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#11/12 Raiders Win Special Teams Battle with Canisius

December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Senior defenseman Corbin McPherson scored his first goal of the season in Colgate’s 5-2 win over Canisius Friday night at Starr Rink. (Photo by Bob Cornell)

(Hamilton, NY – Dec. 30, 2011) Both teams combined to score six special teams goals and one 4-on-4 strike and it was the No. 11/12 Colgate men’s hockey team that came out on top by a 5-2 score on Friday night against Canisius.

Colgate (12-4-2) got two goals and an assist from Robbie Bourdon, while Austin Smith extended his point streak to nine games with a goal and two assists for three points. Corbin McPherson scored his first of the season and Austin Mayer added a shorthanded goal in the third period and also had an assist. Eric Mihalik pushed aside 22 shots to earn his eighth win.

Canisius (4-11-3) saw Ben Danford and Kyle Gibbons record goals, while Doug Jessey put up two assists. Tony Capobianco did his best in the net with 30 stops in the loss.

Colgate took advantage of three power plays in the first period with two power play goals. Bourdon gave the Raiders a 1-0 lead with a goal coming nine minutes into the frame. He connected with Wagner and his shot deflected off a Canisius skate and past Capobianco for the first goal. He then increased the lead to 2-0 with his eighth of the season. It also came on the power play as Bourdon and Smith played a give-and-go and the junior buried the puck for the two-goal lead. Spiro Goulakos was also credited with an assist.

The special teams onslaught continued in the second period as all four goals scored in the frame came on power plays. Canisius started the scoring with Danford cutting the Colgate lead to 2-1, just 1:50 into the period. He wound up and beat Mihalik from the right circle on a 5-on-3 advantage. The Golden Griffins then tied the score 21 seconds later with a traditional power play goal coming from Kyle Gibbons. He received a pass from Taylor Law and skated across the slot and beat Mihalik short side.

The Raiders retook the lead with 7:12 remaining in the period as McPherson scored his first of the season. He fired a shot from the left point and it found its way through Matt Firman, who was infront, and into the net. Mayer was given an assist on the play and he then got back the two-goal advantage with a shorthanded goal with 2:16 left in the second. It was Colgate’s seventh shortie of the year, which leads the nation.

The third period was up-and-down the ice and became chippie between the two teams. Smith then tallied his nation’s leading 19th goal of the season coming with a 4-on-4 opportunity, which came one second after the Raiders failed on a quick power play. Jeremy Price fed the puck to Smith at the far post on a beautiful pass and the senior stuffed it home. Wagner was given an assist for his second of the night.

Colgate outshot the Griffs 35-24 and hit the post four times during the contest. The Raiders tallied three goals on the power play with seven chances. Canisius finished 2-for-4 on the man advantage.

The Raiders begin a two-week road swing with a visit No. 11/12 Ferris State next weekend for a two-game set.

NOTES: Smith added his ninth multi-point game of the season and only his second multi-assist game … he has 134 points for 23rd all-time on Colgate’s scoring list … Bourdon posted his first two-goal game of the season and second of his career … McPherson scored for the first time in exactly 365 days and Colgate is 5-1-0 when the defenseman scores during his career …  the Raiders have won 20 games in the calendar year of 2011 … 10-0-0 when leading after two periods … seven-game unbeaten streak for the first time since 1999-2000 … outscoring opponents 23-9 during the streak and no team has scored more than two goals against the Raiders … 12-1-0 when scoring three or more goals … at the conclusion of the game, Colgate was ranked fourth in the nation in winning percentage (.722).
 

Filed Under: Hamilton, Sports

Brookfield Riding and Driving Association Announces 2012 Events and Shows

December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Brookfield, NY) The Brookfield Riding and Driving Association continues to line up events and shows for the coming calendar year.

Save the following dates:

May 19: ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge, starting at the Madison County Fairgrounds into the Brookfield Trail System

For more information or to register, visit actha.us/.

May 20: Open English/Western Horse Show Series at the Madison County Fairgrounds

For more information and the prize list, contact Crystal Cowen at (315) 899-7743.

