Welcome back to the Small Farms newsletter!
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Dear friends,
What is the most important asset on your farm? How do you care for that asset?
One farmer may respond: "My soil. I care for it by using cover crops, reducing tillage, adding organic matter."
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Another might say: "My cows. I work hard to make sure they are stress free and comfortable."
Rarely, do we say: "I am the most important asset on my farm. Everyday, I take time to care for my health and wellbeing, reduce stress and spend quality time with friends and family."
You are the most important asset on your farm. Your energy and commitment fuel the everyday workings, direction and outcomes of your farm business. How are you taking steps to ensure your own long-term resilience?
We are thinking about this here at the Cornell Small Farm Program. Several of us farm as well, and ... we aren’t getting any younger! What are you going to do today to invest in the most important asset on the farm?
Warm regards,
Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
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Small Farms Program Updates
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Veterans in Ag Events Series Adds Mushrooms Workshop III
Farm OPS, a project of the Cornell Small Farms Program, is providing
series of training workshops throughout 2019 for veterans interested in agriculture. Join us for the third installment of the mushroom course offerings, which will focus on the chemical properties of mushrooms, potent extracts, and innovative medicinal and culinary products. The event will be held at EquiCenter Farm in Honeoye Falls, NY, on Tuesday, October 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Learn more and register.
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Catch-Up on the Specialty Mushroom Project's Webinar Series
The Cornell Small Farms Program’s project focused on specialty mushroom farming enterprises launched a monthly webinar series highlighting the latest research and stories from experienced growers around the region. The videos are recorded and posted on the Cornell Small Farms Program's
mushroom webinar playlist on YouTube. You can also join the webinars live via Zoom on the first Wednesday of each month, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. EST.
Learn more and register.
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Register for Our Online Courses, Block One Webinars Start Soon
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Our program offers more than 20
online courses to help farmers improve their technical and business skills covering a range of topics any farmer needs to succeed. 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. Registration is now open for all courses, with live webinar content starting at the end of September for our first block of courses:
- So you’re thinking about starting a farm, but feeling overwhelmed by all the decisions? This course was designed to assist new and aspiring farmers in taking the first steps in thinking through farm start-up (whether you already have land access or not).
- Whether monetizing the effects of silvopasture, learning the logistics of cutting for firewood, tapping for maple syrup, or venturing into mushroom production, this online course will give you the tools necessary to tap into the potential profit of your woodlot.
- Are you a beginning farmer? Or are you a current farmer with the desire to switch to an online accounting system? Then our quick guide to Quickbooks is for you. Learn the software’s basic features, such as sales tax, inventory, invoicing, adjustments, and year-end procedures.
Join our online courses and learn from experienced farmers and extension educators, who guide students through about six-weeks of weekly live webinars, videos, and resources. Browse all of our
course offerings on our website and register now.
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Featured From #CornellSmallFarms
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@fallbrookfarmsny shared this tender moment between William the wether and Pintxo the Pyrenees.
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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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Reimbursement Available: Become GAP Certified Today
The USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Assistance Program will share the costs of certifying your farm. This voluntary certification in the produce industry is aimed at preventing foodborne illnesses through the safe growing, handling, packing, and holding of produce.
Learn more.
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NYFVI Requests Applied Agricultural Research and Education Proposals
The New York Farm Viability Institute (NYFVI) is seeking proposals for its 2020 competitive grant program. Successful proposals will have a clear relevance to New York’s agriculture community, demonstrated producer support and the ability to deliver positive farm-level impact over time.
Learn more and apply by November 12, 2019.
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Applications Open for Dairy Farmers of America 2020 Accelerator
Dairy Farmers of America (DFA) is beginning to recruit startups for its 2020 Accelerator program, which helps mentor and grow companies in the areas of ag technology and dairy food products. The Accelerator is a 90-day immersive program, with a combination of on-site meetings and virtual programs to provide training, growth opportunities and mentorship. Participants receive guidance and advice on business development, product development, marketing and other key aspects of startup growth.
Learn more.
