December 2009 News & Views
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Dr. A. Richard Bonanno Elected MFBF President
Dr. Rich Bonanno was elected President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation at the 90th Annual Meeting of the MFBF. Ninety-six voting delegates represented the eleven counties that make up the Federation. Ed Davidian of Northborough was elected Vice President. Wayne Smith of Abington was re-elected to the Budget Committee and David Mann of Buzzards Bay was re-elected Director At Large. John Dougherty of Hanover was elected as a new Director at Large.
The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation advocates for agriculture, aquaculture, and forestry interests before the Massachusetts legislature and executive agencies, while assisting members with municipal issues. MFBF is more than 6500 members strong, an effective and authoritative source of food safety and sustainability information and a strong, clear voice acting on issues including economic viability, property rights taxation, land use planning, labor laws and farmland preservation.
Dr. Bonanno is highly qualified for the position having served as Vice President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation for the past eight years. He is the owner and operator of Pleasant Valley Gardens of Methuen where he raises potted flowering plants, bedding plants, vegetable transplants and grows fifty acres of fresh market vegetables that he wholesales to supermarket chains and roadside stands within the Boston area.
Dr. Bonanno is involved with many organizations including:
Past President, New England Vegetable & Berry Growers
Past President, New England Council for Plant Protection
Past President, Northeastern Weed Science Society
Chair, Weed Science Society of America Science Policy Committee
Public Member, Massachusetts Pesticide Board
Member EPA Farm, Ranch, and Rural Communities Committee
Dr. Bonanno received his B.S. and M.S. degrees from Cornell University and his Ph.D. in Plant Physiology from Oregon State University. Prior to returning to the family farm in 1989, he was a tenured professor at North Carolina State University.
Dr. Bonanno is a Senior Extension Specialist at the University of Massachusetts Extension responsible for vegetable and small fruit weed management. Dr. Bonanno is also an Adjunct Professor, Department of Plant, Soil and Insect Science at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His responsibilities also include food safety issues. He holds multiple scholarly and professional memberships and honors.
The MFBF Mission: To protect the rights, encourage the growth and be of service to our members in the best interest of agriculture.
Gordon Price of Essex County Farm Bureau proclaimed, “It is the spirit of Farm Bureau to encourage leadership, Dr. Bonanno is willing, able and capable.” Please welcome Dr. Rich Bonanno to MFBF in his new position.
Consider a Donation to MA Agriculture in the Classroom
The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation continues to strongly support the efforts of the volunteer organization “Massachusetts Agriculture In The Classroom, Inc. (MAC)”, and encourages our members to consider a contribution to this worthy cause. MAC has a successful track record of delivering lessons on agriculture to classrooms throughout the state.
Since 1994, MAC has awarded “mini-grants” to teachers for agriculture-related classroom projects. A total of $183,188 has been awarded in 232 grants spread throughout schools across the state of Massachusetts. In fact, the county-by-county breakdown shows just how every region of Massachusetts has benefited from the mini-grants:
Berkshire (13) $12,300
Bristol (16) $14,620
Cape & Islands (17) $14,628
Essex (10) $ 6,237
Franklin (23) $18,434
Hampden (11) $ 7,230
Hampshire (20) $17,144
Middlesex (37) $26,472
Norfolk (11) $ 6,625
Plymouth (29) $22,585
Suffolk (16) $14,725
Worcester (29) $22,188
Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom has focused their recent efforts on teacher training, on teacher training, curriculum development and a widely-distributed newsletter to better inform teachers (and therefore students) about the importance of local agriculture. They have conducted a graduate course in conjunction with Fitchburg State College that has been well received.
A lot is accomplished with a modest annual operating budget of $65,000 but further support in the form of financial contributions is necessary to continue the mission of MAC. Your contribution can be mailed to Massachusetts Agriculture in the Classroom, Inc., c/o Debi Hogan, P.O.Box 345, Seekonk, MA 02771. ◊
2009 Gregory Finn Scholarship winner
Jessica Hunt is the daughter of George and Christina Hunt of Orange, MA. The family owns and operates a dairy farm milking 100 head of registered Holstein cattle. Growing up Jessica always knew that she wanted to stay involved in agriculture and is currently a Junior at Cornell University majoring in Dairy Science. Jessica ardently believes that if dairy farms are going to survive in Massachusetts, diversification is key to their survival. With this in mind, after graduation Jessica hopes to return home and begin using their farms milk to produce premium ice cream.
