Greetings!
The Small Farms Update is intended for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and the Northeast. If you have an announcement, event, job or funding opportunity, or resource to be included in the update, please send us an email. SUBSCRIBE HERE
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Attention Small Dairy Producers: Cornell Offers Value-Added Processing Help
Are you thinking of processing milk into a value-added product? Cornell University's Dairy Foods Extension Program offers training courses in cheesemaking, yogurt culturing, and milk testing as well as the technologies and equipment needed for a safe and marketable product. View class schedules, regulatory resources, and a list of dairy science educators here. |
Featured Events
June 24, 2013. 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM. Re-Inventing the Hudson Valley Breadbasket. Migliorelli Farm, Red Hook, NY. Features a tour of Cornell's Hudson Valley regional wheat and barley variety trials, panel discussion of grain production considerations for the humid Northeast and emerging value added markets such as artisan baked goods, craft brewing, and micro-distilleries. Cost is $25, includes lunch. Register here by 6/22.
July 18, 2013. 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Summer Evening Pasture Walk. 444 Goosen-Regan Road, Buskirk, NY. Enjoy a presentation from Columbia-Greene CCE Livestock Educator Mick Bessire, question and answer time with the farmers, and light refreshments. Will cover topics including pasture renovations, soil health, and weed control. Cost is $5. Please RSVP to Marcie Vohnoutka at [email protected] or 518-272-4210.
August 7, 2013. 7:00 PM. Japanese Paper Pot Workshop. Muddy Fingers Farm, 3859 Dugue Road, Hector, NY. Workshop will include information on the experience of applying for a SARE farmer grant, discussion of the benefits and downfalls of the paper pot transplanter, demonstration of its use planting several crops, demonstration of the seeding of trays, and discussions about whether it is a profitable tool for the small-scale vegetable farm. Please RSVP to Matt LeRoux at [email protected] or 607-272-2292 by Friday, August 2.
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Teacher for Organic Pest Management & Disease Course: New York, NY
Farm School NYC is seeking a teacher for this introductory course for adult learners in the NYC area. Position requires at least three years teaching experience. For a complete job description, click here. A teacher application is also available online.
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Production Economics and Business Management Educator(s): Eastern NY
Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program is hiring extension associates in production economics and business management. Seeking those with a Master's Degree in Agriculture or related field. See full position information here and send letter of application and resume to Mark Giles at [email protected].
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Organic Farm For Rent: Preston Hollow, NY
Listing includes six acres of land, two barns, three-bedroom farmhouse, and small apple grove. Asking rent is $1500 per month. For more information, contact Ed Acciardi at 201-906-2135.
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Regional Agricultural IPM Grants - Due July 1
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a Request for Proposals for Regional Agricultural IPM Grants. Proposed projects must: 1) further through research, development, monitoring, public education, training, demonstrations, or studies the adoption of IPM tactics that reduce the risks associated with pesticide use, and 2) demonstrate the importance and relevance of the proposed project on a regional level. Proposed research projects should be a maximum of two years long. Review this funding opportunity announcement here. For questions, contact Cara Dzubow Finn at 703-305-5659.
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Environmental Quality Incentives Program for Organic Growers
The USDA Natrual Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) provides assistance to certified organic producers and those who are transitioning to organic production. The program provides financial assistance to address issues such as improving nutrient management, composting and waste management, and cropping systems for organic production. Applications are accepted throughout the year on a rolling basis. Contact your local NRCS field office for specifics, contact information available here.
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Advanced Biofuels Payment Program - Due July 11
The purpose of the USDA's Advanced Biofuels Program is to support and ensure expanding production of biofuels by providing payments to farmers or companies that produce and sell biofuels from anything other than corn kernel starch. If your farm produces biofuels from crop residue, animal, food and yard waste, vegetable oils, and/or animal fat, apply by July 11 to be eligible to receive funds in the 2013 fiscal year. To apply, contact your state's Rural Development Energy Coordinator here. For general questions, contact Lisa Noty, Energy Division, USDA Rural Development at [email protected].
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Northeastern IPM Center Resource Database
The Northeastern IPM Center has developed a centralized resource database for all its pest-related media and information. Identify bugs in your field, learn how to spot a Spotted Wing Drosophila, browse videos, fact sheets, and field guides, and much more. Give it a try here.
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Community Orchards Publication
The National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service has recently published "Community Orchards". This booklet offers guidance both for determining what to grow and how to go about beginning a community orchard. It also has profiles of successful orchards and discusses resources for orchard organizers and growers. This publication can be downloaded for free or hard copy orders can be placed here.
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Carbon Management Tool Released by USDA
USDA has announced the release of a new "Carbon Management and Evaluation Tool" known as COMET-FARM. This free, online tool will help producers calculate how much carbon their conservation actions can remove from the atmosphere. COMET-FARM will also help producers calculate and understand how land-management decisions impact energy use and carbon emissions. Explore this resource further here.
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Do you provide affordable housing on your farm? Free IPM Consulting
If you provide affordable housing, now's your chance to protect the value of your property and the health of your staff and residents. Sign up for free IPM consulting with the StopPests in Housing Program! Qualifying sites also receive a full day of on-site training. To learn more, visit www.stoppests.org/about-us or e-mail [email protected]. Consultation and training request form available here.
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