Cornell Cooperative Extension holds Farmer-Neighbor dinner
Trending
The ninth annual Chautauqua Farmer-Neighbor Dinner was recently held at The Grandview of Ellington.
The annual event provides an opportunity for farmers and their neighbors to connect, learn more about local agriculture and recognize individuals and farm families. The dinner featured locally sourced products from Chautauqua County agricultural producers and businesses.
The evening also included the presentation of four awards recognizing agricultural leadership, innovation, community involvement, and the continued commitment to farming in Chautauqua County.
Peterson Family Farm LLC was recognized as Chautauqua County AEM Conservation Farmer of the Year for a long-standing commitment to agriculture and the Chautauqua County community.
Jeff Winton was recognized as Friend of Agriculture for his continued efforts to support rural communities. Owner of Wall Street Dairy in Mayville, Winton has remained closely connected to agriculture while also becoming a leading voice for rural mental health. Winton founded Rural Minds, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health information and resources specifically for rural communities.
Bradley and Jessica Brehm of Brehm Farms Inc. were recognized as Farm of the Year for their dedication to building and growing their own dairy operation. The couple met while studying dairy science at the State University at Morrisville and began their farming journey together in 2012 in a rented tie-stall barn in Eden. After having to leave that facility, they purchased the former Kimvale Farm in Falconer and transformed the vacant dairy. Starting with 30 cows, the Brehms have grown their herd to 175 milking cows while expanding their land base to 300 owned acres and another 300 rented acres.
Jim and Rosie Joy of J.M. Joy Farms LLC in Fredonia were recognized as Legacy Producer for their family’s commitment to agriculture. The Joy family farm dates back to 1906, when Joseph and Rose Joy purchased an eight-acre farm after immigrating from Sicily. Over the decades the farm has grown and changed along with agriculture in Chautauqua County. Today, Jim Joy continues the family tradition that he began as a young child, with the farm evolving through generations.
Sponsors of the Farmer-Neighbor Dinner include: Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, Chautauqua County Sheriff Quattrone, Country Ayre Farms, LLC of Dewittville, The Grandview of Ellington, Farm Credit East, ACA, Jamestown Farmers Market, Bit-O-Breeze of Jamestown, Farm Credit East Crop Growers, Good Grass Farm of Mayville, Growing Hope Globally and NYS Assemblyman Andrew Molitor.