agriculture

Press release:

The 2016 NYS Dry Bean Growers Meeting will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 16, at the Le Roy Country Club, 1 mile east of Le Roy on Route 5/East Main Road. Join us for production updates on Western bean cutworm, white mold, varieties and bean breeding, and soil health.

There will be a marketing update from Tim McGreevy, CEO, American Pulse Assoc., Moscow, ID, on: 2016 - International Year of Pulses: Why they are the Future of Food (dry beans/peas, lentils, chickpeas are pulses).

In addition, final results of Robin Bellinder’s reduced tillage dry bean weed control trials, and trials of potential new dry bean herbicides, will be reported. Food safety practices and documentation required by buyers will be covered. There will also be a report from the Dec. 1st Organic Dry Bean Discussion Group. The NYS Dry Bean Industry Committee will meet at 3:00 pm, and decisions on funding 2016 dry bean research will be made.

Lunch will include tasty, NYS dry bean dishes from the New York Coalition for Healthy School Food.  1.75 DEC credits (1a, 21, 23, 10) and CCA credits will be available. Preregister by March 10 to save $5!

Pre-registration: $20 for Cornell Vegetable Program enrollees receiving Veg Edge; $30 for all others. After March 10 cost is $5 more. Send a check made out to Cornell Vegetable Program – Dry Beans, to Cornell Cooperative Extension - CVP, 480 N. Main St., Canandaigua. NY 14424, Attn: Angela Parr.

Go to Events at: http://cvp.cce.cornell.edu/ for the agenda and a preregistration form. Sponsor opportunities are available from: Angela Parr at aep63@cornell.edu or 585-394-3977, ext. 426. Questions or special needs: Carol MacNeil at crm6@cornell.edu or 585-313-8796. In case of bad weather call 585-313-8796.

Press release:

The New York Organic Dairy Program (NYODP) has partnered with the New York Farm Viability Institute to make grant funding available for organic dairy producers to participate in the Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary (DFBS) program and select a project for immediate attention through a modified Dairy Profit Team approach.

Farms currently participating in the Dairy Farm Business Summary and those that have not completed a DFBS before are both eligible for funding. Priority for grants will be given to certified organic dairies, however, farms in transition to become organic are encouraged to apply.

Farmers may first apply for funds to:

• work with a qualified farm business consultant to upload the operating and financial information for the individual farm into the Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary;
• or, if the farmer has completed a 2016 Summary, to work with the consultant to review the data to select a short-term project that will benefit the farm. Varying levels of funding are available for this initial step.

Funding is also available for farmers to work with a consultant on a project that will help the business better meet its goals. Applicants for a project grant must first complete a 2016 DFBS.

Farmers requesting project funds will be required to work with NYODP to document their desired goal and projects must be achievable within 18 months of the formation of the consultant "team." Examples of projects include, but are not limited to, developing a business plan, enhancing transitioning practices, and constructing facilities. NYODP will provide up to $1,500 for the consultant and team to complete its project work.

The Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary is a confidential program that collects operating and financial information from an individual farm to produce a report that the farm operator can use to identify areas where the farm is doing well and areas that need improvement. The Summary also helps analyze if the farm is meeting the financial and long-term goals of the farm business. If enough similar farms participate, the Cornell Organic Dairy Farm Business Summary will create benchmarks against which the owners of farms of similar size can measure their performance.

NYODP Manager Fay Benson will assist farmers in identifying a qualified farm business consultant for each of the two levels of funding. Consultants who have already agreed to work with this modified Organic Dairy Profit Team approach are:

• Klaas Martens, Penn Yan; a well-known pioneer in organic field crop production, co-founder of New York Organic Certified, and an advisor on general organic dairy management;
• Tom Kilcer, Advanced Ag Systems, of Kinderhook, with a specialty in crop rotations specifically fit to an individual farm to provide the best possible forage for dairy animals and livestock;
• Sarah Flack, Sarah Flack Consulting, Enosburg Falls, Vt., working with grazers to improve the performance of farm pastures and livestock production;
• and consultants in the existing Dairy Farm Business Summary network.

Guidelines and application form for the NYODP consultant and project grants are posted online at http://blogs.cornell.edu/organicdairyinitiative/. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis until funding is spent. For more information, contact Fay Benson at 607-391-2669 or afb3@cornell.edu.

