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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Grasstravaganza Draws Over 300 Attendees
The 2008 Grasstravaganza, held March 28th and 29th in Binghamton, attracted 325 enthusiastic attendees from all over the state. As indicated by the overwhelmingly positive evaluations, this opportunity to learn about grass-based farming was much-appreciated. Attendees ranked workshops in the animal behavior track the highest and indicated networking opportunities to be the most valuable part of the experience. An unusual conference highlight was a demonstration by Nebraska beef farmer and grazing advocate Kevin Fulton showing “the real strength of grass-based agriculture”. Mr. Fulton kicked off his key note address by ripping apart a phone book and curling up 3 frying pans. Other featured speakers included Kathy Voth, Janet McNally, David Smith, and Dan Barber. The 2008 Grasstravaganza was hosted by Central NY RC&D with cooperation from NY farmers, NYS GLCI, USDA-NRCS, Cornell Small Farms Program, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, County SWCD's, and Rural Health Network of South Central NY.
Long Waiting List for Beginning Farmer Online Course
The new beginning farmer online course offered through the New York Beginning Farmer Project attracted over 60 interested participants from all over the country. The 9-week course, which offers farm enterprise start-up training from the comfort of one’s living room, only had 25 slots available. The course is designed to benefit participants from a diversity of backgrounds, from those just exploring a new idea to those seeking to diversify or expand existing farm operations.
The class began March 19, 2008 with introductions and orientation to the on-line course structure. Over the next few months, students will learn about the basics of building a business plan; goals, skills & resources; marketing; evaluating land, equipment, and facilities; choosing an enterprise; land stewardship; profitability; regulations; taxes and legal issues. The course offers opportunities to interact with agricultural entrepreneurs from around the state, to get feedback and offer input on other ideas and issues encountered in the exciting markets of today’s changing food and agriculture systems.
To learn about upcoming beginning farmer online classes, contact Erica Frenay, project coordinator, at 607-255-9911 or ejf5@cornell.edu.
Western New York 2008 Grazing Conference
The NY Organic Dairy Initiative is proud to co-sponsor a Western New York Grazing Conference titled: Impacts for Dairy Producers: Production and Profitability. The Conference will take place Friday, April 18th at the Catholic Church in Cuba, NY. The morning session will offer presentations on the wide-reaching benefits of grazing; using small grains and brassicas to extend the grazing season; and a closer look at the milk check. The afternoon session will be devoted to a workshop by Jerry Brunetti titled “Back to the Future with a Grass-Land Livestock Operation”. In 1979, Jerry founded Agri-Dynamics with a vision of providing a line of holistic animal remedies for farm livestock, equine, and pets. Jerry will focus on digestion, improving forage nutrition, providing greater forage diversity, healthy soils, and feeding for animal health. Registration is required by Monday, April 14th. The conference fee is $15 in advance or $25 walk-in. Also co-sponsored by GLCI and Eat Smart NY. For more information or to download a registration form please visit the Allegany/Cattaraugus County website at: http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/allegany_cattaraugus/agriculture/agriculture04.htm
To receive these events via e-mail, write to karen.hoffman2@ny.usda.gov Type the word “Subscribe” in the subject line.
Other Featured
Events -- www.nyfarms.info/calendar.html
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.
Extension Associate – CCE Farm Business Management Specialist - South Central NY Region
Cornell Cooperative Extension is seeking a Farm Business Management Specialist to become part of a regional team of extension educators working closely with various advisory groups, faculty and extension staff from Cornell University's nearby campus and four County Extension Associations, in providing research-based knowledge and resources necessary to improve production, management and marketing practices that will enhance profitability and sustain growth of the commercial dairy and field crops industries and other emerging agriculture enterprises in the region including Broome, Cortland, Tompkins and Tioga Counties. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt with formal selection beginning 05/01/08, and until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified. http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/EA_FBM_June08.htm
Pest Management Specialist – CCE Suffolk County, Riverhead, NY
The Pest Management Specialist will be responsible for providing support for program delivery and education in the extension educational programs in arthropod pest management for commercial agriculture in Suffolk County, Long Island. Will serve as an educational resource specialist to support and provide in-depth subject matter content for program evaluation, grants/contracts, marketing, program supervision and development, and specifically to coordinate and conduct program applied research effort in vegetables, other food crops and special projects in cooperation with the position supervisor. Target audiences include Cooperative Extension staff specialists, commercial growers, horticultural service businesses, community decision makers, and other professional staff conducting applied research on insect pest management. Applications will be reviewed beginning 4/21/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified. http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa463.htm
Agriculture Development Educator – CCE Cayuga County, Auburn, NY
