Senator Valesky Receives NY FarmNet Award

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – State Senator David J. Valesky (D-Oneida) received the Outstanding Supporter of NY Agriculture Award from NYFarmNet during its annual banquet on November 12 in Auburn.

“It has been my pleasure to work with NY FarmNet for many years, and I am honored to receive this award,” Senator Valesky said. “FarmNet’s expertise is a valuable and vital resource for New York’s farmers who wish to expand their businesses and for the next generation of farmers looking to enter the agricultural industry.”

“Senator Valesky has been a strong supporter of FarmNet and its mission throughout his career in the New York State Senate. We consider ourselves lucky to have such an advocate whom we can turn to for advice and assistance when it comes to strengthening the program and working to help New York State farmers everywhere,” Ed Staehr, NY FarmNet executive director, said. “He is a true partner in the work we do and we were proud to honor him with the NY FarmNet Outstanding Supporter of NY Agriculture Award for 2014.”

NY FarmNet’s mission is to provide NY farm families with free, confidential consulting services to assist in developing skills for anticipating and addressing financial, family, and production efficiency challenges and transitions through referrals, personalized education, and business and personal planning. NY FarmNet was established by Cornell University in 1986 as a toll free help line to link farm families who were experiencing personal and financial stress with free, confidential consulting. It has since evolved into a program that takes a proactive approach in working with farm families to prevent future crises and overcome challenges facing the family and business.