Douglas Gillespie, Executive Director
Once again it is a pleasure to report on the state of Massachusetts Farm Bureau. Your organization is healthy. Membership has increased, activities are more frequent, and you have a strong and experienced staff working on your behalf
We have done some things right over the years in our efforts on behalf of our members. A focus on business development, environmental stewardship and farm viability has helped Massachusetts once again become a pioneer in US agriculture. Just last week, USDA adjusted their predictions for the 2009 domestic farm economy, predicting a 34 percent decline in farm receipts. In Massachusetts, farmers utilizing value-added and direct marketing tools have seen their receipts increase. Farmstands are doing a brisk business, CSA’s continue to sell out their shares, and the number of farmers markets has doubled in the past 3 years. For the first time in modern history, farmland acreage numbers in Massachusetts have stabilized. In last month’s Boston Globe, Steve Verrill indicated his sales are up 15 percent in one year, and I hear similar success stories every week! Agriculture is truly one of the few “growth sectors” in the Massachusetts economy!
But we cannot be satisfied with past results and rest on those successes. We are seeing an increase of pressures on farmers within their local communities. Boards of Health, in particular, have become obstacles to many farm businesses, whether it be farm-gate raw milk sales, animal regulations, or regulation of farmers market vendors. Local zoning officials continue to be the greatest obstacle to farmers construction of green energy systems such as wind turbines or solar panels on barn roofs.
At the federal level there are many new laws in the works that would cause harm to the vibrant small-scale agriculture that is alive and well in Massachusetts. One size fits all solutions to food safety concerns, health care reform, immigration reform, DOT requirements, clean water regulations, and livestock identification are all threats to our continued success.
Now more than ever we need our membership to participate in our governmental relations efforts at the local level, on Beacon Hill and Capitol Hill. The grass-roots nature of Farm Bureau works only if the grass-roots are motivated to act!
As far as the internal workings of your federation, we need member action as well. We operate on a lean budget, and have improved our cash flow situation by becoming more entreprenureal in our projects. The DCR Working Forests Initiative gives us unbelievable membership growth potential, but we need members to knock on doors or make the phone calls to recruit these forest landowners into our ranks. The administrative overhead that we recover from the state for this project, as well as the MDAR Farm Viability, Agricultural Commission, and Farm-to-School initiatives all help us maintain member services.
You have a tremendous staff in the Ashland office. I am extremely proud that each and every staff member is someone with a passion for Massachusetts agriculture. They come to work each day eager to work for you. They are professional, experienced, competent and incredibly resourceful. American Farm Bureau Federation recently announced that MFBF has been selected for 2009 President’s Awards in the areas of Member Services, Policy Implementation, Public Relations & Information, and Leadership Development. I salute the staff on their achievements! I am proud to have welcomed Kent Lage and Brad Mitchell to the staff this past year. While we miss Nate L’Etoile on staff, he will do great things for agriculture as Assistant Commissioner. But we haven’t missed a beat with Kent and Brad joining the team effort along with Cheryl, John, Joan, Susan, Kerry and Liz. Last January we made another staff move by bringing Liz Smith back on board replacing Mary Ellen Barnatt. I now have full confidence in our membership records, database, and service to the county farm bureaus.
I close with a challenge for the year ahead. Membership growth for Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation is not something on our wish list, it is essential as we move ahead. The financial realities of what it takes to deliver services at the level you deserve dictate that we continue to grow our membership. We came off a fantastic 2008 membership year that saw growth of 10.5 percent, with an adequate year in 2009 as membership grew another 3.5 percent. The 2010 membership year has already seen a substantial increase in regular farmer members, and in particular, Gold Club memberships, but overall membership renewals and new recruits is running behind for the year. You here today are the leadership of Farm Bureau. You are the front line soldiers to sign up new members. If each farmer member went out and signed up one new farmer member, our financial situation would be secure, and we wouldn’t have to draw upon our investments as they recover from the recession.
The tools are there for you! Many counties have created a Student Membership category, Farm Family has provided valuable incentives for both Regular and Associate members. I believe you can sell membership to the small farm operation across town, to the forest landowner who shares our concerns about overzealous land use policies, or the part-time lifestyle farmer who shares our passion for agriculture. Farm Bureau membership has value. Be proud of it and sell it to those around you! The future of YOUR federation depends upon YOUR effort. Let’s make 2010 another winning year for Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation.
In closing, I thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the best job in the world! I love coming to work each day, and I love seeing our efforts making a difference for our members. Thank you, and best wishes to you all. ◊
AFBF Northeast Leadership Conference 2010
The Northeast Leadership Conference is designed to provide leadership training for volunteer leaders of state Farm Bureaus in the northeast. You will find an array of courses volunteers may consider that will help improve their effectiveness in Farm Bureau and at home. All volunteer leaders are welcome, which includes county boards and committee members and state boards and committee members. This conference is going to be held every four years.
