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Join us July 28 for Climate Change:
Impacts on Gardens, Forests, and Farms

We know that the climate in New York is changing, not only based on what the thermometers are telling us, but also based on observations of plants and other living things responding to the change (earlier blom dates, more pressure from marginally over-wintering insect pests, etc.)

Climate change may bring new opportunities (such as experimenting with new plant species, including "biofuel" crops), but also will pose new risks and challenges for gardeners, farmers, and land managers, specifically:

• Invasive insect, diseease and weed pests are likely to benefit most from climate change, leading to increased pesticide and hericide use,
• Reductions in biodiversity are likely, because climate change will tend to favor aggressive invasives at the expnese of endangered speciies that are poor at migrating and adapting to change,
• The fabric of our forests will be forever changed, with maple, beech, birch graudally being replaced by oak, hickory, pine.
• Several agriculture sectors that currently dominate the rural economy will be at risk.

A variety of ways in which farmers and gardneers can adapt to cdhange and reduce greenhouse gas emissions will also be discussed. Those interested in this topic should also check out the climate and farming website.

Climate Change: Impacts on Gardens, Forests, and Farms will be held Saturday, July 28, 2007 from 10:30 to Noon at the Civil Defense Center, Route 54N, Bath. The program will include: Indicators of Climate Change New Opportunities and Risks Invasive Species Our Changing Forest Fabric Ways Farmers and Gardeners Can Adapt Strategies for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Presented by Dr. David W. Wolfe, Professor of Plant Ecology, Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. Co-Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County and the Ted Markham Nature Center. For registration, contact CCE at 607-664-2300.

David W. Wolfe is Professor of Plant Ecology in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University. He is a member of Cornell’s Biogeochemistry Program, and is on the advisory boards for the New York Water Resources Institute, Cornell Plantations, and the New York Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Change Planning Committee. He is a leading authority on the effects of climate change and rising atmospheric carbon dioxide on plants, soils, and ecosystems, with many peer-reviewed research publications and several book chapter reviews on the subject. He is the author of an award-winning popular science book on soil ecology, Tales from the Underground: A Natural History of Subterranean Life, published in 2002. His recent research documenting earlier spring bloom date of lilacs, apples, and grapes in the Northeast received national media attention. Dr. Wolfe is currently working with a team of scientists in the Northeast on a regional climate change impacts assessment available here, and he led the development of a new website with resource materials for gardeners, farmers and agricultural educators.

Southern Tier Baleage & Hay Field Day

Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a baleage and hay making field day July 11, 2007 at Lone Oak Farm in Dundee from 10:00am – 2:00pm. Demonstrations to be held include mowing, raking, tedding, baling, and wrapping. A special highlight of the day will be a side by side field comparison of a Claas 250 Roto cut round baler to a John Deere 582 round baler. Those in attendance will be able to see each baler in action and compare the silage bales they produce.

Other Equipment to be demonstrated:
· Claas 52T Tedder
· Claas Rotary Rake
· Taarup new series 4236 Discbine (11’8 cut)
· Taarup new series 7520 bale wrapper

Equipment demonstrations will run from 10:00am – Noon and then be repeated from 12:30 – 2:00pm. Please feel free to come either the morning or afternoon demonstration. A light lunch will be served at noon, during this time we will hear from the owners of the round balers about their experience with transitioning from conventional haylage to a baleage system.

Reservations are appreciated for a lunch count. Please contact CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300 to make a reservation or for more information. Lone Oak Farm, owned by the McCann Family, is located on Hallock Road, approximately ½ mile south of State Route 230. From Wayne (Steuben County) take 230 east 1.5 miles, turn south on Hallock Road. From the east take 14A to 230, turn south on 230, go 5 miles to Hallock Road. From Tyrone (Schuyler County) take county road 23 west to Weston. Go north on Hallock approximately 4 miles.

Equipment generously provided by Monroe Tractor, Kevin McCann, and Kevin Cleveland. Lunch sponsored by Monroe Tractor. In case of rain the field day will be held July 12th!

Small Ruminant Pasture Walk April 28th

Cornell Cooperative Extension invites you to attend a sheep and goat pasture walk at Bear Farm in Burdett, NY on Saturday April 28, from 10:00am – 12:00pm

Mark and Carole Harth own and operate Bear Farm in Schuyler County. They lamb approximately 145 Corriedale and Corriedale-Dorset cross ewes in late March/early April. Mark and Carole have spent the last few years establishing perimeter fencing and individual paddocks to maximizing grazing. The Harths sell wool yarn from their sheep and sell a small amount of lamb for freezer trade. Check out their website at www.bearfarmyarns.com to learn more about the Harths and their sheep!

Please join us for this educational and fun sheep and goat pasture walk. We will discuss grasses for pasture, establishing and maintaining small ruminant pastures, fencing requirements for sheep and goats, and pasture watering systems. John Wickham, Schuyler County Soil and Water Grazing Advocate will discuss grazing programs and incentives available to sheep and goat producers.

The pasture walk will be held from 10:00am to Noon, with a light lunch provided. There is no charge to attend. However, we ask that you do register for this event by April 27th. To register contact CCE at 607-664-2300.

Directions: Bear Farm is located at 4860 Satterly Hill Road in Burdett. Take State Route 79 to Burdett, at the only 4 way stop, go North onto Satterly Hill Road. Bear Farm is located 3.4 miles north on Satterly Hill Road.

