Nelson F. Smith, age 96 years, of York passed away January 12, 2004 in Batavia, NY. He was born in Deposit, NY to Nelson E. and Anna G. (Weidman) Smith. The first of his family to graduate from college in 1928, Nelson earned a BS in agriculture from Cornell University. He became an agricultural agent for Livingston County Farm Bureau and Cornell University Cooperative Extension, a position he held from 1928 until 1944, during both the time of the Great Depression and World War II. He later served with USDA’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCA, now FSA) until his retirement in 1970. Nelson founded Lawnel Farms, a large dairy located in York, NY, currently owned and operated by his son, Lawrence N. and grandson, Andrew N. Smith. Nelson was preceded in death by his brother Warren, his beloved wife of 62 years, Rella J. Thomson and his second wife Marguerite Dibble, who passed away in 1996. His is survived by his three children, Lawrence N. (Catherine), Lorina Joyce Noble and Rella Jacqueline Bruce; ten grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Nelson’s influence on agriculture went beyond his salaried position, and came at a critical juncture when new technology was making sweeping changes to traditional farm life. He was a member of the Covington United Presbyterian Church, a life-long member of the Grange, influential in the development of milk testing in Livingston County, the establishment of the Production Credit Association and county Soil and Water Conservation District.

   Services at held at the convenience of the family. Memorials may be made to the Genesee-Orleans County Cornell Club, for an agricultural scholarship fund to be developed in his honor, in care of John A. Noble, 7955 York Road, Pavilion, NY 14525; or the Livingston County Hospice, 2 County Campus, Mt. Morris, NY 14510. Arrangements by Alhart Funeral Home.