Editor’s Note: This is the first in a three-part series describing a tour of Chenango County agriculture that was offered up this month to New York State’s elected officials. The bus stops highlighted the county’s unique ag businesses, but also pointed to the governmental regulations that challenge them.

NORWICH – Chenango County pitched over much more than a bail of hay last week to New York State officials who visited a sampling of the types of enterprises that make up the local agricultural industry.

Using a three-pronged approach, the tour showcased the cutting-edge conservation practices in place on the Tumilowicz Dairy farm, highlighted the new demand for milk from Chobani yogurt’s parent, Agro Farma Inc. and displayed the innovate organic vegetable and fruit growing systems under cover at Norwich Meadows Farms.

A bevy of agencies hosted the event, including Cornell Cooperative Extension, Chenango County Farm Bureau, Commerce Chenango, the Chenango County Planning and Development Department and Chenango County Soil and Water Conservation District. Numerous county supervisors made up the 34 in attendance. State officials on hand were: New York State Assembly members Donna Lupardo (D-126th Dist.) and Peter Lopez (R-127th Dist.) and staff representatives from the offices of Assemblyman William Magee and Senators James Seward (R-51st Dist.) and Thomas Libous (R-52nd Dist.)

Tumilowicz Dairy