Participants will have eight workshops to choose from during each time slot. Please note the County Board Track and State Board Track, which indicate sessions recommended for these groups. Participants should select their first choice with a 1 and their second choice with a 2 for each time slot. We will make every effort to accommodate the first choice. Send your choices to Cheryl Lekstrom, MFBF.
Reservations: Hotel reservations need to be made directly with the Sheraton Harrisburg-Hershey Hotel, 4650 Lindle Road, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania 17111 by February 1. The phone number is 775-356-3446/ 800-843-2427. Room rates will be $138+tax.
Registration Fee: $175 per participant includes: meals, breaks and audio visual throughout the conference (2 dinners, 1 lunch and 1 breakfast) and guest speakers and materials. **Your MFBF Board of Directors has emphasized the importance of this leadership training and will pay your registration fee for you.**
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations prior to the February 1 deadline will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations after February 1 and before February 15 will receive a 50% refund. There will be no refunds after February 15.
If you have any questions please contact me.
Cheryl Lekstrom
Director of Member Relations
Cheryl@mfbf.net
Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation, Inc.
466 Chestnut Street, Ashland MA 01721
508-881-4766
Toll free: 1-866-548-MFBF (6323)
www.mfbf.net◊
American Farm Bureau State Awards 2009
The Massachusetts Farm Bureau received national recognition with four Awards of Excellence in the program areas of:
Leadership Development
Member Services
Policy Implementation
Public Relations & Information
Additionally, the Awards of Excellence earned four AFBF President’s Awards. The President’s Award is presented to quota states that have the highest score within their membership group size and who have earned one or more Awards of Excellence. AFBF will recognize Massachusetts Farm Bureau during the Sunday morning, January 10, awards portion of the general session at the 91st annual meeting of the AFBF in Seattle, WA.
It is only through your great ideas, initiative and participation, that we received these awards. Each and every member of Farm Bureau has a voice in this organization and it is because we listen to each other, reach consensus and take action that these programs become relevant in the work that you do and that we do. Thank you for having the ideas, getting involved and creating the programs for which we’ve been acknowledged. ◊
MASSACHUSETTS FARM BUREAU FEDERATION ANNOUNCES 2009
“DAIRY FARMS OF DISTINCTION BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS”
Twenty-eight (28) Massachusetts dairy farms were honored by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation for achievement in the Dairy Farms of Distinction Beautification Program. Ceremonies were held at the Farm Bureau’s annual meeting on December 3, 2009 in Hyannis, Massachusetts before a large banquet crowd. These farms are geographically spread throughout Massachusetts.
Massachusetts benefits greatly from the local supply of wholesome fresh dairy products. Dairy farms preserve open spaces with their pastoral scene of well-kept fields, grazing cows, and endless stonewalls. The unique farmsteads support the New England tourism industry. More and more non-farm residents are coming to realize the value of local foods and the valuable asset the dairy farms are to their communities. They are joining efforts to keep the dairy farms they have.
The 6,500 member Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation represents farmers involved with a variety of commodities. The Dairy Farms of Distinction Beautification program was begun to recognize those dairymen whose farmsteads add to the scenic beauty of our state.
By enhancing the pictorial image of local dairy farms, farmers increase the support of their non-farm neighbors, their revenues and remain a desirable asset to their communities and the state.
We would like to thank the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources for their continued support and this year’s judging.
Scoring for farm operations represented half of the points accumulated and included appearance of the animals together with evidence of a sound health program. Buildings and Grounds/Surroundings each represented another quarter of the scoring.
The extensive schedule of judging started in August and ran through November. The 28 farms being honored achieved a final scoring of at least 85 percent using the judging scorecard. Not all farms that applied received this prestigious designation. Recipients receive a beautiful dated sign for display, a certificate of achievement, and recognition at the MFBF Annual meeting. This year’s recognition included a slide show presentation with photographs submitted by the honorees. Those in attendance received medals.
Applications for the Massachusetts “2011 Dairy Farm of Distinction Beautification” program are being accepted now with judging to take place June through August of 2010.
More information on this program and other Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation programs are available from Cheryl Lekstrom, Director of Member Relations, 508-881-4766, MFBF, 466 Chestnut Street, Ashland, MA 01721. Or visit, www.massfarmbureau.com.
