Fingerlakespermaculture mailing list

["Michael Burns" <michael AT fingerlakespermaculture.org>]

From:    "Robin Ennis-Willson" <re86 AT cornell.edu>

Upcoming events in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture
in the South Central New York Region

·         Raising Livestock in Tioga County 2012 Workshop Series
Looking for something to do with your land?
If you want to have animals and sell pasture-raised meats, this series of
classes is for you.  Learn from the experiences of other successful farmers,
as well as tips from extension educators.  Classes are held on Tuesday
evenings, late winter and summer. Cost per class is $10 per farm ($75 for the
whole series) and includes light snacks and handouts.  To register, call
687-4020, or email meh39 AT cornell.edu<mailto:meh39 AT cornell.edu>
Preparing for Livestock:
This first set of winter classes are at the county office building on 56 Main
St, Owego, Tuesday evenings, 6-8 pm.

·         Feb 7        Planning for Livestock. Ten things to consider when
choosing the animal species to raise on your land.  Brett Chedzoy, CCE
Schuyler County.

·         Feb 21      Soils and stocking rates.  Evaluate your soils, make
improvements, and plan the appropriate size herd for your land base.  Wendy
Walsh, Tioga County Soil and Water District, and Heather Birdsall, South
Central NY Livestock Specialist.

·         March 6    Fencing, watering, and buildings.  Choose infrastructure
that works for grazing both now and in the future.  John Wickham, Upper
Susquehanna Coalition, with Suzy Daubert, NRCS.

·         March 20  Pasture management and problems.  Fighting with mud and
weeds in your pastures?.  Learn strategies to turn goldenrod into nutritious
pasture, as well as sound grazing strategies. Fay Benson, Cornell Grazing
specialist.

·         April 3      Good quality hay production.  Janice Degni, Cornell
field crops specialist.   (location TBD)


On-farm animal husbandry workshops:
Come dressed for the weather and learn how farmers care for their animals,
from feeding to parasite management and more. 5:30-7:30 pm


·         April 18       Raising Hogs.  Kingbird Farm, 9398 W. Creek Rd,
.Berkshire.

·         May 15        Raising Beef.  Twin Brook Farm, 304 Lainhart Rd, Owego

·         June 19       Raising sheep and goats.  Griffin's Nest, Tioga 
Center.

·         July 17        Raising Pastured Poultry.  Heritage Pastures, 2343
Stanton Hill Rd, Nichols

·         August 21  Caring for Horses.  Lisle Rd, Owego, NY.
Open Enrollment for Schuyler County Agriculture Districts January 15 through
February 15

·         The Schuyler County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB)
on behalf of the county will be holding its annual 30 day agriculture district
enrollment January 15 through February 15.  Schuyler County contains three
agricultural districts which consist predominantly of viable agricultural
land. In practice, districts may include land that is actively farmed, idle,
forested, as well as residential and possibly commercial. Being included in an
agricultural district provides benefits that help make and keep farming a
viable economic activity.

·         Enrollment forms can be found at the Cooperative Extension and Soil
and Water Conservation offices or on-line at
www.sc-landuse.org<http://www.sc-landuse.org>.  For more information please
contact Cooperative Extension at 607-535-7161.

·         Farm Market Management and Regulations: What Every Vendor Should 
Know
February 8 - 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County
480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY  14424 Workshop fee: $25 per person,
includes lunch and handouts.
In light of food safety concerns among the general public, prompted in part by
farm market vendors accused of fraud related to the source and condition of
their produce, direct marketing venues are coming under increased scrutiny by
state inspectors.
This workshop will provide updates for farmers and farmer market managers,
plus information on food safety guidelines for farmer vendors. 
Representatives from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of
Health, and Department of Labor will review the rules, licenses and
regulations associated with direct marketing at farm markets and other similar
settings.  Diane Eggert of the NYS Farmers Market Federation will address
specific issues around food safety, and keeping up when the market gets busier
than expected.
This session is a unique opportunity to ask questions and clarify which
regulations are real and which are rumors gone wild.
REGISTER or MORE INFORMATION: Call Nancy Anderson at 585-394-3977 x427 or send
name, address and phone number to nea8 AT cornell.edu<mailto:nea8 AT cornell.edu>

·         Organic Certification Workshop
February 10 - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins
County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 Online link
here.<http://www.nofany.org/organic-certification/certification-workshops> The
workshops are designed to answer any questions you may have about the
crop/livestock/wild crops certification process. Workshops will include a
review of the application forms and overview of the National Organic Program
Standards. Since there are space limitations, please pre-register for a
workshop by contacting: NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC at 607-724-9851 or
certifiedorganic AT nofany.org<mailto:certifiedorganic AT nofany.org?>.

·         Locally Grown Foods Festival
February 10  4-8 p.m. Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Corning The public
is cordially invited to a unique tasting experience.
Meet dozens of Finger Lakes farmers. Taste samples. Tastings of meats,
vegetables, cheese, fruits, preserves, wines, and more!
Learn about local farms and purchase local products. Learn how and where to
buy fresh, healthy, local foods.
Visit and learn about more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The
event will feature several different CSAs that offer a variety of shares for
sale. $5.00 per person $10.00 per family. Register at the door or in advance
at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cornellce/event/4188/

·         Free Rabies Clinic
February 11 - offered by the CHEMUNG COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT at the John
Gridley Bldg.,103 Washington St., Elmira. 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

·         NY Forest Owners Association Winter Meeting
February 11 - The Fourth Annual Peter Levatich Memorial Seminar will be held
Saturday, February 11th  at the Spencer-Van Etten High School Auditorium from
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Presentations on feral hogs, the effects of climate
change on forests, and Marcellus Shale experiences from the woods of northern
Pennsylvania.  Please visit www.nyfoa.org<http://www.nyfoa.org> for more
details.  For questions, please contact Brett Chedzoy at
bjc226 AT cornell.edu<mailto:bjc226 AT cornell.edu>

·         Ladybugs, Grasshoppers and Butterflies Oh My!
Come join the Regional 4-H program as they offer an exciting exploration of
bugs and creepy crawlies.  Youth 9-19 will enjoy learning about lady bugs,
praying mantises, grasshoppers, crickets and many more invertebrates through
hands on activities.  The program will be offered in two locations; The Tioga
County Series will be held at the Tioga County Office Building in Owego, NY on
Saturdays from 12-1:30 p.m. on February 11, March 17, May 19, and June 16. The
Schuyler County Series will be held at the Human Services Complex in Montour
Falls, NY on Saturdays from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. on February 25, March 24, and May
12.  The program will explore the world of insects through hands on activities
and demonstrations and will finish with a bug hunt to identify what insects
can be found in our many different environments. For more information or to
sign up for the program please contact your local 4-H office or Cornell
Cooperative Extension Tioga County at 687-4020.

