Welcome back to the Small Farms newsletter!
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Dear friends,
Last Monday, I had an intense day meeting with NYS legislators about the Cornell Small Farms Program. It was a great opportunity to share the amazing impacts of our program, as well as stories of our work together.
Thank you for staying connected with us across all of our platforms and programs, as this helps us spread the message of who is farming in NYS.
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Many legislators were surprised to hear that 90% of our NY farms would be considered small. I always share the USDA definition of a small farm — grossing less than $350,000 per year — as well as my own: You are small farm if you think you are.
I prefer this definition because being a small-scale farm isn’t only about the dollars earned, or the acres managed, or what you choose to grow, or where you farm. It is about your identity in our state's agriculture and who you see as your community.
Some of our program participants come from very small farms, and others would be considered large by USDA definitions.
Regardless of definitions, we are glad you’re here. We aim to keep supporting your good work, and want to see you and your farm thrive for a long time coming.
Here is to seeing spring on the horizon,
Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
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Small Farms Program Updates
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March into Better Management with Labor Ready Trainings
With labor as one of the largest on-farm costs, it is wise to invest in people and improve your management skills. Are you managing your labor well? Our Labor Ready project will be co-hosting two intensive sessions of "Supervising Farm Employees" training this March. Farm owners and managers will leave with the skills you need to effectively hire, train, and supervise your farm’s employees.
Learn more and register.
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Farm Ops Project to Continue Event Series for Veterans in Agriculture
We are pleased to announce that our Farm Ops project will be continuing its series of training workshops for veterans interested in agriculture throughout 2020. These opportunities include twelve single-day focused trainings on a variety of topics, as well as connecting participating veterans to additional regional training opportunities, print material, and online resources tailored to each individual's interests.
Learn more and register.
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Register Soon to Learn Ways to Boost Your Farm Business
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Whether you’re interested in writing a business plan for your farm or learning about grazing management, our upcoming block of online courses has a small farms course for you. Courses are offered with tiered pricing from $199 – $299, based on household size and income to make access to the courses more affordable and equitable for everyone.
- Grazing is more than simply turning livestock out onto a green pasture and hoping for the best. With sound grazing management, you can reduce workload, keep animals happier and healthier, and improve the overall productivity and profitability of your farm.
- Mushrooms are an emerging niche crop and can easily be grown. This course trains new and experienced farmers in the background, techniques, marketing and economics of farm scale indoor commercial production.
- The health and productivity of the soil forms the basis for any farm’s success, profitability, and ecological sustainability. Be a successful farmer by developing a holistic approach to preserving and building soil health and fertility through this course.
- Are you a trying to navigate the legalities of owning a farm? This course helps early stage farmers assess and manage a variety of risks that they will face, including the business, tax, and regulatory implications of your farm.
- Arm yourself with a business plan and you will have a guide to aid your farm decision-making and demonstrate to yourself and your family that your ideas are feasible. This course is designed to help you build your plan, including developing financial statements.
Live content for our block four courses start in just one week, so register now.
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Featured From #CornellSmallFarms
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@alwayssomethingfarm spends time handling pigs so they're easier to move, but also because it's fun.
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@marshmeadow_farm shared that they were jumping into the weekend, just like the farm's goats.
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@growing.hope.farm shared the sunset on their farm as they went inside to take our course on mushrooms.⠀
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Share what’s been happening on your farm with
#CornellSmallFarms
on Instagram and we may feature your image and story in the next newsletter.
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You May Be Eligible: FSA Loans for Counties with Heavy Rain, Hail
Forty-three New York counties have been named primary natural disaster areas based on flooding rains. Additionally, two more counties have been named for
hail damage. The state of disaster often creates eligibility for FSA loans for emergency credit and can be used to meet various recovery needs.
Learn more and check eligibility.
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Apply Now for Farmer Veteran Fellowship Fund
This fund is a small grant program that provides direct assistance to veterans who are in their beginning years of farming or ranching. Awards range from $1,000 to $5,000, and can be used to purchase equipment or supplies that will support your farm business.
Learn more and apply by March 6.
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Funding Available for High-Efficiency Irrigation Systems
Financial assistance is available to support the implementation of high-efficiency agricultural irrigation water management systems. Proposals for funding should address improvements to existing agricultural irrigation systems that result in the conservation of water resources, improvements to nutrient management strategies and crop production yields, while safeguarding natural resources.
Learn more and apply by April 6.
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Advanced Payment Option for Historically Underserved Producers
Beginning, socially disadvantaged, veteran, and limited resource farmers or ranchers currently participating in the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are eligible for advanced-payment grant funding. Rather than waiting to be reimbursed, qualifying farmers receive funding up-front.
Learn more and check eligibility.