The Agriculture Educator will plan, develop, execute, and evaluate agriculture programs in Cayuga County to enhance productivity, viability, and sustainability of agricultural enterprises. Responsibilities also include data collection and reporting of Agriculture program activities and outcomes. Participate as a member of the informal CNY three county ag team and provide linkages to any campus-based or Extension Program Work Teams or resources. APPLICATIONS will be reviewed beginning 4/30/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified. http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa464.htm
CCE Nursery Specialist – CCE Riverhead, NY
Educator will be responsible for providing leadership in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of the extension nursery and landscape management educational programs on Long Island. The target audiences for this specialized position are the nursery growers and the horticultural service (landscapers, arborists, >etc.) operators on Long Island. The educator will conduct applied research and demonstrations at the LI Horticultural Research and Extension Center in Riverhead and at commercial grower facilities. This person will also be responsible for the planning, development and evaluation of environmental stewardship and sustainable horticulture programs and will serve as subject matter resource to program committees, Cornell Cooperative Extension staff, and clientele, including agencies and other groups on a local, regional and statewide basis. Applications will be reviewed beginning 4/28/08, or until an acceptable pool of applicants has been identified. http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa465.htm
NYC Greenmarket Openings
Greenmarket, a program of the non-profit Council on the Environment of NYC, operates 46 open-air farmers' markets in all five boroughs of NewYork City. Greenmarket's mission is to promote regional agriculture and ensure a continuing supply of fresh local produce for New Yorkers. Greenmarket supports farmers and preserves farmland for the future by providing regional, small family farmers with opportunities to sell their fruits, vegetables and other farm products to New Yorkers.
We are excited to be hiring for four positions for this coming market season. Greenmarket is looking for passionate, organized, outgoing people from all walks of life, interested in promoting regional agriculture and food justice. We will be hiring for the following positions: 1 EBT Project Coordinator; 3-5 EBT Market Managers; 1 Americorps*VISTA EBT Outreach Associate; 3-5 Market Managers
www.cenyc.org/about/careers
Added Value Seeks Intern, Red Hook, NY
Added Value's mission is to promote the sustainable development of Red Hook by nurturing a new generation of youth leaders. We work towards this goal by creating opportunities for South Brooklyn's youth to expand their knowledge base, develop new skills and positively engage with their community through the operation of a socially responsible 2.5 acre urban farming enterprise.
The Youth Program intern will support the day-to-day operation of the Youth Program, which meets two days after school and on Saturdays. Working closely with the Community Education Coordinator, s/he will help to engage, support, and supervise youth participants. S/he will participate in the preparation, implementation, and evaluation of programming—leadiing teens in farm work and community-building activities. The Youth Program intern will have the opportunity to develop skills in facilitation and leadership, teamwork, urban agriculture, and will be encouraged to individual learning goals while working within a supportive, energetic community. This is an ideal learning opportunity for someone who is enthusiastic about youth work and urban agriculture, but who may only have experience in one of these areas.
www.addedvalue.org/digitalhorizons/Youth_Program_Intern_Spring_08.pdf
Student Internship Opportunity - Northern NY
We are looking for an energetic, enthusiastic individual interested in learning about agriculture and helping CCE educators particularly in the area of direct marketing of food and farm products. Supervision will be provided by Farm Business Management Educators in conjunction with a faculty supporter. The student will gain an exposure to CCE's role in supporting agriculture, particularly in the broad areas of farm business management. The intern will learn about activities supporting direct marketing food and farm products. For more information, contact Molly Ames at mba7@cornell.edu
Part-time Orchard Manager, West Haven Farm, Ithaca, NY
The West Haven Farm Orchard Manager will be responsible for all aspects of fruit production on our organic farm. Work includes pruning, thinning, harvesting, and grading; also pest control, including scouting, setting traps, and spraying OMRI-approved pesticides. The Orchard Manager (OM) will not necessarily perform all of the orchard work him or her self--it may be necessary for the OM to hire and train seasonal labor to carry out certain jobs. The Orchard Manager will be detail-oriented, and will keep excellent records. We are willing to train the right person in organic orchard techniques, but general orcharding experience is required.
Season: March 15 to November 1 Hours: This is a part-time position with extremely variable hours. Each week the number of hours worked will range from 0-20, depending on the needs of the orchard. Flexibility is a must, as many of the jobs in the orchard are time-sensitive. Compensation: As part of the management team, the Orchard Manager will receive a base salary (commensurate with experience) and participate in profit-sharing. Contact West Haven Farm at 607-279-9483 or info@westhavenfarm.net
Stone Creek Farm Seeks Experienced Herdsman/woman – Central NY
Stone Creek Farm, an organic rotational grazing dairy in Central NY State, is looking for an experienced herdsman or herdwoman to be responsible for all aspects of our dairy. Grazing experience a plus. Quality bonuses, heifer share, and housing available. We are also open to you bringing your own small herd. Milking is in a swing parlor. Bedded pack housing. Cows are out 24/7 from April through October.
