April 2022 | Vol. 14 Issue 4 |
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We provide programming in four major areas: |
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Help Stop Avian Flu - Take Down Your Bird Feeders! |
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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is a serious, fatal disease of poultry that is at top of mind for many. Since the beginning of the year, it’s been identified in over 350 wild birds in 20 states, including New York. New York has also had 3 cases of HPAI to date in backyard poultry flocks, which resulted in the death of 268 birds. It is up to us as good friends and neighbors to help protect domestic poultry flocks. One of the ways that we can do this is to take down our wild bird feeders for a little while.
While this disease is mostly carried by wild waterfowl, research has shown that other wild bird populations can carry it too, especially if they share nesting and feeding grounds with wild waterfowl. These populations include perching birds and songbirds. For this reason, we are recommending that folks that feed wild birds should take down their bird feeders until the threat of the disease has passed..
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Welcome Susan Walker
New Steuben Agriculture Educator
Susan Walker is our new Agriculture Educator here at CCE Steuben. She is a Jasper-Troupsburg graduate with an M.S. degree in Wildlife Biology and Management from the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. Previously she has worked as an Extension Associate for the Cornell University Department of Natural Resources, as a Wildlife Technician for the NYSDEC Region 5 in Warrensburg, NY, and as a Graduate Research Assistant for the Adirondack Ecological Center/SUNY ESF.
She will be planning and coordinating program activities that enhance the economic viability of agriculture and agribusiness within Steuben County. She will be working closely with the Agriculture, Natural Resources, Local Foods and Master Gardener programs.
Susan is looking forward to working with all of you. You can reach her at smw272@cornell.edu and at 607-664-2574.
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Volunteer Week is April 17-23 |
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CCE Steuben is celebrating Volunteer Week by inviting their volunteers for a Sweets & Greet Open House at their office on April 20 Our volunteers really help our small staff continue to serve our community.. |
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OneOp and the Ukraine Context |
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Keith Tidball is a Cornell University Senior Extension Associate and serves as the Principal Investigator for the Community Capacity Building concentration area. He shares his recent blog:
Amongst the various strains and strands of stress and anxiety stemming from the violence in Ukraine comes the subtle but growing sense of dread and concern among the families of military service members. Practitioners will no doubt experience more urgent inquiries from stressed and anxious family members as units across the military prepare for the possibility of escalation. This is magnified by an unprecedented media preoccupation with the crisis and a global sense of solidarity for the people of Ukraine (and against the dictatorial actions of the Kremlin). This is very different, and so much simpler for the layperson to understand than the “forever-wars” in Iraq and Afghanistan, which makes it easier for it to be on everyone’s minds and lips.
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Last week CCE Steuben presented the Village of Bath with a check for the $16,594.69 that they raised during their FLXGives campaign for 2021 – Betty’s Dream.
Betty Langendorfer was a Master Gardener at CCE Steuben for many years. The property on Haverling Street, which was Betty’s former home, is expected to include a dog park and a parking lot. CCE Steuben created a partnership with the Village to also build a teaching pavilion and permaculture garden on that space for their one day giving campaign.
On hand to present the check were, left to right: Langendorfer children Joanne Hastrich, Chris Deeter, Pete Langendorfer and his fiancé, Cindy Taylor; Bath Mayor Mike Sweet, Bath Code Enforcement Officer Brad Hill, Bath Village Trustee Karen Causer, and CCE-Steuben 4-H Program Leader Jenny Groen.
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Welcome to our suggestion box. We use your feedback to improve our services. We will not ask for your name or personal information.
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Assemblyman Palmesano read the Ag Literacy Book to youth |
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New York State Assemblyman Phil Palmesano read Farmer Will Allen and the Growing Table by Jacqueline Briggs Martin to celebrate 2022 Agricultural Literacy Week last month. We want to thank all our donors and volunteers who helped make this a successful event.
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Prepare for Shearing Day - Alpaca Edition
April 5
6:30-7:30 p.m.
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To help alpaca producers prepare for the upcoming shearing season, the Animal Fiber subgroup of the CCE Livestock Program Work Team is hosting a “Prepare for Shearing Day – Alpaca Edition” webinar scheduled for Tuesday April 5th from 6:30 – 7:30 pm on Zoom.
