Volume LXXXXVII, No. 6
Liberty, NY – June, 2016
(USPS) 525 - 100
Crossbreeding Sheep for Profit Business Planning Part I Silvopasturing in New York Child Identity Theft Dairy Is Important in Your Diet Creating Healthy Schools and Communities in Sullivan County Update The Importance of Caregivers’ Role in Law Youth completed the Tractor Safety Course, receiving instruction and hands-on practice needed to operate heavy machinery. Mullally Tractor Sales in Jeffersonville generously donated use of a shiny new tractor for the program.
4-H Winter Workshops Needs You Agriculture Legislative Bus Tour
Upcoming Programs Master Gardener Volunteer Training Vegetable Farm Tour at Gorzynski Farm Active Trails Hiking Bus Trips Mushroom Cultivation Youth Gardening Workshops Bread Making with Barbara Writing a Business Plan Workshops Caregiver Retreat at Frost Valley Caregiver Lunch & Learn: Protect Your Back Cornell FREE Online Course on Sharks
See page 12 for a complete list.
Thirteen men and women traveled from as far as California, New Hampshire, and across NYS to participate in the 3-day, intensive Master Food Preserver Volunteer training in May
Message from the Executive Director
3
In Case You Missed It
11
Crossbreeding Sheep for Profit
4
Upcoming Programs & Events
12
Business Planning Part I
5
Opportunities for You
13
Silvopasturing in New York
6
Agriculture Legislative Bus Tour
15
Child Identity Theft
7
CCESC Spotlights
16
Dairy Is Important in Your Diet
8
Subscription Card
17
MGV Plant Sale a Success!
18
Small, Quick, and Powerful
19
Cornell FREE Online Course on Sharks
19
Creating Healthy Schools & Communities in Sullivan 9 County The Importance of Caregivers’ Role in Law
10
4-H Winter Workshops NEEDS You & Your Group
10
Necessary Business The Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) is published monthly for $25.00 enrollment by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, located at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-2903. Entered at Liberty, New York, as a periodical class matter. Acceptance for mailing at special rate of postage provided for in section 412, Act of February 24, 1925. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Extension Connection, 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Suite 1, Liberty, NY 12754-.
The Extension Connection
REGULAR OFFICE HOURS
Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan Layout & Design by: Tracey Argent Produced at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County
8:30 am to 4:30 pm | Monday-Friday Phone: 845-292-6180 | Fax: 845-292-4946 Website: www.sullivancce.or g Email: sullivan@cor nell.edu Twitter.com/ccesullivan Facebook.com/ccesullivan Instagram.com/cce_sullivan_county
2016 Board of Directors Donna Willi..……..…...…..………….………..………..President Earl Myers…………..…….………………….........Vice President Pamela Rourke……………………………...…………...Secretary Glenn Pontier…………………………...…….…………Treasurer Dawn Boyes Amy Erlwein Christopher Gozza Sonja Hedlund Robert Kaplan Steve Mogel Edward Moran Klu Padu Luisa Parker Janet Threshman Terri Ward, Legislative Rep. Cooperative Extension in New York State provides Equal Program and Employment Opportunities. New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, New York State College of Human Ecology, and New York State College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University, Cooperative Extension Associations, County Governing Bodies, and the United States Department of Agriculture, cooperating.
NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their advertisements for the Extension Connection.
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Staff Members Colleen Monaghan...…………...…..…………...Executive Director Tracey Argent……………...……Sr. Administrator & HR Manager SueAnn Boyd…………………….…..Healthy Schools Coordinator Wanda Cruz…………………….Healthy Communities Coordinator Erica Dahl……………….....ESNY Community Nutrition Educator Jaycee DeGroat……Healthy Schools & Communities Team Leader Emily Devore..………………....Healthy Communities Coordinator Dayna Gaeta…………..Community Horticulture Program Educator Marylin Jones...………………...…….….4-H Program Coordinator Bonnie Lewis……….……........................Dependent Care Educator Michelle Lipari………………………………....Ag & 4-H Educator Erica Lynch ……….……………………..EaT Kitchen Coordinator Melinda Meddaugh……………..Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Nicole Slevin………………………...…Public Affairs Coordinator Kaitlyn Smith………………...Administrative & Program Assistant Jennifer Simpson………………………….....Ag Business Educator Tara VanHorn...………….…..……………….…..Finance Manager Sean Welsh……...……………….....Energy & Consumer Educator John Wilcox……...……………….....Building & Grounds Manager
Extension Connection
June, 2016
Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu Hello, friends! I hope you’ve been enjoying these last few weeks. Things are starting to warm up around here. I don’t know about you, but this is the time of year that reminds me why I choose to live, work, play, and raise my family in New York. There are certainly some trade-offs, but you just can’t beat spring in the Northeast!
At CCESC, we saw the greenhouse and high tunnel explode with green in preparation for the Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale, which raised a record-breaking $3,000 (after expenses) in just one hour! And through the Catskill Edible Garden Project, our friends at Sullivan Renaissance and Catskill Mountainkeeper are working with Sullivan BOCES and our community horticulture staff to plant more than 1,000 seedlings across the seven school districts and community gardens in the county. Soon, we’ll all be able to appreciate the blooms around town and the fresh veggies on our plates. Our small but mighty Ag & Food Systems team has been especially busy, working with the Ag and Farmland Protection Board to host to the first farm tour for County leadership in almost a decade. Members of the Sullivan County Legislature, County Manager’s office, Department of Planning, IDA, Sullivan Renaissance, USDA, CCESC Board, among others, visited five of Sullivan County’s diverse agricultural businesses. The first three farms we visited accounted for more than $12 million in gross receipts and 95 jobs. Just one of those producers estimated that he spends about $250,000 locally on fuel, feed, parts, and materials right here in the county, highlighting the fact that agriculture is a relevant, viable, and integral part of Sullivan County’s economy.
I give a special thanks to CCESC board members, Earl Myers and Robert June, 2016
Kaplan, for adlibbing some very special, historical facts about agriculture in Sullivan County. Thanks also to legislators, Terri Ward, Ira Steingart, and Luis Alvarez, for taking time out of their busy schedules to learn about what is important to our farming community. In addition to the farm tour, three ag workshop series’ are mid-stream; the Ag Business Series, the Beginning Farmer Series, and the Entrepreneurship Series. Each of these offerings provides new and existing businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to build and grow sustainable, smart business models. In addition to those series, CCESC is part-way through the Spring Gardening Series, Powerful Tools for Caregivers, Tai Chi for Fall Prevention, Livestock Auctioning for Youth Series, a 24 hour Youth Tractor Safety Series, and Gardening 101-103 with Sullivan Renaissance. This is all in addition to wrapping up the full three-day Master Food Preserver Volunteer training for the third year in a row. The County’s support of Cornell Cooperative Extension makes it possible for us to do regular farm visits, soil tests, applied research, a variety of farm business and production planning workshops and classes, gardening and food preservation classes, caregiver outreach and support, entrepreneurship training, and youth development education and opportunities. One challenge we encounter while doing the work is taking the time to communicate and share with the larger community all the services, resources, and learning opportunities available through Extension. That’s where our partnerships with Thunder 102, WJFF, Sullivan County Democrat, River Reporter, WVOS/ WSUL, Times Herald Record, our board and Program Advisory Committee, and you, CCESC enrolled memberExtension Connection
ship, are so very important. These partnerships help us spread the word about the work we do. Whether it’s caring for an aging loved one, writing up a new business plan, tweaking your soil’s pH level, writing new zoning to encourage healthy food access, or finding a youth community service project, it’s likely that one of CCESC’s program areas can be a resource for someone you know. Every time you inform your neighbors, friends, colleagues, and family about how CCE can help them improve their lives, it validates the county and private investments that sustain and grow the reach of our work. In June, staff will take office time and energy to summarize the first half of 2016 for funders and supporters through the July Mid-Year Report, respond to spring inquiries, plan the next group of workshop series’, and prepare for the 2016 Sullivan County Youth Fair at the Little World’s Fair in Grahamsville. Please take a look at the cover of your Extension Connection and if it says “last issue”, go ahead and renew your enrollment subscription by credit/debit at sullivancce.org, or by getting cash or a check to the Skoda Extension Education Center at 64 Ferndale-Loomis Road, Liberty, NY 12754. If you don’t choose to renew, you won’t receive the special July edition, which will be CCESC’s 2016 Mid-Year Report. To close, I hope you take some time outside this month to enjoy the June newsletter from cover to cover, and that you find some useful and entertaining tips within the pages. The best days of 2016 are here, and CCESC is so grateful to share them with you. Until next month, enjoy and stay well.