June 8 through 10: Driven Dressage Festival at the Madison County Fairgrounds

For more information and the prize list, call Karen Nowak at (315) 899-7778.

June 16: Ridden Dressage Schooling Show at the Madison County Fairgrounds

For more information and the prize list, call Karen Nowak at (315) 899-7778.

July 13: Madison County Fair Youth English/Western Horse Show

For more information and the prize list, contact Crystal Cowen at (315) 899-7743.

July 15: Madison County Fair Open English/Western Horse Show – double points show

For more information and the prize list, contact Crystal Cowen at (315) 899-7743.

Aug. 11: Ridden Dressage Schooling Show at the Madison County Fairgrounds

For more information and the prize list, call Karen Nowak at (315) 899-7778.

Sept. 8: Open English/Western Horse Show Series at the Madison County Fairgrounds

For more information and the prize list, contact Crystal Cowen at (315) 899-7743.

Sept. 15: Jeff Dye Memorial Trail Ride & Poker Run/Leukemia Fundraiser, starting at the Madison County Fairgrounds into the Brookfield Trail System

For more information or to register, contact Crystal Cowen at (315) 899-7743.

Sept. 16: ACTHA Competitive Trail Challenge, starting at the Madison County Fairgrounds into the Brookfield Trail System

For more information or to register, visit actha.us/.

Filed Under: Announcements, Brookfield, Calendar of Events, Equine Tagged With: , , , , , ,

What We Make of It

December 31, 2011 By 1 Comment

 

Think Local

By Chris Hoffman

(Sherburne, NY – Dec. 2011) By the time you read this, another Christmas will have come and gone, but as I write, pitch black outside on the shortest day of the year, on a morning that has not yet officially dawned, the magic of Christmas is still four days away.  Having railed incessantly about crass commercialization and the idiotic behavior it spawns, I ponder this morning the mysterious sense of beneficence I am feeling.

I have spent weeks resisting the pull, not wanting to overspend or overindulge, trying to be “sensible” in my preparations and expectations.  It’s not easy.  I can feel my resistance dissolving, giving way to something that I’m not sure how to define.

And I question what’s driving it.  Is it guilt?  Nostalgia?  Perhaps a need to embrace, to reach out and engage.  I suddenly find myself wishing I had baked dozens of cookies so I could give them to everyone who has made my life easier throughout the year – the mailman, the cleaning lady, my mechanic, the volunteers at the Opera House, my editors – a token of my appreciation for and recognition of the valued work that others do.

After weeks of grumpiness borne of too little time and too much to do in general, now I am energized by the anticipation of spending time with family and friends, cooking and baking, offering carefully chosen gifts, and sharing food and wine and conversation.

In a recent phone call with my sister, she said, “Christmas is what you make of it.”  Yes, it has undoubtedly become another source of pressure and aggravation.  But this morning I understand that it is more than that.  It is ritual, relived for hundreds of years, something we can use to tap into the positive energy of the Universe, to remind us that we are part of something bigger than the mundane worries and annoyances that color our daily existence.  It is a time to reconnect, to let go of transgressions, to experience the essence of family and friendship and community.

The very idea of Christmas reminds me how fortunate I am and that I have so much to be thankful for.  A roof over my head.  Work that I love.  Family near and far who offer support and encouragement and accept me as I am.  Friends who are consistently there.  The joyful antics and unequivocal love of my feline housemates.  The beauty of orchids in bloom on the windowsill in the middle of winter.  A pantry full of food and a car that runs, for warmth at the push of a button.

It is so easy to find all manner of things to complain about, and I indulge that propensity frequently.  But today, on the Winter Solstice, the “spirit” of Christmas – whatever that might be – seems to have finally arrived.  Perhaps there is something to the notion that the benevolent spirit of one of humankind’s most enlightened beings does indeed live on, floating throughout the Universe, capable of touching even the most cynical among us.  Tomorrow, the days begin to lengthen, and next week a new year arrives.  All is what we make of it.

