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.  

Drought Conditions Hit Forage Yields Sporadically across Northeast

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

As with many things in 2020, the weather has been exceedingly different across the Northeast, leading to low forage yields for some, and low normal for others. “Rainfall was extremely variable,” said Tom Kilcer of Advanced Ag Systems LLC, and a 33 year Cornell Cooperative Extension veteran. “It varied so much from location to location, storm to storm. One local farm, there was a five inch difference in rainfall between fields located three miles from each other.”

According to Joe Lawrence, a Dairy Forage Systems Specialist at PRO-DAIRY, New York generally faired the best in the area. “I hesitate to say that,” said Lawrence. “I’m talking to a lot of people that are hauling water because their wells are still having issues. The Southern Tier, the southwestern corner of the state, there are reports that it was drier there, and the St. Lawrence river valley area was quite dry as well. On the whole however, New York faired better than reports from Southern VT and from Conn. where they had extremely dry conditions.”

These dry conditions have lead to lower yields for many, though thankfully well timed storms saved corn silage for many. “There were some fortuitous rains that came through for the corn crop,” said Kilcer. “While the forage yield is lower, you’re going to see it have a higher percentage of corn grain in the rations. The struggle there is making sure that you don’t cause your animals to kick into acidosis from that extra corn grain.” 

Lawrence agreed that the rains saved the crop for many farmers. “The timing of the rainfall, that tells the story for a lot of NY,” said Lawrence. “It was kind of just enough rain just in time type of scenario for the corn crop. When we think about the corn silage crop - many areas were quite dry in late june and early july, and having moisture around when the corn pollinates and germinates is necessary. That pollination aligned with some rainfall, and that saved the crop from being a total disaster. We’re just finishing up our corn silage research trials, but none of the locations that we had trials were the hardest hit for drought. The St. Lawrence County location was in an area that was considered a D2 drought area, but again it performed fairly well. Yields were down a little, but the forage quality was quite high. Very respectable given it was designated as a D2 drought area for parts of the season. For some of our research, we focus on rain patterns and corn silage. And what we’ve found is that in years with lower rainfall, we get higher fiber digestibility in the silage. It’s a more digestible source of forage for the cows so they can utilize more of the nutrients in the forage, which can help offset some of the lower yields.”

Lawrence hopes that the drought can be a teachable moment when it comes to hay harvesting. “Switching gears to hay, that was a little more variable through the season,” said Lawrence. “It started off cold this spring which resulted in first cuttings that were yielding lower than average quantities. It was a slow start, but quite good quality. The second cutting and third cuttings were where the hit to yields occurred for many. Much lower than expected. I think for many it’s a teachable moment. One thing we did observe in some areas and we’ve also observed in past years is that a timely first cutting results in a higher quality crop. But what we’ve tended to see is that the timing is important.Those that cut early, they benefited with higher quality feed and captured some of those rains that really gave the second cutting a boost to get growing. Compare that to a farm delayed by a week to ten days for the first cutting, they saw a lower quality crop and they missed those rains and the help needed for their second cutting. It was a teachable moment in the timing for a first cutting.

If you think that your forage yields were marginal, Lawrence recommends that you take inventory sooner rather than later. “Folks from the co-op [Cornell Cooperative Extension], and a lot of dairy nutritionists that work with farms are generally happy to help farms measure and calculate out how they’re feeding their forage out. It gives you time to adjust the feeding approach now, instead of running out of forage in March or April. It’s important to reformulate the diet now to stretch those inventories well so they don’t reach a cliff next spring. You can at least gradually ease into next year’s harvest instead of having to really disrupt the cows diet. Farmers can contact their local extension office for some resources and help with calculating inventories and that sort of thing. There’s some resources on the PRO-DAIRY website (https://prodairy.cals.cornell.edu/) that we’ve put on there this summer related to the drought considerations, and they’re certainly to welcome to email me if they don’t have contact with a local extension office. I’m always open to an email or call.”

To reach Lawrence, contact him at jrl65@cornell.edu, at his office number (315) 376-5275, or by cell at (315) 778-4814. Kilcer’s website can be viewed here: https://advancedagsys.com/

Annual Meeting Combined with June Golf Tournament

The era of COVID-19 has forced tough decisions on many aspects of our lives and NEAFA’s annual meeting is not exempt.  Always a great opportunity for excellent programming and networking, the Conventions Committee was challenged with achieving these important goals while adhering to the lingering COVID-19 rules.  “We highly value the opportunity to gather and be challenged with cutting edge topics and first-class speakers,” stated John Clark, NEAFA President. “Despite our desire to gather again in Albany in early February, we could not guarantee that we will be able to do so face to face.  Therefore, we have decided to postpone our annual meeting to June 2021 and combine it with our Golf for Good Works Tournament at the Turning Stone Resort.”  

