News
2024 Conservation Farm of the Year: Mekka Jo Farms
Mike Jones was born and raised on his family's dairy farm in Randolph, NY. He was an active FFA member throughout his years at Randolph Central School.
2024 Farm of the Year: Valley View Farms
Nathan and Chelsey Nelson along with their children, Paisley, Tucker and Everett, own and operate Valley View Farms, located in Machias, NY. Valley View Farms was founded in 2013. The farm is situated on 160 acres that was originally farmed by Nathans grandfather, Cecil Perkins. Cecil operated a dairy farm on the property from 1957 until 1984. In 1988 Nathans parents purchased the farm. The dairy was no longer operational; however, Dave and Sue had a few beef cattle and pigs. In 1990 they started a family and raised their 2 sons, Nathan and Nicholas, there.
2024 Agriculture Legacy: Dick Rivers
Richard Rivers, “Dick”, grew up on his grandparent’s dairy farm where he joined 4-H when he was 12 years old. Dick was a Member of Adventurer’s 4H Club, Treasurer of Broome County 4H Council and attended Arnot Forest 4H Conservation Camp in 1957-59. Dick was able to plant several thousand seedlings as a 4H project.
2024 Friend of Agriculture: Rhonda Lindquist
Rhonda Lindquist developed an interest in agriculture at a young age through her responsibilities on her family's beef farm and involvement with 4-H. She resides in Chautauqua County with husband, Bob and her Son, Max resides in Berkeley, CA. Rhonda is Passionate about helping others.
Announcing the 12th Annual Farmer Neighbor Dinner
The Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board, along with the Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, the Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau and the Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District will host the 12th Annual Cattaraugus County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the West Valley Fire Hall, 9091 Route 240, West Valley, NY.
Notice of Annual 30-Day Period to Request Inclusion of Agricultural Land
Landowners seeking inclusion into a certified agricultural district have from Jan. 2 to Jan. 31, 2024
SBA Working Capital Disaster Loans Available Due to Secretary of Agriculture Declaration for Frost and Freeze
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today that Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDLs) are available in New York for small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture, and most private nonprofit organizations affected by the frost and freeze that occurred on May 14-25, 2023. This declaration includes Cattaraugus County.
New York State Grown & Certified Program
New York State Grown & Certified Program was created to strengthen consumer confidence in NY products and assist farmers so they can take advantage of the growing market for locally grown foods. Producers are required to adhere to high standards of food safety and environmental stewardship. Consumers are able to quickly identify local, safely handled and environmentally responsible agricultural products. This program is voluntary and is a cooperative effort among producers, processors, wholesalers, retailers, restaurants, and the NYS Dept of Agriculture and Markets.
NYS FFA Convention held in May
Students from three schools in Cattaraugus County attended the annual NYS FFA Convention at the Buffalo Convention Center in May. For three days students from all over New York converged in their blue corduroy jackets to participate in contests known as Career Development Events (CDE) and Leadership Development Events (LDE), elect the 2023 state officer team and celebrate agriculture.
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