Fingerlakespermaculture mailing list

["Sandra J. Repp" <sjr37 AT cornell.edu>]

The following e-newsletter is sent monthly on behalf of Cooperative Extension’s South Central New York Agriculture Team, and includes many events and workshops of broad interest.  You may find this publication reposted on the CCE-Tompkins website (here: http://ccetompkins.org/agriculture/scny-agriculture-program/upcoming-scny-events) or you may subscribe by sending an email request to Robin Ennis-Willson at re86 AT cornell.edu.

 

 

 

From: Robin Ennis-Willson
Sent: Thursday, February 28, 2013 11:54 AM
Subject: Upcoming events CCE South Central NY Ag Team - March 1

 

 

        Upcoming events in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Horticulture

in the South Central New York Region

 

 

Ithaca Native Landscape Symposium

March 1 & 2. 8 a.m. Cinemapolis Theater, Ithaca. The Ithaca Native Landscape Symposium is based on a simple idea: the use of native plants should remain an integral part of sustainable landscapes. We see many fields adapting rapidly to goals of sustainability, but horticulture in Central NY has been slow to embrace native plants, which have been standard landscape tools in many other parts of the country for decades. In Central NY, quality information on native plants remains elusive, with marketing standing in for ecology or substance. The Symposium offers alternative ideas, knowledge and perspective presented by experts and professionals from our region and beyond. It is for landscape architects, designers, educators, Master Gardeners, government employees, homeowners, gardeners, naturalists and anyone else eager to learn more about this growing movement. http://www.ithacanativelandscape.com. Early bird prices available until January 10th:Friday:  $105 Saturday:  $95 Both Days:  $175 ​Regular Prices in effect January 11, 2013: Friday:  $115 Saturday:  $95 Both Days:  $185 Register here.

 

Using the Whole Animal Workshop for Adults

March 1-3 Nothing wasted.  Join Kfir Mendel of http://www.TwoWolves.org for 2 full hands-on weekends of learning how to honor the animal by utilizing all of it: * skinning and butchering * braintanning and rawhide * drying & smoking meat, rendering fat * processing and using sinew * working with antlers and hoofs * making bone tools * using internal organs * and much more!  Friday 5:30-8 p. m.  Saturday 8:30-6 p.m.  Sunday 8:30-4 p.m. Two full weekends!  Sign up for either weekend or both. Workshops are for adults 18+.  Youth may attend if accompanied by an adult. Sponsored by Primitive Pursuits. Tim Drake, Event Coordinator 607-272-2292 primitivepursuits AT cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Tompkins County, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca, NY 14850-3555. tompkins AT cornell.edu. Online information.

 

Garlic Growing Workshop and Roundtable

March 2. 8 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Room 120, Human Services Complex, 323 Owego St, Montour Falls, NY Join us for a workshop about growing garlic! David Stern from Rose Valley Farm is our guest speaker. He has produced garlic for over 30 years and was co-founder of the Garlic Seed Foundation. Rose Valley was one of the first farms to be certified “organic” in New York State. There will also be a Potluck and you will be able to talk to other growers – so bring your favorite garlic dish to pass! In addition there will be a Growers Panel Discussion including Muddy Fingers, Six Circle and other farms. Fee: $15/person or $25/farm or family. Reservations are required due to limited space/seating. Please pre-register by February 28 online at https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/garlic_244. For questions or more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu or call 607-535-7161. Flyer here.

 

Yates County Forestry Workshop: Ensuring Healthy Forest Regeneration

March 2. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Yates County Auditorium, 417 Liberty Street, Penn Yan.  Registration: 8:30 a.m. The Master Forest Owners and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County will host their 3^nd annual workshop titled “Yates County Forestry Workshop: Ensuring Healthy Forest Regeneration.” Recent studies by Cornell University and the Nature Conservancy concluded that up to 70% of New York forests are not successfully regenerating themselves.  This is a direct result of overbrowsing of tree seedlings by deer, interfering and invasive vegetation that prevents the germination of desirable species and in some cases a history of high grading harvest practices (take the best and leave the rest).  Without successful regeneration, the forest as we know it will not exist in the next century. Participants will learn the solutions to our regeneration problem by understanding how to manage the deer population and interfering vegetation.  New York State Forest Owners Association member, Jerry Michael, will discuss the Cornell study in the context of our second growth forests during the 21^th century.  NYS DEC Senior Wildlife Biologist, Art Kirsch, will address the impacts of deer browsing on forest regeneration, and Owner/President/Forester at Future Forest Consulting, Inc., Corey Figueiredo, will cover invasives and interfering plants plus silvicultural treatments necessary for successful forest regeneration. This is a great opportunity to tap the local forestry knowledge and even schedule a time for a Master Forest Owner to come visit your woodlot.  This workshop is open to the public.  Fee is $10 per family, which includes one set of handouts and refreshments. Pre-registration is required by calling Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County 315-536-5123.

 

Community Supported Agriculture Fair

March 2. 12-3 p.m. Boynton Middle School, 1601 North Cayuga Street, at Route 34 / E. Shore Drive, Ithaca. Community Supported Agriculture provides farmers with an established market prior to the production season and consumers with a weekly selection of just-harvested food. Attend the CSA Fair to learn about this partnership and meet farmers from CSA farms serving the Ithaca area. Farmers will have informational displays showcasing their operations and will be available to speak with interested community members. There will also be some fun, hands-on agricultural-related activities offered for children of all ages. See  LIST OF PARTICIPATING FARMS and displays! FREE! Learn more: http://ccetompkins.org/agriculture/events/csa-fair.

