Northern New York Farmers' Partnership
LOCAL FARMERS who value PEOPLE, THE LAND, and ECONOMIC AUTONOMY working together with all members of the COMMUNITY
NORTHERN NEW YORK FARMER PARTNERSHIP
1st Annual Meeting Minutes Wednesday, September 21, 2005 Presbyterian Church, Potsdam
Robert Pickard, Potsdam Frank Hess, Moira Jane Wells, Potsdam Ben Schrader, North Bangor Paul Hetzler, Colton Craig Dumond, Raybrook Nancy Lynch, Norwood
Each committee was discussed and members volunteered for committees. There was a lot of discussion about the website and how to effectively communicate with one another. It was decided that the most effective way to communicate for now is e-mail and that the website will not be first priority for the group.
Ben Schrader Bob Pickard Nancy Lynch Jane Wells Frank Hess
Paul Hetzler Bob Pickard
A responsibility was added to the workshop committee - Review Requests for Conference Attendance
Jane Wells Paul Hetzler
We discussed the importance of getting animals placed this year. Martha needs to ask Aley Kent, HI, if money can be rolled over to the next year if we are not able to purchase all of the animals this year.
Brian and Anne Bennett are purchasing two organic Tamworth sows and one unrelated boar for $375. The Bennetts have also received funding for a watering system, each original placement will receive $250 towards fencing or water systems.
Frank Hess expressed his interest in receiving 2 Tamworth sows and also expressed interest in sharing the Bennett’s boar. Frank has located the sows and will be purchasing them soon.
Nancy Lynch and Ben Schrader are sharing the Devon bull that was purchased this spring. Both Nancy and Ben will also be receiving one Devon bred heifer. Ben brought up the goals of the group for finding the best grass-based genetics. He stated that artificial insemination, AI, was the best way to achieve high quality genetics and re-stated his interest for receiving training in AI. He also stated that the bull that was purchased was of good genetic stock but in two years or so the genetic stock may be far improved in this country. Craig Dumond, Bob Pickard and Nancy Lynch expressed that the Devon bull that was purchased may be able to be passed on to a new member to help improve the genetics of their herd.
The group discussed the funding available for core members to be sent to conferences this year. Each member has about $400 for conference fees and $500 for travel. We have this funding for three years. Ben Schrader expressed interest in attending the Purple Cow Conference, Nancy Lynch expressed interest in attending the Low Risk Ranching Conference in Oklahoma this November. Ann Bennett and Rachel Roberts will be attending the Women in Sustainable Agriculture Conference in Burlington Vermont, October 21-23. Martha Pickard and Nancy Lynch spoke to the group about the Vermont Grazing Conference held annually in Randolf, VT in January.
The group spoke about the $3000 available for funding for a community activity each year. Originally the funding was set aside for a Harvest Dinner and speaker but it was decided that a Harvest Dinner would be too hard to plan for this year. The group discussed planning a community event for February. Paul Hetzler suggested that the activity coordinate with the Burt Symposium. Martha Pickard offered to contact Shannon Brown the coordinator of the Burt Symposium. Martha also suggested that the group focus this event on educating community members on the importance of local agriculture rather than perspective farmers. Jane Wells brought up the importance of ending hunger as well as improving the quality of food in Northern New York. Ending hunger is one of the main goals of Heifer International. Paul brought up other community partners that might be interested in participating: Citizens for Responsible Growth, Potsdam Co-op and Community Energy Services.
Martha begged the group to give her ideas for winter workshops and everyone was silent. She is planning a workshop with an organic/biodynamic dairy farm in Central New York and Darrell Emmick, the state grazing specialist who is working on his PhD in animal behavior, and another workshop on Holistic Management. Nancy Lynch shared her experience at the Vermont Grazing Conference listening to Alan Savory the founder of Holistic Management.
Frank Hess suggested that the next meeting be held at a farm. The group decided to shoot for late November/early December. An optional pasture walk will be held before the meeting. Ben Schrader offered to host this at his farm in North Bangor and use the Bangor Community Center for the meeting.