Greetings!
The Small Farms 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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 Farming with Draft Animals
This introductory series will get you inspired about using horses and mules for farm traction! Teamster and farmer Donn Hewes describes his motivation, uses for horses and mules, some considerations for start-up, capital needs, and more. This series was produced by Peter Carroll of Peter Carroll Productions in Ithaca on behalf of the Cornell Small Farms Program. Click here to view the videos
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| | Shannon Mason of Cowbella Opens the Series April 6th |
Thinking of pursuing a new wholesale market? Wondering which one, and how? This upcoming webinar series features a dairy, livestock and mushroom farmer that have all transitioned successfully to one or more new wholesale markets. Each webinar also features one of the farmer's 'wholesale' buyers who will describe how they establish productive relationships with smaller farms. For more information and to register, click here. This webinar series is part of a larger training titled "Sparking a Wholesale Revolution: Preparing Small and Mid-Size Farmers to Enter Larger Markets" sponsored by NE SARE (Northeast Sustainable Ag Research and Education) and the Cornell Small Farms Program. Please send inquiries to Project Manager Violet Stone.
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Survey for Fresh Market Vegetable Growers
Fresh market vegetable growers, including greenhouse vegetable producers, please help your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Program and Cornell University researchers best meet your research and extension needs. Fill out the 20 minute survey here.
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 Take Steps to Protect Your Flock from Avian Influenza
In the Northwestern and Central parts of the US, animal health officials have detected a new and deadly strain of bird flu among poultry flocks. The disease has not been found in the northeast yet, but animal health officials are concerned as birds continue to migrate back to the U.S. as spring approaches. Even if your birds never come into direct contact with the migrating birds, they can still pick up the disease. Find out what steps you can take now to protect your birds before it is too late.
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Farmer Strategies for Working Together workshops
April 9, 1-3pm, 6064 State Route 22, Plattsburgh. April 9, 7-9pm, 2043 State Highway 68, Canton. April 10, 1-3pm, 25417 NY Route 12, Burrville.
Many farmers are teaming up to develop, market, and deliver multiple products to meet the needs of buyers interested in purchasing local foods and CCE is holding workshops to help farmers develop formal partnerships, cooperatives, and corporations. The workshop agenda features Bobbie Severson of the Cooperative Enterprise Program of the Cornell Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, and panels of three farmers explaining their experiences with working together and the pro and cons of their particular systems. The workshops have a $5 fee. View the press release for registration information.
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 Slow Poultry- Sustainable Poultry Production Seminar
April 18, 9am-5pm. Wild Geese Farm, 8499 Agett Road, Franklinville, NY 14737.
Examine the poultry industry has drastically changed over the last seventy-five years, learn how to effectively breed flocks of poultry that are both productive and profitable, and look at three different models of sustainable poultry production: The Homesteading Model, The Community Model and The Regional Model. Cost is $89.00 if paid by April 10th and $109.00 if paid after April 10th. View the event flyer here. |
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New York Nut Growers Association Spring Meeting
April 18, 9am-3pm. Sullivan County CCE Office at 64 Ferndale Loomis Road, Liberty, NY
Hear presentations on hazelnut cultivars for NYS, growing pawpaws and persimmons, marketing and running a farm business, and nut trees as part of forestry. Then take a drive to Patrick Schumann's land in Forestburgh, NY to tour the property and discuss forest planning, including fruit and nut trees. More information is available at http://www.nynga.org/.
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The Washington County Fiber Tour
April 25 and 26, 10am - 4pm. Washington County, NY
One of the longest running events of its type in the United States, the Fiber Tour this year showcases 15 farms and a large commercial yarn mill. The farms feature both the animals and their products, and many exhibit their live animals, shorn fiber, yarns and other products at fairs and festivals. Learn more at http://washingtoncountyfibertour.org.
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 Camp Mushroom
June 7th. Cornell's Arnot Teaching and Research Forest
Camp Mushroom is Cornell University's annual two-day event for farmers, woodlot owners, and hobby growers who want to cultivate their own mushrooms. Participants will be trained in three methods of mushroom cultivation; shiitake on bolts, lions mane/oyster on totems, and stropharia in woodchip beds. In addition, laying yard and management considerations will be covered. Anyone who wants to get into mushroom growing as a serious pursuit should not miss out on this opportunity to learn from experienced growers and researchers who will present for this event. Cost is $50. Click here to learn more |
MANY MORE EVENTS at our Statewide Events Calendar.
