DEC Launches New Web-Based Form to Report Suspected Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds Public Reminded to Minimize Risk of Spread by Preventing Contact Between Domestic Animals and Wild Birds

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced an online platform for the public to report suspected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds. The platform was designed as part of an ongoing effort to monitor HPAI in New York.  

The new link for reporting observations can be found on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage. Once a report is received, DEC’s field response is guided by the report’s details, including the number of sick or dead birds, bird species, and observations from new areas where HPAI has not yet been documented. Of particular interest are reports of suspected outbreaks in all species of waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds, and other waterbirds such as gulls, loons, and herons. These species are known HPAI vectors, particularly vulnerable to the disease, when testing can help DEC track HPAI prevalence on the landscape. 

HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal. The public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds. In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, the public is reminded to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle. 



The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that recent HPAI detections in birds pose a low risk to the public. While there is likely little risk for the public, people with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or virus-contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.  

New York Certified Organic (NYCO) Farmer-to-Farmer March 2025 Meeting

New York Certified Organic’s annual farmer-to-farmer meetings are designed to help local farmers make connections and build relationships to help them succeed.

There is no registration required for this year’s event, but to receive updates on possible weather-related changes, contact Bryan Brown at bjb342@cornell.edu or leave a message at (315) 787-2432.  

Your input needed! National SWD Impact Survey

2024 SWD Impact Survey

Dear Berry and Cherry Growers:

As part of a national team of entomologists studying the management of spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), we are reaching out with a request for assistance to help understand the current impacts of SWD on your farm and how these impacts may have changed in the last 10 years.

If you are willing to share insights from your farm, farms you manage, or growers you work with, please complete this short survey, which will take about 15 minutes or less: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW6rCcyM9vf_sjLJDj0J_6G03jlVbBLZt5rlX7kmzSj0Ypog/viewform

How will this information be used? This information will be used to develop new research goals as part of a USDA Specialty Crop Research Initiative proposal under development. It will also be compared to information collected in similar surveys in 2013 and 2014 to help us understand where challenges still exist for SWD management and what improvements have been made over the last 10 years and shared in extension and scholarly publications.

Photo: UNH Extension

Manure Roadshow

Cornell Cooperative Extension, NY Soil & Water Conservation Districts and PRO-DAIRY are offering a series of Manure Roadshow events at five sites beginning March 4th. Cost and specific agendas vary by location, but all will provide lunch and include presentations on Manure Safety and the NYSDEC required Manure Applicator Training. 

Check out the locations scheduled now and..... 

Stay tuned for the location and date of the Southwest NY region event.

For NYS farmers and applications that qualify, this fund will provide a 50% match up to $5,000 on a reimbursement basis to help cover projects that improve safety on the farm. Examples of projects that have been funded previously include barn re-wiring, livestock handling systems, and harnesses/rescue equipment. Click the image above to apply or learn more.

ARE YOU ELIGIBLE? Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for receiving funds under this program:

• Resident of New York State
• Active farmer (part or full-time)
• Non-dairy farm’s annual gross cash farm income is $10,000 - $999,999 OR any Dairy farm is eligible, there is no income limit.
• The proposed safety project has not been paid for or completed.

Contact NYCAMH by phone (800-343-7527) or e-mail JMFSF@bassett.org with questions.

Looking for Pesticide Credits?

Remember to always refer to NYSPAD! All opportunities offering credits must be registered so you can search for upcoming events in Steuben and other nearby Counties to find one that fits your schedule most conveniently!

Access the NYSPAD Bureau of Pesticides Management - Information Portal

If you need help contact CCE Agriculture Dept, 607-664-2574.

How small can co-digestion economically go?

March 6, 2025

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Via Zoom

This webinar will highlight the findings of PRO-DAIRY’s investigation of the economic feasibility of smaller-scale dairy manure and food waste co-digestion to energy systems that could be located in NY. Energy generation type and values and scenarios of food waste receiving tip fees that impact project revenue will be discussed.

Dairy farmers, their advisors, and agency representatives are welcome to join the webinar. 

The New York Farm Viability Institute sponsored this “Economic feasibility analysis of dairy farm co-digestion of manure and food waste” project.



Speakers

• Lauren Ray, Agricultural Sustainability & Energy Engineer, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY
• Matt Tomich, President, Energy Vision

Register here.

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. Cornell Small Farms Program offers in-person trainings, workshops, and online courses for aspiring, new and experienced farmers.

Some great options are now open for 2025. Topics include vegetable, specialty mushroom, sheep, and goat production, financial and business plans, grazing management, growing uncommon fruit, high tunnel season extension, soil health and many more.

You can read more and enroll HERE.

Ag Energy NY website has been updated making it easier to access guidance for different types of farm's needs!

Now offering one-on-one consultations for all your ag energy needs, including Solar and Wind Energy! If you are thinking about leasing land to alternative energy, set up a consultation to learn more about how your decisions impact you in the long run!

Contact Gabriel Gurley, rg523@cornell.edu for assistance and additional information!

Winter Doesn't Mean There Aren't Things to Do in the Finger Lakes!

Finger Lakes Farm Country (FLFC) also makes it easy to locate farm experiences and farm stays. From family gatherings at a restaurant offering farm-to-table options to various on farm experiences, you can plan a fun daytrip, event, or longer holiday centered around Steuben County Agriculture right from Finger Lakes Farm Country.

Farm producers and agritourism business owners, don't forget to list your events with FLFC! If you aren't a listed producer/farm and would like to be,

Complete The Participation Form

Or if you have questions about Finger Lakes Farm Country please contact Kevin Peterson at kpeterson@corningfingerlakes.com or call 607-936-6544.

Bats in Organic Agriculture: Precision Foraging as Pest Management

Utilizing natural predators for pest management helps shield nontarget organisms from the negative effects of pesticides, while still protecting productivity. According to researchers, “Insectivorous bats are well known for their ability to control arthropod pests in agroecosystems, and there is increasing evidence of the economic benefits this provides, ranging from local to larger scales.”

Check out the interesting article from beyondpesticides.org HERE.

What's Bugging You?

Join Live, on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.

Each month, experts will share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We’ll end with an IPM Minute and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.

Watch the past Event presentations Here.

Register for the 2025 events by clicking the schedule below.

Learn more about the 2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule here.

County Enrollment, Subscription, and Support

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program with Cornell Cooperative Extension offers educational programming and research based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the five county region of Southwestern New York. 

Our specialists work with Cornell Faculty and Extension Educators statewide to address the issues that impact the agricultural industry and provide services to farms of all sizes and production techniques. The educational programming and support that we offer ranges from workshops to on-farm events, and includes one-on-one consultations. Our program is designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of our region's diverse agricultural community. 

For more information, contact any of the specialists.



Please support CCE Steuben by signing up for their enrollment programs.

Reach out to CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300 and ask about enrollment.

The enrollment form can be found online, here.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County 

20 East Morris Street | Bath, New York 14810

607-664-2300  |  smw272@cornell.edu  |  PutKnowledgeToWork.org

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.