The Cornell Sheep & Goat Program is considering doing a project to design an elegant, innovative dairy sheep management system never before tested, that could potentially decrease the impact of two restrictions on sheep dairy production in the US: 1) the limited North American dairy breed gene pool, and 2) low supply of milk during fall and winter due to the seasonal breeding of dairy sheep breeds. While large sheep dairies often take advantage of CIDR (controlled internal drug release) devices for out of season breeding and/or accelerated breeding intervals, CIDRs cannot be used under organic systems. The proposed project does not rely on CIDRs and would be applicable to organic systems and to small, medium and large flocks. If you have any interest in dairy sheep, please complete a short, 5-question survey available at www.surveymonkey.com.

The International Farm Transition Network will hold its annual meeting on October 5th in Ithaca, NY. The goal of the network is to support programs that foster the next generation of farmers and ranchers. The annual conference provides opportunities for programs and individuals to share information, strengthen existing programs, and help to establish new programs that assist people to begin a career in agriculture, particularly by addressing farm access. Following the annual meeting, the IFTN will be offering its Certified Farm Succession Coordinator Training October 6-8. During the training participants will learn about Farm Business Succession Planning: Process, Parts and Problems, Family Communication, and the Role and Duties of the Coordinator and the Responsibilities of the Parties. Case studies and role play activities will allow participants to practice techniques learned during the training. For more information or to register, visit www.pafarmlink.org. The registration deadline is September 18, 2015.

The Seed Farm, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of farmers, is looking to hire a field manager. The Field Manager will be responsible for following the plans and direction of the Program Director in managing a 2.5-acre diversified vegetable farm, surrounding fields, incubator sites, and other infrastructure. For the full job summary and information on how to apply, visit www.theseedfarm.org/employment.

Annie's Project is a six-week course designed especially for farm women to help them develop their management and decision-making skills for their farms. Sessions include brief presentations, discussions focused on the participant's questions, and hands on training. This course is designed for farm women who have been in farming, part of farming for at lest the last five years, and want to develop their understanding, interpretation, and opportunities in sustainable agriculture. In this course, farm women have the opportunity to learn from female agricultural professionals and network with other women in similar situations. 

A well-prepared, innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) workforce is crucial to the Nation's health and economy. Indeed, recent policy actions and reports have drawn attention to the opportunities and challenges inherent in increasing the number of highly qualified STEM graduates, including STEM teachers. The goals of these investments include: increasing the number and diversity of STEM students, preparing students well to participate in science for tomorrow, and improving students' STEM learning outcomes. Estimated total funding is $110,000,000, with a maximum award of $3,000,000. Click here for more information or to apply. Applications are due by November 3, 1015.