Greetings!
The Small Farms Update is intended as a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York, and is provided to you by Cornell's Small Farms Program. Our mission is to foster the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms that contribute to food security, healthy rural communities, and the environment. The Cornell Small Farm Program is a joint effort of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
This update summarizes announcements, information resources, opportunities and upcoming events relevant to small farms. Please feel free to share this information in newsletters, email lists, etc. If you have announcements or resources you would like to include, please send us an email. SUBSCRIBE HERE
Thank you again for your interest and support of small farms in New York.
Anu Rangarajan
Director, Cornell Small Farm Program
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Cornell Vegetable Program Summer Field Meetings in Full Swing Whether you are an experienced or aspiring vegetable farmer, the Cornell Vegetable Program has a summer event for you! From grower groups that facilitate the sharing of production tips and tricks to presentations of academic research projects that pertain to small farms, the Cornell Vegetable Program strives to help you profitably produce delicious New York State veggies. View the list of upcoming summer events and registration information here. |
Featured Events
Augist 3, 2013. 8:30 AM - 3:00 PM. New York Nut Growers Association Summer Meeting. Farm of Dawn and Jeff Zarnowski, 5296 Townline Road, McGraw, NY. Learn about growing hazelnuts as a commercial or personal garden crop. The Zarnowskis have over fifteen years of hazelnut farming experience, and they will explain the basics of hazelnut production and give a tour of their plantings. Click here for the full meeting agenda and to download the registration form. Cost is $15, includes lunch. Contact John Wertis at (607) 387-4331 or [email protected] with questions.
August 6-8, 2013. 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Empire Farm Days. Rodman Lott and Son Farms, 2973 State Route 414, Seneca Falls, NY. Capture all of the latest in crop and livestock technology, know-how, and excitement of Northeast Agriculture in just one place! View the full schedule of seminars, demonstrations, and exhibits here. Free admission, parking is $10. For further information, contact Melanie Wickam at (877) 697-7837 or [email protected].
August 12, 2013. 1:00 PM - 4:00PM. NOFA-NY Field Day: Sheep/Goat Parasite Prevention. Asgaard Farm, 74 Asgaard Way, Au Sable Forks, NY. Join Rhonda Butler of Asgaard Farm to learn how she controls internal parasites in her herd and how it affects her pasture management system. Rhonda will share how she incorporates multiple species grazing and other techniques to control parasites. Hear about the dairy goat herd, what products they are marketing and gain advice for your own goat dairy. Cost is $10/per person, $15/person for a group. Pre-register by August 9 at noon by clicking here or by contacting Stephanie at (585) 271-1979 ext. 509.
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Field Advisor: Albany, NY Area
New York Farm Bureau is accepting applications for Field Advisor position for the Eastern NY area. The responsibilities of this position require multi-county day and evening travel. College degree required, agricultural background desired. View the full description here. Send cover letter and resume to New York Farm Bureau, Att. Personnel, PO Box 5330, Albany NY 12205, or email to [email protected], no later than Friday, August 30, 2013.
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Farm for Sale: Rome, NY
70 acres of land including farmhouse, tie stall barn, silos, milkhouse, storage shed, and natural spring water creek for sale by owner. Asking price $280,000. Contact Deborah at (315) 886-9497 or [email protected] for more information.
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Livestock Farmers: Animal Welfare Approved Certification Program
Animal Welfare Approved (AWA) is a food label for meat and dairy products that come from farm animals raised to the highest animal welfare and environmental standards. Once audited and certified based on program standards, farmers receive the marketing and technical support of AWA experts. Learn more and apply here.
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Small Business Innovation Research Program - Due Sept. 26
The USDA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program awards grant funds to small businesses for research and development projects related to agriculture manufacturing technology, energy efficiency, and alternative/renewable energy, such as biofuel or ethanol production. Click here for more information about SBIR. Click here for application information, apply by September 26, 2013. |
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USDA Organic Cost Share Program - Due Sept. 30
If you are a certified organic farmer or rancher in the Northeast, you are eligible to receive a 2013 organic certification cost share reimbursement to cover as much as 75% of your certification costs from October 1, 2012 through September 30, 2013, up to a maximum of $750. To get reimbursed, contact your State Department of Agriculture. You will need proof of organic certification, itemized invoice of certification expenses, and W-9 tax form. Learn more about the cost share program here. Contact Rita Meade at [email protected] or call (202) 720-3252 with questions.
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Local Producer Loan Program
Whole Foods Market is now accepting applications to provide loans between $1,000 and $100,000 to small, local, independent producers. Desired candidates are expanding production, implementing organic practices, and located within a few hours drive of a Whole Foods store. Funds can be used for expansion and capital expenditures (e.g., buy more animals, invest in new equipment and infrastructure, or expand crops), but not for operating expenses. Learn more and apply here.
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Discussion Group: Pest and Disease Management and Rotation Planning
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) hosts a Wednesday evening Walk and Talk Grower Group focusing on rotation planning, cover crop selection, and pest/disease management. Open to all growers in and around Allegany and Cattaraugus counties, these free meetings are focused on answering producer questions, educating about grower-requested topics, and providing networking opportunities. Next meeting will be held August 14, 5:30 PM-7 PM in Portville, NY. To join this monthly grower group, contact Elizabeth Buck at [email protected].
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The Guide to Seed Treatment Stewardship
Seed treatments are an excellent example of how the seed industry and crop protection industry are innovating for the future of modern agriculture, but what are seed treatments? This guide by CropLife America defines "treated seed", explores how it is created, and outlines safe and environmentally sustainable procedures for handling treated seed on the farm. Read the guide here.
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NOFA-NY Food and Farm Guide 2013
The Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA-NY) Food and Farm Guide features m ore than 700 Certified Organic and Farmer's Pledge farms and producers. Learn how extensive organic agriculture in New York State is, how you can become involved, and how NOFA-NY plans to make organic, local food accessible to all. Read an online copy here. |
Need personal help?
Sometimes local questions are best answered by your neighborhood Cornell Cooperative Extension agent. Check out our county-by-county listing of small farm agents here. You can also get to know our Cornell Small Farms Program staff, or contact us. Just starting to farm? We have an extensive directory of beginning farmer service providers across the Northeast in the "Who Can Help?" section of our Northeast Beginning Farmers Project website.
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