Honorees, listed by county are as follows:
BERKSHIRE COUNTY
Balsam Hill Farm, Sheffield
Broadlawn Farm, Adams
Cricket Creek Farm, Williamstown
Gould Farm, Monterey
Hales Hill, LLC, Adams
Proctors Bel-Air Farm, Great Barrington
BRISTOL COUNTY
Bristol County Ag High School, Dighton
Santos Brothers, Westport
ESSEX COUNTY
Dunajski Dairy, Inc., Peabody
Richardson Farms, Inc., Middleton
FRANKLIN COUNTY
Deerfield Farm, South Deerfield
Gould Maple Farm, Inc., Shelburne
Mt. Toby Farm, Sunderland
Coombs Hill Farm, Colrain
Hunt Farm, Orange
Craig Avery, Colrain
HAMPDEN COUNTY
Rogers Farm, Brimfield
HAMPSHIRE COUNTY
Longview Farm, Hadley
Mapleline Farm, Hadley
MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Carlile Farmstead Cheese, Carlisle
Shaw Farm Dairy, Dracut
NORFOLK COUNTY
Crescent Ridge Dairy, Sharon
Lawton’s Farm, Foxboro
WORCESTER COUNTY
Jordan Dairy Farm, Rutland
Robinson Farm, Hardwick
Schultz Farm Dairy, Rutland
Whittier Farms, Inc., Sutton
Stillman Dairy Farm, Lunenburg
Late blight Management
The 2009 gardening season will be remembered for the widespread outbreak of late blight, Phytophthora infestans, in tomato and potatoes throughout New England. As the season draws to a close, it is time for gardeners to take steps to prevent this disease from surviving the winter, and to prepare for a healthy crop next year.
Will late blight survive the winter?
The fungus Phytophthora infestans needs live tissue to survive. Potato tubers that are infected with late blight and don’t freeze or decay during the winter can carry the pathogen over the winter to next spring. Tubers can survive in several ways:
-Left in the ground at harvest, down several inches in the soil.
-Disposed of in a compost pile that does not fully decompose and does not freeze.
-Disposed of in a large pile of culled potatoes which does not freeze completely.
-Kept in storage until late winter, and then put outside in spring.
-Purchased for home use, and then disposed of (in compost or cull pile, as above)
Potatoes that freeze or fully decompose will not carry the pathogen over winter.
Tomatoes will not carry late blight over the winter, because freezing kills the whole plant. Tomato seed, even from fruit that was infected with late blight, will not carry the pathogen. Thus you can use your own seed or purchase seed to start next year’s crop without fear of late blight. Certain perennial weeds can become infected with late blight, but none of their aboveground tissues live through the winter. Greenhouses where tomatoes were grown could allow survival only if they never freeze and the crop lives all winter. Late blight will not survive on tomato stakes and cages. In some parts of the world, late blight has two ‘mating types’ (the fungal equivalent of male and female) which can produce long-lasting ‘oospores’ that survive independently. So far,only one mating type has been found in the Northeast so we do not expect oo
spores to be present.
Fall garden cleanup
In mid-summer, when our major concern was preventing spread of late blight on windborne
spores, we recommended that gardeners put infected vines in the trash or pile them under a
tarp to kill them. Many gardeners responded and diligently bagged up their infected crop. In the
fall our goal is different. Now, we want to encourage decomposition of the crop residue. This is
mainly to reduce other diseases such as early blight and Septoria leaf spot that may overwinter in the residue in or on the soil. Incorporate vines and leaves into the soil by digging or rototilling.
The soil environment speeds decay. Composting also works, but try to build a pile with a mix of
green and dry inputs so it will heat up (decomposition releases heat!), and turn it at least once to
mix and aerate the pile and keep it heating till fully decomposed. If you harvest potatoes, try to
do a thorough job – recognizing that it’s nearly
impossible to get every last one.
Harvest and storage
Healthy tomato fruit from infected plants may be used right away or stored till use. Tomato flavor is best preserved above 50 degrees F, though this may also allow late blight and other disease symptoms to develop after harvest. Late blight produces large, greenish brown greasy-appearing spots that cover part or all of the fruit. These are firm, not soft. Under the skin, tissue is discolored. For all fruit, wash before using to remove dirt, microbes, or any fungicide residue that might be present. On potato tubers, late blight causes a shallow, granular reddishbrown dry rot that invades the flesh in an irregular fashion. These infections may open the way to bacterial soft rot, which breaks down the whole tuber into a gooey, smelly mess. Other tuber diseases that may be confused with late blight include pink eye and Fusarium dry rot. Black scurf (caused by Rhizoctonia solani) causes small, hard, black, raised structures on the surface – ‘the dirt that won’t wash off’. Not every tuber problem is caused by late blight!
