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 Farm Program
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| Small Farms Program Highlights |
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Intensive Tractor Operation and Management Clinic: Two Locations!
The Cornell Small Farms Program will be hosting two regional 2-day, intensive workshops led by Shane LaBrake, who provides an unusual and holistic approach to tractor operation, safety and routine maintenance. The class is designed to de-mystify tractors and equipment, empower and inspire, and inform "scale-appropriate" equipment choices and purchase decisions. Attend the workshop in
Canton (NNY) on April 27th and 28th OR
Belmont (WNY) on April 23rd and April 24th.
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Did you miss our Reduced Tillage webinars?
Watch the
webinar recordings for the latest research on reduced tillage for organic vegetable production. Learn about practices that fit your operation, from permanent beds, tarps, and mulches, to cover cropping, strip tillage, and cultivation tools.
- Reduced Tillage on Permanent Beds
- Strip Tillage Tools and Practices
- Cultivation for Reduced Tillage Systems
Questions? Contact Ryan Maher, Cornell Small Farms Program
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Meat Processing Certification Program Through SUNY Cobleskill
The Meat Processing Certification is an intensive, hands-on, four-part training program designed to provide the knowledge and skills required to enter employment in the meat processing industry. The program consists of specialized training in the accuracy of cutting, knife handling, portion control, merchandising, and the utilization of all products. Hands-on training in animal slaughter, primal fabrication, retail cutting, value-added products (sausage), wrapping and storage of the finished product. Safety, sanitation and HACCP will be included. Register by calling 518-255-5598 or emailing
serdyML@cobleskill.edu.
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NOFA-NY Neighborhood Farm Share Program
NOFA-NY's Neighborhood Farm Share Program
provides limited-income residents of Buffalo and Rochester with financial support to participate in local Community Supported Agriculture
(CSA) programs. CSAs give you access to some of the freshest, organic vegetables around - every week! All our CSA farmers are either Certified Organic or Farmer's Pledge. Applications and information about participating farms will be available soon!
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 Seed Starting Workshop
April 9, 10-11am.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County 840 Upper Front St Binghamton, NY 13905
Learn all you need to know to start your own garden vegetable or flower plants from seed indoors. Seed starting mixes, lighting needs and after-care of seedlings will be explained. Gain hands-on experience as you sow seeds in a six-pack container (seeds will be provided or you can bring your own). Class size is limited so pre-registration is required. Learn more and register
here.
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HACCP/Food Safety Plans
April 13-14. Jefferson County Cooperative Extension Office, 203 N Hamilton St, Watertown, NY 13601
This course is designed to provide a hands-on, practical approach to developing food safety plans for your operation.
Throughout the course, participants will break up into groups and you will receive guidance in developing specific plans for your facility. At the end of the workshop you will have a good start to developing Food Safety Systems. We will also assist in meeting FSMA and 3rd party audit requirements.
This course is ideally suited for p
lant/corporate management, p
roduction,
QA/QC, e
ngineering, m
aintenance, and s
anitation personnel. Register here.
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Farmland Land Evaluation Workshop
April 22, 9am-3pm. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC)
232 Plaza Road (Hannaford Plaza), Kingston, NY 12401.
Are you thinking of turning your farming dream into a reality? Do you have questions about the viability of raising animal or vegetable products for sale? Whether you want to start a new business or need guidance on how to navigate agricultural tax laws, this is the class to get you started on your farm dreams.
Learn what a potential renter or buyer of agricultural land should know when it comes to evaluating soils/land, zoning, and infrastructure for various agricultural enterprises. This class will be taught by Jason Detzel, CCEUC Livestock/Pasture Educator, and Christian Malsatski, Agriculture Program Leader, who specializes in small acreage farming. Registration includes lunch and is $50/person, or $40 for enrollees of the CCEUC Ag Program. Register by mail using this printable registration form, or online here.
To be sent a brochure/registration form, or for more information, contact Carrie at 845-340-3990 ext. 311 or email
cad266@cornell.edu.
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 Managing Trees and Animals in Silvopasture Systems
May 12 & 13. Cornell Cooperative Extension Schuyler County, 323 Owego St #5, Montour Falls, NY 14865
The Cornell Small Farms Program, with support from New York State and the USDA, announces three trainings in agroforestry this coming Winter and Spring to support Veterans looking to get into agricultural production.
