Huge thanks to Phil and Debbie of Schmitt Farms for hosting the Suffolk County Chapter Meeting of New York Agri-Women (“NYAW”) this week. Over twenty women involved in the Long Island agriculture industry attended the farm tour. Debbie Schmitt showed NYAW women the farm’s facilities for packaging and washing produce and explained its farm stand and wholesale delivery operations. Phil Schmitt then demonstrated some of the farm’s seeding and spreading techniques and equipment. The Schmitts hosted a fun hayride for the ladies while they were able to tour the farm fields and composting area. The NYAW members learned about different leafy vegetable crops ranging from cabbage to horseradish.
Debbie Schmitt discussing her farmstand produce
Schmitt Farmstand
NYAW members enjoy a hayride and field tour of the Schmitt Farm
Phil Schmitt preparing to demonstrate blade harvesting of spring mix
Afterwards, the ladies traveled to Stonewall’s for lunch and had a wonderful discussion on current agriculture topics including immigration, farm labor, opportunities for beginning farmers, and outreach efforts to local schools. Joe Gergela, the Executive Director of Long Island Farm Bureau, was in attendance and discussed the new agriculture Enterprise Park being developed at the Stony Brook incubator at Calverton which will provide labs, kitchen resources for agriculture producers and small-scale food processors to research and develop new products.
Lunch at Stonewall's
Big thanks to Vicki Gruber, the Long Island/NYC District Leader and Suffolk County Leader, for coordinating the event. Stay tuned for more details regarding the next Suffolk County Meeting.