·         Healthy Living Series at the Montour Falls Library
February 14. 7 p.m. "Day Dreams for the Garden", with horticulturist Roger
Ort, Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program Assistant, at the
Montour Falls Library.  Help with planning the garden site, purpose, and
design will be provided.  Please bring your questions.  Visioning your garden
now enhances the pleasure and success of this year's endeavor.  Open and free
for all, though donations are welcome for future programs.
Outline for Gardening class to be offered:
When: Second Tuesday each month

·          Feb.14 - Site of the garden, garden purpose, garden design.

·          March 13 - Seed starting, reading seed packs, what to grow.

·          April 10 - Garden bed prep, soil testing/PH, soil additives,
fertilizers, compaction, double digging vs. tilling.

·          May 8 - Planting seedlings vs. direct sowing, Zone 5 planting
dates, other crops.
For more details contact :Roxanne Leyes, Montour Falls Library 535-7489

·         Beginning Hydroponics (Grow with the Flow)
February 16 at the Silver Spoon Café, Human Services Complex, Montour Falls,
7-8:30 p.m. with Bryson Clark from Upstate Hydroponics & Garden Supply. $5 fee
- pre-registration required by Feb. 10, 2010 by calling 607-535-7161.

·         Corning Winter Farmers' Market extends season into 2012
February 17, March 10  11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
According to the USDA data New York leads the pack with 180 winter markets. 
It's no surprise that Steuben County's one winter farmers' market is extending
its inaugural season. Demand for locally produced products proved to be strong
at the newly formed Corning Winter Farmers' Market during November and
December, and the farmers have agreed to continue with the market in 2012.
The winter market features vendors selling locally produced eggs, honey, maple
syrup, jams, herbs, baked goods, chicken, grass fed beef, pork, and handmade
Amish baskets. New vendors have joined for the 2012 dates, they include: Muddy
Fingers Farm (vegetables), Keuka Lake Coffee Roasters & Java-Gourmet specialty
foods, Deep Root Vineyards (offering wine tastings), and a dried fruit vendor.
 The Market is located at 1 West Market Street, inside the Information Center
of Corning. For more information contact the market manager at 607-759-7665.
For more information visit the Corning Winter Market on Facebook!


·         Direct Marketing Grass Finished Beef - One Small Scale Approach
February 20 What we've learned (positive & negative) from 10 years of direct
marketing beef & other sustainably raised meats (including pastured eggs).   7
- 9 p.m., Junius Fire Hall, 647 Dublin Rd, Clyde $10 per person

Bill Hodge, retired U. Georgia extension specialist and principal of
Sustainable Genetics, will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Bill and
his wife, Di started the Hodge Ranch in 1973. Some of his management practices
include: matching livestock and forage resources in controlled grazing, 12
month rotational grazing, no supplemental feed, sustainable pasture management
(nutrient recycling - no pesticides used), 45-day calving season, across the
fence (fenceline) weaning. Now in retirement, Bill is looking to expand his
forage finished beef business, amongst other things.

Bill will also be the keynote speaker at the Step it Up Grazing Conference
February 21st at BW's, 11070 Perry Rd, Pavilion. Registration begins at 9 am,
with the workshop running 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. $35 per person, $25 for each
additional person from the farm.

Registration deadline - February 16. To register, call Cathy Wallace at
585.343.3040 x138, email cfw6 AT cornell.edu<mailto:cfw6 AT cornell.edu>. For more
information or questions regarding either event, call Nancy Glazier at
585.315.7746, email nig3 AT cornell.edu<mailto:nig3 AT cornell.edu>.

·         Farm Market Merchandising: The Keys to Incredible Sales
February 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Jordan Hall, NYS Agricultural Experiment
Station, 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY  14456
If you are a farm market vendor, CSA farmer, or run a seasonal market at your
farm, you can tap into better profits if you merchandise like the pros.  This
workshop will give you insights about produce sales techniques and show you
how to dress up and arrange your stand to increase sales without a lot of
effort.  Extension marketing specialist Eric Barrett from Ohio State
University will share his observations from a recent tour of Upstate New York
farm markets.  He has developed a list of key strategies for farm market
vendors as an independent witness to what local farmers are doing well - and
poorly.  Eric Voigt, a professional produce merchandising consultant (think
"major grocery chains") will explain the best steps for building sales and
making an impression that brings more loyalty from your customers. He will
share tips based on consumer research on maximizing your display quality. 
Both presenters will take questions and respond to your merchandising ideas.
Even in competitive, multi-farm markets where everyone is selling their best,
you can have an edge if you make the most of merchandising.  This very special
workshop is directed to experienced and new farmers throughout New York State
who are trying to garner the best sales possible.
Fee: $25.00 per person includes lunch, handouts, and expert advice on farm
market merchandising.
Pre-registration is required by February 20, 2012 by calling Cornell
Cooperative Extension of Ontario County at (585) 394-3977 x427 or e-mail Nancy
Anderson with your full contact information to
nea8 AT cornell.edu<mailto:nea8 AT cornell.edu>

·         2012 Crop Symposium
February 21, 10:30 to 2:30 p.m. Civil Defense Center, Bath, NY.  Variety,
Selection, Pest Resistance and Plant Population Effects on Corn, Soybeans and
Wheat; A Practical Look at Field Crop Insect Management; and Drainage Systems
for Improved Crop Health and Environmental Quality.  Lunch is $10 per person. 
To register please call Steuben CCE at 607-664-2300.

·         It's All About Food
February 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Academic and Workforce Development
Center, 318 Madison Avenue, Room 004, Elmira, NY
$10 Pre-registration is required by February 20th For more information or to
register, call the SBDC at (607) 937-6861 or
sbdc AT corning-cc.edu<mailto:sbdc AT corning-cc.edu> Representatives from the NYS
Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYS Department of Health, and NYS
Department of Weights and Measures will explain what they do and who they
regulate.
This seminar is for you if you are thinking of starting or already have the
following businesses: Bakery Coffee Roaster, Dairy Industry Farmers Market,
Food Processing Plant, Food Warehouse, Grocery Store, Pet Food, Restaurant,
Winery, Home-based food manufacturing.

