BLACKSBURG, VA — Travis Burns discovered his calling at a young age. While visiting a family-owned riding stable in the Great Smoky Mountains, he watched his uncle use both blacksmithing and knowledge of equine anatomy to shoe the farm’s horses.
That early fascination turned into a career for Burns and has resulted in national and international recognition for his work as a farrier at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech, one of only a handful of veterinary colleges with an in-house farrier.
“Travis Burns brings a special set of skills, knowledge, and experience in his role as the college’s farrier, and he is more than deserving of recognition for his growing list of accomplishments,” said Dr. David Hodgson, head of the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences. Continue reading
Tkaczyk announces economic development legislation to help small businesses and farms
AMSTERDAM, NY — State Senator Cecilia Tkaczyk held an informational meeting and press conference on April 18 to discuss a package of economic development bills that she believes will help small businesses and farms grow, create new jobs and spur the local economy.
“Our rural communities and small Upstate cities are not getting the support they need, and many of the unique challenges facing our local businesses are not being addressed,” Tkaczyk said. “The cornerstones of my legislative package would help small businesses by expanding Broadband Internet service, and would also support the small and medium farms that contribute so much to the Upstate economy.” Continue reading
Legal Aspects of Farm Transfer and Estate Planning seminar hosted by Herkimer County CCE
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Farm families from eight central New York counties recently attended a seminar hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Herkimer County to learn about legal aspects of farm transfer and estate planning.
Speakers included Lorraine Lewandrowski, Esq., Agricultural and Food Law Attorney; Certified Elder Law Attorney Jeffrey Rheinhardt of Radley and Rheinhardt, P.C.; Attorney Chris Bray of Radley and Rheinhardt, P.C.; NY FarmNet Consultant Patrick Lamb and Mohawk Valley Perinatal Network Health Advocate Gerda Mortelette. Continue reading
Dairy and maple industires promoted at 2013 Community Health and Wellness Fair
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Montgomery County Dairy Princess Ashley Oeser and Montgomery County Maple Princess Jillian Palmer, of Fort Plain, NY, were on hand to advocate healthy living and healthy choices at a community health fair in Montgomery County on April 20.
“I am so glad that I can reach out to people to teach them more about the dairy industry,” said Oeser. “I especially want to teach them the importance of having 3 servings of dairy products every day!” Continue reading
