Seward, Top Ag Official In Cortland To Meet Farmers

State Senator James L. Seward and state Agriculture Commissioner-designate Patrick Hooker will hold a special listening session with area farmers on Thursday, February 22nd, at the Cortland Holiday Inn. The event will be held in conjunction with the fifth annual Upstate Agri-Economic Development Summit sponsored by the Cortland County BDC and Agricultural LDC.

The session with farmers will run from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Topics are expected to include milk prices, options for state action, and factors that pressure farm costs, among others.

"I hope that area farmers will attend and discuss their concerns with Acting Commissioner Hooker and me," Seward said. "This is a unique opportunity to have the ear of the acting commissioner and to share ideas as well as concerns.

"Farming is a big part of our agricultural and rural economy -- small businesses with a large impact. We need to support our farmers and look at possible state responses to the issues facing farming today," Seward concluded.

Seward is a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

The event is free for area farmers, but reservations are required at 756-5005.
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