EFD RICH IN HISTORY
As far back as 1931 there has been an agricultural show sponsored by the Empire
State Potato Growers, Inc. which was hosted by New York State farmers and
was committed to bringing farmers in the Northeast the newest techniques and
equipment available to agriculture.
Since then, this annual event has undergone many changes including name, location
and size, but its sponsor and purpose have remained constant. It brings the
farmer and agribusiness communities together, all in one place, all at one
time, at a high quality agricultural trade show. Today Empire Farm Days has
grown to be the largest, outdoor, three day trade show in the Northeast, with
more than 600 exhibitors. This year’s show is scheduled for August 9,
10 & 11, 2005.
The event originated as Potato Field Days in 1931. In 1964 the show was called
the Potato Field Day and Farm Materials Exhibition and was hosted by Humphreys
Farm, Hartford; 1965 co-hosts McCormick Farms and William Gozelski, Gainsville;
1966 co-hosts Russell Mathews and Monroe County Department of Parks, Mendon.
In 1967 the show had grown to such a magnitude that another name change was
required to reflect the scope of the event. Empire Farm Days was born. Since
then following farms have hosted the annual event: 1967 Lucian Hills; 1968
co-hosts Smith, Coulter, Lincoln Knolls and Harold Rice, Canastota; 1969 Selden
Farm, Greigsville; 1970 King Brothers, Layfayette; 1971 John P. Halpin &
Sons, Avon; 1972-73 NYS College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell,
Dryden; 1974-75 Neenan Brothers, Holcomb; 1976-77 John P. Halpin & Sons,
Seneca Castle; 1978-80 N. Palladino &Son, Pompey; 1981-82 NYS College
of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell, Dryden; 1983-85 Brock Acres,
Holcomb; 1986-87 N. Palladino & Sons, Pompey and 1988-Present Rodman Lott
& Son Farms, Seneca Falls.