This grants opportunity is funded by the New York Farm Viability Institute through its Dairy Profit Team program.

The New York Organic Dairy Program, a program of the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Cornell Cooperative Extension, provides information to all sectors of the organic dairy industry, including farmers, processors, certifiers, retailers and consumers. The number of certified organic dairy farms in New York has steadily grown to meet the yearly increase in demand for organic milk.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) today announced that the state has made available $11 million in grants through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program to assist farmers with projects to protect soil and water.

“Much of New York’s economy is driven by agriculture, especially in Western New York,” Hawley said. “We must protect our resources and keep this essential industry growing. To do so, New York State has made $11 million available to farmers via a grant program through the Agricultural Nonpoint Source Abatement and Control Program.”

These grants will be awarded to county Soil and Water districts to implement best practices such as structural soil conservation practices and agricultural waste storage. The program is funded directly through the state Environmental Protection Fund.

Press release:

“Annie’s Project” has been successful nationally and in New York with empowering farm women to become stronger business partners through clearer understanding of how to manage risk. “Managing for Today and Tomorrow” (MTT) will provide audiences the opportunity to become involved in the journey of transitioning their farm legacy to a new generation.

MTT will be offered in four Thursday sessions from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Genesee and Ontario County Cornell Cooperative Extension offices beginning Feb. 18^th by Cornell Cooperative Extension’s North West New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team.

MTT will be guided by the same core values as Annie’s Project: Guided Intelligence builds on women’s natural tendency to share, teach and learn with other women; Connection creates opportunities of connection to other farm women and local practitioners; Discovery helps women make sense of topics through hands-on activities and discussion; Safe Harbor provides a comfortable and secure environment where all questions are welcome.

Participants in MTT will focus on transition planning for their farm businesses. Whether you are in the prime of your farming career, just getting started or thinking about later phases of life, transition planning is likely to be important to you. Because family and business are often closely tied together in agriculture, transition planning must address issues of business sustainability and family relationships. MTT addresses succession, business, estate and retirement planning in the context of a farm business.  For some, transition planning may involve successors who are not part of the family.

Topics covered will include goal setting, clarifying values personal vision, resolving conflict, financial documents and vocabulary, asset transfer methods, and retirement options among many others.

Farm women must register to participate in Managing for Today and Tomorrow.  The cost is $100 per person and includes 15 hours of instruction, an extensive collection of instructional materials and a light lunch at each session.

To register for either location, contact Zach Amey at zta3@cornell.edu or 585-786-2251, ext. 123. For questions about what the classes will cover reach out to Joan Petzen, jsp10@cornell.edu, 585-786-2251, ext. 122 or Marie Anselm, ms882@cornell.edu or 585-394-3977, ext. 402. Register today and save the dates, Feb. 18 and 25, and March 3 and 10. Reserve March 17 for a snow date.

This program is sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension, and supported in part by the Northeast Extension Risk Management Education Center, the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) award number 2012-49200-20031, CoBANK, Farm Credit East, New York FarmNet, NYS Agricultural Mediation Center, NYS Workforce Development Institute, and New York Agri-Women, Inc.

Press release:

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County is pleased to announce that MeatSuite.com, an online directory of livestock farms selling in bulk, has arrived in our county!

MeatSuite.com connects consumers interested in buying local meat with local farms selling meat in bulk, thus promoting farm viability and food affordability.

Cornell Cooperative Extension's research has found that selling meat directly to consumers by the whole, half, or quarter animal is more profitable for the farmer and more affordable for consumers. When purchased in bulk, local meat prices are competitive with meat sold in grocery stores.

Farms interested in joining can visit www.MeatSuite.com or contact their local Cornell Cooperative Extension office for more information.

Creating a MeatSuite farm profile is one way to reach new potential customers and expand your farm’s online presence. MeatSuite offers you an opportunity to explain to consumers why your farm is unique. While we cannot guarantee that MeatSuite will generate sales for you, we encourage you to take a few minutes to join. It’s easy, fast, and free. The more farms that join, the more consumers will see MeatSuite as a great shopping resource.

On Thursday, Dec. 17, at 7 p.m. there will be a Meat Suite Producer Informational Meeting held at the CCE Ontario County office -- contact: Marie Anselm, 585-394-3977, ext. 402. Nancy Glazier, NWNY Team Small Farms/Livestock Specialist, will provide an overview of MeatSuite, how to develop your farm’s pro-file, and meat cutout.