There are so many to-do boxes that need to be checked when it comes to being prepared for shearing. A shepherd needs to plan some items months in advance, while others will be addressed the morning of. By being properly prepared for shearing day, the shepherd ensures that the day is both efficient and safe.
We’ll hear from Jody Hatch whose involvement in the alpaca industry spans 20+ years, previously owning and operating Salmon River Alpacas including management and logistics of the family’s shearing service.
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Managing and Feeding Cows in Automatic Milking Systems
April 6
12:00-1:30 p.m.
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The adoption of AMS (Automatic Milking Systems, or “Robots”) is increasing worldwide, mainly due to increased labor costs and interest in improving technology use. The success of AMS management relies heavily on feed management. In the context of high feed prices, there needs to be strategies that can maximize cow traffic, production, and health at the lowest possible cost. Because AMS is a relatively new technology, information on the best feed management and systems to optimize performance and maximize profitability is updated frequently.
In this webinar, Dr. Gregory Penner and Jim Salfer will share the most recent high-quality information about nutrition and feeding management for dairy cows in AMS. Each speaker will give a 25 min presentation, with an extensive Q&A session which will allow participants to have an open space to ask questions and share their experiences.
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How to Value Your Business: Planning for the Future
Thursdays in April starting April 7
5:30-7:30 p.m.
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A team of Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators will provide tools to assess your existing meat, fiber or other value-added processing business, and assistance in understanding options for business expansion or transfer.
585-268-7644 ext. 18
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Hold Your Horses - Equine Nutrition Series
April 13, May 11 and June 8
6:30-7:30 p.m. via Zoom
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Sponsored by the Equine Subgroup of the CCE Livestock Program Work Team
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Wednesday, April 13th - Equine Nutrition: Equine Metabolic Diseases and Common Pitfalls When Feeding Horses - Dr. Lindsay Goodale - Learn about common issues we encounter when feeding horses, including equine metabolic diseases, obesity, gastric ulcers, behavioral considerations, and more. Register here
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Wednesday, May 11th - Pasture Management - Ken Estes, Jr. - Learn about pasture management for equine owners including best management practices related to soil health, plant selection, loading density, mowing, dragging, resting, fertilizing, and weed control. Register here
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Wednesday, June 8th - Forage Analysis - Sarah E. Fessenden and Lynn Bliven - Learn about interpreting forage analysis reports and factors that impactevaluation of hay quality. Register here
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2022 Forage & Pasture Management Workshop
April 23
9:30a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
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This event is hosted by: CCE Allegany; CCE Chautauqua; CCE Livingston; CCE NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team; & CCE SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team.
The Keynote Session will be at 10:00 a.m: Getting the Most out of Your Pastures and Hayfields without Breaking the Bank by Dan Steward, WNY Crop Management. With costs of seed, fertilizer, herbicides and equipment going up in addition to supply chain shortages, we need to be selective with our management decisions now more than ever. Join Dan Steward from WNY Crop Management as he helps us navigate how to optimize our management and input use to get the largest return on our pastures and hayfields.
Sessions include:
- Selecting the Right Equipment for Your Farm
- If Money Doesn’t Grow On Trees
- Horse Pasture Management
- Tractor & Machinery Maintenance
- Understanding Forage Reports to Match Forage and Animal Need
- Setting Up Your Grazing System
- The Basics of Safe Tractor Operation
- Techniques for Making Great Hay and Baleage
- Livestock Handling Equipment and Techniques
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Beef X Dairy Workshop
April 27
5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
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Cornell Cooperative Extension will offer an in-person workshop about beef x dairy for farmers looking to fine-tune their heifer replacement inventories and optimize the value of their surplus animals.
Given the challenging conditions within the dairy industry today, dairy farmers are seeking solutions to enhance their bottom lines. Replacement animals typically account for 15 to 20 percent of milk production costs, but advancements in reproductive management on many farms has resulted in an oversupply of dairy replacement heifers relative to anticipated herd needs, which has contributed to economic strain for many dairies.
This workshop will enhance the knowledge of beef and dairy producers to help 1) Dairy farmers proactively manage their cow and heifer inventories to increase the genetic potential of replacement heifers and the income from calves not used for herd replacement, 2) Beef farmers learn what makes an excellent crossbred calf and that there is potential for mixed animals in the beef herd, and 3) Connect dairy and beef farmers so they can work together to produce a healthy and efficient calf that will create value for the whole beef supply chain.
