We will discuss nutrient transport off of our grass-fed dairy farms. We will cover minerals, soil health, plant health and how these influence our dairy cow’s health. After lunch, graciously provided by Organic Valley, we will head out to the pasture for a lively conversation about regrowth, species composition and how our nutrient or lack […]
Discover the basics of foraging for plants. We will start with general foraging tips and then go over some easily identifiable species. For a hands-on follow-up, register for the Foraging Walk later in the month. Instructor Bio: Marissa Nolan is the Horticulture Team Lead at CCE Tompkins and previously worked in forest restoration and as a naturalist. Fee […]
An exploration of the most ancient way of growing grapes for wine becomes a leap into the very deep rabbit hole of polyculture agroforestry and rethinking our relationships to the more than human community that makes wine possible. This is a walking tour of the farm. Learn the techniques, ecological principles, and low-cost, low-input ways […]
Carl Albers homestead planting, which also hosts a significant trial for the NY Nut Growers Association English Walnut Project, has grafted shagbark and shellbark hickories, apples, pears, plums, black locusts, and a vegetable garden. Carl is doing his best to foster early nut production through organic fertilization and other options for regenerative nut tree culture. […]
Quench your thirst in this hands-on workshop all about making your own herbal “gatorade.” We’ll explore three time-tested techniques that balance tangy vinegar with natural sweetness to create refreshing, mineral-rich drinks that can satisfy any farmer’s quench. We’ll learn the history and craft behind traditional drinks like switchel, sekahnjebin, and oxymel, and break down their […]
Mark your calendars for an interactive field day focused on innovative soil health practices and farm viability opportunities, featuring biochar and agrivoltaics at Martens Farm in Penn Yan, Yates County. Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | Schedule: Biochar 2:00–4:00 p.m. | Agrivoltaics 4:00–6:00 p.m. | Location: Martens Farm, Penn Yan, NY Space is limited, and pre-registration […]
Join us on a foraging walk to see what along our trails is edible! This walk will focus on mushrooms but discuss plants as well. The trail will be moderately flat over uneven terrain and we will cover around 1 mile, please wear proper footwear and bring water. Participants must be 18 years old or […]
Looking for practical, ready-to-use programming on farm stress and communication? Join this webinar for an overview of the newly updated MSU Extension farm stress training programs and facilitator guide. Designed for educators and facilitators, these evidence-informed resources help reduce preparation time while making programs more engaging, interactive, and relevant for agricultural audiences. In this session, […]
Join us at Gianforte Farms for a NY Soil Health Field Day focused on soil health in organic field crop systems. BBQ lunch included! Free to attend, registration required. Featuring: Featured speaker: Dr. Erin Silva, (University of Wisconsin – Madison) – Reducing Tillage in Organic Systems Reduced tillage field tour Soil pit demo with NRCS Precision […]
Join us for a hands-on introductory workshop focused on safe harvesting, produce handling, washing, storage, and post-harvest care for small-scale and organic farming systems. Participants will learn practical techniques to maintain produce quality, reduce food waste, and improve food safety through demonstrations and interactive learning stations. Topics include harvest timing, washing methods, storage basics, cooling, […]
In this presentation we will cover the essential features of syntropic agroforestry. What does syntropy mean, and how can we achieve it? We will discuss what is meant by the macro-organism, how ecological succession is used as a guiding principle, how forest stratification is treated, and the importance of pruning to drive the system. We […]
Join us as we present the first-year results of exploring the above-business-as-usual maintenance costs of farming in a conservation-minded way. This first foray quantifies the differences in production expenses and profitability of the PES pilot farms compared to producers of a similar scale & type that utilize conventional farming practices across New York State. By […]