This event is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension, Schuyler County SWCD, and Graze-NY.

Healthy and Productive Small Ruminants

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County will host a small ruminant health workshop January 22, 2007 at the Civil Defense Center in Bath from 7:00 – 9:00p.m.

Productive animals are the key to any profitable farm operation. Dr. Glenn Fahnestock, a former producer and veterinarian, will discuss how to keep small ruminants healthy and productive by focusing on prevention. Sheep and goat producers will learn how to improve the bottom line of their farm business with healthy animals. Whether you own a single sheep or a large herd of goats you will find this discussion full of valuable information.

Topics to be addressed:
· Prevention of common illnesses
· Vaccination & herd health recommendations
· Treating sheep and goats for common illness & metabolic disorders

There is no cost to attend this meeting, however reservations are appreciated. Reservations can be made by contacting CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300. The Civil Defense Center is located on Route 54, approximately 2 miles north of Bath, across from the Kwik Fill gas station.

Three Steuben 4-H members earn invitation to national contests

Clockwise from top: Amy Quanz, Andrew Schubmehl, and Jenna Kurtz.

Amy Quanz, a 10-year member of the Southern Tier Livestock and Willing Workers 4-H Clubs, was a member of the New York State Dairy Judging Team that placed first overall out of 15 teams at the 2006 Invitational Youth Dairy Cattle Judging Contest in September during the All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, PA. The New York State team also placed first in Brown Swiss and Holsteins. Amy placed second individual overall.

Placing fourth in the New York State Fair Livestock Judging Contest-A Division, Amy was selected as a member of the New York State Livestock Judging Team. The team will compete at the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, KY in November.

Amy, the daughter of Tom and Paula Quanz of Wayland, is a junior at Wayland-Cohocton Central School. As a Steuben County 4-H member, she has completed extensive projects in sewing, food and nutrition, dairy, swine, as well as public presentations. Amy has also been active in dairy judging, dairy quiz bowl, livestock judging, livestock skillathon and has exhibited her swine at the New York State Fair and the NYS 4-H Meat Animal Show and Sale. She is a member of the 2006-2007 NYS Junior DAIRY LEADER Program and the NYS 4-H Technology Team. In 2004, Amy was a member of the NYS Livestock Skillathon Team that competed in the National Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville, KY. Amy was a recipient of the 2005 "I Dare You Leadership Award" and the 2006 "Outstanding 4-H Member Award". Amy is also an active participant in the Allegany-Steuben Jr. Holstein Club and is currently the Steuben County Alternate Dairy Princess.

Andrew Schubmehl earned a spot as a member of the New York State 4-H Livestock Skillathon team by placing first in the Sr. Division at the New York State Fair 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest, but he will be unable to compete in November. Andrew completed his 11th year in the Steuben County 4-H Program and was a member of the Southern Tier Livestock and Willing Workers 4-H Clubs. Andrew has completed extensive projects in swine, market lambs, market steers, vegetable gardening, sewing, food and nutrition, as well as public presentations. Andrew, a freshman at Paul Smiths College, Paul Smiths, New York is majoring in Wildlife Sciences and is the son of John and Linda Schubmehl, Wayland. Andrew was a recipient of the 2005 "Outstanding 4-H Member Award". Andrew has exhibited swine at the New York State Fair. In 2004 Andrew was a member of the New York State Livestock Judging Team that competed in the National Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville, KY.

Jenna Kurtz was named an alternate to the NYS Livestock Skillathon Team by placing sixth in the NYS Fair Livestock Skillathon Contest. She is an 8-year member of the Southern Tier Livestock and Willing Workers 4-H Clubs. Jenna, a sophomore at Wayland-Cohocton School, is the daughter of Gerald and Julie Kurtz of Atlanta. She has completed extensive projects in sewing, food and nutrition, arts and crafts, rabbit, flower and vegetable gardening, horticulture, as well as public presentations. Jenna was a recipient of the 2006 "I Dare You Leadership Award". Jenna participated in the 2006 New York State Fair Clothing Revue and the 2006 New York State Public Presentation Event.

Farm Field Day offers walking and wagon tours

The Musgrave Research Farm Field Day to be held on Thursday, July 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., is a day full of information and networking. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County's Plant and Soil Science Educator Carl Albers recommends this event for those interested in crop and soil sciences.

The walking tour will feature:
· Traps to Help Manage Pasture Fly Pests with Keith Waldron
· IPM Control of European Corn Borer with Mike Hoffman and Jeffrey Gardner
· Corn and Soybean Studies with Bill Cox
· Detecting and Managing Asian Soybean Rust in New York with Gary Bergstrom
· Soil Health Assessment with Harold van Es and Bob Schindlebeck

The wagon tour will feature:
· Tools for N Management in Corn with Shawn Bossard and Quirine Ketterings
· Invertebrate Activity and Weed Seed Predation in Bt Corn with Toni DiTommaso and Rachel Shuler
· Transitioning Lands to Organic Agriculture with Chuck Mohler
· Update on Soybean Aphid with Elson Shields
· Dandelion Control in No-Till Cropping Systems with Russ Hahn

Following lunch there will be an opportunity for discussion with the presenters. The Musgrave Research Farm is located on Poplar Ridge Road south of Aurora, NY. For more information contact Brian Flannigan, Facilities Manager, Crop & Soil Sciences at (607)255-2926.

