Cook Farm

By Erica Decker and Jessica Klopp

Just Outside of Huevelton

The Farm House

• The Cook Farm House was built in the 1800’s.

The Barn

• The barn is where the cows and sheep are kept, along with the grains that are produced to feed them.

• With no fences on the property, the animals are kept in the barn and only let out while under supervision.

Barn cats protect the property

• Barn cats are extremely important to the well being of a small farm.

• The cats prey upon mice and other rodents, which would otherwise destroy grain harvests.

Wouldn’t You Love to have Cherry Trees in Your Backyard?

• Cherry trees in the backyard create a peaceful surrounding and allow the Cook family to relax after a long day’s work.

They Grow their own Vegetables

•The Cook family receives profit from selling through the North Country Grown Organization. They also get to keep what is left over, such as these potatoes.

They Grow their own Vegetables

• Squash, Beans, Cabbage, Sweet Corn, Tomatoes, and Potatoes are just some of the vegetables grown and harvested on the Cook Farm.

• However, most production is spent on Sweet Corn.

Grains

• The production of grains is essential to the Cook Farm.

• Due to the fact that cattle is their main focus, the growing and harvesting of the grains that feed the animals is equally as important.

A Farmer’s Work

•Here, Mr. Cook proudly shows the fruits of his labor.

• The grain will soon be harvested and kept in storage for later use.

Alfalfa

• With this alfalfa and other grains produced on the farm, the Cooks are able to feed their cattle with all homegrown products.

Close-Up of Alfalfa

• This crop of Alfalfa is fully grown and ready to be harvested.

• The planting season is over when the “first frost” comes. This is also the signal to harvest the last of the produce in the fields.

Acres and Acres of Corn

• Sweet Corn is the second largest production on the Cook Farm.

• The Sweet Corn is not only sold to buyers through North Country Grown Organization, but it is also produced to feed the many cows residing on the farm.

Ready for Harvest

• This year about 26 acres of corn were grown and harvested.

• Next year the Cook Family hopes to raise that number to 60 acres.

A Hayed Field

The Product of Haying

• About 5,000 bales of hay are produced each year.

Oats and Barley

• Oats and Barley make up the majority of the farm animals diet.

• These grains allow the Cook’s to feed their animals with entirely homegrown feed.

His Pride and Joy

• Machinery of a farm is by far the most important and expensive aspect to the life of a farmer. This columbine alone cost $8,000.

• With machinery costing so much money, it takes about 7-8 years for a new farmer to see any real profit.

Another Perspective

• With those huge shears in the front, the columbine is able to harvest acres of hay and grains with ease.

Some Equipment

Some Equipment

Some Equipment

Some Equipment

Some Equipment

Demonstration

• Here Mr. Cook shows us the hay that will be used for all different needs on the farm.

A Close-Up of Farmer Clif

Goals

• Expand beef selling

• Become more profitable(The farm is only 4 years old)

• Contract Farming in future

• Have a uniform project

Fun Facts !

Wife Maria is a Special Ed. Teacher, and has been so for 34 years. She is from Brooklyn.

Mr. Cook went to the NYS nationals for judging livestock. Only 4 people have the honor to represent each state.

Cliff’s and Maria’s son aspires to be an electrical engineer.

The End.

Hope you enjoyed our presentation.