“The Turning Stone Resort will be an excellent place for the Annual Forum and the Shenandoah Golf Course will challenge our skills on the links” said Mark Anderson, Conventions Committee Chair.  “We look forward to gathering again and are hopeful that next June will be the right time for gathering again.” 

In the meantime, stay tuned for opportunities to be involved in our advocacy work with legislative leaders in New York, Vermont, and other New England states, albeit virtually.  It is essential that we stay engaged with legislative leaders as their decisions will impact our businesses.    

New York State Forage Exchange Announced

Cornell Cooperative Extension announces the opening of their interactive website platform, the New York State Forage Exchange.

New York State Forage Exchange Announced

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (August 28th, 2020) – Within New York State several regions have experienced drought conditions reducing the quality and quantity of forages produced for dairy and livestock production. To help agricultural producers locate forage to purchase, or for producers that have forage to sell, Cornell Cooperative Extension announces the NYS Forage Exchange website, found at http://nysforageexchange.com.

The NYS Forage Exchange provides a free system to match potential sellers and buyers of forage within New York State. Sellers can easily register within the system and then post the forage they have available to sell. Potential purchasers can browse the advertisements, and then contact the seller through email for additional information or to complete purchase arrangements.

A screencast on how to use the NYS Forage Exchange can be found at https://youtu.be/GNPjSIPLrxM. The video is also available on the Forage Exchange website.

This is a moderated website, so all ad submissions are reviewed for appropriateness before publication on the forage exchange website. The information provided is general and educational in nature. Employees of Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension do not endorse or recommend any specific product or seller listed on this site.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, or to find your local Cooperative Extension office visit http://cce.cornell.edu.

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program is the newest Cornell Cooperative Extension regional program and covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben Counties. The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops regional specialists work with Cornell faculty and Extension educators to address the issues that influence the agricultural industry in New York by offering educational programming and research based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the Southwestern New York Region. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about this program, or to be added to their contact list, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Team Leader, at 716-640-0522, kaw249@cornell.edu, or visit their website swnydlfc.cornell.edu.

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For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301.

Ag Commissioners Gather for Virtual Annual Meeting, NY Commissioner of Ag Richard Ball Offers Insights

NY Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball, photo by Eric Jenks

Ag Commissioners Gather for Virtual Annual Meeting, NY Commissioner of Ag Richard Ball Offers Insights 

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

The National Association of State Department of Agriculture (NASDA) held a virtual meeting August 28th to September 3rd, during which industry leaders tackled pressing issues for agriculture at large throughout the US, elected new leadership to the NASDA board, refocused the group’s mission statement, recognized public servants that have dedicated their life to furthering the growth of the US agricultural industry, and more. New York Commissioner of Agriculture Richard Ball graciously shared his time with NEAFA representatives to talk about how the meeting went. “It was challenging, but we did the best job we could holding a virtual meeting,” said Ball. “I remember the first time I attended a NASDA meeting six years ago. I was overwhelmed at having the opportunity to spend time with the other commissioners and secretaries of agriculture and other key people in agriculture in general. It is great to sit side by side and weigh in on policy issues that affect New York. Every serious national policy issue effects New York, and we have a seat at the table. This year may have been virtual, but it went as well as it possibly could have gone. It was great to have a chance to listen and speak with [US Secretary of Agriculture] Sonny Perdue and Beth Ford of Land O’ Lakes, Inc. She’s truly a dynamic speaker.

For Ball, the relationships that are created through his involvement with NASDA are an integral part of his advocacy for NY agricultural interests. “The value of relationships can’t be overstated,” said Ball. “for me personally, and for NY to have access to the higher levels at USDA, and the USDA Secretary and undersecretaries, many of which are largely former commissioners from around the country, to have that close relationship is key. At NASDA in the past 5-6 years, I’ve seen such a positive change because of having a relationship with NASDA and the agencies in the federal government. NASDA members know the directive of their state’s producers and how we need to move policy directions. We’re being tapped as a national organization to weigh in on issues with all of the agencies that interact with agriculture. With the fellow commissioners, we all talk often. The executive board and head of committees, we typically talk every two weeks to stay on top of new topics and issues in the industry.”