 Chris Hoffman lives in the village of Sherburne in her 150+ year-old house where she caters to the demands of her four cats, attempts to grow heirloom tomatoes and herbs and reads voraciously. She passionately pursues various avenues with like-minded friends to preserve and protect a sustainable rural lifestyle for everyone in Central New York. 

 

Filed Under: Opinion-Editorial, Sherburne, Think Local Tagged With: , ,

Morrisville Public Library Begins New Year with Food Drive

December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

By Michelle Forward

(Morrisville, NY – Jan. 2012) The library is closed until Tuesday Jan. 3, 2012 at 10am to observe the winter holidays.  We will see you in the New Year.

We are holding a canned food drive when we reopen until Wednesday Feb. 29 to benefit the Morrisville Food Pantry. Please help us show our support to this local program by donating a non-perishable canned food item.  There is a catch.  If you owe fines at the library we are going to help you out.  For every item you donate, we will take $1 off your outstanding fines.  So if you donate 20 items, we will take $20 off your account.  This is for the entire months of January and February, so clean that account up by the end of February and start the New Year off right.

Join us for Kung Fu Panda 2 for our family movie night on Friday Jan. 6 at 6:00pm.  We will provide the popcorn so bring the family in.

Kiddies Korner, our preschool story hour, will be hearing stories about snow on Tuesday Jan. 10 at 9:30am.  Bring your toddler or preschool child in for songs, stories and more.

Friday Jan. 13 at 6:30pm we will be celebrating Pharmacist Day.  Come learn about this great profession.

The library is looking for a children’s play carpet and a small wooden children’s table for our new children’s play area.  If you have one or both you would like to donate please call the Library Manager, or email at mforward@midyork.org.

The Library will be closed on Monday Jan. 16 to observe Martin Luther King Jr’s Birthday.  We will reopen Tuesday Jan. 17 at 10am.

Michelle A. Forward is the Library Manager. The library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 12pm to 8pm, Tuesday and Thursday 10am to 8pm and Saturday 10am to 4pm.

 

Filed Under: Calendar of Events, Eaton, Libraries, Morrisville, West Eaton Tagged With: , ,

Leonardsville Fire Department to Host Defensive Driving Course

December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Leonardsville, NY – March 2012) Leonardsville Fire Department will host two AAA six-hour defensive driving classes. The first class will be held Saturday, March 3, and the second Saturday, April 7.

Both classes will be held at the Fire Hall at 11306 Mill St., Leonardsville. Both classes will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Fire Department will provide a free lunch for both classes.

The costs for Fire Department members is $25 per person; everyone else is $30 per person. To pay by credit or debit card, call AAA at (315) 797-6121, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Successful completion may entitle participants to a 10 percent reduction in auto insurance and up to four points of his or her driving record.

Students are required to bring their valid New York state driver’s license to class.

If a student is unable to attend this class, there will be no refund; however, the student may register for one of AAA monthly classes and pay the difference in fee, if applicable.

Filed Under: Announcements, Automotive, Calendar of Events, Leonardsville Tagged With: ,

Pietrafesa Named to Deans’ List

December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

(Cazenovia, NY – Dec. 2011) Caleb Pietrafesa, son of Daphne Pietrafesa of Cazenovia, was named to the fall term 2011 dean’s list at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Conn. Choate Rosemary Hall is an independent secondary school enrolling 850 boarding and day students from 39 states and 46 countries.

Filed Under: Cazenovia, Education, Youth Tagged With: , ,

Office for the Aging Joins Nationwide Campaign

December 31, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Encourages Discussion, Planning About Hospital Stays with Older Adults

(Canastota, NY – Dec. 2011) Returning home from a hospital stay can result in unexpected challenges for many seniors and as a result, millions of older Americans are spending billions of dollars on health care costs every year that could be avoided through simple planning and preparation prior to being admitted to the hospital.

