Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Committee | |
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Ed Merry
Chris Comstock
Allison Lavine
Charles J Susick II
Kevin Peterson
Joe Castrechino
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Arkport
Bath
Savona
Bath
Corning
Prattsburgh
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Legislative Representatives
Hilda Lando
Fred Potter
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Coopers Plains and Hornell Wildwood BOCES' Heavy Equipment Students Aid Local Community Through Flood Clean-up Service Project
Heavy Equipment students from BOCES’ Coopers Plains and Hornell Wildwood campuses recently completed a flood service project in Canisteo, NY to aid local residents, farmers, and County Department workers. They worked for several weeks to help clear massive amounts of debris after Hurricane Debby. BOCES' instructors, Andy Dennis and Mike Fodge, are working hard to cultivate community minded leaders for our 'tomorrow.' Please thank these students and teachers for their hard work if you see them, or better yet, reach out to them and tell them just how much stronger efforts like this make a community!
Check out some impressive footage captured by BIG FOX WYDC TWIN TIERS of these students in action. Click the link below.
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New York Beef Producers Association Meeting - Region 4
Where: Zoom
Wednesday, December 11th from 7-8 PM.
We will be joined by Adam Murray, Beef Cattle Extension Specialist with the Cornell PRO Livestock Team. Sean Clevenstine, Region 4 Chair, will give an update on what’s new with the NYBPA along with Becky Krone, NYPBA Executive Secretary.
You do not need to be a member of NYBPA to join in the meeting, we are looking for input on the type of in-person programs or events beef producers are interested in.
To receive link for meeting, please pre-register: https://cornell.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIpd-2qqToiG9aFDhsGHkrhuBBZPnbzJLY_
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NY Beef Producers Association Annual Conference
Registration is now open.
Click the image below to access the schedule, registration, and many other details.
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Calling All Organic and Conventional Fruit and Vegetable Growers: Share Your Insights on Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation
We invite you to participate in an important survey conducted by the University of Florida and Penn State. This survey seeks to gather insights on Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) practices across the United States. Your input will be instrumental in enhancing ASD methods, addressing any barriers to their adoption, and understanding your views on this innovative approach to soil health.
Your participation is essential for the success of this initiative. We encourage you to share your experiences and challenges, even if you are not currently using ASD. The survey is now open and will remain available until February 2025. You can access the survey online using the following link: ASD Survey.
For more information, don't hesitate to contact Claudia Schmidt, Extension Specialist at Penn State, at cschmidt@psu.edu.
Learn more about ASD here including a video of a hands-on demonstration of ASD in a high tunnel.
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Conservation Easement Programs for Rural Landowners
When: Thursday, December 5, 2024, 7 PM - 8 PM
Where: Webinar
Learn about conservation tools such as easements and potential funding opportunities available to rural landowners in New York. Land Conservation Specialist Kate Riley from the Finger Lakes Land Trust (www.fllt.org) will cover the options available to landowners to protect and preserve the legacy they have created for their land. Bring your questions.
To join the free webinar, register ahead at: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_N7wjZI90QTK5N7DTYBzMjQ
Organized by the Southern Finger Lakes Chapter of the NY Forest Owners Association (www.nyfoa.org) and the Cornell Cooperative Extension SCNY Ag Team.
Contact Brett Chedzoy at bjc226@cornell.edu with questions.
Photo credit: Chris McAuliffe, Finger Lakes Times
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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.
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Labor Roadshow VIII
In-person sessions:
December 11: Hudson Valley Community College, Troy, NY
December 13: Cornell Agritech, Geneva, NY
8:30 AM – 4 PM
Online sessions: December 17 & 18
12-2 PMAWDC’s Labor Roadshow VIII will dig deep into pressing issues that every farm employer needs to understand. Dynamic speaker will present and take questions on topics such as the following:
- Overtime and other payroll compliance
- Union organizing: updates and management strategies
- Leadership and language learning opportunities for English- and Spanish-speaking supervisors and managers
- Heat safety and compliance
- Benefits for farm employees
- Farm safety, risk, and managing insurance
- Farm employee housing management
Registration Information:
The registration fee for all Labor Roadshow events is $75 per person, regardless of whether an individual attends in-person or only online.
