Tompkins County’s Newest Dairy Farm to Host 2011 Farm City Day

On Saturday, August 13th, the Sherman family of JerryDell Farm, 39 Fall Creek Road in Freeville, will open their farm to the public from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Even though this year’s host is the newest dairy operation in Tompkins County, the Shermans are not strangers to many of us – the home farm on Gee Hill Road in Dryden hosted this event several years ago. In addition, the new farm site, formerly owned by the Marquis family, is also a past Farm City Day host. It’s great to be on this farm this year; it’s a wonderful circumstance when a retiring farm family is able to transition their land to another farmer – and in this case, have the retired dairy restored!

The family’s expansion to the new Freeville site makes JerryDell the largest organic dairy farm east of the Mississippi. The dairy farm supports not only second-generation owners Vaughn and Sue Sherman but two of their four sons, two nephews, and several other full-time employees. A third son raises organic fruit and vegetables on the farm which are marketed through a farm stand, the Ithaca Farmers Market, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) – and some will be available at Farm City Day.

After some updates to existing facilities, a new barn, and a transfer of some of the herd from the main farm in Dryden, this farm is ready to show off for the day. Visitors will be able to explore the many tasks and processes involved in farming today, such as maintaining soil fertility for successful crop growth, farming methods that protect the watershed and enhance water quality, rotational grazing and pasture management, and how the farm works with different agricultural agencies in a continuing effort to improve practices. People will be able to see all phases of dairy livestock, from calf to cow, and learn about the bovine’s life cycle. They’ll discover what cows eat and how their diet is balanced at different life stages for optimum herd health. Since JerryDell is an organic dairy, there will be information about the alternative herd health care methods used. The farm’s milk processor, Organic Valley Cooperative, will be on hand to explain the cooperative and its benefits. Agricultural organizations and agencies like Farm Bureau and the Soil and Water Conservation District will have fun, educational exhibits to help visitors understand the finer points of farming, as well as demonstrations of the region’s new agricultural plastics baler – aptly named “Big Foot”. The County Dairy Princess and her Court will serve milk and cheese samples, and also build a giant ice cream sundae for the crowd to enjoy. There will be a chance to take a relaxing, informative hay ride though the surrounding farm fields, seeing crops and cows on pasture. All in all, the day’s activities will offer something for everyone, including many hands-on activities for children.

Farm City Day is sponsored by the Tompkins County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County as an opportunity for the public to learn about farming through a first-hand experience. For more information call Debbie Teeter at 607-272-2292 or see the website: ccetompkins.org.