Small Farms Update is intended as a resource for farmers and agricultural service providers in New York, and is provided to you by Cornell’s Small Farms Program. Our mission is to foster the sustainability of diverse, thriving small farms that contribute to food security, healthy rural communities, and the environment. Our work is made possible by a network of close partnerships among Cornell faculty and staff, Cornell Cooperative Extension educators and staff, NYS agriculture support agencies, non profit agriculture organizations and farmers.
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Small Farms Program Sponsored Events
Other Featured Events:
The Small Farms Program, along with a Leadership Team of ten Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators, has been been awarded a NY Farm Viability Grant to develop resources and networks to help aspiring farmers anywhere in NY get the assistance they need for start-up and long-term success. This includes creating a new website with downloadable information and structured learning modules, an educator-led online course, collaboration on regional trainings, packages of recommended curricula and training templates for Ag Educators, and one-on-one business planning assistance for serious new farmers. Please contact Erica Frenay at ejf5@cornell.edu or 607-255-9911 if you have questions or would like to be involved in any way in this project.
On Jan. 13, a group of women farmers met in Geneva, NY to discuss the formation of a Women in Agriculture network for NY. Fueled by inspiration from other Women in Ag networks in PA, ME, and VT, these women discussed the benefits they hoped to achieve: inspiration, mentorships, learning in a comfortable environment, friendships, and information sharing. The women at this meeting expressed strong interest in seeing local chapters form in regions all over the state, wherever there are clusters of interested women.
The group has a new email listserv to stay in touch statewide and share information about events, resources, challenges, and successes. To join the list, please visit http://tech.groups.yahoo.com/group/NYagwomen/ and click on the button that says "Join this Group." You may need to acquire a free yahoo ID in order to join.
If you are interested in being part of a women's network in your area, or in hosting or organizing a workshop or farm tour for women, please Susan Neal at sneal@corning-cc.edu or 607-535-2135.
The New York Department of State recently issued new regulations governing the inspection of all non-residential buildings by town officials. Under these new regulations, which went into effect on January 1, 2007, all non-residential buildings, including farm buildings, will need to be inspected every three years for compliance with the property maintenance code and certain aspects of the fire safety code.
While historically farm buildings have been exempt from the building code, they have had to adhere to the property maintenance code and fire safety code provisions dealing with general safety methodologies and practices. Unfortunately, the recently revised versions of these codes were intended for non-residential buildings such as office buildings and do not recognize the unique nature of farm buildings. They therefore have a series of requirements that could prove to be quite costly to farmers. Beyond that there has been no clear guidance given to farmers about which aspects of the fire code they need to follow.
New York Farm Bureau has been actively engaged with the Department of State over the past few months to address this situation. While the Department has committed to addressing this issue, a formal solution will not be possible until after the regulations are in place. With that in mind, the Department is advising towns to NOT inspect farm buildings until after a formal solution has been reached.
If you are visited by a building inspector: Recognizing that not all towns may receive this position from the Department, we are advising farms to politely request that any building inspector intent on inspecting the farm first contact:
Cheryl Fischer, P.E. Assistant Director of Code Interpretations
New York State Department of State Code Enforcement and Administration
41 State Street, Suite 1130, Albany, NY 12231
Tel: 518-474-4073
FAX: 518-486-4487Additionally, in order to protect your livestock, building inspectors should be adhering to appropriate biosecurity protocols when entering the farm. A list of Best Management Practices for farm visitors can be found on our website: www.nyfb.org Inspectors who have questions should again contact Cheryl Fischer.
Please be assured that New York Farm Bureau is committed to finding a solution to this issue and will keep you updated on the progress. If there are building inspectors that are not understanding of the unique position of agriculture, please let us know and the Department of State will discuss the issue with them.
We are highlighting these events because of the importance of grazing to our dairy and livestock audience. Please see the Graze NY! Website for a complete listing of pasture walks and grazing workshops.
A sampling of regional/statewide events that may be of interest to small farmers. Details on the following events and many more can be found in the NY Farms! Calendar of Agricultural Events, which is produced by NY Farms! in cooperation with the Cornell Small Farms Program; Cornell Community, Food and Agriculture Program; Regional Farm and Food Project, and other organizations.
Cornell Sheep Calendar: www.sheep.cornell.edu/sheep/calendar/2007shearingschool.html
"Don't just eat it…grow it!" The opening lines of the grassfedinterns.com website posted by three farms in Upstate New York say it all. In a time when grassfed meat has become one of the hottest culinary trends in the country, and grass-based agriculture has become a great bastion of hope for saving the planet and small agriculture, these three farms have created a hands-on learning opportunity to encourage a new generation to follow in their footsteps.