There are three options to participate in the in-person events:
1. Attend December 11, 2024 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY
2. Attend December 13, 2024 at Jordan Hall, Cornell AgriTech in Geneva, NY* For those who cannot attend in person, a recording of the in-person events will be posted online shortly after the in-person events are complete.
3. Participants in any of the three events above also get access to Labor Roadshow webinars focused on additional topics. These webinars will take place:
* December 17, 2024 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM, and
* December 18, 2024 from 12:00PM to 2:00PM
Register HERE.
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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!
If you need help contact CCE Agriculture Dept, 607-664-2574.
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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 2024/2025. 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.
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Puzzled By Your Soil Analysis Results?
Read through Decoding Your Soil Test Results from Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist with the
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program.
Regular soil sampling is important for improving management practices, but many people feel confused when they receive their test results. With so much information, it can be hard to know what to do next. In this article, I'll explain the different measurements found in soil test reports and how to use this information effectively. Click the image on the left to access Katelyn's article.
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The most recent Dairy Market Watch can be accessed here. Past Dairy Market Watch issues can be accessed here.
Dairy Market Watch is an educational newsletter to keep producers informed of changing market factors affecting the dairy industry. Dairy Market Watch is published at the end of every month, funded in part by Cornell Pro-Dairy, and is compiled by Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Business Management Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program.
For those that get printed newsletters, it is included as an insert with each edition.
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Interested in learning more about Cornell Cooperative Extension's AG ENERGY NY Program and what it offers you? Take a moment to read through the Newsletter below by clicking the image for access to the full document. | |
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Interested in NYSERDA’s Agriculture Programs?
Below you will find a brief overview of these three programs:
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Agriculture Energy Audit Program (AEAP): This program offers NY state farmers no-cost energy audits to help identify energy efficiency opportunities on their farm.
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REAP Technical Assistance Program (RTAP): This program has been designed to assist farmers at no-cost to make applications to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). If awarded, farmers can receive up to 50% of the total project cost.
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Energy Best Practices for Agriculture: The best practices have been developed to help educate producers with energy-efficient technologies, how they function, the average cost, and the average payback in years.
To learn more about these programs and eligibility, you can scan the QR code on the image above, or click here: Agriculture Energy Assistance - NYSERDA.
Contact us now: 800-732-1399
Thank you so much for your support in ensuring the viability and growth of New York's agriculture!
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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!
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The Holidays are Approaching...
The Finger Lakes Region has so many local sources for Christmas trees, wreaths, decor, and holiday gifts! Remember to shop local!
Finger Lakes Farm Country (FLFC) also makes it easy to locate farm experiences, farm stays, and trip ideas so you can enjoy time with family during the holiday season.
Christmas Trees | Finger Lakes Farm Country shows a map highlighting some sources for trees from locally owned tree farms.
From family gatherings at a restaurant offering farm-to-table options to various on farm experiences, you can plan a fun holiday break 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.
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Click the image below to access the full factsheet
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Agritourism Workshops Monthly!
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one?
Join the monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Each session will focus on a specific topic to help aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and profit through this exciting on-farm business.
Pre-registration Required: Register for the Zoom Webinar here!
Price: Free
All workshops will be recorded and links shared. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Sponsor: Cornell Cooperative Extension Agritourism Program Work Team
Past topics and recordings
2024 Schedule:
January 9: Agritourism for Maple Syrup Operations
February 13: Grants for Agritourism Operations
March 12: Staffing your Agritourism Operation
April 9: Working with your Local Tourism Office
May 14: Overview of Agritourism Business Plan in AgPlan
June 11: How To's: Livestock Operations (not a petting zoo)
July 9: Urban Agritourism
August 13: Cut Flower & U-pick Management, Value-Added
September 10: Handling Difficult Customers
October 8: Creating Value-Added
Items/Experiences
November 12: Implementing Outdoor Recreation on the Farm
December 10: Creating Accessible Agritourism
Please contact Lindsey Pashow lep67@cornell.edu or 518-569-3073 with any questions.