For more information email tim.joseph@stonecreekfarm.us or phone 315-868-4905
New York Component Conservation Innovation Grant – Due May 2nd
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative
conservation approaches and technologies in conjunction with agricultural production while leveraging federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection. New York NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in Fiscal Year 2008 will be approximately $250,000, with individual grants not to exceed $75,000. Proposals are due May 2, 2008.
Read more at: http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=HM9C2YZnZhFD1K3Px1GJgL
FdD5xCmYNfKdnGhlwPj2T5hvBYwrsy!2135357874?oppId=40758&flag2006=false&
mode=VIEW
Agricultural Prosperity for Small & Medium Sized Farms – Due June 5th
One component of the National Research Initiative is the Agricultural Prosperity for Small & Medium Sized Farms Program. Proposals for this program must be "integrated," i.e. contain at least two of three functions: research, outreach, and education. This year the program is highlighting involvement of Extension personnel & curriculum development that involves K-12 teachers. The program also encourages applications on sustainable biofuel production. Proposals are due June 5, 2008. Read more at: http://www.csrees.usda.gov/funding/rfas/nri_rfa.html
Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program – Due June 16th
USDA will accept $220.9 million in loan and grant applications within USDA's Renewable Energy Systems and Energy Efficiency Improvements Program. Loan guarantees and grants are available to agricultural producers and rural small businesses to purchase and install renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Eligible applicants may seek loan guarantees to cover up to 50 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $10 million. Grants are available for up to 25 percent of a project's cost, not to exceed $250,000 for energy efficiency improvements and $500,000 for renewable energy systems. USDA will issue one grant solicitation for two separate competitions in FY 2008. For the first competitive window, grant-only applications must be submitted no later than April 15, 2008. For the second competitive window, grant-only applications must be submitted no earlier than April 16, 2008, and no later than June 16, 2008. Applications for loan guarantees, as well as those for loan/grant combinations must be completed and submitted to the appropriate USDA Rural Development State Office no later than June 16, 2008. Read more at: http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/!ut/p/_s.7_0_A/7_0_1OB?
contentidonly=true&contentid=2008/03/0072.xml
Map Identifies Best Regions for Viticulture in NY
The Viticultural Space Map, a project coordinated by Cornell’s Dr. Alan Lakso in collaboration with many other scientists, is a highly sophisticated system of site selection where you can grow grapes, where you can’t, and where you’d be rolling the dice. Among other things, it is based on historical weather data each day for the past 27 years in order to develop a long-term high resolution climatology system. Supplementing the expertise of researchers from Cornell and Cooperative Extension is the Institute for the Application of Geospatial Technologies (IAGT) in Auburn, NY, which provides the incredible space-age technology to make this happen. This resource could accelerate the growth of the New York grape and wine industry in future years by saving potential investors time and money, as well as very costly mistakes. To learn more, visit http://www.newyorkwines.org/informationstation/newstouse/newsletters/
winepress.asp?ArticleID=1018
Northern New York Corn & Grain Variety Evaluation Results
Northern New York farmers plant more than 120,000 acres of corn for harvesting as grain and silage to feed livestock. As ethanol production creates demand for corn as a fuel source that acreage will likely increase. The variety of corn a farmer chooses to grow affects the success of the crop and its intended use. The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program funds annual corn variety trials that provide farmers with data for that making that critical decision. The Program has just released its corn grain variety evaluation results for 2008. Fact sheets with the results of the corn grain variety evaluations for 2008 are posted on the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program website at www.nnyagdev.org
SARE Issues 'Clean Energy Farming' Bulletin
Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education has issued a new publication, "Clean Energy Farming: Cutting Costs, Improving Efficiencies, Harnessing Renewables." The free publication is available online or in print, and features innovative SARE-funded research and examples of farmers who are improving energy efficiency while saving money. These growers and ranchers are implementing farming practices that save energy, protect natural resources, and produce and use renewable fuels. To view, visit: http://www.sare.org/publications/energy.htm
Film Promoting Local, Organic Agriculture
The short film, "The Organic Opportunity: Small Farms & Economic Development" tells the story of Woodbury County, Iowa's innovative economic development campaign centered on the development of local, organic agriculture. This film is designed to be used with Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, elected officials, farmers and consumers -- anyone interested in discovering the positive impact a local food system grounded in organic agricultural practices can play in a community's economic, environmental and physical health. "The Organic Opportunity" is a great story that demonstrates how local communities can create a different food system which provides its citizens with wonderful food, and makes it possible for young farmers to improve the community economy by continuing to farm. The 26 minute film may be purchased for $30 at: http://www.localharvest.org/store/item.jsp?id=9394
Meat Goat Quick Reference Guide
Way to Goat! is a quick reference guide to raising meat goats, compiled by Yvonne Zweede-Tucker, based on 16 years of successful experience in North Central Montana. Binder tabs denote sections on topics such as feed, health, kidding, facilities, and selling slaughter animals. The Way to Goat! binder is available for $27, including postage cost, direct from Smoke Ridge, 1380 Highway 220, Choteau, Montana 59422.
