Events & Activities - The New York Farm Bureau Lobby Day and Reception in Albany. - March 3, 2003

Beef Producers, apple growers, wineries, dairy farmers, even maple syrup operators set up displays in the Well of the Legislative Office Building and offered tasty samples, an annual NY Farm Bureau effort to reach legislators with their concerns. Some of the top issues this year include an extended Southern Tier deer season to curb overpopulation; adding water and juice containers to the bottle deposit law; sale of NY wines in grocery stores; and Congressional reauthorization of the Northeast Dairy Compact with NY included. (l-r) Tom Cogger and Don Homer from Westchester. Senator Hoffmann. Carl and Doris Brink from Tioga County. New York Farm Bureau FFA District President David Leonard and Amber Twennimen. They told Senator Hoffmann their maple syrup operation is going very well, although heavy snow cover slowed down operations and uncooperative temperatures dropped production to 110 gallons versus the normal 200. Senator Hoffmann sampled some maple cotton candy produced by the FFA at Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Schools. Keith Schiebel (c) is the Faculty Advisor and Sharon Judge is one of the hardworking young entrepreneurs. Sharon Judge and Nathan Williams show off the signs they use to promote their agritourism business. The FFA at Vernon-Vernona-Sherrill schools won a grant from Senator Hoffmann's Agritourism and Education Program to pave their driveway and parking area so it is easier for retail customers and tour groups to visit and shop. Bradd Vickers, President of the Chenango County Farm Bureau; Senator Hoffmann; Georgianna Rowe, Intern and Young Farmer Rancher Chair; and seated is District 5 Promotion and Education Chair, Rainy Collins-Vickers. Beef! It's What America Is Having for Dinner. Senator Hoffmann dons an apron to help NY Beef Producers Phil Towbridge and Doug Carver serve a plate of meatballs to her Chief of Staff, Sarkis Harootunian. Return to Events Listing