During the annual meeting, NASDA tackled an issue close to Ball’s heart, diversity and racial equity in the agricultural industry. “I’m particularly proud of NASDA for making a statement and setting a policy plan that re-emphasizes diversity and racial equity,” said Ball. “We brought in a number of states that had a lot of passion on this topic to make sure we got this right. The whole executive committee and staff devoted a lot of time to this issue, which is so important.”

According to Ball, there has been a lot of data to sift through when it comes to accounting for who is involved in the industry. “There’s a lot of agricultural statistic data to go through, which of course includes the movement from small to large farms, and consolidation you see there,” said Ball. “It’s all important data to have, but a couple of things jumped out at me. One is that we saw an increase in the numbers of women in agriculture. There are more women getting involved, and NASDA has also been looking at it closer to make that count more accurate compared to the past. There have always been women involved in the industry, however they were sometimes overlooked unfortunately. It’s good to see that number growing and accurately represented. Some states also saw higher numbers of Latino farm owners, which makes sense given the high number of workers with Latino heritage. Overall, we saw a decrease in acres owned by minorities compared to 20 years ago.” 

That data made Ball tackle the issue locally. “Here in NY, when we saw that, we went to the Hunger and Food Policy Council,” said Ball. “We have key farmers there, food banks there, Cornell Co-Operative, etc., the key players in food are all around the same table, including minority farmers. We talked about this issue with that organization to find out what’s going on in our communities. Unfortunately historically speaking, we have a very poor record of respecting the ownership of lands by minorities. Some progress has been made, but it’s slow, late, and not working well. Governor Cuomo has asked us to put together a work group to focus on the issue. To see NASDA take that on was heartwarming and good to see. We invited MANRRS [Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences], to talk as well. There’s a MANRRS chapter at Cornell, and revitalizing that chapter and spreading it out to other land grant schools in NY is important for the future. If I was to put a singular takeaway from the NASDA annual meeting this year, putting a focus on including minorities and increasing diversity into practice and having that become part of our policy going forward is so important.”

NEAFA would like to thank the commissioner and his staff for taking the time to share his input on NASDA and its recent annual meeting. We would also like to congratulate the Commissioner on his new role on NASDA’s Executive Committee as Vice President.

NEAFA Profile: Ben Houlton, New Dean at Cornell CALS

Ben Houlton is the New Dean at Cornell CALS. Photo by Lindsay France, Courtesy of Cornell University

NEAFA Profile: Ben Houlton, New Dean at Cornell CALS

By Eric Jenks, Special to NEAFA

Benjamin Houlton, formerly the Director of the John Muir Institute of the Environment at the University of California, Davis, takes the reins of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), effective October 1st. Houlton previously served as  professor of Global Environmental Studies at UC Davis as well. At Cornell, Houlton will also be a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, and  in the Department of  Global Development. 

“The environment and agriculture are so interlinked,” said Houlton. “I don’t view them as separate. It’s important to understand how programs, like Pro-Dairy, are so critical to continuing the interaction between CALS and NY’s agricultural industry. For me there’s no better place to be, no better time to work on the agricultural - environmental relationship.”

Indeed, Houlton’s family roots are in agriculture. “In Wisconsin, my family was involved in feed manufacturing, and farming is multi-generational on both sides of my family,” said Houlton. “My grandfather managed a farm in Ohio with around 300 head of cattle that had a breeding program that was always creating state fair winners. There are family members in Kansas and Wisconsin that are still focused on livestock and poultry. I have a lot of fond memories growing up visiting the farm and feeding calves.”

At CALS, Houlton is looking forward to advancing agriculture’s role in the climate change discussions. “Cornell CALS is such an alignment with where my research is heading, my family history, and my personal interests,” said Houlton. “I feel like the stars have aligned to create this opportunity to work with New York [agriculture] and think about how does this make sense for NY, and what are some opportunities that we can take advantage of within the efforts to address climate change. When you think about greenhouse gas reduction, there are many opportunities for agriculture. – Take anaerobic digesters for example. I am motivated to address the challenges and align the incentives to where we need them to be. It’s going to be hard work and there are difficult conversations to be had, but I’m ready for that. Using digester produced renewable natural gas to power vehicles is a viable opportunity in California. There’s a study that demonstrates harnessing biogas from two cows is equal to a years’ worth of emissions reduction from a motor vehicle. There’s even a California study that shows that five cows could power a house for a year!” 

