December 19, 2018
Welcome back to the Cornell Small Farms newsletter!
As we prepare for the winter holiday, the Cornell Small Farms team has taken time to reflect on the past year. In this edition of our newsletter, we're sharing a Year in Review of our projects, research and other work.

Tell us how your farm's year went, and let us know how we can support your farm business as you look ahead to next year. You can connect with us on Instagram by using #CornellSmallFarms, or through Facebook , Twitter , and our website .

We'll be back in your inbox in the new year, so if you have a story idea, event, or announcement for an upcoming newsletter, you can always submit to us through our online form . 
Cornell Small Farms Program Year in Review
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 get expert assistance to facilitate all phases of small farm business development, from initial growth to optimization to maturity.
 
Our work to support farm viability has included such recent successes as: 
  • 600+ farmers enrolled in our annual online farming courses and 60% of alums invested to grow their businesses within one year 
  • 450+ new farmers gained valuable management skills on production, management and marketing 
  • 450 vegetable farmers trained in soil-building practices that promote climate resiliency 
  • 200+ veterans gained skills needed to start or grow their farm businesses 
  • 130+ farmers learned best practices for entering wholesale markets and 85% were ready to sell to these channels 
  • 68,850+ followers, including: social media, newsletter and magazine 
 
This work will continue into the new year as we consider what are the emerging needs of small-scale farmers. Stay tuned for the next NY Small Farm Summit in 2019 where we invite you to help set the direction of our future efforts.

Thank you for your support, and best wishes for a joyful new year.

Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
Featured From #CornellSmallFarms
@the_farmette shared how egg collecting is a family affair, but not all make it to the carton.
@littlesalmonfarm shared their wreaths, handmade from fresh cut pine, fir, spruce and cedar.
@muddy_fingers_farm shared that their carrot harvest goes on through the cold, snow and mud.
Share what’s been happening on your farm with #CornellSmallFarms on Instagram and we may feature your image and story in the next newsletter.
Additional Reading & Resources
Podcast by Cornell Cooperative Extension Explore NY Farming Topics

The “Extension Out Loud” podcast features CCE agriculture specialists across the state discussing topics like growing conditions, the Farm Bill, and more. Listen now .
Protect Yourself and Your Livestock from Ticks

The New York State IPM Program warns: Don't get ticked! Learn how to protect yourself and livestock from ticks, and know what to do if you find them, with IPM resources .
Should You Tap Maple and Birch Earlier?

Maple and birch syrup producers: consider early-season tapping. Waiting to tap until late February and early March risks missing sap flow events, according to the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program's new research .
Learn About Growing Hemp on Science Friday

Interested in growing hemp? Listen to Larry Smart, from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, discuss the crop on the Science Friday radio show .
Farmer Responses Needed for Edible Weeds Survey

Are you a farmer in the Northeast interested or experienced in selling edible weeds and wild foods from your farm? If so, take a few minutes to fill out this survey for CCE Columbia and Greene Counties Agroforestry Research Center's SARE-funded project . 
How To: Successful Overwintering of Strawberries

The New York Berry Growers Association highlights strategies like putting down mulch, using row covers, and using deer repelling plants or fences to overwinter perennials .
Business & Career Opportunities
Apply Now for Industrial Hemp Research Program

Growers and processors interested in contributing to the NYS Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, are invited to apply by December 28, 2018 .
USDA Announces $3.7 million for Produce Farmers

The Harmonized GAP assistance will help fruit and vegetable growers access markets by paying for buyer-required certifications. Learn more about GAP Assistance.
Funding Available to Enhance Vineyard Operations

Concord growers in Chautauqua, Cattaraugus, Allegany, Steuben, Schuyler, Tompkins, Chemung, Tioga, Broome, Chenango, Delaware, Niagara and Erie Counties are eligible to apply for up to $50,000. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.
Sustainability Grants Available to Small Farms

Small farms and agricultural nonprofits can apply now for $2,000–$5,000 grants to fund projects that reduce water and power use, increase pollinators, improve soil health, promote natural pest control, or extend growing season . Learn more and apply .
Farm Building Tax Exemption Extended 

The NYS Real Property Tax Law exempts farm buildings that are critical to the operations of agricultural or horticultural businesses. The exemption was extended for the next 10 years and applies to newly constructed and re-constructed agricultural buildings.
Kreher Family Farms Seeks a Director of Crop Operations

The Director of Crop Operations will be responsible for leadership over 7,000+ organic farmed acres. The ideal candidate will be a highly operational critical thinker and decision maker who is comfortable running a complex operation. Learn more and apply .
Mark Your Calendars
Check our statewide calendar for events near you. 
Introduction to Hydroponics

When: Tuesday, Jan. 15, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Chemung County

Details: Learn about the different hydroponics systems and have your questions answered. Cost is $5; children under-12 free.
Beginner Maple Production Workshop

When: Thursday, Jan. 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Seneca County

Details: Small or beginning maple producers will learn about a variety of aspects of maple syrup production. Cost is $15 per family or farm. Registration required.
Western NY Tick Awareness Forum

When: Thursday, Jan. 24, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Where: Erie County

Details: Learn about tick-borne diseases and how to reduce risk of encounters. Cost is $5. Free tick removal kit for attendees who pre-register.
Grow Your Farm Business Course Series

Groundswell Center for Local Food & Farming's course series is held in Ithaca, NY, and teaches the core pieces of planning a farm business. Session topics include: goal setting, financial feasibility, marketing, and more. It is designed as a 10-week intensive, however, sessions are also available for individual enrollment. Learn more and register.
New York Certified Organic 2019 Winter Program

The series of NYCO meetings will bring together crop and dairy farmers to hear guest speakers on topics of organic production. The 2019 program dates are January 8, February 12, and March 12, all held at Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY. Free to attend, no need to register, but bring a dish for the potluck lunch.  Learn more. 
Marketing Planning for Farmers Markets

Learn about key marketing concepts, various marketing tactics, and the steps to create a marketing plan that will help your farmers market succeed. The three-part webinar series is offered by the Farmers Market Federation of NY, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County. Learn more and register.
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About Us

The Cornell Small Farms newsletter is a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and beyond. The Cornell Small Farms Program (SFP) envisions 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 program is a joint effort of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension.
Stay Connected
Are you just starting to farm? We have an extensive resources available in the "Plan Your Farm" section of our website. Do you have farm-related questions? Sometimes local questions are best answered by your neighborhood Cornell Cooperative Extension agent. Check our county-by-county listing for your small farm agents.