Since Schoharie beef farmer David Huse died last month in a tractor accident, his friends and neighbors have been coming to terms with his loss.
Before it ended its legislative session, the New York State Legislature adopted a resolution honoring Huse's engagement in agricultural issues. From the Times-Journal:
Senate resolution 6254 was sponsored by Senator James Seward and adopted on June 25. Assemblyman Peter Lopez sponsored the same resolution, assembly resolution 1618, which was adopted on June 24.“David Huse’s contributions to the agricultural industry both locally and statewide are immeasurable,” said Senator Seward. “The results of his dedication and hard work can be witnessed throughout the community and will not be forgotten.”
And one of Huse's more famous neighbors, cookbook author and "radical homemaker" Shannon Hayes, wrote about her memories of her complicated and sometimes aggravating relationship with Huse in Yes! Magazine:
Last week, he came to the farm to see if we wanted to buy some of his cattle. We raised our hackles at each other while discussing the merits and dangers of gas drilling in our mountains; then stood side-by-side and threw sticks for the dogs while we talked about meat processing and watched Saoirse learn to ride her new bicycle. On Sunday he came to our house for a farm tour, brought a plate of brownies, had lunch, smiled through his wiry mustache when my parents asked if we were going to start debating again, then rode up into the higher pastures with my dad to see our Jersey steers. At that point I had been working on this essay for about a week, so I studied him closely. I didn’t dare mention that I planned to write about him. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction of my grudging admiration.
On Monday, while he was moving hay equipment, a car collided with his tractor. He was killed. Since I found out, I’ve wandered around in a daze, and find myself periodically bursting into tears of sadness, confusion, and frustration. Bob and I replay the scene as it has been described to us, and we find ourselves daydreaming about the difference fifteen seconds could have made. Then I’m crying again. That damned David Huse. He always did know how to annoy me.
