Highlighting Agriculture

Demonstration reminds audience of historical significance of oxen in U.S. agriculture

Posted in Eastern Edition, Mid Atlantic, Western Edition

CDM-MR-3-Oxen578by Bill and Mary Weaver

Dr. Darwin Braund, the proud owner of a beautiful pair of Jersey oxen, created a fascinating demonstration at Ag Progress Days on why, after draft horses were imported to America, they quickly replaced oxen in use for heavy work.

The oxen were no match for the speed and strength of a team of Percheron draft horses owned by Dave Rohrbach of Bee Tree Percherons. The oxen had a top speed of 3 miles per hour, and considerably less pulling power. To add insult to injury, Dr. Braund had to walk beside his team of oxen while they hauled a log, while Rohrbach’s horses not only pulled the log, but also Rohrbach, who rode comfortably on a forecart behind them. Braun did point out, however, that all the walking tended to keep owners of oxen in better shape. Continue reading→

Tom and Kim Nixon named recipients of the Farmer of the Year award

Posted in Mid Atlantic

CM-MR-1-TomKimBLACKSBURG, VA — Virginia Cooperative Extension has recognized Robert T. “Tom” Nixon II and his wife, Kim, of Glenmary Farm in Rapidan, VA, as recipients of the 2014 Virginia Farmer of the Year Award.

The award commends individual contributions to the commonwealth’s agricultural industry.

Beef cattle, turkeys and row crops are major enterprises at scenic Glenmary Farm overlooking the Rapidan River. The Nixons, who own the farm, are focused on flexibility in growing and marketing cattle and crops. Continue reading→

Tiashoke Farms

Posted in Eastern Edition

CE-MR-3-Tiashoke Farms918by Katie Navarra

As early as the mid 1960s, Albany County, New York farmers were feeling the pressure of development. Up until 1966, George Ziehm and son, Frank, farmed a parcel of land purchased from George’s aunt Clara. The father/son operation grew vegetables and later milked 40 registered Ayrshire cattle.

“Our father, Frank, and our grandfather, George, purchased the property in Buskirk because of a water shortage,” said Stuart Ziehm, a managing partner in Tiashoke Farms, “they also felt the land in Washington County would be more productive.”

Over the past several decades, the family has transitioned the herd from Ayrshire to today’s mix of Holstein, Jersey and Holstein/Jersey crosses. “There are 800 Holsteins, 70 Jersey and approximately 150 crosses,” said Eric Ziehm, a managing partner. The milking cows reside on the main farm in Buskirk and 960 head of young stock are raised on property located on Route 40 in Easton, NY. Continue reading→