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January 2008
Delhi, N.Y. - Dairy and livestock farmers from throughout the Catskills convened at the SUNY-Delhi campus last Thursday to attend the Catskill Regional Dairy Livestock and Grazing Conference. Designed to provide information on dairy and livestock topics, the conference addressed specific challenges and opportunities facing Catskill farmers. The meeting was a collaborative effort of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Delaware County, Watershed Agricultural Council, and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The keynote speaker, Peter Mapstone, addressed over 115 farmers, agricultural agency and agri-service providers. During lunch, Mapstone, a dairy grazer from Manlius, New York, talked about his success managing his dairy farm business. Mapstone first expanded his herd and grazing lands to enhance profitability, then reduced herd size and transitioned to organic production to enhance his family’s quality of life. The luncheon showcased locally raised food products. Ulla Wadner, Catering Manager for College Association at SUNY-Delhi organized the meal which featured cheese from Brovetto Dairy and Cheese House, Harpersfield; specialty potatoes from Lucky Dog Farm, Hamden; beef from Brook Lane Farms, Hamden; dinner rolls baked by Bagels and Cream, Delhi; and New York State apples.
Over 20 sessions were offered throughout the daylong conference. Chairman of the Cornell Department of Animal Science, Dr. Ron Butler, spoke on dairy physiology relating to animal reproduction. Butler noted that dairy animals bred for increased milk production potential usually experienced a decrease in reproductive performance. Other presenters included a cadre of Cornell faculty and local Extension educators talking on a myriad of topics including feeding cows in the era of high corn and soybean costs; improving pasture; managing of beef, sheep and goats; and marketing.
From the hands-on perspective, Meredith farmer Ken Jaffe relayed how he markets his beef. Local cheese makers Ron Brovetto of Harpersfield and Linda Smith of Franklin detailed the how’s and why’s of cheese making and their keys to success. Farm to Market Manager Challey Comer of the Watershed Agricultural Council spoke about the Pure Catskills buy local campaign and how this branding identity could help develop loyal local customers.
A trade show of local agri-services emphasized the latest information in farm machinery and feed supplements, as well as borrowed capital and farm energy audits. For those interested in the conference proceedings, who were unable to attend, materials are available free of charge by calling Kim Holden, Cornell Cooperative Extension in Delaware County at (607) 865-7090.
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