By RICK MILLER
Olean Star
WEST VALLEY — More than 350 people attended the 2025 Cattaraugus County Farmer-Neighbor Dinner Wednesday at the West Valley Fire Hall.
It was the 13th annual dinner started in 2012 to highlight the county’s agricultural diversity and to provide a venue to recognize the accomplishments of farmers — big and small.
Crystal Abers, director of the county’s Department of Economic Development, Planning and Tourism, who oversees planning for the Farmer-Neighbor Dinner, said, “It’s an enjoyable, relaxing evening where people can get together and talk. There were many new people attending this year,” Abders said.
“I hope those attending know the county sincerely supports our agriculture community and is proud to show its diversity,” Abers added.
Olivia Shawley of Randolph, a state Dairy Ambassador, welcomed people to the Farmer-Neighbor Dinner and spoke of her efforts to promote agricultural products.
Leading off the awards of the evening was Conservation Farm of the Year, presented by Cattaraugus County Soil and Water Conservation District Director Tyler Parr to Telaak Farms of Mansfield.
Brothers Don and David Telaak, along with David’s son Mike and daughter Kim operate an 1,100-acre dairy farm where robots milk 390 cows. The farm has been an active participant in the Soil and Water Conservation District’s Agricultural Environmental Management program to address agricultural runoff, nutrient management and erosion and sediment control. Mike Telaak and his sister, Kim accepted the award.
Farm of the Year honors went to Williams Ranch and Cattle of Randolph. Jeff and Vicky Williams and their daughter Alysa were given a clock by Abers. Jeff and Vicky bought the farm in 1998. They breed and raise registered Angus beef and run a custom haying business.
Dave Zilker, chairman of the Cattaraugus County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, received the Agriculture Legacy Award from Abers.
Zilker grew up on a dairy farm and in 1958 went into partnership with his parents and brother in Lake Hill Dairy Farm, which was sold in 1995. He then became a real estate agent, which he has continued for 37 years.
“I feel blessed that I found a second career that fits in with farming like a glove,” Ziklker said. “There is life after farming.”
The Friend of Agriculture Award was given to Dan Steward, a field crops consultant with the Western New York Crop Management Association. A certified crop advisor, he focuses on helping farms meet their goals using available resources.
A buffet of locally-grown foods was prepared by the West Valley Firemen’s Auxiliary.