Pasture Walk scheduled for July 20

Cornell Cooperative Extension and Schuyler/Chmeung GLCI will sponsor a Pasture Walk on July 20 from 10:00 a.m. - Noon at the Sgrecci Organic Dairy Farm in Odessa. The walk will provide an opportunity to view pastures, fencing, laneways and the water system. Discussion will center on transitioning to organic production. Lunch will be provided. To register, call 607-664-2300.

A dozen volunteers ready to teach financial skills

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is taking its recent United Way of the Southern Tier funding to the bank! The two-year grant was awarded to help Cooperative Extension provide Family Resource Management and Home Energy Efficiency education throughout Steuben County. “People are living on tomorrow’s dollars today,” says Financial Management Educator Nancy Reigelsperger. “The need is out there. Financial management difficulties are not limited to low income people. People across the board are having issues.”

Nancy is addressing these ever-increasing issues by multiplying her efforts across the region. In June she trained 12 new Volunteer Financial Counselors to help with the caseload of requests. They learned goal setting, family communication, basic budgeting, managing credit and debt, savings and general financial decision-making. Attorney Peter Baker, Hammondsport, also spoke to the group about the changes in bankruptcy laws that went into effect last fall and the importance of having wills and other valuable documents.

“We are very proud of these volunteers,” Nancy said. “What a wonderful group of folks who are eager to learn and share their skills.” They will work confidentially with individuals and families to offer trusted advice on how to develop goals and get control of their budgets.

Attorney Christine Valkenburgh from Bath, took the workshop because she sees how difficult it is for members of the community to be gainfully employed. “Maybe there’s something I can do to help.” she said. Nancy gave a lot of good ideas on how to motivate people and how to focus. I was heartened to hear some of the stories. People want to do the right thing – they just need to know how.”

Retired from Corning Inc, Carlton Joseph of Painted Post, said he took the training because he enjoyed tutoring for the New Jersey land grant university – Rutgers University - in the 1970’s. “The presentation was excellent – very energetic. I’m looking forward to being of help. I’m retired and in good financial solvency. I can help be in tune with the black families of the area.”

Armed with such enthusiastic volunteers across the county, Cooperative Extension is now ready to accept requests from Steuben residents who want help with their budgeting needs. Assistance can be provided individually or offered to groups and is provided free of charge. Those interested in joining the Volunteer Financial Counselor ranks are required to attend training before handling calls. Contact Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300 to get on the waiting list for the fall training session or for more information on talking to a counselor in your area.

Pasture Walk June 23 in Schuyler County

Cornell Cooperative Extension and The Finger Lakes RC&D Council will host a pasture walk in Schuyler County on June 23rd from 10:30-12:30. The focus of the walk will be to view test plots that were established the spring of 2005 on two farms that have different types of soils. Four companies, Agriculver, King’s Agriseeds, Doeblers, and Seedway donated clovers, alfalfas and various grass varieties. This will give grazers the opportunity to compare the thirteen different pasture mixes.

The first farm that will be visited is located on Rt. 228, between Odessa and Mecklenburg. The second is in Catherine. Also at the second farm you will be able to see their cheese plant. Follow the signs from Odessa or Mecklenburg.

There will be light refreshments offered. Please contact CCE at 607-664-2300 if you plan on coming or have any questions.

You can make a difference to struggling families

Many Steuben County families and individuals are in crisis today as they try to deal with their finances. Many just don’t know where to start to make their budgets work, talk to creditors, handle credit cards and protect their identity. With a little encouragement and planning with a Volunteer Financial Counselor, these people can get control back in their lives and begin to feel good about themselves again.

More Volunteer Financial Counselors are needed to handle the case load. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is offering free training to potential Volunteer Financial Counselors. The six-hour series will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on June 12, 19, and 26 at the Cooperative Extension office at the Steuben County Office Building, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath.

“Becoming a Volunteer Financial Counselor was an excellent opportunity for me to share financial ideas with others, and at the same time receive additional training and ongoing support to meet the need of prospective clients,” says Julie Cummings of Hammondsport.

When Alice Stillman of Hornell is assigned to a case, she sits down with them first to go over their budget. “I’m helping individuals who just need to talk it out with someone. Some just need to re-work their budget,” she says. Alice counseled one young lady who was buried under a college loan and credit cards. Alice said the girl was so proud when she finally paid off four credit cards. Alice has found that budget problems are not limited to those earning low incomes. “It’s the middle class people who are having real difficult times,” she says. “I’ve had 95 percent progress with everyone I’ve met. I thoroughly enjoy the cases I have done.”

Volunteering can be a great way to learn more for yourself while helping others. Cooperative Extension Financial Educator Nancy Reigelsperger offers support and ongoing training for her volunteers. No experience or special math skills are necessary. All that is required is a desire to help others.

To receive additional information or to register for the training classes, contact Nancy Reigelsperger at 664-2300

Extension publications can help battle plant pests

BATH –Problems with pests in your lawn and garden? Homeowners and businesses can benefit from an Integrated Pest Management approach with the help of the 2006 Cornell Pest Management Guideline series. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County has publications for sale focusing on Commercial Production and Maintenance of Trees and Shrubs, Commercial Turfgrass, and Berry Crops.

Professional nursery managers, landscapers and arborists will find the 177-page 2006 Cornell Guidelines for Commercial Production and Maintenance of Trees and Shrubs indispensable. The latest control measures are provided for managing the most common insect, disease, and weed pests of urban, landscape and nursery grown trees and shrubs.

