Fingerlakespermaculture mailing list

[Michael Burns <michael AT fingerlakespermaculture.org>]

From: Catherine A Barnes <cab377 AT cornell.edu>

                                                                                                                                                                             

Upcoming events in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture

in the South Central New York Region

AGRICULTURE

Spring Seedling Sales Underway!  Contact your local Soil and Water Conservation District for information on their individual tree and shrub seedling programs, or visit: http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9395.html  for information on seedlings available from the NYS Nursery in Saratoga.  A tree planting bulletin is available from Cornell Cooperative Extension at: http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/info/pubs/index.htm

Free Assessments and Incentives Available for Farm Energy Upgrades NYSERDA's Agriculture Energy Efficiency Program provides free assessments (up to $1,500) to identify cost-effective energy improvements.  Grants are available for up to 75 percent of the costs to update lighting, install high-efficiency motors and fans, and other projects that will save energy.  According to NYSERDA, a typical farm can save $2,700 to $4,000 per year on an investment of $4,800 to $7,000. Funding is extremely limited and farms will be chosen on a first-come, first-served basis.  It’s important to act very quickly to sign-up if you are interested.  For more information and a link to the two page program application visit http://www.nyserda.org/programs/Agricultural/default.asp. 

Starting a Vegetable Farm Online Course Debuts in January -the Cornell Small Farms Program is adding yet another online course to its repertoire: Starting a Small-Scale Vegetable Farm. If you’re in the planning stages of a diversified vegetable enterprise, this course will help you with site selection, enterprise budgets, cultivation, equipment, cover crops, and more. The course runs Jan. 5 – Feb. 23, and incorporates optional face-to-face meetings at the Northeast Organic Farming Association conference on Jan 22-23 in Saratoga Springs, NY. Beginning farmer scholarships for the conference are available until Dec. 6 for those interested in attending, but you must register separately for the conference. Erica Frenay at 607-255-9911orejf5 AT cornell.edu. www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/

Can You Make Money Farming? Popular online course 'Markets & Profits' can help you find out. Many people get into farming for the love of it, with little thought to the considerations of how to establish a business that will be viable long-term. Who will buy what you grow, and will they pay enough to sustain you through the long years of hard work it will take to get the business going? The popular introductory-level online course Markets & Profits: Making Money Selling What You Grow can help you research these topics, providing resources, a cohort of peers to discuss ideas with, and presenters to focus your planning process. The course runs Jan. 20 to Mar 2, 2011. CONTACT: Erica Frenay, ejf5 AT cornell.edu or 607-255-9911 

Community Training in Ecological Design, Schuyler County NY. February through April 2011 in Montour Falls, NY. Are you a landowner, farmer, or gardener? Do you want a more sustainable and abundant life? Learn a design method to improve home scale food and forest production, to conserve resources, and save money. Study basic ecological principles and permaculture methods and use them to solve problems on your own home and landscape. Help make better choices for our land, families, and communities. Create your own sustainable design for a backyard, garden space, vacant lot, field, forest, or even an entire village. Examples and applications will be presented in both an urban and rural settings. Design subjects include gardens, water management, earthworks, small woodlot management, buildings, energy, soils, compost, animals, and more. Schedule: Weekend Workshop: February 12 & 13. Tuesday evenings: 6:30 to 9:00 p.m., February 15 - April 12. Instructors: Steve Gabriel, Michael Burns, and Karryn Olson-Ramanujan with guest presenters. Tuition: $200 - $400 (based on what you can afford) Thanks to the Schuyler County Environmental Management Council, and the Finger Lakes Resource Conservation & Development Council, a limited number of half scholarships are available for residents of Schuyler, Stueben, Chemung, Ontario, Seneca and Yates counties. A special thanks goes to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County (EPO/EEO) for their support of this program. Contact: Call (607) 227-0316 or visit http://www.FingerLakesPermaculture.org for information and registration.

The 20th Annual Farming for the Future Conference- PASA (Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture).- February 2-5th at State College, PA. Visit www.pasafarming.org for details.