Dig potatoes at least two weeks after vines die down or are killed by mowing. This allows skins to harden. Dig when soil conditions are relatively dry, and avoid bruises and cuts as much as possible, as they allow entry of pathogens and increase moisture loss. A curing period when tubers are held in darkness at 50--60 degrees F and RH 95%, with good air circulation for 10-20 days will cause wounds to heal and will help prolong good quality in storage. Potatoes with late blight, soft rot, or Pythium leak may break down under these curing conditions and these should be graded out. Then, cool tubers to a storage temperature of around 40-45 degrees F (and 95 % RH if possible). Avoid exposure to light, which causes greening and makes tubers unsafe to eat. During fall and winter, dispose of any diseased potatoes tubers by feeding to livestock, placing in an active, heating compost pile, spreading sparingly on the soil surface where they will freeze, burying deeply in the soil (too deep to sprout in spring), or placing in the trash.
Human health concerns
It’s common for home gardeners to cut out the diseased section of a potato or tomato, and
eat the healthy part. This is as safe to do with late blight as with other common diseases such as anthracnose or early blight. Late blight is a plant pathogen, not a pathogen of people or animals. It does not produce any toxins in infected tissue. For home canning or storage, select only healthy fruit and tubers.
What to do next spring?
Tomatoes: Select disease-resistant varieties for at least some of your crop, and buy
disease-free seed. ‘Mountain Magic’, ‘Plum Regal’, and ‘Legend’ are three varieties with
resistance or tolerance to late blight. Growing your own transplants or purchasing from a
reputable grower will ensure a healthy start to the season. Inspect all transplants for stem, petiole cankers or leaf blight before planting.
Potatoes: If you had late blight symptoms in your garden, do not save tubers as seed to be
planted next spring. Purchase certified disease-free potato seed from a reputable source, and ask your supplier about their source of seed and if it was inspected in the field for late blight. In the
spring (April – June), inspect last year’s potato plot and any compost or cull piles for volunteer potato plants that might come up. If you find potato plants, pull them out and put them in the trash or destroy them. If tubers were infected and survive, then the late blight could grow upward from the tuber, infecting the stem and producing spores when weather conditions are favorable. These spores could then disperse to other tomato and potato plants. For both crops, provide good soil fertility, water drainage, air circulation, and use cultural practices to provide what the crop needs for healthy growth. During the growing season, pay attention to weather conditions and pest alerts to learn about whether late blight has been observed in New England, and what actions you need to take
to protect your crop. ◊
-- by Ruth Hazzard, University of Massachusetts Extension Vegetable Program
Massachusetts Producers Should Leverage Available Risk Management Resources
Abraham Maslow said, “If the only tool you have is a hammer, you tend to see every problem as a nail.” Sometimes it’s easy to drop into a rut when it comes to problem solving on our farms. We tend to use the same marketing approaches, the same management techniques, and with our employees (and kids), the same stories of why we do things in certain ways.
When it comes to risk management, most farmers tend to get pretty comfortable in their well-defined rut. For example, every year a producer may contract part of the farm’s production to the same buyer; or, the producer may participate in the same crop insurance programs at the same old coverage level; or, the producer might employ the same tried and tested management practices year after year. Many of these approaches work – that’s why we use them. Unfortunately, when some new problem arises, our hypothetical producer may be fresh out of ideas for how to address it.
As we work through these winter months, producers should budget a little extra time to focus on expanding their risk management toolkit. For example, a producer could meet with a crop insurance agent for a check up on new and/or changed crop insurance programs. Or, a producer could complete a new marketing plan or improve the farm’s operating budget or work on a management succession plan.
The USDA’s Risk Management Agency (RMA) offers a range of resources to help producers discover new ways of managing the diverse risks that threaten farming operations.
One new resource is RMA’s Farm Risk Planning Tool located at http://www.Farm-Risk-Plans.USDA.gov. This tool allows
producers to complete a risk management checklist, identify their enterprise’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats, and explore a wealth of risk management information. The tool features four modules (Risk Management Planning, Better Marketing Planning, New Enterprise Planning, and the Farm Planning Library) and was developed by farmers, Extension educators, risk management education consultants, and RMA professionals.
RMA’s website (http://www.rma.usda.gov) offers numerous publications describing the structure, operation, and benefits of Federal crop insurance programs (http://www.rma.usda.gov/pubs/). Many additional risk management publications are available online at the RMA-funded Ag Risk Education Library (http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/). The library features one new and especially timely series called Ag in Uncertain Times (http://www.agrisk.umn.edu/aginuncertaintimes.aspx). Finally, many Extension websites offer excellent resources, including crop budgets, Excel-based decision support tools, and personal assistance with specific production and marketing issues.
Whatever resources you choose to employ, please take a brief break from sawing and take a moment to sharpen the saw; your farm will thank you.
