2015-J3386
LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating Table Rock Farm upon the occasion
of being named Conservation Farm of the Year by the New York State Agri-
cultural Society
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 products; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize the
achievements of those family-owned farms which substantially contribute
to 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 congratu-
late Table Rock Farm upon the occasion of being named Conservation Farm
of the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society which was cele-
brated at its Annual Meeting on January 7, 2016; and
WHEREAS, Table Rock Farm, of Castile, New York, has been recognized by
the New York State Agricultural Society for its outstanding achievements
in quality, leadership and innovation; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Table Rock Farm is being recognized as a Century
Farm for over 100 years of continuous operation on the same land by the
same family; and
WHEREAS, The DeGolyer family has owned and operated Table Rock Farm
since 1915, when C. Scott DeGolyer purchased the 115 acre estate in
Western New York; it originally grew and raised a variety of crops and
livestock including apples, wheat, alfalfa and beans, as well as sheep,
cows, horses and chickens; and
WHEREAS, In the 1960s, the DeGolyer family focused exclusively on
dairying, and quickly built a reputation for innovation by becoming one
of the first farms in the Nation to try group feeding which distin-
guished the diverse nutrient needs of cows at different lactation stag-
es; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the DeGolyer family has worked tirelessly to
make Table Rock Farm a leader in innovation for New York State farmers;
it regularly participates in annual cropping and dairy-focused studies
with Cornell University and other entities; and
WHEREAS, In addition, Table Rock Farm is preparing to install a small
array of solar panels to help reduce its reliance on natural gas, and is
researching the covering of manure storage to capture and burn off meth-
ane gas to increase energy efficiency; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Table Rock Farm is a prosperous 1,020-acre, high-
tech dairy with 900 Holsteins and a dazzling array of harvesters and
milking gear; and
WHEREAS, Under the able guidance of the DeGolyer family, Table Rock
Farm will continue its high standard of excellence in dairy farming for
many years to come; and
WHEREAS, It is with great pleasure that this Legislative Body acknowl-
edges the success of this exceptional family business and its contrib-
utions 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
congratulate Table Rock Farm upon the occasion of being named Conserva-
tion Farm of the Year by the New York State Agricultural Society; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the DeGolyer family, Table Rock Farm.