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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USDA New Farmers Website 
The new USDA site is simple to use and designed to make farmers' first interaction with USDA and government a positive one. The site features advice and guidance on everything a new farm business owner will need to know, from writing a business plan, to obtaining a loan to grow their business, to filing taxes as a new small business owner, to obtaining affordable healthcare for themselves and their employees.
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 Register Now for the Winter 2016 Beginning Farmer Online Courses
The Small Farms Program is once again offering interactive 5-7-week courses to connect you to the information and people you need to start a successful farm business or diversify your farm. Led by experienced educators and farmers, the variety of online courses can help you with anything from exploring farming as a career to business planning and specific crop production. Explore our list of online courses to find one (or more) that's right for you! For more info the courses, contact Erica Frenay, Online Course Coordinator at 607-255-9911 or Steve Gabriel at [email protected].
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Cornell University to Be Home to Institute for Food Safety
Cornell University will be establishing a new center based at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station in Geneva, New York, which will combine food safety research and training for New York growers and producers. Cornell scientists and extension experts will work together at the station to address many food safety related issues through applied research, outreach and training. Visit the Cornell Chronicle to learn more about this exciting new endeavor! |
NY Farmers Wanted: Trial New Vegetable Varieties
For over 60 years, PanAmerican Seed has been a leader in the flower breeding industry. More recently PanAmerican is providing breakthroughs in breeding vegetable varieties that are primarily suited to fresh market farmers. Because breeding efforts are geared to northern regions, PanAmerican is looking for farmers in New York state that would be willing to trial some varieties, such as the new late blight resistant tomato called Stellar. If you are interested in trialing or would like to discuss further, contact Josh Kirschenbaum at 630-588-3429 or [email protected].
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Annie's Project: Farm Transition Planning
New York Annie's Project will host Managing for Today and Tomorrow: Succession, Business, Estate, and Retirement Planning for Farm and Ranch Women. Classes will be held at Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations (CCE) around the state. The cost is $100.00 per person; fifteen hours of instruction (5 days @ 3 hrs/day). Lunch or light supper and all course materials are included. Dates, times, and registration guidelines will vary by location. Click here to locate the nearest CCE host association and for more information.
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New York Certified Organic 2016 Winter Programs
January 12, February 9, March 8, 2016, Jordan Hall, 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY
NYCO will be holding three Winter 2016 meetings to increase practical knowledge and expertise with the organic production of crops and milk,. The meeting on January 12 is entitled "Three Sessions on Organic Crop Management In Good Years and Bad". The February 9 meeting will focus on "Managing Soil Health with Crop Rotations and Forage Production with Tom Kilcer". Lastly, the meeting on March 8 will include "Changing Markets for Organic Grain and Dairy". There is no fee or need to register. Please forward any questions to Fay Benson at 607-391-2669 or [email protected].
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 Groundswell's Farm Business Planning Course
January 14 - March 17, 2016, 6:00-9:00pm, Groundswell Center for Food and Local Farming
Groundswell Center for Food and Local Farming is offering a 10-week Farm Business Planning Course, conducted every Thursday evening, for those interested in developing an agriculturally-related business concept by working directly with farm business instructors and a team of farmer educators. Through the course, students will learn about some of the core pieces of planning for a farm business: setting appropriate goals, matching production to market strategy, assessing feasibility, basic financial and accounting concepts, the legalities of farming, and sources of financing. The course is $480. More information is available on the Groundswell website.
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New Year, New Market
February 2, 2015, 5:00pm, Capital Roots, Troy, NY
Capital Roots and Agricultural Stewardship Association wants to invite farmers to an Open House at Capital Roots Food Hub in Tory New York. At the open house you will be able to learn about how to become part of the newest market place in the Capital Region: the Virtual Veggie Mobile (not just for veggies). The Virtual Veggie Mobile is an online space that allows local farmers to list their products for purchase by businesses, agencies, and individuals. It's simple, efficient, and effective. Please RSVP or send any questions to Ashley Bridge at 518-692-7285 or [email protected] To learn more about the Capital Roots, visit their website.
