New Local & Regional Food Systems Website!
Local and Regional Food Systems at Cornell recently launched a new, dynamic LRFS website to better demonstrate, strengthen, and build the network around local & regional food systems in New York State. Learn about the network of people, projects, resources, and locations of their work, connect with others who are working on food system issues; participate in events or online forums; share info on your Cornell or … Read More
Upcoming Workshop in Geneva: Navigating the Ag Labor Maze
Do you hire, or are you considering hiring, migrant or foreign-born labor? Do you want to improve your skills in supervising employees who come from different cultures, especially workers from Mexico and Central America? If yes, this workshop is for you! On April 12 from 11:30am-5:00pm, learn how to build better relations between farmers and … Read More
Survey of Farm Labor Management Practices
Do you manage employees on a farm? Do you need help recruiting and retaining good staff? Please take this brief survey and share important feedback that will help shape our new Labor Ready Farmer project. Growing a great workforce can result in long-term benefits for your business. Share your management challenges and successes to help us better understand … Read More
Beginning Teamster Workshop: Working With Draft Horses
Cornell Small Farms Program, Equicenter of Rochester, Draft Animal Power Network, and Groundswell Center for Local Food and Farming present: Beginning Teamster Workshop – Working With Draft Horses February 17th 9:00AM – 4:00PM Oxley Equestrian Center, Cornell University, Ithaca NY In this workshop we aim to give participants a full day of experiencing what is like to work with draft … Read More
Register for Our First Crop of 2018 Online Courses: Jan 15 – Feb 23
Ring in the new year with our exciting and educational online courses! Click the links for further information, including registration. BF 102: Markets and Profits Have an idea for a farm enterprise but not sure if it’s feasible? This course will help you explore the potential markets and profitability of your ideas, picking up where … Read More
SFP Program Workshops at 2018 Empire State Producers Expo
We are excited to announce that we will be hosting several program workshops at the 2018 Empire State Producers Expo, January 16-18, in Syracuse, NY. We hope to see you there! Emerging Markets: Profitable Log-Grown Shiitake Mushrooms The Cornell Small Farms Program will present a workshop on how woodland-cultivated shiitake mushrooms have come to be a leader in … Read More
Seeking New Markets? Join us for “Baskets to Pallets”
2 day Training helps farmers develop new relationships with scale-appropriate wholesale buyers Are you looking to diversify sales beyond the farmers market, CSA and farm stand? Food hubs, grocery stores, restaurants and cooperatives are looking for your products to meet growing consumer demand for local and sustainably produced food. Yet, doing successful business with wholesale buyers requires … Read More
Farmer Grants for Sustainable Agriculture in the Northeast Due December 5
NESARE Farmer Grants are for commercial producers who have an innovative idea they want to test using a field trial, on-farm demonstration, marketing initiative, or other technique. A technical advisor–often an extension agent, crop consultant, or other service professional–must also be involved. Projects should seek results other farmers can use, and all projects must have the … Read More
Improving Agriculture Labor Management – Workshop Series
SEE BELOW FOR UPDATED WORKSHOP DATES AND TIMES Your employees are your most valuable resource. Wages, salaries, and contract labor expenses represent more than 40 percent of the cost of production in labor intensive crops like fruits, vegetables, and nursery products. These four workshops will help you become better at managing your farm’s employees. The … Read More
Still time to sign up for Online Courses starting Nov 6!
Join one of our upcoming online farming courses: Veggie Farming, Berry Production, Introduction to Maple Syrup, and more! The Cornell Small Farms Program offers over twenty courses to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. Students connect with other farmers, work on farm plans, and gain practical tips without leaving their home. Course content can be … Read More