Houlton sees agriculture as integral for society’s growth in the future. “Agriculture is important for the 21st century,” said Houlton. “By 2050 we are expecting to feed 10 billion people on this planet. Given the current problems with malnutrition and hunger throughout the world, it’s something we need to address. I think the pandemic has helped demonstrate what New York agriculture can do locally to strengthen our food systems. One of my favorite things is to sit back and listen, and then think of how we can build relationships and programs into something bigger that can work on a local and global scale and I think that’s a large part of what CALS is all about.”

NEAFA Executive Director Rick Zimmerman had the opportunity to pose the following question to Houlton during his conversation for this article. “The Northeast’s dairy industry is one of three mega-milk regions in the U.S.,” said Zimmerman “And, even though it enjoys a rich history of innovation and growth, it is in fierce competition with other regions of the country and the world at large to remain economically viable. Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY Program has distinguished itself with timely, thoughtful cutting-edge programs, enabling dairy farmers to address human resource, environmental, financial, and executive management challenges, among others. How do you see CALS positioning itself regarding future challenges faced by the northeast dairy industry?”

“It’s a huge question of course,” said Houlton. “We’re going to keep working on educating tomorrow’s leaders today at CALS. Dairy products, production systems, digital applications, how to diversify dairy industry— how can we provide a platform for them to get a start in the business. The average age of a farmer today is 55. We need a younger generation to get involved and that’s where CALS can have the greatest impact. Where is R&D and innovation needed? What are the economics and what incentives are needed or are currently suboptimal? Agriculture is a huge part of the economy. it’s not a one size fits all answer. I love the idea of working to support all shapes and sizes of businesses and I think that the opportunity to learn, leverage current systems and find new ways to do things is important. There’s good change and bad change. We need to bring about good change like controlling greenhouse gasses. I look forward to working with NEAFA, and I’m here to support the 150-year partnership that Cornell has had with agriculture. I’m so deeply concerned about the challenges that we’re all facing. Academia can’t stay in academia; we need to be part of the boots on the ground.

NEAFA welcomes Dr. Ben Houlton to New York and to Cornell CALS.  

Farm Wage Board: Long Term Impact on NY Agriculture

Farm Wage Board: Long Term Impact on NY Agriculture

By Rick Zimmerman

By now you have probably heard that New York farmers are paying overtime (OT) to their employees this year.  New legislation that went into effect on January 1st, requiring time and a half to farm workers working more that 60 hours a week.  This OT threshold came following a very contentious legislative debate.  Based on hundreds of hours of farmer testimony during the 2019 NYS Senate Joint Labor and Agriculture Committees hearings, a 60 hour threshold, even though not preferred by farmers or workers, was something that could be workable for the industry.  Unfortunately, the legislature and Governor avoided political pressure to permanently establish overtime at 60 hours, instead giving a “wage board” the authority to consider whether 60 hours, or something less than 60 hours per week, is the right threshold for NY farms.  Their recommendation is due by the end of the year.  New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher is a member of the Wage Board.

Anybody that knows northeastern agriculture knows that Mother Nature dictates when the planting and harvest must get done, and it’s “all hands-on deck” until work is completed.  Ag economists agree that New York is not the cheapest place to milk cows, and New York dairies are competing with other states and countries where production costs are significantly less.  Adding costs to NY produced milk further aggravates our ability to compete and stay in business.  Overtime for NY farmworkers at anything less than 60 hours per week is a cost increase that could significantly hurt New York’s dairy industry, and lawmakers heard an earful about this during the 2019 State Senate Joint Agriculture and Labor Committee  hearings.  

The Wage Board has held five hearings on this matter, and farmers have demonstrated strong turn out along with convincing arguments on why less than 60 hours is devastating for the industry.  NEAFA President John Clark represented the agribusiness community, emphasizing the economic strain that is currently exacerbated by low milk prices and COVID-19.  He also recognized the uncompetitive predicament New York dairy farmers would face compared to other states. 

I am impressed with the passionate hearing turnout by farmers. It is necessary if overtime is to remain at 60 hours.    The record is clear: OT at anything less than 60 hours will: 

1. Force farmers to substitute technology for employees, such as robotic milkers.

2. Force farmers to reduce hours worked by employees, thus decreasing their wages.

3. Force farmers to quit farming or switch to crops not requiring employees.

4. Force farmers to move to their cows to another state where overtime is not an issue.

To the Wage Board: This decision is a no brainer.  The evidence of lowering the overtime threshold is glaring at you.  Put this issue to bed by declaring 60 hours to be the permanent overtime threshold for New York farm employees.  Comments may be submitted to the Wage Board until October 31, 2020 through the following link: wageboard@labor.ny.gov.