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2016 NY FarmNet Farm Transfer Conference
February 2-3, 2016, Doubletree Hotel, East Syracuse, NY
This year's Farm Transfer Conference, presented by NY FarmNet, will focus will focus on providing farm families with the tools necessary to begin developing a farm business succession plan with their advisors. This conference provides farm families and their advisors critical information on the farm transfer process and identifies effective legal and financial strategies that will make a transfer more successful. For a conference agenda, go to http://www.nyfarmnet.org/. Registration is FREE. To register, call 1-800-547-3276.
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Hudson Valley Value-Added Grain School
February 5, 2016, 8:45am-3:30pm, Anthony's Banquet Hall, 746 Route 23B, Leeds, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County and the Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program for the 2nd annual Hudson Valley Value-Added Grain School and Trade Show. This year's theme is "Making Grains Work on Modest Acreages" featuring expert talks on grain production, small-scale grain storage, and understanding grain quality parameters for brewing and distilling. Registration is just $40/person and includes lunch, and is due by
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MANY MORE EVENTS at our Statewide Events Calendar.
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Career, Etc. Opportunities
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 CCE Area Fruit Specialist The Cornell Cooperative Extension is seeking an area fruit specialist to help provide commercial fruit growers, producers, consultants and industry representatives with the knowledge and educational resources necessary to assess production and integrated pest management practices that will enhance their profitability and sustain the growth of the fruit industry in Western New York. This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in the Lake Ontario Region of New York. This is a three year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance. To apply, send a letter of application and r�sum� to [email protected]. Find more information about the job opening here. |
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Agri-Business Retention & Expansion Coordinator Position with CCE
The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County is seeking a coordinator responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating educational programs in Agricultural Business Management for farmers, growers and agricultural businesses. This will include specific educational responsibilities in tax management, estate planning, business organization, business planning, business expansion, succession planning, business analysis, and other related efforts to clientele and allied industry people. Applications are due by January 28, 2016, and can be found here along with additional information. |
 Carversville Farm Foundation Herd Manager and Apprenticeship
The Carversville Farm Foundation in Carversville, PA, is hiring both a herd manager and first-year apprentices. The herd manager must have significant experience managing all types of livestock in a pasture-based system, including cattle, sheep, goats, hogs, and poultry. He/she will support a multi-species grazing operation that will include a state-of-the art cow and goat dairy to support fluid milk bottling and an onsite creamery. Apprentices will work with all farm departments to achieve the skills required for diversified farming, and will have the opportunity to discover the aspects of farming they like best, and hone in on the personal niches they see for themselves moving forward. More information regarding both positions can be found at the Carversville website. |
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NY Farm Viability Institute Grant Manager
NYFVI is seeking a Grant Manager to oversee its funded projects, lead the competitive grant program and assist with other duties on a small office team. Responsibilities include: monitoring funded projects, providing assistance to individuals submitting proposals, directing the maintenance and modification of NYFVI's project database, coordinating the evaluation of NYFVI projects and activities, preparing reports on project impacts, assisting with development of requests for proposals, and coordinating the Institute's Dairy Profit Team program. he full time position is in NYFVI's Syracuse office. A complete job description is available here; to apply, send a resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected]. |
Truckload Farm and Orchard: Grower Wanted
Truckload Farm is seeking an experienced organic grower to help supply veggies and fruits for their local farm to table restaurant. The intensively grown farm is small (1/2 acre) but with room for expansion. The farm and restaurant are located in Dutchess County, the heart of scenic and tranquil mid-Hudson Valley. The position would require both farming and gardening (landscaping) type duties to comprise a 40-hour work week. Knowledge of value added products a plus. There is also a possibility of kitchen work in the restaurant for the right candidate. Position requires self-motivation and passion about farming and food. Position to begin March 2016. To apply, contact Lisa Arnoff at 914-475-6060 or [email protected].
