SEEC has awarded two additional Resiliency Fund grants, one to an innovative dairy farm and another to a family-run beverage distribution business
marking its 43rd anniversary in 2021. Locust Spring Farm owners Eric and Taylor Bogardus have been milking quality Aryshires at their Sloansville farm for the past four and a half years. Mr. Bogardus worked on his family’s Schoharie dairy farm before buying the herd and moving it to Schoharie and Ms. Bogardus is an ag teacher at Schoharie Central School. With potential fuel and feed cost increases looming, the Bogarduses have explored ways to increase production and trim labor costs. With an eye to increased efficiency, they plan to use their SEEC grant toward the purchase of a new robotic milking machine. At Valley Beverages, the Trendell family will be celebrating its 43rd anniversary in June. The Trendells moved their businesses from its original Sloansville location to its current Howes Cave location in 1997. With the closure of restaurants and the cancellation of events like fairs, 2020 meant a significant loss in sales for Valley Beverages. They’ve kept their doors open and are looking forward to a brighter 2021. The family plans to use the
Resiliency Fund award to offset business expenses.