TRR photo by Tom Kane Dairy Princess Amanda Perry (left) and Assistant Princess Alycia Possemito are big on milk. (Click for larger image)

Dairy Day brings farmers and vendors together

By TOM KANE

JEFFERSONVILLE — Dairy Princess Amanda Perry and her assistant princess, Alycia Possemito, are farm kids who know the value and importance of milk.

They were on hand at the Dairy Day 2002 Seminar and Trade Show, held on March 5, to add their voices to those who are promoting dairy production in Sullivan County.

The seminar and trade show is organized by Cornell Cooperative Extension, in cooperation with the Dime Bank, First Pioneer Farm Credit, Inc. and the Sullivan County Farm Bureau.

“It’s a chance to give dairy farmers and poultry farmers a chance to talk to feed companies, seed companies, equipment dealers and banks to bring them up to date on the latest technology and programs that benefit them,” said Extension Agriculture Educator Joseph Walsh.

During the day, seminars were held to help educate farmers on what’s happening in agribusiness.

Linda Szeliga from the United States Department of Agriculture spoke about land resources and government programs, Curt Gooch of Cornell University talked about photo period manipulation for dairy cattle and Dr. Dwight Bruno of New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets gave out information on health assurance programs for farmers.

Dairy Day was held at Sylvio’s in Jeffersonville from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.