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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Summer Field Days for Organic Dairy and Field Crops
The New York Organic Dairy Initiative has teamed up with NOFA NY to organize a series of summer field days on farms around New York state. The field days range from a day at Sto-Ridge Farm in Madison County exploring a whole farm system incorporating composting, alternative fuel, and intensive grazing to a tour of Willow Creek FarminAllegany County where Chuck Deichmann will discuss high quality forage production, forage testing, determining rations, and pasture on a progressive grasslands farm. Several of the field days feature guest speaker Jerry Brunetti, founder of Agri-Dynamics, a 25-year-old company that offers natural and alternative livestock health approaches. Learn more details about these exciting field days by visiting the Organic Dairy Initiative website at: www.organic.cornell.edu/organicdairy/News.html
Webcast to Address Manure Management for Small Farms
Managing Manure on Small Farms is Topic of Webcast June 20. The term “small farm” can bring to mind anything from a couple of horses on several acres to a family dairy or feedlot. All small farms that raise livestock share the common challenge to properly manage manure with limited time and money.
Extension specialists from across the United States will share information with the public in an hour-long seminar on manure management challenges for small farms, information to help with environmental issues and how to develop a nutrient management plan.
The Webcast, sponsored by the Livestock and Poultry Environmental (LPE) Learning Center, a part of eXtension, is Friday, June 20 beginning at 1:30 p.m. Central Daylight Time. The Web “meeting room” opens 15 minutes before the start time. Participants can go to http://connect.extension.iastate.edu/lpelc/ to view the Webcast. It will also be archived for later viewing.
To receive these events via e-mail, write to karen.hoffman2@ny.usda.gov Type the word “Subscribe” in the subject line.
June 19th. Multi-County Pasture Walk. 11:00 am to 1:30 pm. Pastureland Dairy, Peter Mapstone, 8062 #2 West Road, Manlius. The Mapstones have been grazing since 1987 and have renovated and improved their pastures so they are now rotationally grazing 250 acres. Pete will talk about how grazing has saved him time and money, allowed him to increase herd size, and how grazing has helped make his herd healthier. Register by June 17th by calling either Bill Paddock at 315-736-3316 (william-paddock@oneidaswcd.org) or Jean Burr at 315-677-3851 (jburr@OCSWCD.org). Additional sponsors include Graze-NY and NYS GLCI.
June 20. Sheep and Goat Farmer Education Day. 10 am – 3 pm. Promised Land Farm and Stone & Thistle Farm. A noon lunch of organic and local food will be served. tatiana Stanton of Cornell University will lead a hands-on marketing activity, give a pasture management overview for small ruminants, share production tips on animal health and speak about parasite management for goats. The cost to attend the full-day event is $10. To register, call Leslie Deysenroth at (607) 865-7090 or email ldeysenroth@nycwatershed.org.
June 21st. 2008 Small Ruminant Seminar. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. CCE Orange County, 18 Seward Ave., 3rd floor, Middletown. Open to all regional sheep, goat and camelid owners and producers, this full day seminar will offer a range of speakers who will address a variety of subjects for new farmers as well as producers who have been around the flock and pasture for many years. Registration is due by June 13th and cost is $30 for current CCE enrollees and $35 for non-enrollees. For more information call 845-344-1234 or email cah94@cornell.edu.
June 21st. Transition to Organic Dairy/NRCS Resources. 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Robinson Farm, 42 Jackson Road, Hardwick, MA. More details about the session, including directions to the farm, can be found at www.nofamass.org/programs/organicdairy/index.php.
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.
Project Coordinator, Ashokan Basin Stream Management Program, CCE Ulster County - Due 6/30/08The Project Coordinator will work under the direct supervision of the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County (CCEUC) Executive Director in a coordinated effort with New York City Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the Ulster County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD), and project stakeholders to facilitate and lead a coordinated approach to stream management planning, implementation and education for the Ashokan Reservoir watershed located in the Catskill Mountains of NY ("the Project"). The CCEUC role in the Project also includes managing a stream management plan implementation fund ("SMP Implementation Fund") provided by DEP.See http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa477.htm for details.
Dairy Herd Management/Systems Educator - CCE St. Lawrence County – Due 6/30/08
Responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating high quality educational programs in dairy herd health and management, facilities, nutrition, breeding, young stock management and other topics relating to enhancing the profitability of the dairy industry in St. Lawrence (CCE of SLC) and Franklin Counties. In conjunction with the Agricultural Issue Leader develop objectives and plans within assigned area of responsibility. Represent Cornell Cooperative Extension to the public, community leaders, government officials, and Cornell University. Masters Degree with a major in animal or dairy science, dairy management, agricultural technology, dairy systems, or related degree with related experience required.See http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa476.htm for details.