 

Shearing School

March 2. Dryden, NY. Doug Rathke from Minnesota will instruct on topics including shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, handpiece maintenance and more. Rathke is one of the top shearers in the United States and has had extensive training from New Zealand Wools. For more information and to register: http://www.sheep.cornell.edu/calendar/shearingschool.html.

 

Agri-Economic Development Mini Conference:  Commercial Farm Update

March 5. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at the New York State Grange Headquarters, 100 Grange Place, Cortland, NY The first in a series of Cortland County Agri-Economic Development Mini Conferences.  This session is aimed at commercial farms in order to provide up-to-date news, views and information to help farm businesses survive and thrive during these changing times.  There will be detailed presentations focusing on issues such as cattle marketing outlook, labor management and resources, crop and farm insurance by industry experts Mike Baker – Cornell University, Erin Kelly – NYS Department of Labor and Mike Resinger of Rebecca Resinger Insurance.  Lunch will be provided after these presentations with remarks from Gary VanGorder, Executive Director of the Cortland County Business Development Corporation (CCBDC).  Following lunch there will be a discussion panel to provide updates and discuss emerging issues such as Environmental Protection Agency Total Maximum Daily Loading (TMDL) and NYSDEC CAFO Regulations, Ag Policy Updates, Immigration Issues, Changing Weather Patterns and Consumptive Water Use Reporting.  There is no cost to attend the mini-conference, but pre-registration is required by contacting the CCBDC at 607-756-5005 or by email at info AT cortlandbusiness.com.  This event is co-sponsored by the CCBDC, Cortland County Farm Bureau, Chamber of Commerce, Cooperative Extension and the Soil and Water Conservation District.

General Gaps Training For All Fresh Produce Growers

March 6 & 7.  8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County, 417 Liberty St., Penn Yan. In recent years, several food borne illness outbreaks in produce have made national news. Both the produce industry and the federal government have stepped up demands for fruit and vegetable farms to meet food safety practice standards. These standards are known as GAPs (Good Agricultural Practices). A new program, Harmonized GAPs, has been developed to combine several food safety certifications into one program. New York's retail produce buyers are asking growers to adopt Harmonized GAPs certification in many cases. In response, Cornell National GAPs Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension have developed a multi-day workshop. Find out what GAPS is and how it works. Write a food safety plan for your farm. Register online at http://cvp.cce.cornell.edu or mail in a registration form and payment found at www.gaps.cornell.edu. For more information about these trainings, contact Craig Kahlke, Lake Ontario Fruit Team, at cjk37 AT cornell.edu or 585-735-5448. Click here for the USDA 3rd Party Audit Verification Programs.

 

Southern Tier Nurserymen and Landscaper's Association Region 8 Education Day

March 7. All-day educational event for horticulture professionals at the Owego Treadway. The Education Day will offer 2 concurrent sessions as well as a trade show.  DEC, CNLP, and LA credits will be available.  Topics include water gardens, irrigation systems, insect & disease management, pruning, a mock DOT inspection and many others.  Please contact Chemung CCE at 734-4453 or email jew223 AT cornell.edu for more information.  Cost varies, based on STNLA membership. Note:  This course is designed for professionals rather than gardeners.

 

Presented by Pheasants Forever

March 7,8 or 9. Montezuma Audubon Center, 2295 New York 89, Savannah, NY 13146, Thursday, March 7th, 2013 6 – 9 p.m. – or - A-ON-DO-WA-NUH Sportsmen’s Club, 4716 River Rd, Leicester, NY 14481, Friday, March 8th, 2013 6-9 p.m. – or - Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge, 1101 Casey Road, Basom, NY 14013,  Saturday, March 9th, 2013 2-5 p.m. The workshops are FREE of charge and all are welcome to attend. Presentations will include the following topics… Managing wildlife on Private Property/Food Plots, Native Warm Season Grass establishment, Pollinator Habitats/Wetland Development/Early Successional Forest/State and Federal cost share/incentive programs for landowners. There will also be a landowner help desk available following the presentations.

Network with agency staff from; Pheasants Forever, Ducks Unlimited, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Ruffed Grouse Society, National Audubon Society, NRCS and USFWS. The workshops will be indoors with light food and refreshments provided. For more information and to register please contact: Shon Robbins – Regional Wildlife Biologist/ (570) 204-5761 or email srobbins AT pheasantsforever.org. These workshops are made possible through grant funding provided by the American Wildlife Conservation Foundation.

 

Brewing Science & Technology Program

March 8. Cornell University will again offer a full day short course on Brewing Science & Technology at the Geneva Experiment Station on Friday, March 8, 2013. This will be entirely presented by Prof. Karl Siebert, who spent over 18 years in the brewing industry and who has received multiple awards from brewing organizations. This short course will cover barley, malt, hops, brewing water, adjuncts, brewhouse operations, brewing yeast and brewery fermentations, maturation, finishing and beer styles. The short course will cost $100, which includes meals and handouts. The attachment has more detail and the course registration form. This highly rated course was presented twice in 2012. The Jordan Hall auditorium can accommodate approx. 80 people in classroom style seating. Both previous offerings sold out and about 20 would-be attendees were turned away in each case. Registrations will be accepted until either the class reaches capacity or March 1. Agenda and Registration Form here. Website here.

 

Sustainable Landscaping 

March 9. 10 am - noon. Dan Segal of the Plantsmen Nursery in Ithaca will be presenting a talk on sustainable landscaping at the Watkins Glen Library on North Decator St. on Saturday,  The Plantsmen Nursery specializes in native landscape plants and design and is the organizer of the Ithaca Native Landscape Symposium to be held in Ithaca on March 1 & 2.  The program is sponsored by the Finger Lakes Progressives and is free and open to all.  For more information call 607-387-9224.

