Cattaraugus County legislators target Cooperative Extension
LITTLE VALLEY — Cattaraugus County legislators made complaints of communication problems and suggestions to improve the services of Cornell Cooperative Extension during a special Development and Agriculture Committee work session Wednesday.
The Extension Service has seen its annual county funding shrink to $299,812 for the past three years and has experienced budget shortfalls. As a cost-saving measure in late March, the Extension’s board shocked lawmakers and area farmers with the sudden termination of a highly respected business educator, Joan Petzen.
Petzen’s work in Cattaraugus and Allegany counties spanned more than 20 years and brought her into close contact with Cattaraugus County’s dairy farmers in her duties as an agriculture issues team leader.
All at the work session agreed on one thing: Petzen will not return to her old job. She has been hired by the Wyoming County office of Cornell Cooperative Extension.
E. James Ellis, R-Cattaraugus, said he has received complaints that calls are never returned and services are more focused on small farms and creating niche agricultural markets.
He said dairy farmers have urged him to vote against funds for the Extension’s 2009 appropriation.
Charles F. Hebdon, D-West Valley, told Cattaraugus/Allegany County Extension Executive Director Diane Baker that Petzen’s termination cost the Extension its credibility.
Donna Vickman, R-Farmersville Station, suggested some farmers may begin calling on the neighboring Wyoming County Extension staff for help and related a statement made by one: “He said he would never get rid of his best cow because it eats too much.”
Baker said a staffer is now available to take phone calls in the Ellicottville office, while senior Extension staffer Lynn O’Brien asked Ellis and the others to give her a chance.
She added that many of Petzen’s dairy clients who borrowed money also were served by a Farm Net team that still exists, while most inquiries reaching O’Brien are from start-up farmers and agroforestry interests.
Jim Snyder, R-Olean, said the Extension’s budget has increased 11 percent during the four-year period that the county reduced annual funding by $30,000.
“What it gave us is something we didn’t like, and it hit a raw nerve. The concept is we can’t expect the Extension to flatline year after year,” said Snyder, suggesting a funding increase to bring more services back.
Lynn Telaak, speaking for the Farm Bureau, said the organization’s members have told her the Extension no longer has the same interests as the members.
Baker explained to the group that the Extension has financial problems, compounded by the fact that Cornell University has begun billing the Extension interest for overdue payments on payroll and other services.
Baker agreed to a request from Burrell bring a plan back to his committee that will address staffing issues. After the work session, Baker said she will add a $30,000 part-time resource educator to her budget request.