This course will explore the successful integration of livestock and trees in mixed systems to help participants understand how to establish and maintain forest and tree grazing systems on their farms. Learn more about silvopasure
here
. There are limited seats available, so register now.
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MANY MORE EVENTS at our Statewide Events Calendar.
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Career, Etc. Opportunities
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Intern - Laughing Earth Farm
Laughing Earth is hiring an intern for our 2017 season. Our diverse 170-acre farm includes 10 acres of organic vegetables and flowers, pasture-raised chickens, turkeys, and pork, winter holiday decor, and maple syrup. Our products are marketed through our CSA, a farm-stand, and year-round at the Troy Waterfront Farmers' Market. We are interested in promoting sustainable agriculture through educational school tours and the CRAFT Program, and showing others how a small, diverse family farm can become a successful reality. Please apply via email (farmers@laughingearth.farm). Visit laughingearth.farm for more information.
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Community Horticulture Specialist
CCE Sulfolk's Community Horticulture Specialist will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing educational outreach to and for the public about sustainable horticulture in Suffolk County. Major emphases includes developing and implementing the Master Gardener training program, overseeing and coordinating the efforts of these community volunteers, and developing educational materials on community horticulture. The Specialist will also supervise the operation of the Horticultural Diagnostic Laboratories in Riverhead and Oakdale. The Specialist will serve as a subject matter expert to program committees, CCE Staff, and such clientele as local, regional, and statewide agencies and other groups. This person is also expected to secure grants and outside funding, and managing budgets in support of the program's educational priorities under the direction of the supervisor. Learn more about the position and how to apply here.
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 Full Time Farm Manager - Dairy
Valley Shepherd Creamery, located in Long Valley, NJ specializes in milking hundreds of sheep and goats and making over 30 types of artisan, cave aged cheeses.
Located on 120 acres in Northwwest NJ, the farm markets mostly through farmer markets but also via wholesale to chefs and via its own retail locations. The Farm Manager reports directly to the Farm owner and is responsible for all aspects of supporting farm enterprises. Farm manager is responsible for entire operation including onsite employees. Hours can be irregular to accommodate agricultural needs. For more information, visit www.valleyshepherd.com and www.meltkraft.com. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Eran:
ew@quil.com
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Lake Ontario Fruit Team Production Economics Position
The Lake Ontario Fruit Program (LOF) serves commercial fruit producers in Wayne, Monroe, Orleans, Niagara, and Oswego counties along the shore of Lake Ontario.
The Production Economics and Business Management Educator will provide leadership in consultation with faculty and industry leaders for planning, implementing and evaluating educational programs that address producer identified needs and opportunities with emphasis on business management for commercial growers and other industry clientele. Primary emphasis will be in the area of tree fruit but could extend to other horticultural commodities. The program will include but is not limited to: economics of production; record keeping and business analysis; financial management, forms of business organizations, labor management, taxation and marketing. Implement educational programs utilizing a variety of methods. This position is full-time (40 hours/week) and will be located in Newark, New York. This is a one-year appointment with possible extension depending on funding and performance. Learn more about the position and apply
here.
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 Small Sustainable Farm Seeking Part Time Farm Worker
Graylight Farm is seeking a part time farm worker from May through October this year. We are a small sustainable farm who just moved to our new home in East Chatham NY. We grow non-certified organic vegetables and heritage breed pigs on pasture. The job will be primarily helping with farmer's markets and vegetable field work(transplanting, weeding, harvesting and bed prep), but may involve occasional chores with the animals.
For more info email us at farmer@graylightfarm.com or visit
www.graylightfarm.com.
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Extension Educator Agriculture Business Development and Entrepreneur Position
The College of Agricultural Sciences is seeking an individual trained in community and economic development, agriculture, agricultural economics, business development,
entrepreneurship and/or related field to join our nationally recognized Penn State Extension
Energy, Entrepreneurship and Community Development Program Team. The individ
ual
will be responsible for actively working with the team to identify important economic and community development issues related to agriculture and dairy business development and marketing. At the
core, these issues will focus on biosecurity and the food safety modernization act impacts on agricultural, agricultural business development/job creation, value added agriculture and agriculture niche markets, financial management and the overall profitability/sustainability of all agricultural businesses. For eligibility requirements and to apply, visit
click here
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Goodale Farms Inc.