Program Topics
- Economics of adopting beef x dairy on your herd
- Make the most out of beef x dairy in your herd
- Setting up your calves for success
- Assuring the market value of crossbred calves
- Marketing your finished beef x dairy animals
- Roundtable discussion
Location: Howard community center, 7481 Hopkins Rd, Avoca, NY 14809
The registration fee is $30 per individual, which covers dinner and printed materials. Scholarships are available for those in need and would like to attend for free.
If you have any questions, would like to register over the phone or for scholarships, send a check, or require accommodations, please reach out to Camila Lage at (607) 422-6788.
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Profitable Meat Marketing
April 6 6:00-8:30 p.m. Jamestown
April 7 6:00-8:00 p.m. Lockport
May 9 5:00-6:45 p.m. Corning
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You are raising and selling local meat, but are you making a profit? Learn to use the Cornell Meat Pricing Tool to develop prices that deliver a profit in every channel.
You will hear from Matt LeRoux an Extension Associate with Cornell University. Matt has over 20 years’ experience serving farms through Cornell Cooperative Extension, non-profits, and consulting. Specializing in market strategy, Matt works with a diverse mix of produce and livestock farmers and food businesses. Career highlights include developing the Marketing Channel Assessment Tool for produce growers and the Cornell Meat Price Calculator.
Read more about Matt’s work from his “Improved Meat Marketing for Small Scale and Direct Marketing Farms in the Northeast” series in the Smart Marketing Newsletter : Part I, Part II, Part II, and Part IV.
Registration Fee: $10
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Financial & Consumer Education News |
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April is Financial Literacy Month! |
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April is Financial Literacy Month, a time to help Americans raise their education on finances so as to avoid making costly mistakes. While it might seem like a strange topic to “celebrate,” the more education you have about finances, the more equipped you’ll be to make smart decisions and even grow wealth. Financial literacy encompasses a wide arena of topics, from learning how to set a budget, to understanding debt, to becoming a savvy investor.
Celebrate Financial Literacy Month by:
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Reading a Book on finances. Financial literacy may seem overwhelming, but fortunately finance experts are busy writing books on every nitty-gritty little financial topic you can possibly imagine. Check them out from your local library if you want to save money and take advantage of decades of financial wisdom.
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Creating a Budget. A budget brings an immediate level of awareness to your finances. You can’t create one without taking a clear look at what comes in and what goes out and where. It’s a great way to begin a communication with a partner, as well, and negotiate those expenses that are not necessary or priority
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Talking with Family about Money. It’s easy to assume that you’re on the same financial page as all your family members, but unless you’re talking about money in an intentional way, you might discover that’s not the case. Talking about money is a common source of stress in couples and families, but you can change that by having frequent, honest communication about it. Families who discuss basic money principles early on with children set them up for future success and prevent them from making big financial mistakes later on.
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Checking your Credit Report. Your credit report is a crucial part of becoming financially literate…about your own finances. Potential lenders use this report and your FICO score to decide whether they want to lend you money, whether for a car, a house, a credit card or a big appliance purchase. Your credit report provides an easy snapshot of your current and past accounts and payment history. You can assess: Are your debts pulling you down? Would it be in your best interest to open a credit card to build better credit? Could you be paying off debts more quickly? Getting your credit report in order will help you become informed and improve your finances.
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Setting Financial Goals. Setting financial goals for the short term and the long-term forces you to stay accountable to your finances and make educated decisions about your income and your expenditures. If you’re saving for a home or a child’s education (or even just a vacation or emergency fund), you will be more inclined to pay attention to the cost of goods and services, search for hidden fees and prioritize your spending, thus making you more financially aware.
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Using Financial Management Tools. When it comes to financial literacy and financial management, you really don’t have to reinvent the wheel. There are numerous financial management tools, from money management apps to retirement calculators to budgeting programs, that can help you get organized quickly and efficiently and learn a lot in the process.
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Attending a CCE Financial Educator workshop. Check our website for upcoming workshops or call 607-664-2300 to schedule an appointment with a Master Money Mentor.
