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Sgrecci, Reisinger families honored for resource protection

Roadside signs identify conservation commitment

Special to The Odessa File

HECTOR, Aug. 18 -- Two farm families were honored Tuesday, Aug. 17 at the annual Schuyler County Farm Bureau summer picnic for their efforts on behalf of the environment.

Dairy farmers Gail and Dana Sgrecci of More Sun Farm, located near Odessa in the Town of Catharine, and fruit farmers Rick and Karen Reisinger of Reisinger’s Apple Country near Watkins Glen in the Town of Dix, were each presented with an Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) "Farmers Partnering to Protect Our Environment" roadside sign in recognition of their conservation of natural resources and commitment to environmental protection.

The Schuyler County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) presented the sign awards at Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards on Route 414 in the Town of Hector with Dave Stamp, Schuyler County Farm Bureau President, and Ben Dickens, chairman of the Schuyler County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, congratulating each of the farmers. The Schuyler County Farm Bureau and the Schuyler County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board are co-sponsors of the awards with the District.

“The Sgreccis and Reisingers are two of over 150 AEM farmers partnering to protect natural resources in Schuyler County and ensuring that farming remains a vital part of life in our county,” said Soil and Water Conservation District Field Manager Elaine Dalrymple. “They deserve to have the recognition from their neighbors and the community for their efforts, and these signs will help to do that.”

“Farms," added Dickens, "are a major land use in our county. The impact of agricultural related industries on the Schuyler County economy is over $100 million.”

Dana and Gail Sgrecci, along with their four children, operate a 500-acre, organic dairy farm milking 80 cows. They also have beef cattle and some horses. They use a rotational grazing system for their animals, an intensive management system that permits maximum use of pasture without causing the overgrazing that could lead to soil erosion. They have installed improved laneways and stream crossings, a milkhouse waste treatment system, and a barnyard runoff management system.

“We want to do things right to keep this land in farming and to be a good neighbor,” said Gail Sgrecci. “We love farming ourselves and for what it teaches our children, and taking care of the environment is certainly an important part of that.”

The Reisingers also operate a family farm, with daughters Lisa Brower (spouse, Ward) and Tammy Davis and 11 grandchildren contributing whenever they can. They grow 18 varieties of apples for u-pick and also have red raspberries, peaches, plums, blueberries and pears on their 50-acre farm. Karen makes jams, jellies and apple butter for sale at their store, located on the premises.

The Reisingers are meticulous in how they grow their fruit, using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and Integrated Fruit Production (IPF) that includes nutrient management, groundcover management, and many other practices.

“We want to keep the nutrients and soil on the farm and maintain high water quality,” said Rick Reisinger. “We strive to use as few pesticides as we can by monitoring pests and the weather conditions that affect them with the daily use of an automated weather station.” Rick was the manager of the Cornell Orchards for 13 years before becoming a full-time operator on his own farm.

“The Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, Farm Bureau, SWCD, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Schuyler County Partnership for Economic Development (SCOPED) and the Chamber of Commerce are all working to preserve our farms and agricultural economy, and the AEM program is a big part of this effort,” said Dave Stamp. “AEM is a nationally recognized, voluntary program helping farmers to farm cleaner and greener while remaining competitive in today’s global market.”

Photos in text:

Top: The Sgrecci Family with David Stamp, Schuyler County Farm Bureau President, and Ben Dickens, chairman of the Schuyler County Ag and Farmland Protection Board. From left: Gail Sgrecci holding son Max; Dana Sgrecci with daughter Camille; Dave Stamp; Ben Dickens with the recognition sign; sons Nick (in back) and Brock Sgrecci.

Bottom: The Reisinger family with David Stamp and Ben Dickens. From left: Daughters Tammy Davis and Lisa Brower, Rick Reisinger and Karen Reisinger holding sign, Dave Stamp and Ben Dickens. (Photos provided)