Agriculture

Agriculture represents one of the largest economic sectors in Clinton County with a combined output value exceeding $148,999,000 (2012). Farms create direct economic benefits, provide our residents with fresh local foods, support other local businesses across many sectors, and preserve the rural character that our residents and visitors value so highly. CCE-Clinton supports local agriculture by providing resources for farmers, and consumers, to help strengthen our local and regional food systems.

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in New York

Follow Best Practices to Prevent the Spread of Bird Flu

A deadly strain of bird flu, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has been identified in several states throughout the country, including New York. This strain can infect chickens, turkeys, game birds, waterfowl, ratites (emus, etc.), and a wide variety of wild birds. It can spread from bird to bird by direct contact as well as through farm equipment, clothing, and shoes. 

Birds affected with HPAI may show one or more of the following clinical signs: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks; purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs; nasal discharge; coughing, sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. The Highly Pathogenic strain can spread and kill an entire flock within days, backyard flocks included. Many, if not all the birds in a flock will be affected.

HPAI has been found in small flocks in Delaware, Fulton, Madison, Monroe, Onondaga, Putnam, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Washington, Wayne, Columbia, Monroe, Orleans, and Putnam counties in New York as of 2/26/25. Precautions are needed to prevent further spread. This virus is not known to be a public health concern.

If you are visiting a poultry farm, follow these procedures:

• Do not enter any farm premise without permission from the owner.
• Whenever possible, make an appointment prior to traveling to the farm.
• Wear clean clothes and shoes on the day of the visit.
• When you arrive, park your vehicle at the end of the farm drive or on the roadside and use your cell phone to notify the owners of your presence and to receive instructions for entry. Or, set up an appointment ahead of time
• Let the farm owner know if in the previous five days you have been on another poultry farm or if you’ve had contact with wild birds. Also let them know if you personally own or care for birds or poultry.
• Observe all of the farm’s instructions regarding biosecurity procedures.
• Do not enter animal housing areas without express permission from farm owner.
• Do not touch animals unless that is part of your tasks on the farm.
• Immediately report anything unusual to farm owner, especially sick or dead birds.

To prevent illness in your own backyard flock, follow these precautions:

• Separate your flock from wildlife and wild birds.
• Keep your poultry area and equipment clean.
• Separate new or returning birds from your flock for at least 30 days.
• Don't share equipment with neighbors/friends.
• Purchase chicks from reputable breeders.
• Have anyone visiting your flock to follow the procedures outlined above for visiting poultry farms.

New York and many other states have enacted emergency regulations that restrict interstate transport of poultry and add new, more stringent requirements for entry. If you are planning to move poultry across state lines, be sure to check with the state veterinarian’s office in the receiving state to be sure you’re meeting all the requirements.

If you have death loss in your home flock or a flock you manage, call NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502. This number is available 24 hours a day. If after normal business hours, select State Watch Center option. More information can be found on the website, https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/poultry or by calling your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office. Your attention to these precautions is critical to protecting bird health and our state’s farm economy!

The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) is a collaborative educational network based at Cornell University and dedicated to educating New York residents about preventing, preparing for, and recovering from emergencies and disasters.NY EDEN is working with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to provide resources and updates to poultry producers.

Nancy Glazier and Amy Barkley, Regional Livestock Specialists, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Revised 2/26/25 by Tia Legge, Agriculture Educator, Clinton County Cornell Cooperative Extension

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Owner/Operator in Search of Next Generation Farmer in Clinton County

Is it time to make a switch to a new career? One where it isn't just a job but a lifestyle? A 9th generation family farm is in search of a new dairy partner. Owner's idea is to have a new generation to learn the ropes and eventually take over the farm. This unique opportunity would see the new farmers working alongside the established farmer for a bit. This dairy gets 2 milk checks- one from each of AgriMark & Organic Valley. It is a 60-cow dairy in beautiful farm country of Chazy, NY. This a 9^th generation farm think about all that institutional knowledge. Housing on site. If this sounds like the career for you then contact us! (link at the top right)

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Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.

NNYADP Research: NNAGDEV Link

Farmer-Driven for Northern New York
Northern New York Agricultural Development Program
• High Priority Research • Practical Real-World Results •
Meeting Critical Needs & Opportunities for Clinton, Essex Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
• Funding for the NNYADP is supported by the New York State Legislature and administered
through the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets •

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Last updated April 9, 2025