Welcome back to the Small Farms newsletter!
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Dear farmers and friends,
Throughout this pandemic, the Small Farms Program has been sending you messages and guidance about building resilience to the stresses this virus has created. It has required many of us to learn new skills, adapt and change our marketing approaches quickly, and pivot our own vision of how we farm.
These messages have emphasized how
we are in this together. Our collective efforts are needed to Stop the Spread of the virus.
We need to
expand who we include when we say that
we are in this together. Our collective efforts are needed to Stop the Violence against people of color in our communities.
We mourn the murders of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor, and the countless known and unknown victims of racial oppression throughout history. Our hearts go out to those families and communities affected. While the events may seem distant from those of us living in rural places, the impacts of racism can be found all around us.
The work to dismantle racism starts at home, on our farms and in our communities by understanding our own implicit biases and by assuming personal responsibility to challenge racist thinking, vocally condemn racial hatred and violence, and stand in support of our Black colleagues and every individual who suffers from racial oppression.
This will require us to be brave and compassionate. Farming has prepared us to do this. How can we work together to build more resilient, inclusive communities? Can you answer the call and act?
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In solidarity.
Anu Rangarajan
Director of the Cornell Small Farms Program
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A Few Ways to Take Action
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Small Farms Program Updates
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How to Build Farm Resilience During COVID-19
We are continuing to add resources about building resilience in the various aspects of farming during COVID-19. Our most recent installment shares information on
farm employee training resources to help your farm business. We are regularly updating our
COVID-19 resource page as new information and more resources become available.
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Farm Business Safety Plan Resources for New York Forward
As the New York Forward re-opening plan is implemented across the state, businesses of all kinds are required to have a written COVID-19 safety plan in place. A task force of specialists from Cornell Cooperative Extension developed a
set of resources to help farms comply with this requirement and efficiently prepare plans during this busy time of the year.
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COVID-19 Update on Applying for Financial Assistance through CFAP
Agricultural producers can now apply for USDA’s Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP), which provides direct payments to offset impacts from the coronavirus pandemic. The application and a payment calculator are now available online, and USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) staff members are available via phone, fax and online tools to help producers complete applications.
Learn more and apply by August 28, 2020.
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Featured From #CornellSmallFarms
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@saint_isidores_farm shared how they made a sunshade for their cattle on the first 90° day of the year.
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@alwayssomethingfarm shared this thank you note, reminding them of the their important work as farmers.
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@fallbrookfarmsny shared that they had the perfect May day for direct seeding of their sunflowers.⠀
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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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Grant Program for Enhancing Ag Opportunities for Military Veterans
This USDA program provides grants to nonprofits to increase the number of military veterans gaining knowledge and skills through comprehensive, hands-on, and immersive model farm and ranch programs offered regionally. The program encourages the development of training opportunities specifically designed for military veterans that lead to successful careers in the food and agricultural sector. Approximately $9.595 million is available, with individual awards up to $250,000.
Learn more and apply by June 26.
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USDA NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
The national Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) have $15 million available to fund projects that boost production on farms, ranches, and private forests and improve natural resources. This year’s priorities are water reuse, water quality, air quality, energy, and wildlife habitat.
Learn more and apply by June 29.
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USDA Grants for Urban Ag and Innovative Production
There are $1 million in funds available for Planning Projects that initiate or expand efforts of farmers, gardeners, citizens, government officials, schools and other stakeholders in urban areas and suburbs. Another $2 million is available for Implementation Projects that accelerate existing and emerging models of urban, indoor and other agricultural practices that serve multiple farmers.
Learn more and apply by July 6.
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Northeast SARE 2021 Grant Cycle Open for Pre-Proposals
Northeast SARE has released the 2021 calls for pre-proposals for their Research and Education, Research for Novel Approaches, and Professional Development grant programs. Applicants selected to submit full proposals will be contacted in late August with full proposals due by Oct. 20. Projects awards will be made in late February 2021.
Learn more and apply by July 23.
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Business & Career Opportunities
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Essex County CCE Seeks an Executive Director
The Executive Director is expected to be an effective leader, helping to develop and project a compelling and contemporary vision for extension programming to stakeholders, both internal and external. The Executive Director must be engaged with decision makers both locally and at Cornell in order to be effective.
Learn more and apply by June 15.
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Applications Open for Advanced Soil Health Training Program
New York Soil Health is accepting applications for its 2020-2021 Advanced Soil Health Training for New York State Agricultural Service Providers. Twenty applicants will be selected for these two, two-day workshops that focus on practical knowledge of the whole soil health system. The cost for successful applicants is a $100 participation fee. Travel expenses, with some limitations, are included.
Learn more and apply by June 27.
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Applications Open for the 2020 Grow New York Competition
The NYS Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech announced that applications are now being accepted for round two of the Grow-NY competition. This initiative provides funding, mentorship, business development support, and other key resources to leading food and ag startups from across the globe. A total of $3 million in prizes will be awarded this year to seven startups.
Learn more and apply.
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USDA Allows Extensions on Insurance Deadlines and Deferral of Interest
The Risk Management Agency is making further adjustments to assist producers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, Approved Insurance Providers (AIPs) are authorized to extend the deadlines for payment of premiums and administrative fees, defer the resulting accrual of interest and to extend the correction time period for acreage reports or other forms.
Learn more.
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Small Grains
Virtual Field Day
When: Thursday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Details: This will be an opportunity to learn about the latest in small grains development, management, and markets. Highlights include an introduction to Cornell’s first ‘Born, Bred, and Brewed in New York’ spring barley variety. All participants will be invited to ask questions and make comments.
Learn more.
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Town Hall with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand
When: Monday, June 8, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Details: New York farmers and producers are invited to join this virtual town hall with U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Have your questions answered about agriculture and impacts from the ongoing crisis caused by COVID-19.
Learn more and register.
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Ticks and Tick Borne Diseases
When: Wednesday, June 10, at 6:30 p.m.
Details: Tick populations are increasing, but proper repellents, clothing, and property management can help protect you, your family, and your animals. Join the webinar to find out the latest information about tick borne illnesses and how to reduce your chances of getting tick borne diseases.
Learn more and register.
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Active Learning Calendar for Virtual Opportunities and Webinars
The Cornell Small Farms Program team has created this new calendar dedicated to the various webinars and other virtual learning opportunities being offered during this time of physical distancing.
Explore upcoming events.
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Additional Reading & Resources
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4-H’s Participation in the New York State Fair for 2020 Suspended
There is no decision at this time on the State Fair overall, however 4-H leadership have made the very difficult decision to
suspend 4-H’s participation in the New York State Fair for 2020. The cancellation of participation includes the 4-H Youth Building Exhibits, Animal Science Competitions, and 4-H participation in any youth shows.
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New ATTRA Tutorial Focuses on Farm Management for Beginning Farmers
This new six-part online tutorial called
Taking Your Farm to the Next Level is ideal for beginning farmers or ranchers who have been farming a few years. It was created for producers who have a strong grasp on sustainable production techniques, but need to develop more advanced business management skills.
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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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