“Agriculture in the classroom,” and more
From Steuben County,
BATH – Steuben County’s Cornell Cooperative Extension provides services to all county residents at a fraction of the cost to county taxpayers, building an awareness of the importance of agriculture in people’s lives.
Those services range from a thriving 4-H program and classroom experiences to support for agribusinesses and low-income families, according to Tess McKinley, CCE Lead Executive Director.
“Our vision is a strong community in which residents thrive, maintaining health, self-reliance, and prosperity,” McKinley told the county Legislature’s Agriculture, Industry and Planning Committee recently
Pending budget approval, the agency hopes to draw a 3 percent increase in county funds in 2025, from the current $432,000 to $445,000, while receiving $2.5 million from local, state and federal funds next year, she reported. Steuben also houses CCE on the second floor of the centrally located county Annex.
Services include:
Ø One-on-one and group support for more than 1,300 farmers across all sectors of agriculture, one of the primary drivers of economic development in Steuben County.
Ø Regular classes for low-income residents in the areas of nutrition, empowering the highest-need members of the community to be less reliant on entitlement programs.
Ø Support for 4-H — the largest positive youth development program in the nation, with Steuben leading the seven-county Finger Lakes District in membership.
Ø Agriculture career promotion and dairy promotion in most schools in the Steuben County school district.
Ø Deep connections and access to Cornell University’s expertise and research knowledge.
McKinley said the agency’s notable achievements this year include a vital 4-H program, which experienced growth last year with more than 300 youth enrolled and actively participating in 15 community clubs. The clubs incorporate several unique youth learning experiences and opportunities throughout the year that provide an opportunity to explore new interests including animal science,
entrepreneurial development, public speaking, Teen Leadership Workshops and Opportunities and 4-H Career Explorations.
The agency launched a new initiative this year, “Agriculture In The Classroom,” which brings awareness, understanding, and appreciation of food and fiber production to 2,000 students in grades K-7. The students also participated in a day-long field trip to an area farm.
CCE’s SNAP-Ed NY works with individuals, families, community agencies, schools, policy makers and others to educate, empower and support change. It provides multiple approaches to deliver healthy eating and active lifestyle messages to the community.
Programs include a system where health care providers can write prescriptions for fresh fruits and vegetables in partnership with SNAP-Ed programs and local food retailers. Participants in the program receive $120 in vouchers to spend at local farmers’ markets, farm stands, and other retail options.
Another initiative provides qualifying schools and their districts with tools, resources, workshops, and professional development that promote healthy eating and physical activity among children, staff, and families.
Launched two years ago as a pilot program with the county Office For the Aging, the Veggie Van has earned statewide recognition and acclaim. Now selling produce from two county farms at seven stops for 12 weeks, the program is funded through grants, donations and stipends from Excellus, Guthrie, and Office for the Aging. In addition to their profit, farmers receive a stipend and accept various forms of payment, including Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, EBT, cash and credit. The Double Up Bucks NY augment costs for eligible consumers.
“And we’re just starting,” McKinley told legislators. “We look forward to continuing programming that has a positive impact on the lives of Steuben County farmers, families, and youth.”
