Changing of the Guard at Long Island Farm Bureau

The Long Island Farm Bureau said good-bye to a familiar face recently as Director Kenneth Schmitt retired from the organization's board of directors.

Schmitt was also a representative on the New York Farm Bureau Board of Directors.

"He has represented our needs well and helped steer the organization through some profound changes. Kenny is the one we all go to for advice on issues because he has a great memory and a bright analysis of the challenges we face," said newly elected LIFB President Karen Rivara.

Schmitt was a former LIFB President, and served on the NYFB Board of Directors for three separate terms.  

"Ken Schmitt has been a tremendous leader, friend, mentor, respected advisor for so many farmers and myself personally", Joseph Gergela, LIFB Executive Director, said. "There is no one I trust more with the mission and business of Farm Bureau."   

A retired vegetable farmer, Schmitt cultivated land in Melville and Yaphank-Wading River with his brother Robert; he has been a Farm Bureau member since 1964. 

Other organizations with which he's been involved include Cornell Cooperative Extension, the County Ag Protection Board and the Long Island Cauliflower Association.

Replacing Mr. Schmitt on the NYFB state board of directors will be Robert Nolan of Deer Run Farm in Brookhaven.