 

Rural Landowner Workshop

March 9.  8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.  Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County; 840 Upper Front St; Binghamton, NY. This workshop offers sessions on a number of topics of interest to rural landowners including: Map resources that help you manage your land; Government cost-share and technical assistance programs; Planting Trees: Plan for Success; Welcoming Birds to Your Property; Harvest Firewood & Improve Your Woodlot; If You Can’t Beat Them, Eat Them! Edible Weeds and Wild Plants; Tax programs, permits, licenses: What does all this paperwork mean & does it apply to me?  Marketing 101 – How to Find Customers and Pricing Your Products.  Cost for the workshop is $20 which covers 2 registrations per family.  For more information and to register email clf62 AT cornell.edu  call (607) 584-9966; or register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/rurallandownerwksp_203.

 

Pig Butchering Demo & Sustainable Agriculture Overview

March 11. The Piggery, 423 Franklin Street, Ithaca. Curious about where the pork chop comes from? Wonder what the difference is between sirloin, rib and center cut chops? How to cook a rib tip or pork jowl??? We’ll start the evening with a detailed history of the pig, sustainable pastured farming techniques and finish with an in-depth demonstration of how a half a pig is broken down into the cuts you see in your butcher’s meat case. To get a glimpse of what you’re in for, check out this video of a recent butchering demo we did: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYVpNz7Iyvo. 2013 Classes are scheduled for Feb 11th, and March 11. Classes start at 6 p.m. and will typically run about 2.5 hours. Each class is $49. Class size is limited to 20. Sign up for the March 11 class.

 

The Art Of Beekeeping – What’s All The Buzz About?

March 12. 7 – 9 p.m. Silver Spoon Cafe, Human Services Building, 323 Owego St, Montour Falls. Presenter Paul Marcellus will discuss beekeeping for all. Topics of Discussion: Bees – Basics/Assembly of equipment/Supply Sources/Best Management Practices/What To Do When Your Bees Arrive/Harvesting Honey/Seasonal Transitions For The Hive/Keeping Healthy Bees. $15 per person or $25 per couple. Pre-registration required by March 8, 2013. Register online at: http://reg.cce.cornell.edu/bee_244. For questions or more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu or call 607-535-7161. Flyer here.

 

Recognizing & Protecting Pollinators for Vegetables and Small Fruit Production

March 13. 1-2 p.m. Shelby Fleischer, Penn State Dept. Entomology, Sheena Sidhu, Penn State Dept. Entomology, (2 recertification category 03, 18, and PC credits) Penn State’s Extension Vegetable & Small Fruit Program Team presents a series of webinars to keep you informed on critical production issues. The series provides convenient access to timely updates in commercial vegetable and small fruit production for extension educators, producers, and industry representatives in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Topics include irrigation, nutrient management, GAPs, pollinators, and cucurbit pest management strategies. These webinars are most relevant for those involved in commercial production (production for sale) of vegetables on any scale. Webinars may be viewed by groups at one location, but the expectation is that each participant is registered separately for the webinar series. There are no group or site registrations. More information here. Register for the webinars online at http://agsci.psu.edu/vegetable-production-webinars or by phone at 724-627-3745. For more information, contact Stivers at 724-554-8815 or by email at ljs32 AT psu.edu.

 

2013 Tompkins County Ag Summit - The Future of Farming: Land Use & Policy 

March 13. 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Dryden VFW, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden. An information-packed day is planned, with the following presentations:

Estate Planning 101: What you need to know now to preserve your assets, plan for retirement and ensure a smooth transition of your farm. Steven A. Walker & Jeffrey Fetter, Scolaro, Shulman, Cohen, Fetter & Burstein, P.C.  Purchase of Development Rights & Conservation Easements. Scott Doyle, Senior Planner, Tompkins County Planning David Diaz, Director of Land Protection, Finger Lakes Land Trust. Agricultural District Law and Local Laws: How they Relate. Robert Somers, Manager of Ag Protection Unit, NYS Ag and Markets

Tompkins County Farmland Valuation Update & Applying for Ag Assessment. Jay Franklin, Director, & Irene Kehoe, Assistant Director, Tompkins County Assessment & Craig Schutt, District Manager, Tompkins County Soil and Water District. Tompkins County Agriculture Plan Update. Monika Roth, Ag Program Leader, CCE-Tompkins. This event is sponsored by the Tompkins County Agriculture & Farmland Protection Board in conjunction with CCE-Tompkins. $10 per person includes lunch, register with Debbie Teeter, 607-272-2292, DLT22 AT cornell.edu

 

Celebrating 10 Years of Agriculture Appreciation

March 15. 6–10 p.m. Local agriculturalists would like to share their passion for farming with their neighbors and friends. The community is invited to the Ontario County Agriculture Appreciation Celebration on Friday, March 15, 2013 at Club 86, Geneva, NY. A diverse group of agriculture industry representatives will gather for this event to recognize the vital importance of agriculture in Ontario County and to honor industry leaders. The evening begins at 6 p.m. with a social time and a chance to participate in a silent auction to benefit the 4-H Scholarship Fund. The banquet will follow with a buffet dinner, which will include a dessert table featuring Ontario County desserts and Finger Lakes Roasters coffee. Awards for excellence and innovation in agriculture will be presented at the banquet including the Rodney Lightfoote Agricultural Viability and Innovation Award for Ontario County; Jackie Kunes Outstanding Woman in Agriculture; Paul and Peg Zimmerman Outstanding Young Farmer; Ralph Jerome Scholarship; and Agricultural Citizenship Scholarship. Keith Tidball, the originator of Agriculture Day in 2003, will be our guest to help us celebrate 10 years of Agriculture Celebration in Ontario County. Cornell Cooperative Extension, Ontario County Farm Bureau and Ontario County Agricultural Enhancement Board are sponsoring the Agriculture Appreciation Celebration. For more information and reservations contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at 585-394-3977 x 427 or by email at nea8 AT cornell.edu.

