September 17, 2007

Press Release: Use before October 5, 2007
Contacts: Mike Baker, Cornell Beef Cattle Extension Program, 607-255-5923; Cornell Cooperative Extension: Jefferson County: 315-788-8450, Lewis County: 315-376-5270, St. Lawrence County: 315-379-9192

October 5-6 Tour to Highlight Beef Production in NNY
A two-day tour of beef farms in Northern New York will provide producers with the opportunity to see businesses from seed stock and cow-calf operations to a small USDA-inspected slaughterhouse with its own herd. The October 5-6, 2007, Beef Production Tour in Northern New York includes stops at:
   Island Branch Cattle Company, Gouverneur
   Lone Elm Farm, Bombay
   Croghan Meat Market, Croghan
   Adirondack Beef Company, Croghan
   Holmdale Farms, Adams.

Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Tobey with Novartis Animal Health, Inc. will speak on management practices to improve the health of feeder calves and the cow herd as part of a local products meal at Lake Clear. Friday evening lodging will be at the historic Hotel Saranac in Saranac Lake. The Saturday lunch includes a presentation on the Maple Ridge Wind Farm in Lowville.

The breeds of cattle raised by the farms on the tour include registered Red and Black Angus, Hereford, Simmental, American British White Park, Shorthorn, and crossbreds.

Among the management practices that will be presented on the tour are marketing through the Cornell University Pooled Weaning and Value Discovery programs, selling natural beef and freezer beef, producing specialty bolognas and sausages, marketing to restaurants and at farmers markets, rotational grazing, and a bull loan program.

Cornell Beef Extension Specialist Mike Baker co-organized the tour with the Cornell Beef Cattle Extension Program Cornell Cooperative Extensions of Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties, and the New York Beef Producers Association. He says, �Whether you are new to the beef production business or a seasoned veteran, this tour offers new learning opportunity at every stop. Participants will gain valuable information on feeding, grazing, calf raising, cow herd health, processing options and marketing.�

The Beef Production in Northern New York Tour, sponsored by Novartis Animal Vaccines, begins Friday, October 5th in Syracuse and ends there Saturday, October 6th. Tour options include taking the bus tour that includes transportation, lodging, breakfast and dinner for $135 based on double occupancy, and one and two-day options that vary in pricing from $12 to $50 per person for those wishing to provide their own transportation. For more information and reservations for the tour, contact Mike Baker at 607-255-5923.