Greenhouse Integrated Pest Management In-Depth Workshop. For area greenhouse and nursery operators. Thursday, February 3, 2011, 12:30-4:00 PM at Tompkins County Cooperative Extension  615 Willow Ave. Ithaca NY register, please call 607-272-2292 or email mjc72 AT cornell.edu. Pre-registration is requested.   Space is limited at the CCETC Extension offices so register early.  50 spaces available.  Cost is $10 per person, payable at the door by cash, check or credit card.

Advance registration by mail:  Mail payment to CCETC – 615 Willow Ave. Ithaca, NY Ithaca, NY 14850. Please identify - ATTN:  Greenhouse IPM Workshop.  Checks payable to CCE Tompkins County. For questions about the program email Monika Roth Agriculture Educator at mr55 AT cornell.edu.

 

Advanced Beginner Maple Producer Workshop- Thursday, February 3, 2011-6:30 PM - 8:30 PM. Cornell Cooperative Extension Center. 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Stephen Childs, New York State Extension Specialist in the Department of Natural Resources at Cornell University, will be the presenter. This workshop focus on sap collection systems, how to be efficient with buckets, installing and using maple tubing, considering the use of vacuum, finer points of boiling maple syrup, filtering syrup for sale, containers, grading, other regulations, pricing and marketing. This workshop is aimed at the maple producer that is ready for the next level. Class fee: $15.00 per person. REGISTER: Call Nancy Anderson at 585-394-3977 x427 or send name, address and phone number to nea8 AT cornell.edu

 

Using the Best Marketing Insights and Weapons for Your Farm- Saturday, Feb. 5, 2011. This is a working session where you will use a series of exercises to create a captivating identity when marketing your farm and products.  We will also learn dozens of ways you can turn that identity into cash income, and how much you should be spending on marketing in the first place.  If you know you should be better at marketing but do not know where to start or where to take the next step, this workshop will reveal exactly how you should be spending your marketing time and effort. Instructor:  Jim Ochterski, CCE Ontario County, Agriculture Development Educator

Time: 9:30 AM – Noon Location:  CCE Schuyler County, Human Service Complex, 323 Owego St., Montour Falls. To register call 607-535-7161 or email cab377 AT cornell.edu.

 

Renting Farmland: How to Establish and Manage a Good Lease-Wednesday, February 16, 2011 from 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM at Cornell Cooperative Extension Center 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Thousands of acres in the Finger Lakes are farmed under rental arrangements, but the parties involved often overlook important elements of agriculture land rental. This workshop will take a close look at what should be in a farm rental arrangement to benefit the farm and the landowner as much as possible. We will share details about determining rental rates, property tax programs for rented land, and insurance and legal considerations, with presentations from Carol Maue of Chamberlain D’Amanda and John Hanchar of the NWNY Extension Team. Class fee: $10.00 per person or farm, includes handouts. REGISTER: Call Nancy Anderson at 585-394-3977 x427 or send name, address and phone number to nea8 AT cornell.edu

 

Know Your Markets-Grow Your Returns- Saturday, Feb 19th 9am-noon- Saturday, Feb 19, 2011 -This session will focus on market channels and returns, marketing opportunities in our region that you may not have considered, and the importance of tracking marketing costs. How do you know which market channels you use are profitable? Are there other opportunities that might give you a higher return for the amount of labor you put in? If you are looking for new markets, learn about what you need to make an effective sales call. Increase your marketing success! Instructors:  Matthew LeRoux and Monika Roth, CCE SCNY Agriculture Team Marketing Specialists. Time:  9:30 AM – Noon. Location:  CCE Tioga County, Tioga County Office Building, 56 Main St. Owego. Fee:  $10 per person/$15 per farm couple. To register call 607-687-4020 or emailmew58 AT cornell.edu.

 

The 2011 Crop Symposium- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County's will be held Tuesday, February 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Civil Defense Center in Bath. Gain a better understanding of key disease pests affecting field crop yields and quality, and strategies you can use to protect your crops, learn about problematic weed species and changing herbicide options. You will also hear more about the latest zone tillage equipment and the benefits this tillage option holds for Southern Tier Farms. This program has been approved by New york State Department of Environmental Conservation for 2.5 pesticide recertification credits in categories 1a, 10, 21 and 23. Reservations are greatly appreciated. Please call 607-664-2300 by Friday, Feb. 18 so we can make lunch arrangements. Make checks payable to CCE-Steuben County and write Crop Symposium in the notes section of your check. 

