Extension Connection
USPS-525-100
Sullivan County
YOUR LINK TO LOCAL, RESEARCH-BASED SOLUTIONS TO BETTER YOUR LIFE
VOLUME XC NO. 5
MAY 2019
May is National Beef Month: The Coombes of Thunder View Farms have been honored with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Environmental Stewardship Award! Read more in Spotlights.
Upcoming U pcoming Events Events & Programs Programs Horse Lovers Intro to Horses Understanding Alzheimer’s & Dementia Intro to Poultry Production
Issue Isssue sue Highlights Higghhligghhts The State of the USDA Inspected Meat Harvest & Processing Industry You & Your Forest: Silvopasturing
Parenting the Second Time Around
Take Advantage of System Benefits Charge on Your Utility Bill
Learn to Make Soup & Bread
Tips for Freezing Vegetables
Beef Quality Assurance Training
Nurturing Spatial Ability; Nurturing Youth
4th Annual Senior Expo Making Quality Baleage
Senior Expo Celebrates Older Americans Month
Free Farm Stand at ATI
Farm Spotlight: Thunder View Farms
Master Gardener Plant Sale
Community Guest Editorial: Catskills Food Hub
See page 11 for more events!
Check out page 12 for fast facts, a healthy recipe, and more!
Welcome W elcome to to the the Issue! Issue!
Table Table of of Contents Contents
Page 3 Message from the Executive Director
Page 9 Tips for Freezing Vegetables
Page 4 State of the USDA Inspected Meat Harvest & Processing Industry in NY & NE
Page 11 Upcoming Programs Page 12 Fast Facts & Recipe
Page 5 DHI Report: March
Page 14 Community Guest Editorial of the Month
Page 6 You & Your Forest Series: Silvopasturing
Page 16 CCESC Spotlights
Page 8 Take Advantage of the System Benefits Charge
Page 20 Sponsorships Page 22 Nurturing Spatial Ability; Nurturing Youth Page 23 Senior Expo Celebrates Older American’s Month Page 24 Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale June 1st
Page 18 Opportunities for You Page 19 Seasonal Availability of Produce
The Extension Connection (USPS-525-100) is published monthly for $25.00 enrollment by Cornell Cooperative Extension 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 12754-2903.
OFFICE HOURS
EXTENSION CONNECTION
8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday-Friday Phone: 845-292-6180 E-mail: sullivan@cornell.edu Website: www.sullivancce.org
Edited by: Nicole Slevin & Colleen Monaghan Designed by: Centermost Marketing, LLC
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NOTICE: Official endorsement of advertisers and their products is not intended by the acceptance of their advertisements for the Extension Connection.
Produced by: Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
STAFF MEMBERS
Colleen Monaghan............................................................................Executive Director SueAnn Boyd.......................................................Healthy Schools Program Coordinator Kaitlyn Conklin...........................................................................................4-H Educator Wanda V. Cruz.............................................Healthy Communities Program Coordinator Robert Kaplan..............................President Jessica Glassel.....................................................................................Finance Assistant Amy Erlwein......Vice President & Secretary Marylin Jones..........................................................................4-H Program Coordinator John Kiefer...................................Treasurer Bridget Kackos...................................................................................Program Assistant Nadia Rajsz........................Legislative Rep. Bonnie Lewis..........................................................................Dependent Care Educator Todd Brown Erica Lynch.........................................................Catskills Kitchen Program Coordinator Brian Brustman Tharicia McZorn...........................................................Parenting & Family Life Educator Jenny Chamberlain Melinda Meddaugh......................................................Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader Marcie Ehrman Barbara Moran...............................................4-H Animal Science Program Coordinator Denise Frangipane John “JP” Lang Bee Moser................................................................................Eat Smart NY Nutritionist Klu Padu Vanessa Pahucki....Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center | Taste NY Market Manager Luisa Parker Michelle Proscia.............................................................................Agriculture Educator Dara Smith Nicole Slevin...............................................................Administrator & Diversity Officer George Stang Ashley Tully...............................................................................Administrative Assistant Robert Wong Tara VanHorn.......................................................................................Finance Manager Malinda Ware...................................................................................Senior Issue Leader Sean Welsh............................................................................Energy Resource Educator John Wilcox.........................................................................................Facilities Manager Mary Winter................................................................Temporary Horticulture Assistant
