlett, Michael Howlett, and their son Henry pictured at Howlett Farms. Photo Provided.

By Eric Jenks, special to NEAFA

NEAFA congratulates Michael Howlett, chair of the NEAFA Agronomy Committee, and all of the hardworking team at Howlett Farms on being awarded the 2021 Next Generation Farmer Award from the NYS Agricultural Society. Howlett also runs Pat O’Brien Grain & Feed, based in Geneva, NY, a manufacturer of premier feeds for the dairy and livestock industry.

“We are very honored to receive the 2021 Next Generation Farmer Award,” said Howlett. “In our family, for five generations, we have poured everything we have into agriculture. Not only to grow our operation, but to help support the agricultural community around us. We understand that we are not simply successful on our own accord, but because we are supported by our neighbors, and the agriculture sector at large, so we thank all those that have worked with us over the years.”

Howlett also credits the success of the farm to the enterprising employees at the farm. “The Team at Howlett Farms is an incredibly hard working, devoted group of people that could be successful in any industry or at any company, but have chosen to be part of our Family,” said Howlett. “We thank all of our employees for echoing our relentless drive and passion for moving agriculture forward, and offering their sweat and tears to achieve our strategic objectives.”

As Howlett Farms continues to grow, Howlett is focused on communicationg what the hard work done in the agricultural sector does to those outside of the industry. “The world is changing around us at an exponential rate, and these changes are driven by distant consumers far removed from agriculture,” said Howlett. “We will work to translate these changes to agriculture in a farmer-friendly way, and facilitate growth and profitability throughout our segment of the supply chain. We are extremely grateful to be acknowledged for this award, and we will continue to stay laser focused on the legacy of farming and supply chain development for the agricultural economy in the Northeast.”

Milk Production and Market Predictions for 2021

by Eric Jenks, special to NEAFA

NEAFA recently had the chance to sit down with Ed Gallagher, President of Dairy Farmers of America’s Risk Management to discuss the potential for Northeast’s milk market for 2021. “Everything is seasonal and currently covid-19 related,” said Gallagher. “There are always ebbs and flows, and it’s different in one region of the US versus another. Milk production growth is pretty strong, it’s up about 3% so far. The challenge in the Northeast is that we have seen a net drop off in food service demand that’s been fairly significant. Schools and colleges being remote more often, restaurants not having as many customers, meetings and events not happening, etc., mean that all together that’s a significant loss of demand. The flip side is that sales at supermarkets have increased, but they haven’t made up for the food service losses. There are difficulties in the Northeast that you don’t see in other areas of the country. The winter is cold and snowy, versus in the southeast where it’s still warm enough that you could still have dining outdoors. So the Northeast is having trouble because production is growing at a time when milk use is dropping because of covid-19 related issues.”

Gallagher was optimistic however for the long term profitability of the northeastern dairy industry in 2021. “It’s definitely a challenging situation,” said Gallagher. “but as more and more people get vaccinated, consumer confidence to go out and open up their lives again and not be self-isolated is going to increase. I think it will start to happen by the summer, and we’ll see some of that lost demand come back. I think we could see higher education back in session, see meetings start to be scheduled again, and you’ll see that there’s a pent up demand for traveling. There’s going to be a surge that comes back to that food service area to balance things out. We’ll have to see where we are in the second half of the year, but I’m optimistic about it. I believe we’ll be in a much better spot in the summer than we are in the beginning of the year and in the winter.

Compared to previous downturns for the industry, Gallagher believes that dairies are in a better spot for 2021 compared to previous years to make it through any short term downturns. “Most dairies coming into 2021 are probably pretty ok financially,” said Gallagher. “The end of 2020 wasn’t a disaster for them, especially if they were enrolled in the dairy margin coverage or took part in the coronavirus food assistance program. They both provided a series of payments that were very significant. And milk prices in the end weren’t that bad in part because of the food box program operated by USDA. That really strongly influenced cheese prices which helped support milk prices. Taken altogether, dairies are rolling into 2021 in a good financial state.”

