By Jared Lindell
As society and culture have evolved through the information age, seemingly everything and everyone is “plugged in.” From iPods to iTunes, to PSPs and DVDs, RAZRs, BlackBerrys and everything in-between…if you have no idea what these items are, don’t worry; you are not alone! Often, it seems people wonder how we once survived without technological conveniences. Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Chautauqua County has an upcoming event that will give attendants and participants the opportunity to break away from the “virtual” insanity and allow people to get “back to the basics.” On September 16th, CCE of Chautauqua County will host “Visit the Farm Day 2006.”
It should be stated that technological advancements have had a significantly positive impact on the agricultural industry; however, technology is not what this particular event is about. The main purpose of “Visit the Farm Day 2006” is to educate the greater community on various topics related to farming and agriculture, while doing so in a fun, friendly, and family environment. While the general concept of farming will be the prevailing theme, participants will gain knowledge in specific areas of local agriculture including: Dairy, grape, fruit and vegetable, maple syrup, field crop, and agri-business. CCE of Chautauqua County’s overall goal with the event is to create a greater public awareness of area agriculture and the role it plays in benefiting the Chautauqua region.
At “Visit the Farm Day 2006” there will be six stations that focus on the specific areas of local agriculture. These six stations are: Chautauqua County Agriculture, Dairy Related Equipment and Crops, Food Safety in the Food System, How Dairy Cows Make Milk, Dairy Farm Day-to-Day Operations, and Environmental Aspects of Agriculture. In addition to the educational aspect of the event, families and children will also have plenty to do. There will be locally produced milk and ice cream samples for attendants to try, locally grown and made agricultural food products, and a play area and petting zoo for children to enjoy.
“Visit the Farm Day 2006” is free to the public. The event will be held from Noon to 4:00 P.M., at the Knight Dairy Farm on Fluvanna-Townline Road, Jamestown, rain or shine. CCE of Chautauqua County is able to provide this event free largely due to the support of a 2006 Community Service Grant from the Community Foundation. Agriculture is a $115 million industry in the Chautauqua County, and CCE of Chautauqua County is doing a service in educating the community on the benefits and needs of this vitally important business. As CRCF’s mission is to “enrich the quality of life in the Chautauqua region,” the local agricultural sector is certainly do so by providing jobs, plentiful supplies of safe and nutritious foods, and the preservation of open space.
If you have never been to a farm, are interested in agriculture, or are simply looking for a fun-filled day with the family, head down to “Visit the Farm Day 2006.” If you have questions regarding event, contact the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County at 664-9502, extension 202. Finally, if you skipped through 99% of this article because you were busy text-messaging a friend, put down the cell phone and mark September 16th on your calendar for “Visit the Farm Day 2006.”
Published in the September 3rd edition of The Post-Journal