Nearly one in five Medicare patients discharged from the hospital is readmitted within 30 days due to an injury resulting from medical management – not the underlying disease – costing over $26 billion every year. Some studies have found that between 40 percent and 50 percent of readmissions are linked to social problems and lack of community resources.

Eldercare Locator, a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging that is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), recently launched a national campaign encouraging older adults, caregivers and their families to discuss potential hospital visits and start planning ahead for a smooth transition from the hospital to the home. Office for the Aging is supporting the campaign by raising awareness for more effective care transitions in Madison County.

“We strongly encourage families to take some time to address these issues and plan ahead so that when medical issues arise, a plan is in place,” said Theresa Davis, Executive Director. “Consumers can save on health care costs and most importantly, save lives.”

Eldercare Locator and the United Hospital Fund’s Next Step in Care (nextstepincare.org) released a consumer guide that can be used by families and caregivers to lead the discussion.

The guide, which provides planning tips for pre-hospital check-in as well as post-checkout from the hospital, is available at n4a.org/pdf/HospitaltoHome.  Some of the questions the Eldercare Locator encourages the public to address prior to being admitted to a hospital include: What do you need to bring?  If you are not going to be well enough to care for yourself when you are released, where will you go?  Will you need help getting around?  Will you need equipment and supplies?  Will you be able to take the appropriate medications without help those first days out of the hospital?  Who will assist you? How long will you need assistance?

“As we age, the likelihood of a hospital stay increases and it is critical to plan before that time arrives,” said Kathy Greenlee, Assistant Secretary for Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “We encourage families and caregivers to take advantage of their time with older relatives to talk about the brochure’s important cost-saving and potentially life-saving tips.”

For more information on services available in Madison County call Office for the Aging 315-697-5700.

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Canastota, Madison County Agencies and Organizations, Top Stories Tagged With: , ,

Free Coffee at Thruway Rest Stops

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

News from New York State Thruway Authority

ALBANY, NY (12/30/2011)(readMedia) Keeping up a 41-year tradition, free coffee and hot tea will be available to travelers along the New York State Thruway on New Year’s Eve.

The free beverages will be available at each of the 27 Thruway Travel Plazas from 11 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, 2011, through 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012.

“Sleepiness and fatigue are major contributors to highway accidents,” said Thruway Authority Acting Executive Director Thomas J. Madison. “This New Year’s Eve tradition in partnership with Thruway’s vendors is intended to remind motorists to take breaks to prevent drowsy driving on the Thruway and other roadways. As motorists head to their destinations during the holiday period, drivers should be aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.”

Vendors participating in the free-coffee program are McDonald’s Corporation, Delaware North Companies Travel Hospitality Services, and HMS Host Corporation.

Travelers are reminded they should never stop along the shoulder of the road unless it is an actual emergency.

For a complete list of travel plazas along the Thruway, see the weblink http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelplazas/index.html.

 

Filed Under: Announcements, Calendar of Events

Colgate Women’s Basketball Tops Iona 76-50

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
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Mariah Jones tallied a game-high 15 points, grabbed five rebounds and dished out four assists to lead Colgate to a 75-50 victory over Iona Thursday afternoon at Cotterell Court. (Photo by Bob Cornell)

By Jeremiah Hergott, Director of Athletic Communications 

(Hamilton, NY – Dec. 29, 2011) Five Raiders scored in double-figures as the Colgate women’s basketball team won for the third time in its last four outings with a 75-50 thumping of Iona Thursday afternoon at Cotterell Court. The Raiders led 46-18 at halftime and never looked back.

Freshmen Mariah Jones led the way with a game-high 15 points, while senior Tricia Oakes scored 14 points, grabbed seven rebounds and blocked three shots. Missy Repoli scored a career-high 12 points, while Candice Green and Lauryn Kobiela scored 11 points apiece. Green also grabbed six rebounds, while dishing out a game-high six assists. Kelly Korkowski led the team with eight rebounds, while Kelly Reid collected seven.