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Career, Etc. Opportunities
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 Dairy Product Salesperson
Crosswinds Farm & Creamery is a farmstead cheese & dairy business, now hiring a Dairy Product Salesperson. Main responsibilities include marketing & sales of our artisan cheese, yogurt, & milk to wholesale accounts throughout upstate New York, and retail sales at farmers' markets and other events. We are focused on sales growth and expanding our customer base throughout the Finger Lakes into upstate metro areas. You will also be responsible for some product packaging & deliveries. The position is 20-30 hrs/week to start, with potential growth to full time. A reliable vehicle is required. Compensation will depend on experience. Please send your resume and a letter of interest to [email protected] and answer the following questions in your letter: why do you want to work for us, and how are you qualified for the position?
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| Pastureland Dairy Offers Certified Organic Dairy Heifers for Sale- Manlius, NY
All heifers are mixed breed, mostly Holstein and Jersey. Owner Peter Mapstone breeds for cows that will graze well. Can be purchased before or after they freshen. Many to choose from. Contact Peter Mapstone for more information at 315-416-3375.
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NE Beginning Farmer Project Experience Directory
The Northeast Beginning Farmers Project maintains a directory of farm related jobs, internships and trainings across the country. Visit our Where to Get Hands on Experience Page for the full list!
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Northeast SARE Graduate Student Grants -Due May 12th
Northeast SARE offers competitive grants to graduate students who are doing research under the supervision of a faculty advisor. Proposals should address issues of current or potential importance to Northeast farmers, agricultural researchers, and farm support professionals. Awards are capped at $15,000 and projects can run up to two years. Click here for more information.
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Local Food Promotion Program -Due May 14th
The Local Food Promotion Program (LFPP) offers grants to support the development and expansion of local and regional food business enterprises. Two types of project applications are accepted under LFPP: planning grants of $5,000 to $25,000 and implementation grants of $25,000 to $100,000. Find out more at http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/lfpp.
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The Farmers Market Promotion Program -Due May 14th
The Farmers Market Promotion Program (FMPP) provides $13.3 million to support projects for direct farmer-to-consumer marketing projects such as farmers markets, community-supported agriculture programs, roadside stands, and agritourism. Grants ranging from $15,000 to $100,000 will be awarded. Visit this USDA web page for more information. |
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USDA Farm to School Grant Program -Due May 20th, Training Grants Due April 30th
Designed to increase the availability of local foods in eligible schools, these grants help new farm to school programs get started or expand existing efforts. Four types of grants are available: planning grants, implementation grants, support service grants, and funds to support training and technical assistance. More information.
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$97 Million Available to Expand Access to Healthy Food, Support Rural Economies -Due July 8th
The USDA has announced the availability of $96.8 million in grants to fund innovative projects designed to support specialty crop producers, local food entrepreneurs, and farm to school efforts, which in turn will increase access to healthy, nutritious food for American families and children. More information.
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"Get NY Grain to Your Table" Grain Directory
NY Ag and Markets and Empire State Development hosted their fifth annual Farm to City Expo this year with a focus was on New York State's grain industry. The Get NY Grain to Your Table grain directory provided to participants lists who is currently supplying, processing, distributing, and preparing food or craft beverages for wholesale use from local grains. Additionally, there are resources listed including a map developed by Bill Verbeten, a CCE agent, demonstrating hops producers in NYS and information about farm brewer and farm distiller licenses through OpenNY. Read through this directory to get familiar with local grain options!
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Harvest Funders, LLC
Harvest Funders is a new platform to help the agriculture community obtain funding for their projects using crowdfunding. From fish to fruit, rural to urban if you are part of agriculture our service is there to assist in raising funds for your project. Thousands of people are raising millions of dollars for good causes via crowdfunding websites and we are happy to have created a service dedicated to our fellow agricultural peers.
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New Edition of Teaching Organic Farming and Gardening Available
Teaching Organic Farming & Gardening: Resources for Instructors, 3rd Edition addresses practical aspects of organic farming and gardening, applied soil science, and social and environmental issues in agriculture. New features of the 3rd Edition include revised and expanded lecture outlines and detailed narrative supplements. The 700-page manual was produced by UCSC's Center for Agroecology & Sustainable Food Systems. Find more information here.
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USDA Market News Retail Report Covers Local and Organic Products
USDA Market News is now issuing a weekly National Retail Report covering local and organic products. This report represents average prices for products based on online advertisement surveys from 350 major grocery retailers and 28,000 stores nationwide. Click here to learn more.
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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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The Small Farms Update is intended as a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and the Northeast, and is provided to you by Cornell 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.
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