This meeting will be also broadcast live at two locations; Wyoming County CCE -- contact Sarah Carlson 585-786-2251, ext. 112; and Niagara County CCE -- contact Amanda Henning 716-433-8839, ext. 231 for more information.

MeatSuite.com went live in 2012 and originally served nine counties. The current expansion, made possible through a grant from the New York Farm Viability Institute, reaches 16 new counties, including Genesee County.

For more information contact Jan Beglinger at 585-343-3040 ext. 132 or at jmb374@cornell.edu. 

Press release:

To help support our local agriculture industry and to provide producers with expert information, Genesee County Cornell Cooperative Extension offers its annual “Agriculture Enrollment.”

Farms enrolled in 2016 will receive direct access to the NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team and Cornell Vegetable Program specialists who work hard in our region to address the concerns of our producers.

The Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP) specialists work together with Cornell University faculty and extension educators statewide to address the issues that impact the industry. The CVP provides educational programs and information to growers, processors and agri-business professionals, arming them with the knowledge to profitably produce and market safe and healthful vegetable crops. This in turn contributes to the viability of farms and the economic well-being of New York State. Specifically, the CVP focuses on food safety, variety evaluation, market development, pest management and cultural practices.

The NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team specialists work together with Cornell University faculty and extension educators statewide to provide service to farms large and small, whether dairy, livestock, hay, corn, wheat or soybean focused. The team is part of the Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Pro-Dairy program outreach. Specialists cover the areas of dairy production, field crop production, farm business management, small farm management and livestock production. For dairy farms, a bilingual dairy specialist provides producers with employee training and human resource facilitation in Spanish.

Both teams serve Genesee County by providing educational programs with classroom and hands-on training, farmer discussion groups, newsletters with timely production information, telephone/email consultations, direct mailings of special events, as well as farm visits and research opportunities. Enrollees are eligible for reduced registration fees for educational meetings.

Cost of enrollment is $65 per team. Cornell Pest Management Guidelines (hardcopy and online) are available for an additional cost. To receive an enrollment form please contact Jan Berlinger at 585-343-3040, ext. 132, or at jmb374@cornell.edu.

Press release:

If you are thinking about adding a new profitable enterprise to your dairy or beef operation, dairy beef production could be a natural fit. If you would like to learn more about raising dairy beef, Cornell Cooperative Extension and JBS meat packers will be hosting this meeting at the Cooperative Extension Education Center in Albion to discuss the production and marketing of dairy beef.

Cornell University Beef Cattle Specialist, Dr. Mike Baker will discuss the beef cattle cycle, and rations that can be used when raising dairy beef. Livestock Specialist, Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program, Tom Gallagher, will discuss vaccination programs for dairy steers and dairy beef quality assurance. Vice President for Cattle Procurement at JBS, Larry Rose, from Greely, Colo., will give an overview of JBS, including a feedlot leased by JBS in Nicholville, marketing dairy beef and risk management in regard to raising beef.

Please register for one of these programs below by Dec. 2 to give us an accurate lunch count. There will be no charge to attend these educational events but your timely registration guarantees a lunch.

Dec. 7, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Office Orleans County

12690 NY-31, Albion, NY 14411

Contact Cathy Wallace to register at 585-343-3040, ext. 138 or e-mailcfw6@cornell.edu. 

Dec. 8, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Tally Ho Restaurant

14 Main St., Richfield Springs, NY 14411

Contact Cathy Wallace to register at 585-343-3040, ext. 138 or e-mailcfw6@cornell.edu.

Press release:

Calf & Heifer Congress 2015 – “Manage What Matters” will take place in East Syracuse on Tuesday and Wednesday, Dec. 15-16, at the Doubletree Hotel. This exciting program will cover topics pertinent to replacement heifer management from birth to calving, and is once again planned and coordinated by Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team.

An excellent slate of speakers and outstanding dairy producers will deliver practical information of interest to dairy producers, industry, extension personnel and college staff alike. Numerous supporters to this two day conference will be on hand with displays and representatives to visit with attendees about ways to achieve superior results in the heifer enterprise.

Several standout speakers this year include Dr. Sheila McGuirk of the University of Wisconsin and Dr. Franklyn Garry of Colorado State University, who will discuss the impacts of dystocia, health risk assessment and strategies for disease control. In addition, Dr. Mike Van Amburgh of Cornell University and Dr. Bob Corbett of Dairy Health Consultation will delve into the research, biology and field experiences of providing consistent, superior management from birth to calving.

