LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Lagoner Farms upon the occasion of its
designation by the New York State Agricultural Society as the recipient
of a 2011 Century Farm Award

WHEREAS, The agricultural industry is part of the foundation upon which
our distinct American heritage is built; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body takes great pride in acknowledging
outstanding individuals and businesses associated with the agricultural
industry which clearly contribute to the spirit of excellence which so
distinguishes the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern and fully in accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Lagoner Farms of Williamson, New York upon the occasion of its desig-
nation by the New York State Agricultural Society as the recipient of a
2011 Century Farm Award at the Society's 179th Annual Agricultural
Forum, held in Syracuse on January 6, 2011; and
WHEREAS, The New York State Agricultural Society was organized in 1832
to foster, promote and improve the New York State food and agriculture
industry; adapting to the changing needs of the industry, the Society
remains true to its mission and each year proudly honors several New
York State farms with its Century Farm Award; and
WHEREAS, The Century Farm program, begun in 1937, honors New York
Farms in continuous operation on the same land by the same family for
100 years or more; each year deserving farm families are recognized by
the Society with Century Farm Awards, now proudly sponsored by Farm
Credit Northeast AgEnhancement; and
WHEREAS, In 1909 Anthony and Jennie Lagoner purchased a 50 acre farm
which, today, has grown to include more than 200 acres; in the early
days the farm consisted of a combination of cash crops and subsistence
agriculture; and
WHEREAS, Livestock, grains, vegetable and fruits were raised to
provide for the family; limited plantings of apples, peaches, cherries
and pears were also grown to provide income for the balance of the fami-
ly's needs; and
WHEREAS, Gradually the farm became more specialized as mechanization
and the region's infrastructure evolved; farm equipment innovations,
processing plants, rail lines and improved roads and trucks created new
and expanded markets for increased acreages of pears, apples and sour
cherries; and
WHEREAS, By the 1960's Lagoner Farms was entirely devoted to the
production of tree fruits as the appropriate climate near Lake Ontario
along with the necessary marketing channels created an environment for
these crops to remain viable; and
WHEREAS, Around 2000, the fifth generation of the Lagoner family
expressed a desire to continue the family farm, and in an effort to
increase income levels, acreage as well as production and marketing
goals were gradually expanded; small fruits were planted along with a
range of vegetables but apples remain the cornerstone of the farm's
production base with increasing plantings of dwarfing rootstocks; and
WHEREAS, A Farm Market was built in 2003 and expanded in 2010; the
current welcome trend toward buying local produce also helps to drive
sales of the farm's crops at area farmers' markets, including the
Lagoner's own more than 7,000 square foot on-site Farm Market; and
WHEREAS, Mark, Diana and Jacob Lagoner are the current owners of the
farm and there are now three generations of the Lagoner family proudly
active in the farm business; many additional part-time, seasonal and
full-time workers are employed throughout the year as well; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Lagoner Family are, in addition, well-known
for being active in local organizations and institutions, and in the
agricultural industry; and
WHEREAS, Mark Lagoner has served on the Town Planning Board; he worked
on the town's comprehensive plan and has served in leadership roles in
his church; he and his wife, Diana, also serve as youth group leaders at
their church and, in both 2008 and 2009, the family generously hosted
fundraisers at their Farm Market for the three local fire companies; and
WHEREAS, Lagoner Farms and members of the Lagoner family are valued
and involved members of several industry organizations including the New
York State Apple Growers Association, the New York State Berry Growers
Association, and the Fruit and Vegetable Association and several others
and, Jacob Lagoner, as well as several Lagoner Farms employees, are also
active members of the New Fruit Growers Group, a statewide association
for new and younger fruit growers which is facilitated by the Lake
Ontario Fruit Team of Cornell Cooperative Extension; and
WHEREAS, Lagoner Farms' continuing evaluation of marketing strategies
and its renewal of plantings, upgrades in equipment, and building main-
tenance are some of the many strengths of this forward-thinking agricul-
tural enterprise which have helped Lagoner Farms, located in Wayne Coun-
ty, truly and justly merit recognition as a Century Farm; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Lagoner Farms upon the occasion of its designation by the New York
State Agricultural Society as a 2011 Century Farm and to commend the
Lagoner family for its commitment to excellence and for proudly continu-
ing New York's agricultural heritage, which remains such an important
part of our great State and nation's economic foundation; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the Lagoner family, proud stewards of Lagoner Farms, 6895
Lake Avenue, Williamson, New York 14589.