2013 News Archive

Farm Energy Field Day Series is Back!

This year’s series of farmer-led tours will give you a first-hand look at what it takes to integrate renewable energy technologies into your farm or homestead. From a wind driven dairy to solar rooftops to tractors running on sunflower oil, find out how farmers are innovating to turn their farm into an energy producer! You’ll learn how to assess your own energy use, explore your renewable energy options, seek financing and grants, and work with technical experts. All field days are free and open to the public and refreshments will be provided. For a description of the entire 2013 Farm Energy Field Day Series, click here!

“Campus to Farm Guide” Brings Cornell Ag Research to Your Doorstep

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.  Yet, while you’re putting in long hours in the fields, faculty, staff and extension at the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life … Read More

New Generation Energy: Sustainable Power for Your Farm or Homestead

Join us online for a webinar series of farmer-led virtual tours and fun, informational tips for saving energy and converting to renewables on your farm or homestead! Are your farm energy bills on the rise – and are you wondering what you can do to reduce them?  Investing in renewable energy can help you stabilize … Read More

Telling Better Stories:  A Journalism Training for Small Farm Educators

Are you an agriculture educator or service provider who tells stories of the farmers you work with to the public?  Do you write articles, profiles, blogs, essays, take photographs, or produce podcasts about farmers?   Are you a farmer writer or blogger?  If so, an upcoming workshop called “Telling Better Stories” to be held Thursday, April 11th from 10:00 – 3:00pm on the Cornell University campus is for you.   This full day workshop series will offer you professional journalism training on how to improve your communication to the public.  [Read More]

New! Guide to URBAN Farming in New York State

Are you interested in or currently farming in a city?  Do you wonder how to access land, how to reclaim a contaminated site, how to maximize use of a small growing space, or how to most successfully target your urban market? The Cornell Small Farms Program is pleased to announce the release of our new “Guide … Read More

“Post it, Like it, Tweet it” Sign up now!

How to successfully create an online community around your farm business: With Will Heeman of Heeman Greenhouses & Strawberry Farm Reaching today’s consumer is harder than ever, with your audience becoming less responsive to traditional media than ever. Your customers are engaging on social media and this presents a unique opportunity to build an online community … Read More

Demystifying Organic Certification: Get Help Navigating the Certification Process

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If you’ve been thinking about getting your farm certified as organic but aren’t sure whether it’s worth it, and find all the paperwork and requirements overwhelming, this course is for you. This 6-week online course is facilitated by Laura Biasillo of Cornell Cooperative Extension Broome County and taught by representatives from NOFA-NY LLC (Northeast Organic … Read More

January Monthly Update

The Small Farms Update includes small farm announcements, events, job and internship opportunities, grant and loan opportunities,  other small farm resources. It is intended for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and the Northeast. If have an item to be included in the update, please contact Violet Stone at vws7@cornell.edu…Read More

Focus on Skills for New Farmers at the 2013 Empire State Producers Expo

All-day session on January 22 in Syracuse, NY Beginning and small-scale farmers interested in improving marketing, management and profitability on the farm should be sure to attend the all-day Beginning Farmer session at the 2013 Empire State Producers Expo on Tuesday, January 22 at the Oncenter Convention Center in Syracuse, NY. Moderated by Anu Rangarajan, … Read More