Department of Agriculture & Markets and State Gaming Commission Issue Precautions Regarding Equine Herpes Virus at Vernon Downs Racetrack

New York State Department of Agriculture & Markets Commissioner Darrel J. Aubertine and State Gaming Commission Acting Executive Director Robert Williams today issued the following statement:  Laboratory tests completed at the New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory revealed that at least three horses stabled at Vernon Downs Raceway have been infected with a strain of the Equine Herpes Virus Type 1 (EHV-1).  The horses were stalled in two barns at the track, both of which have since been quarantined.  EHV-1 is an airborne viral infection which can cause respiratory disease, abortion in broodmares, death in newborn foals and a neurological form of herpes. 

Over the last several years the market place has offered a large increase in foods labeled ‘gluten-free.’ In addition, gluten-free diets and lifestyles are being promoted in books such as Wheat Belly and in media ‘talk shows’. But who should be buying and eating gluten-free foods? What is gluten and where does it come from? Is a gluten-free diet healthier than following MyPlate recommendations? Has the prevalence of Celiac Disease increased significantly in recent years? Can a person be gluten sensitive but not have Celiac disease? If someone in my family learns they need to avoid gluten, what do I need to know and do?

These questions and more will be answered by Pam Cureton, RD, LDN in a webinar hosted by the Families, Food and Fitness eXtension CoP on May 1, 1-2 PM (CST).

4-H volunteers, leaders, parents, teachers, youth professionals etc. are you looking to learn some fun and easy science activities to use with youth (grades 3-8) that were developed by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology? This fun, educational training will get you active and motivated for exciting hands-on science activities that teach youth about birds, the environment and citizen science.

On Saturday, June 29^th educators will gather for some fun learning about birds, their habitat and much more. Part of the day will involve exploring the Burbine forest looking for birds and their habitats. The event is from     9 a.m.- 2 p.m. at the Charleston Municipal Building (480 Corbin Hill Rd. Charleston, NY 12166).  There is a $10 fee which includes lunch, snacks and handouts.  Register by contacting the Cooperative Extension office at 673-5525, registrations are due on or before June 17^th. View the registration form below. 

Labeling food as "organic" may not always lead to a positive impression, according to a recent Cornell study.

The research, published Nov. 27, 2012 online in the journal Appetite, flips the notion of a "halo" effect for ethical food labels. A halo effect refers to a phenomenon where a label leads consumers to have a positive opinion -- and in the case of an organic label, a healthful impression-- of those foods.

This research finds that such positive impressions are partly based on the personal values of a consumer. The two-part study found that some conditions can produce a negative impression of organic labels among consumers, due to the consumer's values.

Owner/Forester Guided Woods Walk

NY Forest Owners Association Celebrates 50^th Anniversary

 May 18, 2013

 10 am – 3 pm

 411 Beech Street

 Mayfield, NY 12117

  Hosts: Kurt & Kristie Edwards

Master Forest Owner Volunteers

 (NY Master Forest Owner Program)

 www.cornellmfo.info

 -Owner/Forester Guided Woods Walk

 -We will be viewing a recent seed tree regeneration project.

 -Cruzing the woods identify regeneration issues.

 -We will also be planting seedlings—all are welcome to help us plant tomorrows forest today!

 -Join us for lunch – we will be roasting hot dogs or bring a bag lunch.

USDA Partners with the Department of Defense and the Cooperative Extension Service to Develop Guides Focused on Supporting Military Families

WASHINGTON, April 15, 2013 – The family members of military members often face unique challenges during and after deployment. In an effort to involve entire communities in supporting these families, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) developed a series of publications with guidance for various audiences that assist and support members of the military, veterans and their families. The publications were developed in collaboration with the Military Family Research Institute at Purdue University and the National Military Family Association. USDA Under Secretary for Research, Education and Economics Catherine Woteki helped unveil these publications at an event in Washington today in support of April as “Month of the Military Child” and the 2-year anniversary of Joining Forces, the initiative to support military families launched by First Lady Michelle Obama and Second Lady Dr. Jill Biden.

“It’s natural for USDA and DoD to partner together considering the disproportionate share of our military that comes from rural America,” Woteki said. “Our military families experience many unique challenges as they cope with a family member who is deployed and support from the entire community can go a long way in meeting their needs. These new publications are a valuable resource for people – from friends and family to local businesses – in helping our military families during and after a deployment.”

