Shawn Magrath Photo


NORWICH – Dozens of area farmers and supporters of agriculture gathered at the Classic Car Museum’s events center in Norwich on Tuesday to observe the 43rd annual National Ag Day, a day set aside to promote agriculture’s vital role in society.
Each year, the Chenango County Farm Bureau capitalizes on Ag Day to underline the importance of Chenango’s ag industry. According to CCFB President Bradd Vickers, agriculture isn’t just about farming; it’s about the American way of life.
“I think it’s important to show gratitude to the many men and women who make agriculture possible. American farmers and ranchers are not only an integral part of the economy, but they characterize what makes America great – and that’s hard work,” said Vickers. “There’s an entire industry dedicated to provide safe, abundant and affordable products, a strong economy, a source for renewable energy, and a world of job opportunities ... If we don’t take care of agriculture, the rest really doesn’t matter.”
Like every year, Ag Day was lauded at the local, state and national levels. The CCFB received a number of proclamations supporting the event from representatives of the City of Norwich, Chenango County government, and the New York State Assembly.
The Farm Bureau also received a letter of support from the Executive Chamber of Gov. Andrew Cuomo.
“Agriculture has long been one of New York’s most vital industries, and generations of farm families have preserved this state’s farming tradition throughout decades of productivity and prosperity, and responsible land stewardship,” the letter states. “We are grateful to the hard-working farmers and ranchers of Chenango County who employ thousands of people and offer an abundance of healthy foods and quality products, while promoting this wholesome way of life.”
This year, Vickers and members of the Chenango County Farm Bureau used Ag Day to tout a theme of responsible land stewardship. The theme: “Agriculture: Stewards of a Healthy Planet.”
“Dairy farmers do a lot more to help this environment than they get credit for,” said Victoria Peila, Chenango County’s 2015-2016 Diary Princess and this year’s Ag Day keynote speaker.
Peila, an Oxford Academy senior and agricultural advocate who lives on a 75-cow dairy farm herself, addressed some of the initiatives that farmers are taking to reduce greenhouse gasses and limit contaminations to the land and waterways around their operations.
“Dairy farms are very environmentally friendly and will continue to get better and better over the course of time,” she added.
Ag Day – sponsored this year by Chobani, Community Bank, Evans Sunrise Family Farms, Farmers Insurance, and NBT Bank – is traditionally celebrated the first day of spring; however, due to commitments in Washington, it was celebrated early.