Getting Started with Vegetable Gardening- Wednesday February 23, 2011: 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM. Learn where to site your garden, how to prepare the soil, how to start seeds, how to plant, when to mulch, which easy veggies to try first, and so on.  Pat Curran, Horticulture Educator, also will discuss favorite varieties, container gardening, and harvesting tips.  $5/person. Please pre-register so we can prepare a sufficient number of handouts!

Cheese Making Class- The course will be offered Saturday February 26 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the Schuyler County Human Services Building in Montour Falls. Have you ever thought about making cheese at home? Here is your chance to learn basic cheese making techniques from two experienced, local cheese makers. Carmella Hoffman, Sunset View Creamery, and Thomas Pinello, Finger Lakes Farmstead Cheese will teach you everything you need to know to make delicious cheese at home.  Participants will receive information on a variety of topics including; an introduction to making cheese, food safety, the basics of different types milk, and learn about the different styles of cheeses. This is a "hands on" workshop and each participant will make a batch of cheese during the workshop. The cost is $50.00. The fee covers cheese making kit (containing: thermometer, muslin, rennet, citric acid, and recipes), gloves, additional recipes and printed information. Kits contain enough ingredients to make several additional batches of cheese at home. This fee will cover two people from the same farm/household. Participants will need to bring with them one gallon of milk, a heavy bottom pot (that will hold 1 ½ gallons) and a slotted spoon. Space is limited, early registration is encouraged. To register or for more information contact Kerri at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County at 607-664-2311.

 

The Business Side of Farming- Saturday, March 5, 2011 - This session focuses on sharpening your business skills from the records you need and how to use them for business analysis.  We will also share information on business services and resources available to you.  Learn about farm and crop recordkeeping systems that are on-farm tested as well as typical analysis tools including cash flow, income statements, balance sheets, etc. that help you know where you are and if you are making progress in the growth of your business. Instructors: John Bokaer Smith, Westhaven Farm Vegetable & Fruit CSA Farm, Ithaca; Richard Overton, Financial Consultant, Cornell FarmNet Program. Time:  9:30 AM – Noon. Location:  CCE Tompkins County, 615 Willow Ave. Ithaca. Fee: $10 per person/$15 per farm couple. To register call 607-277-2292 or email mjc72 AT cornell.edu.

 

The Building Blocks of a Champion Farm-  March 8th (6:30-8:00 pm) Business and succession planning, as well as people, financial and time management will be covered by farm business specialist Jim Grace of Steuben CCE.  Sponsored by Schuyler County Farm Bureau with cooperation from Cornell Cooperative Extension.  Local delicacies will be served as part of the evening’s refreshments.  To help us plan for the event, please RSVP by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County at 607- 535-7161, or email Cathy at cab377 AT cornell.edu. Human Services Complex; 323 Owego St; Montour Falls, NY.

 

2011 Southern Tier Nursery and Landscape Education Day- Thursday March 10th 7:45am to 4:00pm. Owego Treadway Inn 1100 State Route 17C Owego NY. Please contact Jabe Warren with question and registration information jew223 AT cornell.edu or call 607-734-4453.

 

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop- Same workshop held on two different days. March 19th and March 26th. This fun, educational workshop is ideal for those that are new to fruit growing as well as the seasoned fruit grower. The Cornell Cooperative Extension offices of Schuyler and Steuben Counties along with Reisinger’s Apple Country are offering a pruning workshop on Saturday March 19, 2011 and will be repeated Saturday March 26, 2011 from 9am until noon. Instructor Rick Reisinger will demonstrate pruning techniques on apples, stone fruits, nuts and berries throughout his family orchard at 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen, NY 14891. Other topics that will be covered include grafting and apple tree and renovating an older tree to improve fruit production. This is an outdoor demonstration; participants should dress for the weather. Preregistration is required by March 4, 2011 for admission to either workshop. The fee is $15 per person or $25 per couple. Cider and donuts will be provided. Call Schuyler County CCE to register at 607-535-7161.

 

SAVE THE DATE- March 30th and 31st-  A Systems Approach to Energy Transitions: Land, Economic and Community Transformations- For municipal officials, professional planners, extension educators, planning and zoning board members, community leaders and land managers grappling with how we will responsibly and sustainably meet the energy demands of the Northeast. Further information will be available by mid-January at naturalgas.cce.cornell.edu.