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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Extension Connection
May 2019
Hello, Extension family, It’s April 29, my first day back after a full month of leave, initially to care for a hospitalized family member, and then for a bit of vacation and recovery. Throughout my leave, the CCE Sullivan team continued to show their best selves to each other, and in service to the Sullivan County community, while giving my family and me the time and space we needed to get healthy. I am incredibly proud to be part of an organization that has effective policies, procedures, and practices to keep the machine running, and part of a team that demonstrates a level of professionalism and leadership that makes it possible for each of us to take time for self-care when we need it, without compromising the quality of service we provide to our constituency. In my absence, I neglected to be sure I included a celebratory note to multi-generational, lifetime Extension member family, the Coombes, and their award-winning Thunderview Farms in Grahamsville. Luckily, May is National Beef Month, giving us an opportunity to do so in this May issue of the Extension Connection magazine. Throughout this issue, you’ll learn a little bit about the beef industry, and enjoy a spotlight on how one of Sullivan County’s very own beef farms ended up being nationally recognized! On another note, the first quarter of 2019 has given our team an opportunity to showcase Extension work in Sullivan County. Ag Educator Michelle Proscia accepted an invitation to serve on United States Congressman Antonio Delgado’s Agricultural Advisory Committee to ensure Sullivan County’s ag-related issues have a voice in finding potential federal supports and solutions. Ag Issue Leader Melinda Meddaugh worked with United States Senator Chuck Schumer to tour some of Sullivan’s dairy properties, and ultimately to speak from Dave Weiss’ farm in favor of finding ways to save small family farms. New York State Senator Jen Metzger spent an hour with the CCE Sullivan team touring the Extension Education Center, gardens, greenhouse, and high tunnel, learning about the upcoming Sullivan Fresh market projects, the Catskills Kitchen, the Hudson Valley Catskills Welcome Center and Taste NY Woodbury market, and exploring the breadth of programs we offer youth and families. And finally, New York State Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther continues to be a steadfast partner in helping us find state level support for struggling small farms, and expanding CCE Sullivan’s presence in afterschool programs across the county. Thank you to our federal and state representatives for giving Cooperative Extension a voice in your work for New York farmers, families, and kids! Looking forward to drying out soon….see you in June!
My very best,
Colleen Monaghan, Executive Director cm638@cornell.edu
Extension Connection
May 2019
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THE STATE OF THE USDA INSPECTED MEAT HARVEST & PROCESSING INDUSTRY IN NEW YORK & NEW ENGLAND Submitted by Michelle Proscia, Agriculture Educator
The total number of USDA plants that participated in Y2 of the study was 52, an 84% response rate.
This article provides excerpts from the study only.
Surprisingly, the study found that 82% of respondents stated they made the most money processing and fabricating the carcass, but an overwhelming number of respondents (94%) reported they would keep both harvest and processing on site at their plant. Plants said they want to keep both harvesting and processing to maintain convenience for the producer, as well as concerns for food safety and individual Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points (HACCP)
For the full study, visit LINK: https://cpb-us-e1.wpmucdn.com/ blogs.cornell.edu/dist/3/3955/ Àles/2019/04/USDA_Meat_ Processing_Extension_Bulletin1a9w3x7.pdf Between February 2017 and March 2018, New York and New England’s United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) red meat harvest plants were interviewed and surveyed for this project. The term “harvest” is being used throughout this paper instead of the term “slaughter” or “butcher” due to the industry standard. This harvest plant survey is part of a larger research project titled “Overcoming Supply Chain Barriers to Expanding Northeast Ruminant Meat Production” which is funded by USDA/NIFA 2016-68006-24744 grant and researched by Tufts University, Cornell University, and Design & Urbanism Architectural LLC. In 2017, there were 62 USDA red meat plants throughout New York and New England. Fifty of these plants participated in Y1, for an 81% response rate. During the second year of the study, there were 62 plants in the region but two plants from the first year were officially closed and two new plants became USDA certified. Page 4
by tax dollars. Therefore, lack of inspectors was not the cause of fewer harvest days compared to processing, but that it takes fewer labor hours per animal to harvest than it does to process the resulting carcass. Due to cooler space restrictions, 52% of survey respondents stated that the maximum amount of time available to age beef is 14 days, and for hogs 54% of respondents stated the maximum available hang time was 1-4 days. KEY FINDINGS: Availability and Quality of Labor: 74% of respondents stated that lack of access to qualified workers is the biggest constraint to the industry. 52% stated they want trained employees or employees with some knife work, but can be easily retrained to meet the plant’s needs. It is important that these plants find labor that is willing to work, shows up to work, believes in the industry, and understands that they are part of the national food system. Limit to Cold Storage:
