Farmer-Neighbor Dinner celebrates agriculture, community
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The ninth Annual Chautauqua Farmer-Neighbor Dinner was recently held at The Grandview of Ellington, bringing together farmers, agricultural supporters, community members, and local businesses to celebrate the important role agriculture plays in Chautauqua County.
The annual event provides an opportunity for farmers and their neighbors to connect, learn more about local agriculture, and recognize individuals and farm families whose dedication have made a lasting contribution to the agricultural community. The dinner featured locally sourced products from Chautauqua County agricultural producers and businesses.
The evening also included the presentation of four awards recognizing agricultural leadership, innovation, community involvement, and the continued commitment to farming in Chautauqua County.
Peterson Family Farm, LLC was recognized as Chautauqua County AEM Conservation Farmer of the Year for a long-standing commitment to agriculture and the Chautauqua County community. The Peterson family represents a strong example of agricultural legacy, community involvement, and the importance of passing knowledge, values, and commitment to farming from one generation to the next.
Jeff Winton was recognized as Friend of Agriculture for his continued efforts to support rural communities. Owner of Wall Street Dairy in Mayville, Winton has remained closely connected to agriculture while also becoming a leading voice for rural mental health. Winton founded Rural Minds, a national nonprofit organization dedicated to providing mental health information and resources specifically for rural communities. Through his work, Winton has used his own experiences in agriculture and rural life to help bring greater awareness to an issue that affects farmers, farm families, and rural communities across the country. His commitment reflects the same spirit of service and community that has long characterized Chautauqua County agriculture.
Bradley and Jessica Brehm of Brehm Farms, Inc. were recognized as Farm of the Year for their dedication to building and growing their own dairy operation. The couple met while studying Dairy Science at SUNY Morrisville and began their farming journey together in 2012 in a rented tie-stall barn in Eden. After unexpectedly having to leave that facility, they purchased the former Kimvale Farm in Falconer and transformed the vacant dairy into a thriving operation. Starting with approximately 30 cows, the Brehms have grown their herd to approximately 175 milking cows while expanding their land base to 300 owned acres and another 300 rented acres. Their success has been built through hard work, continued investment in the farm, and strong support from family, friends, neighbors, and the local agricultural community. The Brehms have also made a point of sharing agriculture with the public, including hosting a Visit the Farm Day in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County.
Jim and Rosie Joy of J.M. Joy Farms, LLC, Fredonia were recognized as Legacy Producer for their family’s long-standing commitment to agriculture. The Joy family farm dates back to 1906, when Joseph and Rose Joy purchased an eight-acre farm after immigrating from Sicily. Over the decades the farm has grown and changed along with agriculture in Chautauqua County. Today, Jim Joy continues the family tradition that he began as a young child, with the farm evolving through generations. The Joy family’s story represents more than a century of perseverance, adaptation, and commitment to keeping agriculture a part of the Chautauqua County landscape.
The Farmer-Neighbor Committee extends its appreciation to everyone who helped make this year’s dinner possible, including the event’s sponsors, agricultural producers, volunteers, and attendees. Their continued support allows the Farmer-Neighbor Dinner to bring the agricultural community together each year and celebrate the people who help make Chautauqua County’s agricultural industry strong.
This year's event would not have been possible without the support of our many sponsors including our Barnraisers: Chautauqua County Farm Bureau, Chautauqua County Sheriff Quattrone, Country Ayre Farms, LLC of Dewittville, The Grandview of Ellington, Farm Credit East, ACA, Jamestown Farmers Market, Bit-O-Breeze of Jamestown, Farm Credit East Crop Growers, Good Grass Farm of Mayville, Growing Hope Globally and NYS Assemblyman Andrew Molitor. The Chautauqua Farmer-Neighbor Dinner is held annually and is always looking for new sponsors and producers to contribute. Interested parties can contact Cassandra Skal at cassandra.skal@farmcrediteast.com to be added to next year's contact list. The Chautauqua Farmer-Neighbor Committee is a collaboration between public and private businesses supporting agriculture and local producers.
The Agriculture Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York's land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua.