Have you been considering transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy on your farm or
homestead? Kevin and Christine Fuess, of Fuess Meadows Organic Dairy, 7874 Water Street
Oriskany Falls, New York are opening their farm to the public to show you how. Kevin and Christine will offer a tour of the sustainable energy
features on their pasture-based organic dairy.
Kevin and Christine Fuess use multiple energy and ecological conservation strategies on their 100
acre organic dairy. In early 2012, they worked with the company “Earth, Wind and Solar” to install
a 10KW Bergey Wind Turbine. The Fuesses took advantage of grants and tax credits available to
farmers and rural businesses so that the costs associated with the purchase and installation were
affordable. The Fuesses also conserve water by using pre-cooler water to supply fresh drinking
water to their pastures. Their herd of 40-50 milking cows is rotated though one acre sections of
pasture. Each lot has its own supply of fresh water piped through a network of tubing for all the
grazed pastures. Another method of land conservation for the farm is the recent installation of a
French Drain which aids in managing waste. If you’re interested in wind power or sustainable
energy for a small dairy, this field day is for you!
The farm energy field day is free and open to the public! Refreshments will be provided. This
event is co-sponsored by the Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Oneida County, with funding through Northeast SARE. To register for the event call 607-255-9227
or register at http://goo.gl/M4zJm. To obtain a map and/or directions to the farm log on to http://
goo.gl/YjUDb.
The Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a mainstream level western square dance at the Middleburgh High School cafeteria. The dance theme is Halloween.
The caller is Ray Taylor and the cuer is Dolores Randall.
*Please wear soft sole shoes*