Turf managers will find the 2006 Cornell Guidelines for Commercial Turfgrass full of up-to-date information using an Integrated Pest Management approach to successful turfgrass care including sections on selecting turfgrasses, cultural practices, and disease, insect and weed control and strategies for minimizing wildlife damage.

The 2006 Cornell Berry Crop Guidelines aids berry growers with information on site selection, soil fertility and insect, mite, disease, and weed management decision-making. It includes pest management information for blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.

Information in these publications is drawn directly from Cornell University research, extension demonstrations and on-site experience. The Turfgrass Guidelines are $11.00 per copy and the Berry Crops and Trees and Shrubs Guidelines are $18.00 plus postage and handling if you wish them mailed to you. For more information visit Cornell Cooperative Extension-Steuben County, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY, 14810 or call 607-664-2300.

Shannan O’Brien named 2006 Steuben County
Dairy Princess

Shannan O’Brien was crowned the 2006-2007 Steuben County Dairy Princess April 13th at the Steuben County Dairy Pageant. Shannan is the daughter of Kerry and Elizabeth O’Brien of Greenwood. The O’Briens milk 60 Holstein cows and farm approximately 600 acres. Shannan is 17 years old and a junior at Canisteo-Greenwood High School. She has been a member of the student council, Academic All Stars, chorus, and National Honor Society. Shannan has been on the honor roll and received the Math Student of the month award. Shannan served as a Steuben County Dairy Ambassador last year. Shannan’s future plans include becoming a licensed nurse practitioner and continuing to help on the family dairy farm.

Amy Quanz of Wayland was named the Alternate Dairy Princess. Amy is the 16 year old daughter of Tom and Paula Quanz. Amy is a sophomore at Wayland-Cohocton School. She is a member of the Southern Tier Livestock 4- H Club and the Willing Worker’s 4- H Club. She participates in dairy judging, dairy quiz bowl, livestock judging, livestock skillathon and exhibiting her registered Brown Swiss at the County Fair. She is also a member of the NYS Junior Holstein Club. In school Amy is involved with band, chorus, Interact Club, Drama Club, and Honors Club. She has also been the recipient of the Steuben County Outstanding 4-Her award and the Paul Emo award. Amy hopes to pursue a career in the medical or agricultural field. Amy has served as a Dairy Ambassador for two years.

There are currently two Dairy Ambassadors involved in the Dairy Promotion Program; Carlie and Kate Brown. They are the daughters of Bill and Cindy Brown of Hammondsport. The family owns Stone Rise Dairy, which is home to a 60 cow registered Holstein herd. Carlie, 16 and Kate 13, attend Hammondsport Central School. They are both active in the Cream of the Crop 4-H club and own cattle themselves. This will be Carlie’s second year promoting the dairy industry as a Dairy Ambassador. The committee is very pleased to welcome Kate as our newest Dairy Ambassador.

Royalty runs in the O’Brien family, as Shannan will follow in the footsteps of her older sister Megan, the 2005 Dairy Princess. Special thanks to Megan for all her hard work over the last year. Megan attended numerous events in the interest or promoting milk and dairy products. Megan is currently pursing a degree in Environmental Science at Alfred University.

If you are interested in having the Dairy Princess or a member of her court attend an event please contact Shannan at 607-225-4413. The dairy princess program is overseen by the Steuben County Dairy Promotion Committee. For more information on joining the program or events please contact Stacey at 607-368-0078 or Kerri at 607-664-2300. The committee is still actively seeking young women interested in being dairy ambassadors for the next year.

Teleconference will review impact of
new dietary guidelines

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is pleased to present a satellite videoconference from Iowa State University on the New Dietary Guidelines: Impact on Consumers, Industry and Nutrition Programs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Thursday April 20, 2006 at the Cooperative Extension office in the County Office Building, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath.

The 2005 Dietary Guidelines for Americans make specific recommendations to aid consumers in their quest for a healthier lifestyle. Each sector of the food industry has responded to the guidelines with changes in formulations, new products, and marketing. Federal nutrition programs will be modifying their requirements to reflect the guidelines. This conference will explore issues related to the guidelines and how the food industry is using them to provide new products and marketing to consumers. The broadcast is live with time scheduled for questions from the viewing audience.

Topics to be covered include:

• Tracking Changes in Retail Food Purchases by Lisa Mancino, PhD, Economic Research Service, USDA Diet, Safety, and Health Economics, Washington, D.C.
• Supporting Americans' Efforts to Follow the Dietary Guidelines by Margo Wootan, DSc, Director, Nutrition Policy Center for Science in Public Interest, Washington, D.C.
• Food Industry's Role in Health Promotion by Susan Crockett, PhD, RD, FADA Vice President, Senior Technology Officer, Health and Nutrition, General Mills, Minneapolis, MN
• The Role of Quick Serve Restaurants in Health Promotion by Cathy Kapica, PhD, RD, Global Director of Nutrition McDonald's Corporation, Oakbrook, IL
• Impact of Dietary Guidelines on Federal Nutrition Programs by Stella Nash, RD, MA, Regional Nutrition Director, USDA/Food and Nutrition Center, Denver, CO
• Opening and closing remarks will be given by Ruth MacDonald, PhD, RD Chair, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Iowa State University and JaneAnn Stout, MA, Associate Dean, College of Human Sciences, Director of Families of Extension, Iowa State University

Cost of the conference is $10.00 per person with registration due by April 13 to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath, NY 14810, or by calling 607-664-2300, or register online at www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben. Lunch will be on your own. Continuing education units will be available. For more information contact Cooperative Extension at the locations above.