Custom Ag Solutions works with RMA to educate Massachusetts producers about Federal Crop Insurance Programs. To locate a crop insurance agent or obtain information about risk management and RMA’s Federal Crop Insurance Programs, please visit www.RMA.USDA.gov or www.MassAgRisk.com. Custom Ag Solutions at 877-227-8094. ◊
2009 John Ogonowski Award Winners
Rhett Proctor accepts the John Ogonowski Member of the Year 2009 Award on behalf of his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Proctor of Bel-Air Farm, Great Barrington. This award recognized The Proctor family for their distinguished service to Farm Bureau and the agricultural community at large. Upon acceptance of the award, Rhett humbly acknowledged that his parents strive daily to do what is right for their family, farm and the
MFBF Outstanding Farm Family Insurance Agents
were given the opportunity to nominate their agent or agents for the Outstanding Farm Family Insurance Agent of the Year because everyone benefits when agents and county Farm Bureau leadership have opportunities to work together and learn from each other. This award recognizes individual agents for their outstanding contributions, qualitatively and quantitatively, and for serving the needs of farmers, Farm Bureau, and the agribusiness community.
For Outstanding Service, Francis E. (Frank) Bingham of Norfolk County. Frank has been a Farm Family agent for 38 years. Frank lives his motto: “Attitude is everything.” According to Bob Parish, “Frank promotes Farm Bureau everywhere he goes. Frank is a driving force in Norfolk county increasing membership beyond the recommended quota. Above all, Frank is loved and respected throughout Norfolk County.” Frank was presented with a perpetual award and a personal award to keep and display.
For Exceptional Service, Diane L. Mason of Hampden County was recognized. Diane is everywhere all the time, attending commodity meetings, hosting seminars and attending Farm Bureau board meetings to enlighten the membership on issues and upcoming changes. According to Muriel Boisseau, “Diane always greets people with a pleasant smile, is easy to talk to and never gets upset.” This year Diane purchased a phone and publicized a phone number so that her clients could reach her or her designee 24/7/365 to assist with emergencies. Diane was presented with an award to display.
For Outstanding Membership Enrollment, Cheryl A. Loranger of Bristol County was recognized. Cheryl has a way of knowing and anticipating the needs of her clients and communicating this to them in a way that they can understand. This award acknowledged her for outstanding quantitative contributions and anticipating the needs of her County Farm Bureau. Cheryl who presented with an award to display.
All Farm Family agents in attendance were thanked and acknowledged for their outstanding service to our members. ◊
The Women’s Committee is on a Quest to Identify Century Farms.
The Women’s Committee of the MFBF is updating the “Century Farms” booklet “Family Farms Rooted in History.” This booklet was last issued in 2000 – with updating every ten years, making 2010 our target date for the latest issue.
If your farm is 100 years or more, please fill out the following form and return it to the women’s committee. We are also searching for farms that have now reached the century farm status. Please let the Women’s Committee know if your farm or a neighboring farm has reached this milestone. We want to include as many farms as possible.
Below is the outline to be used in updating our 100 plus year old farms for the new issue. We really appreciate your taking the time to give us this information. We are very pleased to be taking on this project.
Farm name, town:
Current address:
Owner:
Crops/Products:
Current Acreage:
History:
Previous Owner:
Founder of Farm:
Original size (acreage):
Original crops/products:
Interesting Facts:
Please include the following contact information. This information will not be given out or printed.
Name, address, telephone, email.
Send completed form to: Joyce Ripley, Chair, MFBF Women’s Committee, 794 Beech Hill Rd., Blandford MA 01008, 413-357-8829 or Kerry Reynolds, MFBF, 466 Chestnut St., Ashland, MA
Dowse Orchards kicks off Holiday Season with donation of apples to The Greater
Boston Food Bank.
Sherborn, MA: Dowse Orchards of 98 North Main Street donated 120 bushels of apples to The Greater Boston Food Bank in a generous gesture to provide fresh local foods to neighbors in need during the holiday season.
Jonathan Dowse of Dowse Orchards selected the apples while Alex P. Dowse, Past President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation operated the tractor fork lift. Steve Cheatham, Food Donations Manager of the Greater Boston Food Bank accepted the donation.
Eight crates of apples were fork lifted into The Greater Boston Food Bank truck. Donated apple varieties included McIntosh, Spencer, Empire, Cortland and Red Delicious. For those who love to do the math, each crate contained 15 bushels of apples. There is an average of 100 to 120 apples per bushel. Each crate weighed about 700 pounds. The donation was almost three tons of apples.