 

Southern Tier Spring Grazing Conference

March 16. 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Oxford Memorial Library, Oxford, NY. Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango County Rich Taber, Grazing/Ag Economic Development Specialist (email: rbt44 AT cornell.edu, phone: 607-334-5841, ext. 21) A conference designed to give dairy and livestock producers some of the latest information in preparing for the 2013 grazing season. A veritable “Who’s Who” from New York’s grazing and agriculture industries have been lined up to provide conference attendees the latest information to help make their dairy and livestock operations more profitable. More information and registration info here. If you wish to register by phone, call 607-334-5841, or you may e-mail to cag255 AT cornell.edu.

 

NYS Maple Weekend at Cornell University’s Arnot Forest

March 16 & 17. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. both days.  For a complete list of activities on this special weekend, please visit: www.arnotforest.info

 

Fruit Tree Workshops

March 16 or March 23. 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (or afternoon only 1-2:30 p.m.) Reisinger’s Apple Country, 2750 Apple Lane, Watkins Glen. Topics include: Grafting onto an older tree/Pruning stone fruits, pears, apples and berries/Pruning younger trees up to mature trees/Renovating an older fruit tree for better production (off site)/General fruit tree care/wildlife control. Remember to dress for the weather! Light refreshments will be provided (bring a bagged lunch). No tools will be needed for this workshop. This is a joint venture with the Cornell Cooperative Extension offices of Schuyler and Steuben Counties. Pre-registration required at by March 15, 2013. Register online for the March 16 workshop here: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/FruitTree1_244. Register online for the March 23 workshop here: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/FruitTree2_244. There is a $20 fee for this workshop ($35/couple) or $10/person for afternoon only (1-2:30 p.m.) For questions or more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu or call 607-535-7161.

 

Marketing NY Farm Products to Bed & Breakfast Innkeepers Another Way to Market NY Farm Products

March 18. 9 am-Noon at New York Wine & Culinary Ctr., 800 So. Main St., Canandaigua, NY. Register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/BandBCanandaigua_225  by March 11. Workshops will be held throughout New York State, each designed to bring B&B innkeepers together with farmers with products for sale. The project’s goal is to give innkeepers and farmers a chance to meet, get acquainted, encourage transactions, and, finally, to promote these opportunities in the future in a systematic way. Each Bed & Breakfast owner will take home a gift package that could include jams and jellies, processed meat and grain products, flowers and produce in-season, or any kind of product or information on agritourism or services from New York farms. Project collaborators include the Empire State Bed & Breakfast Association, the NYS Small Scale Food Processors, and NY-NOFA.  Once all workshops are complete, collaborators and key participants will gather to develop the next phase in building this marketing outlet. Additional planned workshops will be held on: Monday, March 25 from 1:30-4:30 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, 21 South Grove St., East Aurora, NY. Register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/BandBEAurora_225  by March 18. Wednesday, April 3 from 1-4 pm at The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY. Register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/BandBCooperstown_225 by March 27^th. Tuesday, April 9 from 1-4 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County, 377 Schroon River Rd., Warrensburg, NY. Register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/BandBWarrensburg_225 by April 2^nd. Thursday, April 11 from 1-4 pm at Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, 2043B State Highway 68, Canton, NY. Register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/BandBCanton_225  by April 4.  This project, which is administered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, is made possible through New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Federal State Marketing Improvement Program at USDA. Registration for any of the workshops listed above is done directly through the corresponding website address. You may also contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County by calling (315) 684-3001.

 

Women in Agriculture Discussion Group

March 20. Join this monthly women's discussion group to make friendships, share common interests and grow as partners in your farm business. Designed to help build farm management skills and offer mutual support. Meetings are held at the Dryden Fire Hall and begin with social time with refreshments (9:15 -10:00am). Meetings begin @ 10 a.m. and include lunch and conclude at 2 p.m. Cost: $10/session. Contact Sharon VanDeuson at CCE to register today! (607) 753-5078; Contact Janice Degni at (607) 753-5215 with questions. Online information here.

 

Grow Your Own Spuds!

March 20. 6-8 p.m. at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY Everything you always wanted to know about potatoes!  Potatoes are one of the most productive and easiest garden crops for anyone to grow. We will dig an Irish 'lazy bed' - this is a great way to break new ground for next year's veggie garden. We'll also cover information on common diseases and pests of potatoes and how to manage them organically.  Sliding scale fee $5-$10/person, call Cornell Cooperative Extension (607) 272-2292 to sign up.  Email Chrys Gardener at cab69 AT cornell.edu with questions.