Finger Lakes District Public Presentation Contest

Above, left, are: Laura Becker, Jill Whiting, Amy Quanz, Jenna Kurtz and Adrienne Kiesl. Right, Karli Mulford, Leah Flint and Maria Kaniewski.

Eleven Steuben County 4-H members participated in the Finger Lakes District Public Presentation Contest on April 1 at Canandaigua Middle School. There were 122 contestants from Cayuga, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Yates counties. The Public Presentation Program provides 4-H members an opportunity to have their presentations evaluated on a district level. To succeed in life, one must be able to communicate effectively. Provided with opportunities to practice one’s speaking skills we learn how to make ourselves heard as well as defend our aspirations and beliefs. Throughout its history, 4-H Programs have provided opportunities for youth, particularly through its innovative public presentation program. Helping youth develop self-confidence, self-esteem and the lifelong skill of public speaking; as well as providing opportunities for youth to share their knowledge and skills with others, stimulates further learning. What better way to prepare youth for the future and the work world.

4-H members were evaluated on introduction, organization, poise, content and accuracy, delivery, effect on the audience, and summary. Serving as evaluators from Steuben County were Sue Schwingel and Hollee Schwingel, Atlanta. Serving as Room Hostess were: Amy Quanz, Wayland and Jenna Kurtz, Atlanta.

All presenters received a ribbon and a certificate. Presenting from Steuben County were Laura Becker, Willing Workers; Lexi Fairbrother, The Little Rascals; Leah Flint, Town and Country; Maria Kaniewski,

Town and Country; Adrienne Kiesl, Willing Workers; Jenna Kurtz, Willing Workers; Courtney Lewis, Loon Lake Raiders; Karli Mulford, Willing Workers; Amy Quanz, Southern Tier Livestock; Samantha Rathbun, Willing Workers; and Jill Whiting, Dairy Dynamites. Chosen for special recognition as Top Presenters were: Samantha Rathbun and Jill Whiting.

For more information about the Steuben County 4-H program call 607-664-2300 or visit the web site at www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben.

Purchase tack to support the Steuben County 4-H Horse Program

BATH –Come support 4-H at the JP’s North Equine Tack and Supply Auction on Saturday, March 25 at the St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 122 Liberty Street., Bath. There will be a preview at noon with the auction beginning at 1:00 p.m. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the Steuben County 4-H Horse Program.

Refreshments will be on sale through the event. Parking for the auction is in the parking lot between the church and the police station. Enter the church from the parking lot via wooden ramp and through red doors. For more information on the auction contact Kim Randall at 607-664-2300.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills.

Renewables for the Future

Monday, April 3, 2006
9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
Civil Defense Center, Bath, NY
(Civil Defense Center is located on Route 54 just north of the Village of Bath)

· Overview of Bio-Diesel Production, Acceptance and Utilization
· Overview of Ethanol “From Fields to Fuel”
· Wind Energy – New Potentials for Rural Communities
· Biomass Production and Utilization
· How Renewable Energy Production Can Be an Essential Component of Better Farm Policy

These presentations all tie together and we encourage participants to enjoy the day. If you can only come for part of the program that’s okay too. Lunch will be available at $5 per person. To make a lunch reservation please call CCE – Steuben County at 607-664-2300 by Friday, March 31, 2006. Sub choices are roast beef, ham, Italian, and turkey.

This workshop is open to farmers, rural businesses and area residents, the press and electronic news media, and anyone interested in energy and agricultural policy. Sponsored by American Corn Growers Association in cooperation with Farm Aid, National Farmers Organization, South Dakota Corn Utilization Council, National Biodiesel Board, American Coalition for Ethanol, Agricultural Policy Analysis Center, New York Farm Bureau and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung, Schuyler, and Steuben Counties.

For more information please contact Carl Albers at 607-664-2309.

Renewable Energy for Homeowners

Cornell Cooperative Extension and the New York Farm Bureau will host “Renewable Energy for Homeowers” on Monday, April 3, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at the Civil Defense Center, Route 54, Bath, NY.

Topics include “Introduction to Pellet Stoves and the Fuels They Use, Jerry Keeler, Pellet Stove Owner, and Small Wind and Solar Systems, Farm and Residential Net Metering, and Renewable Energy Incentives for New York Residents, Roy Butler, Four Winds Renewable Energy. This workshop is open to area residents, local businesses, farmers and others interested in learning more about renewable energy options for homes, rural businesses and farms.

For more information please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension
at 607-664-2300.

Introduction to Farming Workshop
Establishing a farm or farm business

Cornell Cooperative Extension will offer an Introduction to Farming workshop Saturday March 25th at the Civil Defense Center, Route 54, in Bath. This workshop will address the ins and outs of establishing a farm or farm business.

Topics to be covered include: business planning basics, Ag districts, how to become a “farm”, farm taxes, building exemptions, and much more. Break out sessions for those interested in Natural Resources (includes forestry, tree fruits, small fruits, gardening, ect) and livestock (poultry, goats, beef, ect) will provide general management tips and address the rules and regulations for various agriculture enterprises.

