Planting a row of Agri-Women

The Nassau County Chapter of New York Agri-Women, which was formed earlier this year, held its second meeting on April 27, 2012 at The Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s in Malverne, Long Island.

The Crossroads Farm is a five-acre organic vegetable farm owned by Nassau County and operated by the Nassau Land Trust.  It is located on a portion of the historic Grossmann’s Farm, which was established in 1895 and 0perated by four generations of the Grossmann family until a few years ago.

Melissa Boo Leads Our Tour of Grossmann's

The farm grows and sells its own seasonal produce and operates a farm stand that sells a variety of products from other Long Island farms.  Assistant
farm manager Melissa Boo spoke to the group about the origins and development of the farm, and about the history of farming on Long Island.

The Farmstand is Open

After a general meeting and discussion led by NYAW’s Long Island District Leader and local attorney Vicki Gruber, the group’s Nassau County Leader Mary Callanan reported on the Small Farm Summit recently held at  Hofstra University.

Nassua County Leader Mary Callanan Reports on the Small Farm Summit

Guest speakers for the meeting were Courtney and Jim Thompson, who spoke about their new company, A Taste of Long Island, which is planning to open a shared kitchen facility, specialty food market and farmer’s market located in Farmingdale, NY.  The kitchen will be available for rent in four-hour blocks, and will offer small food producers a licensed facility for commercial food production.  Local food processors will also be able to sell their products through the retail food market and farmer’s market.

Jim and Courtney Thompson from a Taste of Long Island

Following the formal presentations, Melissa Boo led us on a tour of the farm, including its greenhouse, farmstand and beehives.  The farm recently opened
for the season, and has a variety of organic vegetables, as well as planting
materials, available for sale.

Inside the greenhouse

Meeting participants were treated to Mary Callanan’s delicious home-made scones with jam, fresh cream and butter, and had a chance to share ideas about farming in our suburban area, including local restrictions, backyard chickens and raising bees.  Special thanks to our hosts, speakers and guests, and please stay tuned for news about future meetings!

Jeanmarie Pina & the beehives

These eighteen women who attended were from across the United States, each pursuing different types of agriculture. The gamut of agriculture spread from potatoes in Maine to dairy and vegetables in New York and sheep and agricultural banking in Ohio. There was also corn, soybean, cattle ranching, rodeo and cover crops from Kansas, Arizona, Wyoming and Colorado. There was also an ag banker from California, fruit grower from Oregon and a rice grower from Arkansas. Although our farming practices may be different, many of the agricultural issues we face are very similar. Some of the issues were weather, drought, water, immigration, land rights, pesticide use, transition on the family farm and estate planning. We had many heart to heart talks sharing our knowledge and experiences, as well as many laughs.

We had terrific leaders to guide us during the conference. We participated in workshops that dealt with personality traits, some of us agreed with what we learned about ourselves and some were surprised by the results. These personality tests helped us to understand what kind of leaders we were and identify areas for growth.
One workshop was about speech writing and delivery. We had ten minutes to write on an issue and then speak in front of an audience. I was all jitters and nerves, but learned I could do it. As it turns out, if you’re passionate enough about an issue, it comes pretty naturally, which makes it that much easier to share your thoughts with others. We also did a mock television interview on Ag. Issues and our leader asked us some tough questions. My topic was traditional farming vs. organic farming. This is a topic I felt very comfortable discussing, I can tell you I chocked at some points. I learned a lot from it and wished we had time to do it one more time. Watching others face the same types of challenging questions on different ag issues helped me as well.

Business Etiquette was also a very informative workshop. We learned what to wear, how to shake hands, where to place utensils at the table and we are allowed to tell a business associate if they have spinach in their teeth (in a nice way of course)! Our Social Media class was full of ideas on how to use your website, face book, and twitter.

The Syngenta leaders took very good care of us during our stay in Minnesota. The hotel was comfortable and the food was great! I especially enjoyed the skywalks to walk the city of Minneapolis. I also appreciated a visit to one of the Syngenta farms and seeing some of the Minnesota country side.

Within the four days together, we became a close group. We supported each other with the skills and tasks that were required during the leadership classes. There was always a kind word of recognition or appreciation. We left there as graduates of the “Syngenta Leadership at its Best Program”. I think we all felt a little stronger and more prepared for what the Ag. world in our state or communities will dish out to us. I for one knew that I left with a feeling of support and twenty new friends to exchange ideas with. It was a win, win, experience!

Road to Change

We finally get this awareness about something we need to change. We know it is right and it is what we need to do, but we keep slipping back into old habits. That is okay. It takes time to change something we have done as a regular habit. It took time to create the bad habit, so it definitely has to take time to change it.

We often get angry with ourselves for slipping back into old patterns. We get  caught up in worrying about ‘this and that’ we lose sight of our new sense of awareness and that we have found the new good habit. We don’t reward ourselves for that great accomplishment. If we let go of this anger and frustration we will eventually, with much practice, slip less and less back into those old ways while developing new, good habits. It takes dedication and perseverance to do so. It is not a quick fix. This is true in riding and any part of our lives. Becoming mindful and aware are the first and most important steps that need to happen before a change can occur. Then it is a matter of practice.

