Posts by Violet Stone

Violet's work focuses on creating retreats, workshops and programs for the agricultural community centered on themes of connection, wellness, purpose, integrity and courage. She sees this work as contributing to a more inclusive ‘culture’ of agriculture where all voices are warmly welcomed, honored and celebrated, including the voices of our ‘inner teachers’, sometimes referred to as 'spirit' or 'soul'. Violet serves as the NY SARE Coordinator and can help farmers and educators navigate NESARE grant opportunities.

Come work with us! Cornell Small Farms Program is hiring

By Violet Stone / January 14, 2015

The Cornell Small Farms Program and Northeast Beginning Farmers Project are hiring a full-time Project Coordinator for some new beginning farmer initiatives. Please share this news far and wide so we can recruit a great pool of applicants! Click here to see more details and to apply. Here are a few details: This is a…

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SFQ Editors/Writers Meeting on November 18th, 2014

By Violet Stone / November 18, 2014

Meeting Presentation Download the Meeting Presentation (PDF) Meeting Notes Download the Notes (WORD) Agenda 10:00am Welcome and Introductions 10:05am What is Working?  What Isn’t?  What could improve SFQ? Editors’ and Writers’ critical review of: submission process support from Cornell Small Farms Program office magazine’s visibility, content and success 10:20am Editors & Writers Roundtable.   How do you find writers or topics?  How…

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Cornell Small Farms Program Update

By Violet Stone / October 6, 2014

Message from the Editor It happens every year, and always surprises me.  Last summer, just after the first long, soaking rain of summer, I walked out to the garden to see a carpet of slugs feasting on a tattered array of succulent green stems that were once peppers, basil and hearty greens.  I went straight…

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Cornell Small Farms Program Update

By Violet Stone / July 8, 2014

Message from the Editor It happens every year, and always surprises me.  Last summer, just after the first long, soaking rain of summer, I walked out to the garden to see a carpet of slugs feasting on a tattered array of succulent green stems that were once peppers, basil and hearty greens.  I went straight…

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Sustainable Farm Energy: 2014 Virtual Tours Start April 4th

By Violet Stone / April 1, 2014

Are you looking to stabilize rising fuel and energy costs on your farm or homestead?  Are you seeking more sustainable sources of energy?  In this upcoming four-part webinar series, you’ll meet an organic vegetable farmer, grape grower & winemaker, sunflower & biodiesel producer, and pastured livestock farmer who will lead you through a virtual tour…

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Small Farmers: Is it Time to Add a Bigger Market?

By Violet Stone / March 18, 2014

Statewide meeting March 24th features farmers’ perspectives on food hubs, grocery stores, restaurants & more…. The practice of direct-marketing — selling products face-to-face via farmers markets, CSA’s or farm stands — has traditionally been attractive to small farmers because it cuts out the ‘middle man’, leaving all the revenue in the farmers’ pocket.  It can…

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Rescheduled: NY Small Farms Summit for March 24th

By Violet Stone / March 11, 2014

Due to heavy snow and freezing rain forecast across upstate New York, the 2014 NY Small Farms Summit, Beyond Direct Marketing: Exploring New Ways to Sell, is rescheduled for March 24th. If you were previously registered for this event and still plan to attend, please complete a new registration form. Are you currently selling through…

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NY Small Farms Summit: Wayne Cty Site Added!

By Violet Stone / February 21, 2014

We are pleased to announce a new host site location for the 2014 NY Small Farms Summit. If you are located in the Fingerlakes Region, you can now attend the program, Beyond Direct Marketing: Exploring New Ways to Sell, at the Wayne County Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Newark, NY. Are you currently selling through…

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Last Call! Where do YOU Sell? Survey closes soon

By Violet Stone / February 21, 2014

Thank you to the 450 farmers that have taken this survey! Since responses are still pouring in, we have extended the deadline to Wednesday, February 26th to give you a few more days to give input! Are you a Small Farmer? Where do YOU sell? Take this Survey to ID Small Farm Marketing Trends Are…

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Register Now for "Beyond Direct Marketing: Exploring New Ways to Sell"

By Violet Stone / February 13, 2014

Are you currently selling through a farmers’ market, csa, u-pick, or road-side stand? How well is it working? Direct-marketing can offer the satisfaction of a personal relationship with the customer, but wearing the ‘marketing hat’ has the disadvantage of consuming lots of time and energy. In recent years, a variety of new wholesale markets such…

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