Iona (4-7) scored the first four points of the contest, before the Raiders responded with a 12-0 run, including back-to-back three-pointers from Kobiela and Jones, to take a 12-4 lead into the first media timeout. The Gaels then put together a 7-2 run to trim the lead to 14-11, before Catherine Lewis drained a three-pointer and Oakes made a pair of layups to extend the lead to 19-11 with 12:17 left.  After the Gaels made a layup to make the score 19-13, the Raiders would close the half with a 27-5 run to take a 46-18 lead into the locker room. The 46 points tied the season-high for the Raiders, while both Jones and Repoli scored 10 points apiece in the opening session.

The Gaels opened the second half with 14-4 run to make the score 50-32 with 15:16 remaining in regulation. Both teams then exchanged baskets for the next 10 minutes before Jones scored five-straight points to put the Raiders up 67-46 with 3:45 left. Colgate then closed the game with a 8-4 run including a 15-foot jumper from freshman Steph Shultz, her first collegiate basket, to secure its largest win since topping NJIT 85-58 last season.

The Gaels were led by Aleesha Powell who scored 12 points, while Damika Martinez and Jackie Marshall scored nine points apiece.

Colgate (3-11) finished the game shooting 47.3 percent, while holding the Gaels to a season low 23.5 percent. The Raiders also won the battle on the boards 51-35, while dishing out a season-high 19 assists and knocking down 56.2 percent of their three-pointers. The 51 rebounds were also a season-high for Colgate.

The Raiders will travel to Syracuse on Saturday, Dec. 31. The game is scheduled to begin at noon at the Carrier Dome.

 

Filed Under: Hamilton, Sports

Oneida Public Library Announces January Calendar of Events

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

January 2, 2012

Music and Motion
Monday at 10 a.m.
Sarah Davies Hasegawa brings to the Oneida Library her magical mix of songs and stories for preschool children and their parents or guardians.

January 3
Ready To Read
Tuesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 4
Ready To Read
Wednesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 5
Ready, Set, Read
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
This early literacy story hour includes songs, rhymes and activities designed to help children aged 3 to 5 years develop essential pre-reading skills.

January 9
Music and Motion
Monday at 10 a.m.
Sarah Davies Hasegawa brings to the Oneida Library her magical mix of songs and stories for preschool children and their parents or guardians.

January 10
Ready To Read
Tuesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 10
How Animals Survive the Winter
Tuesday at 4 p.m.
Curious school children will uncover the secrets of migratory birds, hibernation and nature’s way of surviving the winter.

January 10
Library Board Meeting
Tuesday at 6 p.m.
The Oneida Public Library Board of Trustees will meet in the library’s Local History Room at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

January 11
Ready To Read
Wednesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 11
Wednesday Art Club
Wednesday from 1 to 3 p.m.
New participants are welcome to come and share tips and ideas with kindred local artists.

January 12
Ready, Set, Read
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
This early literacy story hour includes songs, rhymes and activities designed to help children aged 3 to 5 years develop essential pre-reading skills.

January 14
Oneida’s Third Rail
Saturday at 1 p.m.
Railroad expert John Taibi provides a show and tell about the fabled Utica-to-Syracuse Third Rail that helped make Oneida a hub of rapid transit between 1907 and 1930.

January 16
Martin Luther King, Jr., Birthday (observed)
Monday
Oneida Public Library will be closed in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 17
Ready To Read
Tuesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 18
Ready To Read
Wednesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 19
Ready, Set, Read
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
This early literacy story hour includes songs, rhymes and activities designed to help children aged 3 to 5 years develop essential pre-reading skills.

January 21
The Children’s Crusade: The 8th Air Force in World War II
Saturday at 11 a.m.
Historian Cheryl Pula presents in words and images the history of the young U.S. airmen who flew B-17 bombers in the war against Germany. She will also sign copies of her new book “The Children’s Crusade.”

January 23
Music and Motion
Monday at 10 a.m.
Sarah Davies Hasegawa brings to the Oneida Library her magical mix of songs and stories for preschool children and their parents or guardians.

January 23 and 24
AARP’S Driver Safety Program
Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
A classroom defensive driver course for those over 50 years of age. To register, call Harold Mellen at 363-8357.

