News Release
Date: Oct. 26, 2007
Contact Person: Rebecca Schuelke, public relations specialist
T: (315) 453-3823 extension 103
E: rschuelke@nyfvi.org
Programs around state designed to assist beginning farmers
A number of upcoming workshops aim to ease the transition into new rural land
ownership, starting a farm, or expanding a farm with a new agricultural venture.
The New York Beginning Farmer Project, an effort of the Cornell University Small Farms Program, is helping to coordinate and encourage collaboration throughout the state for new (operating less than 10 years) or aspiring farmers.
The Small Farms Program received an $119,500 grant for project work through Feb. 2009 from the New York Farm Viability Institute, a farmer-led nonprofit group that funds farm-based research to assist farmers in increasing profits. The projects hopes help 30 new or aspiring farmers develop farm plans or further develop their current enterprises and improve farm profitability.
``Our goal is to make it possible for any aspiring or diversifying farmer in New York to receive in-depth training and assistance with their enterprise, said a Small Farms Program spokesperson.
New farmers and current farmers that are thinking of adding a
new enterprise to your operation can find training workshops held this fall and
winter in locations around the state. If you do not see any workshops offered in
your area, contact Erica Frenay at
ejf5@cornell.edu or (607) 255-9911 to inquire about plans for future
trainings.
Beginning Farmer Training Calendar
10 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 3, Paul Smiths College. This introductory workshop
features Cornell Cooperative Extension educators from the North Country that
have collaborated with successful farmers to create an interactive program,
covering topics such as evaluating your farm resources, laws, regulations,
direct marketing, sanitary regulations and specific farm enterprises. Cost: $15
(includes lunch). Register: (518) 962-4810 extension 0 or (518) 561-7450.
6:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Nov. 6-27 by video conference at North Country
Cornell Cooperative Extension offices in Westport, Plattsburgh and, Malone. This
in-depth series focuses on becoming a successful farmer and includes time to
help you design your farm enterprise. Cost: $20. Register: (518) 962-4810
extension 0 or (518) 561-7450.
9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 10, Washington County farm. This meeting will include
a farmer describing beef management. The workshop includes instruction in basic
beef production, and organic and pasture-based systems. Program hosted by
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington, Warren and Saratoga counties. Cost:
$10. Register: 1-800-548-0881.
Nov. 13-14, Nov. 27-28 and Dec. 11-12, Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Suffolk County, Riverhead. Three two-day sessions. Cost: $300. Register: Dale
Moyer at (631) 727-7850 extension 324 or
ddm4@cornell.edu.
9-11:30 a.m. Nov. 17, Washington County farm. This meeting will include
a farmer who will describe crop and pasture management. The workshop includes
instruction in soil management, necessary machinery for crop production, crop
marketability and storage, pricing and selling standing crops, land rental
agreements and other information related to making crop and pastureland
profitable and productive. Program hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Washington, Warren and Saratoga counties. Cost: $10. Register: 1-800-548-0881.
9-11:30 a.m. Jan. 12, location to be announced. This workshop includes
instruction in planning and marketing for a farm business, such as paperwork
requirements, tax advantages and working with a lender. The course is geared for
farms with small retail operations. Grant and loan opportunities will be
discussed. Program hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington, Warren
and Saratoga counties. Cost: $10. Register: 1-800-548-0881.
Feb. 2. This beginning farmer workshop will focus on the business
elements of starting your own rural enterprise. Location and more details to be
posted soon. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chenango,
Fulton-Montgomery, Herkimer, Otsego and Schoharie counties. Information: contact
Rebecca Hargrave at jrh45@cornell.edu or
(607) 334-5841.
8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. March 15, location to be announced. ``So, You
Bought the Farm ... Now What? is an educational workshop on land management
and various agricultural enterprises for landowners who have little or no land
management or farming experience. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of
Chenango, Fulton-Montgomery, Herkimer, Otsego and Schoharie counties.
Information: contact Rebecca Hargrave at
jrh45@cornell.edu or (607) 334-5841.
New York Farm Viability Institute is an independent, farmer-led nonprofit
organization that directs and funds farm-level research to increase profits,
reduce costs and other barriers, create jobs and encourage practical innovation
on the farm. The Institute receives funds from the New York State Department of
Agriculture and Markets. Visit www.nyfvi.org.