2025 Farmer-Neighbor Dinner Awards & Photos

Brought to you by:

• Cattaraugus County IDA
• The Pillittere Group
• Farm Credit East, ACA
• Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board
• Cattaraugus County Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism
• Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District

Sponsors

Premier

Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency
Farm Credit East ACA
The Pillittere Group

Platinum

Carolina Eastern-Crocker, LLC
Car-Bu Farms
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County
ERA Team VP Real Estate
Allegany Insurance Group
CH2M Hill BWXT West Valley
Legislator Ginger D. Schroder and Waverly Pond Farm

Gold

Erie and Niagara Insurance
Cattaraugus County Soil & Water District
Gernatt Asphalt Products
Wild Acres Family Farm
M&T Bank
Al & Bobbie Jo Ormond
The Schwab Companies

Silver

Nannen Arboretum Society
Agri Business Brokerage / Lunser
Insurance
NYCAMH
Gabel’s IBA

Bronze

Ortel Supply Inc.
Java Farm Supply, Inc.

This event is coordinated by the Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board.

Music at the event by Homemade Jam.

Program

5:30 Welcome

• Vendor Tables & Hors d' oeuvres
• Music - Homemade Jam

6:45 Dinner

• Buffet with locally grown foods, prepared by the West Valley Firemen's Auxiliary

7:45 Presentation of Awards

• Farm of the Year
• Friend of Agriculture
• Ag Legacy
• Conservation Farm of the Year

Menu

Appetizers

• Bison Meatballs
• Veggie Platter
• Cheese, Cracker & Pepperoni Platter
• Spinach Dip

Dinner

• Salad
• Beef
• Turkey
• Vegetarian Manicotti
• Mashed Potatoes
• Buttered Carrot Medallions
• Harvard Beets
• Dinner Roll

Dessert

• Variety of Fruit Pies (Clara’s Baked Goods)
• Brownies (Olean’s Food Barn)

Event Donors

• Ford Brothers
• Canticle Farms
• CCIDA
• Merritt Winery
• Peaches n’ Cream
• Jeff Goodyear
• Upstate Milk
• Car-Bu Farms, LLC
• *Maple Candy from Dave Zilker

Agriculture Advocates

• Cattaraugus County Economic Development, Planning & Tourism
• Milliman Farms
• Benz’ Sugar Shanty, LLC
• Nannen Arboretum
• Church Family Maple
• Ellicottville Distillery
• Catt. Co. Attorney’s Office
• Ashley Smith for District Attorney
• Perfectly Blended Farm
• Maple Ridge Bison, Inc.
• Wishing Star Farm
• Telaak Farms, LLC
• La Finca Tudelana
• Blue Hill Farm
• Catt Co Soil and Water District
• Her-Mill Manor
• Cornell Co-op Ext. of Catt Co.
• Pillittere Group / CH2M Hill BWXT West Valley
• Wild Acres Family Farm
• WNY Crop Management Association
• Cattaraugus County Dairy Ambassadors
• Cattaraugus County Department Heads
• Catt. Co. Legislatures
• Ginger Schroeder & Mark Heberling - D/B/A Waverly Pond Farm

Awards

Farm of the Year: Williams Ranch & Cattle

Williams Ranch & Cattle began in 1998 when Jeff Williams bought the farm. In 2000 the first cows he purchased to start the farm were just average commercial beef cows. In 2005 Jeff and Vicky welcomed their daughter, Alysa, into the family and a year later Jeff
married Vicky.

They are both a huge part of the farm. Vicky is the best secretary, ever, and even better at feces removal (expert shovel operator). Where she notices the little details that Jeff misses.

In 2008 the prices of average cows had dropped, this led to 2009 when we purchased our very first registered angus bull and we never looked back. The registered angus bull improved the herd in one season. We were able to receive higher prices for the feeder calves since they were all uniform sizes, and it is what the market had a demand for. Our first registered female was purchased in 2010. Now our whole herd consists of all registered animals. Over the years our freezer trade has improved because of the quality of our carcass traits in the steers. The typical waiting time to purchase our meat is two years. We only sell what was born on our farm. We not only have freezer trade, but we also sell females and bulls to improve other herds. In addition to the cattle, we also run a custom hay bailing business. In a typical year we cover about 1,000 acres. All
while having full time jobs and College.