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The Great Debate: Wills versus Trusts
April 6, 2022, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
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Estate planning today is more complicated than it has ever been. Often, mistakes in a plan are not discovered until someone has passed on. Unfortunately, then it is too late. Join us for an informational look at planning with Revocable Living Trusts in a free workshop called Wills versus Trusts on Wednesday, April 6 from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. at the Fred & Harriet Taylor Memorial Library, 21 William Street, Hammondsport.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County again partners with Patrick Roth, Elder Law Attorney, CPA from Corning, to lead this workshop. He will present such information as:
- How can a Revocable Living Trust based estate plan help protect you and secure your family's future?
- Do you know the unknown truths about planning with a Revocable Living Trust?
- Discover the 16 situations in which a Trust can have legal advantages over a Will.
- Learn the truth about the hidden costs of a Will based estate plan that no one talks about.
The workshop is free, but registration is required. Please call Cornell Cooperative Extension at 607-664-2300 to reserve a space.
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Register Today!
The 8th annual Southern Tier Women's Financial Conference is scheduled for September 24, 2022
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The 8th annual Southern Tier Women's Financial Conference will be held on September 24, 2022 at The Center on Park Avenue in Corning. Over 40 women in 2021 enjoyed our speakers listed below and had an amazing time learning about financial and health topics. Please view the photos from the event here, and plan to join our 2022 conference! Visit our Facebook Page for the latest details about how you can join other women as we learn how to improve our mind, body, and checkbook!
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United Way of the Southern Tier announces the launch of this tax season’s MyFreeTaxes.com site. For the 12th year, United Way is providing online tax filing software, accessible through MyFreeTaxes.com, to help taxpayers easily and accurately file their taxes from their computer or smartphone. MyFreeTaxes® is a free and easy way to file federal and state tax returns for free.
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Changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program
April 19
3:00-4:00 p.m.
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The U.S. Department of Education announced temporary changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. Through October 31, 2022, federal student loan borrowers may receive credit for past payments that would not otherwise qualify for PSLF.
Join Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for a webinar designed to help you understand the steps to qualify and apply for Public Service Loan Forgiveness. We will help you understand the PLSF requirements, including these temporary changes, and give you practical tips to help you navigate the process.
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It's Taco Tuesday all through April! |
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Spring into Gardening with Growing Your Own Herbs and Reaping the Benefits! |
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Gardening can be a great way to grow your own food while also being active. And did you know? SNAP benefits can be used to purchase food-producing seeds to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This is a sustainable and cost-saving option that can produce fresh, homegrown food to supplement items purchased at a grocery store or other retailer.
Growing your own herbs can be a great way to have fresh herbs on hand and at a low cost. Herbs are also a nice “starter” for those new to gardening, including kids, as they are one of the easiest plants to grow and they thrive in containers.
Spring is the perfect time to start your herb plants – and to start reaping the benefits:
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Use herbs in recipes instead of salt. The relationship between sodium intake and blood pressure is well-documented. Evidence has shown that limiting sodium intake provides benefits and may reduce one’s risk for heart disease and hypertension. An easy way to start reducing your sodium intake? Using fresh herbs to flavor your recipes instead of salt!
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Keep it going year-round. There are many herbs that can be easily grown and maintained indoors, such as basil, mint, chives, and thyme. With enough sun and proper drainage, you can have fresh herbs available through all seasons.
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Reduce waste – and trips to the grocery store. Many recipes that use fresh herbs only call for a small quantity. By having your own fresh herbs available, you can reduce waste by only taking the amount you need. Or, if you have more available than you can use, consider freezing in ice cube trays, plastic bags, or even pureed!
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Jazz up your drink! Perk up your plain water or seltzer water with fresh herbs and fruit. Some favorite herbs to add to water are mint, basil, and rosemary.
Sources: MyPlate.gov, onieproject.org, snaped.fns.usda.gov
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Once you’ve got your fresh herbs, kick up the flavor of your meals with some of these SNAP-Ed New York favorites:
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Visit www.snapedny.org for more tips and resources to help you and your family save time, save money, and eat healthy!
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Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program News |
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Celebrate gardening this month! |
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It’s National Garden Month, a great way to celebrate spring weather and the return of locally grown vegetables and fruit. By this time of year, many people are tired of eating less than delicious produce that has traveled hundreds or thousands of miles.
