Local agriculture advocate Jack Pulver passes away at age 84

PINE PLAINS — Local farmers and residents alike were saddened to learn that Jack Pulver, a longtime member of the region’s agricultural community, passed away on Friday, May 31, at the age of 84.

Raised on Pleasant View Farm on Winchell Mountain in Millerton, Pulver’s love of farming and cows was embedded in him at an early age, and he began showcasing those interests in 1944 by exhibiting cattle with lifelong friend Harold Miller. By 1955, he earned the FFA American Farmer Degree and was asked to join the Dutchess County Agricultural Society at the age of 18, sparking a 66-year membership with a year spent as the society’s board president, 45 years elected to the Board of Directors, and several decades as the society’s dairy superintendent.

After graduating from the Pine Plains Central School District in 1953 and studying at Cornell University, Pulver returned to his roots on the family farm. His interest in cows and all things agriculture continued to grow over the ensuing years. Together with his wife, Minajean (Jean) Ackert, he attended more than 50 New York State Holstein Conventions.

Along with his membership with the Dutchess County Agricultural Society, Pulver lent his expertise as a 4-H leader and an FFA advisor in the local community. Since 1967, he was involved with the Pine Plains Lions Club and received a County Legislator proclamation last year for over 40 years of service as Treasurer following his work as the club’s president. For more than 70 years, Pulver played an active role in the Eastern New York (ENY), New York State and National Holstein Associations. Additionally, both Pulver and his wife joined the ENY Club Honor Roll in 1992 and were designated as honorary members of the Pine Plains FFA.

Pulver was on the NorthEast Milk Producers Co-op Advisory Board and was involved with the group that organized the Millerton Agway Co-op.

Describing Jack as a gentle giant, Dutchess County Legislator Gregg Pulver (R-19) remembered his cousin’s most outstandingfeature as his readiness to help others.

“He epitomized what agriculture means to a community,” said Pulver in tribute to his cousin. “The amount of time he spent farming was inordinate, yet he still found time to help the youth of agriculture, whether it was the Holstein Association to further the breed of Holsteins, the Lions Club or the FFA. He always found time to help the community.”

A funeral service for Pulver was held on Thursday, June 6, at the Peck & Peck Funeral Home in Pine Plains with Pastor William Mayhew officiating, followed by an internment at the Evergreen Cemetery.