LINWOOD, N.Y. — The NYS Agricultural Society has great stories to tell about how food is produced in the Northeast. They feature the people, plants, animals and acreage that are dedicated to keeping local store shelves full and more. At nearly 700 members strong, the Society is a vital body of producers, educators, promoters, regulators, consultants, lenders and entrepreneurs committed to agricultural education, leadership development, and recognition of industry peers. Story telling about our life in the industry helps bridge the knowledge gap with consumers on a broad range of issues.
Each year new stories are gleaned from the Society’s annual award winners in eight diverse categories including Farm Safety, Century Farm, Business of the Year, Next Generation Farmer, Ag Promotion, Journalism, FFA chapter of the Year, and Distinguished Service. In 2021, a new crop of award winners will be announced at the Society’s historic 189th annual meeting and Forum in Syracuse, NY on January 7th.
Go to www.nysagsociety.org to see the NYS Agricultural Society’s complete list of past winners and criteria for selection. We look forward to your nomination of a neighbor or colleague by September 15, 2020 that has a great story to share about NY agriculture.
Established in 1832, the mission of the NYS Agricultural Society is to foster, promote, and improve the NYS food and agricultural industry. Arguably one of the oldest organizations of its kind in the US, the Agricultural Society has played a vital role in the development of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell University’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences, the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, the NYS Fair, and the Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute (LEADNY). In 2011, the NYS Agricultural Society Foundation was formed. Through donor charitable giving, the Foundation is providing professional skill build- ing opportunities, networking and issue education for young adults interested in pursuing agricultural careers and leadership positions.
—Ann Shephard, NYS Agricultural Society