Agriculture PTECH began the 2018-19 school year with three new business partners, adding to the depth of mentors and other real-world learning opportunities for its students.
New partner Alpha Garlic Farm is a 50-acre farm in Fort Plain specializing in garlic and fingerling potatoes. The company has been in operation since 1993.
Mohawk Drumlin Creamery, based in St. Johnsville, is another new partner this year. The creamery makes yogurt from sheep’s milk that is sold in more than 150 stores.
Ag PTECH also welcomed Palatine Dairy LLC as a partner. Based in Nelliston, the company makes a variety of cheddar cheeses and cheese curds.
“Partnerships like these are the backbone of the Ag PTECH program and a huge part of what sets us apart from a traditional school setting,” said Sarah Hafter, business and education partnership coordinator for Ag PTECH. “We’re grateful for our business partners who take time out of their busy days to share their work experiences and professional advice with students.”
Business partners provide authentic learning experiences in various ways, including talking with students about professional skills like resume building, inviting students to tour their facilities and participating on panels for project presentations. “Students hear first hand about things like what education requirements are needed to hold a certain position, what it takes to produce and sell your own product or what goes into sustainable crops,” Hafter said.
As Ag PTECH grows, Hafter is working to expand the school’s workplace connections. She encourages businesses that would like more information about partnerships and mentoring to contact her at sarah@fultonmontgomeryny.org.
Current Ag PTECH business partners include:
- Alpacas @ Clear View Farm
- Alpha Garlic Farm
- Bellinger’s Orchard
- CG Roxane LLC Johnstown Plant
- Crum Creek CSA
- Dykeman & Son’s Inc.
- Empire State Health Solutions (Vireo Health New York LLC)
- F-M-S Workforce Development Board, Inc. (Workforce Solutions)
- Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Goderie’s Tree Farm
- Gray’s Garden & Greenhouse
- Hu-Hill Farm Store
- Hudson River Tractor Company
- Hulten Speed Sports
- Liberty ARC/ Liberty Fresh Market
- Little Falls Veterinary Clinic
- Milk Train, Inc.
- Mohawk Drumlin Creamery
- Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, Inc.
- Palatine Dairy LLC
- Randall Implements Co., Inc.
- RC Enterprises Bus & Truck Inc.
- Rockview Farms
- Rogers Family Orchard
- Settle Family Farms
- The Sportsman’s Den/ D&D Pet Supplies
- Wemple and Edick’s