Registration begins at 9:30am. The General Session will start promptly at 10:00 am followed by break out sessions from 11:00 – Noon. Registration is required by March 22. When you register please specify your farming interest (vegetables, fruit, beef, goats, ect). Cost to attend is $10 per person ($5 for each additional person from the same family). This fee includes morning refreshments and handouts. For more information or to register contact CCE at 607-664-2300.

Dairy Princess & Ambassadors Sought for Steuben County

The Steuben County Dairy Promotion Committee is looking for candidates to be the 2006 Steuben County Dairy Princess. Candidates must be a resident of Steuben County between the ages of 16 and 24, never been married, nor had a child. She must be the daughter of a dairy farmer, farm employee, agribusiness employee or be personally affiliated with the dairy industry through 4-H or FFA. The primary role of the Dairy Princess is to increase the consumption and sale of fluid milk and dairy products through public appearances, public education, and providing nutrition information to consumers.

We are also seeking girls ages 11-16 for the non-competitive Dairy Ambassador position. Dairy Ambassadors assist the dairy princess in carrying out her duties, and educate and train future promoters.

There will be an orientation meeting for all interested candidates and their parents at the Steuben County Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Bath, March 21 at 6:00pm. If you are interested in becoming a Dairy Princess or Ambassador and want more information please contact Kerri Bartlett at 607-664-2311 or Stacey Deebs at 607-368-0078 or the current Dairy Princess Megan O’Brien at 607-225-4413.

Applications sought for 2006 Dairy of Distinction Award

The New York Dairy of Distinction Program invites interested farms to apply for this year’s Dairy of Distinction award from the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program. Applications must be submitted by April 15.

The award is based on the idea that attractive farmsteads enhance consumer confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales and public support for the dairy industry. Roadside judging will take place in May. Winning farms will be notified in June, and will receive an 18 by 24 inch Dairy of Distinction sign to display in front of their farm.

Since 1984, NY’s Dairy of Distinction Program has recognized more than 1200 dairy farms. New York is part of the Northeast Dairy Farm Beautification Program, which also includes Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Vermont.

For more information or to obtain an application contact Kerri at 607-664-2311 or get the application from CCE’s website www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben.

Calf Feeder’s Workshop

Cornell Cooperative Extension will host a three-day calf feeder’s workshop March 16, 21, and 23 in Schuyler County. This three day series is designed to give persons with calf care responsibilities practical, hands-on information that will improve their skills and in turn improve calf health and growth. The three sessions will focus on calf health, common calfhood illnesses, calf nutrition, and post weaning nutrition and care. Each day will consist of a two hour classroom session followed by a two hour hands-on demonstration session at a local dairy farm. On-farm demonstrations will include dehorning, tail docking, injection sites, drawing blood, and much more. All participants will receive a calf care kit which includes a thermometer, stethoscope, calf weigh tape, and several handouts and laminated charts. Local Veterinarians, Cornell University Staff, and Industry representatives will be involved with teaching the classroom sessions and on-farm demonstrations.

The classes will be held at the Rural Urban Center in Montour Falls from 10:00am – 3:00pm. Cost to attend is $50 per person (this includes the calf kit, handouts, and three lunches). Registration is required by March 1st. Class size is limited, therefore early registration is advised. To register or for more information contact CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300.

Support Cooperative Extension’s 4-H cookie and candy sale

BATH – “C” is for cookie and it’s Cookie Monster season at Cooperative Extension! Soft and Chewy Chocolate Chip…Peanut Butter Patties…Mint Patties…Coconut Crème Sandwiches…Chip Chip Cremes…Lemon Crisps…Frosted Oatmeal…Fudge Graham Squares…Raspberry Flips…and Sugar or Fudge Covered Wafers. Yummy! Cookies are still just $3.50 per box, and candy bars (four varieties) are $1.00 each.

The annual 4-H cookie and candy sale is an important fundraiser for both Steuben County 4-H Clubs and the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County 4-H/Youth Development Program. Profits are split between clubs and the county 4-H Activity Fund. Club profits can be used for club projects, field trips, recreational events, awards, and more. The cookie sale (along with the cheese sale in the fall) helps support the county 4-H Activity Fund which includes costs for award trips such as Capital Days, New York City Career Exploration, Citizenship-Washington Focus, Royal Winter Fair Trip, Agri-Business Career, Public Presentation Trip, Career Exploration at Cornell University, Junior Award Trip and others.

4-H Club members will be taking orders through Monday, March 13 with delivery scheduled after Thursday, April 6. To locate a club near you, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300, or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben.

Steuben 4-H Program collects for hurricane victims

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County Educators Loree Symonds, left, and Nancy Torp, right, prepare the donated clothing for shipping to Mississippi.

Steuben County 4-H has come through again for those less fortunate. In fact, our 4-H program is one of only five New York counties that came through for our compatriots in the south.

In early December, the New York State 4-H office received an urgent plea from the Mississippi 4-H office, asking for donations of winter clothing for children, toddler through teen, that were left with nothing after the ravages of Hurricane Katrina. Over 2500 winter coats alone were needed for just one school to fend off the nippy winter weather in the Gulf Coast area.

Morris Houston, coordinator of the project in the south, stated that, "as warm as the coast is in the summer, winters are cold and the wind and moisture magnify the discomfort. Children are sitting in makeshift class rooms shivering through the day and then go home to small FEMA trailers and, in some cases, tents."