From the component side, Gallagher sees value in trying to increase the protein ratio of milk production. “Two years ago, and leading up to about a year ago starting around October 2019, butter fat value was significantly more worthwhile than protein value,” said Gallagher. “It was more than half the value of the product and then that changed. Now protein price is significantly more than butter fat. Cheese drives the protein price, and that has done well through the pandemic. While food service is down overall, quick serve fast food isn’t down. So we’re seeing really strong consumption of cheese from and the USDA food box program, which has helped purchase a lot of cheese that goes to food donation and distribution programs. Dairies might want to talk to their nutritionists and feed dealers to see if they can do something with their rations to produce a higher protein without losing a lot of butterfat. If they do that, then they can make more money. So net/net when I look at things, I’d say that for the first half of the year that dairies dealing with higher milk and higher feed price will likely break even, but the second half year; I think there will be a profit margin on average.”

Agriculture Remains a Priority Despite State Budget Deficits

By Rick Zimmerman, Executive Director

One of the most significant responsibilities of state legislators is to create and pass a spending plan that addresses the needs of the people.  These complex documents, and the convoluted budget making process, can consume much of the state legislative session.  The great demands for state dollars, accelerated by huge COVID spending, have in some cases created large budget deficits.  The perennial debates over increasing taxes and/ or spending cuts are intense and the result is supposed to be the culmination of compromise on spending priorities for the state.  At least that is what it’s supposed to reflect.  

This year the COVID-19 pandemic has thrown a huge curve ball into the budget mix.  Interestingly, the impact on state coffers varies among states.  In New York, which was the epicenter of the pandemic outbreak beginning last February, the financial impact has been devastating.  Health care system demands, including COVID tests and testing infrastructure, PPE, ventilators, emergency hospitals and hospital beds, health care personnel, emergency morgues, all contributed to a 15-billion-dollar state budget deficit.  In addition, millions were spent on emergency feeding programs.  Nourish New York was a God send to hungry families who had no means for food and upstate farmers who had no markets for their produce, meat, and dairy products.

In Vermont, the picture is similar.  Even though the state has kept positivity rates relatively low throughout the pandemic, and federal funds have helped to offset impacts to businesses including farms, COVID-19 has contributed to a $25 million deficit.  This reality will be factored into next year’s budget.   

 COVID has set the stage for the next fiscal year and governors are working hard to advance spending plans to address the state’s overall needs.  The agriculture lobby is watching carefully to assure that agriculture programs are appropriately supported.  New York Governor Cuomo’s budget was released January 19th and he is anticipating federal funds to offset at least some of the $15 billion deficit.  In this light, Cuomo offered two budget proposals depending on the amount of federal funds appropriated to New York. Despite the fiscal strain, the Governor does recommend funding for essential agricultural programs such as PRO-DAIRY, Integrated Pest Management, NY FarmNet, Animal Diagnostic Lab, Ag Nonpoint Source Pollution Control, among others.  The agriculture lobby will be encouraging the legislature to supplement funding for some of these programs, but generally we are off to a good start.  The budget is due by April 1st.  

In Vermont, NEAFA’s lobbyist Margaret Laggis reports that legislative committees are getting their new members up to speed on relevant issues.  As of this writing, Governor Scott has not introduced his executive budget however a few initiatives have been floated out of the Agency of Agriculture including considering eliminating the Vermont Pesticide Advisory Council.  In addition, legislation creating a right to repair law was introduced to allow equipment repairmen, not affiliated with a specific brand, gain access to repair manuals that deal with the electronic aspects of machinery.  Last Friday’s Agency of Natural Resources’ State of the Lake Report cast a positive light on all the good work farmers are doing for water quality.  The report states that 95% of the phosphorus reductions have come from the good work of agriculture, making the industry the best investment for a positive impact on the lake.  

All in all, we are off to a good start and agriculture remains a priority within state spending plans.  

In the Spirit of Giving: A New Opportunity for Sustainability

By Rick Zimmerman, Executive Director

As 2020 draws to a close, we pause to reflect on our many blessings.  Even though you may be challenged by this thought, I suggest to you that the Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance has been and remains a blessing for farmers and their agribusiness partners. It is in this light I bring you a new opportunity: the NEAFA Sustaining Sponsorship Program!

The NEAFA Board of Directors approved the new Sustaining Sponsorship Program to enhance our traditional sponsorship options. Rather than sponsoring solely for our annual meeting, we are offering you a way to be recognized for your support throughout the year!  Rather than thinking about your sponsorship in context to a specific speaker or event, you may now be recognized for sustaining the important work your association undertakes to help assure a profitable business environment.  

