Annual Sundaes at the Farm showcases Tioga County’s agricultural roots

For the 12th year in a row, the Tioga County Agricultural Resource Group presents Sundaes at the Farm on July 29, from noon to 3 p.m. This free, family, agricultural event is both fun and educational. Mead Farm in Owego is the host this year.

As in past years, there will be self-guided barn tours with the farmers on hand to answer questions, educational displays, a 4-H food booth, and activities for kids and live music. The Tioga County Dairy Princesses will serve free ice cream sundaes with toppings made from local ingredients.

Mead Farm is located at 24 Mead Rd. in Owego, about 10 minutes from the Village of Owego. Mead Farm is a six-generation family farm located in the rolling hills of South Owego. 

The farm was established in 1833 with only 70 acres. Today, Milton, Cheryl and their son Spencer, who joined the operation in 1993, manage the farm. Milton purchased the farm from his father and uncle in the late 1960’s, and along with his wife Cheryl, grew the family business significantly over the last 50 years. 

The farm currently operates a 365-milking cowherd, raises their own replacement cows and owns 1,250 acres that includes land in two states and four towns. Milton and Cheryl have three other children who work off the farm, Lori, Tammi and Wendy.

Mead farm has been recognized over the years for their hard work and dedication, including earning the Century Farm award in 1997 as well as being recognized by Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District in 2013 for their environmental stewardship and participation in the Agricultural Environmental Management Program.

Every year, hundreds of residents and visitors travel the country roads of Tioga County to attend Sundaes at the Farm, which is hosted by a different farm every year, to celebrate the agricultural roots of Tioga County. This is a fun way to spend the day, a great way to get to know your local farmers and to learn about local agriculture.

As this is a working farm, attendees are encouraged to wear clothing that is appropriate for being outdoors and comfortable shoes. Handicapped access is limited.

Sundaes at the Farm is sponsored by Tioga State Bank, the Tioga County Farm Bureau, Ward and VanScoy, Leprino Food, Tioga Downs, Dairy Farmers of American and Home Central, with donations from Chobani (yogurt), Cabot Cheese (cheese), Byrne Dairy (milk), Wegmans (ice cream), Terrys Berry’s (ice cream topping), Gary’s Berry (ice cream topping), Confection Connection (ice cream topping), and Cupola Ridge (ice cream topping).

The Tioga County Agricultural Resource Group, a county association that is made up of representatives from several Tioga County organizations and farmers who collaborate on agricultural initiatives and events, hosts the event.

For more information, visit www.experiencetioga.com or contact the Tioga County Tourism Office on 80 North Ave. in Owego by calling (607) 687-7440.