John May Farm Safety Fund Press Conference
Becca Rimmel of Bottomland Farm speaking about how the John May Fund assisted their farm.
NYS Assemblyperson Donna Lupardo speaking on the importance of education the next generation of farmers at the press conference
Michael Quinlan from Ironwood Grazing using their sheep for a demonstration of the animal handling system that the collaboration allowed the Hilltop Community Farm to purchase
A commemorative plaque was received to help celebrate the event
Master Gardener Barb Neal gives the group a tour of the barn and explains how the Incubation Farm program works
9/28/2023 John May Fund Press Conference
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County Receives Grant from John May Farm Safety Fund for New Animal Handling System
Candor, NY 9/28/2023
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County (CCE Tioga) is delighted to announce that it has been awarded a significant grant from the John May Farm Safety Fund. This grant allowed Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Tioga to acquire a state-of-the-art animal handling system, which will not only enhance the safety and well-being of farm workers but also contribute to the region's agricultural advancement.
The successful acquisition of this animal handling system has been made possible through the collaborative efforts of the New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and the Candor Central School District. Together, these organizations have joined hands to support the improvement of farm safety in Tioga County.
In recognition of this milestone achievement, a celebratory event was held today at the CCE Tioga Hilltop Community Farm. The event featured a press conference with distinguished guest speakers, which included Julie Sorensen (NYCAMH), Assemblyperson Donna Lupardo, Ursula Bauer (NYSDOH) and more. These speakers highlighted the significance of farm safety and the positive impact the animal handling system will have on the local agricultural community.
Following the insightful speeches, attendees were treated to a live demonstration of the newly acquired animal handling system. Mike Quinlan of Ironwood Grazing used some of their sheep as part of the demonstration, showing how the system makes vetting of the livestock not only easier, but safer as well. The event was made even more special with the presentation of a commemorative plaque to CCE Tioga in honor of the occasion.
A memorable photo opportunity marked the culmination of the celebration, capturing the joy and enthusiasm of all those involved in this collaborative effort. The event was concluded by providing attendees with a brief tour of the lower part of the farm and barn, offering a glimpse into the incubation farmer program.
This grant and the acquisition of the animal handling system represent a significant step forward in promoting farm safety and advancing agricultural practices in Tioga County. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tioga County expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the John May Farm Safety Fund, NYCAMH, the Candor Central School District, and all those who have contributed to making this initiative a reality. This celebratory event was organized and led by Master Gardener Barb Neal.
For more information about CCE Tioga and its commitment to agricultural safety and education, please visit https://tioga.cce.cornell.edu/ or find us on Facebook.
Last updated October 2, 2023