LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Balsam View Dairy Farm upon the
occasion of celebrating its 200th Anniversary on August 1, 2009

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which
our distinct American heritage is built; New York State and the entire
Nation are dependent on our agricultural industry for a variety of
products; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
milestones of those families which substantially contribute to the agri-
cultural community as well as the economic vitality of their communities
and the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Balsam View Dairy Farm upon the occasion of celebrating its 200th
Anniversary on Saturday, August 1, 2009; and
WHEREAS, In 1802, the Newton family was among the first homesteaders
to settle in the Town of Pharsalia, Chenango County, New York; Daniel
Newton purchased the original 100 acres of the Balsam View Dairy Farm
from Colonel John Randall, the original settler of the Town of Pharsa-
lia, in 1809; and
WHEREAS, Since that time, the Balsam View Dairy Farm has been passed
down through six successive generations; those who have operated the
farm include: Daniel Newton; Wesson Newton; Duane Newton; Orton and Orah
Newton, 1913-1961; Harold and Donna Newton, 1950-present; and Brian and
Heidi Newton, 1993-present; and
WHEREAS, Over the past 200 years, the Balsam View Dairy Farm has grown
to consist of 390 acres as well as 216 rented acres; it currently has
200 head of dairy cows and 162 young stock; and
WHEREAS, The Balsam View Dairy Farm was recognized by New York State
as a Century Farm in 1952; and
WHEREAS, Bell Labs used the farm as a research post for microwave
communication from 1955-1958; the farm was later recognized for its
contribution to national defense and the advancement of the country's
national security; and
WHEREAS, The Balsam View Dairy Farm has also been recognized at the
local, state, and national levels for producing the highest quality
product for more than a quarter of a century; they are members of lead-
ing industry cooperatives including Cortland Bulk Milk Producers Co-op,
Farm Credit, Dairy Herd Improvement Co-op, Farm Bureau, and Genex Co-op;
and
WHEREAS, Currently, the Balsam View Dairy Farm is nationally recog-
nized for breeding, raising and milking superior dairy cows; it has
built a superior reputation for innovation and efficiency in the dairy
industry; they have adopted practices such as intensive grazing, a New
Zealand based system of reduced equipment costs, optimized grassland
management, and low carbon footprint; the farm also works with NYSERDA
to maximize energy management and efficiency; and
WHEREAS, Additionally, the Balsam View Dairy Farm is recognized by
ASCS and the Soil and Water Conservation District for conservation prac-
tices of both land and water, and participates in a comprehensive nutri-
ent management plan; they have also been acknowledged as model stewards
of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and
WHEREAS, The Balsam View Dairy Farm is currently used as an exemplary
model by colleges and universities for young farmers and was a host herd
for the 2005 Northeast Region of the North American Intercollegiate
Dairy Challenge, and currently hosts research through Cornell Universi-
ty; and

WHEREAS, In addition to farming, the Newtons have been active in local
government and have been on the board of directors of many agricultural
businesses and organizations for many generations; and
WHEREAS, Through their diligence and expertise in dairy production,
the Balsam View Dairy Farm has brought pride and recognition to their
farm, the local community, and the entire Empire State; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges the success of this exceptional family and its contributions to
the local and State economies, fully confident that it will continue to
enjoy the sparkling successes it has experienced thus far; now, there-
fore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Balsam View Dairy Farm upon the occasion of celebrating its
200th Anniversary; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Balsam View Dairy Farm.