 

Yates County Master Gardeners’ Annual Yard N’ Garden Day

March 23. 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Yates County Building Auditorium, 417 Liberty Street, Penn Yan, NY 14527. The Master Gardeners’ of Yates County are hosting their annual Yard N’ Garden Day for anyone who is ready to think about Spring!  Workshop speakers will discuss plants that are native to this area, how to garden with those native plants, gardening for water quality, how a changing climate affects home gardening, and the nuts and bolts of companion planting.  Companion planting is the close planting of different plants that enhance each other’s growth or protect each other from pests. Dan Segal, Owner of Plantsmen Nursery, will introduce some of New York’s native plants and then discuss sustainable landscaping.  The Plantsmen Nursery specializes in native landscape plants and design.  Sharon Anderson, Environmental Team Leader at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, will address why it is important to understand these native plants when gardening near bodies of water and on steep slopes.  Sharon Anderson will also talk about how climate change predictions of intense storms and more frequent droughts affects gardens (water availability and the increased risk of erosion on steep slopes).  Finally, Jane Mt. Pleasant, Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture at Cornell University, will address companion planting.  This traditional farming practice, most commonly known to be done by the Native Americans who planted corn, squash, and beans together, is a technique that can be used today. Following the workshop, all attendees will receive several FREE vegetable and flower seed packets.  This workshop is open to the public.  Fee is $12 per person, which includes one set of handouts and refreshments.  Pre-registration is required. Register or more information: Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Yates County 315-536-5123.

 

Woodland Management Workshop:  Getting the Most Out of Your Woodlots

March 23. 9 am-noon at the NYS Grange Headquarters Building off of Clinton Avenue, Cortland. Cortland County Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is hosting a series of rural landowner workshops this spring as part of a ‘homesteading series’.  The first installment focuses on woodlot management.  Topics to be covered include enhancing your woodlots for wildlife, services provided by a consulting forester, and land conservation/easement opportunities.   Presenters include: Gray Goff of Cornell University’s Department of Natural Resources, a consultant forester from Forecon Incorporated and Tom Larson from the New York State Agricultural Land Trust.  Reservations are requested by March 18^th and can be made by contacting the Cortland County SWCD office at (607) 756-5991. For more information on this, and all of the other free public events planned as part of the homesteading series feel free to call or visit the SWCD website at www.cortlandswcd.org.  See flyer here.

 

Grafting Workshops

March 26 or April 2. 6 – 8:30 p.m. Silver Spoon Cafe, Human Services Complex, 323 Owego St, Montour Falls, NY. Fruit trees cannot be reproduced “true” to the original cultivar from seed. They can only be reproduced by grafting. Grafting describes any of a number of techniques in which a section of a stem with leaf buds is inserted into the stock of a tree. Grafting is also used to repair injured fruit trees or for top working an established tree to one or more different cultivars. John Reynolds, owner of Daring Drake Farms, will discuss the history of grafting, and will give a hands on demonstration on how to graft. You will take two grafted trees home! 15 -20 varieties to choose from - or - bring your own scion wood.  Each class size limited to 12. John Reynolds is the owner of Daring Drake Farms, a family owned orchard with a flock of free range ducks for egg production. Over 125 varieties of large & small fruits are grown on the farm. Pre-registration (along with $20 payment) is required by March 22, 2013. Online registration for March 26 Workshop here: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/GraftingWorkshop1_244. Online registration for April 2 Workshop here: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/GraftingWorkshop2_244. For questions or more information, contact Roger Ort, CCE Schuyler County Horticulture Program Educator at rlo28 AT cornell.edu or call 607-535-7161.

 

Schuyler County Agricultural Plastics Recycling Day

March 26. Don’t burn it or bury it – recycle it!  Bunk Cover, Bale Wrap, Ag Bags, Greenhouse Film, Maple Tubing and others! Participants must follow simple Best Management Practices to participate. For details call Jenna Hicks, Environmental Science Educator at 607-535-7161 or jlh254 AT cornell.edu. Please register online here and Jenna will contact you to set up an appointment to visit your farm and arrange for your recycling day appointment time. See flyer here.

 

Family Farm Estate & Succession Planning

March 26. 6:30 – 9 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County , 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua, NY 14424. Many farm families come to a point where they must transfer their farm from one generation to another.  Unfortunately, the legal, financial, and family considerations can get mixed together and the transition becomes difficult and confusing.  Although many families have transferred their farm assets in a planned process, others face the situation unexpectedly due to a death, divorce, or interpersonal disagreement. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County will host a special Family Farm Estate & Succession Planning class on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 to help farm families make a smooth transition, even in complicated situations.  This meeting will explain how a senior generation or junior generation can start the process of planning the fate of the family farm, including transfer to a non-family member.  We will also explain which business structures should be considered during the transfer of a family farm, the role of outside consulting, and planning your retirement from the farm.  The workshop is open to all farmers and will be led by professional estate planning advisors from Lutz and Associates of Pittsford, NY. Fee: $20.00 per family. Pre-registration is required by March 22, 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

 

Cucurbit Pest Management Strategies: Organic, Biorational & Conventional
March 27. 1-2:30 p.m. Beth Gugino, Penn State Dept. Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology, Shelby Fleischer, Penn State Dept. Entomology, Elsa Sánchez, Penn State Dept. Plant Science, (3 recertification category 03, 18, and PC credits) Penn State’s Extension Vegetable & Small Fruit Program Team presents a series of webinars to keep you informed on critical production issues. The series provides convenient access to timely updates in commercial vegetable and small fruit production for extension educators, producers, and industry representatives in Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Topics include irrigation, nutrient management, GAPs, pollinators, and cucurbit pest management strategies. These webinars are most relevant for those involved in commercial production (production for sale) of vegetables on any scale. Webinars may be viewed by groups at one location, but the expectation is that each participant is registered separately for the webinar series. There are no group or site registrations. More information here. Register for the webinars online at http://agsci.psu.edu/vegetable-production-webinars or by phone at 724-627-3745. For more information, contact Stivers at 724-554-8815 or by email at ljs32 AT psu.edu.