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Site Considerations Before Establishing a New Seed Orchard
December 13, 2024 from 1 - 2 pm US/Eastern
REGISTER / JOIN Zoom Here.
Advanced registration not required.
In this webinar, participants will learn about key site characteristics to consider before establishing a seed orchard. Topics will include factors such as soil type, previous land use and compaction, aspect, elevation, and proximity to water sources, all of which can impact the success of a future seed orchard.
Presenter:
Dr. J.B. Jett
Emeritus Professor
NC State University
Dr. J.B. Jett, Emeritus Professor, NC State University, has 40+ years of experience with the NC State University Cooperative Tree Improvement Program dealing with all aspects of seed orchard management and research, both conifers and hardwoods - focused primarily in the southeastern US.
CEU Credits/Certificate Offered:
- New York Logger Training - Trained Logger Certification (NYLT-TLC) - .25 hour NYLT TLC Credit [credits applied for]
- Certificate of Participation
- Georgia Master Timber Harvester - Continuing Logger Ed. (GaMTH CLE) - 1 hour CLE - MTH Category B Credit
- Society of American Foresters - Certified Forester Education (SAF-CFE) - 1 hour Category 1 Credit
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Learn more by clicking the image below. | | |
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 2024 events Here.
The 2024 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule is now available on the program’s website, and you can register for multiple events using our registration form. We look forward to seeing you in 2024!
December 6th: Feed the Birds | Repurposing a Holiday Tree
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Plant Propagation Workshop Series: January 22 - March 19, 2025
Learn basics of sexual propagation, vegetative propagation, and micropropagation via Zoom
Presenter:
Dr. Mark Bridgen, Professor of Horticulture, Cornell University
Bridgen has taught plant propagation & micropropagation for over 30 years.
Dates/Times:
Wednesdays, January 22-March 19, 2025
2-4pm (EST)
3 modules, with 3 two-hour sessions within each module
Participants can attend all modules or register for individual modules.
Fee:
$150 per person/per module. All three modules: $400. Save $50!
Participants must have access to Zoom to participate in real time. Lectures will be recorded and available to participants after live sessions.
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Dear Readers,
FLFC is a collaborative effort between the regional CCE offices and their respective counties' visitor centers. You may have seen the logo or heard of the Agritourism Trail project in the last year or so. We are continually building and adding visitor information to the website at no cost to you. If you are interested in having your farm listed on the site, please complete the survey, or reach out to Kevin Peterson, contact information below.
Did You Know?
Finger Lakes Farm Country is a regional agritourism program that combines agriculture and tourism to promote the abundance of agricultural resources in the southern Finger Lakes. Through a collaborative approach to marketing and promotion, the program creates a memorable brand for agritourism attractions and businesses in the area, while showcasing educational and recreational activities for visitors to the region.
In an effort to sustain local farms and create an environment for entrepreneurism, Finger Lakes Farm Country will promote the region’s abundant agritourism resources through a variety of marketing strategies. The Finger Lakes Farm Country region includes the counties of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates.
Interested in Joining?
Complete this survey
If you have questions about Finger Lakes Farm Country please contact Kevin Peterson: kpeterson@corningfingerlakes.com or call 607-936-6544
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NY FarmNet Services: Always Free, Always Confidential |
NY FarmNet is here to support farmers, farm families, agricultural service providers, veterinarians,
milk truck drivers, and others involved in the agricultural industry in New York State.
Call today 1-800-547-3276.
Reach out to them for business or personal consulting.
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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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