Explorations of Growing the Kiwiberry in the Northeast
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 … Read More
Labor-Ready Trainings Support Farm Management Skills
The first three months of 2019 have been a whirlwind of activity for the Labor Ready Project. In this retrospect, Nicole Waters shares how the project’s recent trainings supported both advanced beginning farmers and farm managers in business and management skills. The accumulation of months of outreach and preparation came to fruition during March for … Read More
Galaxy Suite of Tomatoes Takes Off
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 … Read More
Baskets to Pallets Training Aims for Holistic Approach
On March 14 and 15, the Baskets to Pallets project hosted a regional training in Rochester, NY. In this retrospect, Violet Stone shares how the training prioritized a holistic approach to learning about wholesale markets such as food hubs, groceries, schools and cooperatives. As project coordinator of the Baskets to Pallets project, much of the … Read More
Cornell Hosts First “Digital Ag” Hackathon
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 … Read More
A Discussion of African Diasporic Wisdom for Farming and Food Justice
Recently the Cornell Small Farms Program welcomed Leah Penniman to campus to lead a seminar describing her work, as well as her newly published book, “Farming While Black.” Farmer, educator, food justice activist, and now writer, Leah does it all. Well known in the NY farming community, as the co-founding of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, NY, Leah has been an … Read More
New Roadmap Focuses on Soil Health in New York
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 … Read More
Register Now: Diversify Your Market Channels & Explore Wholesale
Are you in search of new markets? Have you considered intermediary channels like food hubs, grocery stores, schools and cooperatives? The demand for local food continues to grow…Is your farm business ready for the opportunities? Ensure your success by joining us for ‘Baskets to Pallets’, a comprehensive two-day introduction to selling wholesale. Baskets to Pallets … Read More
“Defend the Flock” USDA Campaign Aims to Protect Poultry Health
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 … Read More
CALS Contemplates the Role of Drones in Agriculture
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) … Read More
