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Lansing Ag DayLansing Ag Day is set for two weeks from now.  The new event will focus on the town's 40 farm businesses that account for over $20 million in annual revenues, about a third of the Town's land area, and 100 jobs.  Lansing Agriculture Committee Chair Connie Wilcox reported to the Town Board last week that the event will include small farm animals, tractors and machinery, and a wealth of activities and displays at the Town Hall campus on October 15th.

"Some history will be involved, but the day will focus more on current Ag activity in the town," Wilcox said.  "The farmers they are enthusiastic about it.  Promoting agriculture in this area is really important.  It’s the roots of this town."

Wilcox has been planning the event with Councilwoman Andra Venson and Lansing Librarian Susie Gutenburger.  Local 4H groups will bring small animals for children.  Farmers have agreed to bring tractors and other farm machinery for display.  Activities will include pumpkin painting, apple tasting, cheese tasting, face painting.  Barbecue will be available, and a quilt display is planned.  Confirmed pie contest judges are Lansing Town Supervisor Ed LaVigne, Deputy Sheriff Aaron Thompson, and School Superintendent Chris Pettograsso.  Wilcox said she was lining up more judges as well.  The Tompkins County Dairy Princess and her court are expected to appear.

Lansing Ag DayLansing farms cover 16,261 acres of land, about a third of the town’s land entire area

Wilcox said that modern agriculture goes beyond traditional definitions of farming, but that family farms are at risk.

"Agribusiness is a big deal right now," Wilcox says.  It’s not just going out and plowing the fields and planting the crops and milking the cows.  Hopefully that’s going to grow, because in order for family farms to stay in business somebody has got to take them over.  Andra is very fortunate that her family wants to do it, but some of the farmers we talked to — the kids love the farm, they love to come there, they love visiting, but not (to work on it)."

According to the Lansing Agriculture and Farmland protection Plan that was adopted last year, "Dairy farming is the dominant agricultural enterprise (11 farms) accounting for about $17 million in agricultural products from milk, cattle, and crops. Dairy farming creates most of the farm jobs. Most field crops raised on town farmland are destined to be consumed by dairy cows, but several crop farmers also sell crops on the commodity market. Organic farming occupies 2, 900 acres of the total 16,261 acres (18%) and includes 3 organic dairy farms plus several field crop and vegetable farms.  The next most prominent agricultural enterprise beyond dairy and field crops is greenhouse/ nursery sales and service. These businesses benefit from the proximity of residential development in the southern part of the town."

Ag Day will span the Lansing Town Hall, Library, and Community Center Saturday, October 15th from 10am to 1pm.

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