Station Staff in 1886

The New York State Agricultural Experiment Station (NYSAES) turns 125-years-old in 2007. It will launch a year-long celebration of this milestone event with a reception on January 10, 2007, from 6:30-9:00 p.m. before the annual meeting of the New York State Agricultural Society in Syracuse, N.Y.

 "The Geneva Experiment Station officially opened its doors in 1882," said Station director Thomas J. Burr. "We were established by an act of the state legislature to promote agriculture in New York through scientific investigation, and have been working to promote food and agriculture in New York ever since."

The NYSAES's milestone anniversary coincides with two other auspicious events: the 175th anniversary of the establishment of the New York State Agricultural Society, in 1832; and the 200th birthday of Ezra Cornell, one of the two founders of Cornell University, who was born on January 11, 1807. This coincidence will be celebrated with a 200th birthday party reception and cake cutting on January 11, 2007, at 5:00 p.m., also during the NYS Ag Society meeting. The reception will honor Ezra and the contributions he made to New York State agriculture, and will be hosted by Susan A. Henry, dean of Cornell's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and the current Ezra Cornell (the great-great-great grandson of Ezra Cornell [1807-1874]).

Meeting on the lawn east of Parrott Hall (early 1900's)

The other major 125th celebration for the NYSAES will be a two-day Open House in Geneva on September 14 and 15, 2007. Over 1000 local high school students from the area will tour the Station on Sept. 14, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., to gain some hands-on appreciation for careers in science. On September 15, the public will be invited to a day-long celebration that will include activities in the Station's labs, greenhouses, pilot plants, and tours of field activities.

"We're already well into the planning stages, said Burr. "We expect from 4,000-10,000 people to attend."

Other participants in the NYSAES Open House will include partners like the USDA-ARS Plant Genetics Resources Unit, the Cornell Agriculture and Food Technology Park, NYS Ag & Markets, the NY Farm Bureau, the NYS Seed Laboratory, the NYS wine industry, the Strong Museum, and various entrepreneurs associated with the Food Venture Center.

View other events in 2007 at which the NYSAES 125th will have a major presence

The Station Today

There are 46 Cornell University faculty located in four departments at the NYSAES: horticultural sciences, entomology, plant pathology, and food science and technology. Together, they make the NYSAES a world leader in advancing sustainable agriculture and food systems through innovative research, education, and extension.

Since becoming part of Cornell in 1923, NYSAES has gained national preeminence as a center for research focused on the production, protection, and utilization of fruit and vegetable crops, working closely with agricultural, food, and bio-based industries. Over the years, the partnership has generated many billions of dollars for the New York state economy.

"We are looking forward to a great year," said Burr. "Our 125th gives us the chance to get out in front of many consumers and stakeholders to remind them about the important work we do in support of New York State agriculture, and our impact-today and in the future-for turning challenges into opportunities."