News
Wyoming County Farm Family Recognized for Exceptional Stewardship Efforts
Posted on September 19, 2007
New York State Agriculture Commissioner Patrick Hooker recently announced the recipients of the 2007 Agricultural Environmental Management Award, which honors farm families and their county Soil and Water Conservation District for exceptional stewardship efforts.
The Jeffres Family of R.L. Jeffres & Sons, Inc. in Covington and the Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District received this year’s Agricultural Environmental Management Award. The award presentation was made by the Commissioner at the 74th annual Empire Farm Days in Seneca Falls.
“When you live off the land, there is no greater resource than the soil and water that surrounds your business,” the Commissioner said. “Farmers recognize that fact and work diligently to not only produce a healthy product for all to consume, but to protect our environment for all to enjoy. Congratulations to the Jeffres family and the Wyoming County Soil and Water Conservation District. Because of your hard work and conscious efforts in protecting New York’s precious resources, we are all winners today.”
This recognition is awarded annually to a farm family that practices sound agricultural stewardship by incorporating Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) into the operation of their farm business. The county Soil and Water Conservation District is also recognized for their important role providing necessary technical assistance and resources.
R.L. Jeffres & Sons, Inc. is owned by Robert L. and Shirley Jeffres and is a 7,800 acre cash crop farm that grows corn, peas, dry beans, snap beans, beets, carrots, alfalfa and wheat. In 2006, they started growing organic corn, soybeans and snap beans. The farm has been in operation since 1914 and currently has the third, fourth and fifth generations involved on the farm.
The fourth generation of Jeffres, which includes brothers James, Daniel and Thomas Jeffres, along with their sister Cathleen Penders, operates the farm today. This family has a long-standing commitment to natural resource conservation and water quality protection on their farm. The Jeffres believe that it is important to maintain soil composition and preserve the environment.
The Jeffres were the first farmers in Wyoming County to sign a cooperators agreement with the county Soil and Water Conservation District back in 1941 and were also one of the first farms to participate in the AEM Program. \’The family is always working to maintain and improve their soil and water conservation practices,” said District Manager Greg McKurth. “Over the years, they have implemented a tremendous number of conservation practices to protect their farm’s natural resources.”
The Jeffres have planted cover crops, installed strip crops, diversion ditches and over 100 miles of drainage tile to minimize soil erosion and nutrient runoff. They follow the Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program that encourages scouting and assessing pests, which limits the amount of pesticides used on crops. The Jeffres have also installed more than 30 acres of vegetative buffer strips along streams to protect water quality.
The Jeffres are also part owners in a 2,000 cow dairy farm, which provides a source of organic nutrients for their crop land helping to save on fertilizer costs. They have completed a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan for the dairy, which is used to help conserve soil, recycle nutrients and manage their farm business in harmony with the environment.
John Vogel, Editor of the American Agriculturalist, said, “The Jeffres family are superb proof that even larger-scale family farms can have a high regard for the environment. They clearly understand that preserving soil and water quality is crucial today so their families can prosper in the tomorrows to come.”
Melanie Wickham, Executive Secretary for Empire Potato Growers Inc., said, “Farmers have always been the best environmental stewards and it is exciting for the Empire State Potato Growers to be a part of recognizing farmers for their long-standing commitment.”
The Jeffres are active members of their community, serving in the County Farm Bureau, Cooperative Extension and Chamber of Commerce. They are also local sponsors for various athletic, youth and civic organizations, including the Boy Scouts, the Red Cross, the local fire department, and community hospital.
New York’s AEM program serves as a national model of how a voluntary, incentive-based approach can successfully result in protecting and enhancing the State’s soil and water resources, while meeting the economic needs of our diverse agricultural industry. The AEM partnership of local, state and federal agencies, environmental groups, businesses and farmers, provides the technical, educational and financial assistance to develop and implement sound conservation plans.
The Agricultural Environmental Management Award is jointly sponsored by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, American Agriculturist Magazine and the Empire State Potato Growers. The award winner was chosen from nominees submitted by County Soil and Water Conservation Districts from around the State.
Senator Schumer Visits Wyoming County
Posted on August 31, 2007
On his annual visit to Wyoming County, Senator Charles Schumer reached out to the Chamber for some ideas for his visit and the Chamber arranged to have approximately 30 local businesspeople and elected officials at American Classic Outfitters in Perry to meet with the Senator and tour the facility.
Before opening the floor for discussion the Senator addressed two issues important to Wyoming County that he is working diligently on. The first is the Farm Bill, which will have significant effects on dairy farms as well as fruit and vegetable farms. Within this bill the Senator is pushing for a “country of origin label” on meats.
He is also working hard to address what he views as one of the top issues for small counties across New York State, outdated water and sewer systems. These systems and their facilities are old and many are in need of upgrades, which come at high costs. These outdated systems also make it difficult for many counties to attract new manufacturer or new businesses. The Senator recommended that if there are municipalities considering a water and sewer upgrade to do so now given the funding that is available through the Water Resources Development Act providing $4 billion in funding for water projects.
When opened to the floor, Larry Rogers, Supervisor of Pike, asked the Senator to discuss how the Farm Bill will address the issue of immigrant farm labor. The Senator encouraged the group that the Farm Bill will not hurt local farmers ability to utilize immigrant labor to work their farms and that the Bill has overwhelming support from the New York State Farm Bureau.
Jim Fleischman, Supervisor of Java, raised his concerns related to tourism and the new regulations calling for all adults over age 16 to have a passport when traveling between the United States and Canada. The Senator conveyed his lack of support for this believing it truly inhibits travel between Buffalo and Ontario. He feels that a biometric driver’s license will solve the problem and alleviate the need for everyone crossing the border to have a passport.