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Submitted by Michelle Lipari, Agriculture & 4-H Educator Crossbreeding is probably the most misunderstood and underappreciated practice in commercial livestock production. Crossbreeding is the mating of males and females of different breeds or breed types. Pure breeding is the mating of individuals of the same breed or type. Crossbreeding is the recommended breeding strategy for commercial meat sheep and meat goat production. As a breeding practice, crossbreeding does not denote the indiscriminate mixing of breeds. Rather, it is the systematic use of breed resources to produce offspring of a specific type. For example, a "terminal" crossbreeding program uses a male of superior growth and carcass merit (e.g., Suffolk or Boer) to produce lambs or kids for the slaughter market, while maintaining moderate sized females that excel in fitness and reproductive performance. All offspring from a terminal cross are sent to the slaughter market (i.e., "terminated"). Another crossbreeding scheme could be aimed at producing crossbred females of a specific type (e.g. Spanish x Kiko or Dorset x Finn) for breeding. Crossbreeding offers two distinct advantages over pure breeding: heterosis
DHI
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ewes. Less is known about heterosis in crossbred males, but it is believed that crossbred males are more fertile and aggressive breeders.
and breed complementarity. Heterosis or "hybrid vigor" is the superiority of crossbred offspring to their purebred parents. Mathematically, heterosis is the percentage increase in a specific trait (e.g., weaning weight) that progeny have over the average performance of their parents. Heterosis is highest for traits that do not respond well to selection, (e.g., fitness and reproductive traits) and lowest for traits that respond well to selection (e.g., Carcass and Fleece characteristics). Heterosis occurs in both the crossbred offspring and the crossbred female. Crossbred lambs and kids grow faster and have higher survivability than their purebred counterparts. Crossbred ewes are more fertile and wean 15 percent more pounds of lamb than purebred
Breed complementarity is the other major advantage of crossbreeding. It relates to the fact that there are no perfect breeds, and that each breed possesses certain strengths and weaknesses. In a systematic crossbreeding program, breed resources are combined to balance the positive and negative aspects of each breed in the cross. Mating Polypay ewes to Suffolk rams is such an example. This cross takes advantage of the reproductive efficiency and moderate maintenance costs of Polypay ewes while producing Suffolk -sired lambs to meet market requirements for fast-growing, heavy muscled lambs. Crossing a Boer buck onto a Spanish or dairy doe would be another example of breed complementarity. Boer goats are known for their outstanding body conformation and carcass quality, while Spanish does are hardier than Boers and dairy does produce more milk. (Continued on page 14.) (Continued on page 14)
April
Extension Connection
June, 2016
Written by Jennifer Simpson, Agriculture Business Educator The farmers across the country who feed us are aging - according to the most recent Census of Agriculture, the average American farmer is now over 58, and there are nearly six times as many farmers over 65 than under 35. Now is the time to invest in your business and the next generation of people who will feed our nation and steward the land in the years to come. Farmers face many challenges when it comes to financials, technical assistance, and training, but we are here to change that! There are currently many different programs in Sullivan County that can help you reach your business goals, however, they all have one common denominator: a business plan! Writing a business plan increases your chances for success and helps you avoid costly mistakes. The plan should be used as a decision making tool that states your business goals, how you will achieve these goals, and a layout to achieve the goals. The business plan should be revisited regularly to make sure your decisions are aligning with the goals of the business. A business plan is an essential tool in obtaining financing and should describe the business. A plan enables you as a business owner to anticipate cost, find opportunities, find disadvantages, and implement strategies to obtain your goals.
DANIEL BREY Delivery Available
Every farm will have a different business plan and a different layout to their business plan. Below are a few ideas to get you started. The Business plan should include an overall summary of your idea. This section can contain highlights such as your business name, history of the farm, who your target market is, strengths and weaknesses, as well as the direction you see the business going in the future. From here we will continue to look at the business using these specifics. Next you should outline the product or services that your business will offer. Specify the unique features of your business, the financial requirements, the facilities, equipment, and labor needed to run the business successfully. The following part will require research on your side. You will want to examine the market for the product you are looking at producing. You will want to include things like consumer buying habits, market infiltration, sales goals, and research that shows how your business will be profitable. In this section it is recommended you perform a SWOT analysis. Make a list of your businesses strengths and weaknesses. Additionally, look at the outside factors and make a list of the opportunities
that the business has as well as threats that could jeopardize the business. Along with examining the market that your product will be in, you must determine how you will sell and market your product. For example, will your label have a farm name? If so, what will that name be? Will you be selling at farmers’ markets or will you be selling to restaurants? These questions will help you when determining the financials of the business. Lastly, the section that most people dread doing but is the most important: financials. You should include financial information like bank loans, startup costs, projected income, cash flow statements, and balance sheets. This is a very important part that lenders look at to see if your business will become profitable over time. It is also a way, for you as an owner, to hold yourself accountable for the profitability of the business. Business plans do take time and thought to put together. Remember that it is meant to help you and be used as a guide as your business progresses. For more information, please contact Jennifer Simpson, CCESC Agriculture Business Educator by emailing jks236@cornell.edu or calling 845-2926180.
(845) 482-5464 (845) 482-5422 Fax
Farm Fresh Eggs Since 1932 Dry Poultry Organic Matter Top Soil & Compost 607 Swiss Hill Road Jeffersonville, NY 12748 June, 2016
Extension Connection
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Submitted by Melinda Meddaugh, Ag & Food Systems Team Leader Grazing domestic livestock in wooded areas is a common practice in many parts of the world and other regions of the United States, but became taboo in the Northeast in the later-half of the 20th century, when foresters and conservationists began to educate farmers on the potential harmful impacts of allowing livestock in their woodlots. Damages included excessive soil compaction, debarking of trees, and trampling and browsing of regeneration. In the modern world of invasive plants, high land ownership costs, and other challenges to healthy and sustainable woodlands, it is worth taking another look at livestock grazing as an acceptable and valuable tool for the management of some woodlots. The purposeful and managed grazing of livestock in the woods, known as silvopasturing, differs from woodlot grazing of the past in that the frequency and intensity of the grazing is controlled to achieve the desired objectives. New fencing systems, a better understanding of animal behavior, and the evolution of “management intensive grazing” have enabled us to gain the necessary level of control over livestock to achieve positive impacts from woodland grazing. Silvopasturing isn’t for every woodland owner or every woodlot, as it requires a commitment to caring for animals and enclosing portions of the woods with a secure fence to keep your animals in and predators out. Wooded areas on poor growing sites, rough terrain, or with difficult access would obviously have fewer advantages for successful silvopasturing than the converse. But the most important key for success is skilled management of the system. This requires considerable knowledge of both silviculture and grazing. If grazing and silviculture are the “artful application of science”, then combining the two systems is certainly Page 6
a fine art! But this shouldn’t discourage the novice from exploring the potential of silvopasturing on their property, even though results are likely to improve with increased skill and experience.
With that said, there are a number of ways that a woodland owner can jump ahead on the silvopasture learning curve:
Look for on-line resources. There are a number of temperate agroforestry sites with good articles and information on silvopasturing, though much of the information will need to be extrapolated to your own situation. The “Guide to Silvopasturing in New York” will be available by the end of the year through CCE’s Agroforestry Center in Acra, NY (http:// www.agroforestrycenter.org) which will provide detailed technical information for a variety of situations.
Develop woodlot management and animal husbandry skills independently, then gradually look for ways to symbiotically combine the two systems in a context appropriate for your own property.
Seek out local examples of innovative “silvograziers” to see what has worked well (and not so well) for them.
Work with a forester who is willing to help you learn and experiment. Expect some resistance at first when you mention the word “silvopasturing”, but foresters are trained to achieve landowner goals. They may be lacking on the livestock side of the equation, but their Extension Connection
knowledge of vegetation management and forest stand dynamics will be invaluable. Livestock can be used to organically manage undesirable vegetation in the woods that interferes with goals, ranging from aesthetics to wildlife and everything in between. But simply turning animals in to an area infested with problematic plants like buckthorn or beech brush and then expecting the problem to disappear is unrealistic. In severely over-grown areas, other methods such as heavy-duty mowing may also be necessary to reduce the height of the target vegetation so that livestock can effectively browse it. Controlled grazing will then help transition the site to a more desirable and stable plant ecosystem. There are numerous other creative strategies for reducing overgrown areas to a more manageable browsing height if a local mowing contractor cannot be found. Likewise, there are a number of practical ways to grow-back desirable plants when the time is right, so creating a silvopasture does not exclude the option of natural regeneration in the future. One economic benefits of silvopasturing is the generation of frequent, short-term revenues from the wooded portions of properties through the production of (Continued on page 14.)
