Posts by Anna Birn

Anna Birn is a junior studying Agricultural Science with a minor in Community Food Systems. She works as a student assistant at the Cornell Small Farms Program, supporting its communications and outreach efforts.
Cross-sectioned and whole kiwiberry

Explorations of Growing the Kiwiberry in the Northeast

By Anna Birn / April 17, 2019

Kiwiberries could be the next big horticultural crop for producers in the Northeast, according to researchers. Kiwiberries are a perennial vine which produce grape-sized, smooth-skinned fruit, that look and taste like their tropical namesake. The fruit has a complex flavor profile and is easy to consume making it especially desirable in regions where they are…

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USDA Expands “Defend the Flock Campaign” with New Resources for All Poultry Growers

By Anna Birn / April 1, 2019

Biosecurity has proven to be the most effective way to protect the nation’s poultry, property, and people. The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has expanded its Defend the Flock program to educate all poultry growers about best practices in biosecurity. Considering the devastating impact of the highly…

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Galaxy Suite of Tomatoes Takes Off

By Anna Birn / March 27, 2019

A recent study of consumer demands found that New York State residents want more products that are local, organic, and possess high quality, diverse flavors. In response to this feedback, plant breeder Phillip Griffiths, associate professor of plant breeding and genetics at Cornell AgriTech, developed a new line of grape tomatoes. After being thoroughly consumer…

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Cornell Hosts First “Digital Ag” Hackathon

By Anna Birn / March 18, 2019

For the first time ever, a Cornell Hackathon was devised to deal with agricultural issues. This event, which took place on March 1 and 2, combined departments across Cornell University including computer, food, animal, and agricultural science. Focusing on the growing need for increased food production, the hackathon addresses a looming global problem. “You have…

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New Roadmap Focuses on Soil Health in New York

By Anna Birn / March 6, 2019

In a collaborative effort between the New York Soil Health Initiative and Cornell University, a new plan has been rolled out to help guide the adoption of soil health practices in New York State. This new program, titled the New York Soil Health Roadmap, was written to address sustainability in food production through innovation in…

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"Defend the Flock" USDA Campaign Aims to Protect Poultry Health

By Anna Birn / February 21, 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has launched a new outreach campaign focused on preventing the spread of infectious poultry diseases in both commercial and backyard poultry. Considering the devastating impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in 2014-2015, as well as the recent outbreak of virulent Newcastle…

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Defend the Flock Badge xg9j5y

“Defend the Flock” USDA Campaign Aims to Protect Poultry Health

By Anna Birn / February 21, 2019

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has launched a new outreach campaign focused on preventing the spread of infectious poultry diseases in both commercial and backyard poultry. Considering the devastating impact of the highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreak in 2014-2015, as well as the recent outbreak of virulent Newcastle…

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CALS Contemplates the Role of Drones in Agriculture

By Anna Birn / February 19, 2019

Recognizing the needs of the modern farmer, The Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences,  has called together a task force dedicated to engaging multiple departments in digital agriculture. The digital ag initiative refers to using data systems to optimize food production and, finding technological solutions for farming problems. Cornell Initiative for Digital Agriculture (CIDA)…

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Julie Suarez Talks 2018 Farm Bill on "Extension Out Loud"

By Anna Birn / February 6, 2019

To kick off season 3 of the Cornell Cooperative Extension podcast, “Extension Out Loud,” CALS Associate Dean of Governmental and Community Relations, Julie Suarez joins the show to talk through the new 2018 farm bill. The bill, renewed every five years, is the main tool the federal government uses to regulate food and agricultural policy.…

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cce extension out loud podcast 2i79471

Julie Suarez Talks 2018 Farm Bill on “Extension Out Loud”

By Anna Birn / February 6, 2019

To kick off season 3 of the Cornell Cooperative Extension podcast, “Extension Out Loud,” CALS Associate Dean of Governmental and Community Relations, Julie Suarez joins the show to talk through the new 2018 farm bill. The bill, renewed every five years, is the main tool the federal government uses to regulate food and agricultural policy.…

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