plans. The majority of the plants are harvesting two days a week, but are processing five days a week. The research team was told by outside sources that the lack of harvest days was due to a lack of USDA inspectors. However, according to the USDA-FSIS when a USDA inspector is requested by a plant and all of the plant’s paperwork is approved by USDA, the federal government must provide an inspector because meat inspection is mandatory and is therefore funded
Extension Connection
May 2019
68% stated that their cooler size and space constrains their product throughput. Respondents want to add additional harvest days, but cannot due to their cooler capacity. Limited Access to Funding: Almost 57% of respondents stated they needed access to funding (access to grants or loans) in order to grow their business. Respondents want access to funding to physically expand or update the infrastructure and to update outdated equipment and purchase new equipment. There
is outside funding to build a new plant but not to update existing plants. Some plants need to update their floors, coolers, rail system, and would do so if they could get the funding. Seasonality of Livestock: Throughout New York and New England, livestock are historically finished in the fall months. This leads to a bottleneck of the majority of livestock needing to be harvested while the plants are already overbooked. If producers start finishing livestock during the slower season (February to May) then existing plants can increase profits. Working together, plants could incentivize producers to provide livestock during their slow times which in turn would help plants keep a year round labor supply. Plants are turning away business in the busy months, due to lack of cooler space and labor constraints. Plants need business in the off-season to remain viable.
The Future: It is important that our existing plants operate closer to capacity year round to become economical for our livestock industry and to help alleviate barriers for livestock harvest in New York and New England. The New York and New England Red Meat Harvest Industry still require the business in the off season to remain viable. All of the respondents stated that working with producers to finish animals at different times of the year (i.e. different seasons) would help their businesses be successful year round. Plants may have species constraints due to equipment and preference, while some have processing and service constraints (i.e. smoking and organic). It is important to know how many days a plant is harvesting and to see if there is a way we can help to increase their harvest days while making the processing days more economical. Access to funds to increase cooler
capacity, help finding a skilled labor force, or adding additional processing options (i.e. smoking) would help grow our region’s existing plants. The future of many plants throughout New York and New England is unclear with over 80% of the plants do not have a succession plan, and the average age of owners is 51 years. Source: Cornell University, MacKenzie Waro, Maria Kalaitzandonakes, Michael Baker, PhD, Christian Peters, PhD, Miguel Gómez, PhD, Michael Conard
DHI Report: MARCH Herdcode HERDOWNER
SAMPLE NO. BREED COWS TYPE
MILK FAT PROTEIN
21470096 BRANDON PETERS DAIRY DHI-AP
H
97.6 22373
795
697
21470146 THONY'S DAIRY
DHI-AP
H
56.8 19360
723
600
21470021 GLASSEL, ROBERT
DHI-AP
H
47.8 15478
581
474
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May 2019
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YOU & YOUR FOREST SERIES: SILVOPASTURING Submitted by Melinda Meddaugh, Ag & Food Systems Issue Leader Written by Brett Chedzoy, Extension Educator 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 latter-half of the 20th century. This occurred when foresters and conservationists began to educate farmers on the potential harmful impacts of allowing livestock in the woods. Damages included excessive soil compaction, debarking, and excess browsing. But 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” practices have enabled us to gain the necessary level of control over livestock to achieve positive impacts from silvopasturing. Silvopasturing is not appropriate for every operation or every woodlot as it requires a commitment to caring for animals, and to enclosing areas with a secure fence to keep livestock in and predators out. Likewise, silvopastures on poor growing sites, rough terrain, or with difficult access would have fewer advantages than the converse. Page 6
Photo contributed by Delaware Highlands Conservancy
In addition to starting with the right location, the most important key for success is skilled management of the system. This requires considerable knowledge of both silviculture and grazing. But limited experience shouldn’t discourage others from exploring the potential of silvopasturing on their property.
combine the two systems in a context appropriate for your own property. • Seek out local examples of innovative graziers to see what has worked 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 in knowledge on the livestock side of the equation, but their expertise in vegeta-tion and forest management will be invaluable.