The Steuben County 4-H staff implemented a "Keep the Chill off Mississippi" drive that has, so far, collected more than 100 coats, hats, sweaters, and gloves. Nancy Torp, 4-H program leader, also made a request to local churches in Hammondsport who responded with an abundance of items.

Some of the items collected needed minor repairs and cleaning. Loree Symonds and Nancy Torp took many pieces of clothing home to replace zippers, mend seams, sew on buttons, and wash loads of clothing so it would be immediately ready for the children of Mississippi.

Items are still being taken in the office and will be shipped to Mississippi as they come in. Thanks to the generosity of Steuben County 4-H, children who reside in the Gulf Coast will be more appropriately dressed for the harsh winter.

2006 Crop Symposium

BATH – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County will hold the 2006 Crop Symposium on Monday, February 20, 2006 at the Civil Defense Center in Bath from 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. New York State-Department of Environmental Conservation Pesticide Certification Credits will be available to those who attend.

Program includes pelleting grass, alfalfa-grass cutting guidelines, tillage options, field crop weed control, and nozzle technology for field crops. Presenters include Jerry Cherney and Russell Hahn, Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, and Michael Helms, Pesticide Management Education Program, all from Cornell University; and Gary Streader, Unverferth Territory Manager for the Northeastern USA.

Reservations for lunch @ $5 per person are appreciated. Please call 607-664-2300 by Thursday, February 16 and indicate a choice of Ham, Italian, Tuna, and Turkey.

This past year, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County’s connection to the Cornell Wide-Area Network (WAN) was upgraded to a full T-1. Now, thanks to NYS Legislative Initiative Funding secured by Senator George Winner and Assemblyman Jim Bacalles, Cooperative Extension will be able to provide videoconferencing and distance learning opportunities to the people of Steuben County using equipment that will be installed in our offices in the Steuben County Office Building. The PolyCom videoconferencing unit that will be purchased using funding from this initiative will provide Cooperative Extension and our audiences with the capacity to participate in meetings, attend workshops, receive training, observe demonstrations, and even take courses that originate from Cornell University, at other Cornell Cooperative Extension offices, or from any similarly-equipped site around the world.

Thanks to a previous intiative by Congressman Kuhl (then our State Senator) and the current initiative by State Senator Winner and State Assemblyman Bacalles, videoconferencing will be available in both the Chemung and Steuben County Cooperative Extension offices. This represents a significant advance in the implementation of broadband communications technology for the communities of the central Southern Tier of New York. We look forward to creatively developing this new capacity to the benefit of families and communities in Steuben County.

School Health Index Conference
will introduce educators to new federal mandates

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County announces the School Health Index Conference for area school districts to be held on December 7, 2005 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Bath Presbyterian Church. The purpose is to help schools begin the process of complying with the new federal requirement for foodservice programs to adopt a wellness policy by the beginning of the 2006-2007 school year. The conference is hosted by The Community Health & Wellness Network, of which CCE-Steuben is a member.

The Conference will explain the new mandates including why they are important, who needs to comply and when it must be completed. School districts that have established a wellness committee and implemented the school health index will mentor those new to the information. A hands-on activity to help participants become familiar with the process will be led by trained professionals. The event will end with lunch, questions and networking.

A school’s wellness policy must include:
Goals for nutrition, education, physical activity and other school-based activities designed to promote student wellness.
Nutrition guidelines for all food available on each school campus with objectives of promoting student health and reducing childhood obesity.
A plan for measuring implementation of the wellness policy.
Involvement of parents, students, representatives of the school food authority, the school board, school administrators, and the public in the development of the policy.
Schools must identify the strengths and weaknesses of their policies and programs for promoting health and safety and develop an action plan for improvement. Completing the School Health Index can become one of the school’s important No Child Left Behind educational reform activities. The Conference will supply each district with information on how to access the School Health Index Tool as well as provide a base knowledge on how to implement this process.

Registrations are $20 per person (non-refundable) and due by November 4, 2005 to: S2ay Network, Attn: Andrea Haradon, PO Box 97, Corning, NY 14830. Questions can be directed to Lorellie Clark at 607-664-2438.

Got bears? Here’s a few neigh‘bear’ly tips…

Have you encountered a black bear, New York’s largest carnivore and second largest animal, in your back yard? It’s a more common occurrence than ever before. But do you know why? Or what to do to lessen your chance of meeting one?

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County is offering a fun, family program featuring “Bears in the Backyard,” an educational program, dinner and auction on November 15, 2005 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Bath Country Club. The public is invited to learn more about the nearly 8,000 bear roaming almost every county in the Empire State and increasing human-bear conflicts.

The program's speaker will be Greg Fuerst from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) Bureau of Wildlife. NYSDEC has developed a new framework for making decisions about black bear management. In addition, Cornell University researchers created a pilot program in cooperation with NYSDEC and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Wildlife Damage Management Program to educate people in eastern New York about black bear problems and how to avoid them.

"Trends in the black bear population and potential consequences of bear-human interactions are emerging issues for the Southern Tier as well," says Tom Tomsa, CCE-Steuben Executive Director. "On the lighter side, bears appeal to a broad spectrum of interests and provide an entertaining theme to this event."

The evening will include a silent auction during the opening social hour and an exciting live auction later in the program. There will be numerous ways to win interesting bear items, outdoor equipment and local services. Proceeds of the auction will benefit Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County which serves Steuben residents with free education on a variety of topics including agriculture, family management, youth development and healthy nutrition. CCE-Steuben’s mission is to help people improve their lives and communities through our connection to Cornell University expertise.