January 24
Ready To Read
Tuesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 24, 25 and 26
Computer Basics Workshop
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Fritz Meeusen returns to Oneida Library with another edition of his introduction to computers, using Mid-York Library System’s 16 laptops. Class limited to 16. Pre-registration required.

January 25
Ready To Read
Wednesday at 10 a.m.
This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

January 25
The Smartphone Workshop
Wednesday at 4:30 p.m.
Got a new smartphone? Let Fritz Meeusen show you all its functions, whether for business or pleasure, and what apps are best for you.

January 26
Ready, Set, Read
Thursday at 10:00 a.m.
This early literacy story hour includes songs, rhymes and activities designed to help children aged 3 to 5 years develop essential pre-reading skills.

January 30
Music and Motion
Monday at 10 a.m.
Sarah Davies Hasegawa brings to the Oneida Library her magical mix of songs and stories for preschool children and their parents or guardians.

January 31
Ready To Read
Tuesday at 10 a.m.

This is an early literacy program of rhymes, songs, fingerplay and stories that will help children from birth through two years old to develop pre-reading skills.

Filed Under: Announcements, Calendar of Events, Libraries, Oneida Tagged With: ,

Who Permits us the Freedom to Celebrate Christmas?

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment

 

Pig City Garden Calendar

By Daniel Marvin

(Cazenovia, NY – Dec. 2011) As this year ends and we go into 2012 as citizens of the United States of America who are free to do as our conscience would permit, including doing what we just did in celebrating Christmas, we should thank all those men and women who have volunteered to be in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or Coast Guard and have offered their own life as the ultimate sacrifice so we can be free!

Think about it: they are all volunteers who offered to safeguard each and every one of us. What follows about a soldier applies, as well, to all other services. If you do not respect our Armed Forces, I highly recommend you leave this country right away.

What a soldier is bound by his or her oath to do: all soldiers have a moral and legal obligation or duty to obey the lawful orders of the officers and leaders appointed over them. All soldiers have a moral and legal obligation to perform each task assigned by those in authority over them to the best of their ability.

All soldiers have a moral and legal obligation to work as a part of the team to accomplish all assigned tasks. They must be willing to assume leadership responsibilities when called upon to do so.

All soldiers have a moral and legal obligation to maintain a military appearance, to keep their minds and bodies physically fit, and to keep their equipment and clothing at standard levels.

All soldiers upon entering the service of the United States Army solemnly swear (or affirm) that they will “…support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies.”

The next time you meet up with an American who has or is serving in the armed forces of this nation, thank him or her, and tell them you appreciate their sacrifice.

Happy gardening, and remember who gave us the freedom to garden.

Daniel Marvin is a retired lieutenant colonel and hobbyist gardener. He can be reached at 52Dangerous@windstream.net.

Filed Under: Cazenovia, Opinion-Editorial, Pig City Garden Calendar, Veteran's Corner Tagged With: , ,

To Pigs or not Two Pigs?

December 30, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Fms-52-2011 (Bishopp - Grass Whisperer - To Pig or Not Two Pigs)

 

The Grass Whisperer

By Troy Bishopp

(Hamilton, NY – Dec. 2011) This is a very valid question in the shadow of exorbitant grain prices. I ponder the question of raising pigs ourselves versus buying our pig (already wrapped) from my good friend, Karl, and also being stung financially and emotionally in the past from selling pork at the farm.

With the adage, “insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result” etched in my skull, it’s time to answer the question.

I’m only taking up this charge because Karl took a pig hiatus, and we have the land resources to raise pigs. But like everything else I do around here, I vault into a project and find out later it was less than a spectacular decision.

I’m hoping with a better plan and documentation, a measure of success will be achieved.

Experience tells us to ask, ‘What will be the end goal?’ And we plan backward from that point. If you don’t have an end goal: STOP … and think some more. Being that I’m the risk-taker of the family, I usually say something like, “Oh, we’ll have no trouble getting rid of them.”

