Agriculture News
Steuben County
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Dear Readers:
Here's the latest edition of our newsletter for you. Spring is just around the corner!
- Ariel Kirk, Agriculture Educator
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Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Committee |
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Ed Merry
Chris Comstock
Allison Lavine
Gary Mahany
Cody Lafler
Kevin Costello
Joe Castrechino
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Arkport
Bath
Savona
Arkport
Bath
Corning
Prattsburgh
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Legislative Representatives
Hilda Lando
Fred Potter
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Assess and Prevent Food Safety Risks
in Leafy Greens Production
E. coli outbreaks in lettuce grown in the Southwest have made headlines numerous times over the last several growing seasons. In many instances, these outbreaks have led to recalls from coast to coast. Ultimately, the health and financial impacts of these outbreaks have resulted in more attention being paid by buyers and regulators on the leafy greens industry. What do the problems in the Southwest have to do with growers in NY? As leafy greens are a highly susceptible crop to contamination, precautionary lessons can be learned. This training will provide an overview of possible sources of contamination related to soil amendments, wildlife, water, post-harvest handling, transportation and more. This training will emphasize specific risks that leafy greens growers may experience, identify tangible corrective actions that can be taken, and provide participants the opportunity to work through example scenarios as a group.
Leafy greens growers, with the exclusion of those growing sprouts and microgreens, who sell through any of the following market channels: farmers market, CSA, produce auction, or wholesale, will find this workshop informative in offering real world examples and solutions to all aspects of growing, harvesting and storage of leafy greens grown in NYS.
COST AND REGISTRATION
A basic knowledge of food safety is recommended, but not required, for participation in this remote training opportunity. The cost to attend this virtual training is $10/farm and payment is required at the time of registration. The zoom link will be sent the morning of March 18th to the email used in the registration. Registration is required by March 16th. Register here
This event is hosted by CCE Cornell Vegetable Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County. For more information, please email Robert Hadad or call 585-739-4065.
NOTE: This is a new date for the meeting. Originally scheduled for March 9, the event was pushed back to March 18, beginning at 6:30pm.
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Announcement:
Master Forest Owner Volunteer Training
Have you ever thought about using your knowledge and skill to help your neighbor woodland owners? Join the hundreds of woodland owners who have served their neighbors since 1994.
As a woodland owner you have a special set of skills that you could share with other woodland owners in your area. These skills are enhanced by educational resources available through Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell’s ForestConnect program. Learn how to merge your skills with existing resources so you can be a volunteer that helps other woodland owners more thoroughly enjoy and manage their property. You are invited to the annual training for Cornell’s Master Forest Owner (MFO) volunteers. MFO volunteers work through Cornell Cooperative Extension to visit woodland owners in their county and direct them towards resources that help them manage their woodlands. This training is open for new volunteers and previously trained volunteers seeking a refresher.
Applicants invited to participate will join in 7 weekly online sessions via Zoom, and subsequently meet in person in early to mid-June for a one-day field session at locations around the state. Online sessions are 6:30 – 7:30PM starting on Tuesday April 13 at 6:30PM, and occur each Tuesday through May 25. In addition to 2 orientation sessions, 5 technical content sessions provide participants increased knowledge about: woodland ecology and health, wildlife and habitat, interfering vegetation management, silviculture, and agroforestry. Participants should plan to allocate 3-4 hours per week to learn the technical content via guided online learning and spend an hour per week in a live interactive discussion session.
All woodland owners in NY are welcome. Owners interested in becoming a volunteer should start the process here . The fee is $35 per person and $50 per couple which includes the full training, and supplies and resources provided at the field session. Previously trained volunteers are also welcome at $18/person and $25/couple.
For consideration to participate in the training, follow these steps to be completed by April 6:
1. Complete registration application via the link above, and after reviewing other materials here.
2. Be alert to an email from your regional director to meet via Zoom after completing your application.
3. Payment made via a secure online link provided to you after you talk with your regional director.
Within 6 months of the training:
1. Have a visit on your property conducted by an existing MFO volunteer
2. Shadow a visit to a woodland owner in your area with a local MFO volunteer.
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Upcoming workshops and events |
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Seed Starting Webinar
March 22nd, 2:00 – 3:00pm via Zoom
Starting your own seeds is a cost effective way to grow a greater variety of plants for your garden. Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County to learn how to start seeds successfully. The topics we will cover include techniques for starting seeds indoors, proper care, lighting and watering, and how to prepare your seedlings for transplant.
This is a free workshop.