·         New York Farm Show
February 23, 24th and 25th. State Fair Grounds; Syracuse, NY.  For more
information call Scott Grigor, Show Manager at 315-457-5145 or email
sgrigor AT ne-equip.com<mailto:sgrigor AT ne-equip.com>.

·         Tompkins County Agriculture Summit
February 24. Local farmers will share their success stories as part of the
Tompkins County Agriculture Summit planned for  Friday, February 24th from 9am
to 4pm at the Dryden V.F.W.   Featured speakers will be Patrick Hooker, former
NYS Agriculture Commissioner, and Phil Gotshall, a noted agriculture and
community development consultant.   The Summit is presented by the Tompkins
County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board and Cornell Cooperative
Extension of Tompkins County as a way to showcase the diversity and
productivity of Tompkins County Farms.
Registration is $10 (includes lunch).
Dryden VFW Post 8158, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden, New York 13053
For more
information<http://ccetompkins.org/calendar/12/01/12/tompkins-county-agriculture-summit>
call Debbie Teeter at 607-272-2292 or email
dlt22 AT cornell.edu<mailto:dlt22 AT cornell.edu>.

·         Southern Tier Field Crop Workshop
February 28.  Horseheads Holiday Inn Express, Horseheads, NY.  Variety
Selection, Pest Resistance and Plant Population Effects on Corn and Soybeans;
New Challenges with Field Crop Diseases; and Drainage Systems for Improved
Crop Health and Environmental Quality.  Lunch is $10 per person.  To register
please call Steuben CCE at 607-664-2300.

·         Beginning Tree Fruit
February 28, 2012, 6:00-8:00 pm at 4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Road, Ithaca,
New York 14850
Learn how to evaluate your land for fruit production, and how to prepare the
soil before planting. Learn how to choose tree fruit varieties for winter
hardiness, disease resistance and adequate pollination. We'll go over a yearly
calendar of tasks like fertilizing and pruning, as well as potential
difficulties you can encounter. Bring a sample of your soil to get pH-tested
at the end of the class. Fee: $5/person or $8/couple for 1 class; $10/person
or $15/couple for both classes. Please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Tompkins County at (607) 272-2292 to sign up!

·         2012 Small Farms Summit Scheduled for February 29
Wednesday, February 29th, from 9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. The Summit is an interactive
meeting with an opportunity for all participants to take part in lively
discussion and provide important feedback, both locally, and across the state.
We will be gathering in Ithaca, NY and at 4 other locations around New York
State: Voorheesville (Albany County), Canton (St Lawrence County), Warsaw
(Wyoming County) and Riverhead (Suffolk County). A video connection will allow
us to communicate across sites.
Previous Small Farm Summits generated valuable feedback regarding
opportunities and barriers affecting the success of small farms in NY. In
response, the Cornell Small Farms Program has initiated key projects such as
the award-winning "Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry",
sustainable farm energy field days, and a series of interviews with NYS food
distributers that work with small farms, to name a few.
The Summit is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Farmer participation
is especially encouraged and welcome. Website
http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/ Contact: Violet Stone, (607) 255-9227
vws7 AT cornell.edu<mailto:vws7 AT cornell.edu>

·         Conservation Stewardship Program
The ranking cutoff date for the 2012 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is
January 13, 2012.  Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to
their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office by the
deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking
period of 2012.  CSP is offered throughout New York State as a continuous
sign-up. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement
of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of
conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Eligible
lands include cropland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forest land. 
As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field
personnel to complete a resource inventory using a Conservation Measurement
Tool (CMT). The CMT determines the conservation performance for existing and
new conservation activities.  The applicant's conservation performance will be
used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.  For more information on
CSP and to sign up please contact your local NRCS field office (click here for
the
website<http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/main/national/programs/financial/csp>).


·         Solar and Wind Power for the Farm: Getting Your Farm Ready for
Renewable Energy
March 7 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County,
417 Liberty Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527
Family farms in the Finger Lakes are striving for sustainability and wise uses
of energy.  Even though many farm owners see the potential for wind or solar
power for their farm, it can be hard to get accurate information and separate
hype from the realities of installing and using renewable energy equipment.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting a new workshop for family farmers to
provide practical details about the most important steps to prepare for
renewable energy at the farm.  The workshop will cover where and how
electricity is typically used on farms, and what loads can be supplied by wind
or solar power.   Participants will learn what is fact or fiction when it
comes to wind and solar power, get oriented to the gadgetry of renewable
energy, and learn how one Finger Lakes farm prepared for and installed solar
panels recently. Presenters include Dick Peterson of Northeast Agriculture
Technology Corporation, Roy Butler of Four Winds Renewable Energy, and Peter
Martens of Lakeview Organic Grain, where solar panels have recently been added
to complement the farm's energy sources.
This session is a unique opportunity for farmers to ask questions and get
appropriate advice to take steps toward renewable energy.  Farms of all types
and sizes are welcome to attend and it is open to the public.  Hosted by
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates and Ontario Counties.
Fee: $15.00 per farm.



·         Ties to the Land:
March 10 - Planning for the Future of Your Family Farm and Woodland. 
Saturday, March 10th, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  NY Grange Hall; 100 Grange Place;
Cortland.  A Succession Planning workshop for keeping family lands in the
family.  Succession Planning -- the human side of Estate Planning -- focuses
on the key challenges that farmers and woodland owners face, and the
communication and legal planning tools needed to maintain family ties to the
land.  For registration and workshop details, please check
http://SuccessionPlanning.ning.com , or email/call Maureen Mullen:
mlm394 AT cornell.edu<mailto:mlm394 AT cornell.edu>, 607-254-6556.



·         Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Offered

March 17 - 9 a.m. - noon

Location: Reisinger's Apple Country, 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen.

Topics include:

·         Bud grafting an apple tree

·         Pruning apple, pear, stone fruits, nuts and berries

·         Pruning new trees up to mature trees

·         Renovating an older tree for fruit production.

Remember to dress for the weather! Light refreshments will be provided (fresh
doughnuts made on site!). No tools will be needed for this workshop. Rick
Reisinger owns and operates Reisinger's Apple Country, a 50-acre orchard and
u-pick with over 10,000 apple trees. Rick and family began planting the
orchards in 1994. The Reisingers grow apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries,
nuts and berries.