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Business & Career Opportunities
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Seasonal Farmer Wanted for Queens County Farm in NYC
Queens County Farm Museum is one of the longest continually farmed sites in New York State. Their agriculture department seeks a motivated, energetic individual to join its team for the 2020 growing season. Through participation in the day-to-day operations of production, the Seasonal Farmer will learn about the skills necessary to run a diversified farm.
Learn more and apply.
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Produce Project in Rensselaer County Seeks Seasonal Farm Assistant
The Produce Project is a two-acre organically managed farm in Troy, NY. They're looking for a farm assistant to join their committed staff, interns, and youth leaders to in the harvest, build community, and help chart a new path for 20 youth this summer. The position is full-time, from April through October.
Learn more and apply.
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Stone Barns Center Hiring Livestock Manager
The Stone Barns Center is a non-profit farm and educational center in Pocantico Hills, NY. They seek an experienced Livestock Manager to oversee all of the daily operations associated with the organization’s livestock program consisting of cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, and swine across approximately 330 acres of pasture.
Learn more and apply.
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CCE Seeks a Central NY Emerging Crops Specialist
This extension position is responsible for providing leadership to plan and develop educational programs that emphasize the production and management of emerging crops. The specialist will be developing a formal program that supports the growth and expansion of industrial hemp, hops, grains for the local craft beverage or bakery industry, or other emerging crops in New York State.
Learn more and apply.
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Executive Director Sought for Community Farm in Saratoga County
Pitney Meadows Community Farm is a 166-acre working community farm using organic practices located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, NY. The Farm offers agricultural education opportunities, champions healthy food production and access, and fosters connections to the land through recreation for everyone in our community. They are seeking qualified candidates to serve as executive director.
Learn more and apply.
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Non-Profit Supporting Black Farms in South Seeks Executive Director
The Southeastern African American Farmers Organics Network (SAAFON) is a leading organization committed to supporting, training, and convening Black farmers in the U.S. South. They are seeking nominations and applications for a new Executive Director. The ideal candidate will be a humble servant leader who is committed and passionate about Black culture, history and farming.
Learn more and apply.
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Sheep for
Solar Grazing
When: Thursday, February 20 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Watertown, NY
Details: Looking to put a solar array on your land, or interested in grazing under solar arrays? Learn about adding sheep to solar arrays, and the benefits to the land owner, sheep producer, and the land. Free to attend.
Learn more and register.
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Beef Quality Assurance Transport Workshop
When: Friday, February 21, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: North Bath, NY
Details: BQAT plays a critical role in the health and welfare of cattle. Learn the principles of stockmanship, biosecurity, fitness for transport and emergency management. Free to attend, pre-registration requested.
Learn more and register.
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Eastern NY Fruit and Vegetable Conference
When: February 25 and 26, various times
Where: Albany, NY
Details: This conference features sessions on tree fruits, small fruits, grapes, vegetables and hemp. There's also an opportunity for DEC credits, and an optional FSMA training. Cost to attend varies.
Learn more and register.
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B.E.V. NY Conference on Wine Industry
This annual conference for the grape and wine industry offers attendees the opportunity to learn about business, enology and viticulture from industry experts. The event will be held Wednesday, February 26 to Friday, February 28 in Rochester, NY. Cost to attend is $200 for first person, $185 for additional registrations.
Learn more and register.
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New York State Farm Show
This is the premier indoor farm show in the Northeast, with over 400 exhibitors covering more than 300,000 square feet in five buildings of exhibits. It will be held Thursday, February 27 to Saturday, February 29 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Syracuse, NY. Admission is $5 at the door; free for under 18.
Learn more.
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QuickBooks 4-Week Intensive
Dig deep into your farm financials with this upcoming workshop. You will learn how QuickBooks can help you get the answers you need to improve profitability and cash flow; and maintain financial sustainability. Live classes begin Thursday, March 5, and meet online for 2 hours every week. Cost is $399.
Learn more and register.
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Additional Reading & Resources
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Considerations When Leasing Agricultural Land to Solar Developers
Solar leasing has the potential to significantly help farmers balance their budgets with minimal impact to farm operations and should be carefully considered. This report from Cornell Cooperative Extension details some major legal and ecological considerations, and includes further resources for more information and support.
Read more.
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Growing Opportunity for Farm to School in NY
This report from American Farmland Trust NY focuses on "How to Revolutionize School Food, Support Local Farms, and Improve the Health of Students in New York," through a comprehensive survey of school food service professionals across New York and in-depth interviews.
Read more.
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About Us
The Small Farms Newsletter is a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York and beyond. The newsletter is produced by the Cornell Small Farms Program (SFP), which helps farmers get expert assistance to facilitate all phases of small farm business development. SFP is housed at Cornell University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and works collaboratively with Cornell Cooperative Extension.
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Do you have farm-related questions? Sometimes local questions are best answered by your neighborhood Cornell Cooperative Extension agent.
Find your local contact
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