Small Farms February Update

ANNOUNCEMENTS
Small Farms Website Down: Our apologies!
Many of you have noticed that our website has been unreliable the past month. We are working with Cornell Information Technologies to get the site back up to a consistent service as soon as possible! We are so sorry for the confusion and inconvenience this has caused our visitors. Please don’t hesitate to email us at smallfarmsprogram@cornell.edu or 607-255-9227 if you need to access a trusted small farm or beginning farmer resource!
Small Farmers: Shape Your Future!
Register Now for the New York Statewide Small Farms Summit on February 29, 2012
Join us for the 4th NY Small Farms Summit! Every two years, farmers, agricultural service providers, educators, farm businesses, policy makers, students and community members gather at 5 locations around New York, to prioritize research and education activities that will enhance the viability of small farms. Come to the Summit to contribute your ideas, network with other farmers and learn more about small farms in an interactive setting. For a list of site hosts and more details, see our program highlight!
We NEED YOUR HELP: Prioritize Projects to Strengthen Small Farms – February 26, 2012
Take our survey! Please tell us what you believe are the emerging opportunities that could enhance viability of small farms in NY. Take the ‘bird’s eye’ view, and consider how you would prioritize investment not only for your own farm or business, but for your community and colleagues. Information from the survey will be shared with the Summit attendees and used to help create regional and statewide action plans. Click here: https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bxrjyekn3mqaUy8 to respond to the survey.
Spring Online Courses Still Open for Registration
We have a couple classes with spots left! For more information, please email Michelle at mls266@cornell.edu. Details follow:
BF 103: Taking Care of Business – Understanding the Business, Regulatory, and Tax Implications of Your Farm. (designed to follow BF 101) This is an intro-level course for aspiring or beginning farmers living and/or farming in NYS and seeking to learn about the commercial, legal and tax implications of farming. Starts March 2, 2012. To register, please visit https://cbs.cornell.edu/ccbilling/billing.aspx?eventid=3B26F62D-FCEB-4414-8C0A-820ABED992DB
BF 105: Machinery and Equipment – Evaluating What’s Right for Your Operation. Many a farm operation has been sunk by “shiny equipment syndrome”; in other words, purchasing too much brand new equipment. On the other end of the scale, many new farmers have burned out their bodies by not adequately powering their farms with machinery. This course will help you strike a happy balance, evaluating what equipment you really need for your scale of operation, whether to buy or make other arrangements, and how to keep your equipment running smoothly if you do purchase it. Starts March 5, 2012. To register, please visit https://cbs.cornell.edu/ccbilling/billing.aspx?eventid=AE732FEB-B37E-4D9A-AD02-3AC884E1A128
Beginning Farmers: Help us, help you! Northeast Beginning Farmer Project Seeks Respondents for Phase 2 of Beginning Farmer Needs Survey
Starting a farm is difficult, and succeeding beyond the first few years may be even more so. Help us identify how agencies, organizations and policy makers can best assist farmers to thrive beyond the start-up phase. What resources are needed, what educational opportunities should be developed, what resources are missing that will help beginning farmers be successful entrepreneurs? Your experience and input is essential to getting it right.
We are looking for responses from aspiring and beginning farmers age 10 and up, with less than 10 years of experience, and from staff at agencies and organizations that serve beginning farmers. The Barrier ID Survey – Phase 2 will take about 30 min. to complete online at https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_e5s9Jknd8dj43IM To make the survey process a little more fun, we’ll be offering four great agricultural prizes worth at least $50. Your chance of winning is 1 in 100. Tell us about your farm needs today!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Small Farms Program Sponsored Events
February 29, 2012. Small Farms Summit. 5 locations around New York State. The aim of the summit is to prioritize research and education activities that will enhance the viability of small farms in New York. For more information, see the program highlight.
April 14th, 2012. Long Island Small Farms Summit. 8:30am – 6:30pm. Hofstra University. The 2012 Long Island Summit will bring together a diverse group of educators, farmers, parents, children, municipalities, land trusts, not-for-profits, community leaders, restaurant owners and chefs, and concerned citizens focused on strengthening the local food system and increasing community awareness of and access to more locally grown food on Long Island. For more info, visit www.smallfarmsummit.com
Beginning Farmer Events
February 28, 2012. Beginning Tree Fruit. Ithaca, NY. Are you interested in starting an orchard or planting tree fruit? Learn how to evaluate your land for fruit production, planting processes, choose varieties, and determine a schedule for production tasks. Contact CCE Tompkins County for more information or to register at (607) 272-2292.