If you have a small outside space, you have room to grow a pot of lettuce. Lettuce is very easy to grow from seed and makes a wonderful fresh and healthy salad.
Looseleaf lettuce is the easiest to grow in a container. Look for varieties like Black Seeded Simpson, Red or Green Leaf, or Green or Red Salad Bowl. Lettuce likes moist, but not wet soil and lots of sun.
Look for a plastic pot and potting soil at a dollar store. You can use your SNAP benefits to buy vegetable seeds. Into recycling? Reuse large yogurt or milk jugs instead of a new pot. Just poke a few holes in the bottom for good drainage. Fill your container with potting soil and sprinkle your lettuce seeds on top. Gently press them into the soil and then sprinkle a little more soil over the top. Water well, but gently because you do not want the seeds to move from where they are planted. The ideal temperature to grow lettuce is 60-65 degrees, but it will grow at cooler temperatures too. Remember to keep your lettuce plants moist.
When leaves grow large enough to eat, you can trim individual leaves with scissors from your plants and the plants will continue to grow. Gently wash the lettuce before eating. If you plan to store cut lettuce in the refrigerator, wrap it gently in a paper towel and place it in a large zip top bag.
Encourage your whole family to join in planting, harvesting and eating!
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4-H Youth Development News |
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4-H Dog Obedience Classes
Mondays, April 4, 11, 18, 25
5:00 pm
Howard Community Building
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Hippology Practice
April 10 & 24
May 8 & 15
@ CCE Steuben
Practices are open to youth 8 - 18 who are interested in learning more about horses. Attending 3 practices will fulfill the educational requirement to show this summer! You do not have to own horses or ride to participate in these practices.
Regional Hippology Contest, May 22 @ CCE Wayne, Newark
Contact the office for more information!
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Animal Crackers 2022
Sat. May 7 @ Cornell!
Examples of some of the fun things participants have experienced in the past: The Cornell Raptor Program, ultrasound technology, Herding dogs at work, Disc dogs in action, barrel racing, driving, poop soup, and more!
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When/Where: Animal Crackers 2022 “All Creatures Great and Small” to take place in-person on the Cornell Campus on Saturday, May 7, 2022. This year’s program will highlight the following species: equine, bovine, goat, and dog. See the 2022 Animal Crackers Topics (coming soon) page for more information.
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Who: The program is geared to 4-H members involved in animal science projects. Youth are strongly encouraged to attend with their parents or chaperones. Suggested age range is 8-12, however, all youth 8 and up are welcome.
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Why: This is a unique opportunity for youth to experience hands-on activities, explore career options in animal science, and expand their knowledge through scientific inquiry.
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Cost: $20 per youth, which covers all eight (8) sessions. Adult chaperones are free. Registration closes April 22, 2022 for planning purposes. STEUBEN COUNTY has funds available to cover the registration cost!
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Covid Guidelines: All attendees will be responsible for following Cornell’s covid precautions and guidelines to be able to attend this event.
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Registration: Youth/Families MUST register through their local 4-H Office.
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NYS 4-H Shooting Sports Spring Championship
May 20, 2022
Bath Rod & Gun Club
Offering the following contests:
- Shot Gun
- Hunting, Cooking & Outdoor Skills
- Muzzleloader
*Youth must have successfully completed each of the above disciplines to compete*
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Summer Hosting Opportunity
New York 4-H will be hosting 20 Japanese Youth and two adult chaperone this summer. We have a great group of youth visiting this summer and they all need host families. Youth will arrive mid-July and stay until mid-August. (The specific dates will be shared once their flights have been confirmed.)
The delegation will be arriving and departing from the Syracuse airport. The State 4-H Office will provide support and orientation for all host families before and during the visit. The process is simple and painless, we promise! Once we get the initial forms processed I can share the actual youth information forms with applicant families so together, we can make the best possible match for families.
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Save the date for County and State Fair |
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FLX 4-H Learning Launchpad
Join us for virtual learning sessions on Facebook for a number of 4-H project opportunities.
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Thank you to our sponsors |
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Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County
20 East Morris Street | Bath, New York 14810
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Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality,
ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and
research based solutions together, helping New York State families and
communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.
Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
CCE does not endorse or recommend any specific product or service.
This newsletter is solely intended to educate consumers about their choices.
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