Dowse Orchards “America’s Best Crunchin’ Apples Since 1778”, www.dowseorchards.com
Mr. Alex P. Dowse and his brother, Mr. Jonathan Dowse, operate Dowse Orchards, a Massachusetts Century Farm that has been farmed by the family for more than 200 years. Today they are producing fruit, vegetables, flowers, greenhouse crops, sweet cider and Christmas trees on 130 acres of land for roadside farm market sales direct to consumers in Boston’s Metro-west area.
Farm Bureau leadership activity is a family tradition that runs deep. Alex Dowse is the third generation of Farm Bureau leaders in Massachusetts and the son of a past State Farm Bureau President. Alex has been involved with Farm Bureau for more than thirty years and has worked in leadership positions at every level: Young Farmers & Ranchers, county, state, and national committees, and has served as County President, on the State Board of Directors and served as President of the Massachusetts Farm Bureau since 2001. In 2004 Alex was elected to the AFBF Board of Directors from the Northeast Region. ◊
MFBF ANNOUNCES “2010 HORSE FARMS OF DISTINCTION”
Forty (40) Massachusetts horse farms and stables were honored by the Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation for achievement in the organization’s “Horse Farm of Distinction” program. A Ceremony was held at the Farm Bureau’s annual meeting December 3, 2009 in Hyannis, MA before a large banquet crowd. These farms are geographically spread throughout Massachusetts.
Farm Bureau President Alex Dowse of Sherborn called the 40 selected farms, “the true cream of the crop” and added “These farms present to the public a safe and professional image. They truly showcase the horse industry in Massachusetts for the public.” The 6,500 member Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation represents farmers involved with a variety of commodities. The “Horse Farm of Distinction” program was begun in 1990 to recognize and present to the public those Bay State horse farms who set high standards and achieve a level of excellence in overall horse health, farm management and compliance with public safety.
Judging for new applicants was conducted at each farm or stable by teams of horse industry professionals and representatives of Farm Bureau’s Equine Advisory Committee. Staff members from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Farm Family Insurance Company and Farm Bureau affiliates served on each team. Repeat farms were judged by a single judge. Joan Travers was thanked with a certificate of appreciation for coordinating the efforts of the judging.
Scoring for overall horse health represented half of the points accumulated, and included appearance of the animals together with evidence of a sound equine health program.
Farm management areas considered were numerous. The judges evaluated neatness, ventilation, cleanliness and safety of buildings, land and equipment. Safety, first aid and fire protection programs were scored, as well as pest control and adequate provisions, both indoors and outdoors, for the care of horses.
Farms were also judged on evidence of good farm/community relations, proper and adequate insurance coverage, and compliance with state and local operating and instructing licenses.
The extensive schedule of judging started in August and ran through October. The 40 farms being honored achieved a final scoring of at least 85 percent using the judging scorecard. Not all farms that applied received this prestigious designation.
Applications for the “2011 Horse Farm of Distinction” program are being accepted now with judging to take place June through July of 2010.
More information on this program and other
Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation programs
relating to horses are available from Cheryl Lekstrom, Director of Member Relations, 508-881-4766, MFBF, 466 Chestnut Street, Ashland, MA 01721. Or visit, www.mfbf.net.
Honorees, listed by county are as follows:
Those farms receiving the “Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation 2009 Horse Farm of Distinction” designation are:
Berkshire County:
Roberts Woods Farm, Brian Puntin, Monterey
Sommer Hill Farm, Donald R. Sommer, Adams
Bristol County:
Johnson & Wales Equine Center, Beth Beukema, Rehoboth
Chipaway Stables, David Costa, Acushnet
Cape & Islands:
Pond View Farm, Sarah Doyle, West Tisbury
Smithfield Farm, Janice A. Foster, East Falmouth
Highlander Farm, Megan Hawkes-Romiza, Hatchville
Sea Horse Farm, Bud & Marcia Nugent, Harwich
Holly Hill, Nancy Venezia, Marstons Mills
