Government vs farmer

Img Source West Wind Acres

Starting yesterday,  began seeing this story pop across my facebook news feed

government attacks small family farm in Schenectady county New York

In checking the story it, it appears just what it seems to be, an overreaction from people who don't really know or understand a thing about agriculture.

I first went to the farm blog itself to see things directly from the farm

first, this post

"While getting the boys ready, I looked out to find a Glenville Police Officer and 2 animal control officers.  I greeted them in the front yard, where they asked a couple of questions about our dogs not all being licensed and then asked if I'd mind taking them to the farm to see the dogs.  I was hesitant as I knew the dogs water would possibly be frozen since I hadn't yet done afternoon chores, but in the spirit of transparency I offered to bring them to the farm.

Upon arrival we toured the farm, they witnesses a large steer stick his nose through the snow to access the running water below, I fed the sows, and then took them to the barn.  I had told them the water would most likely be frozen and it was.  I asked if they could do a hydration test on the dogs which they did, and stated that they were very well hydrated, seconds later the police officer handed me a ticket for failure to provide proper sustenance.  They also voiced concern over Thea favoring her left leg, and Julius being introverted.

I called Mandak Veterinary Services on Thursday morning and asked for a wellness check of the farm including a rabies vaccine for Julius, and a check of Thea's leg.  They came out Friday morning, I held off on doing chores until after the wellness check so they could see conditions at their worst.  See her right here

This Tuesday the boys and I left for a slaughterhouse in Rome at 5:30 am, because I would be returning at 10-10:30 I opted to do morning chores upon returning in lieu of 4:30 in the morning, also a neighbor was going to stop to check water for the piglets, sheep, and dogs.  We made our trip, dropped the boys at the sitters, and I headed to the farm to drop the trailer so I could go get water.  As I pulled up I noticed police presence, 3 police officers, a dog control officer, and a vet, were there to execute a search warrant of our farm, and the house.  The search ended at our house with the officers stating that more charges may be brought at court next Thursday evening.
"

Excerpt detailing the start of problems from the farm blog.

Now, some things to consider, this has been one of the coldest winters on record.

The farmer, independent of any government requirement, had a vet come to the farm and perform wellness checks on the animals.

This is from the vet:

Mandak Veterinary Services
67 Middleline Rd
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-7773

I was called to examine the animals at West Wind Acres during my rounds February 27th 2015. I was able to observe 4 dogs, a flock of sheep (15+) a herd of cattle (20+), 2 horses and a herd of 20+ pigs. All the animals appeared to be bright and alert and were in adequate body condition. The animals that were able to be handled had adequate hydration status. Adequate food stores were available and all animals had access to shelter or a wind break. The cattle, horses and some pigs had access to a spring where they could easily break thru a very thin sheet of ice to gain access to water (I observed cattle drinking from there during my visit). The owner explained he broke open the watering area daily with a tractor to prevent the ice from getting too thick.
The dogs and sheep were in the barn and had a water tub with a thin sheet of ice over it. Since my visit took place mid-afternoon, it seemed reasonable to assume that fresh water had been available earlier that morning but had frozen over the course of the day due to the extreme cold. The pig’s water situation was similar. The owner explained that all animals received fresh water at least twice a day during feeding time. Based on the health of the animals, I have no reason to doubt this. While this may not seem the ideal situation to everyone, it is common practice in the care of livestock in our extreme New York winter weather.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any further questions or concerns.
Theodora J Smith, DVM

West Wind Acres farm was served with two search warrants, first on March 3, the second on March 15th.

The farmer is facing 12 separate charges, was arrested, and had to post bail.

Now, keep in mind, this is a small farming operation, open to the public, the farmer not only fully cooperated with police, but had an independent vet come out, as shown above.

The principle complaints seem to be animals outside in cold temperatures, and frozen water.  As the farmer and vet have  explained, the animals were watered multiple times a day, the water for the cattle had the ice broken open on it daily.

Livestock go outside in the winter, it happens. in many small operations, including the farm in question, shelter is provided, but not forced.

Now, granted, I do not know this farmer personally, I have not seen the conditions of the farm personally, but the blogger that posted the original link has and does.

This seems to be nothing but "animal rights" activists that understand neither animals nor agriculture, law enforcement that again has poor understanding of agriculture, and NY states vague animal abuse laws that rely heavily on the judgement of individual police and animal control.


From the University of Wisconsin regarding cattle outside in the winter:

Can dairy cattle stay healthy and comfortable outside during a Wisconsin winter? The answer appears to be yes, with careful management, according to findings from the first year of a two-year CIAS outwintering study. Ed Brick, a civil and environmental engineer, studied 33 management intensive rotational grazing dairy farms across Wisconsin during the winter of 1996-97 to observe conditions and interview farmers about outwintering.
Of the 33 dairy farms that he visited, 16 outwinter milk cows. The farms range in size from under 20 to over 1,000 milk cows. Brick visited most of the farms twice, during early and late winter 1996-1997. He made observations and interviewed farmers about animal condition and comfort and recorded outwintered stock numbers and types, feed and water sources, bedding types, location of cattle, and windbreak type.
Participating farmers “feel they can demonstrate their cattle were healthier and happier outside than in,” said Brick

 Full link, with more information, granted, specific to dairy operations, but it still has general applications.

Another post re livestock in winter, this one from Agweek
regarding cattle in North Dakota winter.

It is fairly common practice for animals to be at least semi outside in the winter, including the common use of calf hutches that allow both outside access, and provide shelter from wind and snow, allowing cattle and other livestock to go outside prevents health problems that being constantly in a barn in the winter can cause, such as pneumonia and other respiratory ailments


Find out how you can help below:
West Wind Acres Legal Defence Fund
West Wind Acres website
Friends of West Wind Acres Facebook

I encourage all of you reading this, if you are familiar with farming, get involved and support this farmer in this wrongful attack.

If you are unfamiliar with agriculture and would like to learn more, some good general sources are below:

Dairy Carrie, a general farm blog written with a focus on public education re the dairy industry

Your local Cornell Cooperative Extension or it's equivalent in your area

Visit with a local farmer, most smaller farms especially are very willing to work with and educate the public about agriculture is and how it works

Oneida County Dairy promotion or your counties equivilent

Other good places for information include 4H or FFA if they have a presence in your area

Edit/Update: Another link with further information, very well written piece
Gofundme! Save West Wind Acres From An Orwellian Nightmare

Assemblyman William Magee, Chair of Agriculture Committee

Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, 111th district representing Schenectady County

State Sen. Patty Ritchie, Chair of Senate Agriculture Committee

State Sen. Hugh T. Farley, State Senator representing Schenectady County

Glenville Town Court

Email Glenville Town Supervisor ckoetzle@townofglenville.org

Schenecteday County District Attorney