Holly are pictured by snows piles
in the parking lot next to their
Ag Radio Network Office.
“February has been the coldest month on record for most of the Northeast. Many places across the region have endured record snowfall as well,” reports Tom Cassidy, (Ag Radio Network, Inc., Barneveld, NY). “Locally, we haven't seen a temperature above freezing since January 28, and there are none in the forecast. Snow can be moved, pushed or piled but there isn't much one can do to prepare for the wicked, bitter cold,” he added. “Water freezing has been a big problem on farms. Many places have had to dig for new water lines (and then insulate them) to their water source.” Fire companies are trucking water to some farms; bulk milk trucks are back-hauling water to others. Rural municipalities are having record numbers of water and sewer main breaks and frozen service entrances. “These cold temperatures are a true testament to the hardiness of farmers,” Tom said. “Livestock need to be fed, milked, cleaned up after and cared for, not to mention the extra work required in the deep freeze like equipment that doesn't want to work and snow to move.”
Tom’s mother's maiden name was Finn. “I have never been a part of that business, other than sharing ownership of some equipment and an occasional swap of labor.” Tom’s farm neighbored theirs, and they purchased his farm in 2010. “My farm was Oseteadoqua (Oneida for "land between hills"), and the facilities no longer house much livestock,” Tom said. Snow has been removed from the Finndale Farms’ roofs twice this winter.
Those in the horticultural field are gearing up for planting season. Many are starting their crops inside. Cold temperatures have made keeping greenhouses at appropriate temperatures difficult and very costly, Tom reports. “Maple syrup production looks like it could have a tremendous year. The deep snow is making it challenging to set out taps. The cold temperatures are delaying the sap run. Long range forecasts do predict that March will warm up gradually, with mild days and freezing nights. That looks like ideal weather for an extended run of sap and good quality syrup boiled from it,” he explained. “My family has lived in this area for well over 200 years. I am familiar with stories from the past 100, and none of them tell of these conditions. West Canada River, which runs through land my family farms, is frozen.” He had never seen it frozen over until this winter. Tom provides this link to a video of more than 50 people at an Ontario County, NY, dairy removing snow from their buildings: https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=821703827902217
“I think it is safe to say that most are looking forward to the change of seasons. Thanks for the opportunity to share what is happening in Northeast Agriculture,” Tom concludes.
twice from Finndale Farms this year.