Speakers:
- Jingjing Yin, Horticulture Educator at CCE of Chemung County
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Chris Gagliardo, Chemung County Master Gardener
The Zoom link to access the class is provided immediately upon completion of registration in your registration confirmation email.
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So You Want to Be a Farmers’ Market Vendor?
March 16th, 7pm via Zoom
Have you been considering becoming a vendor at your local farmers market but aren’t sure the first place to start? Do you think the rules and regulations are too strict to sell your products? Maybe you aren’t sure if your product would be a good fit. Or perhaps you have been looking for an additional stream of income and believe that farmers markets are the optimal market channel for you! Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County, in partnership with the Markets of Broome County, for a webinar on Tuesday March 16th at 7pm focused on everything you will need to know in order to sell at a farmers market in Broome County, and the region.
This workshop will focus on all aspects of selling at a Farmers’ Market, including permits and insurance, marketing and farmers market incentive programs (such as SNAP, EBT, WIC and FreshConnect) which are a largely growing opportunity for farmers market income. We’ll also cover basic food safety, and products needed to fill niches at the various farmers’ markets in Broome County. There are farmers markets which operate three days a week in Broome County so there are many opportunities to participate in a farmers market. We’ll end with a panel of farmers markets from the region, including the Downtown Courtyard Market (Binghamton), Windsor Farmers Market & Daisy Farmers Market (Whitney Point).
The cost will be $10/farm or family.
Upon receipt of payment your registration will be complete and you will receive a zoom link the morning of March 16th.
Questions can be directed to Laura Biasillo by email here or by phone (607) 584-5007
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Round Three of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Open!
Starting February 24th for a 14-day period, ordered by the Biden administration, during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for a PPP loan.
Round 3 funding of $284 billion expands on the original PPP goals of providing loans to businesses for payroll and other costs to help those businesses remain viable and allow their workers to pay their bills. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 (CAA) extends the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through March 31, 2021, or until funds are depleted. The amount of funds currently available is $284 billion. Maximum loans of $10 million will be available to first-draw borrowers and loans up to $2 million are being offered to second-draw, small business owners.
How to Apply for a Round 3 PPP Loan
New first- and second-draw loans will follow a pattern similar to that followed with previous PPP loans. Start by downloading and filling out a loan application from the US Small Business Administration (SBA) website. The first-draw application is five pages long, including instructions and the second-draw application is six pages, including instructions. Click here for more information.
-Contributed by Laura Biasillo, Agriculture Economic Development Specialist, Broome Co.
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Dear Readers-
Take a look at this great opportunity to protect yourself and your employees with this offer through NYCAMH:
PTOs are dangerous and can result in catastrophic injury. Installing a shield is an added barrier of protection between man and machine. A program offered through the New York Center for Agriculture Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) can provide replacement PTO shields at substantially reduced cost. These parts cost between $59 - $83 through the program and can be ordered here .
-SWNYDLFC Team
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** Your Advertisement Here! **
Dear Readers,
Through this publication, CCE Steuben serves farmers, agribusinesses, and county residents of all ages interested in current agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources topics. You can contribute a logo and/or have space for a promotional message to reach the local agriculture community.
$15.00/Month
$100.00 for the remainder of April - December 2021
Contact Anne at 607-664-2300 or email her here for more details.
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Farm Disaster Preparation
Certificate Training
The Farm Disaster Preparation program will help farm owners plan for and manage disasters that might occur. This program focuses on practical pre-disaster education and preparedness, regarding farm equipment safety on the road, fire or structure collapse, storm and wind damage, criminal activity, farm chemical risks and biosecurity. Farms that complete the Farm Disaster Preparation training will receive a certificate to provide to their insurer and may be eligible for a credit or discount toward the farm’s annual insurance premium. The value of the credit or discount will vary according to individual policies and policyholder circumstances but can be up to a 10 percent discount.
The Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate is directed to all sizes of farms and all types of products. Dairy and livestock farms are especially encouraged to participate in the program due to their additional concerns regarding animal agriculture. The person represent a farm should be the insurance policyholder; other key farm personnel are welcome.
Certificate program will be held on Tuesday March 16 and Thursday, March 18th, 2021 from 6:30-9:00 PM via Zoom. You must attend both sessions for certificate. Space is limited and pre-registration is requested by March 10th to allow time for mailing resource materials. There is a $35 fee per farm for this program.
For more information or to pre-register contact Lynn Bliven at 585-268-7644 ext. 18 or email her here.
Course Instruction Team: Lynn Bliven, Ag & Natural Resources Issue Leader CCE Allegany County; Stephen Hadcock, Team Leader CCE Capital Area Ag & Horticultural Program; Tess Southern, Ag Educator CCE Madison County; and Jim Carrabba, Agricultural Safety Specialist New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH).
The Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate Training is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Allegany County (CCE-Allegany). The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between County, State, and Federal governments. As New York’s land grant university Cornell administers the system in this state. For more information, call 525-268-7644 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/allegany. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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Attention!
Are you a flower lover?
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The Finger Lakes/Southern Tier Regional Rose Society is open for membership for the 2021 season!
Members discuss growing techniques, hardy varieties that thrive in our cold area, go on nursery tours when safety allows, pest and pathogen problems with roses and how to manage them, and more! Engage and learn with each other and Lee Ginenthal of Der Rosenmeister Nursery, located in Ithaca, NY.
Dues are 15.00 annually
Please email Treasurer Cheryl Miller here for more information, or write at 953 Barry Hollow Road, Marathon, NY 13803
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CCE Steuben Speaker Series Continues!
Ask Me Why I’m Pumped!
Dive into how heat pumps are an attractive alternative for your heating AND cooling needs and say goodbye to your old clunky heating system. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County will show you the in’s and out’s of heat pumps in their continuing Speaker Series on Wednesday, April 7 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The free presentation will be held via Zoom online and is also accessible with a phone call-in option.
If you are saying…
- My current heating system needs repairs or is dying
- My heating costs are expensive with oil, propane, kerosene, or electric-resistance heating
- My home uses plug-in electric heaters or my oven to keep me warm
- My excitement to lower my carbon footprint is high
- My family or staff members and customers have health needs that this would help
…then get pumped with us and find out what you can do today!
Our speaker will be Erica Herman, Campaign Director of HeatSmart FLX South under Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County. She has been working with residents and energy efficiency since 2018. Prior, she monitored invasive plants in Cayuga Lake, and provided outdoor/environmental education for middle-schoolers with non-profit, Nature’s Classroom, in Connecticut. Not only is she excited to engage various age groups, but she enjoys energizing them too.
To register and get your link for the Zoom presentation, please visit here
For more information, contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County at 607-664-2300.
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Dairy Market Watch
Please find the latest issue of Dairy Market Watch here for those reading the email version of Ag News.
For those with mailed copies, it is a printout within your mailing.
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Dear Readers,
Please take note of the important upcoming date to request to add land to a certified agricultural district. This can only be done once a year. See below:
Beginning February 15th, 2021 through March 17th, 2021 land owners may submit a request to add land to a certified agricultural district. Such requests shall identify the agricultural district into which the land is proposed to be included, and the tax map identification number and relevant portion of the tax map for each parcel.
Please contact Matt Sousa, Planning Director for Steuben County, at 607-664-2268 or email here, to request the Agricultural District Request form before the deadline.
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New Tool Developed to Help Select for
Cover Crop Species
From Dr. Steven Mirsky:
This has been a big effort for the Northeast Cover Crops Council in partnership with USDA (NRCS and ARS), The Precision Sustainable Agriculture team, and the Ag Informatics Lab.
A big thanks to all that were involved in this process. It’s an exciting big first step by the NECCC around cover crop tools with more to come.
Looking forward to feedback on the tool. There is a link in the top right corner of the tool for feedback, specifically.
Explore the new Cover Crop Decision Support Tools here
-Sent on behalf of Dr. Steven Mirsky
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FOR LEASE OR RENT:
- 6+ acres for lease for organic cultivation. Must have ag exemption. Call (607) 483-8758 between 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM, M – F.
- Available For Rent: Steuben County SWCD has an Esch 10’ No-Till Drill for rent. Rates are $12-$25/acre based on number of acres planted. Delivery/pickup available. Please call (607)776-7398 ext.3 for more information.
- Seeking conservation minded individual with interests in permaculture to rent 3-4 acre, gentle grade, southern exposure field for agricultural production in Steuben County, NY. Acceptable practices include organic vegetable production, small scale poultry, and organic greenhouse or high tunnel production. Other considerations will be determined by owner. Improved, uncultivated ground will require proper preparation for success. Currently no housing available on the property, but can be discussed with owner in the future. Contact CCE Steuben at (607)664-2574 for further information.
- Attention Cattle Farmers: I have pasture/farmland for rent, 40-50 acres, reasonable rate. Located in Steuben County on State Rt. 63. Contact Marian Crawford at (585)728-5303.
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Looking for a farmer interested in a lease agreement for approximately 40 - 50 acres in Howard at the intersection of CR69 and Dublin Road. Please call Bill at (484)794-1400 for more information.
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