Goodale Farms Inc. is Long Island's only full service dairy. Our dairy herd consists of approximately 30 heifers and 125 goats. We process our own milk into: bottled drinkable, yogurt, cheese, butter and ice cream. Our customer base runs from Montauk to Manhattan.
We are in search of a qualified individual to manage our dairy animals and milking process. The ideal applicant will have experience in the dairy field. We are looking for attention to detail in the care of our animals and the quality of our milk. There are long hours and much responsibility with this position. Responsibilities include: day to day milking, herd health, record keeping, birthing, feed, and farm upkeep.
Position comes with an apartment on the farm and access to food from the farm. Salary to start is $3000/month. 2-weeks vacation. Looking for a minimum of 1 year commitment.
Please call or email Hal Goodale for further details at
631-320-4759 and
Hal@Goodalefarms.com
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Bejo Seeds, Inc. Farm and Garden worker
This is a unique opportunity for an individual with an interest in agriculture/farming to learn about breeding, production, processing and sale of vegetable seeds for professional outdoor cultivation. The Bejo facility located in Geneva, NY grows many diverse vegetable crops for research and demonstration purposes. The successful candidate will be involved in all aspects of crop production including but not limited to seeding, transplanting, irrigating, maintaining, and harvesting field and greenhouse grown vegetables. Other responsibilities will include routine landscape maintenance, cleaning farm equipment, updating seed inventory and possible data entry. Must be able to work in both a team environment and alone. Up to 40 hours per week. Summer and Fall positions available from as early as April through end of October, 2017. Please send resume or list of relevant work experience to:
d.ferlito@bejoseeds.com.
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Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) Competitive Grants Program
The Farm Business Management and Benchmarking (FBMB) Competitive Grants Program provides funds to (1) improve the farm management knowledge and skills of agricultural producers; and (2) establish and maintain a national, publicly available farm financial management database to support improved farm management.
Estimated Total Program Funding is
$1,350,000. View the full RFA or apply for the grant here.
The deadline to apply is
April 17, 2017.
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NIFA Announces $11 Million to Support Specialty Crop Pest Management
Eligible parties may submit applications for the Minor Crop Pest Management Program Interregional Research Project #4 (IR-4) until May 1st. The purpose of the IR-4 program is to enable the crop protection industry to provide safe, effective, and economical crop protection products for growers and consumers of minor/specialty crops. The IR-4 program provides the assistance needed to ensure that new and more effective crop protection products are developed and made available to minor/specialty crop producers. These efforts require effective collaborations among federal agencies, the crop protection industry, and land-grant colleges and universities. Learn more and apply for the grant here.
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Graduate Student Research Grants in Sustainable Agriculture
Northeast SARE offers grants to graduate students who are researching topics in sustainable agriculture under the supervision of a faculty advisor. A complete description of the program and how to apply is available on the Northeast SARE website. You can also look at brief descriptions of past awards to get an idea of the scope, duration, and wide variety of topics Northeast SARE supports. Applications are submitted on line; the deadline for 2017 is May 9. If you have questions that aren't answered in these materials, feel free to call Northeast SARE at 802-651-8335 or send an inquiry via email.
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USDA Announces $11 million to Support Antimicrobial Resistance Research
Through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) - Food Safety Challenge Area,
$11 million in funding is available for projects that mitigate antimicrobial resistance (AMR), a growing public health issue that affects more than 2 million people annually.
This AFRI Challenge Area promotes and enhances the scientific discipline of food safety, with an overall aim of protecting consumers from microbial and chemical contaminants that may occur during all stages of the food chain, from production to consumption. This requires an understanding of the interdependencies of human, animal, and ecosystem health as it pertains to foodborne pathogens. The long-term outcome for this program is to support the development and deployment of science based knowledge to improve the safety and nutritional quality of food without sacrificing flavor, acceptability, and affordability. For more information and to apply, click here. The deadline for applications is June 21, 2017.
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 Report Details Motivations and Obstacles for Farmers Transitioning to Organic
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Maps, Apps, and Mobile Media Marketing
This
factsheet created by
Ohio State University Extension summarizes what marketers need to do to manage their online presence. It helps new businesses and experienced ones keep up to date on how they are viewed online, find out what information about their business is available, and learn how to connect it all with a consistent online presence.
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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 directory of beginning farmer service providers across the Northeast in the "Who Can Help?" section of our Northeast Beginning Farmers Project
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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