There are a number of ways that one can jump ahead on the learn-ing curve: • Look for on-line resources. There are a number of temper-ate 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 the Northeast” is currently available under the “publications” section of http:// forestconnect.info. • Develop woodlot management and animal husband-ry skills independently, and then gradually look for ways to symbiotically
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 into an area infested with problematic plants like buckthorn or beech brush, and then expecting good results, is unrealistic. Carefully controlled grazing with the right kinds of livestock at the right time of the year is just part of a larger strategy to deal with nuisance plants. In severely over-grown areas, heavy-duty mowing may be necessary to reduce the height of
Care should also be taken to identify and protect unique ecosystems and high-value wildlife habitat, such as vernal pools and wooded wetlands, when developing silvopasture areas.
Extension Connection
May 2019
the target vegetation. Animals then do the rest by browsing the coppice sprouts and other re-growth until weakened and eliminated. 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 growback 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 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 may also help farmers and woodland owners qualify for important property tax abatement programs such as Ag Assessment (NYS RP 305 Program) and the 480-a Forest Tax Law. Some other important points to consider before taking the plunge into silvopasturing are the time, investment and dedication required to succeed. Develop a written startup plan for your project that outlines where, when, what, why, how and how much you can spend in terms of both time and money.
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! Source: Cornell Cooperative Extension Columbia & Greene Counties http://ccecolumbiagreene.org/resources/ you-and-your-forest
If you have never raised livestock before, take time to speak with
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May 2019
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TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SYSTEM BENEFITS CHARGE Submitted by Sean Welsh, Community Energy Advisor Written by Camille Marcotte, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County Resource Educator Once a month you get your energy bill from your local utility. You’re probably focused on the total amount that you’ll have to pay for that month, which is a combination of your energy usage for that month, standard fees and other charges including a system benefits charge, or SBC. Have you ever wondered what the SBC on your monthly utility bill means and where that money goes? The system benefits charge funds energy efficiency programs, including energy programs for low income New York State residents. If you have Central Hudson, Con Edison, National Grid, NYSEG, or Orange and Rockland as your utility, you pay into the SBC. You can take advantage of the programs you are paying to support through participating in an energy efficiency or renewable energy program. Through energy efficiency programs, most New York residents can receive a free home energy assessment. These energy assessments will help make your home safer and more comfortable while helping you save money and energy. You can also receive grants, low-interest loans, and other incentives to help cover the cost of energy efficiency retrofits and home upgrades.
your utility bill. Renewable heating programs allow residents to take advantage of incentives available for purchasing and installing renewable heating options, like air source heat pumps and wood pellet stoves. For more information on how to take advantage of the SBC by applying for an energy efficiency or renewable energy program, contact your Cornell Cooperative Extension Community Energy Advisor at 845-292-6180 or visit LINK: www. midhudsonenergychoices.org.
Looking for a way to help the environment all while saving you money on bills? Ask local Community Energy Advisor Sean Welsh, at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County how. Residents, farmers, and business owners all over New York and the Hudson Valley are finding that there are programs and incentives to help reduce their energy burden. Give Sean a call at 845-2926180 ext. 127 to discuss resources available for the home, farm, or business or visit midhudsonenergychoices.org for more information.
Renewable energy programs include solar programs and renewable heating programs. Solar programs offer incentives to purchase solar panels or participate in a community solar program where, if eligible, you can receive monthly credits on Page 8
Save Energy Save $
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May 2019
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UPCOMING PROGRAMS Mondays
CCE In the Field at Soul Food Café (170 North Main, Liberty)
3:30—5:45 pm
Wednesdays CCE In the Field at ENGN (12 Lower Main St. Callicoon)
Shifts Vary
May 1
12—4 pm
Selling Farmland for Realtors
May 1—15 Horse Lovers Intro to Horses—Ulster County Fairgrounds (Weds)
3:30—5:30 pm
May 3
Understanding Alzheimer’s and Dementia—14 Proctor Rd, Eldred
10—11 am
May 7
Intro to Poultry Production—CCE Orange County
6—8 pm
May 7— June 15 May 9— June 13
Parenting the Second Time Around—George L. Cooke School (Tues) 6—8 pm Discipline is not a Dirty Word—George L. Cooke School (Thurs)
6—8 pm
May 11
Learn To Make Soup & Bread—Catskill Kitchen (rear entrance)
10 am —2 pm
May 14
Energy Resources for Your Home—CCE Orange County
6—7:30 pm
May 18
Beef Quality Assurance Training—Stone Wall Farms
10 am—12 pm
May 22
4th Annual Senior Expo—Monticello Firehouse
10 am—1 pm
May 23
Dementia Conversations—128 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro
6 pm
May 28
Making Quality Baleage—60 Sinsabaugh Rd., Pine Bush
6—8:30 pm
May 29
__ FREE Farm Stand at ATI—309 Broadway, Monticello
10 am—1 pm
June 1
Annual Master Gardener Plant Sale (while supplies last!)
