Meet a Central New York Farmer – Atrass Farm in Clayville

Big Frog, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County and Wagner Farms want you to meet the hard working families keeping us fed and clothed. This week we salute the Atrass Farm in Clayville.

The Dairy Farm on Holman City Road in Clayville is owned by Jeff and Audrey Donahoe. The unusual name was created by using the first initial of their six kids' names. The family comes from several generation of farmers and are the perfect example of "perseverance in farming."

Jeff is a 5th generation farmer, while Audrey's roots run six generations deep. The original home farm was located in Litchfield, but was lost in a 2003 fire. The Clayville location has been home for the past 17 years. Currently the farm raises about 200 head of dairy and beef cows and crop around 400 acres.

The generations won't stop with Jeff and Audrey, their son Rick works on the farm and drives a milk truck part time. Two other sons are enrolled in college, Seth at Geneseo and Sam at Cornell.

The person nominating the Donahoe family call them, "model stewards of our land and animals with their wholesome demeanor of compassion, community partnership and family values." They are involved in many ag organizations with Jeff and Rick serving as Dairy Superintendents at the Herkimer County Fair with Audrey handling the logistics, paperwork, and farm events for kids.

Jeff and Audrey, thanks for what you do keeping CNY fed and clothed and instilling the same hard working ethics in your children. Check out some photos of the farm below. You can nominate a farmer you know after the pics.

Know a farmer we should add to our list? Here's the nomination form, or send info on our Facebook page, our mobile app, or email polly@bigfrog104.com. Meet a Farmer is also made possible by New York Farm Net, a program of Cornell, Harbor Point Minerals, White's Farm Supply, and the US Army.

Want to take your support of Central New York farmers to the next level? The Save Our Farms, Save Our Food campaign with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida County is offering a custom designed T-Shirt supporting farmers with any $25 donation. Get more info and order yours at CCEOneida.com