BAINBRIDGE — The Chenango County Farm Bureau's (CCFB) annual meeting and lunch will held at 1 p.m., October 26, at the Austin Farm Enterprise, located at 161 Jennison Lane in Bainbridge.

CCFB President Terry Ives said they will review reports from the previous year, discuss policy and resolutions for the coming year, elect directors and a president for 2026, and will be accepting membership applications.

“It is also a good chance to visit with other farmers and members,” said Ives.

He noted New York Farm Bureau (NYFB) Associate Director of Membership & Development Tom Denman will speak on membership benefits including policy development, state and federal lobbying, the young farmers and ranchers program, and more.

The barbecue lunch will be $18 a person and catered by Austin Farm Enterprise. Reservations must be sent in by October 17.

To reserve a meal, contact Jeff Austin or Terry Ives. Call Austin at 607-226-6220 or email afesales161@gmail.com. Ives can be reached at 607-287-7383, or email greenview1951@gmail.com. Dinners can be paid at the door.

Ives said his term as CCB President has been very rewarding and enjoyed meetings with his New York counterparts, sharing ideas and bringing new concepts back to Chenango County to review with the bureau.

“I believe in my role as president, it is my job to moderate at meetings so the majority of the members can decide on policy and make decisions,” he continued. “My understanding of ‘Roberts Rules of Order’, the president is supposed to turn the gavel over to the vice president if they wish to participate in debate on a motion, giving everyone the opportunity to join the discussion.”

He also pointed to the importance of the program for young farmers and ranchers and said it provides opportunities for networking and practicing leadership skills for the next generation of farmers.

“We are trying to be youth and farmer friendly,” Ives said. “Our youth and Future Farmers of America are the future leaders.”

Ives said the Farm Bureau is well respected for their common sense policy and lobbying on behalf of rural residents and is working to support renewable energy policies that incorporate common-sense time frames for the adoption based upon grid capacity and practical realities of electrification of New York State.

He explained the Farm Bureau is a member driven organization, with policy starting at local levels, then moving to regional, state, and national levels. The NYFB policy book starts with Adirondack Park and adult use cannabis issues to youth work permit and zoning.

According to the CCFB website, the Farm Bureau was established in 1950 to provide support and advocacy for local farmers in the area. The organization also promotes awareness and understanding of agriculture, providing effective tools for engagement and offers training programs for volunteers.

Since then, the bureau has grown into a community of over 500 farmers and landowners who work together to promote sustainable agriculture practices.

Visit CCFB website at chenangocountyfarmbureau.com for more information.