10 am—2 pm
June 1
Small Ruminant Seminar—300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville
9 am—3 pm
July 30
Business Planning with Plans & ProƤts
5:30 — 7:30 pm
Join us! Registration is required in advance.
Events at the Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., Liberty NY unless otherwise listed.
Call 845-292-6180
E-mail sullivan@cornell.edu
Visit sullivancce.org
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May 2019
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May Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use!
May is Nati onal Beef Month!
It takes 2 or 3 hives, or 120,000 to 180,000 bees to pollinate 1 acre of apple trees.
In France, May ay y tee du d 1 is La Fete t,, the t th Muguet, ival val of the festival ly-o ly-of -of-t of-the-valley. lily-of-the-valley. celebration cel The celebration des giving des g g includes ets of lilyets y bouquets valley valle y to of-the-valley es, wishing es, loved ones, lt lth th h and them health happiness.
The national 4-H slogan is “Learn by Doing”, for experiential learning Page 12
C D C r ev e a ls n e w la b o r a tory c a ll e d a “ h ig h - c o n t en t im m e t h o d a g in g based neut r a li z a t io n t es t ” ( H IN T ) t o a n t ig e n iic a ll y c h a r a c t e r iz e ( a la b o r a t o r y t e s t inn g p r o c e s s t h a t f lu s c ie n t is t s u se to measu r e h o w f lu v ir u s e s a r e e v o lv in g t o evade hum im m m u n it y ) 4 an 22 in f lu e n z a H3N2 v iir u s e s t h a t c ir c u la t e d in the US from 20 1 1 - 20 1 8 . T h is c o u ld p o t e n t ia ll y im p r o v e w h ic h f lu v a cc in e s t r a in s e le c t iio n f o r u p c o m in g s e a s o n a l f lu v a cc in e s !
There’s only one le tte doesn’t appear in r that any US state name- Q Extension Connection
May 2019
May Focus: Fast Facts, Cool Tools, & News to Use! 8QLWHG 6WDWHV 'HSDUWPHQW RI $JULFXOWXUH
Healthy Eating on a Budget
Source: https://whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/sites/default/¿les/featuredlinks/HealthyEatingonaBudgetCookbook.pdf
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WHAT ARE WE DOING AT THE CATSKILLS FOOD HUB? Written by Cat Wilson, Catskills Food Hub Executive Director “What is a Food Hub, exactly?” is a question I get almost every day. There is no one answer to this question, and it has everything to do with who you ask. According to the National Good Food Network (NGFN), a leading source on everything food hubs, “A regional food hub is a business or organization that actively manages the aggregation, distribution, and marketing of sourceidentified food products primarily from local and regional producers to strengthen their ability to satisfy wholesale, retail, and institutional demand.” But what does that mean? I have given similar definitions to folks and had blank stares in reply. To help define what hubs do, NGFN has a bi-annual food-hub benchmarking study to track the efforts of hubs around the country. Naturally, due to the diversity amongst the communities they serve there are many hubs doing things slightly different but with a similar mission: help grow local farms and food distribution. Hubs are not a new local food fad; some have been around for decades in one form or another. There are nonprofit Hubs (Catskills Food Hub being one), for-profit, or a hybrid of both. Some focus solely on Community Supported Agriculture or CSA’s for income while other’s strictly aggregate product for wholesale buyers. Page 14
Our hub offers free access for both Producers and Buyers to our online store where Producers (farmers, bakers, salsa-makers, and more!) can list their product at their prices to be viewed and ordered by wholesale buyers (think restaurants, hotels, schools…). The main goal of the hub is to help give farmers access to a larger market and make it easier for those buyers to find and purchase local products. By doing so we can increase the likelihood that healthy, local food can make it onto more plates in our community. One hurdle we face is helping farmers grow their businesses to meet wholesale demands. These hurdles can include marketing, packaging, grading, and distributing their products. Not to mention the new food safety laws coming from the FDA to protect consumers from food-borne illness.
