Tri County Ag Team Group Photo

Trusted Expertise

Evidence-based strategies for productive, profitable, & sustainable North Country farms.

Tri-County Ag Team

The Tri-County Ag Team is a collaborative initiative of Cornell Cooperative Extension serving Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence Counties. Formed to better meet the evolving needs of North Country agriculture, the team provides coordinated, research-based support to commercial producers across the region.

This shared-services model strengthens regional capacity by leveraging the resources, knowledge, and partnerships of multiple Extension associations. With a strong foundation of collaboration and a focus on high-demand services, the Tri-County Ag Team is committed to supporting a resilient and thriving agricultural sector in Northern New York.

How We Support Agriculture

The Tri-County Ag Team provides research-based support to help farms address today's challenges and prepare for tomorrow's opportunities. By bringing together specialized expertise in dairy production and herd health, crop and soil science, and farm business management, the team delivers integrated services that reflect the interconnected nature of modern farm operations. Through on-farm consultations, on-farm research, technical assistance, and educational programming, the team helps farmers and producers make informed decisions that enhance productivity, profitability, and long-term sustainability.

a soybean field with barns in the distance
Photo by Jackie Swift.
corn growing in front of a wooded hillside

Crop & Soil Science

Maximize crop productivity and soil health with recommendations tailored to your fields and management goals.

Areas of assistance include:

  • Soil sampling and soil analysis interpretation
  • Nutrient management
  • Integrated Pest Management guidelines for insect pests, weeds, and diseases
  • Seeding rates and planting dates for field and cover crops
cows eat in a barn

Dairy Production & Herd Health

Improve herd health, animal performance, and operational efficiency with guidance tailored to your dairy operation.

Areas of assistance include:

  • Farmstead master planning
  • Design and improvement of animal housing, ventilation, and other facilities
  • Animal grouping strategies
  • Feeding system and nutritional strategies
  • Worker training programs in animal care and feeding management
A tractor digging a trench for tile drainage (photo credit to Cayuga Co Soil and Water Conservation District)

Farm Business Management

Build a stronger, more resilient farm business with guidance tailored to your operation, goals, and long-term success.

Areas of assistance include:

  • Financial analysis and benchmarking
  • Business planning and transition planning
  • Workforce and labor management
  • Risk management

Meet the Team!

Eric Antrim Ag Photo

Crop & Soil Specialist

Eric Antrim is the Crop & Soil Specialist for the Tri-County Ag team. Recently, he moved to Northern NY from Reedley California where he worked at the USDA's Agriculture Research Service for the division of Crops, Disease, Pest, and Genetics. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in plant science from Fresno State University. His background is in biocontrol R&D and agriculture consulting focusing on nutrients, irrigation, and pest management. He also has experience as an adjunct plant science instructor.

Contact:
esa63 [at] cornell.edu (esa63[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
315-788-8450 ext. 242

Frans Vokey

Dairy Specialist

Frans Vokey is the Dairy Specialist for the Tri-County Ag team. Frans has resided in NY's north country and worked with its dairy farms for almost 25 years. From 2000 to 2012, he was a dairy management educator with CCE Lewis County. After that, he co-founded the consulting firm Dairy Health & Management Services LLC, where he led the nutrition team and provided evidence-based production consulting to dairy farmers across the US and Mexico. Now returning to CCE, he is excited to be a part of this regional team! Frans earned a B.A. in Physics from Middlebury College and a M.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University. He is a member of the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists and the American Dairy Science Association. Contact Frans to discuss production and management practices that help improve farm profitability and long-term viability. 

Contact:
fjv2 [at] cornell.edu (fjv2[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
315-376-5279

Colin Hostetter

Farm Business Management Specialist

Colin Hostetter is the Farm Business Management Specialist for the Tri-County Ag team. Colin has 10+ years of experience in agricultural lending and has worked on a cow-to-cone start-up dairy farm. Colin can assist your farm or food business in areas such as business planning and analysis, market diversification, and workforce development. 

Contact:
fjv2 [at] cornell.edu (cjh354[at]cornell[dot]edu) 
315-379-9192 ext. 427

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