Here is our value proposition:

NEAFA: Your ACE in the Hole!  We make it our business to know your business and provide you with the programs and services that will make you more successful.  Whether it is advocacy for public policy, industry collaboration and networking, or timely educational programs, NEAFA is your ACE in the hole! (Advocate, Collaborate, Educate)  

Your support assures we can continue to stay on mission as we battle headwinds of government policies, international competition, and the cost of doing business in the northeast.  We must remain focused and engaged in the issues impacting success for the agriculture industry throughout the northeast.  

Northeast footprint: We make it our business to engage with state government on behalf of the northeast agribusiness community.  We know that all northeast state governments impact the agribusiness community through their legislative and regulatory roles

We are boots on the ground addressing the policy challenges and hurdles impacting individual agribusiness companies.  Our access to and influence with legislators and government administrators strongly positions us to represent the agribusiness community.  Further, our respected perspectives, within the agriculture lobby, ensures that the agribusiness perspective is considered on key policy issues.

Collaboration is in our DNA.  We know that collaborative relationships provide results far greater that independent efforts.   We actively work to engage with and work with industry stakeholders. 

Your brand is enhanced through association with us!  A Sustaining Sponsorship will compliment your company’s brand because of your affiliation with NEAFA.  Prominently displayed on our website, newsletters, event materials, your company will be proudly identified as a sustaining sponsor.  We even give you the opportunity for a recorded video message linked to our website.

More information on the Sustaining sponsorship Program is coming very soon.  2020 may have thrown us some major curveballs, but NEAFA is preparing to lead forward into 2021.  We hope you will actively support our cause.

Co-operative Feed Dealers: A Key Link in the Agribusiness Community

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

Since 1935, Co-operative Feed Dealers, Inc (CFD). has served the agriculture community throughout the northeast. Currently located at a 120,000 sq ft facility in Conklin, NY, CFD also maintains their original 45,000 sq ft location in Chenago Bridge, NY. “We moved to our current location in 2003,” said Lon Stephens, General Manager of CFD. “We’re owned by 85 members consisting of feed mills and farm supply stores. We used to primarily assist independent feed mills to increase their purchasing power to compete effectively with the larger corporate mills. But over the years we’ve grown our lawn and garden customer base. We have ten trucks and cover New England minus Maine, and also serve New York, Pennsylvania, and a bit of New Jersey and Maryland.” In addition to leading CFD, Stephens is a large contributor to the agricultural industry, serving as Secretary on NEAFA’s Board of Directors and as a a member of NEAFA’s Executive Committee. Stephens also serves on the American Feed Industry Association’s Board of Directors. . “Lon has been an exceptional leader for Cooperative Feed Dealers and the Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance” stated John Clark. “The CFD – Alliance partnership has always been strong, but Lon has taken this long-standing relationship to a new level.”

CFD focuses on distribution to their dealers. They have a wide array of goods and services, including several proprietary brands offered to members and nonmember dealers. “We have five divisions at CFD,” said Stephens. “Our grain commodities division brokers bulk grain for our member feed mills. The specialties department focuses on farm hardware, cattle gates, stock tanks, etc. The nutrition department works with member feed mills to help them help their customers with Dr. Eric Reid offering nutrition consultations. Two other divisions are our wild bird department that markets our Aspen Song proprietary bird feed and everything bird related, and the Dryshod boot department which lodges inventory in the Chenago Bridge warehouse. each department has its own Director focusing on the growth of that Department. 

Feed mills continue to be an important member segment for CFD, but in recent years farm supply and lawn and garden stores have become a growth area for the co-operative. “They start doing business with us by buying Dryshod boots, bird food, etc., and then they see the advantages in becoming a member,” said Stephens. “Membership lets them participate in net profits, member discounts, special programs, and other benefits. All those things are attractive once they know who we are. There is a financial and relationship advantage to being a member of the cooperative. We’re smaller than some other organizations, but we use that to our benefit. Our communications are better than our competitors. Someone answers the phone when you call. Everyone pitches in where it’s needed, including me. I’ll answer the phone, unload containers of boots, whatever needs to be done.”