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American Farmland Trust Offering Farmer Microgrants
Farmer Microgrants of up to $2,500 are now available to support farmers in hiring professional advisor services to secure access to farmland, develop or implement farmland transfer plans or conserve their farms for agricultural use. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are expended. All services supported by the grant must be completed by December 31, 2019.
Learn more and
apply.
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Business & Career Opportunities
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Broome County CCE Hiring Emerging Crops Specialist
Do you excel at building relationships with stakeholders? A full-time position with Cornell Cooperative Extension to support the growth and expansion of industrial hemp, hops, grains for the local craft beverage or bakery industry, or other emerging crops in NYS is available. Collaborate with other teams state-wide and form your own, unique program.
Learn more and apply by September 20.
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Farm-to-School Program Manager Position Open at CADE
The Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship (CADE) is hiring a full-time Program Manager in Farm-to-School Supply Chain Development. The manager will work to create a model to close gaps in the regional food supply chain by unlocking the potential for public school districts in the Southern Tier and Mohawk Valley regions to purchase 30% of food locally.
Lean more and apply by September 20.
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Applications Open for Cornell Dairy Executive Program
This educational opportunity, organized by Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, is a professional educational program in leadership and management principles for progressive dairy executives and agriservice personnel. Beginning in December, the class will aid participants in developing the skills to lead their dairy business into the future. One and five year business plans will be developed as well as networking, roundtables, individual studying, and presentations.
Learn more and apply by October 15.
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Sustainable, Wood-Fired Maple Farm for Sale in Worthington, MA
Justamere Tree Farm offers a unique opportunity to purchase an already established home and farm in the foothills of the Berkshires. In business since 1982, the current owners plan to live in the area after selling and are willing to help with the transition, as needed. Possibilities for expansion include more value-added products, farm classes, rental space, expanded farming (fruits, crops, livestock, etc.) and more. See this
Google Doc with the full description, including photos of the property and infrastructure.
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How To Reach Online Shoppers
When: Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Where: Greenwich, NY
Details: Part of the "How To" Market Better Series from CCE Washington this workshop will get you started thinking about the holiday shopping season.
Learn more and register.
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Managing Your Woodlot for Wildlife
When: Saturday, Sept. 28, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Voorheesville, NY
Details: Wildlife biologists will share research during this program organized by the NY Forest Owners Association – Capital District Chapter. Cost is $25.
Learn more and register.
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New York Nut Growers Fall Meeting
When: Saturday, October 5, from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Ithaca, NY area
Details: Hear from farmers, learn about new research, and visit area growers during the NY Nut Growers Association fall meeting. Cost is $15.
Learn more and register.
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Annual Adirondack Harvest Festival this Fall
Don't miss the fourth annual Adirondack Harvest Fest featuring live music, local breweries, lots of local farms, and live demonstrations at the Essex County Fairgrounds in Westport, NY. The festivities begin on Friday, September 20, with a Long Table Dinner, and continue on Saturday, September 21, with a mid-morning hike and an afternoon filled with different activities.
Learn more.
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Draft Animal-Power Field Days in Vermont
The Draft Animal-Power Network announced open registration for their 7th annual field days event. The weekend of programming will be held this year at Shelburne Farms in Shelburne, VT, from October 4 to 6, 2019. The Field Days provide farmers, foresters, loggers, teamsters, animal owners, land owners, and others opportunities to participate in educational sessions and workshops, watch demonstrations, visit with equipment suppliers and exhibitors, and connect with mentors.
Learn more and register.
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Additional Reading & Resources
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Free Online Soil Health Management Training Class
The Organic Farming Research Foundation (OFRF) has introduced a free online training program for beginning farmers, existing organic farmers, and farmers in transition to organic production. Based on organic specialty crops in California, this
free training will cover general organic principles and practices in a self-paced program featuring descriptive essays, video lectures, and virtual field trips.
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Farms Generated $5.7 billion for NYS Economy in 2017
Did you know New York State leads the nation in the production of yogurt, cottage cheese and sour cream? Or that it is the third largest producer of U.S. wine? A recent report by the State Comptroller’s office gives a
profile on NYS agriculture and addresses challenges, concerns, and the ways in which NY is leading the country in agriculture.
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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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