Frank Vitagliano, Jr. of Tompkins Insurance asked the Senator to address the issue of the privatization of the IRS debt collection. The Senator strongly supports the work of Pioneer Credit Recovery and will continue to work in their favor to see the contract stay in the hands of private debt collection companies like Pioneer Credit.
Numerous other issues were addressed including the Senators push to have all bridges in New York State inspected and held to the highest standards, as well as No Child Left Behind and programs to encourage young physicians to practice in underserved areas.
Silver Lake Country Market Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 31, 2007
New Owners of the Silver Lake Country Market have Local Connection
Lori Adams and her family have vacationed at Silver Lake for the past 20 years. In fact, her husbands family has been at the lake for over 100 years. His grandparents, Lee Wheaton and Lynne Grace Hill met at the Roller Rink in 1928. So the Adams’ have very close ties to the Perry community. This close tie certainly came into play when deciding to purchase the Silver Lake Country Market on July 9th. They then wasted no time, opening up for business that Friday, July 13th.
Lori is an Associate Broker for Century 21 Realty in Clarence. Why the move then to opening her own convenience store? “The pieces just all seemed to come together at the right time to take on this venture,” stated Ms. Adams. “And so far it’s been great. Business is well and the community has welcomed us and in very supportive.”
The Silver Lake Country Market is open Sun-Thurs. 6am - 8pm and stays open until 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. In addition to its grocery line, the convenience store also offers fresh pizza, subs, breakfast sandwiches, fountain drinks, cappuccino, and coffee just to name a few. There is also seating available both inside and outside for added convenience. According to Lori, “We are committed to supporting local businesses as well. Our bread and baked goods come from the Stohltzfus’, fresh fudge from Ron Mason, firewood from Zanghi’s, fresh local produce from a farm just down the way on Rt. 39, and T-shirts from Paragon Silk Screening.”
Lori and her five employees have worked hard to make the Silver Lake Country Market a great place for everyone to shop. They’ve decreased their smoking advertisements and increased their candy line, adding to the kid friendly environment of the store.
“At the Chamber, we never like to see a perfectly functional building unoccupied so we were delighted when Lori contacted our office to say she had purchased the Market. She’s in a great location and we’re happy the community has come out to support the Silver Lake Country Market,” stated James Pierce, Wyoming County Chamber Executive Director.
Ken’s Carpet Center Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 30, 2007
Ken’s Carpet Center Offers Quality Flooring and Installation
After 30 years in the carpet business working for others, Ken Johnston opened up his own store, Ken’s Carpet Center at 85 S. Main St. in Warsaw. The store officially opened for business in early August and so far business has been great. According to Ken’s wife Jody, “People have been great and we’ve been busy.” Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce officials were on hand to help welcome the store to the business community with an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony.
Ken began his career in the carpet business 30 years ago as an apartment superintendent at RIT. He then became the chief engineer for Holiday Inn for 14 years; seven of which were spent in Jamaica at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree Resort in Montego Bay. Then, five years ago the Letchworth Central grad and native to the area decided to move back home. He had been working at his uncle’s store, Ackerman’s Floor Covering, when he finally decided to go out on his own and open Ken’s Carpet Center in the former Howard’s Floor Covering Store.
Ken, his wife Jody and Ken’s mother Delores run the business. And, while there are no immediate plans to hire additional employees, they would of course like to grow the business in the future. Ken’s opens at 9:00am Monday-Saturday and is closed on Sundays. They offer all types of flooring products including tile, laminate, hardwoods, vinyl, linoleum and carpet. Ken also personally installs all of the flooring that he sells with the help of his stepfather and sons. This personal approach and providing the highest quality is the basis of his business. “When customers are spending money, they want - they expect - the job to be finished properly,” stated Ken.
“It is clear by the facade and clean look of the store that the Johnston take great pride in its appearance and I sure the same holds true for the products and services they offer,” stated James Pierce, Chamber Executive Director.
Drasgow, Inc. Ribbon Cutting
Posted on August 09, 2007
Drasgow, Inc. a production machine that produces parts for the automotive and cable TV industries recently underwent a major expansion and constructed a new 6,570 sq. foot building on Poplar Tree Rd. in Wethersfield. The Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce was on hand to help celebrate the completed expansion.
It was a little over a year ago when Karl Drasgow approached the Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce with his need to expand his machine shop. At the time Karl was operating the business out of his garage and needed more room as his business was growing. The Chamber brought in the Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency. Karl then moved quickly and the building was up and orders were being filled just under a year after contacting the Chamber. Since the expansion Drasgow, Inc. has grown from 7 to 12 employees and there are plans to continue to grow the workforce.
“With the construction of the building complete, we’re looking forward to moving into Phase 2 of the expansion project,: stated Drasgow. “Increasing the labor force and diversify our product line and business will help us to see the true benefit of the expansion.”
“Drasgow, Inc. is a classic business success story where a business gets started in your home garage and through hard work and determination you are able to grow the business to a point where an expansion project was warranted,” stated James Pierce, Chamber Executive Director. He continued, “It has been a pleasure working with Karl on his expansion project and I am delighted we could bring the resources that he needed to the table. Karl is also a very active Chamber member who recognizes the value of using the Chamber benefits to further the success of his business.”
“The Wyoming County Industrial Development Agency is proud to play a role in the exciting growth of Drasgow, Inc.,” stated Michael Heftka, IDA Executive Director. He continued, “The economy in Wyoming County is strengthened each time an entrepreneur like Karl Drasgow is willing to deal with the sacrifice and make significant investments that provide new jobs and new opportunities for everyone in the county. We look forward to much success from the entire team at Drasgow, Inc.”