 

Film and Discussion: American Meat

March 28.  7–9 p.m. Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Albright Auditorium, Lansing Hall, 10 St. Clair St., Geneva, NY (map)  Film and Discussion: American Meat American Meat is a pro-farmer look at chicken, hog and cattle production in America. Beginning with a history of our current industrial system, the feedlots and confinement operations are unveiled, not through hidden cameras, but through the eyes of the farmers who live and work there. From there, the story shifts to Polyface Farms, where the Salatin family has developed an alternative agricultural model based on rotational grazing and local distribution. Nationwide, a local-food movement of farmers, chefs, and everyday people has taken root… But could it ever feed us all? A panel discussion, with film director Graham Meriwether and Tompkins Co. Cornell Cooperative Extension Agriculture Marketing Specialist Matt LeRoux, will follow the playing of the film. This event is free and open to the public. HWS Campus map.

 

Planning for Farm Succession

March 28. 10:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Dryden VFW, 2272 Dryden Road, Dryden. Cut through all the red tape of planning your farm's succession with Cornell Cooperative Extension in a 3-part workshop series at the Dryden VFW March 28 from 10:30 am to 2 pm, lunch included. Experienced financial advisors and farm business consultants will discuss succession, business and estate planning, wills, trusts, buy/sell agreements, family LLCs, and life insurance. If you've been meaning to ensure the preservation of your assets and dreams but haven't known where to begin or didn't think you had the funding or resources, this workshop series is for you. Contact Sharon VanDeuson of CCE to register today! (607) 753-5078. Cost per day is $15/person or $25/couple; or attend all 3 sessions for $30/person or $50/couple. $15/person or $25/couple; all 3 sessions $30/person or $50/couple. Online information here.

 

Fruits for the Home Gardener

March 28. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Cooperative Extension Education Center, 615 Willow Avenue, Ithaca NY Find out which small fruits and tree fruits are easiest to grow in a home garden. Using microclimates, picking the hardiest varieties for a cold site, selecting disease-resistant varieties, and preparing the soil are the keys to success. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County (607) 272-2292 to sign up. Fee: $5/person.  Please register in advance so we can make sufficient handouts!

 

Women In Nature Outdoor Skills Workshop

April 27. An Onondaga County Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs program developed to involve more women in outdoor sporting activities and promote the OCFSC outdoor clubs. Ed Pugliese – Sponsors and Donations; OCFSC Director PKA7 AT aol.com  (315) 263-6699. Julie Fishman – Administration, Volunteers & Registration*  womeninnature AT gmail.com  (315) 243-7667 Click here for more information on the 2013 Women In Nature Program and to download a Registration Packet.

 

Animals & Medicine Program

April 5. Fridays 6-8 p.m. at Cornell College of Veterinary Medicine, Campus Rd. at Tower Rd., Ithaca 14853. Youth in grades 9 - 12 can explore veterinary medicine through this 6-week,mini-course for those with a sincere interest in biology, medicine and animals.  Each session is taught by a different team of Cornell veterinary students, with guest presentations by veterinary professors.  Individual classes will focus on a different species group of animals, including cats and dogs, horses, ruminants, exotics and wildlife.  Hands-on activities will include practicing a physical exam, discovering the inner workings of the rumen, handling a wide variety of animals, learning about different anatomy, and dissection. Meets on Friday evenings, April 5 - May 10, 6:00-8:00 pm.  Registration fee of $60 is due by March 15 - space is limited so register early! Contact 4-H at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County, 607-272-2292 for more information.

 

Mushroom Field Day at Cornell’s Arnot Forest

May 11.  Sponsored by the NY Forest Owners Association – Southern Finger Lakes Chapter.  Morning session: Shiitake Mushroom Cultivation.  9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Learn how to successfully grow Shiitake mushrooms with Dr. Ken Mudge of Cornell University, and take home your own inoculated logs afterwards!  There is a $30 fee for the course  to cover materials, and space is limited to 30 people.  Please pre-register on-line here by Wednesday May 8. Meet at the Arnot Forest Lodge by 9 a.m. Afternoon session: Wild Mushroom and Forest Health Walk.  1:00 to 4:00 p.m.  Dr. George Hudler of Cornell University will lead a walk through portions of the Arnot Forest to identify wild mushrooms and discuss how to interpret signs of forest health.  This walk is free and open to the public.  Please dress for the weather and expect to hike in moderately rough terrain.  Tick and bug spray is recommended.  No pre-registration is required for the afternoon session.  Please meet at the Arnot Forest Sugarhouse by 1 pm. Please bring water, and lunch if staying for the day.  The Arnot Forest is located at 611 Schuyler County Route 13; Van Etten, NY – please visit: www.arnotforest.info for detailed driving information.  For additional information, please contact Brett Chedzoy, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Schuyler County, at bjc226 AT cornell.edu (phone 607-535-7161).

 

Carantouan Greenway Wildwood Reserve

May 16. 5–7 p.m. Barton, NY.  Marty Borko will lead a woods walk that will demonstrate the invasion of our woods by exotic species that dominate the herbaceous and shrub layers in the understory, namely garlic mustard and Japanese honeysuckle. Advice will be sought as to how to best restore it to native species and where to best set up an exclosure (sic) to protect new growth from deer.  Please visit: www.carantouangreenway.org for directions.  Meet at property entrance at 5:00 pm.

