The Small Farms update summarizes announcements, resources, opportunities and upcoming events relevant to small farms. Please feel free to share this information in newsletters, email lists, etc. If you would like to submit an item for an upcoming issue,
please visit our new online form. Subscribe here.
Thank you again for your interest and support of small farms in New York.
Anu Rangarajan,
Director, Cornell Small Farms Program
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| Small Farms Program Highlights |
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Labor Ready Farmer Videos
Four new
Labor Ready Farmer videos
share the advice of individuals who have climbed the ladder on farms in New York from laborer to management or owner. Los videos son en español con subtítulos en inglés.
For those interested in following a similar path, the Labor Ready Farmer (LRF) project is developing materials to cultivate a stronger workforce in the fruit and vegetable industry, and build human resource capacity of new farm managers or owners. Roundtable discussions will be taking place mid-March to gather feedback from Latino agricultural employees, which will influence program development. Visit the
LRF website
to review available resources.
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New
Local & Regional Food Systems Website
Local and Regional Food Systems at Cornell recently launched a new, dynamic website to better demonstrate, strengthen, and build the network around local & regional food systems in New York State. Learn about the network of
people,
projects,
resources, and
locations of their work
,
connect with others who are working on food system issues;
participate in events or online forums;
share info on your Cornell or CCE based programs in LRFS; and
explore CU/CCE expertise across various areas of local food systems work. Nominate someone, including yourself, for a spotlight interview.
Or, upload your own
here!
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Labor Management Roundtables in Spanish - Coming in March
Sessions will take place in the Hudson Valley and in western New York to gather feedback from Latino agricultural employees. The roundtables will offer an opportunity to discuss the role of a farm manager and identify skills that are important to successfully climb the ladder from laborer to management. These events will inform program development, and are scheduled for:
Please also share this information with others who may be interested in participating and learning more!
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Survey Asks About Farming Challenges and Solutions (Nationwide)
Cornell University, University of California-Berkeley, and The Nature Conservancy are conducting a nationwide survey for all fruit, vegetable, grain, and field crop producers to identify the biggest challenges that farmers face, as well as the best solutions. Our goal is to understand what the most important factors are for farm owners and managers when deciding whether or not to use certain practices related to soil, crop, and pest management. Key findings from the survey will be published and communicated to grower organizations and other farmer advocates so that recommendations, actions, and outcomes reflect what growers identify as being most helpful for their operation. All responses will remain anonymous. If you choose to enter your e-mail address at the end of the survey, you will receive a summary report of the findings and you will be eligible for a chance to win $500. The survey takes about 30 minutes to complete. You can fill out the survey right now by clicking on this link: United States Farming Practices Survey.
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Submit Workshop Proposals for 2019 NOFA-NY Conference
NOFA NY is actively seeking workshop proposals for their 37th Annual Organic Farming & Gardening Conference, which will take place in January 2019 in Saratoga Springs, NY.
NOFA-NY encourages those with knowledge, experience and passion for organic practices to propose ideas for a wide-range of workshop tracks
including Dairy, Livestock, Fruits, Vegetables, and more. Workshops are offered at different levels of instruction: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. A workshop may run for the standard 75 minutes, or as a 3-hour intensive,
depending on topic and practicality, and should provide substantial educational content and/or exposure and practice. NOFA-NY will provide presenters with a full conference registration and a small honorarium. Preference will be given to workshops with a single presenter.
The deadline for proposals is March 16, 2018.
Proposals will then be reviewed and the NOFA-NY Education Committee may accept, reject, or want to discuss and develop the proposal with you further.
Please submit your 2019 workshop proposal by clicking here.
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Adding New Cuts to Your Freezer Trade
February 21, 6:30-8:30pm. CCE Ontario, 480 N Main St, Canandaigua, NY 14424
Are you looking to improve your freezer trade business? Adding new meat cuts can help expand your offerings and make your farm stand out. Retired USDA Livestock and Meat Marketing Specialist Steve Olson will be demonstrating some of the beef cuts he helped develop while at USDA and cover an array of beef related topics. Cost for the event is $15 per person payable by cash or check at the workshop. To register, call Nancy Anderson at (585) 394-3977 x427 or register online. Contact Nancy Glazier at nig3@cornell.edu with questions. Learn more about the workshop here. Brought to you by the NWNY Team and CCE Ontario.
