Cornell Small Farms Program Update

Message from the Editor
Greetings from the Cornell Small Farm Program!  We have wonderful news to share. Our family has just grown by one wee bit. Violet Stone and her partner Joshua Pezet are now proud parents of a beautiful baby boy. We wish them all the best as they transition into their new roles.

Anu 1ny7ic0
New roles are something we all face as we progress in any project we undertake. I recently achieved ten years as Director of the Small Farm Program. When I started this position, I was challenged by the diversity of agriculture that small farmers undertake. Until then, I had focused my research and extension program on vegetable production and operated a U-pick strawberry farm on the side. Now, I am thrilled to be sharing stories and working to address needs of our dairies, livestock, crop and many other small farms.

The best part of this role for me has been the remarkable people I have met- small-scale farmers, educators, farm advocates, aspiring farmers, and community organizers. Without exception, these individuals have shown deep commitment and creativity to the work they do for agriculture. Thank you to all who have worked with us to give birth to new projects, hatch crazy ideas, and grow our work to enhance the viability of small farms in the region! It takes a village, and that village is you.

As always, we love to hear from you.  Drop us a line anytime!

Best wishes,
Anu Rangarajan

New! Campus to Farm Guide
As a small farmer, finding the time to look up the latest agriculture research and extension projects unfolding on the Cornell University campus can be a challenge, especially during the growing season. In an effort to create quick and easy access to these projects, the Cornell Small Farms Program is pleased to announce release of the new Campus to Farm Guide: A Directory of Cornell University Research and Extension Projects Supporting Small Farms. The Guide brings ongoing research in horticulture, small dairy, livestock, field crops and forages, agroforestry, farm energy and more, together into one easily navigable booklet. Read the Guide online.

Registration is Open!  Online Courses for Aspiring, New, & Experienced Farmers
Are you committed to starting a farm in the next two years? Are you a new farmer, still exploring what does and does not work for your operation? Are you an experienced farming, looking to grow and diversify your business? Cornell Small Farms Program, through the Beginning Farmers Project, is offering fall online courses designed for farmers at every stage, including BF 101: Square One, BF 202: Planning to Stay in Business, BF 203: Holistic Financial Planning, and many more! From production to finances, the 5 to 7 week interactive courses will give you

Anu Rangarajan

Anu was appointed director the Cornell Small Farms Program in 2004. At the same time, she opened a U-pick strawberry farm in Freeville, NY. The experience of operating a small farm changed her entire approach to research and extension, and deepened her commitment to NY farms and local food systems.

1 Comment

  1. Avatar of Mathias M Gweshe Mathias M Gweshe on December 27, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    I am a new small farmer trying to decide on animals and crops that will be compatible to start with.

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