Duh, there is never a problem getting rid of them. Ask anyone that sells into the sale barn roulette.

The correct response to our question was, ‘One pig for our family’s needs, and one to sell to neighbors who asked for local pork.’ Beyond this, since my wife was managing the piggery, would be stress. In days gone by, I would’ve said, “If we’re gonna raise two, we might as well raise four.”

This hardly ever worked out, even with my optimistic view. I’ve learned, production men, listen to your wife. Sleeping with the pigs is not a good alternative.

The demand for spring piglets led us to pay $70 apiece from a local farmer. We had the infrastructure (i.e., troughs, shade cloth, hog panels, t-posts, etc.) already. For convenience’s sake, we put them in a large area of last year’s pumpkin and weedy squash patch adjacent to our regular garden.

Our thinking was they would be close at hand to harvest any leftover veggies or pulled weeds and provide tillage for next year’s plants.

When pigs are smaller and playing in the soil and sun, it’s obvious they don’t eat as much feed, which only delays the sticker shock of paying $20 a hundred for grain every other week. Now, mind you, I know the alternative sources of feeding more pasture, scavenging for leftover milk or bread with smelly pickup boxes and keeping them in the woods, but these require more labor that we didn’t want. I guess you can say we committed to this simple system, akin to many folks, I’m sure.

As the pigs – or hogs at this point – grew, they ate more grain, giant zucchinis, summer squash, grass clippings and their favorite, tomatoes. Nothing went to waste. They dug in the earth, chewed on rocks and roots, made a wallow and generally did whatever made them happy, while their antics provided countless hours of entertainment.

I believe even their flatulence wafting over the garden micro-climate helped the other crops grow.

By the end of the growing season, we opened up the rest of the garden for them to glean and started feeding them wild apples (I’ve read that apples and acorns flavor the meat), thereby saving on grain. When two pigs can consume a hundred pounds of feed a week, you know the bacon and hams are not far off.

Looking at the hanging weights of 169 and 180 pounds, they excelled in this natural environment without any help from a bottle; however, did getting back into the pig thing meet our goals? The purchased price of the piglets and feed totaled $431, while the processing and smoking was another $313 for a grand total of $ 744.

After having sold one pig to our neighbor for $450 that left us with a cost of 294 dollars or $1.63 a pound hanging weight.

Like many of you, we didn’t figure in our labor and we didn’t receive any of the innards, feet, head or lard, so our volume of product was less and some would say “wasteful.” We could have charged our customer more, since the retail price hovers around $4.29 a pound, but they are buying a whole pig, and they are our neighbor, after all.

We could have done the USDA-inspected meat route and sold everything by the piece, which we tried before and wound up eating many pork steaks. Admittedly, we don’t set the marketing world on fire, which is most of the work in paying for such a project.

Rather, this was a humble experiment to see how much we’re really paying to raise pigs.

Actual pounds of pork in the freezer puts our price at around two bucks a pound which is still half price compared to the store’s ‘other white meat’ or the new ‘inspired pork.’ Our pink, plump, sun- and soil-infused pork in no way resembles the grocery’s anemic slatted-floor meat.

And the taste compares to any gourmet item, with the added bonus of knowing how and where it was raised.

Was our question of raising two pigs validated even with high grain prices? For us, the answer is, “Absolutely.” Some would argue spending money on meat production versus producing more vegetables could be viewed as unwise use of resources; however, I’m in the mindset of Fran Lebowitz who said, “Vegetables are interesting but lack a sense of purpose when unaccompanied by a good cut of meat.”

Without discounting the argument for more veggies, a new trial is on the horizon.

This question could inevitably be next year’s experiment, loosely titled ‘To pea or not to pea.’

Troy Bishopp is grazing specialist for the Madison Co. SWCD/Upper Susquehanna Coalition. He can be reached at (315) 824-9849 Ext. 110, troy-bishopp@verizon.net or thegrasswhisperer.com.

Filed Under: Agriculture, Hamilton, Opinion-Editorial Tagged With: ,
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