Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County recognized retired Senator Patty Ritchie at its annual meeting on Oct. 19 and dedication of the new Ag Studies Academy classroom. Above, Ritchie cuts the ribbon to unveil the new classroom. Submitted Photo.
CANTON – Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County held its annual meeting on Oct. 19 at the Extension Learning Farm in Canton.
Extension and St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES took the opportunity to recognize retired Senator Patty Ritchie’s contributions to agriculture and agricultural education with a ceremonial ribbon cutting and dedication of the new Ag Studies Academy classroom. The St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency was also recognized as the 2023 Friend of Extension Award recipient.
“Senator Ritchie is a true champion for farmers and the agriculture industry in the North Country. She continually fought against budget cuts that would have negatively impacted agriculture and she secured record funding for programs like the Northern New York Ag Development Program, Harvest NY Program, Pro-Dairy, Maple Promotion, and many others. Her Young Farmers and Grown in New York initiatives have provided millions of dollars to promote innovation and preserve the future of family farming for generations,” said Patrick Ames, Executive Director.
“Senator Ritchie’s support was critical to the creation of the Ag Studies Academy seven years ago. I can safely say we wouldn’t be here today without her commitment and vision for agricultural education. Today, because of Senator Ritchie, we have a thriving Ag Studies Academy, in partnership with Extension, the NYS Farm Bureau, farm businesses, local school districts, and several FFA chapters,” Tom Burns, SLL BOCES Superintendent, added.
Following the ribbon cutting, Ames presented the 2023 Friend of Extension Award to the St. Lawrence Industrial Development Agency for enhancing and expanding outreach and services to the agricultural…
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