The Hector Cooperative Grazing Association is one of the oldest public grazing facilities in the country. They were incorporated in April 1946 for area farmers, who utilized 1,700 acres of grazing land of the State of New York. From 1939 through 1971, the cooperative made use of other resources of the land by harvesting timber, cutting and selling posts, leasing hay lots, and cutting and selling Christmas trees and firewood. In 1941, sheep were the primary livestock grazed by the Co-op. The cattle included both beef and dairy and small herds of horses. The initial numbers of members were 138 but dropped to 64 in 1992. Currently, there are 35 dues paying members. Cattle seek shade on a hot summer day.Today the Association grazes 4,500 acres with 35 pastures and 80 miles of fence. The Association is administered under a one-term grazing permit and manages the allocation of the cattle to the members. The Association provides the greatest flexibility and ease of management of the Finger Lakes National Forest.(source introduction).
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