 

Peter Levatich's “Hobnob” Forest

May 18. A woods walk through Hobnob Forest by Tim Levatich. Started in 1975 by Tim’s father the 130 acre forest began in 1975 with road building, timber stand improvement, and firewood production. The property was growing a mixed hardwood forest of pole-sized trees – there were very few saw timber-sized trees at that time. Recreation was an early and constant focus, along with growing prime saw timber and firewood. Management planning, NYDEC service foresters, the American Tree Farm System, boundary line maintenance, regeneration work, repeated pre-commercial thinnings, and extensive road building were all part of its development.  The TSI worked. The Forest has seen six sawlog sales and one timber sale, plus many cords of firewood produced. The hilltop site has provided challenges through drought, insect infestation, disease vectors and weather damage. In spite if these events, Peter Levatich got to see his work of over 30 years come to fruition. There are many things to see and topics to discuss!  Dress for the weather! Meet at the property at 158 Bailor Rd; Brooktondale, NY 14817.  For more information, please contact Tim at: tpl10 AT cornell.edu or by phone at: 607-592-5126.

 

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Berry Grower Volunteers Needed For Farm Business Summary Project

The Cornell University Department of Horticulture is just beginning a new berry research project funded by the NYFVI Ag Innovation Center “Building a Better Bottom Line for NYS Berry Growers,” and they are looking for grower volunteers for the project. Are you confident your commercial berry business is maximizing your return on investment? Is it thriving, or merely surviving? Are berries an asset on your ledger or really a liability? If you’d like help answering these questions, volunteer as a grower participant in a new project, “Building a Better Bottom Line for NYS Berry Growers,” funded by New York Farm Viability Institute’s Ag Innovation Center. The project is led by Dr. Marvin Pritts, professor and chair of the Cornell University’s Department of Horticulture. Other team members include horticultural marketing expert Dr. Bradley Rickard and two graduate students from the Cornell’s Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management and nine Cornell Cooperative Extension educators from around the state. Read more here.

 

Guide to URBAN Farming in NYS

Are you interested in or currently farming in a city?  Do you wonder how to access land, how to reclaim a contaminated site, how to maximize use of a small growing space, or how to most successfully target your urban market?  This new 105 pg guide published by the Cornell Small Farms Program answers these and many other common questions about farming in urban environments.  Visit Online. 

 

Online Courses: Sharpen Your Farm Business Skills 

The season for online farming courses is winding down, but opportunities remain to sharpen your farm business skills.  Starting March 4th: BF 103: Taking Care of Business - Understanding the Business, Regulatory, and Tax Implications of Your Farm. Course descriptions, instructor bios and registration info are all posted online.  [More Info]

 

Small Farmers: Register Now for Spring Online Courses

Whether you are a seasoned, new, or aspiring farmer, there’s something for you in the 2013 line-up of online courses presented by the Cornell Small Farms Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension. View all 12 courses at http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses. There are courses covering commercial production topics like raising veggies, berries, poultry, organic production, and many more covering management of a successful farm, including business planning, holistic financial planning, marketing, and getting started in farming. Take advantage of this opportunity to interact with other farmers, develop your farming plans, and learn new skills from the comfort of your own home. Most courses are six weeks long and a bargain at $200 each. Learn more at http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses.  

 

USDA Microloans Available

Microloans are direct farm operating loans with a shortened application process and reduced paperwork, designed to meet the needs of smaller, non-traditional, and niche-type operations. Microloans can be used for all approved operating expenses as authorized by the FSA Operating Loan Program. The maximum loan amount for a microloan is $35,000. Additional information on the USDA Farm Service Agency Microloan program may be obtained at local FSA offices [More Info]

 

New Handbook Helps Livestock Farmers Be Good Mentors

The Center for Integrated Agricultural Systems at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has released Passing Along Farm Knowledge: A Mentor-Intern Handbook for Dairy and Livestock Farmers. This handbook will help mentors develop their teaching skills as they progress through an internship. The 36-page publication is available free online.

 

ATTRA's New Sustainable Agriculture Catalog Released

ATTRA's 2012 "catalog" includes more than 50 new and updated sustainable agriculture publications, including eight Spanish-language publications.  Visit https://attra.ncat.org/publications_2012/ to find a list of ATTRA's 2012 publications, webinars, and videos as well as direct links to each.

 

The Organic Seed Grower Just Published!

The Organic Seed Grower, a new book that is the result of a three-way partnership among author John Navazio, Chelsea Green Publishing, and Northeast SARE,  is the most up-to-date and useful guide to best practices in this exciting and important field.  You can order The Organic Seed Grower online or by calling 800-638-4099.

 

New App Helps Farmers Budget for Fuel

Farmers can use a new Farm Fuel Budget cell phone app to plan their farm fuel budgets and use. A North Dakota State University Extension Service specialist developed the Android app for crop producers to compare projected fuel costs and use for their farming operations based on alternate crop acreages, tillage systems, and crop rotations. The app can be downloaded here.  

 

 

 

 

 

More Than Maple: Tapping The Potential Of Walnut And Birch

The future of sweet syrup could come from some unlikely sources: birch and walnut trees. Thanks in part to the efforts of the Cornell Maple Program, many maple producers are starting to explore the untapped potential of walnut and birch trees, which produce sap similar to maple that can also be boiled down into syrup. Nearly 100 sugarmakers attended a recent workshop on the topic at the New York State Maple Conference in Verona. Read more…

 

Landowners Are Encouraged To Consider Leasing Their Maple Trees

(Reprinted from the Steuben Courier Advocate) Bath, NY - As part of a Northern New York Agricultural Development Program-funded outreach program, Northern New York Maple Specialist Michael Farrell has developed tools to encourage producers and landowners to help Northern New York realize its true maple industry potential. "For New York State and the Northern Forest region to increase its production of maple syrup, it is imperative that additional landowners become engaged in the industry," says Farrell, director of Cornell University's Uihlein Maple Research Forest at Lake Placid, NY. The number of maple taps in the Northern NY region increased by 26 percent from 2005 to 2010, but there is still a lot of room to grow. Farrell is encouraging landowners to consider leasing their maple trees or harvesting sap from those trees to sell to maple producers looking for the raw material from which to make syrup or confections. Read the rest of the article... The northern maple specialist in Lake Placid, Mike Farrell, has done a webinar on Leasing Taps. Brett Chedzoy, CCE-Schuyler encourages people to watch the webinar, and then post any follow-up questions on the maple forum at the Cornell maple website where Steve and Mike can respond with their expertise.