April 18 – November 14, 2012. Groundswell’s Sustainable Farming Certificate Program. Ithaca, NY. If you are a beginning or aspiring farmer and would like to deepen your understanding of sustainable production methods through over 100 hours of classroom training, hands-on workshops, farm visits and supervised work experience, consider Groundswell’s Certificate Program. For more information and to apply, visit http://www.groundswellcenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=132.
May 31 – June 28, 2012. Summer Practicum in Sustainable Farming and Food Justice. Ithaca, NY. Groundswell offers a chance to learn about sustainable food systems and engage with the local food community in a variety of settings – West Haven Farm, EcoVillage and other local farms and institutions – while earning college credit. For more information and to apply visit http://www.groundswellcenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=69.
Grazing Events
February 20, 2012. Direct Marketing Grass Finished Beef: One Small Scale Approach. Clyde, NY. Bill Hodge, retired U. Georgia extension specialist and principal of Sustainable Genetics, will be the keynote speaker at this conference. Bill and his wife, Di, will discuss their experience starting and operating Hodge Ranch. For more information or questions contact Nancy Glazier at (585) 315-7746 or at nig3@cornell.edu.
February 23, 2012. Charting a Profitable Grazing Path. Bath, NY. Looking to improve your grazing system? The Upper Susquehanna Coalition’s Grazing Team are hosting an interactive grazing management conversation, with topics to be covered including, broad-based grazing strategies and decisions and goals required to implement a resilient and profitable grazing system. To register and for more information contact John Wickhan at (607) 535-6878 or Jonathan Barter at (607) 776-7398.
Other Events
February 16, 2012. Webinar: Equitable Strategies for Growing Urban Agriculture. The first webinar in a series hosted by Policy Link. For more information and to register visit https://cc.readytalk.com/cc/s/showReg?udc=7hz49fhw3vc3&msource=urbagwebinar.
February – April, 2012. Raising Livestock in Tioga County: Workshop Series. Owego, NY. Looking to raise animals and sell pasture-raised meats? Learn from successful farmers and extension educators in this workshop series. To register, call 687-4020, or email meh39@cornell.edu.
February 21, 2012. Crop Symposium. Bath, NY. A symposium focused on a wide variety of field crop management topics. For more information or to register contact CCE Steuben County at (607) 664-2300.
February 22, 2012. It’s All About Food. Elmira, NY. If you are interested in learning about food regulations and regulators roles in food production, this seminar may be for you! Representatives from the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets as well as NYS Dept. of Health and Dept. of Weights and Measures will present. For more information or to register contact the SBDC at (607) 937-6861 or sbdc@corning-cc.edu.
February 20 – March 30, 2012. Cornell Garden Based Learning Online Course: Planning and Organizing Sustainable Gardening Programs for Children, Youth, Adults and Communities. Would you like more information on starting a school or community garden? This course will focus on the benefits and foundation of garden based learning as well as how to build a sustainable gardening program. For more information and to register contact Donna Cooke at dmc72@cornell.edu or visit www.rocklandcce.org.
February 22, 2012. Farm Market Merchandising Workshop: The Key to Incredible Sales. Geneva, NY. If you are involved in farm marketing and would like to learn methods of improving your sales, this workshop may be for you. An extension specialist and a professional produce merchandising consultant will present information from their research and experience. Pre-register by February 20, 2012 by contacting CCE Ontario County or emailing Nancy Anderson at nea8@cornell.edu.
February 22, 2012. 10th Annual Free Upstate Agri-Economic Development Summit. Cortland, NY. A comprehensive conference spanning a wide variety of topics including farm safety, direct marketing and agricultural economic development. For more information visit http://www.cortlandbusiness.com/agri_summit.php.
February 23-25, 2012. New York Farm Show. Syracuse, NY. For more information call Scott Grigor, Show Manager at 315-457-5145 or email sgrigor@ne-equip.com.
February 24-25, 2012. Just Food Conference. New York, NY. Join Just Food for a two-day conference on a variety of food and agriculture topics, including food preservation techniques, CSA trends and the food justice movements. For more information and to register visit http://www.justfood.org/events.
February 25, 2012. CSA Farm School: Growing Success One Share at a Time. Canandaigua, NY. Join a number of CSA farmers, CCE Ontario County and NOFA-NY for a workshop focused on the business decisions involved in operating a successful CSA. For more information and to register call CCE Ontario County at(585) 394-3977 x427 or e-mail Nancy Anderson with your full contact information atnea8@cornell.edu
February 25, 2012. Farming Our Future: Growing Food, Farms and Community. Crayville, NY. A one-day conference for local and regional farmers, educators, farmers’ market managers,agricultural students, providers of goods and services, consumers and all who care about the future of agriculture! For more information and to register visit http://www.farmingourfuture.org/.