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Skills, Scale & Sustainability
March 2-3, 9am-5pm.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Learning Farm, 2043 State Highway 68, Canton, NY 13617
Join Shane J. LaBrake for a 2-day intensive workshop that blends philosophy and pragmatic advice with hands-on training and real-life problem solving as you develop your small-scale agricultural endeavors. Based on lessons learned from a lifetime of work and travel in food and farming, Shane provides unique insights from his practical experience of reconciling idealism with the nitty-gritty, day-to-day reality of maintaining a viable and sustainable enterprise. This class encourages thinking to clarify intention, and challenges the participants to create designs that will work for them. A binder of readings and other resource materials will be provided to each participant. Please dress for the weather and be prepared to be challenged and engaged. Pre-registration required, class size limited to 12. Registration includes lunch and snacks each day.
Register here.
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Northeast Sheep Shearing School
March 10-11, 8am-5pm.
A two-day sheep shearing school will be held at Shepherds Way LLC Farm in Locke, NY on March 10-11, 2018. Instruction will include the shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, hand piece maintenance and more. This school is for both beginners and advanced shearers. The school will be instructed by Doug Rathke of Minnesota, one of the top shearers in the United States with extensive training from the New Zealand Wools. Registration is $195 per person. The class will be limited to 20 students. Deadline for registration is February 15, 2018. To register, email
info@lambshoppe.com to get a registration form. Call 320-587-6094 if you have any questions.
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Farm Animal Safety and Management Training
March 12 @ 8:00am - March 13 @ 3:30pm.
Alfred State College Farm, 1254 State Route 244, Alfred, NY 14802
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County is offering aspiring, beginning and transitioning farmers a training focused on understanding how to work with livestock. Farmers need to know what's normal to be able to recognize abnormal behavior in their stock. With classroom and hands-on workshops covering safe handling and restraint, safe moving & transporting, routine animal care, producers will enhance knowledge and skill to work safely with livestock. Space is limited to 35 participants. The cost for attending is $75/person and
pre-registration is requested by February 28, 2018. If you are an Active or Retired Military Veteran you may apply for a stipend to cover registration, housing and travel. For more information contact Lynn Bliven at
585-268-7644 ext. 18 or
lao3@cornell.edu. Register online
here, or contact Lynn to register.
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MANY MORE EVENTS at our Statewide Events Calendar.
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Career, Etc. Opportunities
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Farm Manager: The Seed Farm
The Seed Farm, a nonprofit organization located in eastern Pennsylvania, is hiring! We are seeking a full-time, year-round Farm Manager to begin ASAP.
This unique farm management position will be responsible for the management of our working and educational farm site in Emmaus, PA. The farm includes a 1.5-acre diversified vegetable market garden, large pole building, high tunnel, 2,000 square foot greenhouse, perennial herb garden, two ponds, and an agricultural incubator where multiple, new farm businesses are in operation. As The Seed Farm is an educational and working farm, the Farm Manager can expect to engage frequently with program participants, volunteers, and farm visitors of all ages. Visit The Seed Farm's website for a full job description and to apply for this position.
Applications will be considered on a rolling basis. Position to begin immediately.
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Acabonac Farms Seeks Cattle Ranchers
Acabonac Farms in
Amagansett, NY
seeks motivated and passionate Cattle Ranchers to join our team. We raise 100% grass fed pasture finished beef on the East End of Long Island using rotational grazing methods. We are seeking individuals with excellent communication skills to assist in daily production needs including, but not limited to rotating cattle, herd health assessment & maintenance, pasture & infrastructure maintenance, and some equipment operation. This is a year round, full time position with room for growth for the right candidate. Requirements: Previous agricultural experience is preferred but not required, as long as candidate is hard-working. Must be comfortable working in all weather conditions, with large livestock, electric fence and heavy equipment. Ability to work long hours when necessary during peak parts of the season. Excellent communication skills. Mechanical aptitude.
