HAMDEN - Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County invites the public to attend the 96th Annual Delaware County Farm Tour on Monday, July 13, beginning at 10 a.m. This year’s tour, “Progressive Paths in Agriculture,” will showcase farms building resilient futures through innovation, stewardship, and strategic decision-making.
The tour will feature three Delaware County farms representing diverse agricultural sectors and demonstrating how producers are adapting, investing, and planning for the future of agriculture.
The first stop, beginning at 10 a.m., will be Elm Side Farm in Walton, owned and operated by the Reynolds family. Celebrating more than 100 years of farming, the operation began as a dairy farm before transitioning to a purebred Simmental beef enterprise in 1985. Today, the farm encompasses approximately 200 acres and maintains a herd of 70 brood cows. Tour participants will learn how the family focuses on genetic improvement, exceptional animal care, and strategic breeding decisions to market both high-quality beef and registered Simmental genetics. Their story highlights a century of adaptation and a commitment to continuous improvement.
The second stop will be Skytop Springs Farm in Sidney Center beginning at approximately 11:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to bring a brown bag lunch to enjoy while touring the facility. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Skytop Springs Farm was founded by the Sellitti family, who saw the property’s abundance of natural springs and asked a simple question: “Why not trout?” The answer became a thriving aquaculture business focused on producing premium trout under exceptional growing conditions. Guided by the philosophy that trout’s sensitivity to water quality demands the highest standards of stewardship, the farm has built its reputation around sustainability, environmental responsibility, and innovation. Visitors will learn how careful management and continuous innovation contribute to producing a high-quality product while protecting natural resources.
The tour’s final stop, beginning at 2 p.m., will be Ritz Farm in Franklin. This third-generation dairy operation is actively preparing for the future as a fourth generation becomes increasingly involved in the business. The farm manages approximately 330 acres and milks 120 cows. Tour participants will have the opportunity to see how the family is leveraging technology, infrastructure investments, and strategic planning to position the farm for long-term success. Featured projects will include improvements completed through the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Strategic Planning Program, including a new waste storage and transfer system, livestock heavy-use area runoff management system, conversion of a former tie-stall barn to a double-six milking parlor, and the implementation of herd health monitoring technology. These investments demonstrate how a modern, small dairy farm utilizes innovation and stewardship to strengthen their operations.
The Delaware County Farm Tour has provided educational opportunities for farmers, agribusiness professionals, and community members for nearly a century. This year’s tour offers a unique opportunity to explore how farms across different sectors are embracing change while preserving the values and traditions that define Delaware County agriculture.
The tour begins at Elm Side Farm, 4649 County Highway 47, Walton, NY. Additional details and directions can be found at ccedelaware.org or by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at 607-865-6531.
Ice cream will be provided at the conclusion of the tour at the Ritz Farm.
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