We have partnered with Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County to provide on-site trainings for producers who wish to become GAP (Good Agricultural Practices, USDA) certified and/or FSMA (Food Safety Modernization Act, FDA) compliant in order to be able to sell to institutions like schools and hospitals. Our Hub had its Grand Opening on April 12, 2019, the same day we launched our online store. We look forward to growing to meet the needs of our local farmers as well as our community as whole in the years to come, and we always welcome questions. LINK: https://www.catskillsfoodhub. org/
Catskills Food Hub Ribbon Cutting April 2019. PC: Les Stone Photography
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CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Farm Spotlight COOMBE FAMILY - THUNDER VIEW FARMS In February 2019, Thunder View Farms in Grahamsville, NY was chosen by the National Cattlemen’s Association as the winner of its Environmental Stewardship Award, the first award of its kind won by New York State in 30 years! The award showcases the Coombe’s dedication to excellence in both farm products and environmental practices, for their efforts keeping NYC drinking water safe. Thunder View Farms originated in 1958 when Phil Coombe brought five registered Angus cows to the farm. Phil’s brother Dick joined the operation soon after and they have been running the operation together ever since. Today, the farm has more than 200 seedstock cows on 1,500 acres 100 miles north of New York City. It sits between two of the state’s biggest reservoirs supplying drinking water to the nine million people in the city. In the 1990s, New York City proposed tough watershed regulations that would have driven most farmers out of business, but the Coombe family, along with other families in the area, convinced officials that a way to keep land and water in pristine conditions was to keep the land and forests in well managed farms. Thunder View Farms has also installed a gravity flow system to deliver clean water to all their pastures and allow them to fence cattle out of the streams. The Coombe family developed an approach to avoid nutrient and sediment runoff.
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They installed heavy feeding pads that are placed more than 1,000 feet away from any streams to protect surface water. They use silage bags to feed the cattle, which provides a healthier environment for the cattle, while reducing feed waste and workload. “This is a Cornell success story,” said Dick Coombe.“Cornell was crucial in negotiating the original watershed agreement, Cooperative Extension is a major partner in watershed decision-making, and [College of Agriculture and Life Sciences] science is the basis for a lot of the environmental practices that we implement on the farm.” Dick Coombe was founding chair and CEO of the Watershed Agricultural Council, a nonprofit board that serves as the governing link between city water officials and farmers.
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The council holds conservation easements on farmland, which establish owners’ rights to farm and conduct forestry practices, while requiring owners to use best management practices to protect the environment. Congratulations, to Thunder View Farms and the entire Coombe family on this amazing accomplishment! Read the full story on the Cornell University CALS website: LINK: https://cals.cornell.edu/news/ upstate-beef-farm-honored-effortskeep-nyc-water-clean/
CCE Sullivan Spotlights
Staff Spotlight
Partner Spotlight
ASHLEY TULLY
AARP TAX AIDE
Ashley is the new administrative assistant at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County.
Ed Wolff and his team of volunteers, Carl, Bob, Ruthmary, Susan, Alan, Mary, Mike, Neal, Brent, Bill, and Gifford volunteered their time to take the certification course required to file taxes on behalf of AARP. They spent countless hours at CCE Sullivan and area libraries preparing and e-filing taxes for hundreds of local residents at no charge.
An East Coast native, Ashley has a background in communications and photography. With a varied career in service, Ashley has worked in natural resource conservation and affordable housing, before delving deeper into her passion for sustainable agriculture and nutrition. After living throughout the States, she found roots in the Catskill Mountains, where she has immersed herself in local agriculture, working directly on farms and in restaurants, and as a coordinator and educator with several Delaware Valley regional non-profits. In 2017, she founded her own garden design and landscaping business to serve homeowners and hospitality clients throughout the region. Ashley is a yogi, avid cyclist, writer, and gardener. She serves on the Sullivan Catskill Regional Food Hub Board of Directors and resides in Livingston Manor, NY where she practices herbal medicine in her spare time.
Everyone who had this wonderful service provided to them was so grateful and appreciative of their kind, professional manner. This program is available every year at no cost to Sullivan County residents. You do not have to be an AARP member or a senior to take advantage of this great service.
