“Meat Your Farmer” – Two Free Events for the Public

Join local livestock farmers and Cornell Cooperative Extension to learn how to purchase bulk meats, taste and purchase locally produced meats, and meet the farmers who produced them.

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (October 13th, 2022) Have you ever wondered where your meat comes from? Are you looking to reduce the steps between the farm and your freezer, but aren’t sure how? Do you want the opportunity to meet local livestock farmers who sell the meat they raise? Would you like to participate in a FREE tasting of dishes prepared to feature locally produced meats? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this event is for you!

The public is invited to join us for two “Meet Your Farmer” events this November. The first will be held on Saturday, November 5th from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County (28 Parkside Drive) in Ellicottville, NY. The second will be held on Wednesday, November 9th from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at the Fluvanna Volunteer Fire Department (3536 Fluvanna Ave) in Jamestown, NY. All are welcome to come to one or both events to taste locally produced beef, pork, lamb, goat, and chicken, and visit with area farmers to learn more about their farm businesses, ask questions, and learn more about purchasing meat directly from a farmer. Farmers will have booths at the event with individual cuts and bulk meat available for purchase.

In addition to the pop-up farmer’s market and meat tasting, will have an official program where farmers and extension specialists will share information about bulk ordering meat, how to fill out meat cut sheets, how to utilize the website Meat Suite to find local farms, and trends in the meat industry. A panel of farmers will be available as part of this discussion, so bring your questions!

This year, we are hosting a raffle for a series of gift certificates donated by the events’ participating farms. Every attendee will receive one ticket, with additional tickets available for purchase. You will need to be present to win, and the drawing will be held following the short educational session on bulk meat purchasing described above.

This event is co-hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County and the Cornell Cooperative Extension SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program. We thank our generous sponsors, the Cornell Meat Suite Program, the New York Beef Council, and the New York Pork Producers Association for their support to make this event free to you!

Reservations are appreciated, but not required. Please make a reservation with the number planning to attend by contacting the following:

-For the Ellicottville event, please contact Amy Barkley with the CCE SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program at 716-640-0844 or amb544@cornell.edu.

-For the Jamestown event, please contact Lisa Kempisty at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County at 716-664-9502, Ext 203 or by e-mail at ljk4@cornell.edu.

Reservations are requested within a week of the event to accurately plan for the amount of meat to prepare for tasting. We hope that you’ll join us!

SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522); Camila Lage, Dairy Management (607-422-6788); and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716-664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301. 

Last updated October 18, 2022