Please email resume and note to: cristinacosentino@acabonacfarms.com.
Visit
acabonacfarms.com
for more information.
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Amir Hiring for Summer 2018
Amir, an organization dedicated to promoting sustainability and farming by creating garden and farm programs at summer camps throughout the U.S. and Canada, is recruiting college students and recent graduates for two summer positions: Amir Farmer and Amir Farm Manager.
Amir Farmers
are a diverse group of passionate leaders who work to cultivate today's youth to change tomorrow. Serving as garden-educators during the summer, they are at the center of the Amir program, building productive gardens and farms with campers, and using the garden space to teach about issues of environmental and social justice.
Farm Managers
are responsible for leading a team of 2 - 3 Farmers, creating program schedules and work assignments, reporting progress to central Amir staff, and ensuring all local camp protocol is being followed through the care of the Farm. Most importantly, Farm Managers
work with camp leadership to create and execute upon a vision for the Farm and its relationship to the camp community. Farm Managers draw from significant agricultural and educational experience.The ability to communicate, work well with, and manage a team is essential. Access the application here, which closes on March 23rd.
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Vocational Education Internship at Boni-Bel Farm
Green Chimneys (non-profit) has an internship opening in our Vocational Education program at Boni-Bel Farm in Brewster, NY. Interns guide therapeutic/recreational activities such as maintaining a flock of organic chickens and preparing fresh eggs for sale, making gift baskets, bee-keeping, harvesting vegetables, maple sugaring, and assisting in special events such as Saturday Farm Markets. Experiential 1:1 vocational sessions guided by interns are designed to help individual students with special needs following New York State Career Development and Occupational Studies (CDOS) standards. Apply online now
. The position is full time (April-November) and includes room/board/stipend.
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Marketing and Events Coordinator: Ithaca Farmers Market
The Ithaca Farmers Market is looking for a forward-thinking and creative coordinator to lead our marketing and event booking efforts. This is an exciting opportunity to work with a passionate team of local entrepreneurs dedicated to building the local economy, while assisting a premier Ithaca institution grow. The Marketing and Events Coordinator will have the opportunity to lead an exciting variety of marketing, digital media, PR and communications projects, and to expand our event rental opportunities.
They will also have the opportunity to connect with the market community by assisting the Manager in overseeing day to day market operations.
For more information about the position please click here.
If interested, please submit a resume, cover letter, 3 references and either a writing and/or graphic design sample to
beccarimmel@ithacamarket.com
no later than Monday, March 5th.
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 Hop Yard Manager in Northwest Connecticut
Connecticut's two largest hop farms are looking for a Full-Time Salaried Farm Manager for the 2018 season and beyond. The chosen candidate will have high energy and an enthusiasm for production agriculture. The Manager will be actively involved in all aspects of the farm operation. Previous work in production agriculture, a problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for equipment maintenance and repair are essential. A strong work ethic and the ability to work collaboratively with others is required. The candidate chosen will have IPM experience, conventional pest management experience, enthusiasm for outdoors work, a devotion to helping people do things the right and most efficient way, and a driver's license and car or truck. Benefits include a salary commensurate with experience, paid vacation, and a 1-bedroom apartment. To apply, please send cover note and resume to info@ct-hops.com.
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Small CSA/Horse Farm in Livonia For Sale
CSA/Hobby Farm and Small Horse Farm w/income - 10+ Acres across from Conesus Lake. 2 Barns plus
stable with water and electric, attached paddock, and pasture with run in. Irrigation system for
farming, green House, fruit trees and raspberries. Spacious home has 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths, 2
decks and pool, 2 fireplaces. Livonia Schools, reasonable taxes, town water, sewer and gas plus
outdoor well. Recently renovated and ready to go. For additional information and appointment contact
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ARE YOU HIRING? If you have a job opportunity that you would like to submit to the Small Farms Bi-Monthly Update, please write a detailed 125 word description and submit it
here
!