For more conference information including the complete agenda, cost, lodging, meals and registration details go to http://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=287. You may register with a credit card on-line or print off a form to fill out and mail in with payment by check.

Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Cathy Wallace at 585-343-3040, ext.138 or cfw6@cornell.edu by Dec. 5.

Press release:

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) - Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) gives notice that it will hold the annual NRCS Local Work Group meeting for Genesee, Orleans and Niagara counties. These meetings are open to the public.

WHEN: Dec. 14
TIME: 2 - 4 p.m.

WHERE: USDA Service Center, Conference Room

                 29 Liberty St., Suite 3

                Batavia, NY 14020

The Local Work Group will focus on identifying agricultural and natural resource issues existing in your community and providing information and feedback to direct NRCS programs. Participants can be agricultural producers; owners of nonindustrial private forest land; representatives of agricultural and environmental organizations; and representatives of governmental agencies carrying out environmental, agricultural, or natural resource conservation programs and activities.

NRCS Local Work Groups are subcommittees of the NRCS State Technical Committee and they meet annually to provide recommendations on local natural resource priorities to assist USDA NRCS in providing Farm Bill program conservation programs in New York. For information about the State Technical Committee, contact Assistant State Conservationist for Programs, Tammy Willis at 315-477-6503.

To participate in your local conservation work group, visit your USDA Service Center. Directions and phone numbers to your local USDA Service Center can be found online at http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?state=NY.

Press release from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County:

All those interested in organic dry bean production and marketing are invited to join us Tuesday, December 1, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at Cornell Cooperative Extension – Ontario County, 480 N. Main St., Canandaigua NY 14424.

Bring a bag lunch; organic beverages will be provided. There is no charge but please pre-register by Tuesday, Nov. 24. Contact Carol MacNeil at crm6@cornell.edu or 585-313-8796.

We will continue our discussion and networking on the potential opportunities and challenges of increased organic dry bean production in New York State. The demand for organic dry beans continues to increase. While there are a number of growers producing organic dry beans in NY, it is a very small percentage of the total dry bean production in the state.

The interest in this topic is broad based, and includes growers, shippers, processors, brokers, NY Certified Organic, and NOFA-NY.

Press release from Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County:

2015 Upstate New York Potato Advisory Meeting

Thursday, Dec. 17

9:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.
CCE Ontario County, 480 N. Main St./Route 332

Canandaigua NY 14424 (south of I-90 exit 44)

The 33rd meeting of the Upstate New York potato advisory meeting is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 17. This is a time for growers, consultants, processors, packers, extension, college and agency personnel to discuss the concerns, needs and opportunities of the Upstate NY potato industry. Preregister by Thursday, Dec. 10, to ensure your lunch ($12):

We will begin with a round table for everyone to share their concerns and interests. Growers are asked to bring ideas for needed research, extension programming, and industry projects. DEC and CCA credits will be available.
 
If you have questions please contact:

David Votypka (585-315-1094 or votypka@frontiernet.net ) or

Carol MacNeil (585-313-8796 or crm6@cornell.edu ).

If you have questions regarding weather the day of the meeting call Carol MacNeil.

Contact Carol MacNeil at crm6@cornell.edu or 585-313-8796.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,C,I-Batavia) was recently named to the Farm Bureau’s 2015 “Circle of Friends.”

The honor was given to state legislators who display a great deal of support for agricultural initiatives including voting for legislation the Farm Bureau supports and sponsoring bills favorable to the agriculture industry during the 2015 Legislative Session. Hawley has been named to the “Circle of Friends” every year since 2006.

“As the owner of our family-owned farm for many years, I know the importance of the agriculture industry to New York State’s economy,” Hawley said. “I am honored to once again be named to the Farm Bureau’s “Circle of Friends” and take pride in championing its causes in the legislature.

Oftentimes, local farms are family-owned and their hard work ensures that fresh produce, poultry and beef are available to local vendors as well as across the state. In an industry where profits are not guaranteed year to year and flooding and drought are common, our farmers deserve our utmost support and consideration."

Hawley served as president of the Genesee County Farm Bureau while operating his own farm and has served on the Assembly’s Agriculture Committee since 2006.