Farm Internship Curriculum from Western SARE
ATTRA - the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service - is making available a free, online version of a Western SARE curriculum for interns designed to be used by individual farmers during the course of the workweek. Ideally, a farmer will use the "In-Field Curriculum" when he or she is demonstrating a new task to interns. A companion Handbook was authored by Maud Powell and developed and tested by Oregon farmers and interns. It details successful methods of recruitment, hiring, negotiating with, training, and managing interns. View at: (http://attra.ncat.org/intern_handbook/handbook.html)
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.
In our October 2007 Issue of the Small Farms Update, we announced funding for three statewide “Work Teams” organized specifically in response to priorities identified by participants at the 2006 Small Farms Summit. This month we are highlighting an interim report from one of those groups, the Cornell Small Farms Work Team on Livestock Processing Issues.
Work Team Objectives
The activities of this work team are geared to helping livestock farmers and small processors deal with livestock processing issues. Some objectives of this work team are to 1) improve communication and understanding among livestock farmers, small scale processors, and regulatory agencies, 2) publicize livestock processing resources and put together resource lists as needed, and 3) identify current challenges in livestock processing and possible solutions or opportunities.
A very important outcome for 2008 will be for the work team (with input from their resource base of small scale farmers/processors) to come to a consensus on the major regulatory barriers facing small scale livestock and dairy farmers and to follow this up with an agreed upon course of action. We hope that the development of a single state-wide plan will create efficiency and increase strength in addressing the challenges.
Email List serve
Last November, team members created a list serve, LivestockProcessing-L, for communication amongst interested livestock farmers, small scale processors, extension staff, and agency representatives in New York and bordering states. As of April 1 the list serve is up to 257 members and has prompted a very active discussion, with several messages posted per day.
To join the email list serve: Contact the list moderators, tatiana Stanton at TLS7@cornell.edu or Martha Goodsell at deerfarm6@frontiernet.net , asking to be put on the list and indicating your name and the email address you want to send and receive list messages from.
Outreach, gathering farmer input
Key questions. As a first step the Work Team is seeking input from farmers, processors, and relevant agencies through outreach at conferences and a new list serve, LivestockProcessing-L. With input from stakeholders, we will come to a consensus on some of the major regulatory barriers facing small scale livestock farmers and create a plan of action to improve processing infrastructures and regulations for NYS livestock farmers. The team has been using the list serve and other venues to explore the following questions:
Work Team Brochure and posters. The team developed and printed an outreach brochure and two posters explaining the Team’s purpose, goals, how to participate in the list serve discussion, and soliciting feedback on its three key questions. The brochure is available for download at: www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/projects/workteams.cfm.
Resources – Through a FOIL request we have received a list of all custom slaughter houses in NY and a list of all slaughterhouses and processors. Thanks to Gil Gillespie we also have a list of all USDA facilities in NY.
Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry. The team is working to revise and expand the new Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry. It is also publicizing the availability of the pilot version by publicizing its web link (www.nyfarms.info/FAIDPaper.pdf) periodically on LivestockProcessing-L and also by providing free CD and hard copy versions of it at their display table at conferences.
Upcoming Work Team Meeting is scheduled for late April. Most work team members will meet at the Albany County CCE office with Polycom connection to Orange County CCE and Franklin County CCE. Joanna Green will facilitate.
For more information on the Livestock Processing Issues Work Team, contact Tatiana Stanton at TLS7@cornell.edu.
For additional ag-related news and events by email:
Agricultural community and economic development news and events: Community Food
and Agriculture Program, hmm1@cornell.edu
Consumer and public education news and events: NY Farms! News To Share, nyfarms@nyfarms.info
Eastern NY, MA and VT news and events: Regional Farm and Food Project, billie@farmandfood.org
Policy-related news and alerts: National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture,
campaign@sustainableagriculture.net
