Agriculture-Based Economic Development Projects

Successful Strategies for Smaller Dairy Farms
Nine operators of smaller dairy farms - those with less than 125 cows - in NNY were interviewed about their efforts to remain profitable and competitive in the dairy industry. A publication of their success strategies is expected in early 2005.

Project Contacts: Cornell Agricultural Environmental Management: Steve Richards, 607-255-9854; Clinton County CCE: Amy Ivy, 518-561-7450; Essex County CCE: Anita Deming, 518-962-4810; Franklin County CCE: Carl Tillinghast, 518-483-7403; Jefferson County CCE: Molly Ames, 315-788-8450; Lewis County CCE: Peggy Murray, 315-376-5270; St. Lawrence County CCE: Bill VanLoo, 315-379-9192

Click Here For An Intro To Small Dairy Farm Success Profiles

Rural and Agriculture Economic Development Specialist
NNY Agricultural Development Program funding helped establish a Rural and Agriculture Economic Development Specialist in Franklin County. Bernadette Logozar is networking local and regional resources to maximize benefits to agricultural producers and rural communities.

Project Summary
As a Rural and Agriculture Economic Development Specialist in the North Country, Bernadette Logozar has already helped agricultural producers and rural community representatives link to local and regional resources via a quarterly Rural and Ag Economic Development Quarterly newsletter, a Small Rural Business Development Series, marketing and value-added workshops, a Livestock Producers Workshop Series, and a videoconference on best practices for community development. She served as Regional Coordinator for the Adirondack Harvest marketing program, is working with growers interested in promoting locally-grown products at such events as "Taste of the North Country," and is assisting the Adirondack North Country Association with grass-fed meat promotion. Her working relationships include collaboration with economic development agencies, chamber s of commerce, tourism representatives, farmers’ market organizers and Cornell Cooperative Extension educators. The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program grant for this project concluded September 30, 2004.

"We see Bernadette and her position as a template for other counties in terms of providing assistance to emerging agriculturally-based businesses and education about alternative methods for sustainable agriculture. Bernadette is currently working on a grant for funding to introduce value-added products into downtown communities through store frontage operated by the value-added producers," said Carl Tillinghast, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Franklin County executive director, in mid-September 2004. "We believe in the value of this position to our regional producers and our local communities and will be actively seeking local and regional funding to continue to position.

Project Contact: Franklin County CCE: Carl Tillinghast, 518-483-7403