LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the Bowe Farms, Inc. upon the occasion
of receiving the Century Farm Award from the New York State Agricultural
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 Bowe Farms, Inc. 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 1897 on 150 acres, the original Bowe Farms
located in the town of Farmington in Ontario County, New York, provided
the Bowe family with its livelihood and their food; and
WHEREAS, Today, Bowe Farms, Inc. has grown to encompass a large crop-
ping enterprise which is noted for its 700 acres of corn, 600 acres of
soybeans and 100 acres of wheat; and
WHEREAS, In 1962, a 120-cow barn was built and the dairy enterprise
partnered the cropping operation already in existence; the operators,
descendants of the original owner, continued the business through many
changes in ownership over time due to the passing away of three of the
four Bowe Farms, Inc. partners; the remaining partner, Robert Bowe and
his son, David, continued the operation, which shifted to a full crop-
ping enterprise; and
WHEREAS, The Bowe Family has always taken pride in their community; in
1948, three Bowe family members were charter members of the Farmington
Volunteer Fire Association, Inc. and served on the Carnival Committee;
and
WHEREAS, The tradition is carried on by Robert Bowe, who has served as
1st Assistant Fire Chief for more than ten years, and his son, David
Bowe, who is also an active member of the Farmington Volunteer Fire
Association; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Robert Bowe's wife, Dorothy Bowe, became a Fire
Department auxiliary member in 1955, and is currently a Life Member; in
1988 Robert and Dorothy Bowe were recognized for 50 years of sacrifice
and dedication to the Farmington Fire Association; and
WHEREAS, The members of this civic-minded family are also strong
supporters and leaders of the Boy Scouts of America organizations in the
community; and
WHEREAS, The Bowe family serve as dedicated advocates for the farming
industry that has been the mainstay of their family for generations;
they belong to a number of agricultural organizations including the New
York Corn Growers, the Farm Bureau, and the American Soybean Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, The family's involvement within their community, as well as
their cropping enterprise, tells a story of stamina, caring attitude,
and family, that will carry them long into the future; and
WHEREAS, Through their diligence and expertise, the Bowe family has
brought pride and recognition to their farm, the local community, and
the State of New York; 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 Bowe Farms, Inc. 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 Bowe family.