By Blake Jackson
Craig Yunker, a lifelong farmer from Elba, was honored with the Distinguished Service Citation at the New York State Agricultural Society Forum. Yunker, a managing partner at CY Farms, a 7,000-acre diversified farm, has been a stalwart advocate for agriculture throughout his career.
Starting as a 25-cow dairy farm founded by his father in the 1950s, CY Farms transitioned into vegetables, including tomatoes, snap beans, and green peas, along with crops like corn, wheat, soybeans, and alfalfa. Yunker and his son, Christian, also manage Batavia Turf, a commercial grass and sod operation, and CY Heifer Farm, a 2,000-head dairy replacement farm.
Yunker, who graduated from Cornell University with a degree in agricultural economics, has served in various roles, including farm management specialist and financial consultant for Cornell Cooperative Extension. He chaired the Small Business Advisory Committee of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, led initiatives with national agricultural organizations, and represented the industry publicly at local, state, and national levels.
In addition to his agricultural contributions, Yunker directed the Bank of Castile and Tompkins Financial Services, chaired the Genesee County Legislature, and directed the Genesee County Economic Development Center. He also served as a trustee for the United Memorial Medical Center in Batavia.
Acknowledging the honor, Yunker expressed humility, stating, "When you think about the previous award winners, it humbles you." He thanked his wife, Kimberly, for her 47 years of unwavering support, reflecting on the importance of spending more time with family. The Distinguished Service Citation recognizes Yunker's profound impact on agriculture and his relentless advocacy, solidifying his legacy as a humble and dedicated leader in the farming community.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-artiemedvedev
Categories: New York, Government & Policy