Pre-registration required at
pruningworkshop.eventbrite.com<http://ccepruningworkshop.eventbrite.com/> by
March 9, 2012.

There is a $20 fee for this workshop ($35/couple). For questions or more
information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program
Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu<mailto:rlo28 AT cornell.edu> or call 607-535-7161.



·         Backyard Fruit Production Workshop Offered

March 24 - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Reisinger's Apple Country, 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen.

Growing fruit at home can be fun and provide your family with fresh, flavorful
and nutritious food.  Come to this class to learn the basics you'll need to
succeed! We'll cover apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, blueberries,
raspberries and strawberries. And we'll mention nut trees, currants and
gooseberries.

Class Agenda:

·         8:30 Registration

·         9-10 Site selection and preparation, including soil testing and
fertilizing. Small scale irrigation techniques.

·         10-12 Planting, pruning, pest control, disease and other growing
practices.  Also variety selection, critter control, plant establishment, tips
and "what to do when" and harvest timing.

·         12-1 Basic storage, canning, preservation methods. CCE nutrition
staff will be available to answer questions.

Cost: $20 or $35/couple.

Pre-registration is required at
backyardfruit.eventbrite.com<http://backyardfruit.eventbrite.com/> by March 9,
2012.  There is a $20 fee for this workshop ($35/couple). For questions or
more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program
Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu<mailto:rlo28 AT cornell.edu> or call 607-535-7161.



·         2012 Geneva Bee Conference

March 24. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Vandervort Room in the Scandling Campus
Center, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY (Parking: Medbery Parking
Lot). Sponsored by Ontario-Finger Lakes Beekeepers Association and Finger
Lakes Beekeepers Club. Speakers Dr. Elizabeth Capaldi and Prof. Tom Seeley.
Free ($10 donation per person appreciated.) Basic schedule: 9-10
Registration/10-12:30 Dr. Elizabeth Capaldi - Learning about Bee
Learning/12:30-1:30 Lunch (bring a dish to share or bring your own brown
bag)/1:30-4 Prof. Tom Seeley - Honey Bee in the Wild/4-5 Door prize drawings
and general Q&A.

More on Dr. Elizabeth Capaldi Evans at http://www.bucknell.edu/x18001.xml More
information on Prof. Tom Seeley at http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/seeley.shtml



·         NYS DEC Saratoga Nursery Seedling Sales

The NYS Tree Nursery offers more than 50 different trees and shrubs for your
needs: stream buffers, hedges, windbreaks, wildlife food and habitat,
attracting pollinators, Christmas trees and more. Bare root seedlings are
lightweight and easy to plant.  Numerous trees and shrubs available make great
stream buffers. Storms in 2011 destroyed many stream banks. Healthy planted
stream banks and floodplains slow the force of floodwaters and reduce erosion,
protecting our loved ones and property. The sale began January 3, 2012 and
runs through mid-May. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7127.html

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<https://exchange.cornell.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=23dcb5fde8604c9dab9fc0753315bf20&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.nyserda.org%2fprograms%2fAgricultural%2fdefault.asp>.

·         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<https://exchange.cornell.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=23dcb5fde8604c9dab9fc0753315bf20&URL=https%3a%2f%2fexchange.cornell.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3db270dbb93f6c4d13b549353d696763ac%26URL%3dmailto%253aejf5%2540cornell.edu>
www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pages/news/-<https://exchange.cornell.edu/owa/redir.aspx?C=23dcb5fde8604c9dab9fc0753315bf20&URL=https%3a%2f%2fexchange.cornell.edu%2fowa%2fredir.aspx%3fC%3db270dbb93f6c4d13b549353d696763ac%26URL%3dhttp%253a%252f%252fwww.smallfarms.cornell.edu%252fpages%252fnews%252f->

New York FFA Website is live and available for you to reference. Ultimately,
we hope that newyorkffa.org<http://newyorkffa.org> will be the home for every
piece of information for all of NY Ag Ed.

·         Agricultural Markets Outlook, by Todd Schmit*, Mark Stephenson**,
Brad Rickard*, & Miguel Gómez* (*Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics
and Management (AEM), Cornell University; **Center for Dairy Profitability,
University of Wisconsin-Madison). Read the brief
here<http://www.cals.cornell.edu/cals/devsoc/outreach/cardi/publications/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=1035033>.
The December Upstate Update (Issue #6) is entitled "Agriculture and Economic
Development: Increasingly Inseparable".  Click
here<http://www.cals.cornell.edu/cals/devsoc/outreach/cardi/loader.cfm?csModule=security/getfile&PageID=1036154>
to read the Update. All of our publications are available on the CaRDI website
at http://www.cardi.cornell.edu<http://www.cardi.cornell.edu/>

·         New York State Guernsey Achievement Application 2012
Click here for New York State Guernsey Achievement Application
2012<https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2C05d2BR_zhMGZiOGI5ODktMWU1OC00ZmI2LTk4NTgtODFmNzZjMjY0NGU4>
Return to:  Mrs. Christel Axtell, 331 Lumber Road, Deposit, NY 13754 by no
later than March 5, 2012.

·         New York State Guernsey Calf Scholarship Application
Click here for
application<https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2C05d2BR_zhNGJjMmNmYTMtODFjYi00NTI3LWI5NjEtNDc1NzQ0Y2FhOWUw>.
All applications are due on March 5th this year. Here's the
newsletter<https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2C05d2BR_zhMGViMTU5NDEtMGVmMi00YWFlLWE0NzQtZTcwNzZlZmE3MWVi>

NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC is a non-profit agency that provides organic
certification to farmers and processors in New York state and beyond.  Click
here for more information.<http://www.nofany.org/organic-certification>

·         Farm and Business Information needed for 2012 Organic Food Guide
Make sure to be included in the 2012 Organic Food guide.  Packets have been
mailed to farms and businesses, but can also be downloaded online at
www.nofany.org/foodguide<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?llr=o7dm6agab&et=1109140124187&s=4405&e=0015DTBhJDjSOcpdGGCAO8mZfkPdLj2uJCbLpCu1Qrw-KRInEoimW8i4nE4fbE7RjA7uJB2vdwJ4mlB3mo86h5G_kRvzG0wx6aUeGIEosVMHK0SGkdwkvjq1ylz3KscsAy7>.

