Kim Skellie of El-Vi Farms spoke to us at our last meeting about the farm and the industry.
Opening and Invocation led by Jeff Patchen
Wellness Report – Jim DeVolder’s father passed. Helmuth’s procedure went well and he is feeling positive.
Guests: Malwina Plichta, exchange student; Marianne Arseneau, guest of Russ Harris; Yvonne Brantley, guest of Dave Tyler;
Announcements:
- To celebrate Hannelora’s birthday, Helmuth sent in a donation
- Welcome Charlie Hallagan - nice to see you today.
- March 23 - Rotary Social event - please let Holly know if you are attending
- Malwina - performed in the High School Musical “The Wedding Singer” - she had a great time.
Birthdays: Marty Wemett, Ted O’Toole, Hannelora Reinhardt, Bill Doebler, Bob Bendix, Marge Washburn, Jean Salisbury
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition: On behalf of Newark Rotary, Scott Healy is pleased to present Bob Havrilla with his Paul Harris plus 2!
Queen of Hearts: Josh McCrossen did not pick the Queen - the pot continues to grow.
Program: Mitch introduced Kim Skellie of El-Vi farms
What is NY agriculturally productive at? Apples #2, milk, corn #3, grapes #3. What at the top 6 productive counties in NY: Wayne, Ontario, Wyoming, Cayuga, Genesee, Suffolk
El-Vi Farms: Named for founders Elmer Peck and Viola Schuster, thus El-Vi Dairy farm. They have 2000 cows, 3500 acres, 4 operating partners, 33 full time employees and 20 part time employees. Produce 20,000 gallons of milk per day.
They keep their cows inside so that they can keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. He explained how they take care of their cows, from calves to milking heifers. They make sure the cows are kept clean, hooves trimmed, fed regularly, etc.
What are some of the business challenges at El-Vi? Feed cost is about 1.65 lbs of milk produced for every 1 lb of feed for the cows. They focus on keeping their cows happy and healthy.
Dairy Industry Challenges:
competing in a global market
NYS regulations
Unregulated world beyond the USA
Labor Market
Environment needs — CAFO
Wide array of beverage competition
Milk consumption, as a beverage, has decreased while butter and cheese consumption has increased.
Advantages of NYS
Market - 60 million people (Wash DC - Boston)
Water supply & weather
Infrastructure: Ag Education institutions & depth of supportive agribusiness
Thank you Kim for presenting a glimpse into the complexity, challenges and growth opportunities for the dairy agribusiness in upstate New York.