June, 2016
Submitted by Sean Welsh, Energy & Consumer Educator Imagine you are turning 18 years old, seeking to open your first bank account in your own name, and find out that the bank does not want to allow you an account based on an extremely low credit score! How can this be? The fact is that anyone can fall victim to identity theft, even children. Children’s identities are attractive to criminals since a case of child identity theft can go undetected for years. Many child identity theft victims do not realize their identities have been stolen until they try to open their first bank account, apply for a job, seek credit, or try to rent an apartment. To best protect your children, be mindful of personal information requests.
Keep information such as birth certificates, social security cards, and other sensitive personal information securely locked away.
Only provide social security number when absolutely necessary.
Shred all paperwork with personal information prior to discarding.
Have reoccurring conversations with your children about the importance of internet safety, what personal information is, and why they need to secure it.
Review all websites your family uses and monitor the submission of any personally identifying information. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call 1-877-322-8228 to request your child’s free credit report to monitor for activity. Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax (the three major national credit reporting agencies) each give a free credit report once every 12 months. Obtain one free report from each agency every 4 months to ensure accounts are not being June, 2016
tampered with or opened in the name of one of your family members. Child ID Theft Warning Signs: Phone calls or suspicious mail which comes addressed to the child, such as pre-approved credit cards or debt collection materials
Existing credit report in child’s name
Existing financial child’s name
account
in
Strange notices or requests from the IRS such as: Notices indicating your child has failed to pay income taxes, when no income was earned Requests confirming your child’s employment when your child is unemployed Notices indicating your child’s information is listed on a tax return other than your own
Credit Freeze New York State law allows parents and guardians of youth under the age of 16 to place a security freeze on a child’s credit report. A credit freeze prevents credit reporting agencies from releasing the child’s credit report to third parties, or anyone opening a credit account in that child’s name. There is a cost with 2 of the three reporting agencies. For more information on how to place a credit freeze on a youth account, the New York State Division of Consumer Protection has a list of necessary steps and information needed for each of the agencies. This PDF can be found online at, http://www.dos.ny.gov/ consumerprotection/pdf/ IDTheftChild.pdf. Internet Safety When online and on the go, make sure to utilize safe internet practices to preExtension Connection
vent any and all identity theft. Being mindful of the information that gets shared online is the most important thing to do, and having conversations with youth about what they share as they get older can minimize risk.
Protect electronic files, which have personal information with passwords, and delete old files.
Remove all previously stored personal and financial data prior to getting rid of old devices and computers.
Revisit conversations with children about what personal information is and what they can and cannot share online.
Learn about how to set social media privacy settings to the most secure as possible.
Change passwords periodically and make sure they are “strong passwords” (a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, using both upper and lower case).
Log off sites on shared computers and devices.
Never send personal information over an unsecured wireless connection in public places.
Look at the URL on the address bar of your browser for the safe padlock icon, and “https”.
Sources: New York State Division of Consumer Protection, (May, 2016) retrieved from http://www.dos.ny.gov/ consumerprotection/publications.html on May 5, 2016 OnGuardOnline.gov (May, 2016) Protect Kids Online retrieved from https:// www.onguardonline.gov/topics/protect -kids-online on May 11, 2016 New York State Attorney General Office, (April 2016) retrieved from http:// www.ag.ny.gov/consumer-fraudsbureau/identity-theft on April 21, 2016 Page 7
Submitted by SueAnn Boyd, Healthy Schools Coordinator Get summer started off on the right foot with nutrient-rich dairy foods. From calcium to potassium, dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt contain nine essential nutrients which may help to better manage your weight and reduce your risk for high blood pressure, osteoporosis, and certain cancers. Whether it's protein to help build and repair the muscle tissue of active bodies, or vitamin A to help maintain healthy skin, dairy products are a natural nutrient powerhouse. Those are just a few of the reasons that you should celebrate dairy this June. The good news about dairy products is that, in addition to their great taste, research shows they may help to reduce the risk of quite a few common diseases. Osteoporosis: Osteopor osis affects more than 28 million Americans. One reason why osteoporosis rates are so high is that many people (especially teens, women, and older adults) have critically low calcium intakes. Although dairy products contribute 73% of calcium in the food supply, most people aren't getting enough in their diet. Consuming at least three servings of milk, yogurt or cheese a day is an important step to help build strong bones and prevent osteoporosis. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure, or hypertension, affects 50 million Americans and is a major cause of heart disease and stroke. Studies have found that a low fat diet providing 3 servings of low fat dairy products and 8 to 10 servings of fruits and vegetables, significantly lowers blood pressure as much as some medications, especially when combined with a low sodium intake. Obesity: Low fat dair y foods such as milk, yogurt and cheese, may help control body fat, according to several studies published in the last year. Page 8
June is Dairy Month
Women who consumed the most calcium and ate at least 3 servings of dairy foods per day were 80% less likely to be obese than those with the lowest intake. Young women (18-31 years) enrolled in an exercise study who had high calcium intakes gained less weight and body fat than those with lower calcium intakes. High calcium intake was consistently associated with lower body weight across 4 studies conducted in young, middle-aged and elderly women. The tendency of dieters to mistakenly cut milk from their diet for fear of fat, often reducing their calcium intake, may be a contributing factor for their frequent failures at losing weight. Researchers analyzed the diets of preschool children over a 3-year period and found children with higher dairy/calcium intake had lower body fat than those children with lower dairy/calcium intakes.
The sell by date refers to how long the grocery store may keep a product for sale on the shelf. The use by date will tell you how long you can keep the product at top eating quality in your home. Milk will remain fresh for 7-10 days after the expiration date when refrigerated at 35- 40 degrees F. Each 5 degree rise in temperature will shorten the shelf life of milk by 50 % due to bacteria growth. For optimum freshness, take groceries home and store them at the proper temperature immediately. Remember, dairy’s powerful nutrient package fuels your body, not just your bones.
Strawberry Banana Smoothie 1 1/2 cups 1% low fat milk 1 pint low fat vanilla yogurt 2 ripe bananas, peeled, sliced 1 1/4 cups sliced strawberries 2 Tablespoons honey 12-14 ice cubes
These results are supported by a growing body of research on adults showing a connection between dairy food consumption and weight loss. Whether you are 6, 16, or 60, the nutrients found in milk and other dairy products are critical to good health and the prevention of chronic disease.
In blender jar, combine milk, yogurt, bananas, strawberries, and honey. Add enough ice to measure six cups in blender. Blend until smooth, scraping sides as necessary. Garnish each serving with strawberry slice and fresh mint if desired. Makes: 5 servings (8 ounces each). Nutrition Facts per 8-ounce Serving: Calories 196, Total Fat 2.38 g, Saturated Fat 1.37 g, Cholesterol 7.73 mg, Calcium 268 mg, Potassium 589 mg, Protein 8 g, Carbohydrates 37.96 g, Vitamin A 252.42 IU, Vitamin C 29.31 mg, Vitamin D 30.84 IU, Iron 0.45 mg, Sodium 104.21 mg, 25% DV Calcium, 15% DV Vitamin D, 16% DV Potassium, 6% DV Vitamin A
Here are some dairy safety tips for safe handling and storage:
Sources: National Dairy Council, myplate.gov, allrecipes.com
Extension Connection
June, 2016
Written by Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director The Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Creating Healthy Schools and Communities (HSC) program is a five year initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health. The goal of the program is to increase access to healthy foods, water, and safe opportunities for physical activity. The program hosts four full-time staffers who work in the Fallsburg, Liberty, and Monticello school district catchment areas, covering seven municipalities. The municipalities include Bethel, Fallsburg, Forestburgh, Liberty, Mamakating, Monticello, and Thompson. Because the HSC program is about “access”, the strategies and action steps focus on enhancing municipal government and organizational policies, and the built environment (i.e., crosswalks, signage, facilities). This is a different approach than traditional, direct nutrition education. The “environmental strategies” used by the HSC program are meant to help the community organize in a way that makes it easier for people to choose healthier food options and physical movement to improve their health. HSC staff members are Jaycee DeGroat, Wanda Cruz, SueAnn Boyd, and Emily Devore. The team is currently engaged in several exciting projects. CCESC is a partner member of school district wellness committees in Fallsburg, Liberty, Monticello, and Sullivan BOCES, and has played an active role with the CCE Eat Smart New York (ESNY) program, helping districts assess how their policies meet federal school lunch nutrition and activity standards. After assessments are complete, the team assists in editing and writing policies that meet or exceed the federal standards, and helps to plan and support new programs that promote those policies in individual school buildings. June, 2016
One example of expanding programs is the Catskill Edible Garden Project (CEGP). CEGP is a partnership of Sullivan Renaissance, Catskill Mountainkeeper, CCESC, and local school districts. CEGP builds school gardens to promote educational experiences in science, math, health, and nutrition. The newest garden is being planned and prepared at Fallsburg Junior/Senior High School. The fresh produce grown will be used in the school for student taste-testing, food prep, and nutrition education, exemplifying hands-on, project-based learning strategies that contribute to student success and wellness. The HSC program was also able to provide each of the three school districts with salad bars to offer students and staff access to more fresh vegetables.