Nominate a Star Know someone who deserves the shine of the spotlight? Email Nicole Slevin: nas96@cornell.edu
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NURTURING SPATIAL ABILITY; NURTURING YOUTH Submitted by Marylin Jones, 4-H Program Coordinator Spatial ability, the capacity to understand how objects relate to one another (visually generate, rotate and transform images), is one of three cognitive abilities important for developing expertise in learning and work settings. Quantitative and verbal abilities are commonly recognized because of the standardized tests that measure them (SAT, Scholastic Aptitude Test). However, with the proliferation of new technologies such as imaging, computer graphics, data visualization, and supercomputing, recognition of spatial ability is increasingly critical for success in many fields of study. Mathematics, natural sciences, architecture, engineering, economic forecasting, and meteorology all involve spatial skills. Astronomers visualize the structure of the solar system and the motion of objects within it. Engineers visualize interactions between parts of a machine. Radiologists interpret images on medical x-rays and chemists use abstract models of molecules to develop formulas. Equally important for tasks of everyday life, spatial ability is employed for using a map, merging into highspeed traffic, orienting oneself in one’s environment, or packing a box. Although cognitive abilities may be seen as positively correlated (above average in one ability may tend toward above average in other abilities), the balance between these abilities however, can vary greatly between individuals. Current standardized tests for aptitude or school performance do not necessarily capture spatial ability. Thus, spatial ability can be overlooked with potential consequences for missing talent. Two large longitudinal studies have shown that adolescents with relatively strong spatial abilities tend to gravitate Page 22
and excel in scientific and technical fields. Researchers Jonathan Wai, David Lubinski and Camilla P. Benbow aligned over 50 years of cumulative psychological knowledge to solidify the finding in the Journal of Educational Psychology in 2009. Following youth for over 25 years, the studies identified trends during their 20s, persisting up to age 33. A conclusion indicated that it will be increasingly important to recognize and nurture spatial ability to fill the STEM jobs of the future. Additional research has also shown that spatial cognition is malleable and can improve with the right kind of instruction. The research indicated substantial improvements developed from a wide range of interventions, including academic coursework, taskspecific practice, and playing computer games requiring spatial thinking (such as Tetris, in which shapes are rotated to fit together as they drop down the screen). Similarly, studies conducted of undergraduates practicing mental rotation or paper folding over a threeweek period illustrated transfer of practice gains both to novel test items, as well as to tasks not practiced. Because spatial thinking is not a subject, or something children are explicitly tested for, it can be overlooked in favor of reading, mathematics or other content/skills specified by state standards. Parents and educators need to be aware how they can infuse it into school curriculum or everyday life. Opportunities to “spatialize” existing learning environments include: • Encourage children to gesture/move hands to indicate direction or shape. • Encourage the use of spatial words: out, in, outside, inside, middle, between, here, there, front, back, side, top, bottom, up, etc., enhancing with gestures. • Read books with spatial words and use verbal and gestural support to help conceptualize challenging subjects (i.e. content zooming in to increasingly finer
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detail). • Promote guided play with blocks or geometric shapes. • Do jigsaw puzzles. • Use maps and models, diagrams and graphs. • Conduct simple experiments, encourage children to visualize/make predictions (i.e. the path of an object when dropped). • Offer analogies to teach scientific principles (i.e. comparison of two different building structures to test strength). • Encourage sketching and other beneficial recreational activities such as photography, origami, etc. or use software such as JavaFami or games such as Tetris. Research reveals that sketching enhances engagement, deepens understanding, requires reasoning, forces ideas to be made explicit and supports communication in work groups.
Recognizing spatial thinking as equally important to verbal and mathematical thinking will be key for success in STEM disciplines. Furthermore, as an ability that can be taught, to systematically build these techniques into educational curriculum notes Nora S. Newcombe (“American Educator”, Summer 2010), “could yield important dividends for American education.” Sources: Newcombe, Nora S. “Picture This, Increasing Math and Science Learning by Improving Spatial Thinking.” American Educator, 2010, 29-35. Accessed April 10, 2019. https:// www.aft.org/sites/default/files/periodicals/ Newcombe_1.pdf Newcombe, Nora S. “Seeing Relationships, Using Spatial Thinking to Teach Science, Mathematics and Social Studies.” American Educator, 2013, 1-19. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://www.aft.org/periodical/ american-educator/spring-2013/ seeing-relationships” Park, Gregory, David Lubinski, and Camilla P. Benbow. “Recognizing Spatial Intelligence. Scientific American, November 02, 2010. Accessed April 10, 2019. https:// www.scientificamerican.com/article/ recognizing-spatial-intel/ “What is Spatial Ability?” 1-5. Accessed April 10, 2019. https://cty.jhu.edu/talent/docs/ SpatialMore.pdf
SENIOR EXPO CELEBRATES OLDER AMERICANS MONTH Submitted by Bonnie Lewis, RN, Dependent Care Educator Every May, the Administration for Community Living leads our nation’s observance of Older Americans Month. The 2019 theme, “Connect, Create, Contribute”, encourages older adults and their communities to: • Connect with friends, family, and services that support participation. • Create by engaging in activities that promote learning, health, and personal enrichment. • Contribute time, talent, and life experience to benefit others.