CFD has long been a supporter of NEAFA, belonging to the organization in some form since before the organization was formed from the Easter Federation of Feed Merchants, and the New England Feed and Grain Council. “CFD has been a member for all of my 36 years at the company and at least ten years or more before that,” said Stephens. “There are a lot of small members that cannot get away for meetings or be deeply involved, and I like I have an opportunity to represent those companies in the organization. NEAFA offers a lot to the industry through their collaboration, advocacy, and educational programs. The education that the organization offers is second to none. NEAFA’s conventions committee gets great speakers that focus on topics that really speak to the community. It’s been a tough year, not being able to get together with our members to socialize and raise money for good causes. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing each other again in person and continuing the good that we do for the industry.”

For more on CFD, visit www.cfd.coop

NEAFA Member Highlight: Natural Biologics

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

Natural Biologics came to be in 2015, when three colleagues joined together with a goal to promote better animal health through the use of naturally-derived ingredients from around the world.  “We were founded in May 2015,”  said Natural Biologics President and CEO Charlie Elrod. “The three of us had all worked together previously. I was the head of the dairy division, one colleague focused on beef, and the third was the office manager for customer service. When we saw that employee ownership wasn’t going to come to pass, we started dreaming and planning to start our own company. After a year we started Natural Biologics. We wanted to make sure the company wasn’t tied to any one technology, but rather searched the world for the very best providers of natural ingredients that had scientifically proven activity, and then combine them into products that supported animal health.”

Sadly, 4 months into the new venture, co-founder Dr. Richard Ware passed away from leukemia, leaving the company’s future to fellow co-founders Elrod and Beth Jones. “We had to think long and hard of how to continue without him,” said Elrod. “But we decided to persevere and keep going.” 

An interesting part to Natural Biologics business strategy is how decentralized the company is. Jones is based in Iowa City, IA; Elrod in Ithaca, NY; Ware was located in Cedar City Utah; and their manufacturing facility is located in New Holland, Pennsylvania with a warehouse in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin. “We’re very much a dispersed company,” said Elrod. “In the early days we traveled a lot. A lot of our business grew up in the mid-west. We import several ingredients from around the world, so we wanted our manufacturing close to the ports on the east coast.”

Natural Biologics has had a relationship with NEAFA for several years now, with Elrod currently serving on the NEAFA communications committee. “One of our investors, and member of our [Natural Biologics] board is John Mitchell, a former president of NEAFA, so really it was John’s encouragement to become active in the organization,” said Elrod. “I think it’s really a great chance to network and to get together with people that I’ve interacted with over the last 30 years in the Northeast agricultural sector. It’s really a wonderful opportunity to learn from them and about their operations and the way that they do business. Being a part of NEAFA is also a great way to help support the agricultural industry of the Northeast.

While Natural Biologics largest customer base is the dairy industry, they also focus on beef and swine. “We basically have a tool box with seven to eight ingredients that support animal health,” said Elrod. “We formulate products to address the health challenges that animals are facing, since a baby pig is very different from a lactating cow. We tailor our products to the health challenges of each particular class of animals.” 

While the company is relatively new, they’ve seen substantial growth since they launched five years ago. “I think we have some unique technologies that we can offer at cost effective prices, “ said Elrod. “They’re working tremendously well in the midwest. In the first few years we averaged 35% growth, and in the last two years we’ve seen 50-60% growth. I think it’s a testament to how well our products are working and the value proposition they bring. For dairy, the benefits are more subtle as it’s supporting the health of the animal. But by reducing pathogen loads and supporting immune system - the cow has more resources to put into productionor growing a fetus. You’ll see more consistent production, higher protein,and improved overall health.”

NEAFA Makes the Rounds (Virtually) With Northeast Ag Commissioners

By Rick Zimmerman

Traditionally this time of year has provided a good opportunity to travel to state capitals and catch up with our respective agriculture commissioners as they plan for the new year and the next state legislative session.  However, COVID-19 prevented the road trip, and, like every other meeting, Zoom became the go-to platform.  The good news is that we could conveniently schedule meetings with commissioners and members scattered around the country without putting any miles on the car! Even though face to face meetings are always superior, the virtual platform proved to be effective.