Now in its second year, the program, created by the members of MADE in Schoharie County, a community coalition of pasture-based livestock farmers based in Schoharie County, aims to train its second group of interns in every aspect of sustainable meat production from hoof to plate. "We're in a completely unique position to offer this program," says Dr. James Hayes, retired professor of Animal Science and proprietor of Sap Bush Hollow Farm, "We have contract graziers and direct marketers among our ranks. Each of the participating farms is licensed to cut their own meat, together we are represented at 8 farmers' markets throughout the region, as well as at several health food stores and food co-ops. Most of us also operate our own on-farm retail operations, and market the remainder of our products, when necessary, through wholesale venues."
"There's more to it than that," chimes in Dr. Shannon Hayes, James Hayes' daughter, and author of The Grassfed Gourmet Cookbook. "The quality of the meat produced by each of these farms is superior. We've all heard the periodic criticisms that grassfed meat can be tough, or have an off-flavor. All these farms are known for producing consistently high-quality meat. I've tasted meat from all of them. These people have really figured it out."
These farmers are serious about helping new farmers figure it out as well, because in addition to providing on-farm work experiences with livestock management, marketing and meat cutting, the farmers have developed a formal curriculum for their students. "We wanted the interns to have a chance to learn the science and philosophy behind what we do," explains Carol Clement of Heather Ridge Farm, the program coordinator, "and we wanted to make sure they had an opportunity to socialize with one another, and to share ideas." Toward that end, the group has organized a series of 8 learning modules that will be presented to the students every 2 weeks throughout the growing season, with lessons in everything from Holistic Management, to business management and marketing, to whole farm and family monitoring, holistic herd health, pasture management and meat science. The learning modules will also be open to the public, explains Clement, "We want to get as many farmers participating as possible, because we think it will really enrich the learning experience for the interns."
The program, designed to last fifteen weeks, will run from Mid-May through Mid-August. Host farms will be Sap Bush Hollow of West Fulton, Heather Ridge of Preston Hollow, and Nagimor of Warnerville.. Persons of any age who have a high school degree and some college experience are encouraged to apply. They can learn more about it by visiting www.grassfedinterns.com, or by calling Carol Clement at (518) 239-6234. Deadline February 15, 2007.
Job Description: Nonprofit located in Wilton, CT seeks a full-time, year-round, salaried farm manager of 18-acre historic farm property to start up and manage 2+ tillable acres of production using organic methods and to support a strong educational mission.
Candidate should have a strong interest in the principles of sustainability, experience in growing vegetables and composting using organic practices, and a desire to contribute to our educational mission and grow the farm within our resources. Candidate should be able to work with volunteers and seasonal interns. Tasks will include some building and property maintenance as needed. Salary will be commensurate with experience. On-site housing is available. Position reports directly to the Farm’s Board of Directors.
Applicants please forward resume and references to farmmanager@amblerfarm.org by February 15, 2007.
Salary and Benefits: $20,000 - $30,000 per annum, commensurate with experience.Housing provided on site as condition of employment. Friends of Ambler Farm (FOAF) provides an employee benefit package including health insurance and 2-week paid vacation (during the off-season).For more information, please contact Friends of Ambler Farm, Post Office Box 7442, Wilton CT 06897 www.amblerfarm.org
A limited number of travel scholarships ($350 each) will be available to Cornell Cooperative Extension off-campus educators or other NY agriculture service professionals. To qualify, you must be willing to prepare a 700-1000 word article summarizing a topic/presentation from the conference. If you are interested, review the agenda for the meeting and then contact Anu Rangarajan (ar47@cornell.edu) with your topic idea by February 10, 2007. Please share this announcement with other interested educators.
National Grass-Fed Beef Conference to be held in Pennsylvania February 28-March 2, 2007
Join us for this opportunity to learn the latest technology for grass-fed beef production from producers and experts from around the world.
Registration materials and the conference agenda are available at conferences.cas.psu.edu or by contacting Dr. John Comerford at 814-863-3661 or e-mail jxc16@psu.edu or the Office of Conferences and Short Courses toll-free 877-778-2937 or e-mail shortcourse@psu.edu.
The Empire State Food and Agricultural Leadership Institute, or LEAD New York, is now accepting applications for its upcoming class. Invitations have been sent out to an extensive prospect list, but LEAD is inviting anyone interested in the program to apply. The application deadline is March 1, 2007.
LEAD New York is a two-year leadership development program, consisting of 50 days of seminars, workshops, and field travel experiences both in and out of New York State. It is designed for women and men who provide leadership to the food and agricultural industry. Selected participants have demonstrated their leadership abilities and have the potential for further leadership and development. This exciting program has a significant impact on its participants and the businesses and organizations they lead. As one current class member puts it: "LEAD has had a more significant impact on how I run my farm than my four-year college degree in agriculture." The training program focuses on these major areas:
LEAD graduates hold prominent leadership positions in New York State agriculture. One look at the board roster for virtually any New York agricultural organization will yield several LEAD graduates at the helm. Many of our 313 alumni serve in local, state and federal government positions, not-for-profit organizations, and educational institutions. As one graduate put it: "Lead-NY was an eye-opening experience for me. I not only made lifelong friends, I also learned key skills that have proved useful throughout my career. Lead-NY changed my perspective and has helped me be a more knowledgeable advocate for agriculture."