One thing we always have to remember,  is to forgive ourselves for making mistakes so that we don’t stay stuck in them. We are human after all.

The author is a Professor of Equine Science and Management, specializing in hunter and jumpers, at Morrisville state college

The LAIB program focuses on the policy process, media training, communication styles, public speaking and leadership skills. Program speakers include Dr. Rob Moorman, a nationally recognized scholar and presenter on Transformational Leadership. Rick Roundtree, the founder and President of Rick Rountree Communications, Inc. will speak on media relations. Global expectations in agriculture, social media, a tour and demonstrations of Syngenta’s Stanton Minnesota facility, and public speaking for advocacy will round out the program.

In 2010, Cari Rincker, the founder of New York Agri-Women and an attorney from NYC participated in the LAIB program. According to Rincker, “the program was excellent. I gave my first mock television interview and learned all about personality styles. Syngenta rolled out the red carpet for us and were amazing hosts.” Rincker still maintains contact with many of the participants in the class of 2010.

Please look for pictures and blog updates throughout the week from Sheila Marshman.

Although it cannot replace attending a conference in person, it is a great way to stay tuned into the discussion at the convenience of your home/office.  I encourage other food/ag organization to follow in AAW’s footsteps making information from conferences and meetings available online.  Perhaps New York Agri-Women can try to make this available at our next annual meeting in the winter of 2013!

My name is Sheila Marshman. I am a Professor of Agricultural Business and Chair of the Department of Agricultural Science at Morrisville State College. I was born with my passion for agriculture, as I share common bond with my Mother, and each previous generation to her, we all married farmers. I am hopeful, that my daughter will be the farmer, that someday is married. She will have this opportunity, because of the advances that women like you have made and continue to make in agriculture.

Thirty years ago women were not welcome on many “farms or in agribusiness.” Today,
women in agriculture are now such a familiar sight on farms that they can’t be
turned away at the farm gate.

Jan Bitter,
Vice President Farm Credit East. A female
executive with the Farm Credit System who has been successful at breaking
through the glass ceiling.

Certainly,  we could attribute much of our success to the feminist movement, as men and women in the US have equal rights.  However, attention must be focused on the global food system.  The US imports 25% of the food consumed by its citizens, and less than 1% of the imported food is inspected. This leaves many consumers wanting to know more about their food, the origin of their food, and the farmers who grow their food.

Sheila Marshman at a Farmer's Market in China

Women in the US are rising to the occasion of providing answers to questions about the food system.  The responsibilities we accept in agriculture are as diverse as the industry itself.  We are educators, entrepreneurs, executives, board members, and stewards of the land.  We are united by our ability to nurture, preserve our agricultural heritage, protect the environment, educate consumers, and ensure a safe and prosperous food supply.

There is an increase in the number of women farmers in the US. According to the 2007 US agricultural census, fourteen percent of the 2.2 million farms in the US are owned by women.  This is an increase of 5% from the 2002 census.  Thirty percent of U.S. farm operators are women; this is an increase of 19% from the 2002 Census. We will have a 2012 agricultural census and expect to see double digit increases in women farmers.

Woman as food consumers and woman as farmers are a winning combination for the US food system. In the US, women account for 85% of the food purchasing decisions. The result is an increased demand for farmers’ markets, local and regional foods.  The US now has well over 5,274 farmers markets.

Long Island CSA

The GreenMarket farmer’s markets, here in NYC are the best examples of successful farmer and consumer relationships. With what started 30 years ago with 12 farmers, has grown into 54 markets, 230 farm families and 30,000 acres of farmland protected from development.  The Greenmarkets have changed regional agriculture and the regional food system.   Farmers are now directly connected to wholesalers, retailers, and chefs.  These relations have helped NYC evolve into the culinary capital of the world.

Community supported agriculture (CSA) has also experienced rapid growth.  In 2005, there were 1,144 community-supported agriculture organizations (CSAs) in operation, up from just 2 1986.  CSA’s have proven to be an excellent way of bringing communities together, educating children, promoting healthier lifestyles and a healthier environment. Through USDA food programs such as the WIC, for women, infant and children and the food stamp program,  CSA’s and Farmers Markets serve all citizens including those most in need.

We also have a strong rural infrastructure. The Farm Credit system is a farmer owned agricultural cooperative, established by Congress  in 1916 to provide a reliable source of credit for the nation’s farmers and ranchers. Today, the system provides more than one-third of the credit needed  by those who live and work in rural America. Farm Credit is governed by farmers in the form of regional boards of directors, many of whom are women.

Farm Credit recently initiated FarmStart, a program to support talented, hardworking individuals entering agriculture. FarmStart assists beginning farmers and new cooperatives through their start-up years by providing working capital investments of up to $50,000 to get their business off the ground. Farm credit is an equal opportunity lender. Men and women who qualify have equal access to credits.