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Senior Crew Member, Apprentice, and Intern - Common Thread Farm
Common Thread Farm seeks a Senior Crew Member, Apprentices and Summer Interns for 2016. Common Thread is located in Madison, NY and grows vegetables using organic methods for CSA and farmers markets. Apprentices and interns participate in both formal and in the field trainings and participate in a wide range of activities on the farm including greenhouse work, harvest, wash, pack, pest control, tractor work, transplanting, CSA, farmers market and more. For more information please visit our website.
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$25 Million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program
Governor Cuomo has announced a state program that will support projects which increase agricultural production and environmental enhancements, with $25 million available. The program will provide crucial funding for projects designed to help farms and agribusinesses expand and grow their operations, as well as enhance environmental conservation. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000 to help with expenses associated with construction, renovation, irrigation, drainage, environmental enhancements, fencing, trellis systems and greenhouses. Eligible applicants that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to protecting or enhancing natural resources, may also be entitled to an additional $10,000 toward their project. Applications will be available on January 19, 2016. Visit the NYS website for more information. |
Organic Farming Research Foundation Grants
The OFRF grants program is currently accepting research proposals for projects related to soil health, with emphasis on water management; creating new organic farmers and ranchers and transition of producers to organic systems including education and training; livestock production, especially breeding for organic systems, diseases and pasture management; and small grain production, especially related to creating a diverse rotational system. OFRF encourages farmers, ranchers, graduate students, early career researchers, veterans, and Extension personnel to consider applying. The deadline for proposals is February 8, 2016; proposals can be submitted here. |
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USDA Funding Available for Organic Agriculture Research and Education
The USDA Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative has made available $17.6 million in funding to support research and outreach activities that will help growers, producers, and processors find innovative ways to improve organic agriculture. The purpose of the OREI program is to fund high-priority research, education, and extension projects that enhance the ability of producers and processors who have already adopted organic standards to grow and market high quality organic products. Priority concerns include biological, physical, and social sciences, including economics. Find more information here, and apply by March 10, 2016.
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USDA Grants for the Transition to Organic Farming
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced the availability of $3.8 million to support research, education, and extension projects that will assist current organic producers and those transitioning into organic farming. The funding is available through the Organic Transitions Program, administered by USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). Applications, which can be found here, are due by April 15, 2016.
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NOFA-NY Organic Dairy Certification Transitions Project
NOFA-NY Inc. announces a new program to help dairy farmers transition to organic management. The project will help transitioning dairy farmers complete their certification application, identify barriers, develop a transition plan, and provide technical support to the farm. Farmers who participate will gain a working knowledge of the organic industry; learn how to manage their farm organically to meet certification standards; and be on their way to organic certification upon completion of this project. For more information and to apply, visit the NOFA-NY website or contact Bethany Wallis at 585-271-1979 ext. 513 or [email protected].
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New Videos Released on the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug
Four new installments bring important new information about integrated pest management or IPM in terms of biological control, monitoring and trapping, and the iconic pyramid traps. Producer Jim Monahan has created new videos that show just how far the StopBMSB team has come in understanding this peculiar and pernicious creature, and why the newly hatching Trissolcus insect, now in the wild, could change the game. The video series can be found here.
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Fracking Farmland and Fractured Movements: Video and Transcript
A video recording is available of a talk given at the 2015 NESAWG Conference by Dr. J. Stephen Cleghorn, of Paradise Gardens and Farm. In the talk, Dr. Cleghorn discussed fracking, farms, public health and the environment, and the need for the farm and food movement to think outside the box. View the video or read the transcript here. |
USDA Organic Sound and Sensible Resources 
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service's National Organic Program is introducing more guides, videos, and other tools as part of the Sound and Sensible intiative - all produced by our partners in the organic community. These resources help farms and businesses understand the USDA organic standards, certification process, and inspections in more depth. For more information, visit the USDA website.
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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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