Agriculture/Horticulture Program Issue Leader, Dutchess County - Due 6/30/08
Provides leadership to the Agriculture/Horticulture Program area within the Association; Responsible for Agricultural/Horticultural Program development, implementation, grants, marketing, evaluation, and applied research to address local and system-wide initiatives; Develops, delivers and evaluates educational programs pertaining to farm business management and marketing in partnership with the agricultural/horticultural community of the county; Provides leadership for agricultural/horticultural policy and is spokesperson for local agriculture/horticulture including the agricultural district law, general agricultural practices, town zoning and regulation as they relate to agriculture/horticulture and public education; Develops and maintains local, regional, and community liaisons; Works with the Farm Bureau, the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board, government officials and other agricultural/horticultural groups on issues of local agricultural/horticulture policy and education.See http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa472.htm for details.
Community Food System Team Coordinator (.6FTE), Greene County – Due 6/30/08
Cornell Cooperative Extension Greene County is searching for a Community Food System Team Coordinator. The purpose of this position is to encourage the development of a vibrant community-based food system that achieves the following goals: Design, support and deliver educational programs designed to increase consumption of locally produced safe, healthy and affordable food as a significant source of the community's diet; Improving the profitability of the county and region's farmland; Developing job opportunities across the food and farm economy; Improving ublic health by ensuring access to safe, healthy and affordable food from local and other optimal sources; the essential function of this position is to provide vision and leadership for a broad-based, multi-pronged approach to community food system programming that integrates the existing work and resources of the Greene County Association and Agroforestry Resource Center and provides a framework for complementary programming in the future.See http://hosts.cce.cornell.edu/admin/careerops/pa470.htm for details.
Agricultural Farm Business Management Educator, Agriculture and Farm Business Management - Due 6/20/08
Person needed to assist in planning, marketing, implementing and evaluating programs related to farm business and agricultural production related issues. Target education efforts include new and existing farm business owners and managers; analysis of shifting environmental regulations incorporated into local farm nutrient management planning; risk management; labor management; marketing farm and value-added agricultural products; renewable energy; implementation of innovative business organization systems. Submit letter of interest, resume, and 3 references by 6/20/08 or until acceptable pool is identified to: Agricultural Farm Business Management Educator Position CCE 220 Herald Place 2nd Floor, Syracuse, NY 13202. Or email to jps294@cornell.edu.
Cheesemaker and Dairy Plant Manager, Hawthorne Valley Farm
Our organic and biodynamic dairy is looking for a full-time Cheesemaker and Dairy Plant Manager to join our team. Some cheesemaking experience is required, as is a passion for farm-fashioned, artisan cheese. Other qualities that are essential are a willingness to be part of a team, the desire to learn, careful attention to detail, a strong work ethic, high standards, and the desire to create delicious and attractive products that reflect our respect for food and our commitment to quality. (A sense of humor and a good nature are also appreciated!) We are seeking an enthusiastic and inspired individual to develop the dairy's product line and outlets and strengthen our current and future positions. This is a full-time position that offers an excellent benefits package; salary range is commensurate with experience. Please send your resume to Laura Manchester (HVF, 327 Route 21C, Ghent, NY 10275), email to Laura@HawthorneValleyFarm.org or fax to 518.672.7457 (to the attention of Laura).
Dairy Herd Manager, Asgaard Farm, Jay, NY. Small but growing dairy goat farm seeks ambitious and hard working individual to perform day-to-day tasks associated with animal rearing and milking. Additional opportunities may exist to grow vegetables, develop a CSA and/or work in the woods. Previous farm experience desired. Health insurance offered. Housing a possibility. Position is located on an historic farm in the town of Jay, near Au Sable Forks. Field crops are certified organic. Dairy goats will be transitioned to organic when target herd size is reached. Sustainable forestry practices are used to manage surrounding woodlands. Please send letter of interest and qualifications to david@asgaardfarm.com.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
NYFVI Agriculture Innovation Center – Due July 15th
Projects focus on business planning, business structure, marketing, marketing planning, distribution, business expansion, business transfer, keeping/ expanding land in agricultural production, and developing or enhancing value-added product recipes and techniques. Eligible grant applicants include farmers, producer groups, researchers, educators, organizations, agencies and businesses. Applicants may represent nonprofit or for-profit sectors. For maximum funding amounts and other grant details, consult the full request for proposals for this grant program at www.nyfvi.org.
NYFVI Energy Management and Bioenergy – Due July 15th
Projects include practical applied research and outreach education on energy issues from the farmer’s perspective, including on-farm energy conservation, bioenergy feedstock production, balance and integration of energy systems and animal agriculture, integrated food and energy systems, and bioenergy systems optimization. Eligible grant applicants include farmers, producer groups, researchers, educators, organizations, agencies and businesses. Applicants may represent nonprofit or for-profit sectors. For maximum funding amounts and other grant details, consult the full request for proposals for this grant program at www.nyfvi.org.NYFVI Education Innovation Network – Due July 31st
Projects offer new approaches or innovation in outreach education, including technical assistance, information transfer, and implementation of new technology, production practices and management strategies. Efforts should focus on outreach to underserved audience, or dissemination of underutilized information and technology. Eligible grant applicants include farmers, producer groups, researchers, educators, organizations, agencies and businesses. Applicants may represent nonprofit or for-profit sectors. For maximum funding amounts and other grant details, consult the full request for proposals for this grant program at www.nyfvi.org.USDA Offers Agriculture Loans for youth (age 10-20)
Loan recipients may use money to buy livestock, equipment, and supplies; buy, rent, or repair needed tools and equipment; and pay operating expenses for running the project. A maximum of $5000 may be borrowed.Farm Service Agency (FSA) makes operating loans to individual rural youths to finance income-producing, agriculture-related projects of modest size in connection with their participation in 4-H clubs, Future Farmers of America, and similar organizations.