Farm Credit's FarmStart program

American farm women are also stepping forward in many leadership capacities, in administration, public affairs, public relations and education, just to name a few areas. Our current New York Agri-women President and founder Cari Rincker is a farm owner, NYC Food and Agriculture attorney, as well as a leadership board member for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s Young Producers’ Council.  Member Judi Whittaker, a farm owner from Whitney Point, NY spends countless hours advocating for food and agriculture both at the local and national levels through her work with the American Farm Bureau. Judi is also a graduate of LEAD NY, a two-year program of seminars, workshops and field travel, for committed individuals who wish to step up and make a difference in our state’s food, agricultural, and natural resource industries.

We recognize that our children are our future and we support youth education. The FFA, Future Farmers of America was founded by a group of young farmers back in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. This high school educational program teaches that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting– it’s a science, it’s a business and it’s an art.  More women are rising to the occasion to serve as FFA teachers.

We are united by our passion to educate the consumer. We bring consumers together at our farms; we promote healthy eating and exercise. Many women, including Chris Fesko have turned these initiatives into profitable business entitles.  . NY Agri-woman member Chris Fesko created an On the Farm Discovery Center. Annually, she hosts thousands of visitors to her farm to learn about food and agriculture while also learning math science  and language arts. This is in addition to the numerous award winning on farm educational videos that she produces and markets around the world.

Chris Fesko educating children

Down the road from Chris Fesko is Erica Leubner, the owner of Tim’s Pumpkin Patch. Leubner welcomes over 130,000 visitors to her  farm annually for agricultural enjoyment and entertainment.

The US also has a strong academic system of Higher Education.  In 1862, through the Morrill Act, congress created the Land Grant System for the purpose of conducting agricultural research and outreach. New York State is the home of Cornell University which is world renowned for its research in food  science.

We are also blessed with several applied colleges of agriculture including my place of employment Morrisville State College, where we prepare young people to not just get a job, but to create a job in the agricultural industry. Most recently, agricultural business development student Jenn Masters worked with Nelson Farms, the college’s small scale food processing facility, to create Country Crunch using a recipe developed by her grandmother. Jenn will graduate in May with both a degree and an agricultural business in hand.

Our combined efforts have helped US agriculture become the most developed in the world. Through our production efforts we provide food and fiber for the growing domestic and international markets. Thanks to the growing number of women involved in agriculture we are doing so with a renewed interest in social responsibility, food safety, and environmental stewardship.

Laura Hanehan a future farm owner and manager

Although, our success as entrepreneurs and leaders in the local food system is noteworthy, large scale corporate agricultural business in the US still largely  dominated by a white male workforce.  A nineteen percent wage gap still exists between men and women and there are more men found in upper management then women.   We have great hopes that NY Agri-women members like Molly Zorn, a National Account Manager for Genex  Cooperative, Rebecca Snyder, our incoming New York Agri-Women President and Animal Nutritionist for the global powerhouse Cargill, as well as  Julie Patterson an owner of Patterson Farms, Inc. will be successful at making positive strides to break through the glass ceiling, paving the way for future generations of women to make decisions about agriculture and the global food system.

We need more women to reach their fullest potential in agriculture, as there is still much to be done. We lack the infrastructure related to the distribution of  local and regional food. We are not able to move local food into mainstream markets in a cost-effective manner. Finally, because most small farmers must  combine their products with other farmers’ products to make processing and shipping more economical, challenges are posed for product quality,  consistency, and traceability. Without traceability in place, wholesale buyers must assume higher levels of risk and liability in cases of foodborne illness.

What do we want our daughters to say about us in 30 years from now?  How about this: we worked to collectively develop a safe, secure and economically viable local food model that was applied to all regions of the world.

Happy Leap-Year Wednesday.  There are three scholarships from American Agri-Women worth bringing to your attention:

Hope to see you at the Annual Meeting March 2-3 and or the Agri-Tour on March 5th!

American Agri-Women’s 2012 Mid-Year Meeting, March 29 – April 1, Lied Lodge, Nebraska City, NE.

American Agri-Women’s 2012 Fly-In, Washington DC, June. Tentatively set for June 4-7, 2012. This is an opportunity for the AAW Membership to get an insider’s look at agencies in Washington DC.  Members are informed of the relevant issues being addressed by Congress and encouraged to meet with their legislatures face to face.  First time attendees are encouraged to apply for scholarships!

American Agri-Women 2012 Convention, Denver CO, November 8 – 10. Colorado Agri-Women invite members from across the nation to join them by “Rushing West – to seek our fortune in Agriculture”.  The convention planning committee is diligently working to develop an agenda that will inspire attendees to continue their efforts, plan for the future and advocate for agriculture!  The convention will be held at the Denver Mariott.  Make your reservation by August 8th to receive free internet and parking.