LOCAL LEADERSHIP PROGRAM GRADUATES 14
AG PROFESSIONALS

Upper Hudson Agricultural Leadership Forum (UHALF) recently honored the accomplishments of 14 agricultural professionals at a ceremony and luncheon catered by Spoonful Catering on April 29.  UHALF is a nine-session leadership enhancement program that incorporates the policy making process, marketing and communication skills, and personal development.

“The UHALF program once again had representation from a well rounded cross section of the agricultural industry and continues to be important in building leaders for our agricultural community,” said Paula Schafer, Program Coordinator of UHALF and the Agricultural Economic Development educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension.  “This is most likely attributable to the high caliber speakers and relevant workshops sessions we continue to offer in the UHALF program.”

This year’s graduating class of UHALF participants were from Saratoga, Washington, Columbia, and Albany Counties.  Their professional backgrounds ranged from chefs to vegetable farmers.  The following is a list of graduates:
Joseph Anderson, Anderson Acres/Northwestern Mutual/Northeast Biogas, Saratoga County
Megan Borlang, First Pioneer Farm Credit, Washington County
Klaus Busch, New York Farm Bureau, Albany County
Michelle Conover, Saratoga Sod Farm, Saratoga County
Jennifer Conte, CCE Equine, Saratoga County
Freida Garrison, Justamere Farm, Saratoga County
Phil Giltner, NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets, Albany County
Ann McMahon, NYS Dept. of Agriculture & Markets, Albany County
Gianni Ortiz, Regional Farm and Food Project, Columbia County
Mike Schwerd, Saratoga Sod Farm, Saratoga County
Nichole Willis, New York Farm Bureau, Albany County
Diane Whitten, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Saratoga County
Suzanne Carreker-Voigt, Saratoga Farmers’ Market Association, Saratoga County
Susan Quillio, Spoonful Catering, Washington County

Joe Anderson of Anderson Acres said, “As a graduate of UHALF, I will be able to work with my fellow agricultural leaders to develop ideas and strategies on a local basis to help ensure the continued sustainability and ongoing development of agriculture’s economic viability as a business and as the life blood for future generations need for food, fuel, and fiber.”

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 Railex and a Hannaford Store 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. 

“The media relations, time management, organization and meeting management training we have received in UHALF, according to Megan Borland of First Pioneer Farm Credit, was invaluable.  Coupled with the public speaking we have participated in, I feel better equipped to take on a leadership role in agriculture.”

UHALF is sponsored by American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga and Washington Counties, and New York Farm Bureau. Funding for UHALF was supported by an American Agriculturist Foundation, Inc.

The next UHALF class will be held in the winter of 2011, for more information, contact Paula Schafer at 518-885-8995 or visit www.aedpws.org.

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