NOFA-NY Introduces New Farm Technical Assistance Help Line -The Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-NY) is excited to announce the launch of its new Help- Line for technical assistance questions relating to organic farming. Have a nagging issue or question about who, what, when, or how regarding organic? Try the NOFA-NY Help Line to help reduce risks associated with organic agriculture in your future. This free call is available now. Call toll free, 1-855-2NOFANY, or 1-855-266-3269.  You may also ask questions via email by contacting Robert Perry at robert AT nofany.org

The Pesticide Management Education Program now has a distance learning center- This site is the home to on-line pesticide applicator courses produced by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Each one qualifies for New York DEC recertification credits. http://pmepcourses.cce.cornell.edu/

Interested in doing something with your land? Whether you’re wondering about small scale farming options or simply want to generate income to help offset the taxes, Cornell’s Small Farms program produces the SMALL FARMS QUARTERLY magazine full of articles on small scale agriculture and land use issues.  Monthly updates will keep you in touch with a schedule of classes that are open to the public.  To be added to the email list or receive a printed copy contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chemung County at 607-734-4453.

New USDA Grant Awards Mean $3million Investment in Northeast Beginning Farmers. Erica Frenay at 607-255-9911 or ejf5 AT cornell.edu www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/-

NATURAL RESOURCES

Landowner's Rights Regarding Oil & Gas Leases- Thursday February 10, 2011: 11:00 AM - 01:00 PM. In this Consumer Issues Program, a NY State Attorney General's Office representative will make a brief presentation, then consult with individuals on unresolved consumer problems until 1:00 pm. Free and open to the public. No appointment is needed. Presentations are taped and broadcast on Cable Access Channel 15 on Mondays at 7:00 am, 1:00 pm & 7:00 pm.

The Third Annual Peter Levatich Winter Seminar- February 12th 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Sponsored by the Southern Finger Lakes Chapter of the NY Forest Owners Association. Presentation on bears, wildlife habitat, conservation easements, economic incentives for sound conservation practices, and the future of the timber markets in the Southern Tier. For more information, please contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County at  604-535-7161, or email Brett at bjc226 AT cornell.edu. Spencer-Van Etten High School Auditorium; St. Rt.34; Spencer, NY.

Know Your Ash-Planning for the Emerald Ash Borer- Tuesday February 15, 2011: 07:00 PM - 09:00 PM.Do you have ash trees on your property? Are they healthy? Will the Emerald Ash Borer be a threat? The workshop will include information on ash identification, a review of common ash diseases, and signs of Emerald Ash Borer.  Jeanne Grace, City of Ithaca Forestry Technician will provide an overview of the common ash species in our area and how to identify them.  Dr. George Hudler, Cornell Plant Pathologist specializing in woody plant diseases, will talk about ash dieback and decline. Mark Whitmore, Entomologist with the Dept of Natural Resources will talk about what to expect from Emerald Ash Borer and how to plan for the pest.  The workshop is FREE and open to the public.  Pre-registration is requested due to limited space at the Cooperative Extension building. Call 272-2292 to sign up.

Marcellus Shale and Agriculture: Leasing, Land and Finances. February 25th (9am-noon). Presented by member of the Cornell Natural Gas Team at the NY farm Show; Syracuse, NY. For more information, visitwww.Nyfarmshow.com

Making Your Own Maple- February 26th 9:30am to noon- Everything the new sugarmaker needs to know to get started. Presented by NYS Maple Specialist, Steve Childs. Hosted at Hamley’s Sugarbush; Barton, NY. $10 registration includes old fashion pancake breakfast. To help us plan for the event, please RSVP by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County at 607-535-7161, or email cab377 AT cornell.edu

Cathy Barnes

Administrative Assistant

The Land Use Team

323 Owego St, Unit 5

Montour Falls, NY 14865

607-535-7161

www.cce.cornell.edu/schuyler
www.sc-landuse.org
www.schuylerlanduse.blogspot.com/

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County provides equal program and employment opportunities.  Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by calling CCE of Schuyler County at 607-535-7161 no later than one week before the beginning of any event to make arrangements.  Requests received after this date will be met when possible.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.
http://flxpermaculture.net
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -.