NNY Ag Development Program

Northern New York Agriculture

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NNYADP Receives $300,000 in State Budget for Vital Agricultural Research

Northern New York Agricultural Development Program logoPlattsburgh, New York; May 11, 2023.   The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) has announced that the farmer-driven research program has received $300,000 in funding from the 2023-2024 New York State Budget through the support of the New York State Assembly.  The funding will support research on the unique micro-climates, soils, challenges, and opportunities for the diverse agricultural sectors across New York’s six northernmost counties: Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence.

The New York State Legislature established the NNYADP in 1961. Since then, the program has supported the region’s growth into a major agricultural economic engine for northern New York and New York State.

NNYADP Co-Chair Joseph Giroux, Plattsburgh, New York, said, “We thank the New York State Assembly, particularly the members of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, with special gratitude for Assemblyman Billy Jones’ stalwart support of the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, the value of its prioritized research to our farms, and the financial sustainability of our communities.”

Giroux co-chairs the NNYADP with Jon Rulfs, Peru, New York, and Jon Greenwood, Canton, New York.

Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Chateaugay Lake) said, “The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is an important asset not only to the North Country, but for agriculture across the state and the country. Between the research into beech tree syrup, manure and food waste co-digestion, and calf probiotics, NNYADP is leading the way in developing innovative agricultural practices. I am proud to have supported them during budget negotiations to once again secure funding so that they are able to continue their important work supporting North Country farmers.”

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, “The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is widely recognized as a leader in the development of New York’s agricultural industry, producing quality research with statewide and national significance. Northern New York is critical to our state’s thriving food economy, and I am pleased that this funding will support their vitally important work. I’d like to acknowledge and thank my colleague Assemblyman Billy Jones for continuing to prioritize the NNYADP’s funding request.”

Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, a member of the New York State Assembly Agriculture Committee, said, “Supporting and investing in our state’s agriculture sector has never been more important as it is today. The innovators and entrepreneurs who literally ‘plant their roots’ in the North Country have made a tremendous impact on our way of life and our local economy, and push boundaries when it comes to offering new agricultural products in the global marketplace. This state investment continues to signal New York State will remain a serious competitor when it comes to agricultural opportunities in the North Country.”

More than 80 farmers representing diverse farming enterprises across Northern New York voluntarily serve on the NNYADP Farmer Committee that prioritizes research for grants. Projects range in focus from agricultural environmental stewardship and farm tile drainage to dairy, field crops, local foods, horticulture, honey, maple, and forestry production. The results of NNYADP projects are posted at www.nnyagdev.org.

Northern New York Agricultural Development Program logoThe funding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is administrated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

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January 2023 Dairy Days: NNYADP calf probiotic, co-digestion research updates

This flow diagram illustrates one scenario developed by the Cornell PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environment Systems program for its NNYADP-funded case study of the economic feasibility of co-digestion of dairy manure and food waste on a northern New York dairy farm. RNG is renewable natural gas. Graphic courtesy of Cornell PRO-DAIRY.
This flow diagram illustrates one scenario developed by the Cornell PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environment Systems program for its NNYADP-funded case study of the economic feasibility of co-digestion of dairy manure and food waste on a northern New York dairy farm. RNG is renewable natural gas. Graphic courtesy of Cornell PRO-DAIRY.

Watertown and Lowville, NY; December 14, 2022.  The 2023 Dairy Days programming on January 17 in Watertown and January 18 in Lowville will include Northern New York Agricultural Development Program (NNYADP) research updates on the potential benefits of probiotic supplementation for dairy calves as well as the economic feasibility of manure and food waste co-digestion for northern New York dairy farms. For more information, cost, and to register for the 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. program at the Watertown Elks Lodge or CCE Lewis County Education Center in Lowville, call 315-788-8450 or email tlm92@cornell.edu.

With NNYADP grant funding in 2022, the Miner Institute has investigated the potential use of kefir, a fermented milk beverage traditionally made from cows’ milk, as a way to reduce or prevent digestive disease in neonatal dairy calves. A 2018 report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture attributed 56.4 percent of pre-weaned dairy heifer mortality on U.S. dairy farms to diarrhea or other digestive issues. A 2020 NNYADP-funded study identified the need to determine the specific cause of neonatal diarrhea in dairy calves to more effectively treat calf illness.

The NNYADP also provided grant funding in 2022 for an economic feasibility case study of the co-digestion of dairy manure and food waste. The project, led by the Cornell PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program, includes analysis of their novel anaerobic digester systems simulation tool. This case study is designed to serve as a model of the process that other farms would use to evaluate the economic feasibility of co-digestion for their farm business.

Presentations focused on workforce issues, milk quality, dairy markets, and climate change impact are also on each Dairy Day’s agenda. The 2023 Dairy Days, organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension, area sponsored in part by the farmer-driven NNYADP.

NNYADP logoFunding for the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program is supported by the New York State Legislature and administered by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.