GREENE – The Leadership Chenango Class of 2010 is set to graduate on June 3. The graduation ceremony and dinner will be held at The Silo Restaurant in Greene. In addition, the Dan Marshman Ag Leadership Award will be presented to Terry Ives of Guilford and Phillip Metzger of Norwich at the dinner prior to the graduation ceremony. The reception for the event begins at 5:30 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:15 p.m.
The program will begin with presentation of the Dan Marshman Ag Leadership Award. Terry Ives’ nomination cited his “support of many ag organizations” and “knowledge of and enthusiasm for ag related issues”. He was described as a pillar in the community, “always helping someone out”. It was noted that Terry keeps himself educated about ag industry issues, which in turn helps neighbors and associates learn from his knowledge and leadership. “He always seems to have energy; no matter what he does, he always seems to be able to do more…and is always helpful. No matter what I ask for, he seems to make it happen,” said one close associate. Some of the numerous groups and organizations benefiting from Ives’ leadership include: Chenango County’s Agriculture and Farmland Protection Committee; NYS Farm Bureau; Town of Guilford Planning Board; 4-H; the American Dairy Association; the Chenango County Fair; Dairy Day; the Dairy Princess program; and Terry’s church. Terry accomplishes all of this while co-managing a large dairy operation, Greenview Farms, in Guilford with his uncle Albert.
Phillip Metzger was nominated because he has provided outstanding leadership over his long career in the fields of agricultural innovation and sustainability. Phil is a “life-long learner”, teacher, listener, and deeply ethical person dedicated to the advancement of Chenango County agriculture. “Phil Metzger’s team approach is the main reason should receive this prestigious award. His multitasking, multi-faceted, highly effective personality is the glue that forms a successful team,” read one nomination letter. He has devoted his time to many volunteer efforts, most notably helping to start and grow the Headwater Youth Conservation Corps (10 years of service), and the Chenango Bounty Farmer’s Market at Your Door local food distribution program (now entitled CNY Bounty) over the last two years. Mr. Metzger is a certified Holistic ManagementTM Educator and has conducted Holistic ManagementTM training for farmers, ranchers, individuals, and organizations throughout the Northeast. Mr. Metzger has been employed for nearly twenty years as the NRCS Coordinator of the non-profit organization CNY RC & D, which serves Chenango and 11 other NYS counties.
