August 3, 2009

Cornell University welcomes the public to the 78th annual Empire Farm Days, the largest outdoor agricultural fair in the Northeast, Aug. 11-13 at Rodman Lott and Son Farms, Route 414 in Seneca Falls, N.Y.

More than 600 exhibits of the latest agricultural technology and products, represented by leading manufacturers, scientists, and agriculture specialists, will be on display relating to this year’s theme, “The New Ag Era.” Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE), and a host of Cornell-affiliated programs are to be represented at various locations around the fair, including the Dairy Profit Center and especially at the Cornell Center in the Morton building at the west end of the fair.

Visitors to the Cornell Center, a one-stop location filled with more than 30 interactive booths, can learn about the university’s abundant resources for farmers, home gardeners, and landowners. Specialists will discuss farm management issues, farm transitions, value-added agriculture products, and product marketing. Special focus will be given to sustainable and local food production, bioenergy, and animal health.

New in the Cornell Center this year will be a “Hot Topics” booth, where Cornell faculty and extension educators will discuss critical issues facing New York growers and residents. Members of CCE’s Marcellus Shale Team will answer questions about natural gas drilling in the state’s Southern Tier. Cornell scientists will also talk about the spread of the invasive emerald ash borer and the outbreak of tomato and potato late blight — two big threats to the environment and agricultural production.

Also take time to sample delicious food products from the Cornell Marketplace. New York cheese, apples, wine, fresh-roasted corn, and food products developed with Cornell expertise will be served throughout the Cornell Center.

Children are welcome, too. The Cornell Ag in the Classroom program will operate an interactive children’s corner, where kids can learn about New York’s dairy industry through hands-on activities, crafts, demonstrations, and storytelling.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, CALS Dean Susan A. Henry will host the annual Cornell Alumni and Friends Reception from 2:30-4 p.m. During the reception, John Lincoln of the New York Farm Viability Institute will announce grant funding for multiple agricultural research and extension projects.

Events run from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday. Admission is free; parking costs $5.

For a complete schedule of events and more details, visit www.empirefarmdays.com.