LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Farmers who have been in business for more than 100 years can contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Livingston County to be featured in their monthly newsletter, Livingston County Agricultural News.
CCE stresses that their newsletter is not part of the New York State Agricultural Society’s Centennial and Bicentennial Farm Recognition program, by which the State annually recognizes a select few farmers who make a certain portion of their total income from their farms. CCE intends to focus the spotlight on Livingston County and those farming families that have persisted here for more than a century.
“We’re probably going to feature one farm per month,” said Jennifer Damon of CCE. “If we get enough callers, we’ll put out a special compilation of them in September.”
CCE added that they hope to hear about farms’ adaptations over time, like changes in size, enterprises, unusual features of the homestead, and any family stories farmers wish to share. All farms that are over 100 will be featured. CCE also encourages long-standing farmers who haven’t quite made to to the century mark to still call and share their farm’s history.
The CCE has timed this celebration to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, which established a permanent partnership between the United States Department of Agriculture, land-grant colleges and universities, and State and County governments.
Farmers can contact the CCE of Livingston County at 585-991-5420 or 585-335-1752 for a registration form. Forms will also be available online at www.ccelivingstoncounty.org.