Common themes were threaded through our conversations with Richard Ball of New York, Shawn Jasper of New Hampshire, Amanda Beal of Maine, Anson Tebbetts of Vermont, John Lebeaux of Massachusetts, and Bryan Hurlburt of Connecticut.  Legislative bans on pesticides, including glyphosate and neonicotinoids, the pollinator-neonic interface, pesticide and feed manufacturing fees, animal welfare threats and transportation infrastructure were on our agenda.  All the meetings were well attended by members of NEAFA’s Board of Directors and Governmental Relations Committee.

Developing and maintaining working relationships with our agriculture commissioners is essential for NEAFA as we strive to ensure that the interests and issues of our members are represented and addressed.  The Zoom meetings provided us with the opportunity to fortify relationships and include members who would not otherwise be able to make the trip from Albany to Augusta.  

Our conversations affirmed our concerns that state legislatures, throughout the Northeast, will be seriously considering legislation to ban glyphosate and neonicotinoids.  The anti-pesticide lobby is pointing to recent pollinator studies as justification for banning neonics, rather than talking about Integrated Pest Management and best management practices as the solution to managing the problem.

The animal rights lobby continues to push state legislators for laws restricting animal husbandry practices.  Massachusetts for example, is in the process of determining how it will implement cage restrictions for poultry, veal, and hogs as the result of a state ballot proposal that passed in 2016.  HSUS continues to pressure the Department of Agriculture to administer the new standards on the most restrictive basis.  We must continue to provide guidance and support to Commissioner Lebeaux to resist such outrageous expectations and keep animal agriculture a viable industry in Massachusetts.  

State budgets will be pressured to make cuts in programs essential to a viable animal agriculture industry due to COVID-19 costs and an overall economic decline.  Food safety, integrated pest management, and water quality assistance are programs essential to the agriculture industry.  Agriculture departments in New York and New England are likely to face budget cuts that could hamper these programs and we must remain vigilant in our advocacy work to ensure that the agriculture industry’s priorities are recognized and addressed.  

Overall, our efforts to fortify our working relationships and provide guidance and support were successful.  This Zoom platform will likely remain the go to format for future commissioner meetings.   

SUNY MORRISVILLE HELPS MEET NEW DEMANDS OF FARM BUSINESS WITH AGRICULTURAL HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MINOR

MORRISVILLE, N.Y. — A new minor in agricultural human resources management is preparing SUNY Morrisville graduates to meet the growing demands of the modern farm business.

“The diverse nature of the agricultural industry, increased agricultural labor laws and rapid consolidation of the agricultural industry are all factors influencing and creating the demand for this academic minor,” said Sheila Marshman, associate professor of agricultural business at SUNY Morrisville.

While farm business owners and managers continuously seek new labor sources with human resources management skills to manage the different challenges with agricultural labor, the new 15-credit minor will feed the industry with graduates skilled to address those needs.

“Modern farm business owners attracting a steady supply of reliable and productive employees is one of the greatest challenges facing U.S. agriculture,” Marshman said.

New challenges were created when The Farm Laborers Fair Labor Practices Act went into effect in New York State Jan. 1. Under the law, farm employers, owners and operators must comply with changes in labor requirements, including those regarding workers’ compensation, disability benefits and Paid Family Leave coverage, and other labor protections.

NEAFA President John Clark, applauds the new minor. “As an employer of SUNY Morrisville students and alumni, I am excited to see the development of this new program. SUNY Morrisville well prepares their students for the workforce and it is fitting that this institution sees the need to train its students in the agricultural human resources area.  This is an area that has been underserved and I look forward to the results.”

The college’s agricultural human resources management minor covers a variety of topics including labor laws, human resources management, hiring, developing, training and retaining employees, workplace psychology, policy development and leadership, with specific emphasis on H2A (agricultural work visas), seasonal and migrant employees, housing, OSHA, labor and workers’ compensation audits.

“It is unlike traditional production agricultural degrees, as the focus of this curriculum is on the human side of agriculture,” Marshman said.

When they complete the program, students have the ability to conduct job analysis and develop position descriptions for the agricultural industry, develop strategies to improve productive human relations on farms, and correctly hire, train, retain, motivate and dismiss employees within production agriculture.

Graduates also will have the knowledge to implement practices in compliance with federal labor laws, housing and OSHA laws, and regulations on farms. 

The minor widens the college’s scope of agricultural business offerings, which include a B.B.A. in agricultural business development and an A.A.S. degree in agricultural business. A new master’s degree in food and agribusiness also is in the works. 