Alysa is currently in college to earn a bachelor’s degree in agribusiness management and an associate in accounting. Last summer, 2024, she ran the farm. While home from college Alysa is involved with educating the youth at Ellicottville Central School and Cattaraugus County 4-H.
In 2023, was the 1st time we set up a date to bring the second graders to our farm. At this time Alysa has two of her show cows outside that the kids can come up and pet. We do fun little activities with them to keep them involved and learning. When taking them through the barn they have many questions about what we do and why we have the animals.

Not only do we share this day with the kids, but Alysa’s senior year of high school she helped set up an agriculture day at the school. This was tied into drive your tractor to school day. Many kids were able to bring a few of their farm animals to school. We had them set up in the front lawn at stations. This was a way for each of the young students to see every aspect of farming.

For the past 5 years Alysa has also put on beef clinics for the 4-H kids. Teaching them how to care, feed, and get them ready for the County Fair. We are passionate about farming and teaching our way of life. Spreading the word about agriculture is important, and it all starts with young kids being exposed to it.

"Beef it's what's for Dinner!"

Congrats Williams Ranch & Cattle!

Conservation Farm of the Year: Telaak Farm

The Cattaraugus County Soil & Water Conservation District has selected Telaak Farms, LLC for the 2025 Conservation Farm of the Year Award.

Don, David, Joyce, Mike, & Kimberly operate a Dairy operation in Mansfield, milking approximately 390 cows. Together with many long-term employees, like Justin, Rachael and Michael, the farm operates roughly 1100 Acres around the Maples-Mansfield Creek area.

Telaak Farms has been actively participating in NY State’s Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) program since the program came to Cattaraugus County. Th ey have also worked in close cooperation with various partner agencies and organizations, including the Conservation
District, USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service & Farm Service Agency and Western NY Crop Management Association to implement many conservation practices to address agricultural runoff , agricultural nutrient management and erosion & sediment control.

In addition to conservation practices, the farm also implemented several additional projects to improve operational efficiency of the farm. Practices and projects implemented through cooperation with the District and partnering agencies include:

• Construction of a concrete manure storage structure, which allows for application of nutrients at optimum times of the year for improved crop production and reduced runoff potential
• Construction of a bunk silo leachate collection & treatment system to control concentrated runoff from their feed storage area.
• Allowing the installation of Trout habitat improvements along the Mansfield Creek in partnership with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation and The United States Fish and Wildlife Service and participating in follow up trout population surveys.

The Farm Continues to work with the Soil and Water Conservation District through both planning and implementation to reduce its impact on the local environment and improve its efficiency.

Congratulations Telaak Farms!

Agriculture Legacy: Dave Zilker

FFA and my Ag teacher did more to develop my character than anything in school. I was given the choice of going to college or purchasing a farm, I chose the farm. (No regrets)

In 1958 I went in a partnership with my parents and my brother Richard, forming Lake Hill Dairy Farm. We sold out in 1995 due to health, lack of help and not being able to find a suitable partner. At this time, we were milking 260 cows with 160 head of young stock and farming 750 acres of land including rented land. Farming never gets out of your system!

In the process of selling the real estate, my attorney convinced me to become a real estate agent. I am an associate broker with Buncy Real Estate for 27 years and now with ERA Team VP Real Estate for 10 years.

I was married to my wife Shirley for 17 years until her passing in 2021. Out of that I inherited children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren! In the real estate business, I specialize in farms, land, commercial, and residential properties which I still do full
time today. I feel blessed that I found a second career that fits in with farming like a glove. There is life after farming!

I do a lot of volunteer work on various boards, and committees, the majority are ag related. It’s been a great education as well as giving my input and striking many new long-lasting relationships.

"If you enjoy what you do, you have never worked a day in your life!"

Dave Zilker was born and raised on a dairy farm, where he continued as a farmer for 40 years! He majored in agriculture in school and was a member of the FFA.