22^ND Annual Saratoga Horse Symposium 
Saturday April 27, 2013
8:00 am Registration/9:00 am – 5:00 pm – Demos & Presentations
4-H Training and Education Center, 556 Middleline Road, Ballston Spa, NY  12020
Ticket Prices:  See below on Pre-Registration Form
The Symposium returns to the 4-H Training and Education Center.  There will be live horse demos, clinics, presentations and more.  Confirmed Speakers include:  Kitt Hazelton (Saddle Fitting), Valerie Buck (Retraining the OTTB), Ashley Gasky (Hoof Mapping/Measuring and Use of Non-Metal Shoes), Cathy Drumm, (Jumping), Jamie Ziehm (Training), Dr. Karen Gellman (Postural Rehabilitation), Dr. Ryan Penno/Dr. Jennifer McDonald (Chiropractic), Kelly Sanford (Harnessing & Ground Driving), Jay Quinlan (Versatile Ranch Horse), and Katherine Barbarite (Partnership & Confidence Building).  See admission pricing on Pre-Registration Form below.  For more information or questions, contact Jennifer Stevens, jlc264@cornell.eduor Sharon T. LaPier stl32@cornell.eduor (518) 885-8995. .

“Grow with 4-H” Recruitment Nights in Amsterdam, Canajoharie and Johnstown

Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties will be hosting three “Grow with 4-H” 4-H recruitment nights.  The first session will be held on Thursday, April 25 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Cooperative Extension Office, 50 East Main Street in Canajoharie.  The next session will be held on Thursday, May 2 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the Shirley J. Luck Senior Citizen Center, 109 East Main Street in Johnstown. The last session is scheduled on Thursday, May 9 from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. at the Amsterdam Free Library, 28 Church Street in Amsterdam.  Youth and adult participants will have the opportunity to plant pillow packs with marigold seeds to take home, enjoy light refreshments and learn more about 4-H in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. 

Individuals planning to participate in one of the upcoming “Grow with 4-H” recruitment meetings are asked to pre-register with 4-H staff at Cornell Cooperative Extension by calling at 673-5525, ext. 113 or ext. 114 or e-mailing gad23@cornell.edu or lew9@cornell.edu.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is seeking youth members and adult volunteers to join the local 4-H youth development program and start new 4-H clubs.  4-H Youth Development Program Leader Linda Wegner will share information about 4-H membership opportunities for youth whether they be from rural, suburban or urban settings and will have samples of 4-H project materials on hand.  4-H youth members are able to enroll in projects that fit their interests. Traditional 4-H clubs are open to boys and girls ages 8 – 19 while 4-H cloverbud clubs are open to youth ages 5 – 8.  4-H clubs can have as few as five members or as many as the volunteer club leaders feel can be effectively included in the group. Independent 4-H membership is also available to youth ages 8-19.

Kindred Journeys II Opening Reception, Saturday, May 4, 3:00-5:00 p.m. Kindred Journeys II Exhibit Continues through June 27
“Kindred Journeys,” is a two-part exhibit, taking place at the Agroforestry Resource Center in Acra. The first installment opened March 2 and will continue through April 27; the second installment will open on Saturday, May 4 and continue through June 27. The shows feature the Hudson River Artists Guild, a group of artists who work together from nature. The Hudson River School of Art has influenced the work of these artists who interpret nature in widely varied approaches. Featured will be oil paintings, acrylics, watercolors, and prints.

CCEFM Master Gardeners to Hold Plant Sale

Vegetable growers and flower gardeners alike will find quality-stock plants at the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties. The sale will be held in the parking lot of Udderly Delicious, North Comrie Avenue (State Highway 30A) in Johnstown on Saturday, June 1, 8:30 – 11:30 a.m.  A wide variety of vegetable bedding plants, including several varieties of tomatoes, annuals and perennial flower plants, and some house plants will be featured in this year’s sale.  

Home-owners who wish to spruce up their grounds in preparation for backyard celebrations, add some color to their landscapes, fill some window boxes or patio planters, or just plant a flower garden, will find beautiful color and selection. Volunteer master gardeners will be on site to help individuals make selections to plant together into containers or directly into the landscape.

A major goal of the plant sale is to provide one-on-one expertise on-the-spot to local customers. “This plant sale is a unique experience because there are trained volunteer master gardeners who can answer your questions about preparing your space and planting the plants to help you be successful with the plants you decide to buy,” according to master gardener Deb Landrio.

Questions about the sale may be directed to Cornell Cooperative Extension in Fulton and Montgomery Counties at 518-673-5525 x 101. Proceeds from the sale will augment learning opportunities for the Fulton/Montgomery Master Gardener Program. Cornell Cooperative Extension in New York State provides equal program and employment opportunities.