Chautauqua Grown Open Barn Doors Day

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (October 5, 2023) – Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County is excited to announce that nine Chautauqua Grown producers recently participated in the first ever Chautauqua Grown Open Barn Doors Day!

This program was put together to promote local agriculture and encourage consumers to support local producers throughout Chautauqua County. One goal was to have multiple farms in each of the four agricultural districts in Chautauqua County.

At Green Heron Growers, located in Sherman, participants were able to learn about grass fed beef, pasteurized chickens, field management, and organic practices. Guests were able to experience a Heron Horse event, tour the farm and ask the producers any questions they had.

At the Munsee Farm, located in Panama, visitors learned about the production of their famous sweet corn & pumpkins and were able to take a tour on a hay wagon and learn about field crop management.

At Big Tree Maple, located in Lakewood, visitors were able to tour the entire sugar house. Participants had the opportunity to learn about collecting maple from tree taps and all of the steps it takes to make that into the delicious maple products that we love.

At the store front location of Peterson Farm, located in Jamestown, guests were able to see the many locally produced products available. Also, at this location the Sheriff Department and Farm Bureau were present to continue the Slow-Moving Vehicle campaign. We have all been working together to bring awareness to drivers about how to respond to slow moving vehicles, buggies, tractors, cars on the side of the roads, and other farm machinery.

Moon Meadow Farm LLC, located in Jamestown, participated in the day’s activities allowing guests to see their new state-of-the-art meat shop where they process their own meat right on the farm to sell to consumers. Participants also learned about “marshmallows” or wrapped round bales and encouraged to learn about land stewardship.

The Millers Dairy Farm, located in Cherry Creek, provided tours at 12:00pm and 2:00pm. Visitors were able to see how technology, engineering, and animal management all work together to produce dairy products for all of us to enjoy. The Millers Dairy Farm recently invested in robotic milkers and discoveries, which assist in cleaning up the new free stall barn. Each cow has their own mattress, and the barn is designed to be temperature controlled with fans and curtains.

Walkers Creekside Alpaca Farm, located in Cherry Creek, participated in the day’s activities. This “fairly new to the area” and still expanding alpaca farm hosted guests while providing an opportunity to meet their alpacas and chickens. Young guests were able to produce alpaca crafts, and everyone left with more knowledge about alpacas.

H&R Rustic acres, located in Silver Creek, welcomed guests to see the mini ponies, which were ecstatic to have many guests throughout the day. Participants were able to tour this sheep farm and learn about animal management, grape vineyards, and chickens! Children were able to collect eggs to take home, all guests were able to try freshly grilled lamb-cabobs and make a needle felted masterpiece.

The CLEREL facility, in Portland, invited participants to tour the research land and learn about all of the amazing research that the specialists are studying. This was an excellent opportunity for consumers to learn about grapes and the science that goes into one of our leading agriculture commodities.

Everyone had a wonderful day and so many visitors were able to learn about a diverse amount of agriculture in Chautauqua County. CCE Chautauqua would like to thank each location for their participation in our first Chautauqua Grown Open Barn Doors Day. We were so proud that everything for the day was produced right here in Chautauqua County, including the shirts and signs made by Sweet Pea Designs in Sherman.

Discover Agriculture. Shop Local. Eat Local.

The Agricultural Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua). CCE-Chautauqua is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated October 5, 2023