On the Community side of the project, several initiatives are underway. Through the same CEGP partnership, staff provides technical assistance and educational programs at the Monticello Housing Authority. These efforts led to a new organizational policy that allows, and encourages, residents to have their own container gardens. The ESNY program complements the gardens with nutrition education for youth residents at the complex. Together, these strategies set the stage for healthy habits and low-cost, fresh food for residents during the growing season. In addition, as part of the Liberty Networking Group, the HSC team is working with the Parksville Trails Committee to enhance access and signage for the Parksville Rail Trail. In Fallsburg, a plan, still in its infant stage, will provide the town and other interested partners with outdoor fitness trail equipment. CCESC is also working with BOCES to install an outdoor fitness trail on the nature trail at the Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center as a demonstration project. The project will Extension Connection
help the HSC team to troubleshoot installation barriers and better help other communities interested in building this type of trail. The Healthy Cart, Healthy Heart Corner Store project promotes healthier food options to customers by supporting small food retailers in the most population dense parts of the county. Many residents in Fallsburg, Liberty, and Monticello have little or no transportation and live several miles from a grocery store. By providing corner stores with cooler space, shelving, signage, and developing cooperative buying arrangements, the HSC seeks to help those business owners raise their profitability through the sale of fresh produce while also making it easy for a parent shopping with small children to leave the store with bananas as a snack, rather than chocolate bars. In future Extension Connection issues, there will be an update on the above Creating Healthy Schools and Communities’ projects and more, including information on county-wide worksite wellness opportunities through Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Sullivan County Department of Public Health. In addition to increasing physical activity, these public health projects have a real potential to build community vitality and have a positive economic impact. National and international data show definitively that communities with a built environment that promotes a sense of community, and provides opportunities to move safely in neighborhoods, have lower crime rates, better health outcomes, and increased business revenues. CCESC looks forward to continuing this important work with community members and partners.
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Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, Dependent Care Educator Governor Cuomo signed the Caregiver Advise, Record, and Enable (CARE) Act into law on October 27, 2016. The law went into effect April 26. The CARE Act ensures that caregivers of loved ones who are hospitalized will be given the support and education they need to provide quality "after care" at home, reducing the risk of repeat admissions to a hospital. Very often, when patients are discharged from a hospital, they require “after care” that is provided by family or friends. Caregivers are asked to provide basic assistance, as well as many other complex tasks, including operation of medical equipment, wound care, and medication administration and management.
The new law provides the following: Allows a patient (over 18) an opportunity to designate upon admission to a hospital, a caregiver;
Requires a hospital to notify and offer to meet with the designated caregiver to discuss the patient's plan of care prior to the patient's discharge or transfer to another facility; As soon as possible, and no later than twentyfour hours prior to a patient's discharge from a hospital, the hospital must consult with the identified caregiver along with the patient regarding the caregiver's capabilities and limitations and issue a discharge plan that de-
scribes a patient's aftercare needs at his or her residence; and
The hospital issuing the discharge plan must offer caregivers with instruction in all after -car e tasks described in the discharge plan.
Source: The Empire State Care Connection, A Publication In Support of New York’s 4 Million Informal Caregivers. NYSCRC (New York State Caregiving & Respite Coalition)
Written by Marylin Jones, 4-H Program Coordinator 4-H Winter Workshops is a very successful annual program held the first Saturday in December. Up to 50 of Sullivan County’s youth attend the event each year. They have the opportunity to participate in 10 different “make-and-take activities, including a community service project. Over the past few years, several CCESC groups, or individuals associated with CCESC, have “sponsored” a complete make-and-take activity: Master Gardener Volunteers, Master Food Preserver Volunteers, Calico Geese Quilting Guild, and the 4-H Rabbit Program, in addition to generous community members who have donated ideas, supplies, and labor towards providing hands-on experiences for youth. Our goal is to have every “make-and-take” project fully sponsored in 2016. This allows us to keep the cost of the event down to $5.00 per 4-H member (joining 4-H is free), with a cap of $15 for each family. A “make-and-take” activity is one that can be made by youth as young as a “4-H Cloverbud” level (ages 5-7, with help) in approximately 10 minutes. Activities in 2015 included: chocolate dipped pretzel rods and flavoring spoons, felt holiday ornaments, scented bath salts, coffee filter Christmas trees, snake (tube sock) heating pads, pinecone birdfeeders, snowmen luminaries, embellished bookmarks, and handmade greeting cards. You or your group can sponsor a make-and-take activity in a number of ways. A full sponsor generates an idea, provides all needed supplies, and teaches the youth how to make the activity on the day of the event. A full sponsorship is the ultimate commitment that a group or individual can make. However, any level of sponsorship is welcome, from those who can only donate funds or supplies, to those who have time and ideas they are willing to volunteer. This year, we would like to be able to “show off” the activities to be made this December at the Sullivan County Youth Fair in August. If you are interested in being part of this wonderful event, please come to the first planning meeting on June 17, 2016 at 7:00 pm at the CCESC building in Liberty. Page 10
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June, 2016
State Teen Action Reps Retreat (STARR)
Senior Expo
April 29 - May 1
One-hundred and twenty-three seniors attended the four-hour event, meeting twenty-eight area agencies and businesses that offer various services or programs to assist seniors. There were five demonstrations including fraud prevention presented by Sean Welsh, tai chi, chair exercises, music therapy, and senior hydration.
Two Sullivan County 4-H’ers participated in the annual STARR event. STARR is an opportunity for teens across NYS to build leadership skills and network with peers and adults from throughout the state. Participants choose educational tracts from a multitude of program offerings including citizen science, health and safety, STEM, art, horticulture, shooting sports 101, and more. “4-H Grows Leaders” was the theme of this event.
Funding Opportunities for Your Farm May 9 Over 20 participants attended the final class of the Agriculture Business Series. Attendees learned about the Sullivan County Agri-Business Revolving Loan Fund, County of Sullivan IDA Agri-Business Revolving Loan Fund, Farm Service Agency programs, and NRCS programs, along with information on NYSERDA programs, NYS, and other regional funding opportunities. Speakers included Jill Weyer of the Planning Department, Anthony Capraro of NRCS, Jen Flad of the IDA, Brie Mdsen of MSA, and Katelyn Israelski of Senator Gillibrand’s office.
3 Day Master Food Preserver Training May 10, 11, 12 Thirteen participants from across NYS, New Hampshire, and even as far as California, came together to learn the scientific basis of food preservation as recommended by the USDA, including: hot water bath and pressure canning, pickling, freezing, making jams and jellies, and food dehydration. Each participant had to pass a post class test in order to be eligible to serve as a Master Food Preserver Volunteer.
June, 2016
May 17
Credit/ Debt Management Strategies May 17 Eight people attended this workshop held in collaboration with E. B. Crawford Library in Monticello. Participants learned the basics of credit, rebuilding a credit file, repairing poor credit, and managing a debt load. Attendees also went over debt collection practices and how to work with creditors on a debt repayment plan.
Powerful Tools for Caregivers Graduation May 20 Eight family caregivers successfully completed the Powerful Tools for Caregivers program after attending six weekly classes at the Liberty Library. Bonnie Lewis, RN, assisted by Liliam Stettner, LCSW, presented the evidence-based, self-care program that provides tools and strategies to better handle unique caregiving challenges.
how to go about putting up a solar array for residential and farm property owners. Sean Welsh presented making a home more energy efficient, while SASD presented the workings of an array, and the programs and resources available for financing.
Credit Class May 25 Ten adult students of the Sullivan BOCES ESL program participated in this class regarding credit and debt management strategies. Points covered were building credit, managing debt, and getting to know your credit report.