·         NOFA-NY Accepting Applications for Journeyperson Program
NOFA-NY will be accepting applications from qualified new farmers to
participate in its two-year support program, known as the NOFA-NY
Journeyperson Program<http://www.nofany.org/jp>, until February 8th, 2012. 
Starting with two farmers in this pilot year for New York, NOFA-NY will
provide two years of support in the form of educational and business planning
stipends, a paid farmer mentor, educational and networking opportunities and a
specific commitment to ensuring that this small group of farmers is able to
find sure footing in their first few years of farming independently.
Download the application form from www.nofany.org/jp<http://www.nofany.org/jp>
or contact Rachel at newfarmers AT nofany.org<mailto:newfarmers AT nofany.org> or
(585) 271-1979 ext. 511 to begin the application process.

·         Youth can earn a heritage breed of sheep Youth (age 9-18) can apply
to earn a heritage breed of sheep. Residents of New York state have been
recipients of this opportunity in the past.  The application is due April 1,
2012, and winners must be present at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on May
6, 2012. Click here for more
information<https://docs.google.com/open?id=0B2C05d2BR_zhYjIyYjI2ZWQtYjZiMC00M2NjLWE5NmEtMGUzOGFmYjNjYzdh>.

·         September 17  Livestock processing, regulations for selling,
business plans.  To make money with livestock you have to sell them.  Learn
how to navigate the regulations in NY, and how to plan for profit.  Matt
LeRoux, Cornell Marketing specialist.   6-8 pm, 56 Main St, Owego.


###
http://FLXpermaculture.Net
###
Earn your Permaculture Design Certificate
with the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute
http://www.fingerlakespermaculture.org
###

 

        

 Upcoming events in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture

in the South Central New York Region

 

Raising Livestock in Tioga County 2012 Workshop Series  

Looking for something to do with your land?    

If you want to have animals and sell pasture-raised meats, this series of classes is for you.  Learn from the experiences of other successful farmers, as well as tips from extension educators.  Classes are held on Tuesday evenings, late winter and summer. Cost per class is $10 per farm ($75 for the whole series) and includes light snacks and handouts.  To register, call 687-4020, or email meh39 AT cornell.edu

Preparing for Livestock: 

This first set of winter classes are at the county office building on 56 Main St, Owego, Tuesday evenings, 6-8 pm. 

·         Feb 7        Planning for Livestock. Ten things to consider when choosing the animal species to raise on your land.  Brett Chedzoy, CCE Schuyler County. 

·         Feb 21      Soils and stocking rates.  Evaluate your soils, make improvements, and plan the appropriate size herd for your land base.  Wendy Walsh, Tioga County Soil and Water District, and Heather Birdsall, South Central NY Livestock Specialist. 

·         March 6    Fencing, watering, and buildings.  Choose infrastructure that works for grazing both now and in the future.  John Wickham, Upper Susquehanna Coalition, with Suzy Daubert, NRCS.

·         March 20  Pasture management and problems.  Fighting with mud and weeds in your pastures?.  Learn strategies to turn goldenrod into nutritious pasture, as well as sound grazing strategies. Fay Benson, Cornell Grazing specialist.

·         April 3      Good quality hay production.  Janice Degni, Cornell field crops specialist.   (location TBD)

 

On-farm animal husbandry workshops: 

Come dressed for the weather and learn how farmers care for their animals, from feeding to parasite management and more. 5:30-7:30 pm

  

·         April 18       Raising Hogs.  Kingbird Farm, 9398 W. Creek Rd, .Berkshire.

·         May 15        Raising Beef.  Twin Brook Farm, 304 Lainhart Rd, Owego

·         June 19       Raising sheep and goats.  Griffin’s Nest, Tioga Center.

·         July 17        Raising Pastured Poultry.  Heritage Pastures, 2343 Stanton Hill Rd, Nichols

·         August 21  Caring for Horses.  Lisle Rd, Owego, NY.

Open Enrollment for Schuyler County Agriculture Districts January 15 through February 15

·         The Schuyler County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (AFPB) on behalf of the county will be holding its annual 30 day agriculture district enrollment January 15 through February 15.  Schuyler County contains three agricultural districts which consist predominantly of viable agricultural land. In practice, districts may include land that is actively farmed, idle, forested, as well as residential and possibly commercial. Being included in an agricultural district provides benefits that help make and keep farming a viable economic activity. 

·         Enrollment forms can be found at the Cooperative Extension and Soil and Water Conservation offices or on-line at www.sc-landuse.org.  For more information please contact Cooperative Extension at 607-535-7161.      

 

Farm Market Management and Regulations: What Every Vendor Should Know

February 8 - 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY  14424 Workshop fee: $25 per person, includes lunch and handouts.

In light of food safety concerns among the general public, prompted in part by farm market vendors accused of fraud related to the source and condition of their produce, direct marketing venues are coming under increased scrutiny by state inspectors.

This workshop will provide updates for farmers and farmer market managers, plus information on food safety guidelines for farmer vendors.  Representatives from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Department of Health, and Department of Labor will review the rules, licenses and regulations associated with direct marketing at farm markets and other similar settings.  Diane Eggert of the NYS Farmers Market Federation will address specific issues around food safety, and keeping up when the market gets busier than expected.

This session is a unique opportunity to ask questions and clarify which regulations are real and which are rumors gone wild. 

REGISTER or MORE INFORMATION: Call Nancy Anderson at 585-394-3977 x427 or send name, address and phone number to nea8 AT cornell.edu

 

Organic Certification Workshop

February 10 - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850 Online link here. The workshops are designed to answer any questions you may have about the crop/livestock/wild crops certification process. Workshops will include a review of the application forms and overview of the National Organic Program Standards. Since there are space limitations, please pre-register for a workshop by contacting: NOFA-NY Certified Organic LLC at 607-724-9851 or certifiedorganic AT nofany.org.

 

Locally Grown Foods Festival

February 10  4-8 p.m. Union Hall, 100 Civic Center Plaza, Corning The public is cordially invited to a unique tasting experience.

Meet dozens of Finger Lakes farmers. Taste samples. Tastings of meats, vegetables, cheese, fruits, preserves, wines, and more!

Learn about local farms and purchase local products. Learn how and where to buy fresh, healthy, local foods.