For more information or to obtain an application form, anyone interested should contact Larry Van De Valk, Director, LEAD New York Program, 114 Kennedy Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 (607) 255 - 7907), ljv4@cornell.edu. Applications are also available on the web at www.leadny.org.
Free local products seminar, February 15-16, 2007 at: Mayfair Farms, 481 Eagle Rock Ave., West Orange, NJ.
Northeast Native Growers & Producers: Are you passionate about your product? As you may know, Whole Foods Market is actively searching (foraging!) for local vendors to partner with in creating the future of natural food retailing. Specifically we're looking for local producers who are passionate about the highest quality, most unique organic and natural foods that are made right here in New Jersey, New York and Connecticut. Join us for this free two-day conference as we address these topics and more:
To apply, fill out an application form, which contains instructions for submitting it by mail, fax, or email. Email local.farmers@wholefoods.com or call 201-969-0444 ext. 331 with questions. Apply today! Space is limited to 150
Improve your meat goat production system, or learn the skills to get started with meat goats, at this website developed by Langston University in Oklahoma. The site contains links to self-study modules on 21 topics ranging from breeding, parasite and pasture management to marketing and business planning. Visit the site at www2.luresext.edu/goats/training/QAtoc.html to explore the resources.
Hundreds of organizations around the country are calling for a more balanced farm bill – one that would make real progress toward supporting family farms, promoting entrepreneurship in rural America, enhancing conservation, advancing diversity and support for socially disadvantaged farmers, and tackling the serious hunger and diet-related health problems facing our nation’s citizens.
A report, “Seeking Balance in U.S. Farm and Food Policy,” was released today with endorsements by more than 300 organizations. The report was developed under the auspices of the Farm and Food Policy Project, a collaboration of family farm, conservation, rural, nutrition, anti-hunger, faith-based, public health and other groups.
The report outlines innovations aimed at encouraging local food production; providing incentives for more environmentally-friendly farming systems; reducing barriers and creating opportunities for young and beginning farmers and ranchers getting started in agriculture; promoting entrepreneurship and economic development in farm and rural communities; and reducing hunger and soaring rates of obesity.
A complete copy of the Farm and Food Policy Project’s policy statement and recommendations may be viewed and downloaded from its Web site at www.farmandfoodproject.org.
In this section we highlight the Small Farms Program's activities, including projects we coordinate and those we have funded through Innovative Small Farm Education grants to Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) educators.
This project was funded in 2005-6 by a CCE Grant for Innovative Small Farm Education from the Cornell Small Farms Program.
Many small scale vegetable producers in the southern tier of NYS do not attend the larger statewide fruit and vegetable meetings that are often geared more towards large-scale production systems, and are in need of information relative to small-scale production. Regional educational meetings for farmers provide an opportunity for small scale farmers to gain information applicable to their local production needs and learn from fellow farmers.
Through this project, a Vegetable Growers' Winter Meeting was held January 11, 2006 in Varna, NY. Three of the speakers were farmers, three were extension people, and one was from industry. We held conversations with four farmers to get ideas for meeting topics, and also based the agenda on the types of questions we received from farmers during the previous growing season. As a result, 30 small-scale vegetable farmers received a full day's education on topics relevant to their farms. Learning objectives included water budgeting to get the right amount of water to crops with drip irrigation, managing high tunnel structures to produce greens out-of-season, interpreting a soil test to make nutrient management decisions, determining if the new AGR-lite crop insurance is an appropriate risk management tool for their farm, and learning how to use waste oil to heat a greenhouse.
To advertise the meeting, we sent announcements via email to the South Central NY region media list and neighboring county Ag extension agents and statewide vegetable list-serves (announcement with picture appeared in several local newspapers as a result). We also made an announcement on the CCE Tioga website and made online registration available. Lastly, we placed an announced in the Southern Tier Produce News with follow up by post-card to 225 member mailing list of fruit and vegetable farmers in Tioga, Tompkins, Cortland, Chemung and Schuyler counties.
The evaluation form collected at the meeting was used to provide direction to the CCE South Central NY Ag Team Vegetable Program, what works and what doesn't work for the Veg Program and for a possible farmer discussion group. Results have been used to direct the Veg Program during the past year to better serve farmers in the region. Here is a sampling:
My evaluation as the event organizer:
Cornell Small Farms program was given thanks and credit for sponsorship at
the beginning of the meeting. Your sponsorship enabled farmer speakers from
other parts of the state to be invited while the cost of the program was kept
at a minimum for participating farmers.
For additional ag-related news and events by email:
