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The Great New York State Fair Showcases the Best of New York
The Great New York State Fair is a wonderful tradition that truly encompasses the best this state has to offer. From Aug. 27 to Sept. 7, food, music, and exhibits highlighting products and experiences of our state will delight New Yorkers. I encourage all of you to bring family and friends to soak up the […]
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The Great New York State Fair is a wonderful tradition that truly encompasses the best this state has to offer. From Aug. 27 to Sept. 7, food, music, and exhibits highlighting products and experiences of our state will delight New Yorkers. I encourage all of you to bring family and friends to soak up the atmosphere provided by this unique 12-day Central New York event.
One of the trademark features of the State Fair is the wide selection of quality music and entertainment. This year, Eric Church with The Cadillac Three and comedian Jim Gaffigan will be performing on the Grandstand. And, Sawyer Fredericks with Josh Batstone and Amanda Lee Peers; Rick Springfield; The Steve Miller Band; and Nick Jonas, among others, will be performing as part of the free Chevy Court Concert Series. To find a full list of performers, visit http://www.nysFair.org/concerts/grandstand/ and http://www.nysFair.org/concerts/chevy-court/.
Some new exhibits that won’t disappoint
Each year, the State Fair offers new and exiting attractions. This year, I am particularly excited about the additions to the newly renamed Armed Forces Day, which will honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation. Displays will feature a collection of vehicles and equipment the men and women who protect us around the globe use to keep us safe. Also new this year, Equine Avenue will allow attendees to view and learn all about horses and their upkeep. Games and demonstrations will help make the experience truly interactive. Finally, the Star Spangled Challenge will allow competitors to duke it out for a chance to sing the national anthem each day before the gates open.
Fun for the whole family
Of course, plenty of State Fair staples return and are sure to keep the whole family entertained. The New York State Police Exhibit, located in front of the International Pavilion, will again dazzle spectators with demonstrations of “high angle rescue” and “tactical access” rappelling techniques. The Wine, Beer, and Cheese Seminars and Tasting Events and Dairy Day will help promote the amazing local products made right here in New York. For a daily schedule of the activities at the Fair, visit http://www.nysFair.org/your-Fair-visit/schedule-your-itinerary/.
Brian M. Kolb (R,I,C–Canandaigua) is the New York Assembly minority leader and represents the 131st Assembly District, which encompasses all of Ontario County and parts of Seneca County. Contact him at kolbb@assembly.state.ny.us
Schumer calls for USDA to establish crop insurance for CNY farmers who grow malt barley
CAZENOVIA, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should establish a crop-insurance program for Central New York farmers who grow malt barley, according to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.). Malt barley is a crop that is “crucial to the continued growth of the area’s burgeoning craft-beer industry,” the senator said during a visit Thursday
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CAZENOVIA, N.Y. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) should establish a crop-insurance program for Central New York farmers who grow malt barley, according to U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D–N.Y.).
Malt barley is a crop that is “crucial to the continued growth of the area’s burgeoning craft-beer industry,” the senator said during a visit Thursday to the site of the Empire Farmstead Brewery in Cazenovia. His office provided details in a news release later in the day.
New York farmers don’t currently have federally backed insurance coverage for malt barley, even though farmers in other states do have such insurance, Schumer explained.
The lack of coverage in the Empire State “severely hampers” farmers’ ability to grow the amount of malt barley needed to meet the demand of local craft brewers, he contended.
Plenty of Central New York farms and farmstead breweries, such as Empire’s Cazenovia operations, are growing malt barley to meet the local demand. But the crop needs “very specific conditions” to grow, and severe weather can “completely knock out” an entire crop, Schumer said.
The Democrat wants to USDA to expand its malt barley crop-insurance program to include New York state.
With a number of farm breweries already open and operating in Central New York, it is “essential” to make sure the malt-barley crop can “thrive” locally, Schumer contends.
“Breweries and distilleries throughout the Central New York region pour local products and jobs into our economy, which is why it is important we continue to support this industry and provide them with the tools needed to succeed. In order for local craft brewers to expand right here in Central New York and beyond, we need a strong local malt-barley industry, since the crop is so important to the production of beer and spirits,” Schumer said in the release. “But the lack of insurance for malt barley is preventing farmers from planting this crucial crop. Without protections, the risk is just too high, and that is preventing our craft breweries from really taking off.”
In order to meet the demand of craft brewers, New York will need to increase its malt-barley production by 15 times, but farmers will need crop insurance to meet that goal, Schumer contends.
The senator worked to help Empire Farmstead Brewery establish and expand its production, his office said.
Schumer in 2014 secured a $200,000 USDA grant so Syracuse–based Empire Brewing Company could build out its own farm in Cazenovia. The upcoming facility will help the company grow hops and create a bottling facility, where the brewery would bottle its own beer for the first time in the company’s 20-year history.
This newly established facility is set to open in 2016.
“The explosion of craft and farm brewing has touched every corner of the state, including right here in Central New York. As this growth continues, demand for locally grown products like malt barley will only continue,” David Katleski, owner of Empire Farmstead Brewery, said in Schumer’s news release. “Senator Schumer’s push to get malt barley covered under federal crop insurance will only help meet this rising demand.”
Katleski also serves as the president and co-founder of the New York State Brewers Association.
RBC Wealth Management moves to new office in Watertown
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Where do CNY’s cities rank among the top minor-league sports markets?
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Schumer calls on Verizon to address abandoned property in Camillus
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Syracuse basketball announces second exhibition opponent
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New fish-and-chips restaurant near Rome to formally open Wednesday
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Excellus Utica regional president to also oversee North Country operations
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