Tractor Safety Training Five participants learned safety, skills, and tractor driving during their 24 hours of instruction. The course has concluded with the participants earning their certificate for the Department of Labor in Tractor Safety (see cover).
Livestock Auction Program This program kicked off with a participation meeting. The staff and youth entered in the auction are looking forward to another great year of learning how to raise quality meat animals for auction!
Pheasant Chick Program Over 735 day-old pheasants were distributed to the public, making 2016 our best year yet! This program, offered through the DEC, helps increase the population of pheasants in NYS.
Going Solar in Sullivan County May 21 Twenty-seven people attended this program which was held in collaboration with Sullivan Alliance for Sustainable Development. This class discussed Extension Connection
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Wednesday, June 15 | 5:30- 7:30 pm Upcoming Active Trails Hiking Bus Trips Supporting healthy living by getting people out and active in national parks through projects promoting recreation and exercise. July 10 | Bouchoux Trail | CCESC, Liberty - This challenging hike is intended for a fitter audience, is 2 miles long, and takes about an hour and a half to complete. August 28 | Tusten Mtn Trail | CCESC, Liberty - Another hike designed for a more experienced group, this 3 mile long trail is moderately difficult and takes two hours to complete. October 8 | Mongaup River Trail | Gov’t Center, Monticello - During prime leaf-peeping season, this moderately difficult, 2 mile long hike is appropriate for older adults and families and takes about an hour to complete. Participants should board the bus at 10:00 am sharp at location indicated or meet at hike site if registered.
Bus trips are FREE. Registration is required. In the event of special needs, please contact the office at 845-292-6180 or sullivan@cornell.edu.
Skoda Extension Education Center 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd. Liberty, NY Nathaniel Whitmore, local fungi enthusiast and educator of the Delaware Highlands Mushroom Society, will teach about the wild life of fungi and how they can be cultivated. Supplies will be provided to grow your own mushrooms at home. $30 per person $25 per CCESC enrollee* Paid, registration REQUIRED Sorry, no refunds. *Enroll in CCESC for an annual contribution of $25 per household. Additional donations are appreciated. Partial scholarships are available with support from Sullivan Renaissance. In the event of financial hardship or special needs, please contact the CCESC office.
Upcoming Junior Master Gardener Workshops June 22 | Soil...It’s Alive! Playing with dirt is fun! Learn about the life of your soil and basic composting techniques. July 20 | Botany for You and Me Plant yummy microgreens to take home and explore the study of plant science. August 24 | The Buzzzzz on Entomology Good bugs, bad bugs…discover both harmful and beneficial insects found in your garden. September 14 | Grow It... Pick It... Cook It… Eat It! Enjoy “food for thought” on harvesting your own grown food, and reflect on the season. Individuals: $15 each, $45 for series | Enrollees/ 4-H*: $10 each; $30 for series Series held from 6:00-7:30 pm at the Skoda Extension Education Center in Liberty. Space is limited. Paid, non-refundable registration is required in advance.
*CCESC enrollment is $25 per household, annually. 4-H youth membership is free. Partial scholarships are available with support from Sullivan Renaissance. June, 2016
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(Continued from page 6.) valuable goods ranging from breeding stock to quality foods and fibers. These same items can be used for personal benefit and self-sufficiency, which increase the overall enjoyment and utility of woodland. The sale of silvopasture products and the conversion of wooded areas into silvopastures can also contribute to Ag Assessment (NYS RP 305 Program) eligibility requirements, thereby allowing landowners to take advantage of an important tax abatement program on wooded pastures that may not otherwise qualify for the 480-A Forest Tax Law. Some other important points to consider before taking the plunge into silvopastur-
ing are the time, investment, and dedication required to succeed. Develop a written start-up plan for your project that outlines where, when, what, why, how, and how much you can spend in terms of both time and money. If you have never raised livestock before, take time to speak with livestock specialists from Cooperative Extension and ask them to refer you to other producers who may share helpful advice. Start small because it will be better to make the inevitable mistakes on a smaller scale, but don’t let the fear of initial failure prevent you from exploring the exciting opportunities of silvopasturing!
Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by calling your local CCE association no later than one week before the beginning of any event to make arrangements. Source: Written by Brett Chedzoy, CCE South Central NY,
(Continued from page 4.) For crossbreeding to be most effective, it is important to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different breeds and to determine the appropriate role of a breed in a crossbreeding program. For example, you can produce Suffolk x Polypay lambs by either crossing a Suffolk ram onto Polypay ewes or by crossing a Polypay ram onto Suffolk ewes. If the goal is to produce superior crossbred market lambs, it makes no sense to do the latter cross because the breeds are not being utilized to take best advantage of their strengths and Page 14
Extension Connection
weaknesses. On the other hand, Polypay rams could be used to produce crossbred female progeny that would be superior in maternal characteristics to the purebred Suffolk female. Crossbreeding can also be used to upgrade a flock or herd or to create new breeds. Almost all goat and sheep breeds started out as crossbreds. For example, the Suffolk was originally a "cross" between the Southdown and Norfolk Horn (developed in England). The Kiko is a "cross" between feral (wild) goats and dairy bucks in New Zealand. To upgrade, you breed purebred/full-blood males to crossbred or non-registered females and save each generation of females for breeding to a purebred male. In some breed registries, upgraded individuals can eventually be registered as purebreds. Source: Adapted from Maryland University Small Ruminant Program
June, 2016
Written by Melinda Meddaugh, Ag & Food Systems Team Leader On Tuesday May 10, Sullivan County officials and collaborating partners, Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management, and the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board took a tour of five local farming operations. The first stop was to New York State’s largest egg producing farm. Owned and operated by Daniel Brey, the farm has 250,000 laying hens and 90,000 pullets, or young replacements. Members of the tour were able to see the egg handling facility where the eggs are cleaned and packaged.
The next two stops on the tour exemplified the dairy industry in Sullivan County. Weiss Dairy Farm milks 200 Holstein cattle that live in a free stall facility and produce 80 pounds of milk per cow, per day. The other farm, Bethel Creamery, is a smaller, organic, kosher dairy consisting of 40 dairy cattle that consume mainly pasture and produce roughly 40 pounds of milk per cow, per day. The milk is then bottled on-site and sold locally. This will soon be the site of a yogurt and cheese making facility as well! Although both dairy farms are vastly different, they both discussed common concerns with the industry and how labor issues are
affecting their businesses. Next, the tour continued up the mountain to Catskill Mountain Sugar House where members were taken on ATV’s through the woods to see the 65,000 tapped maple sugar trees, which is also the largest of its kind in NYS. The last stop on the tour brought us to Neversink Farm, where $500,000 of annual sales is generated using green houses, high tunnels, and the remaining land on their 1.5-acre parcel. The tour gave elected officials and our partner affiliates an up close and personal glimpse into Sullivan County agriculture and what the future holds!
2. Weiss Dairy Farm (below)
1. Brey’s Egg Farm Packaging Facility (above)
3. Petting calves at Bethel Creamery (left)
5. Assortment of vegetables and
4. Quad ride by the taps at Catskill Mtn Sugar House (left)
season extension structures at Neversink Farm (right) June, 2016
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Partner Spotlight - SportsMen’s Den The SportsMen’s Den in Callicoon, NY is no stranger to Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County’s 4-H Youth Development program. Pete Diehl and his wife, Janice, have had children enrolled in 4-H and have supported several 4-H clubs throughout the years. Jack Diehl leases cows out to youth who want to participate but wouldn’t normally have access to livestock. Ms. Betty Long has served on some of the boards at the CCESC. They have even assisted at the 4-H Youth Fair! Our friends at the SportsMen’s Den continue to encourage the youth of our county to excel in the many clubs and programs in 4-H. So, it was no surprise when, a couple of years ago, they offered to support the new 4-H Shooting Sports Program. The SportsMen’s Den has three lanes of archery alongside the business which they offered to the 4-H Shooting Sports participants. The area is not only used for archery, but it also fits the requirements for the Air Rifle as well as Air Pistol disciplines. They also have other ranges that allow the 4-Hers to participate in all the other disciplines the program offers. Each Friday, and some Saturdays, they are converged upon by our youth. They think nothing of letting the 4-H youth use this space, despite its taking place during business hours. Their support doesn’t stop with just time and space; they have made considerable donations including targets and repairs on equipment. We have been able to purchase supplies at discounted rates, keeping the overhead of the program down. Most of the members of the SportsMen’s Den are also members of the Coonrock Hunting Club. This club has made several large donations to the 4-H Shooting Sports program. The Den has also allowed the use of their property to construct and fire 4-H Shooting Sport’s famous trebuchet, recently featured on the homepage of the NYS 4-H Shooting Sports web page (check it out!). It was the SportsMen’s Den’s initial suggestion to the current volunteers that the program should be restarted after a hiatus. Their recommendations and introductions brought new instructors and youth together. With their help, the program grew and became the success that it is today. Currently, the program is 9 certified instructors, about 60 participating youth, and many parent volunteers strong, and growing! On behalf of CCE Sullivan County 4-H Shooting Sports program, we thank you SportsMen’s Den for your unwavering support of 4-H and all that it stands for!