March, 2012. 7th Annual New York Agricultural Literacy Week. If you are an agricultural professional or gardening enthusiast interested in volunteering to read an agriculturally themed book to second graders, you can access details and information about the event at http://www.nyaged.org/aitc/programs/literacy.htm. This year’s book is Seed, Soil, Sun: Earth’s Recipe for Food.
March 8-10, 2012. Farmers Market Manager Training Conference: Keep the Momentum Going. Saratoga, NY. In a series of workshop sessions managers, CCE educators, and the members of the Farmers Market Federation of NY, will discuss market issues such as, recruiting farmers, engaging the community, and reaching a consumer base. For more information and registration, visit www.nyfarmersmarket.com/workshops.htm, or Diane Eggert at deggert@nyfarmersmarket.com.
March 13, 2012. Commercial Berry Grower Update. Binghamton, NY. CCE Broome County is hosting the Commercial Berry Grower Update. The Update will consist of a series of workshops on current production, pest and disease issues. To register or for more information, contact Carol at clf62@cornell.edu or (607) 772‐8953.
March 20, 2012. Farms Working Together: Collaborative Marketing for Profitability. Victor, NY. This year CCE’s Regional Winter Agriculture Marketing Seminar will focus on ways family farms can increase their marketing power through collaboration. To register and for more information contact CCE Ontario County at 585-394-3977 x 427 or nea8@cornell.edu.
March 26 – May 3, 2012. Cornell Garden Based Learning Online Course: Teaching and Learning in the School Garden: Theory into Practice. Would you like more information on the strategies, foundation and benefits of garden based learning? This course will focus on developing a gardening program that meets cross-curricular needs. For more information and to register contact Donna Cooke at dmc72@cornell.edu or visit www.rocklandcce.org.
March 31 – April 1, 2012. Home-scale Biogas Workshop.Ithaca, NY. Learn how to turn food and yard scraps, unmarketable produce, or manure into a usable energy source! For more information and to register visit http://ithacabiogas.wordpress.com/ or contact Sam Bosco at samuel.bosco@gmail.com
CAREER, ETC. OPPORTUNITIES
Farm for Sale: Haymeadow Farm – Westport, NY
Looking for farmland? Haymeadow Farm is a 30-acre farm with several large barn complexes originally set up for livestock. The farm has been managed organically for the last 7 years but not certified. Most of the farm has been in hay production, with potential for vegetables or to remain in hay or livestock. Close proximity to NY Thruway, trails and other farms. House on property. For more information contact Linda Coffin at (518) 524-3339 or coffin@westelcom.com.
Grass-fed, organic (not certified) Devon Cross Cattle: For Sale in New Jersey
If you are looking to start a herd of grass-fed cattle, you may be interested in purchasing the Howling Wolf Farm herd. The herd consists of 11 cow-calf pairs (the calves are 11 heifers and one bull) and six bulls (12-30 months of age). The herd sire is a ¾ Rotakawa Red Devon (not for sale). If you are interested and would like more information or pictures contact Matt Pearson of Howling Wolf Farm at howlingwolffarm@embarqmail.com.
Assistant Manager Position: Retail Sales and Marketing (The Berry Patch)
The Berry Patch, a farm in Stephentown, NY, is seeking and Assistant Manager whose primary responsibilities will be to manage the on-farm store, coordinate restaurant orders and coordinate farmer’s market needs. Prospective applicants should have a passion for and knowledge of local food. For more information about the farm visit www.theberrypatch.net and to apply contact Ms. Dale Ila M. Riggs at rberriesgreat@fairpoint.net.
Assistant Manager Position: Production and Retail Sales (The Berry Patch)
The Berry Patch is also seeking an Assistant Manager of Production and Retail sales to work part-time in the production greenhouses and fields and part-time in the on-farm store and at farmer’s markets. Applicants should have experience in crop production as well as a passion for local food and learning about production tasks and other areas of the farm operation. For more information and to apply contact Ms. Dale Ila M. Riggs at rberriesgreat@fairpoint.net.
Agriculture Issue Leader (CCE Orange County) – Apply by February 24, 2012
CCE Orange County is seeking a person to provide in-depth leadership for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Agricultural Programs of CCE Orange County. The Issue Leader will lead the application of research to local issues and involvement in research that addresses local concerns, among other responsibilities. The applicant must have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree relevant to agricultural public policy issues and community development programming, as well as professional experience. For more details visit https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10163/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=16836 or contact Connie Kan at ck236@cornell.edu or 607-255-0789.