Each project must be part of an organized and supervised program of work. The project must be planned and operated with the help of the organization advisor, produce sufficient income to repay the loan, and provide the youth with practical business and educational experience in agriculture-related skills.
To apply or learn more about youth loans or other loan programs, contact your local USDA Service Center at http://www.fsa.usda.gov/FSA/webapp?area=home&subject=fmlp&topic=dfl-yl
To find the FSA office nearest you, click on the county map.
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?service=page/CountyMap&state=NY&stateName=New%20York&stateCode=36NYS Agricultural society seeks NY Farms with successful farm safety programs; $500 awards.
Agricultural Safety and Health are important issues to the New York State Agricultural Society. The benefits of a planned and meaningful farm safety program don't end with reducing simple injuries and down time; the rewards often include saving lives of family members and employees. The Society's Farm Safety Award recognizes New York farm operators who have unique and successful farm safety programs for their employees. Applications must be submitted by July 1 and include a summary of farm safety programs and activities. Nominees are evaluated, and up to 2 farms are selected to receive recognition and a cash award of $500 per farm, sponsored by Cargill, Inc.To apply or nominate someone, visit www.nysagsociety.org. Applications are available online or can be requested by contacting the Society's Executive Secretary, Penny
Heritage, at 518-384-1715.
RESOURCES
Rural New York Minute
The Community and Rural Development Institute at Cornell University publishes a monthly article on various aspects of Agriculture and Community. Recent topics include:May 2008: The Impact of Agriculture: It’s More Than Economic (Part II)
April 2008: The Impact of Agriculture: It’s More Than Economic (Part I)
March 2008: Local land uses and downstream benefits: How farmer attitudes influence watershed conservation practices
February 2008: Are Older In-Migrants to Rural Communities “Grey Gold”?All publications are available on the CaRDI website at www.cardi.cornell.edu/
New Guides to Help Farmers Understand and Negotiate Organic Dairy Contracts
www.flaginc.org/topics/news/index.php#20080512a
Farmers' Legal Action Group, Inc. (FLAG) announces two new articles to help farmers
negotiate organic dairy contracts. The articles contain important legal information for dairy farmers interested in selling organic milk to a processor, as well as for those who are already doing so. The first article is called "When Your Processor Requires More than Organic Certification: Additional Requirements in Organic Milk Contracts." The second article is called "Hushed Up: Confidentiality Clauses in Organic Milk Contracts." Farmers may request a copy of one or both articles by calling FLAG's office, and both articles are available online for download.Organic Seed Growers Proceedings Online
www.seedalliance.org/index.php?page=Seed_Growers_Conference
The proceedings of the Organic Seed Growers Conference held in February 2008 by the
Organic Seed Alliance are now available online as a PDF file. In addition, individual presentations from the conference are also online as PDF files. Presentations available online include "Isolation and Contamination Issues in Organic Seed Production," by Dr. James R. Myers, "Organic Potato Seed Production," by Jim Gerritsen, and "Sustainable Seed Systems," by Dr. Carol Miles.
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
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.
Report on the 2007 NY Small Farms Summit and State-Wide Work Teams Posted Online
The Small Farms Program is pleased to announce that the publication “Enhancing the Viability of New York’s Small Farms; Report on the 2007 NY Small Farm Summit and State-Wide work teams” is now available online. The Report captures the critical issues that arose during the November 29th meeting and highlights the growing momentum of the four Small Farms Work Teams since last fall.
The 2007 Summit provided an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns directly to Patrick Hooker, NYS Commissioner of Agriculture, and Mark Kenville, Center for Dairy Excellence. Out of that dialogue, the Small Farms Program was pleased to gain Jim Barber, Assistant to the Commissioner, as our designated Small Farms liason at NY Agriculture and Markets.
The other major emphasis of the November 29th program was on four new statewide Work Teams addressing issues in the areas of: Livestock Processing, Local Markets, Grasslands Utilization and Beginning Farmer Resources. Three of the Work Teams were funded by Cornell Small Farms Program extension mini-grants to address priorities that had been identified at the 2006 NY Small Farms Summit. Summit participants offered invaluable input to the Small Farm Work Team’s proposed plans of action and generated new regional concerns and priorities.
To view the most recent activities of the Small Farms Work Teams, visit: www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/projects/workteams.cfm.
Download a copy of the 2007 Summit Report.
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
