LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Richard Bargabos upon the occasion of
his designation as 2010 Madison County Conservation Farmer of the Year
by Madison County's Soil and Water Conservation District

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are enhanced by the concerned and dedicated efforts of business organ-
izations and individuals that generously contribute to the welfare of
the community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon
which our distinct American Heritage is built; New York State and the
entire United States are dependent on our agricultural industry for a
variety of food and dairy products; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Richard Bargabos upon the occasion of his designation as 2010 Madison
County Conservation Farmer of the Year by Madison County's Soil and
Water Conservation District; this auspicious occasion was celebrated on
Wednesday, March 31, 2010, at a recognition luncheon held in his honor
at the Rusty Rail; and
WHEREAS, The 400 acre farm of Richard Bargabos of Smithfield, New
York, has been named Farm of the Year by Madison County's Soil and Water
Conservation District; this award has been given for nearly 30 years;
and
WHEREAS, Beginning his farming career at the age of 18 as a self-em-
ployed dairy farmer on his family's Canastota farm, Richard Bargabos
dabbled in the row crop business for several years before purchasing the
farmland he has occupied since 1989; and
WHEREAS, Since acquiring his farm in 1989, Richard Bargabos has
invested any revenue produced by the farm into making it more environ-
mentally friendly and focused on conservation; and
WHEREAS, As a steward of the land, Richard Bargabos has taken several
initiatives to improve the sustainability and productivity of his farm;
among his many and varied environmentally beneficial projects, he has:
implemented stream crossings for cattle, installed riparian buffers,
devised a rotational grazing plan, and constructed a heavy use area for
cattle; and
WHEREAS, For his next project, Richard Bargabos plans to create a
micro-hydroelectric plant that could produce 7,800 watts of energy; he
also anticipates installing equipment to capture energy from falling
water as it descends from feeder ponds to a catch basin, and hopes to
use a renewable energy source to power a milking facility; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Richard Bargabos is the Vice Chairman of the
Board of Supervisors and Supervisor for the Town of Smithfield; he is
also the head of the Madison County Industrial Development Agency Board
of Trustees; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when business
organizations and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are
brought to our attention, they should be recognized by all the citizens
of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Richard Bargabos upon the occasion of his designation as 2010
Madison County Conservation Farmer of the Year by Madison County's Soil
and Water Conservation District; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Richard Bargabos, Smithfield, New York.