Director of Northeast Regional Office (National Center for Appropriate Technology)
The Director will have a wide variety of responsibilities including, outreach, seeking development opportunities for NCAT and managing and leading projects, among others. The applicant must have an MA/MS degree, seven years of professional experience as well as an interest and knowledge of certain agricultural areas. For more information visit http://ncat.org/jobs.php#pa_dir_2012.
Agriculture Issue Leader (CCE Sullivan County) – Apply by March 9, 2012
CCE Sullivan County is seeking a person to provide in-depth leadership for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the Agricultural Programs of CCE Sullivan County. The Agricultural Issue leader will lead the application of research to local issues and involvement in research that addresses local concerns, among other responsibilities. The applicant must have a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree relevant to agricultural public policy issues and community development programming, as well as professional experience. For more details visit https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10163/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=16925 or contact Connie Kan at ck236@cornell.edu or 607-255-0789.
Fruit Resource Educator (CCE Ulster County) – Apply by March 15, 2012
CCE Ulster County is seeking a Fruit Resource Educator to work toward enhancing the profitability and sustainability in the fruit industries of Ulster County and New York. The Educator will work under the direction of the Senior Fruit Extension Educator to identify program needs and implement educational and research programs for commercial fruit growers, among other responsibilities. Prospective applicants are required to have a Master’s degree in a related field with experience in small fruit production strongly preferred. Visit https://cornellu.taleo.net/careersection/10163/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=16887 for details or contact Connie Kan at ck236@cornell.edu or 607-255-0789.
New York State Thruway Seeking Farmers for Tailgate Markets
Need another outlet for your produce? The NY State Thruway Authority is looking for New York farmers and growers to participate in “Tailgate Farmers Markets” at travel plazas along the Thruway system. The markets operate mid-May through November 1. For more information contact the Thruway Authority at (518) 436-2831. For a list of the travel plaza locations visit http://www.thruway.ny.gov/travelplazas/index.html.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
USDA Funding: Water Quality Markets – Proposals due March 2, 2012
The USDA is offering up to 10 million dollars (5 million dollars to efforts in the Chesapeake Bay) for projects that help states and other partners develop water quality trading markets. The ultimate goal is to show that markets are a cost-effective way to improve water quality. Proposals must cover a wide variety of areas including establishing market rules and infrastructure as well as education and outreach. For more information visit http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/national/newsroom/?cid=STELPRDB1046367. To apply visit http://grants.gov/ or your local NRCS office.
USDA Funding: Organic Agriculture Research and Extension Initiative – Due March 9, 2012
The USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing up to 2 million dollars for research and extension projects that aim to expand organic agriculture. Projects may span a wide variety of areas that include development of organic agricultural production, breeding and processing methods, economic benefits of organic production, and marketing of organic products, among many others. For more information and to apply visit http://www.nifa.usda.gov/fo/organicagricultureresearchandextensioninitiative.cfm.
NY State Assistance to Flood Affected Farmers – Due March 16, 2012
Governor Cuomo’s Agricultural and Community Recovery Fund (ACRF) will provide funding of up to $20,000 per eligible farm for losses caused by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. The initiative of the ACRF, Capital On-farm Needs Component, will help pay for losses such as repair or replacement of fixtures and agricultural equipment crucial for operations. For more information and to apply visit http://www.esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/FloodRecovery.html.
EnSaveEnergy Audits: Funding for Farm Energy Improvements – Due March 30, 2012
The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Environmental Quality Incentives Program funds Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMP), a program that can help farmers save between 10% and 35% of energy use in the most cost-effective ways. EnSave will establish an AgEMP for your farm by performing an audit and providing recommendations for equipment as well as a payback period. For more information vistwww.ensave.com.
NRCS Emergency Watershed Funding – Due March 31, 2012
NRCS in New York has made available $31.5 million to local units of government and communities to restore streams after the natural disasters of Irene and Lee. Examples of projects include, protection of threatened buildings, bridges or roads from continued stream bank erosion and stream down-cutting. For more information visit http://www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/ewp/index.html. To apply contact your local NRCS District Conservationist, at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=NY, and submit a letter to the NRCS State Conservationist requesting EWP assistance.
RESOURCES
2012 Cornell Pest Management Guide for Berry Crops
Cornell publishes this guide annually, so it contains the most up to date information on pest management and crop production for berry crops, including wildlife management, and the harvesting, handling and transporting of berry crops. To order visit http://psep.cce.cornell.edu/store/guidelines,send an email topatorder@cornell.eduor call 607-255-7282.
