Welcome back to the Cornell Small Farms newsletter!
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Dear friends,
Spring brings beginnings and endings. One of those exciting endings that happens around now is Graduation. This rite of passage signifies one thing ending and a world of possibilities blooming.
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I am so proud to share that Haley Rylander, my advisee, has completed her Masters of Science in Horticulture. Haley studied ways to advance no-till production systems for organic vegetables using opaque tarps. Check out the
fact sheet she wrote and illustrated!
Her deep commitment to applied research and small farms makes me feel optimistic even if my feet are wet. I feel lucky to have gotten to know her, and I can’t wait to see where she lands next.
Warmly,
Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
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Small Farms Program Updates
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Applications Open for New York “Armed to Farm” Veteran Training
Military veterans are now welcome to apply to attend the week-long Armed to Farm (ATF) training, hosted by the Cornell Small Farms Program’s Farm Ops and the National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) this summer. This training will be held from July 29 to August 2, 2019, in Victor, NY. The ATF training allows veterans and their spouses to experience sustainable, profitable small-scale farming enterprises and explore agriculture as a viable career.
Learn more and apply by June 30.
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Baskets to Pallets Project Offers Farmers Technical Support
Now in its fifth year, the Cornell Small Farms Program’s Baskets to Pallets project has offered three regional trainings to 120 farmers — helping prepare small and mid-sized farmers to successfully sell into scale-appropriate wholesale markets. Now, the Baskets to Pallets educator cohort of 14 service providers across NY, are offering one-on-one assistance to alums of these trainings. Farmers can receive up to 10 hours of coaching to address issues like production planning and wholesale pricing.
Learn more.
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Upcoming Mushroom Webinar to Feature Budget Tools and More
The Cornell Small Farms Program’s project focused on specialty mushrooms is holding a free monthly webinar series highlighting new research, farmer stories, and more. The next webinar will occur on Wednesday, June 5, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST. Participants will conduct production research to develop budget tools with Steve Gabriel (Cornell Small Farms Program). Attendees will also hear from Yolanda Gonzalenz (CCE Harvest NY) about the mushroom project’s plan to train new mushroom educators, and from William Padilla-Brown of Mycosymbiotics, who forages, teaches, and grows many mushrooms in many forms.
Learn more and register.
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Up Next in Our Events Series for Veterans in Agriculture
Farm OPS, a project of the Cornell Small Farms Program, is providing series of training workshops throughout 2019 for veterans interested in agriculture. These events will be held at EquiCenter Farm in Honeoye Falls, NY. The next event is
Controlled Environment Mushroom Production on Tuesday, June 11 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The second part of the mushroom course offerings, this course will provide practical instruction for designing and building controlled atmosphere mushroom production spaces. Learn the basic techniques and equipment required to start producing mushrooms on a small scale commercially.
Learn more and register.
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Featured From #CornellSmallFarms
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@theanthillfarm said though the optimal working temp for people is in the mid 50s, either way they're planting blueberries.
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@growingfamilyfarms shared how they’re prepping their permanent beds with a broadfork, a low tillage approach to loosen the soil.
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@farmstockfarm’s greenhouse guests have been plentiful with beds at capacity, so they built a “trellis annex” addition.
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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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$1 Million Top Prize in Grow-NY Food & Agriculture Competition
The application window is now open for round one of the Grow-NY food and agriculture competition, which is focused on growing an enduring food and agriculture innovation cluster in New York’s Finger Lakes, Central New York and Southern Tier regions. The competition, which will run for three rounds, offers a $1 million top prize, two $500,000 prizes and four $250,000 prizes for each round to innovative high-growth start-ups that are focused on the food and agriculture industry.
Learn more and apply by July 15.
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USDA Investing $12.5 Million in Conservation Innovation Grants
USDA is investing up to $12.5 million to help support the adoption of innovative conservation approaches on agricultural lands through the national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG). CIG projects boost production on farms, ranches, and private forests and improve water quality, soil health, and wildlife habitat. On-Farm Trials are newly authorized as part of CIG, supporting more widespread adoption of innovative approaches, practices and systems on working lands.
Learn more and apply by July 29.
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New ReConnect Rural Broadband Program Offers Loans & Grants
USDA Rural Development is now accepting the first round of applications for the Rural e-Connectivity Pilot Program (ReConnect). These funds will enable the federal government to partner with the private sector and rural communities to build modern broadband infrastructure in areas with insufficient internet service.
Learn more and apply.
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Agricultural Producers Can Apply for Environmental Quality Incentives
The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) helps agricultural producers in a manner that promotes agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible goals. Through EQIP, agricultural producers receive financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural land.
Learn more and apply.
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National Jersey Youth Scholarships Available for Students
More than $30,000 will be awarded in the 2019-20 school year by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA). The funds will provide financial support for young Jersey owners pursuing a college or university degree or, in some cases, gaining hands-on experience in the development and management of Registered Jersey™ cattle. Eligible applicants are Junior or Lifetime members of the association with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale).
