Upper Hudson Agricultural Leadership Forum

Local Leadership Program Graduates 21 Ag Professionals
Graduates Become Stronger Agricultural Advocates

Upper Hudson Agricultural Leadership Forum (UHALF) recently honored the accomplishments of 21 agricultural professionals at a ceremony and dinner at Longfellow's Restaurant in Saratoga Springs. UHALF is a nine-session leadership enhancement program that incorporates the policy making process, marketing and communication skills, and personal development.

"The is one of the largest classes since the program's inception with a well rounded cross section of the agricultural industry in our area," said Paula Schafer, Program Coordinator for UHALF and the Agricultural Economic Development Extension Educator for Saratoga and Washington Counties Cornell Cooperative Extension. "This is most likely attributable to the increased focus on New York agriculture, revived interest in local foods and the economic viability of our region's largest industry."

This year's graduating class of UHALF participants represent a cross section of the agricultural industry in the Upper Hudson Valley, which includes Saratoga, Washington, Rensselaer, and Albany Counties. These individuals range from apple growers to veterinarians. Following is a list of graduates:

Elizabeth Brock, American Farmland Trust, Saratoga County
Leon R. Clark, Jr., Clark Farm, Washington County
Anthony Della Rocco, Dellwood Farm Enterprise, Rensselaer County
Bruce Ferguson, Scott Hill Farm, Washington County
Sandy Ferry, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Washington County
Steve Gilman, Ruckytucks Farm, Saratoga County
Cathy Hanehan, Wm. Hanehan & Sons Dairy, LLC, Saratoga County
Timothy Holmes, Spoonful Catering, Washington County
Natalie Jensen, Welcome Stock Farm, Saratoga County
Jeremy Knight, Knight Orchards, Inc., Saratoga County
Matthew Korona, Eildon Tweed Farm, Saratoga County
Casey McCue, New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, Albany County
Laura McDermott, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Washington County
Melissa Murray, Battenkill Veterinary Bovine PC, Washington County
Annette Nielsen, Freelance Writer, Washington County
Elizabeth Porter, Homestead Artisans, Washington County
Gary Rigby, Premier Dairy Service, LLC, Washington County
Richard Smith, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Saratoga County
Jennifer M. Viggiani, Town of Clifton Park, Saratoga County
Wayne Wood, Wildwood Hay & Straw, Saratoga County
Stuart Ziehm, Tiashoke Farms LLC, Washington County

"After completing the UHALF program," said Matt Korona of Eildon Tweed Farm in Galway, "I feel that I am taking home the knowledge and education that will make it necessary for me to continue to be a strong advocate for the agricultural industry."

Over the course of nine-sessions, UHALF participants experienced a variety of presentations and tours that will help them advocate for the future of agriculture. For example, the class toured Stewarts' processing plant and discussed marketing opportunities and challenges; they met with local leaders to learn about the legislative process, and learned how the various segments of the industry impact the local community.

"UHALF is an innovative approach to training agricultural workers because it exposes them to a broad range of issues important to New York agriculture," said Chuck Schmitt, Agricultural Workforce Certification Program Statewide Coordinator.

UHALF is sponsored by American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga and Washington Counties, and Farm Bureau. Funding for UHALF is supported by an Agriculture Workforce Certification Program grant from New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets and LEAD NY.

The next UHALF class will be held in the Winter of 2008-2009, for more information, contact Paula Schafer at 518-885-8995 or pjb11@cornell.edu.

Click here to see the 2008 Class program and here for the application.

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