USDA Releases 2012 Plant Hardiness Zone Map
The zone map is a great resource for gardeners, farmers, plant breeders and seed companies in determining the plant varieties appropriate for a specific region. The model is also used by scientists to project the spread of weeds and insects. The new map registers an increase in temperatures in most areas, so it may change the varieties of plants that will thrive in historically colder regions. The map is available at http://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov/PHZMWeb/.
Farm Hack: A Community for Farm Innovation
The site Farm Hack seeks to encourage farmers to “learn, innovate and collaborate better,” by providing an online forum and blog as well through events that bring farmers together. The organization is focused on farm innovation and facilitating the sharing of ideas between farmers, especially geared toward new farmers. To check out the site or participate in the discussion visit: http://www.youngfarmers.org/practical/farm-hack/.
Sustainable Food Jobs Listserv: COMFOODSJOBS E-List
Are you looking for a job in the category of sustainable food systems? Join this listserv and receive notification of job postings and opportunities in sustainable foods. The e-list service was created by Hugh Joseph of Tufts University. To subscribe visit: https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/subscribe/comfoodjobs.
Educational Programs in Sustainable Agriculture Database
Published by the National Agricultural Library’s Alternative Farming Systems Information Center and the Sustainable Agriculture Educators Association, the EDTR is a great resource about education programs in sustainable agriculture. Please consider contributing to the database as it will help to improve the public’s access to current educational resources. To view the current draft of the EDTR, visit http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/edtr/EDTRupdate2012.shtml. To submit updates, corrections and additional institutions to the EDTR contact Becky Thompson at Rebecca.thompson@ars.usda.gov.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT
Small Farmers: Shape Your Future!
Register Now for the 2012 NY Small Farms Summit
Register now for the 2012 NY Small Farms Summit! The Summit will take place Wednesday, February 29th, from 9:30am – 3:30pm, with lunch provided.
What is the NY Small Farm Summit?
The Summit is an interactive meeting with an opportunity for all participants to take part in lively discussion, both locally, and across the state. The goals of the Summit are to increase visibility of small farmers and their needs, encourage local collaboration among regions, and to prioritize emerging opportunities to enhance viabilities of small farms in New York and the Northeast.
Who should attend the Summit?
Farmers, educators or agricultural service providers, farm businesses, policy makers, students, and members of the community who are interested and committed to a vibrant small farm sector in NY.
What can I expect?
In the morning, we will hear from two 2011 recipients of Small Farms Program grants to understand how ‘stakeholder’ feedback turns into meaningful projects that have direct benefit in the ‘field’. Then, we will hear from two farmer speakers about the visions they have for the short-term future of small farms in their regions. We’ll also have a brief visit with Dean Boor, from the College of Agriculture and Life Science, to learn more about how Cornell is supporting the small farm sector. In the afternoon, we will work in small groups to evaluate emerging opportunities and prioritize investments to enhance the viability of small farms. We plan to end the day with a list of top priorities that can inform small farm research, education and policy over the next 5 years.
Why should I participate?
The New York Small Farms Summit is the only event in the state that brings together the entire small farm community. You should attend the Summit if you are interested in voicing your ideas, if you enjoy networking with others, or if you want to learn more about supporting small farms.
How do I register?
The Summit will take place in 5 locations across the state. Sign up at the site nearest you. The event is free to attend and lunch will be provided. After you register, your site host will be in touch regarding directions, parking information and an agenda for the day. See contact information below.
Pre-Summit Survey
Please take the survey, regardless of your attendance at the Summit. It helps to identify and prioritize issues you care about! The link to the survey is: https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_bxrjyekn3mqaUy8
2012 Summit Host Sites:
Eastern NY
Location: Albany County, Cornell Cooperative Extension office
Address: 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186
To register: Gale Kohler at gek4@cornell.edu
Northern NY
Location: St. Lawrence County, Cornell Cooperative Extension office
Address: Extension Learning Farm Classroom at 2043 SH 68, Canton, NY 13617
To register: Brent Buchanan at bab22@cornell.edu or 315-379-9192 Ext 231
Western NY
Location: Wyoming County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office
Address: 401 North Main Street, Warsaw, NY 14569
To register: Joan Petzen‎ at jsp10@cornell.edu or 585-786-2251
Long Island
Location: Suffolk County, Cornell Cooperative Extension Office
Address: 423 Griffing Ave, Riverhead, NY 11901
To register: Sandy Menasha at srm45@cornell.edu or 631-727-7850
*Central NY
Location: Mann Library, Agriculture Quad, Cornell University Campus
Address: Tower Road, Ithaca, NY 14853
To register: Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu
*We are nearing capacity at the Ithaca location and strongly encourage you to choose another location.