Revisioning Vermont Technical College. A Fresh Approach to Agricultural Education.

A Vermont Tech Student works with a Calf. Photo provided

By Louise Calderwood, Special to NEAFA

In the spring of 2020, faced with the uncertainty brought on by COVID and years of underfunding through the state legislative process, the Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) made the sobering announcement that he recommended closure of three of five college campuses across the state, including the Randolph campus, home to Vermont Technical College (VT Tech) and the agricultural, forestry and horticulture programs for the college system. As news of the proposal settled in, Regina Beidler who in partnership with her husband operated an organic dairy farm next to the VTC campus for many years, reached out to Ellen Kahler, Executive Director of the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Fund and expressed her concern over the prospect of losing the educational resource as Vermont’s food and farming sector was in the midst of a resurgence of production and entrepreneurism. Beidler said “We couldn’t stand by and let the campus close while Vermont is experiencing job growth across the full range of food and farming enterprises.”  With Beidler’s assistance Kahler reached out to VT Tech President Patricia Moulton, and long time Vermont agricultural advocate Louise Calderwood, to round out leadership for a process to assess the future of VT Tech and its potential role at the forefront of applied agricultural education in the northeast.  

Formally launched in mid-June the nine-month re-visioning and transformation process, led by a volunteer steering committee, is on track to develop a business plan and a detailed proposal to update and expand the degree and non-degree options (with a heavy emphasis on  experiential agricultural education) at the College.  The transformation plan is scheduled for delivery to the Vermont legislature by April 2021. President Moulton remarked “Our farm and ag programs require significant investment to bring them up to current day standards and needs. Prior to investing in what we are doing now, I needed a detailed look at what the ag education needs are in Vermont.” Moulton went on to say active public engagement coupled with the dedicated effort of over thirty people serving on the steering committee, teams and sub-groups is enabling a high-level review of the full array of agricultural sectors. Current or former faculty from four other Vermont institutions of higher education are also involved in the project. “VT Tech staff and faculty have also rolled up their sleeves and jumped into the effort, fully engaged and looking to the future,” Moulton said.

The threesome of Calderwood, Beidler, Kahler meet weekly with President Moulton to deliver on an ambitious plan of public input, fact finding and educational program development. While Beidler and Calderwood assist the chairs of the operational teams, Kahler lends her expertise in facilitation and food system development to this process. Kahler said “There is so much growth in Vermont farm and food businesses right now. Vermont needs people trained to farm and process food and provide all the services that go along with an agricultural economy.”  She said “The goal of this project is to define the best niche Vermont Tech can own in agriculture and food systems academic education, attracting not only Vermonters but folks from across the Northeast.”

The revisioning effort is tapping into some of the young talent in Vermont agriculture. Meg Nelson, a 2016 graduate of Vermont 2+2, a coordinated program which facilitates a smooth transition from an associate’s degree at VT Tech to a bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont, serves on the revisioning process steering committee and the Program Model Development team. Nelson said “I recognize the value of my VT Tech education as I work on my parent’s farm that produces artisanal cheese, my husband’s family’s large farm operation or advocate in the Vermont legislature on behalf of agriculture. Thanks to VT Tech I am equally comfortable in the milk house, the cheese house and the statehouse.” Nelson shares that her VT Tech education provided her with professional connections as well as a solid education that have contributed to her successes to date. 

Dan Gingue, currently employed as a farm business advisor by Dehm Associates, LLC, attended VT Tech in 2000 before moving on to Cornell to complete his education. Gingue serves on the Program Model Development team and will soon take part in the Business Case development team as well. “Working with farmers on a daily basis, I see first-hand the importance of an applied education that includes a solid grounding in business principles,” Gingue said. “I regularly use my VT Tech knowledge and through my job I share that knowledge with other farmers throughout the Northeast. I am pleased to be part of the process to assure VT Tech continues to support the future of agriculture throughout the region.”

As the Program Model Development team and the Culture and Curriculum team wrap up their work they will hand off their suggestions to the Business Case development team in early December. During the early winter of 2021 the Outreach and Marketing team will lead the final effort to develop a full proposal to present to the Vermont legislature. For more information on the VT Tech revisioning process contact Louise Calderwood at louisecalderwood1@gmail.com or Regina Beidler at regina.beidler@organicvalley.coop.