Volunteer Spotlight Wendy Tushak, Master Food Preserver Volunteer
Staff Spotlight Dayna Valenti-Gaeta Dayna joined the CCESC staff in September of 2015 as the Community Horticulture Program Educator.
Master Food Preserver Volunteer, Wendy Tushak, is a certified Naturally Grown Vegetable farmer. For the past two years she has lived on the farm with her husband Steve in Neversink, NY. Vegetable farming led a natural progression to canning for Wendy. Preserving the surplus of produce significantly helps her realize savings on their grocery bills. Wendy cans everything that stays in the house long enough to get into the canner. She is a valuable Master Food Preserver Volunteer here at Extension.
We thank Wendy for her hard work and dedication to our program. Page 16
In her first nine months, Dayna has held six educational programs, co-hosted four programs with collaborators, held a very successful plant sale, served on several local gardening panels, and arranged many Master Gardener Volunteer speaking opportunities around the community. Scheduled for this summer and fall are a four-part Junior Master Gardener Series and a new Master Gardener Volunteer Training. Dayna was a high school science teacher in two Orange County schools, an American Red Cross lifeguard instructor, and a First Aid and CPR instructor. She is a volunteer Green Garden Club advisor, AYSO soccer coach, and a volunteer at her children’s school.
Dayna lives in Glen Spey with her husband and two children.
Extension Connection
June, 2016
4-H Member Spotlight - Brandi B. & Patrick C. Each year, a delegation representing thousands of NYS 4-H members travel to Albany to meet with their elected representatives and expand their knowledge of state government during 4-H Capital Days. This year was the 81st year for the event, which is organized and sponsored by the NYS Association of CCE 4-H Educators. Brandi B. and Patrick C. were the Sullivan County delegates representing their county’s membership. Brandi, a 13 year member, is currently involved in the 4-H Animal Science Club. She has served as 4-H Teen Leader for countless events, is a youth member of the 4-H Strategy Subcommittee, and serves as a teen committee member for the state 4-H STARR event. Her multiple project interests range from dairy and rabbit to art, music, and community service. Patrick is a 10 year member who serves as a youth leader in support of the 4-H Puppy Pals Club. His 4-H experience includes a variety of project interests as well as significant involvement in community service initiatives. He has been a stalwart and valued teen leader during the Sullivan County Youth Fair and has had many successes in the exhibition of his beef, woodworking, and craft projects at both the county and the state fair levels. The delegates toured the capitol, visited state agencies, and observed a working session of the State Senate. They learned how a bill becomes law from Assemblyman Clifford Crouch, received an overview of the judiciary appeals process from Consultation Clerk of New York State Court of Appeals Hope Engel, and learned about opportunities in the fields of political science and public policy from Interim Dean of the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy Dr. Karl Rethemeyer, U. Albany. Highlights for the delegates included office visits to Senator John Bonacic (District 42), Assemblywoman Aileen M. Gunther (District 100), and Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney (District 101), as well as hearing an inspiring address at the closing ceremony from New York Lt. Governor Kathleen C. Hochul, a 4-H alumnus!
June, 2016
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On Saturday May 14, a line formed at the doors of Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County for the Annual Master Gardener Volunteer Plant Sale. The sun was shining and our guests were all a chatter with stories of early spring. The tables inside were lined with brilliant, affordable perennials, annuals, house plants, vegetables, herbs, shrubs, and select garden accessories. Shortly after ten, the scurrying began as patrons surrounded the tables. As the excitement continued, carts and arms were filled, questions asked, plants selected, and tabs paid. As the initial wave slowed, the Master Gardener Volunteers continued to answer questions and make recommendations as people lingered in search of plants for various gardening projects. For anyone that missed them at the sale, we have tomato cages for sale at only $8 each. Stop by Extension to check them out. We hope the plants purchased will continue to make you smile for years to come. Happy growing! The Master Gardener Volunteers would like to thank all patrons and donors, and extend a special thank you to the following businesses for their donations and continued support of our mission: Sullivan Renaissance Monticello Farm, Home, and Garden Manza Family Farm L & M Greenhouses John Wilcox and Family Earl Myers and Family Wire Pro Electric LLC Marian Fries Delaware Valley Home and Garden (Agway) Town of Fallsburg Park Sullivan BOCES students and instructors Monticello Greenhouse Victoria Ingrassia Brian Brustman CCESC Staff
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June, 2016
Submitted by Dayna Valenti-Gaeta, Community Horticulture Program Educator Anyone who has gardened for more than a few seasons can recite a list of successes and flops, with hopefully more of the former than the latter. Although it brandishes a ghoulish name, bloodroot (sanguinaria canadensis) has been a happy resident of my garden for more than a dozen years. A single gifted piece of its orangy rhizome has spawned the multiple colonies in bud today. The short-lived, pure-white flowers, just a few inches tall, have four wide and four narrow petals surrounding a cluster of yellow stamens. The oddly large, rounded, deeply-lobed leaves appear as the blooms fade and can range from eight to twenty inches in height. They disappear in late summer. True to its most common of common names, a red, blood-like fluid does indeed ooze from the roots. Rare in nurseries, it's easiest to look for bloodroot at local garden club sales or to convince a friend to give you a chunk. Having a patch of this delicate wildling in your garden is simply a thrill and at least in my case, an easy one at that, since I haven't given it any special care or concern. It would be easy to judge bloodroot as just another interesting spring ephemeral but the story goes much deeper. Bloodroot is highly toxic yet has many medical uses, both historic and contemporary. A chemical called sanguinarine, similar to morphine, is produced in the roots. If applied to human skin, the sanguinarine may kill the tissue, leaving a disfiguring scar. In colonial times, the liquid was used as a wart remedy. Some studies have suggested using it as a skin cancer treatment, while others point to similar products which actually cause oral cancer. Bloodroot has also been employed to cause vomiting, empty the bowels, treat laryngitis and nasal polyps, and reduce tooth pain and dental plaque. As with so many other herbs, it is both June, 2016
Photo by David H. Chinery humbling and amazing that such a powerful concoction is contained in a small, innocent-looking package. A true product of America, bloodroot can be found wild in a wide area from Nova Scotia, south to Florida, and west to the Great Lakes and Mississippi River. It will grow in damp or dry woods in a wide variety of soil types, in full sun to partial shade. While it will never be a garden center staple, a few cultivars have been developed. Forma multiplex 'plena' has many more petals, producing a snowball effect and
a longer-lasting flower. Although they call it by the quirky name "double red puccoon," the Brits think so highly of this type, that they bestowed the Royal Horticulture Society's Award of Garden Merit on it in 1993. Garden Visions Epimedium Nursery in central Massachusetts offers two rare types, “Tennessee form”, with at least 16 snow-white petals and “pink form”, with both pink petals and stems. Lastly, some lucky gardeners grow a variety called “star”, which looks just like a mini supernova. Although short of stature and fleet of flower, bloodroot casts a botanically large shadow indeed. Sources: Root Concerns, an E-mail Gardening Newsletter from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer, Albany, and Schenectady Counties, 5/14, Volume 9, Number 4.
Cornell Offers FREE, Online Course on Sharks Cornell University, in collaboration with the University of Queensland, will launch a free, massive, open online course on the primal predators this summer during the Discovery Channel’s famed Shark Week, from June 26 to July 3. The syllabus, which includes a wide array of topics taught by five Cornell professors and the University of Queensland’s Ian Tibbets, will educate participants in new technological advances that have brought sharks from the depths and into the spotlight of the digital age, as well as an array of facts about the feared — and endangered — creatures. “An explosion of new research and technologies such as satellite tagging and CT scanning are helping researchers advance our knowledge of sharks at an unprecedented rate,” said William Bemis, Cornell professor of ecology and evolutionary biology, in a news release. “The technology has been integrated so much that you can now follow some sharks on Twitter, which par ticipants will lear n about in the course.” To register or for more information, visit: https://www.edx.org/course/shark sglobal-biodiversity-biology-cornellx-uqx-bioee101x#! Extension Connection
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Between World War II and the Vietnam War, the university owned the Cornell Aeronautical Library (CAL) in Buffalo. CAL contributed greatly to aerospace and automobile research, creating the first crash test dummy in 1948, the seat belt in 1951, and the FBI's fingerprint reading system in 1972.