Never 2 Late Farm, David Miller, Brewster
Woodbe Farm, Tracey Amaral Olsen, Vineyard Haven
Essex County:
High Tail Acres, LLC, Dawn DelTorchio, Newbury
Dream Spirit Farm, Susan Favalord, Amesbury
Essex Agricultural Technical School, Essex
Indian Rock Stables, Karen & Michael Benson, Saugus
The Barnyard Maples, Gayle Meserve, Byfield
Hampden County:
Silvercryst Farm, Paul & Ann Marie Gregoire, Southwick
Twin Orchard Farm, Charlie Kaniecki, Southampton
Sunset Ridge Farm, Michael Losito, Southwick
Middlesex County:
Kingstable, Rita Biagioni, Littleton
Larkspur Farm, Gerald Cupp, Littleton
Sterling Riding Stable, Dawn Frazer, Pepperell
Pompositticut Farm, Jackie Kane, Hudson
The Ponderaia, Laine Raia, North Reading
Harmony Horse Stables, Kathryn Rideout, Littleton
Andimar, Laurie Marchant, Billerica
Holly Hill Show Stables, Phyllis Cervelli, Hanover
Norfolk County:
Olive Tree Stables, LLC, Beth Fitzpatrick, Foxborough
Plymouth County:
Briggs Stable, John Dougherty, Hanover
Handi Kids, Carolyn Sansoucy, Bridgewater
Whit Acres Farm, Kristen Whittaker, Norwell
Creek Crossing Farm, Alyssa Frifone, Hingham
Levaland Farm, Jennifer Goddard, Plymouth
Timber Hill Stable, Christine Nava, Kingston
Deer Run Farm, Robert P. Goodman, Sutton
Sweet William Farm, Gail Harrington, Upton
Cobb Hill Stable, Stephanie & William Wheeler, Athol
Summergate Farm, Sue Storbeck, Bolton
Worcester County:
Deer Run Farm, Robert P. Goodman, Sutton
Sweet William Farm, Gail Harrington, Upton
Cobb Hill Stable, Stephanie & William Wheeler, Athol
Summergate Farm, Sue Storbeck, Bolton
Walking High Farm, Becky Kalagher, Douglas
Winterberry Farm, James & Sandra Kunkel, Dudley
CLASSIFIEDS
APPRAISER/CONSULTANT for farm/forest property. Estate planning, buying/selling, APR/CR valuation my specialty. William King 508-867-2600.
TAKE BACK CONTROL: Specialized forestry mowing equipment for hire: edge hayfields, overgrown pastures, etc. USDA approved company. Also, manure removal available. Call 978-706-1038. FavreauForestry.com
SANDWICH (CAPE COD) FARMER’S MARKET: Sandwich’s oldest and largest Farmer’s Market is looking for new vendors!! Well-advertised and well-attended. Every Wednesday April 28th-October 27th, 2010. 8AM – 1PM. $10 Weekly set up fee. Call Lisa Davis for more information 508-685-2767.
FOR SALE: DRY SHELLED CORN – Heat/Feed – Bagged/Bulk. RED DENT PIGEON CORN. CLEAN RYE STRAW – Bedding/Berries/Construction. Hatfield, MA Call 413-563-1178 or 413-695-6290.
FOR SALE: AUSTRALIAN CATTLE DOG PUPPIES. Registered, shots up to date, parents on premises. Call 508-295-5528 or email: cattledog3@verizon.net for pictures and more information.
TIRES: Great prices, all sizes, tire repairs, road service, calcium chloride service. Hoey Tire, Worcester. Call 508-755-6666. www.hoeytire.com
HAY: 1st and 2nd cut – no dust guaranteed. Wholesale and retail. We deliver and unload. Call our office at 508-252-9029, or cell #774-259-6960. Homestead Farms.
SERVING THE FARMERS IN MASS: Helping farmers keep what they make. Experienced in dairy, beef, fruit & vegetable farming; experienced with APR, retirement planning, estate planning & taxation, tax free exchanges. Donald E. Graves, CPA, LLC,Masters Degree in Taxation & Financial Planning, Bentley College, 377 Main Street, Suite 1, Greenfield, MA 01301-3332, 1-800-286-6036, info@donaldegravescpa.com
PASTURES: Let our expertise in pasture construction and design provide you with pastoral views, solutions for your equestrian needs and elimination of boarding fees. Reclaim your woodlands into pastures. Increase your property value. Call Woodridge Farm, Lincoln, MA 781-259-0251
FARM MAINTENANCE: All types arena work, construction & renewal. Paddock areas built, fencing new & repairs, hydrant work, brush work, field fertilization & care. CRF Maintenance Services. www.cringfarm.com 508-234-9824.
Mark Your Calendar
2010 County Annual meetings:
• Norfolk County, October 12th.
• Cape & Islands, October 19
• Essex October 21
• Worcester, October 26
County Legislative Breakfasts:
• Worcester, March 5, 2010
• Essex, March 25, 2010
• Agricultural Day at the State House: Thursday, April 8, 2010
• Equine Committee Meeting, February 11, 2010, Ashland
MEMBER BENEFITS
More Advantages of your Farm Bureau Membership – 175,000 “Access” discounts by activating your membership card, Grainger -10%, Sports Authority – 15%, Tufts Large Animal Veterinary Hospital –10%, Dodge Vehicle Rebate - $500, Rx Drug Discount program, Avis/Budget Truck Rental savings and more.
Check www.mfbf.net, click on Member Benefits.