Join CCE on Wednesday, May 22, for the 4th annual Senior Expo as the Older Adults Transitional Support (OATS) collaboration acknowledges and celebrates our older adults in Sullivan County! The Expo, held from 10 am to 1 pm in the Monticello Fire House (23 Richardson Ave.), will offer light refreshments and many wonderful door prizes will be drawn. Family caregivers, older adults, and the public are welcome to attend ~ no registration is required. To promote the 2019 theme, OATS will hold both a health informational fair, four interactive demonstrations, and a forum at noon for “Phone and Internet Fraud Prevention Tips” presented by the Bureau of Consumer Frauds & Protection representative David Lederman, Esq. of the NYS Attorney General’s Poughkeepsie office. The demonstrations, starting promptly at 10 am and running consecutively on the half-hour, kick-off with “Healthy Eating: Tips on Eating Smart”, followed by “Be Prepared: How DOES an AED Work?” at 10:30 am,“Tai Chi for Fall Prevention” at 11 am, and “Common Sense Self-Defense Tactics” at 11:30 am. Recognizing the many contributions provided by older adults makes our communities stronger! The goal of OATS this year is to continue to recognize that
older adults play a key role in the vitality of our neighborhoods, networks, and lives. When Older Americans Month was established in 1963, only 17 million living Americans had reached their 65th birthday. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living’s website, LINK: https://acl.gov/oam/2019/resources, as part of this year’s theme “Connect”, provides these sites to find valuable resources: • Local Resources: The Eldercare Locator connects older adults and their caregivers with trustworthy resources across the nation. • Health Insurance: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs provide free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. • Bring Generations Together: Generations United supports intergenerational collaboration through public policies and programs. • Long-term Care: AoA assists older adults of any age to plan ahead for a lifetime of care. • Rights Protection: The National Center on Elder Abuse helps aging networks decrease elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. • Resident Rights: The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care helps residents understand their rights and get help if they need it. • Pension Rights: PensionHelp America helps consumers understand and protect retirement security. • Veterans: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a range of services, including benefit support and crisis services.
want to start community arts and aging programs. • Keep Fit: Go4Life is campaign designed to help older adults incorporate physical activity into daily life. • Take a Class: The Lifelong Learning Institute Directory provides a national listing of programs in older adult education. • Arts Organizations: The National Endowment for the Arts provides support to state and regional projects . • Financial Plan: The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau provides resources for older adults and their families. • Eat Healthier: The USDA explains how healthy eating can encourage a sense of well-being. • Activities for Fun: NIA shares benefits of participating in activities that promote health and personal enrichment. ACL’s suggests great ways to ‘Contribute’: • Volunteer: Create the Good helps older adults find volunteer opportunities that match their particular talents and interests. • Work: AARP provides support for older adults who wish to enter the workforce or change careers. • Train for Employment: The U.S. Department of Labor provides a community service employment program for older adults. • Aging Programs: ACL posts grant opportunities to support and expand emerging programs that serve older adults. • Protect Natural Resources: Volunteer.gov is an online portal that connects volunteers to projects that match their interests. • Teach Children to Read: Experience Corps screens, trains, and connects people 50+ with children who need help learning to read.
Administration for Community Living’s ideas for older adults to ‘Create’:
• Give Back: Senior Corps volunteers address community needs, including tutoring, mentoring, and disaster relief.
• Explore the Arts: The National Center for Creative Aging provides resources that help older adults amplify their creative potential.
• Fight Hunger: Feeding America can put you in touch with the local food banks and meal programs in your area.
• Inspire Creativity: Creativity Matters is a toolkit to support those who direct or
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• Be Heard: ACL regularly seeks input from older adults, caregivers, researchers, and practitioners on aging topics.
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Please notify CCE Sullivan if you have a change of address:
845-292-6180 sullivan@cornell.edu
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