It takes 12 pounds of whole milk to make one gallon of ice cream
It is estimated that in one season, an opossum kills about 5,000 ticks.
"I find that the harder I work, the more luck I seem to have." - Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)
Hummingbirds are the only creatures that can fly backwards
Taking Flight: Birding in the Catskills June 10 - June 12 Ashokan Center - Olivebridge, NY Not your “typical” birding weekend! We have combined the best of a birding conference with a birding festival, and have invented an event that is rich with presenters you will want to hear, speaking on topics you will want to learn about. For more information visit: http:// catskillcenter.org/taking-flight-about/
The Federal Reserve Bank of New York holds the biggest known stock pile of gold in the world; over half a million bars, worth over 200 billion dollars
Eggs: 75 calories 7 grams of high-quality protein
Upper Delaware BioBlitz June 24 & 25 Ten Mile River Scout Camp Tusten, Sullivan County, NY The Saturday of the Upper Delaware BioBlitz is open to the public through outreach to local schools and families. Attendees will have an opportunity to observe the collected specimens, talk to the scientists, and participate in activities. For more information, visit:
www.upperdelawarebioblitz.com
2016 Aurora Farm Field Day Free Fishing Weekend June 25 & 26 During this special weekend, anglers are not required to have a license while enjoying the weekend of fishing in New York State. The free fishing weekend is for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. For more information visit: http:// www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/89821.html Page 20
July 14 | 9 am - 3 pm Musgrave Research Farm (CUAES) 1256 Poplar Ridge Road, Aurora, NY New York’s farming community is invited to learn about the latest research on field crops, soil, and pest management during the annual field day at Cornell University’s Musgrave Research Farm, featuring farm tours, demonstrations, and presentations. Pre-register at: http://bit.ly/FDR eg Extension Connection
It takes 3 to 3 1/2 cups of broccoli to equal the calcium in one cup of milk
June is National: Dairy Month Fireworks Safety Month National Rose Month Great Outdoors Month Iced Tea Month Perennial Gardening Month Turkey Lovers’ Month Seafood Month Flag Month
USDA Launches First-Ever Local Food Survey The USDA recently announced the 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey as part of its continued support of local and regional food systems. USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) is conducting this survey to produce official benchmark data on the local food sector in the US. The survey will ask producers for information on their production and local marketing of foods during the 2015 calendar year. Producers who receive the 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey from NASS are strongly encouraged to respond. Farmers can fill out the survey online via a secure website or return their form by mail. Link: www.agcounts.usda.gov For more information about the 2015 Local Food Marketing Practices Survey, visit: www.agcensus.usda.gov. June, 2016
Charles Keating Cell: 570-430-1045 Fax: 570-689-2688
Member Exchange ANIMALS & SUPPLIES
Cattle Feed Bran $160 ton delivered call 845
292-9224 for information Ewes, lambs for sale. Il de Franc x Dorset crosses. Easy keepers. All twins, some blacks. Triplet 2 year old ram. Freezer lambs. La Mancha doe and female twins. Apple Pond Farm 845 482 4764 Rabbits for all Reasons and Chicks to Hens of Many Breeds. Member of A.R.B.A. for 37 years. 845-888-0274 Oak Ridge Farm – Horses Boarded, Large Indoor arena, excellent quality hay grown on farm, lessons available 845-482-4686 Lashside Farm. Full board or turnout. 845-292 -3765 Retired Horse Boarding on 45 acre farm. Your horse will be well taken care of on our peaceful farm. 845-482-4779 Lambs, Baby Goats and Hay 845-434-7764 Registered Polled Hereford Bulls for Sale. Bred cows. Call Stone Ridge Farm 845-4394359 Trout for sale. 6"-8" Brook Trout. Delivered or picked up. Call Beaverkill Trout Hatchery for details. 845-439-4947 Bring us your retiring horse or those in need of rest. We will provide personalized care on our 50 acre farm at reasonable cost. Heaven’s Gait Farm 1-516-721-9173. For Sale: Miniature Donkey Jacks. 845-4824061 Goats for sale. 845-252-7434
June, 2016
AUTOS & OTHER VEHICLES
Motorcycle Camper opens to 14ft. Queen size sleeping area, pedestal table, attached cooler like new 845-292-4013 4 person peddle boat, Large, Mint heavy duty ~ 2003 Arctic Cat pantera, 2 up(seater) 2000 miles, mint condition snowmobile ~ Artic cat 370cc snowmobile 1000 miles. Mint condition Call for prices Pete (845-557-8678) petetraina4u@yahoo.com
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
16 x7 dual axle Cargo Mate Trailer for $2,500, call Denise at 845-807-7540
5 Power Angle Plow for 1980’s CJ Jeep all controls work $450 845-985-7052
John Deere 3010, Diesel, WFE, Dual Hyd. Outlets, Rops. Asking $6,000. 845-551-1649
MISCELLANEOUS FOR SALE
Need great bags & purses? Contact Tanya@
Initials,inc.www.myinitials-inc.com/ tanyahuggler ; tanyasinitialsinc@gmail.com ; (845)807-7502 ; Initials,inc. Creative Partner. Little Bear of Aspen Snow Shoes—2 pr. $45 973-890-1747 Leave message 300 gal gas tank with hand pump on skids $300.00 845-647-8506 Casio- multi function display electric keyboard with stand. 845-887-5288 Lawn Stork-A sign you rent out when someone is having a baby. Start your own business $200.00 OBO 845-557-6090 Maytag 16 cu freezer 2 yrs old $200; Full Size Microwave $25; 2 two drawer file cabinets $10 ea. Dorm size fridge $10 292-5098 Narrows-
Extension Connection
burg
Yarn for sale. Alpaca 2 ply& core yarn 516941-7207
2 slots machines, mint working condition.