The Social Hour and Silent Auction begin at 6:00 p.m. followed at 7:00 p.m. with dinner and the live auction. The program will begin at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person ($10.00 for ages 12 and under) and are available at the CCE-Steuben office, 3 East Pulteney Square, Bath. Reservations are requested by calling 664-2300 by November 8.

The Big Red Cornell bear mascot will join guests for the event. Come get your picture taken with the bear and enjoy a fun evening bidding for bear-related items and many fine local products. Then let the experts entertain you with the bear facts. For more information contact CCE-Steuben at 664-2300 or visit www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben. Donations for the auction are welcome.

Four Steuben County 4-H members are selected
to compete in national contests

Four Steuben County 4-H members have earned a chance to represent New York State and Steuben County at national 4-H contests this fall.
Whitney Dennis, Dairy Characters 4-H Club, will be a member of the New York State Dairy Judging Team that will compete in the National Dairy Judging Contest at the World Dairy Expo in Madison, Wisconsin on October 3;
Katherine Pruyn, Loon Lake Raiders 4-H Club, will be participating in the Horse Communications Individual Presentation Contest at the Eastern National 4-H Horse Roundup in Louisville, KY on November 5;
Sean Schubmehl, Southern Tier Livestock 4-H Club, will be a member of the New York State Livestock Skillathon Team that will compete in the National Livestock Skillathon Contest on November 14 in Lousiville, KY.

Dennis placed first in the “A” Division at the New York State Fair 4-H Dairy Judging Contest which qualified her to participate in the national contest. She has competed her tenth year in the Steuben County 4-H Program and has completed extensive dairy projects as well as goat, rabbit and public presentations. Dennis, the daughter of Lorri and Rick Dennis, is a freshman at Alfred State College. She has been active in dairy judging and dairy quiz bowl and has exhibited her cattle at the New York State Fair and various other shows. Dennis is also active in the Allegany-Steuben Jr. Holstein Club. In 2002, she was a participant of the New York State 4-H Dairy Judging Team that competed at the Pennsylvania All-American Dairy Show in Harrisburg, in 2003 she was a member of the New York State Dairy Quiz Bowl Team that competed in Louisville, KY, and in 2004 she was a member of the New York State 4-H Livestock Skillathon Team that competed in the National Livestock Skillathon Contest in Louisville, Kentucky.

Pruyn participated in the New York State Horse Communications Contest held at Cornell University on May 7 and placed first out of 31 participants with her presentation, “The American Saddlebred” which qualified her to participate in the national contest. The daughter of Gary and Elaine Pruyn, Pruyn is a second semester sophomore at Niagara University where she is majoring in Pre-Law Political Science. She has completed her eighth and final year as a Steuben County 4-H member. Pruyn has been active in the Steuben County Horse Program, participating in the New York State Horse Communications Contest for the past six years and the New York State Fair 4-H Horse Show driving division for the past seven years. She has also participated in the Regional Hippology Contest.

Schubmehl placed third in the Senior Division of the 4-H Livestock Skillathon Contest at the New York State Fair which qualified him to participate in the national contest. He has completed his seventh year in the Steuben County 4-H Program and is a member of the Willing Workers 4-H Club. Schubmehl has completed numerous swine, sheep, beef, goat, food and nutrition, sewing, vegetable gardening, flower gardening, public presentations and community service projects. The son of John and Linda Schubmehl, he is a sophomore at Wayland-Cohocton Central School. Schubmehl is active in the Livestock Judging and Livestock Skillathon program. He has exhibited swine at the New York State Fair, and various other 4-H projects have been exhibited in the youth building. He was also a participant in the 2004 New York State Fair Clothing Revue Program.

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. It is the largest out-of-school youth education program in the United States. In New York State
4-H is the youth development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension, linking the resources of Cornell University to young people. The program creates supportive learning environments in which diverse youth and adults reach their fullest potential as capable, competent, and caring citizens. For more information on 4-H youth programming, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County at 664-2300 or visit www.cce.cornell.edu/steuben.

Annual Meeting topic centers on healthy wine

“Reservatrol: New York’s Contribution to Health” was the keynote topic at the Steuben CCE Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 18 at the Bath Country Club.

Dr. Leroy Creasy, a Professor of Pomology/Fruit and Vegetable Science at Cornell University for 35 years, delivered the keynote address. He led the research to determine how red wine might be responsible for reduced rates of heart disease among the French. His research isolated a compound called reservatrol, which is produced by grapes to fight fungi, and has been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease and certain types of cancer.

Following his retirement in 1999, Creasy began farming full time as well as serving on the Scientific Advisory Board of the California Table Grape Commission. He is also continuing research aimed at affecting the concentration of reservatrol in grapes to increase the content in New York wines.

In his studies, Creasy has found that red wines from the Finger Lakes, made from pinot noir grapes, have the highest reservatrol levels in the world, because the grapes produce it to fight again the fungi resulting from the humid summers in this area.

Above, top: CCE-Steuben Educator Carl Albers, CCE-Steuben Board President Paul Wolcott and CCE-Steuben Executive Director Tom Tomsa.

Above, bottom: CCE-Steuben Executive Director Tom Tomsa, Steuben County Legislator Robert Nichols, CCE-Steuben Board President Paul Wolcott, and Steuben County Legislator Don Creath.