Visit and learn about more about Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). The event will feature several different CSAs that offer a variety of shares for sale. $5.00 per person $10.00 per family. Register at the door or in advance at: https://secure.qgiv.com/for/cornellce/event/4188/

 

Free Rabies Clinic

February 11 - offered by the CHEMUNG COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT at the John Gridley Bldg.,103 Washington St., Elmira. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.

 

NY Forest Owners Association Winter Meeting

February 11 - The Fourth Annual Peter Levatich Memorial Seminar will be held Saturday, February 11^th  at the Spencer-Van Etten High School Auditorium from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.  Presentations on feral hogs, the effects of climate change on forests, and Marcellus Shale experiences from the woods of northern Pennsylvania.  Please visit www.nyfoa.org for more details.  For questions, please contact Brett Chedzoy at bjc226 AT cornell.edu  

 

Ladybugs, Grasshoppers and Butterflies Oh My!

Come join the Regional 4-H program as they offer an exciting exploration of bugs and creepy crawlies.  Youth 9-19 will enjoy learning about lady bugs, praying mantises, grasshoppers, crickets and many more invertebrates through hands on activities.  The program will be offered in two locations; The Tioga County Series will be held at the Tioga County Office Building in Owego, NY on Saturdays from 12-1:30 p.m. on February 11, March 17, May 19, and June 16. The Schuyler County Series will be held at the Human Services Complex in Montour Falls, NY on Saturdays from 10 a.m. -12 p.m. on February 25, March 24, and May 12.  The program will explore the world of insects through hands on activities and demonstrations and will finish with a bug hunt to identify what insects can be found in our many different environments. For more information or to sign up for the program please contact your local 4-H office or Cornell Cooperative Extension Tioga County at 687–4020.

Healthy Living Series at the Montour Falls Library

February 14. 7 p.m. "Day Dreams for the Garden", with horticulturist Roger Ort, Cornell Cooperative Extension Horticulture Program Assistant, at the Montour Falls Library.  Help with planning the garden site, purpose, and design will be provided.  Please bring your questions.  Visioning your garden now enhances the pleasure and success of this year’s endeavor.  Open and free for all, though donations are welcome for future programs. 

Outline for Gardening class to be offered:

When: Second Tuesday each month

^·          Feb.14 - Site of the garden, garden purpose, garden design.

^·          March 13 - Seed starting, reading seed packs, what to grow.   

^·          April 10 - Garden bed prep, soil testing/PH, soil additives, fertilizers, compaction, double digging vs. tilling. 

^·          May 8 - Planting seedlings vs. direct sowing, Zone 5 planting dates, other crops.

For more details contact :Roxanne Leyes, Montour Falls Library 535-7489

 

Beginning Hydroponics (Grow with the Flow)

February 16 at the Silver Spoon Café, Human Services Complex, Montour Falls, 7-8:30 p.m. with Bryson Clark from Upstate Hydroponics & Garden Supply. $5 fee – pre-registration required by Feb. 10, 2010 by calling 607-535-7161.

 

Corning Winter Farmers’ Market extends season into 2012

February 17, March 10  11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

According to the USDA data New York leads the pack with 180 winter markets.  It’s no surprise that Steuben County’s one winter farmers’ market is extending its inaugural season. Demand for locally produced products proved to be strong at the newly formed Corning Winter Farmers’ Market during November and December, and the farmers have agreed to continue with the market in 2012.

The winter market features vendors selling locally produced eggs, honey, maple syrup, jams, herbs, baked goods, chicken, grass fed beef, pork, and handmade Amish baskets. New vendors have joined for the 2012 dates, they include: Muddy Fingers Farm (vegetables), Keuka Lake Coffee Roasters & Java-Gourmet specialty foods, Deep Root Vineyards (offering wine tastings), and a dried fruit vendor.  The Market is located at 1 West Market Street, inside the Information Center of Corning. For more information contact the market manager at 607-759-7665. For more information visit the Corning Winter Market on Facebook!

 

Direct Marketing Grass Finished Beef – One Small Scale Approach

February 20 What we’ve learned (positive & negative) from 10 years of direct marketing beef & other sustainably raised meats (including pastured eggs).   7 – 9 p.m., Junius Fire Hall, 647 Dublin Rd, Clyde $10 per person

Bill Hodge, retired U. Georgia extension specialist and principal of Sustainable Genetics, will be the keynote speaker at the conference. Bill and his wife, Di started the Hodge Ranch in 1973. Some of his management practices include: matching livestock and forage resources in controlled grazing, 12 month rotational grazing, no supplemental feed, sustainable pasture management (nutrient recycling – no pesticides used), 45-day calving season, across the fence (fenceline) weaning. Now in retirement, Bill is looking to expand his forage finished beef business, amongst other things.

Bill will also be the keynote speaker at the Step it Up Grazing Conference February 21^st at BW’s, 11070 Perry Rd, Pavilion. Registration begins at 9 am, with the workshop running 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. $35 per person, $25 for each additional person from the farm.

Registration deadline - February 16. To register, call Cathy Wallace at 585.343.3040 x138, email cfw6 AT cornell.edu. For more information or questions regarding either event, call Nancy Glazier at 585.315.7746, email nig3 AT cornell.edu.

 

Farm Market Merchandising: The Keys to Incredible Sales

February 22 - 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Jordan Hall, NYS Agricultural Experiment Station, 630 West North Street, Geneva, NY  14456

If you are a farm market vendor, CSA farmer, or run a seasonal market at your farm, you can tap into better profits if you merchandise like the pros.  This workshop will give you insights about produce sales techniques and show you how to dress up and arrange your stand to increase sales without a lot of effort.  Extension marketing specialist Eric Barrett from Ohio State University will share his observations from a recent tour of Upstate New York farm markets.  He has developed a list of key strategies for farm market vendors as an independent witness to what local farmers are doing well - and poorly.  Eric Voigt, a professional produce merchandising consultant (think “major grocery chains”) will explain the best steps for building sales and making an impression that brings more loyalty from your customers. He will share tips based on consumer research on maximizing your display quality.  Both presenters will take questions and respond to your merchandising ideas.

Even in competitive, multi-farm markets where everyone is selling their best, you can have an edge if you make the most of merchandising.  This very special workshop is directed to experienced and new farmers throughout New York State who are trying to garner the best sales possible.

Fee: $25.00 per person includes lunch, handouts, and expert advice on farm market merchandising.