Lights and sound with tokens ~ Antique Mantle clocks (mint) Many other items Pete 845-5578678 petetraina4u@yahoo.com 1983 Glassport 19' 7'' inboard/outboard, 350 Chevy and 20' dual axle trailer. Needs work. Make offer. 203 740 0167 Hot water radiators 25.5" x 15.5" to 47" [10 total] and 19" x 36.5" and 39" BO 203-7400167 Men’s size 8 chest high fishing waders with felt soles. Worn once paid $200 asking $85. 914-237-2329. 5 foot 3 pt. hitch Woods Finish Moore RM59. Asking $500. 434-6850
HAY FOR SALE For Sale: 4X4 Round Bales $15.00 ea. 845482-4061
HAY – Square Bales - Local Delivery available 845-887-4582
Hay 1st, 2nd, 3rd square, round and wrapped. Protein – 19.1 – 22.6 composted. Topsoil, sand, gravel and cattle. 845-985-7866 Hay square bales 845-807-2532 Round Hay Bales for sale – 583-6024
‘TIS THE SEASON BK Logging Firewood for Sale—Standing Timber Wanted hard & soft wood 845-2924942 (Continued on page 22)
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Member Exchange Firewood delivered 845-807-3236 FARMERS’ MARKET CORNER Mountain Side Farm 100% Grass Fed Beef &
Pure NY Maple Syrup 845-742-6281, 845-7334809 Wacky Weeds Produce Natural Grown Certified Wholesale Farmer 845-693-1153 Muthig Farm - Maple Syrup, Maple Cream, Maple Jelly, Maple Sugar. Tours in March by apt. 845 -292-7838 Justus Asthalter Maple Syrup Inc. – New & used maple equipment & supplies for all size maple producers. Syrup, Cream, Candies, we ship anywhere. Sugar Hill Containers and Leader glass in stock. Call us at 845-292-8569 or email family@justusmaple.com/ www.justusmaple.com CATSKILL MOUNTAIN HONEY Pollen, propolis, Royal Jelly, bee supplies & equipment. Hives supers frames from our shop. Save $$ Jim Kile 845-647-6759 Farm fresh real food prepared and delivered weekly. Naturalcontents.com 888-551-8625 Wahldairyfarm.com Home grown Pork, Beef and Eggs. Guinea Fowl – 845-887-5737 Asian Specialty Vegetables. Charlie Koh. Seon Organic Farm 631-599-0072 Nutritious and Delicious Home Made Soups and Breads delivered to your door. Woodridgesoupemporium.com Organic Garlic for sale; reasonable prices. Call John 845-292-1195 "Dogs Luv'em" all natural Murray's chicken dog treats. 845-283-1128 Story’s Neversink Plant Co.-Rare succulents and interesting plants. By app’t. Only. John W. Story, Proprietor 845-985-5071 Korwan's Nursery Rhododendrons, perennials, trees, shrubs, and woodcarving. Landscaping 845-482-3345 Beaverkill Trout Hatchery- top quality trout, brook, brown & rainbow for sale. Trout preserve open Apr.1- Labor Day- 845-439-4947 email: troutlady61@yahoo.com THEODORA ORGANIC FARM Email: Theodoraorganicfarm@gmail.com- 646-710-0505 “No Farms, No Food” On farm vegetable and fruit stand open Saturday 10-2. River Brook Farm, Cochecton, NY 845-932-7952 Fertrell organic fertilizers, soil amendments and complete soil testing with recommendations available. Baron Organics, Products & Support, Jeffersonville, NY 12748. 845-482-3902
FOR BETTER BUSINESS Steven N. Mogel Attorney At Law 457 Broadway, STE 16A Monticello, NY 12701 www.sullivancountylawyers.com 845-791-4303 Klein's Tax Service. 25+ Years Experience. (845) 292-9225
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Free photographic app’ts by appointment 845
434-3147 Liz Lawrence I. Oestrich- Licensed land Surveyor, Estimates, Boundaries, and Subdivisions. 845791-4541 Licensed Security Guards & Any size property patrol. Alarm & camera installation with central station. Since 1980” When you are away your neighbors will play” Reasonable rates. 845-557 -8678. petetraina4u@yahoo.com Marshall & Sterling provides a full line of property & casualty insurance, personal insurance for home, auto and life, group benefits and health plans-please call Brian Seigerman at 845-794-5544 ext 2615 for free no obligation quote. Muthig & Sons - Landscaping - Logging Decks - Roofs - Firewood (845) 807-1711 Clown for all occasions, info @ www.misssunshinetheclown.com for all your party entertainment. 845-807-6222 Wurtsboro Veterinary Clinic- 163 Sullivan St. Box 190, Wurtsboro, NY 12790 845-888-4884 Dr. Linda Tintle, Dr. Dean Tinter, Dr. Nancy Odell, Dr. Joe D’Abbraccio Norbert’s Clock Repair. Antique specialist. Fair Price. For estimate/pickup 845-887-5831 Old interesting barn finds? Call for free appraisal 482-4901 Hartley Consulting, INC. Strategic Development for Non Profits. www.hartleyconsulting.com Duke Pottery. www.dukepottery.com Pottery Studio, Art Gallery, Gift Shop. Open Year Round, Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00-5:00 or by chance. 855 Co. Rd. 93, Roscoe, NY O&L Digital Photo- Weddings, Sweet 16, Birthdays, Baptisms and special events. Album packages & DVD video. 845-932-5020 or 917693-9891 www.dbase.com or olima@msn.com
FURNITURE & HANDMADE ITEMS Visit Charlie Barbuti Furniture Mall for all your furniture and mattress needs. 292-4826 www.barbutifurniture@verizon.net Majek Furniture- Full Line Furniture and Mattress showroom; www.Majekfurniture.com
REAL ESTATE – AGENCIES, PROPERTIES, & RENTALS
Strumpflers Boarding House- 845-252-6675 Catskill Brokers, Inc. Real Estate Services.
Cynthia L. Johnson, Broker. Woodbourne, NY 845-434-7860- email: catskillbrokers@hvc.rr.com For all your real estate needs come for a visit and stay for a lifetime. “Trout Town USA” Roscoe, NY. Sullivan County, Delaware County – Lilly@elliot-pomeroy.com McKean Realtors – Farms and Lake Front Homes 845-583-6003 Barbanti Realty- 40 years in business- 845-292 -2800 Rieber Realty, Monticello, NY 845-794-0211. www.RieberRealty.com
WANTED
Looking for a piglet to raise for 4 months for slaughter. 733-4031 or emaill ler384 @hotmail.com Wanted: Speedex Tractors Parts & Accessories 845-557-8030 Wanted: Llama for pet. Please call 845-4823509 Wanted: Side Delivery Hay Rake in Working Condition. Call Mike 482-3628
HELP WANTED Looking to work on a farm this summer? Call Marilyn about a traveling farm position available. Must have transportation to Swan Lake. 845-701-2572.
ORGANIZATIONS & EVENTS Garden Lovers – consider joining a garden club. Meets 3rd Tues. of each month. Call 845794-6139 Marshall & Sterling provides a full line of property & casualty insurance, personal insurance for home, auto, life, group benefits & health plans – please call Brian Seigerman at 845-794 -5544 ext 2615 for a free no obligation quote.
FOR A BETTER YOU Strumpflers Mt View Cottages 845-252-7494 Jin Shin Jyutsu, Near Grahamsville. Energetic, Harmonizing 647-6572 Yoga classes near Neversink Dam. Gentle stretches for seniors and beginners. Schedule Mon, Wed, Sat a.m. Thurs. p.m. I free introductory class. Yoga improves flexibility & health. Reiki sessions by appt. Relieve stress & pain. Call Joy 845-2927870
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sullivancce.org Extension Connection
June, 2016
Earl Kinney
Excavating & Trucking Ready To Meet Your Needs Free Estimates - 40 Years Experience DRAINAGE SEPTIC SYSTEMS FOUNDATIONS DRIVEWAYS ROADS PONDS LAND CLEARING GRADING STONE SAND GRAVEL REDSHALE
No Job Too Big or Too Small
887-5540 OFFICE - 46 ROCK AVE., HORTONVILLE EVENINGS - 887-5647
Trucking & Hauling
Specializing in Saving Trees Insects Disease Fertilization And now Lawn Spraying
Fully Insured (845) 985-3073
Registered NYS Business
(845) 798-0642
Bulldozing
J. HUGHSON EXCAVATING, INC. - CONSTRUCTION -
Foundations — Sand — Gravel—Fill—Topsoil Septic Systems Installed
845-482-9826
PO Box 557 Jeffersonville, NY 12748
Monticello Farmers’ Market
Barryville Farmers’ Market Market Manager: Greg Swartz 3385 State Route 97, Behind The River Market Barryville, NY May 14 - October 29 Every Saturday from 10 am -1pm Holiday Markets: Saturdays, November 19 & December 17, 10 am-1pm Shohola Firehouse, Shohola, PA 570-224-8013 greg@willowwisporganic.com www.barryvillefarmersmarket.com
Catskill Mountainkeeper Market Manager: Ashley Tully North Street and Jefferson St., Ted Stroeble Parking Lot Monticello, NY June 27 - October 10 Every Monday from 11 am - 2 pm 845-439-1230 ashley@catskillmountainkeeper.org www.catskillmountainkeeper.org
Rock Hill Farmers’ Market Rock Hill Business and Community Association Market Manager: Michelle Lipari 223 Rock Hill Drive Rock Hill, NY June 4 - September 24 Every Saturday from 10 am - 1pm rhfarmersmarket@gmail.com www.rockhillfarmersmarket.com
Callicoon Farmers’ Market 866-270-2015 manager@sullivancountyfarmersmarkets.org www.callicoonfarmersmarket.org Outdoor Market A. Dorrer Drive, Callicoon Creek Park Callicoon, NY May 1 - November 6 Every Sunday from 11 am - 2 pm
Roscoe Farmers’ Market
Indoor Market 8 Creamery Road, Delaware Youth Center Callicoon, NY January 17 & 31 | February 14 & 28 March 13 | April 3 & 17 November 6 - December 18 Every Sunday 11am - 2pm
Roscoe Chamber of Commerce Niforatos Field Roscoe, NY May 8 - October 9 Every Sunday from 10 am - 2 pm 607-498-4456 cottagelot@citlink.net www.roscoeny.com
Liberty Mountainkeeper Farmers’ Market
The Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods
Catskill Mountainkeeper Market Manager: Ashley Tully 91 S. Main Street Liberty, NY May 27 – October 28 Every Friday from 4 pm - 7 pm 845-439-1230 ashley@catskillmountainkeeper.org www.catskillmountainkeeper.org Page 24
Market Manager: Kasia Zalewska Hurd Road, Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center Bethel, NY Sundays in the fall from 11 am - 4 pm (August 28, September 4, September 11, September 18, September 25) kzalewska@bethelwoodscenter.org www.bethelwoodscenter.org
Extension Connection
June, 2016