23rd Annual Agriculture Breakfast celebrates all things ag

MILLBROOK — The 23rd Annual National Agricultural Day Breakfast was held on Tuesday, March 19, at the Farm and Home Center at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County in Millbrook. As always, there was a full house; more than 130 people attended. 

Aside from the delicious breakfast that was served, farmers and others interested in agriculture got to chat, culminating with the Tractor Awards.

Every year, people are chosen to receive these awards, which are toy tractors that are shiny, boxed and far more than a toy. They are tokens of jobs well done, of work done to sustain the agricultural integrity of farming communities and of community service.

This year, awards went to Will Vincent of Brookby Dairy Farm in Dover Plains, a New York Century Farm. He is the sixth generation to work their land. Currently they are diversifying, recently opening a farm store.

The second Tractor Award recipient was Andy Imperiati, who has been with the Agricultural Society since 1994 in a variety of positions. He started out as lead carpenter and agricultural coordinator. He advanced to operations manager in 2007 and has served as president and CEO since November, 2012.

Last but not least, Ron Hicks, assistant county executive for economic development since 2016, received his tractor for his work in helping agriculture to become a more viable economic entity. He previously served as deputy planning and development commissioner. County Executive Marcus Molinaro was there for the awards, as he is most years, but this time he was congratulating others.

Rebecca Cosa, from Dutchess County BOCES and a state certified agriculture teacher, introduced three educators: Stephanie Rhoades, from Stissing Mountain Junior/Senior High School in Pine Plains, Mark Condon of Dutchess Community College and Patrick Hancock, from John Jay High School. Stissing Mountain has an FAA chapter, the other schools are working toward starting chapters of their own. They also plan on bringing agricultural and animal husbandry courses to their curriculum.

Meghan Tanner, education coordinator, talked about the Agriculture Literacy Week program that sends volunteers to area schools to read to grade-school children and leave a book behind in each classroom. The book, “On the Farm, At the Market,” by G. Brian Karas, introduces children to farming and delivering products to the market. Last year, 2,000 books were donated to classrooms throughout the state.

 The FAA from Pine Plains was recognized for its work, centered on aiding students see the benefits of farming.

The staff was given kudos for another seamless breakfast, including Ruth Moore, executive director; and Jennifer Fimble, agriculture educator and agriculture navigator.

Also thanked were those who support the program and provided the meal: Hudson Valley Fresh, Poughkeepsie; Mike Picinelli, Thunderhill Farm, Stanfordville; Malafy’s Meat Processing, Red Hook; Jen and Mark Soukup, Soukup Farms, Dover Plains; and Brennan’s Deli, Millbrook.