Another farm accident has claimed the life of a local farmer.

Russell L. VanNorstrand, 79, of Cato, died Thursday in a farming incident at his own home, according to an obituary submitted to The Citizen. Conquest Fire Chief Jim Burke said Friday that the Conquest department responded to the emergency call sometime between 1 and 1:30 p.m.

Burke did not release any further information. The state police also responded to the scene, Burke said, though investigators were not available Friday for comment.

VanNorstrand is the third farm-related casualty in the area within the last month. Allan Hares, 40, of Union Springs died Nov. 1 after being caught in a corn picker in Springport, police said. Auburn resident John Rice, 16, was critically injured Oct. 15 when he was ejected from a tractor in Skaneateles, according to Onondaga County sheriff's officials.

VanNorstrand was a longtime member of the Cato Fire Department and Cato Rotary Club. He also owned VanNorstrand Oil Company.