CANTON – Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County held its annual meeting on Oct. 19 at the Extension Learning Farm in Canton.

Extension and St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES took the opportunity to recognize retired Senator Patty Ritchie’s contributions to agriculture and agricultural education with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Ag Studies Academy classroom. The St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency was also recognized as the 2023 Friend of Extension Award recipient.

“Senator Ritchie is a true champion for farmers and the agriculture industry in the North Country. She continually fought against budget cuts that would have negatively impacted agriculture and she secured record funding for programs like the Northern New York Ag Development Program, Harvest NY Program, Pro-Dairy, Maple Promotion, and many others. Her Young Farmers and Grown in New York initiatives have provided millions of dollars to promote innovation and preserve the future of family farming for generations,” said Patrick Ames, Executive Director.

“Senator Ritchie’s support was critical to the creation of the Ag Studies Academy seven years ago. I can safely say we wouldn’t be here today without her commitment and vision for agricultural education. Today, because of Senator Ritchie, we have a thriving Ag Studies Academy, in partnership with Extension, the NYS Farm Bureau, farm businesses, local school districts, and several FFA chapters,” Tom Burns, SLL BOCES Superintendent, added.

Following the ribbon cutting, Ames presented the 2023 Friend of Extension Award to the St. Lawrence Industrial Development Agency for enhancing and expanding outreach and services to the agricultural community.

Receiving the award was Patrick Kelly, IDA Executive Director.

“In the past ten years the IDA has been involved with over $300 million of economic development projects in St. Lawrence County, much of which has directly involved sectors of agriculture, natural resources, food processing, and renewable energy. As a partner, the IDA has assisted with advancements to on-farm dairy production, dairy processing, renewable energy, timber harvesting, specialty crop production, maple production, craft beverages, wineries, agritourism, and more,” said Ames.

During the meeting the constituents elected the following four board members to a second term: Lynzie Shulte, Lori Sheffield, Loni Recker, and Tina Cobb. Other business included financial reports and program reports.

At the end of Association business, Ames awarded Erin Farrell, Association Administrative Assistant and Local Foods Program Coordinator, with the 2023 Director’s Award for most exemplifying the spirit and ideals of Cornell Cooperative Extension.