LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Bishopp Family Farm upon the occa-
sion of receiving the Century Farm Award from the New York State Agri-
cultural Society

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which
our distinct American heritage is built; and
WHEREAS, New York State and the entire United States is dependent on
our agricultural industry for a variety of food products; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the Bishopp Family Farm upon the occasion of receiving the Century Farm
Award from the New York State Agricultural Society; and
WHEREAS, The Century Farm Program began in 1937 and honors New York
farms in continuous operation on the same land by the same family for
100 years or more; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1877 by William Harrison Stafford, the Bishopp
Family Farm is located in the hamlet of Deansboro in Oneida County, New
York; and
WHEREAS, The Bishopp Family Farm is noted for its 90 acres of Honeoye
soils, seven underground springs and the ability to grow a tremendous
native pasture sward; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1950s, residents from around the Utica area
would come to the small dairy farm to fill up their jugs with Golden
Guernsey milk and spring water that cooled the milk cans down to 45
degrees; the springs have never once stopped running since the farm was
founded; and
WHEREAS, Hubert Bishopp (the second generation from 1894) was the
resident carpenter and barn builder; he built many barns and an octagon
house next to the farm property; and
WHEREAS, During the early days, milk was the main income producer, but
Charlotte (the third generation from 1952) kept 500 rabbits, and her
son, Edward, sold eggs from the 500 free-range hens; and
WHEREAS, Significant changes took place when the milk plant in Deans-
boro stopped taking canned milk and required bulk storage; William and
Charlotte (third generation) sold the Guernsey herd and retired, and
Edward (fourth generation), his wife, Sandy, and sons, Troy and Scott,
continued the operation; and
WHEREAS, In the 1970s and 1980s, the Bishopp Family Farm transitioned
to beef production for freezer trade and haymaking; Troy (fifth gener-
ation) became interested in dairying and with the family's help revamped
the barn and put in a bulk tank and pipeline; upon graduating from
Morrisville College, Troy ran the dairy unit until the milk price
collapse of 1991, at which time the cows were sold; and
WHEREAS, Today, the Bishopp Family Farm custom grazes for beef compa-
nies and farms that market 100% grass-finished beef as well as graze
stocker calves and owned cow/calf pairs; since the dairy transition, the
farm has been in permanent grass with 50 paddocks set up for rotational
grazing; the Bishopp family likes to think that each of their animals
receives sunshine in every bite; and
WHEREAS, Since 2006, Troy and Corrine Bishopp have owned the farm;
their daughters, Lindsay and Katie (sixth generation), prior to college,
were the proud owners of a herd of 40 registered Alpine goats that
topped 4-H shows at the Oneida County Fair; and
WHEREAS, The Bishopp Family Farm continues to change with the times;
the legacy of this farm is attributed to keeping the topsoil covered at
all times, protecting the water resources and a strong commitment to the
local farming community; and

WHEREAS, Management of the farm is a partnership of families and kids
representing the fourth, fifth and sixth generations whose unwavering
commitment and dedication have earned them numerous awards including:
the Pioneer Grazier Award and the AEM "AG in the News" Award; they have
also been designated an Outstanding Forage Producer; and
WHEREAS, When not tending to the farm, the members of the Bishopp
family are busy being active members of their community; Ed and Sandy
Bishopp volunteer for the Historical Society and Ed is Treasurer for the
United Church of Christ, as well as a veteran serving for Kelly-Phillips
Post in Oriskany Falls; and
WHEREAS, Troy Bishopp is a Trustee for the Deansboro Cemetery Associ-
ation, a Farm Bureau member, and a member of the Sons of the American
Legion; he is also the Chairman of the Central New York Resource Conser-
vation and Development Council in Norwich; Corrine Bishopp is the Treas-
urer for the Waterville Bank Boosters and a Sunday School teacher for
the church in Oriskany Falls; and
WHEREAS, All the members of the Bishopp family serve as dedicated
advocates for an industry that has been the mainstay of their family for
six generations; and
WHEREAS, Through their diligence and expertise, the Bishopp family 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 farm 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,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the Bishopp Family Farm upon the occasion of receiving the
Century Farm Award from the New York State Agricultural Society; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Bishopp family.