The next spotlight interview is with Erica Quinn Leubner from Marietta, New York. I had a great time getting to know Erica last week at the New York Agri-Women reception and tour. I am particularly looking forward to visiting her family’s pumpkin patch next fall!
Erica answered my questions as follows:
1. What is your connection to New York agriculture?
I was born and raised on a dairy farm. I married a dairy farmer. We currently milk 500 cows. We grow 1800 acres of corn, soybeans, wheat and hay. In order to stay diversified, we also have a 70 acre pick-your-own pumpkin farm. The farm has grown to include very simple forms of agri-tainment, as well as bakery and gift shop. We also have a roadside stand that also sells asparagus and sweet corn.
2. What did you enjoy most about the New York Agri-Women reception and agri-tours in the greater NYC area?
I really enjoyed the diversity of agri-women, all coming from such different farming backgrounds. I also really liked the fact that it was in NYC; it really opened my eyes to a movement that I see as a movement that is happening right now in our society as it is trying to relate back to agriculture and the importance of it.
3. What would you like to see New York Agri-Women accomplish in the next few years?
I would like to see continued growth, and keeping the group diverse. I hope it brings all types of agri-women together to discuss the common issues that we face. I think an annual conference would be helpful for networking. I also think forming regional chapters is a good idea.
4. What are some of your biggest agriculture policy concerns at the federal, state, and/or local level?
I think that something needs to be done about milk pricing in the dairy industry on the federal level, as well as immigration and migrant workers as it relates to the survival of the farming industry.