FDA COVID-19 Checklist

For our NEAFA membership, please review the following Covid-19 employee health and food safety for human and animal food operations from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration. According to the FDA, this document should be used “when assessing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially when restarting operations after a shut down or when reassessing operations because of changes due to the COVID-19 public health emergency caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2. Some or all of this checklist may be useful to persons growing, harvesting, packing, manufacturing, processing, or holding human and animal food regulated by FDA. This includes produce, seafood, milk, eggs, grains, game meat, and other raw materials or ingredients, as well as their resulting human or animal food products.”

For more information on the checklist, click here.

New York Organic Dairy Market: The Silver Lining to the Dark Cloud of COVID-19

By Fay Benson, Cornell SCNY Dairy Team

Four months have passed since the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shutdown of nearly all aspects of people’s lives. In the food markets, the shutdown impacted everything from production to processing as well as how consumers purchased their food. Even though markets are still in flux and will continue to be for some time, I wanted to get a sense of what was happening to the organic dairy market. I facilitate the New York Organic Dairy Task Force, a group that has been meeting for 15 years. The Task Force consists of organic dairy and grain farmers, processors, certifiers, as well as state and extension personnel. We convene to gather the different perspectives of the organic dairy industry in New York and how we can work together to help it grow. I worked in conjunction with the Task Force to prepare this report.

It is important to note, for the past four years, the organic dairy industry had been under duress, caused by over production. Some of the national organic processors implemented supply management as a way to manage milk supplies with sales. There is strong reasoning to do this, since organic processors sign yearly contracts guaranteeing a price to their farmers. When there is over-supply, the processor is responsible for the difference between what they pay the farmer vs. what they get from the market. Any milk that does not get sold on the organic market, gets sold on the conventional market, which can be a loss of $15-$20 or more for every hundred weight (cwt) of milk.

The first reports I heard were from organic dairy farmers who were concerned about the reports of wide scale milk dumping experienced by the conventional milk markets. These farmers were told that their processors’ supply chains were different than the conventional supply chains. They did not include school and restaurant sales. Most organic fluid milk is sold through grocery stores and these sales were on the rise, as families stopped relying on schools and restaurants and ate at home. One national organic processor said their sales were running 7% above the previous period the year before. This caused the processor to leave some demand unmet. Another processor who sells regionally, said the increase in sales allowed them to use all their farmer’s milk locally and not sell any on the spot market. The increase in sales came at an opportune time for the organic markets. Traditionally, spring is when the cows go out on pasture and many farmers breed to have high production when they can make milk the cheapest. The “Spring Flush” is difficult for organic processors since the increase in supply causes processors to either sell on the spot market, or if that is not possible, they sell on the conventional market, which is when they lose the $15-$20 per cwt.

Even though this spring had a silver lining for the organic dairy market, the processors who replied to my questions said they were not going to make changes to their supply management because the future is sure to bring more changes. Farmers who I spoke with had the same challenges as every other farmer when it came to wearing masks, limited opportunities for networking and socializing with other farmers, but they were grateful to have their milk picked up and paid a guaranteed price. Supply management allows both the processors and the farmers to reduce their risks. The farmers know the price they will receive up to a year ahead, this allows them to manage their expenses to keep a positive cash flow. The processors have a system that allows them to increase the pay to farmers for milk produced in the winter and decrease the price paid in the spring and summer. This affects the supply of milk provided to them and avoids selling excess milk at a loss. With more than 600 dairies, New York has more organic dairies than any other state. Good communications and shared desire to prevent wide fluctuations in prices and profits keep the industry sustainable.

NEAFA Member Highlight: Poulin Grain

By Eric Jenks

Poulin Grain Senior Vice President and General Manager Mike Tetrault, looks over data with Dr. Christine Rossiter Burhans, staff veterinarian. 

Poulin Grain, with four facilities in Vermont, has been serving the feed needs of the agricultural community in the Northeast since 1932. “Poulin Grain is a family run business in its fourth generation,” said Mike Tetreault, the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the business. “Josh Poulin is the owner. Family businesses are sadly becoming fewer and farther between. It’s definitely a shrinking part of the world, but family is important to our culture here at Poulin Grain. I’ve been here for 33 years, and we have a lot of longevity to our workforce, and being focused on our community and families is what has shaped us to be who we are today as a company.”

