The Chenango County Agricultural Tour visited the Lathrop Farm, a cutting-edge robotic dairy farm in Sherburne. Nearly 45 people attended the Chenango County Agricultural Tour, including a number of officials: Assemblyman Joe Angelino, Senator Peter Oberacker, and representatives from Assemblyman John Lamondes Jr.’s office; Kirstin Gillibrand’s office, and from the NYS Farm Bureau. Also in attendance were four Town Supervisors, representatives from various agricultural boards and organizations, and several business members of Commerce Chenango. (Photo from Chenango County Planning and Development)

CHENANGO COUNTY – The Chenango County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board hosted its 13th Annual Agricultural Tour for Legislators on Friday, July 25.

The tour provides local, state, and federal representatives with a first-hand look at the diverse agricultural landscape of Chenango County. It also offers a valuable opportunity for producers to share their successes, challenges, and insights directly with policymakers who can advocate for their needs.

The first stop on this year’s tour was Kerry Bioscience in Norwich.

Company representatives shared the facility’s rich history, highlighted its product lines, and emphasized agriculture’s critical role in its operations. Attendees were also given a guided tour of the production floor to see the facility in action.

The group then visited Lathrop Farm, a cutting-edge robotic dairy farm in Sherburne.

The Lathrop family discussed their decision to invest in robotic technology, explaining how automation has made certain aspects of dairy farming more manageable while continuing to produce top-quality agricultural goods.

The final stop of the day was at the Rogers Environmental Education Center, also located in Sherburne. Guests enjoyed lunch provided by Stella’s of Sherburne before touring the center. Director David Carson gave an overview of Rogers’ mission and described how environmental conservation efforts are deeply connected to sustainable agriculture. Highlights of the tour included visits to trout ponds and the center’s maple sugar shack.

Nearly 45 were in attendance, including Assemblyman Joe Angelino, Senator Peter Oberacker, a representative from Assemblyman John Lamondes Jr.'s office, a representative from Kirstin Gillibrand’s office, and a representative from NYS Farm Bureau.

Also in attendance were four Town Supervisors, representatives from various agricultural boards and organizations, and several business members of Commerce Chenango. We would like to give a special thank you to Commerce Chenango for providing funding for the bus that transported attendees.

This annual event continues to foster meaningful dialogue between policymakers and the agricultural community, helping to shape informed decisions that benefit both farmers and the broader Chenango County region.

- Matt Gladstone

Planner ,

Chenango County Planning and Development