SUNDAE ON THE FARM
Families spend Sunday at local event learning about agriculture
NORTHUMBERLAND, N.Y.
» Lots of local families spent Sunday outdoors learning about agriculture at the 22nd annual Sundae on the Farm.
This year’s event, which attracted thousands of people, was held at King’s Ransom Farm, home of King Brothers Dairy, in Northumberland.
Festival-goers got to enjoy dairy farm tours, children’s activities, farm animal petting stations, horse-drawn wagon rides, live music and agricultural exhibits.
Organized by the Saratoga County Agricultural Promotion Committee, Sundae on the Farm is held at a different local farm each year.
This year’s host was King’s Ransom Farm, a 117-year-old, fifth generation dairy and crop farm on the east end of Saratoga County.
“It’s a great day for families that don’t get to get out on farms to see the farm, learn a little bit about animals, crops, how dairy farms work, and see where of of their food comes from. It’s just a nice showcase.” said Jan King of King’s Ransom Farm, a third-time Sundae on the Farm host.
“It’s just a good educational day,” King continued, “and fun.”
King’s hope for the event is that people will create a connection between their farm tour experience and the food they consume on a regular basis. “I think it’s a good educational experience for all of the people that come,” King said.
More than 50 years ago there were 1,800 farms in Saratoga County. Today about 650, roughly onethird as many, are left. Because fewer people are directly involved in farming, not many have the opportunity to experience agriculture first-hand and understand how food is produced.
Educating the public on local agriculture has been the mission of this annual event since it was started more than 20 years ago. “So few people understand agriculture these days, because so few people have any connections,” said Connie Wood, who was part of the group that founded Sundae on the Farm. “People are not exposed, and this gives a chance for people to get on to a farm and see, to some extent, how a farm works.”
The Fava family from Ballston Lake, who regularly consume King Brothers Dairy milk, decided to spend their Father’s Day checking out the farm. “We love their products and love how they’ve grown over the last years. So we came out here to support them. It’s our local community, and it’s a good thing to be able to support,” said Ryan Fava, who was happy to spend his Father’s Day out on the farm with his family, which includes three children. “It’s a beautiful, hot day to get out and see the animals. The kids are loving it,” he said, excited that his youngest daughter was able to pet a llama for the first time.
After exploring the different barns and exhibits, attendees were welcome to indulge in an ice cream sundae, made with local products.