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Women and Minorities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Fields Program (WAMS)
This program supports research and extension projects that have robust collaborations to increase the participation of women and underrepresented minorities from rural areas in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics fields that are relevant to USDA priorities identified by the Secretary: (i) Promotion of a safe, sufficient, and nutritious food supply for all Americans and for people around the world; (ii) Sustainable agricultural policies that foster economic viability for small and mid-sized farms and rural businesses, protect natural resources, and promote value-added agriculture; (iii) National leadership in climate change mitigation and adaptation; (iv) Building a modern workplace with a modern workforce; and (v) Support for 21st century rural communities. For more information and to apply, visit the
NIFA webpage or view the RFA
here,
Closing date for applications is March 28.
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Early Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGERs) to Develop Breakthrough Ideas and Enabling Technologies to Advance Crop Breeding and Functional Genomics
The National Science Foundation (NSF) Biological Sciences Directorate (BIO), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the UK's Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) have established a joint funding opportunity to support the development of breakthrough technologies that will enable significant advances in crop breeding. This opportunity aims to make high impact changes in the ability to translate basic knowledge of plant genomics to practical outcomes in crops of economic importance to the participating countries. This NSF-BIO, USDA-NIFA and BBSRC Joint Activity is soliciting
Early Concept Grants for Exploratory Research (EAGER) proposals to support development of breakthrough ideas and technologies to speed the development for new crop varieties. For this EAGER opportunity, emphasis should be on developing enabling technologies that will impact crops or model crop systems. Projects that focus solely on sequencing will not be considered. Learn more and apply for the grant online
here.
Closing date for applications is July 9.
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New ATTRA Publication on
Soil Health and Site Selection for Fruit Production
ATTRA has a new publication for you to help develop sustainable and profitable fruit tree, bush, or vine production.
"Soils and Sites for Organic Orchards and Vineyards" contains useful information about site selection and soil preparation for organic fruit plantings. It also describes cover crop and mulching options for orchards and vineyard floors, and discusses fertilization and the role of mycorrhizae in maintaining healthy fruit plants. The publication is available for free on the
ATTRA website.
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Articles on Labor Management
Do you manage staff on farms? Are you interested in supervising employees? Check out these two new articles that share tips and considerations for individuals in or seeking to move into management positions:
"Making the Leap to Owner-Operator: Are You Labor Ready?" and
"Supervising Seasonal and Temporary Workers: Special Considerations." From hiring to training and retaining employees, many elements factor into managing staff. For those currently in or seeking management positions on farms in New York, please share your input through
this survey. Participants can enter to win either a $100 gift certificate to Tractor Supply or a free Cornell Small Farms online agricultural course of their choice in the coming year. One winner will be selected for every 50 participants.
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Farm Service Agency Loans Guidebook
Farm Service Agency Loans: The Ins and Outs of Growing a Farm with Federal Loans is written for farmers and ranchers who want to access low interest federal credit options that are aimed at family farmers. NYFC has worked with FSA to improve loan options for the young farmers who sometimes struggle to access credit. A historical number of young farmers are accessing microloans, yet 30% of young famers who took our
2017 National Young Farmer Survey reported that they were unfamiliar with federal programs. With this guide, we hope to help those farmers understand their options.
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Find Indicators of Soil Health
in New Video
NCAT's short video,
Soil Aggregate Stability: Visual Indicators of Soil Health,
shows the dramatic differences in aggregate stability that result from different management practices of the exact same soil type. The narration by NCAT California Regional Office Director Rex Dufour explains why aggregate stability is so important as an indicator of soil health, and how soil health can be supported. View the video for free at the
NCAT YouTube page
. The video is also available in Spanish here.
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Need personal help?
Sometimes local questions are best answered by your neighborhood
Cornell Cooperative Extension agent. Check out our county-by-county listing of small farm agents
here. You can also get to know our Cornell Small Farms Program
staff, or
contact us. Just starting to farm? We have an extensive resources available in the "
Plan Your Farm" section of our website.
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The Small Farms Update is intended as a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and the Northeast, and is provided to you by Cornell Small Farms Program. We envision a future where diverse and vibrant urban and rural farms build human capacity, revitalize communities, supply regional food systems, and foster ecological resilience in a changing world. The Cornell Small Farm Program is a joint effort of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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