Pre-registration is required by February 20, 2012 by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County at (585) 394-3977 x427 or e-mail Nancy Anderson with your full contact information to nea8 AT cornell.edu

 

2012 Crop Symposium

February 21, 10:30 to 2:30 p.m. Civil Defense Center, Bath, NY.  Variety, Selection, Pest Resistance and Plant Population Effects on Corn, Soybeans and Wheat; A Practical Look at Field Crop Insect Management; and Drainage Systems for Improved Crop Health and Environmental Quality.  Lunch is $10 per person.  To register please call Steuben CCE at 607-664-2300. 

 

It’s All About Food

February 22 - 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon Academic and Workforce Development Center, 318 Madison Avenue, Room 004, Elmira, NY

$10 Pre-registration is required by February 20th For more information or to register, call the SBDC at (607) 937-6861 or

sbdc AT corning-cc.edu Representatives from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYS Department of Health, and NYS Department of Weights and Measures will explain what they do and who they regulate.

This seminar is for you if you are thinking of starting or already have the following businesses: Bakery Coffee Roaster, Dairy Industry Farmers Market, Food Processing Plant, Food Warehouse, Grocery Store, Pet Food, Restaurant, Winery, Home-based food manufacturing.

 

New York Farm Show

February 23, 24^th and 25^th. State Fair Grounds; Syracuse, NY.  For more information call Scott Grigor, Show Manager at 315-457-5145 or email sgrigor AT ne-equip.com. 

 

Tompkins County Agriculture Summit

February 24. Local farmers will share their success stories as part of the Tompkins County Agriculture Summit planned for  Friday, February 24^th from 9am to 4pm at the Dryden V.F.W.   Featured speakers will be Patrick Hooker, former NYS Agriculture Commissioner, and Phil Gotshall, a noted agriculture and community development consultant.   The Summit is presented by the Tompkins County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County as a way to showcase the diversity and productivity of Tompkins County Farms.

Registration is $10 (includes lunch).

Dryden VFW Post 8158, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden, New York 13053

For more information call Debbie Teeter at 607-272-2292 or email dlt22 AT cornell.edu.

 

Southern Tier Field Crop Workshop

February 28.  Horseheads Holiday Inn Express, Horseheads, NY.  Variety Selection, Pest Resistance and Plant Population Effects on Corn and Soybeans; New Challenges with Field Crop Diseases; and Drainage Systems for Improved Crop Health and Environmental Quality.  Lunch is $10 per person.  To register please call Steuben CCE at 607-664-2300. 

 

Beginning Tree Fruit
February 28, 2012, 6:00-8:00 pm at 4-H Acres, 418 Lower Creek Road, Ithaca, New York 14850
Learn how to evaluate your land for fruit production, and how to prepare the soil before planting. Learn how to choose tree fruit varieties for winter hardiness, disease resistance and adequate pollination. We'll go over a yearly calendar of tasks like fertilizing and pruning, as well as potential difficulties you can encounter. Bring a sample of your soil to get pH-tested at the end of the class. Fee: $5/person or $8/couple for 1 class; $10/person or $15/couple for both classes. Please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County at (607) 272-2292 to sign up!

 

2012 Small Farms Summit Scheduled for February 29

Wednesday, February 29th, from 9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Summit is an interactive meeting with an opportunity for all participants to take part in lively discussion and provide important feedback, both locally, and across the state. We will be gathering in Ithaca, NY and at 4 other locations around New York State: Voorheesville (Albany County), Canton (St Lawrence County), Warsaw (Wyoming County) and Riverhead (Suffolk County). A video connection will allow us to communicate across sites.

Previous Small Farm Summits generated valuable feedback regarding opportunities and barriers affecting the success of small farms in NY. In response, the Cornell Small Farms Program has initiated key projects such as the award-winning "Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry", sustainable farm energy field days, and a series of interviews with NYS food distributers that work with small farms, to name a few.

The Summit is free to attend and lunch will be provided. Farmer participation is especially encouraged and welcome. Website

http://www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/ Contact: Violet Stone, (607) 255-9227 vws7 AT cornell.edu

 

Conservation Stewardship Program

The ranking cutoff date for the 2012 Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP) is January 13, 2012.  Producers interested in CSP should submit applications to their local Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) office by the deadline so that their applications can be considered during the first ranking period of 2012.  CSP is offered throughout New York State as a continuous sign-up. The program provides many conservation benefits including improvement of water and soil quality, wildlife habit enhancements and adoption of conservation activities that address the effects of climate change. Eligible lands include cropland, pastureland, and nonindustrial private forest land.  As part of the CSP application process, applicants will work with NRCS field personnel to complete a resource inventory using a Conservation Measurement Tool (CMT). The CMT determines the conservation performance for existing and new conservation activities.  The applicant’s conservation performance will be used to determine eligibility, ranking and payments.  For more information on CSP and to sign up please contact your local NRCS field office (click here for the website).

 

Solar and Wind Power for the Farm: Getting Your Farm Ready for Renewable Energy

March 7 - 9:00 AM - 12:00 Noon Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County, 417 Liberty Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527

Family farms in the Finger Lakes are striving for sustainability and wise uses of energy.  Even though many farm owners see the potential for wind or solar power for their farm, it can be hard to get accurate information and separate hype from the realities of installing and using renewable energy equipment.

Cornell Cooperative Extension is hosting a new workshop for family farmers to provide practical details about the most important steps to prepare for renewable energy at the farm.  The workshop will cover where and how electricity is typically used on farms, and what loads can be supplied by wind or solar power.   Participants will learn what is fact or fiction when it comes to wind and solar power, get oriented to the gadgetry of renewable energy, and learn how one Finger Lakes farm prepared for and installed solar panels recently. Presenters include Dick Peterson of Northeast Agriculture Technology Corporation, Roy Butler of Four Winds Renewable Energy, and Peter Martens of Lakeview Organic Grain, where solar panels have recently been added to complement the farm’s energy sources.

This session is a unique opportunity for farmers to ask questions and get appropriate advice to take steps toward renewable energy.  Farms of all types and sizes are welcome to attend and it is open to the public.  Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates and Ontario Counties.

Fee: $15.00 per farm.

