HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-06-10Ag Advisory Committee
June 10, 2015
Dryden Agriculture Advisory Committee
June 10, 2015
Members Present: Evan Carpenter (Chair), Kim LaMotte, Joe Osmeloski, and Steven Foote
Town Hall Staff: Ray Burger (Planning Director)
Guests: Debbie Teeter (Cornell Cooperative Extension), Craig Anderson, Craig Schutt, and John Kiefer
The meeting was called to order at 7:30PM.
Ms. Teeter shared the information she has gathered regarding farm properties. She presented a map
showing the areas of Dryden that are being farmed, which areas are abandoned ag and what crops are
being produced on each property. She included some information regarding Cornell owned farm land
and the Committee pointed out other lands that Cornell owns. Ms. Teeter is going to contact the Cornell
Real Estate to find out where all of Cornell lands are.
Ms. Teeter handed out an updated analysis of the survey and a compilation of the farmers’
comments/issues from the survey and the farmer’s meeting in March. She also provided the committee
with an update on the landowners’ surveys. One issue that stood out to Ms. Teeter was the lack of
knowledge that landowners have regarding the Purchase of Developmental Rights. She believes that
some of those folk might be good candidates for PDR or a conservation easement. Across the State, the
value of Ag land has increased substantially. The PDR are not as competitive as they used to be and
many of the potential farmers are not interested at this point.
Goals, strategies, and action steps can be made from the various issues demonstrated through the
survey. Ms. Teeter and Ms. Roth will be working on a written narrative about farming in Dryden, using
the information available to them including the Ag Census (it is done every 10 years).
The Ag Assessment is a 5 year rolling contract but the landowner needs to reapply every year.
Zoning – The Committee agreed to review the Town’s Zoning rules and identify areas that are/are not
farmer friendly. Another Ag Committee (another town), reviewed their zoning and identified what parts
were positive, negative or neutral in regard to farming. Ms. Teeter said the review was very helpful.
Dryden Dairy Days: they need a tent and a table, Ms. Teeter is going to provide a map and some
handouts. Land use land cover and soil type are maps that people like. A map connected to Cortland and
Virgil would be beneficial by showing how connected the ag districts are.
For the next meeting: The Committee will begin to look at development pressure and conservation
easements. Ms. Teeter wants to put two positions that appear to be opposing in a compromise
statement – I want to sell my land at retirement but don’t want to sell my land for development.
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Ag Advisory Committee
June 10, 2015
Erin A. Bieber
Deputy Town Clerk