He has been a member of the following boards and committees:

• Cattaraugus County Farm Bureau, 40 years and current vice president
• Chairman for the Cattaraugus County Farm Land Protection Board, 12+years
• Chairman for the Machias Board of Assessment Review, 20+ years
• Cattaraugus County Agriculture environmental development board
• Town of Machias Planning Committee
• Advisory board to the Cattaraugus County Department of Aging (WISE)
• Cattaraugus County Cornell Co-op Ext
• Planning Committee for the Cattaraugus County Farmer Neighbor dinner and awards presentation.

Thank you, Dave, for all you do to support agriculture in Cattaraugus County!

Friend of Agriculture: Dan Steward

Dan has served as a fi eld crops consultant and CAFO planner with the Western NY Crop Management Association in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus and Erie Counties since 1991. He is a graduate of Randolph Central School where he participated in FFA. He received his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering Technology from Cornell in 1990. He is a certifi ed crop advisor (CCA), Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) planner, and Technical Service Provider (TSP) for NRCS. Dan focuses on helping farms utilize their available resources to meet their farming goals. He is particularly interested in forage quality, economics, logistics and providing information and services that help our area to remain competitive in production agriculture.

Dan is a long-time member of the Cattaraugus County Cooperative Extension Ag Program Committee and has presented at numerous meetings. He is a past president of the Conewango Creek Watershed Association and the current chairman of the Chautauqua County Ag and Farmland Protection Board. He has represented the WNYCMA on the state CAFO workgroup committee. He is a fi reman and treasurer for the Ellington Fire District and lay-leader and treasurer for the Ellington United Methodist Church.

Dan states that he loves the geography and culture of Cattaraugus County agriculture and has been blessed to work with people he likes and respects throughout his career: farmers, co-workers, government officials, and retailers. He and his wife Osiris have three children.

Congrats Dan!

In Rememberance: Ernest "Jim" Ellis

Jim Ellis, a devoted husband, father, and pillar of the East Otto community, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2025, at 88. Born on September 16, 1936, Jim grew up to become a lifelong farmer, community leader, and historian.

A Life of Service

Jim’s dedication to his community spanned decades. He served as a 4-H Leader, East Otto Fire Department member, Town Justice, Councilman, and County Legislator. His passion for agriculture and history led him to host exchange students, preserve the town’s heritage, and share his knowledge with others.

In 1976, Jim won the “Fullest Beard” category in the East Otto Bicentennial Beard Contest! Source: East Otto Historical Photos

A Legacy of Love and Service

Jim’s love for East Otto and its people was evident in his tireless work with the East Otto Historical Group and Preservation Support Group. He played a key role in preserving the town’s museum and historic buildings. He was particularly proud of his work on the town’s museum, the oldest building in East Otto and Cattaraugus County, built in 1833-34!

His kindness, humility, and generosity touched countless lives, making him a beloved figure in the community.

A Lasting Impact

Jim was the one who got the Cattaraugus County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner started!!! He had invited several people to the 2011 Livingston County's Farmer-Neighbor Dinner.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and dedication to his family, friends, and community. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him, and his contributions to East Otto’s history and heritage will continue to inspire future generations.

Exhibitors

• Farm Credit East, ACA
• Cornell Co-op Ext. of Catt. Co.
• ERA Team VP Real Estate
• Allegany Insurance Group
• Cattaraugus County Soil & Water District
• Wilde Acres Family Farm
• M&T Bank
• The Schwab Companies
• Nannen Arboretum Society
• Farm Bureau
• Dairy Ambassadors
• Cattaraugus County Health Department
• Randolph FFA
• Enchanted Mountains (Catt. Co. Tourism)
• Ellicottville Distillery

Special Thank You to:

West Valley Volunteer Hose Company and the West Valley Firemen's Auxiliary

Ol' Farmer Wisdom

• Every path has a few puddles.
• Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.
• Sometimes you get - and sometimes you get got.
• If you get to thinkin’ you’re a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else’s dog around.
• Don’t judge folks by their relatives.
• Lettin’ the cat out of the bag is a whole lot easier than puttin’ it back in.
• Good judgement comes from experience, and a lot of that comes from bad judgement.
• Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly.

Thank you from the Cattaraugus County Agricultural and Farmland Protection Board!

We hope to see you at next year's Farmer-Neighbor Dinner on April 8, 2026.