Aren’t They All Just Pines? How to ID Needle-Bearing Trees
This “How To” was prepared by Peter Smallidge, NYS Extension Forester and Director, Arnot Teaching and Research Forest, Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Ithaca, NY 14853. Support for ForestConnect is provided by the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and USDA NIFA. Fall and winter are great seasons to learn about the … Read More
Julie Suarez Talks 2018 Farm Bill on “Extension Out Loud”
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. … Read More
Seeking New Markets? Baskets to Pallets Coming to Rochester March 14-15
Are you looking to diversify sales beyond the farmers market, CSA and farm stand? Food hubs, grocery stores, schools and cooperatives are looking for your products to meet growing consumer demand for locally produced food. Yet, doing successful business with wholesale buyers requires planning and preparation. Ensure your success by joining us for ‘Baskets to … Read More
Recipe for Success: Brew Your Own Biofertilizer
Have you thought about switching to a biofertilizer? Full spectrum biofertilizers like “Super Magro” have simple ingredients and can prevent yield loss. Through plant nutrition, biofertilizers reduce disease, pest, and physiological stress, to maximize your crops’ performance. After brewing the base recipe, Super Magro can be tailored by adding specific mineral salts to fit your … Read More
Improve Apple Production with Natural Habitats and Bee Diversity
New research has found that orchards in natural habitats draw bee diversity which improves apple production. The Cornell University-led study, published recently in the journal Science, shows that apple orchards surrounded by agricultural lands are visited by a less diverse collection of bee species than orchards surrounded by natural habitats. When fewer, more closely-related species of bees … Read More
From Beekeeping to Business Planning: Register Now for Block Four Courses
Register now to learn about business management, soil health, specialty mushrooms, beekeeping, business plans, high tunnels, and grazing. Courses fill up quickly and registration closes for block four in just one month. Block Four Courses Start the Week of February 25 Registration closes for block four on Sunday, February 17 at 11:59 p.m. EST. We … Read More
Save Money, Retain Valuable Staff and Increase On-Farm Efficiency
Time is valuable. Time is money. And time is of the essence at the height of the busy season! We know that the ability to manage people effectively is a critical skill for a successful farm business. An efficient crew can make or break the bottom line during harvest. So why not invest in your … Read More
Briquetting a Better, Burnable Cow Patty: Farmer Turns Livestock Waste into Fuel Source
A farmer recently completed a USDA Northeast SARE funded project to demonstrate a hydraulic press used to make fuel briquettes from manure and bedding. The machine, dubbed the “Biomass Beast” by its creator, Rose Marie Belforti, was built for $5,766 and produced briquettes at a rate of 90 dry pounds per hour for 3 cents … Read More
Cornell Small Farms Program Year in Review
Letter from the Director It has been quite a year for the Cornell Small Farm Program. We have grown to ten amazing, committed staff who actively work to support the viability of small farms through education, outreach and research. Each works closely with many partners, especially Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators, toward our mission of helping farmers … Read More
Podcast by Cornell Cooperative Extension Explores 2018 Harvests and NYS Impacts
New York farmers experienced a wet, then dry, then wet 2018 growing season that brought a number of challenges. How did those conditions affect the quantity, look and taste of apples, grapes, vegetables and other locally sourced products on grocery shelves and dinner tables? Answering that and other questions is the focus of the “Extension Out … Read More