Learn more and apply by July 1.
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Business & Career Opportunities
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Land Access Trainers to Help Farmers and Ranchers Secure Land
American Farmland Trust has certified its first group of Land Access Trainers are part of its Farms for the Next Generation initiative. The 25 experienced agricultural educators and service providers will teach beginning farmers and ranchers how to lease, purchase, and receive land through inheritance or gift, along with finding and assessing land, and the basic financial skills needed to make informed land-access decisions.
Learn more.
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National Farm Viability Conference Opened Call for Proposals
The National Farm Viability Conference is seeking proposals for workshop sessions that fit the goals of the conference and provide relevant professional development to our target audience. Topic themes include: working with new and beginning farmers; food and farm marketing and distribution; finance and business development; and more. The peer-to-peer professional development event is set for October 22-24, 2019, in Red Wing, Minnesota.
Learn more and apply by June 12.
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Vendors Sought for New Farmers Market in Ovid
Ovid is launching its new farmers market in July, running from Friday, July 5 until Friday, August 30 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. The key to this community farmers’ market is promoting locally grown and produced items and providing residents with access to local, fresh fruits and vegetables and other products. Applications are being accepted now and will be reviewed on a first come, first served basis. Interested vendors can contact Patti at Seneca County CCE at 315-539-9251 or
pap11@cornell.edu.
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Columbia County Farm Seeks New Team Member
Dog Wood Farm is a diversified farming operation located in Old Chatham, NY. The farm work includes about 20 hrs/week of small-scale vegetable production, 10 hrs/week of animal chores, and 10 hrs/week of farmer's market and other tasks. The farm is hiring a new team member — option of summer, seasonal, or full-time year-round position. Compensation includes bi-weekly salary and farm foods. On-farm housing may be available. Email
info@dogwoodfarmny.com for more information.
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Food Safety from Farm to Fork Webinar
When: Friday, June 7, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: Online
Details: Learn how Cornell is working to address food safety challenges through applied research, offering trainings, and providing services. Hear from food safety experts in produce, dairy, and food processing and manufacturing. Free to attend.
Register.
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Farmer Storyslam
Special Event
When: Thursday, June 20, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Ithaca, NY
Details: Enjoy a night on the Ithaca Beer Co. lawn and watch farmers compete to tell hilarious, heart-wrenching, and triumphant tales from the field. Food and drink will be available for purchase. Cost is $12 online; $15 at door. Purchase tickets
online.
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Women in Agriculture Discussion Groups
When: Monday, June 24, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Where: Lawtons, NY
Details: Join in the creation of a strong, professional resource network among farming women in western NY, and to celebrate and recognize leading women growers. This meeting will focus on maple and agroforestry commodities.
Learn more and register.
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2019 Juneberry Festival
One of the largest producers of juneberries, Guy Lister of Juneberry Farm, is joining with Seneca County CCE to host a juneberry festival at the Ovid, NY farm on Thursday, June 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Festival visitors will be able to tour the farm, sample and pick their own fruit, try juneberry pie and receive information about juneberries.
Learn more.
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Women on the Land: Carpentry Workshop
Join the Hammerstone School of Carpentry for Women and learn basic carpentry skills while connecting with others in the community at this workshop on Friday, June 21, and Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Groundswell Incubator Farm in Ithaca, NY. This workshop for women taught by women will teach skills such as carpentry safety, handsaw, marking and measuring, circular saw, hammering and drilling. No experience necessary. Cost is on a sliding scale, $100 to $150 per day.
Learn more and register.
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Additional Reading & Resources
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SARE Resource Center on Sustainable Production and On-Farm Energy
Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education (SARE) has launched a new topic room as a one-stop shop to help farmers pursue sustainable energy strategies on their farm or ranch, realizing reduced costs and increased profits. The
topic room includes detailed resources on regulations and financing on topics such as generating solar and wind energy.
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Publication Offers Resources for Farmers Starting On-Farm Food Service
On-farm food service can be a great way to bring in extra cash. Renewing the Countryside has released the second edition of "Come & Get It: What you need to know to serve food on your farm." The
publication features tips on how to tell if the addition of food service is right for your business, as well as tips and experiences from farmers.
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How to Establish Crop Production History for Crop Insurance
New York farmers are increasing their reliance on crop insurance — during the period between 2007 and 2017, liabilities covered by New York farmers increased by 46 percent. In order for farmers to take advantage of crop insurance, certain
records are necessary for a "guaranteed" amount of coverage to be determined
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New Resources from New York State Farm to School
According to the USDA, 43 percent of schools participate in farm to school programs. Farm to Institution NYS (FINYS) has
new state resources on farm to school programs including a map to see which school districts in your area have programs you could participate in.
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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.
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Are you just starting to farm? We have 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.
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