Welcome to the Farm

You can’t expect a carton of milk on the grocery store shelf to answer your questions about where it came from or how it got to where it is now. You can ask the local experts all the questions you’d like however, at the 21st Annual Sundae on the Farm event happening this Sunday, June 12th. “It’s an important event that allows families to come on an active working farm and learn why farming is important to our daily life,” said event co-chair and county planner Jaime O’Neill. The Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension selected the Turning Point Dairy farm for the event this year because dairy farming is one of the largest sectors of agriculture in the county and June is national dairy month. Home to 900 Holstein cows that produce approximately 9,000 gallons of milk a day which are fed corn, alfalfa and grass grown on 2,200 acres of land, the 5th generation family farm is an example of the efficiency, productivity and technology required to remain a sustainable farm in today’s competitive marketplace. Tours of the farm, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting area, farmers market and cooking demonstrations by 9 Miles East chef Gordon Sacks will be happening from 12 to 4 p.m. on the farm. More than 200 volunteers help to make the event a success. Agricultural exhibits will be set up and visitors will have a chance to ask questions while also enjoying the food that gives this event its name – ice cream. Local favorites including Stewart’s ice cream, Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop pies, Sundae’s Best hot fudge sauce and Maple Valley Farm’s maple syrup will be available for all to enjoy. “Everything we present to the public is extremely important because they are examples of how to be good stewards to the land. Farmers are also soil scientists, meteorologists and businessmen, they do it all,” said O’Neill. Farming is always changing, as well. In addition to showcasing how they care for the animals, it’s how the industry changes that keeps attracting the more than 3,000 people expected at the event each year. “In the last 100 years, not only has this farm changed but farming in general has changed a lot,” said the farm’s co-owner Marty Hanehan. Computerized milking systems and planting strategies now being used will be discussed, but it’s the future that can still hold the most potential for farmers. “The changes that are coming up in the next 30 to 40 years, it’s probably going to shock us,” he said. The 21st Annual Sundae on the Farm is a free event taking place on Sunday, June 12, from 12 to 4 p.m. at the Turning Point Dairy, 220 County Route 67, in Saratoga Springs, NY 12866