 

Ties to the Land: 

March 10 - Planning for the Future of Your Family Farm and Woodland.  Saturday, March 10^th, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm.  NY Grange Hall; 100 Grange Place; Cortland.  A Succession Planning workshop for keeping family lands in the family.  Succession Planning -- the human side of Estate Planning -- focuses on the key challenges that farmers and woodland owners face, and the communication and legal planning tools needed to maintain family ties to the land.  For registration and workshop details, please check http://SuccessionPlanning.ning.com , or email/call Maureen Mullen: mlm394 AT cornell.edu, 607-254-6556.

 

Fruit Tree Pruning Workshop Offered

March 17 - 9 a.m. – noon

Location: Reisinger’s Apple Country, 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen.

Topics include:

·         Bud grafting an apple tree

·         Pruning apple, pear, stone fruits, nuts and berries

·         Pruning new trees up to mature trees

·         Renovating an older tree for fruit production.

Remember to dress for the weather! Light refreshments will be provided (fresh doughnuts made on site!). No tools will be needed for this workshop. Rick Reisinger owns and operates Reisinger’s Apple Country, a 50-acre orchard and u-pick with over 10,000 apple trees. Rick and family began planting the orchards in 1994. The Reisingers grow apples, peaches, pears, plums, cherries, nuts and berries.

Pre-registration required at pruningworkshop.eventbrite.com by March 9, 2012.

There is a $20 fee for this workshop ($35/couple). For questions or more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu or call 607-535-7161.

 

Backyard Fruit Production Workshop Offered

March 24 - 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Location: Reisinger’s Apple Country, 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen.

Growing fruit at home can be fun and provide your family with fresh, flavorful and nutritious food.  Come to this class to learn the basics you’ll need to succeed! We’ll cover apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. And we’ll mention nut trees, currants and gooseberries.

Class Agenda:

·         8:30 Registration

·         9-10 Site selection and preparation, including soil testing and fertilizing. Small scale irrigation techniques.

·         10-12 Planting, pruning, pest control, disease and other growing practices.  Also variety selection, critter control, plant establishment, tips and “what to do when” and harvest timing.

·         12-1 Basic storage, canning, preservation methods. CCE nutrition staff will be available to answer questions.

Cost: $20 or $35/couple.

Pre-registration is required at backyardfruit.eventbrite.com by March 9, 2012.  There is a $20 fee for this workshop ($35/couple). For questions or more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu or call 607-535-7161.

 

2012 Geneva Bee Conference

March 24. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Vandervort Room in the Scandling Campus Center, Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY (Parking: Medbery Parking Lot). Sponsored by Ontario-Finger Lakes Beekeepers Association and Finger Lakes Beekeepers Club. Speakers Dr. Elizabeth Capaldi and Prof. Tom Seeley. Free ($10 donation per person appreciated.) Basic schedule: 9-10 Registration/10-12:30 Dr. Elizabeth Capaldi – Learning about Bee Learning/12:30-1:30 Lunch (bring a dish to share or bring your own brown bag)/1:30-4 Prof. Tom Seeley – Honey Bee in the Wild/4-5 Door prize drawings and general Q&A.

More on Dr. Elizabeth Capaldi Evans at http://www.bucknell.edu/x18001.xml More information on Prof. Tom Seeley at http://www.nbb.cornell.edu/seeley.shtml

 

NYS DEC Saratoga Nursery Seedling Sales

The NYS Tree Nursery offers more than 50 different trees and shrubs for your needs: stream buffers, hedges, windbreaks, wildlife food and habitat, attracting pollinators, Christmas trees and more. Bare root seedlings are lightweight and easy to plant.  Numerous trees and shrubs available make great stream buffers. Storms in 2011 destroyed many stream banks. Healthy planted stream banks and floodplains slow the force of floodwaters and reduce erosion, protecting our loved ones and property. The sale began January 3, 2012 and runs through mid-May. http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/7127.html

 

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. 

 

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/-

 

New York FFA Website is live and available for you to reference. Ultimately, we hope that newyorkffa.org will be the home for every piece of information for all of NY Ag Ed. 

 

Agricultural Markets Outlook, by Todd Schmit^*, Mark Stephenson^**, Brad Rickard^*, & Miguel Gómez^* (^*Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management (AEM), Cornell University; ^**Center for Dairy Profitability, University of Wisconsin-Madison). Read the brief here.
The December Upstate Update (Issue #6) is entitled "Agriculture and Economic Development: Increasingly Inseparable".  Click here to read the Update. All of our publications are available on the CaRDI website at http://www.cardi.cornell.edu

 

New York State Guernsey Achievement Application 2012

Click here for New York State Guernsey Achievement Application 2012 Return to:  Mrs. Christel Axtell, 331 Lumber Road, Deposit, NY 13754 by no later than March 5, 2012.

 

New York State Guernsey Calf Scholarship Application

Click here for application. All applications are due on March 5th this year. Here’s the newsletter

 

NOFA-NY Certified Organic, LLC is a non-profit agency that provides organic certification to farmers and processors in New York state and beyond.  Click here for more information.

 

Farm and Business Information needed for 2012 Organic Food Guide

Make sure to be included in the 2012 Organic Food guide.  Packets have been mailed to farms and businesses, but can also be downloaded online at www.nofany.org/foodguide. 

 

NOFA-NY Accepting Applications for Journeyperson Program

NOFA-NY will be accepting applications from qualified new farmers to participate in its two-year support program, known as the NOFA-NY Journeyperson Program, until February 8th, 2012.  Starting with two farmers in this pilot year for New York, NOFA-NY will provide two years of support in the form of educational and business planning stipends, a paid farmer mentor, educational and networking opportunities and a specific commitment to ensuring that this small group of farmers is able to find sure footing in their first few years of farming independently.
Download the application form from www.nofany.org/jp or contact Rachel at newfarmers AT nofany.org or (585) 271-1979 ext. 511 to begin the application process.

 

Youth can earn a heritage breed of sheep Youth (age 9-18) can apply to earn a heritage breed of sheep. Residents of New York state have been recipients of this opportunity in the past.  The application is due April 1, 2012, and winners must be present at the Maryland Sheep & Wool Festival on May 6, 2012. Click here for more information.

 

September 17  Livestock processing, regulations for selling, business plans.  To make money with livestock you have to sell them.  Learn how to navigate the regulations in NY, and how to plan for profit.  Matt LeRoux, Cornell Marketing specialist.   6-8 pm, 56 Main St, Owego.

 

 “If you no longer wish to receive our bi-weekly update on Ag and Natural Resources programs in the region, please respond to this email with “Remove” in the subject line”

 

 

 

 

 

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