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Ontario County Agriculture Leaders Honored
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Four outstanding agriculture leaders were honored at the Ontario County Agriculture Appreciation Banquet on Friday, March 24, 2006 at Bella Lago in Canandaigua.
The Rodney Lightfoote Agricultural Innovation Award was presented to Carl Fribolin of Geneva. Carl was founder of Seedway Inc. and more recently White Springs vineyard and winery. He has been involved extensively in the community with many projects such as the Smith Opera House, Keuka College and Finger Lakes Council of Boy Scouts. Anne Stagg, Carl's daughter wrote in her reflections of her dad, "Across the years, from his home garden, to fields of hybrid seed corn, to acres of vineyards, the commitment to agriculture and the wonderful people he has known have always been essential to Carl's work and his zest for life."
The Lightfoote Award serves as a perpetual memorial in honor of the late Rodney Lightfoote (1920-2002), former Agriculture Program Leader and Director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, one of the original founders of Ontario County Farm Bureau, farmer and friend of agriculture. Jane Lightfoote (Rodney's widow) and Fred Lightfoote presented the award to Carl Fribolin.
Dawn Hansen of Stanley was the recipient of the Jackie Kunes Award. Because Dawn was out of town, she will be presented with the award at the Ontario County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting in October. The Ontario County Farm Bureau established this award as a tribute to the late Jackie Kunes (1937-1977), the first woman president of Ontario County Farm Bureau, a distinguished and devoted leader in the industry, her family business and the community. Jackie Kunes' son, Casey Kunes, announced the award. Dawn has been very involved in the family farm and as secretary to the Ontario County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. She has also been active in other committees and activities of the Ontario County Farm Bureau.
The Paul Zimmerman Outstanding Young Farmer Award was presented to Lisa Grefrath of Canandaigua. Lisa is herdperson on her family farm in the Town of Hopewell. She manages the 270 cow dairy and supervises the barn employees. She graduated from SUNY Morrisville with an Associate Degree in Dairy Science and was Vice-President of the College Dairy Club and received the Outstanding SHARRP (Student's Heifer Applied Research and Raising Program). Lisa is President of the MOPED (Modern Operators of Progressive Excellent Dairies), a local grassroots dairymen's group. She is also chairperson of the Ontario County Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers and represents the Young Farmers on the State Farm Bureau Board from District 3. She recently organized a two-day statewide conference for Young Farmers in Geneva. Her hobby is Registered Alpine Goats and has shown them at state fair, nationally and at the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto,Canada.
The Outstanding Young Farmer Award is named in memory of Paul Zimmerman (1929-1977), who was an extraordinary young leader and innovative farmer in Ontario County. He served as president of Ontario County Farm Bureau in 1975-1976. Rick Zimmerman, Paul's oldest son, made the presentation.
The Ralph Jerome Scholarship was presented to Hannah Young of Clifton Springs. A graduate of Midlakes High School, Hannah has been involved with Ontario County 4-H, where she has shown her Holstein cows, her Shih Tzu dogs and participated in dress revue on the county and state level. She helps on her family dairy farm, Will-O-Crest. She is a past Ontario County Dairy Princess. Hannah now attends Cornell University.
This scholarship is in memory of Ralph Jerome (1920-1992), who was a dedicated Naples farmer and industry advocate. To celebrate his love for farming and to encourage others to enter into an agricultural career, a $500 scholarship is awarded each year to an outstanding Ontario County high school senior enrolling in an agriculture college. Rich Jerome, Ralph's son, acknowledged Hannah as the scholarship winner.
Donald Jensen, owner of Lawnhurst Farm, was presented with a plaque for hosting the Fun On The Farm event in September, 2005. Julie Maslyn, chairperson of the even, described Fun On The Farm, illustrated by a slide show (created by Jim Peck).
Alexa Gifford, Executive Director of the New York Wine and Culinary Center in Canandaigua, addressed the gathering of about 150 producers, educators, county officials and town legislators. Her remarks inspired and challenged the audience to focus on the future by connecting agriculture to the Culinary Center.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County, Ontario County Farm Bureau and Ontario County Agriculture Enhancement Board are sponsors of the annual event.
Note: Photo will be attached in another email.
Picture: Jane Lightfoote and Fred Lightfoote, presenters of the Lightfoote Award; Carl Fribolin (center) Rodney Lightfoote Award Winner.
"Cornell Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities."
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