Poulin Grain’s focus as a company breaks down into two main subsections, dairy nutrition and retail. Their four facilities employ 150 workers, and the retail arm of their operations go to approximately 200 different stores in the Northeast. “Dairy nutrition is the largest part of our business, it’s about a 70/30 split between that and the retail end. Our retail business goes from the border of Canada in Vermont down to Virginia, with some support in Florida as well for equine businesses during the winter, and out to Western Pennsylvania currently. On the dairy side, we support Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine and New York based dairies. We have eighteen dairy nutritionists and two veterinarians on staff.

As with many other companies, Covid-19 has presented its share of challenges and opportunities for Poulin Grain. “Our dairy nutritionists have good relationships with our customers, and when you see milk go from $22 - $12, you know that things are going to be tough, and that those prices mean that farms can’t meet their obligations,” said Tetrault. “That puts a lot of pressure and stress on our team for those 3-4 months, as we want to do what we can to make sure that nutrition needs are being met and to help with customers that we also consider friends. Our nutritionists worked to review where farms were nutrition wise, and help them not make a long term mistake when dealing with their herds’ health.”

For the dealer side of their business, Poulin found a welcome change. “The world seems to be more supportive of local business, and our dealers have flourished since then,” said Tetrault. “It created challenges for us with ingredients coming in slowly due to delivery changes. For three weeks we were running 24/7, but we got it done and supported our dealer network. It was a bit like the toilet paper scenario with a rush on feed by customers. But we delivered every load asked of us, and I have to say I don’t know how. Our business has been strong in retail, milk prices are recovering, and we’re hopeful that dairy funds will help our dairies through that and have a successful year for 2020.”

For Tetrault, staying positive and keeping the family nature of Poulin Grain together during the most challenging months of the pandemic were essential for their business. “We worked hard to support everyone on our team during these challenging months. We had monthly consultants that couldn’t do what they normally do, employees that had to stay at home, etc. We’re grateful we didn’t have to reduce our staff, and in fact we added three new people. I’ve worked with our team to stay positive. Everyone talks about it, but we actually train our team to be positive. One thing that has made a huge difference for us is that attitude. I think we’re stronger today because they have that tool to use during tough times. We have to stay positive and not get down with the doom and gloom that is going around. The Northeast has to have people that want to do that and keep this industry growing.”

Distinguished Term as CALS Dean Coming to Close

By Rick Zimmerman, Executive Director

For the past 10 years, Kathryn Boor has served as Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) at Cornell University. I have known Kathryn for over 40 years, since we were both undergrads at Cornell, and was extremely optimistic that her appointment as Dean of CALS was going to usher in a new era at the College. Dean Boor has exceeded my expectations. Not only has she tackled numerous fiscal and structural challenges with dignity and ease, she has raised the bar for future individuals who will attempt to fill her shoes.

Given her love for the dairy industry (she grew up on a Horseheads, NY dairy farm), Dean Boor distinguished herself in the realm of food science, particularly with dairy products. She worked closely with New York’s Dairy Promotion Advisory Board, employing dairy farmers’ checkoff funds to address critical food safety issues that were impacting the quality of New York produced and processed dairy products. Dean Boor is world renowned for her research in food safety and dairy product development.

Hiring new faculty has been a priority of Dean Boor and she aggressively employed Cornell’s Faculty Renewal Fund to leverage industry support. Through Dean Boor’s leadership, a $500,000 investment of private sector funds would seed a faculty position for the working lifetime of a new faculty member. The agribusiness community, led by the NEAFA Board of Directors, seized on this opportunity, and successfully raised $1 million from our generous members to seed two faculty positions in the Department of Animal Science. Today Kristan Reed and Joe McFadden, the Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance Partners Sesquicentennial Fellows in Dairy Cattle Biology, are at Cornell, making significant contributions to understanding dairy cattle biological function and productivity because of Kathryn’s partnership with the agribusiness community.

Dean Boor’s era at CALS ends this October when Ben Houlton, currently at UC Davis, takes the reins. She will be missed but never forgotten. The dairy industry will remain within a special place in Dean Boor’s heart, and I am sure her legacy of impact and leadership will continue as she takes over as the Dean of Cornell’s Graduate School. We wish Kathryn Boor all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her years of leadership and service as Professor of Food Science and Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

For more on Dean Boor’s tenure at Cornell, click here.