 

Nature Lovers Invited To Train As Natural Area Mentors

People who love spending time in the natural areas of the Finger Lakes region and who care about preserving the integrity of the natural world might consider joining Cornell Plantations' Natural Areas Academy (NAA). The yearlong NAA consists of dozens of expert-led workshops, field trips and directed stewardship opportunities designed to provide participants with the knowledge, tools and skills needed to support efforts in preserving natural resources. Read more…

 

Finger Lakes CRAFT - Collaborative Regional Alliance for Farmer Training

Are you an experienced farmer dedicated to cultivating the next generation of sustainable farmers in our region? Are you a farming intern or a beginning farmer looking to broaden your farming experience and connect with other interns and farmers? Or are you an urban gardener interested in connecting with farmers and exploring the possibility of farming as a career? If so, Finger Lakes CRAFT wants you! Read more here.

 

USDA Announces New Microloan Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed a new microloan program to help small and family operations, beginning and socially disadvantaged farmers secure loans under $35,000. The program is aimed at bolstering the progress of producers through their start-up years by providing needed resources and helping to increase equity so that farmers may eventually graduate to commercial credit and expand their operations. Microloans can be used for all approved operating expenses as authorized by the FSA Operating Loan Program, including but not limited to: initial start-up expenses; annual expenses such as seed, fertilizer, utilities, land rents; and marketing and distribution expenses. Producers interested in applying for a microloan may contact their local Farm Service Agency office.  To find an office near you, visit this link.

 

Northeast Forest Mushroom Growers Network
Northeast Forest Mushroom Growers Network website http://mushrooms.cals.cornell.edu. This website, largely based on the work of Cornell faculty with support from federal formula funds and Northeast SARE, contains factsheets, publications, and videos for farmers interested in cultivating mushrooms.

 

Agricultural Plastics Recycling- Ongoing Southern Tier And Western Finger Lakes Regions

If you are looking for a new way to manage your used agricultural film plastics (bunk cover, ag bags, bale wrap etc.) recycling is now available at no cost.  Agricultural plastics are now being recycled into storm water approved sidewalks and other local products.  If you would like to participate, please contact Jenna Hicks at CCE Schuyler via email at jlh254 AT cornell.edu or phone at 607-535-7161.  Jenna will help you develop an individualized best management plan that works for your operation and will coordinate the baling of the collected plastics.  Start recycling today! 

 

FACT's Fund-A-Farmer Project

Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) is now accepting grant applications for its Fund-a-Farmer Project!   The Fund-a-Farmer Project provides small grants to qualifying humane farmers who need assistance in improving the welfare of their farm animals. Grants of up to $1,500 will be awarded for projects that (1) help farms transition to pasture-based systems, (2) improve the marketing of their humane products, or (3) more generally enrich the conditions in which farm animals are raised. Working, independent family farmers that raise pigs, broiler chickens, laying hens, dairy cows and/or beef cattle are eligible to apply for any of the three types of grants.  Projects involving goats and sheep are only eligible for marketing grants.  Applications must be submitted online or postmarked by May 1, 2013 for awards made in August 2013. View guidelines and apply online at www.fundafarmer.org. Contact Lisa at grants AT foodanimalconcerns.org or 773-525-4952 with questions.

 

The Grazette Grazing Newsletter

View the Grazette online at: http://www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov/technical/pasture_grazing/grazette/index.html  Sponsored by the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative, the GLCI is a grass-roots coalition of producers, agricultural industry, and conservation groups with an interest in the sound conservation of private grazing lands. The goal of this newsletter is to increase awareness of grazing events around New York and in neighboring states, as well as to provide information that is useful on the farm.  For more information on GLCI, check out the national GLCI website at www.glci.org. 

 

Permaculture I, II, & III

Offered online by Cornell University, Department of Horticulture. The study of permaculture helps gardeners, landowners, and farmers combine a knowledge of ecology combined with its application to supporting healthy soil, water conservation, and biodiversity. Permaculture systems meet humans needs while restoring ecosystem health. Common practices include no-till gardening, rainwater catchment, forest gardening, and agroforestry. Each course is 6.5 weeks long and provides an opportunity for you to build your knowledge about permaculture and ecological design. Participants will explore the content through videos, readings, and activities and complete portions of design for a site of their choosing. While the course is online, the format is designed for consistent interaction between facilitators and students through forums and live video conferences. Readings and presentations will be directly applied through hands-on activities students will engage with at home. Completion of a single class gives students a certificate of completion from the Department of Horticulture and continuing education credits. Completion of all three courses gives students the portfolio necessary to apply for an internationally recognized certification in Permaculture Design though the Finger Lakes Permaculture Institute. (www.fingerlakespermaculture.org) Classes are best taken in order but can be taken as a stand-alone course as well. Tuition for each class is $600. Sign up for all three at once and tuition is $1500. (email sfg53 AT cornell.edu to be notified) Sign up by May 1st for our summer Permaculture Design Certificate course and save on tuition.

 

A full list of recorded wood energy webinars is available at http://extension.psu.edu/energy/wood-energy/northeast-wood-biomass-energy-program/webinars/archive.

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