For those who are interested in obtaining much more immediate communication with the CAAHP team then they are getting now, we are on Facebook…
Here is the address for our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/CCECAHP
The e-Newsletter’s goal is to provide a venue for communication about upcoming meetings and other pertinent information.
New Additions
Feb 25th, 2013 Webinar from Pro-Dairy Water Use Reporting Webinar for Dairies at 10:00 AM EST. Register now! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4618733136830993408 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The Cornell PRO-DAIRY environmental systems group has developed a new tool called the Dairy Water Use Calculator that can be used to estimate a farm’s water use and complete the required NYS DEC forms, thus streamlining the process. (This calculator replaces the guidance tables produced and released last year for estimating water use.) The tool includes an option for the user to have it automatically complete the required DEC reporting forms that then can be e-mailed directly to DEC or printed and sent via US mail.
The webinar will include an update by a DEC representative on revisions to the reporting rules and an introduction and demonstration of the new Calculator by PRO-DAIRY.
Tuesday, March 5th Creating and Managing Wildlife Habitat for landowners in our region –a FREE program from 6-8 pm at the Freight Depot building behind Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, New York. Please register through the ASA website www.agstewardship.org or by phone at 518-677-7285 so that we can plan for attendance.
The Agricultural Stewardship Association and the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District are pleased to present Bob Henke, popular columnist for the Post Star newspaper, retired Environmental Conservation Officer for the New York State DEC, and current Argyle Town Supervisor, will present a slideshow and talk about plantings and practices he has used to attract a diverse array of wildlife to his property. Scott Fitscher from the NRCS office in Greenwich will review the programs NRCS uses to promote wildlife habitat, including the Wetland Reserve Program and the Grassland Reserve Program. The final part of the program will feature your questions and answers from our presenters and a panel of local landowners who have participated in the NRCS programs or other management practices to promote habitat on their own properties.
Monday March 18, 2013 Truck Farm Clinics 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Turning Point Dairy Shop, Pat & Marty Hanehan, 211 County Rd 67, Saratoga, NY 12866 There is no fee to this clinic however calling ahead will be appreciated in the planning. Please call CCE-Rensselaer County 518-272-4210.
NYS Trooper Bormann and NYS Trooper Walker, NYS Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will again address farm truck registration, licensing, inspection and other issue associated with farm trucks. Local law enforcements are being invited at the various clinics to address local concerns and issues. Bring your questions and neighbors to the meeting.
Tuesday March 19, 2013 Truck Farm Clinics 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Herrington’s Farms Shop, Ken & Phil Herrington, 63 Herrington Lane, Troy, NY 12180 There is no fee to this clinic however calling ahead will be appreciated in the planning. Please call CCE-Rensselaer County 518-272-4210.
NYS Trooper Bormann and NYS Trooper Walker, NYS Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will again address farm truck registration, licensing, inspection and other issue associated with farm trucks. Local law enforcements are being invited at the various clinics to address local concerns and issues. Bring your questions and neighbors to the meeting.
Tuesday March 19, 2013 Truck Farm Clinics 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wil-Roc Farms Shop, Carl Williams, 2167 Rt 9, Kinderhook, NY 12106 There is no fee to this clinic however calling ahead will be appreciated in the planning. Please call CCE-Rensselaer County 518-272-4210.
NYS Trooper Bormann and NYS Trooper Walker, NYS Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will again address farm truck registration, licensing, inspection and other issue associated with farm trucks. Local law enforcements are being invited at the various clinics to address local concerns and issues. Bring your questions and neighbors to the meeting.
Good Book for New Farmers: We received a notice from an extension educator. An Orange County farmer is on his second book. Not quite released yet. It’s technical and for new organic veg& herb grower. It also covers business and personal decision-making on deciding to farm.
http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Growing-Organic-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B008NEZRRQ
The first one was nonfiction about his experiences (http://www.amazon.com/Its-Long-Road-Tomato-Organic/dp/B0062GKV4G) Lots of good info!
Grant Available – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide up to $25 million in grants to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands. Conservation Innovation Grants are available for state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals with applications due March 15.
Of particular interest are applications for innovative demonstration partnerships on energy conservation, nutrient management, soil health, wildlife habitat and adaptive management. In the past eight years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown precise ways to farm that use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently
The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and are awarded through a competitive process
At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient.
For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office.
Trees Now Available – The Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District is now taking orders for their annual Tree and Shrub sale. The order forms may be found in many locations and on our website at washingtoncountyswcd.org.
The orders are due in our office by March 25th, 2013. The trees, which are generally one to three year old plants, will be available for pickup at the Washington County Fairgrounds just in time for Arbor Day. There are many kinds of trees and shrubs available in lots of 10, 25, and 50.
These are bare root stock, not potted plants so landowners need to plan ahead as they will need to plant them soon after they receive them. If you do not see the order forms in these locations soon, feel free to call our office at 518-692-9940 ext 3. Pickup dates for the trees are April 26, 8am to 4 pm and April 27 from 9 am to noon at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Fact Sheets for Spring Planted Crops and new release on the crop insurance deadlines for New York spring crops along with two examples of the commodity insurance fact sheets for cabbage and sweet corn. If you go to this site;
http://cce.cornell.edu/Ag/Pages/AgTeamsDocuments.aspx
You can access fact sheets for fresh market beans, processing snap beans, potatoes, dry beans, green peas, processing sweet corn, and processing tomatoes along with sheets for grain crops.
Hay available – mixed grass, 1st cut 150-200 square bales (40-45 lb) at barn. Never rained on. $3.00/bale. Call 518-642-0728.
Vermont Sheep and Goat Association is offering a Master Shepherd Course is a series of ten classes that will be taught by Chet Parsons of Parsons’ Farm in Richford, Vermont (recently retired Livestock Specialist with the University of Vermont Extension) and members of the Vermont Sheep and Goat Association (VSGA).
The classes will cover the primary aspects of sheep husbandry and will include selected aspects of the goat and camelid husbandry. All classes will include a lecture and be held on a working farm where participants will be able to see and participate in the hands-on practical sessions.
Classes will be held on Sunday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon. Locations will vary based on the subject matter of the class (see syllabus). As class size will be limited to insure quality of the class, pre-registration is necessary. One can register for individual classes or for the entire course. Individual registration is $60 per class for VSGA members or $75 per class for nonmembers. Registration for the entire course is $500 and $600, respectively.
To register, please fill out the registration form on the back of this booklet and send it along with the appropriate fee to: Parsons’ Farm, 463 Hardwood Hill Road, Richford, Vermont 05476 . Course syllabus is available on the VSGA Web site: vtsheepandgoat.org
2013 New York DAIRY OF DISTINCTION Applications – now available. All Northeast dairy farms producing milk for sale are invited to submit an application for the award. Dairies receiving the 10 highest scores in each of the 10 districts will receive an 18”x24” Dairy of Distinction sign to be displayed in front of their farm. Visit www.DairyofDistinction.com or call Sandy 518-746-2560. Application must be postmarked by April 15 for consideration.
Saratoga County Crop Land available for sale – 68.5 total acres near Mohawk River –40 prime-yielding river-bottom tillable acres–28.5 Wooded –Scotia, NY –For Sale $180,000. Call 518-664-4011.
Calendar
February
February 22-23, 2013 “Agriculture 20/20: Visions for Future Leaders” 2013 NYFB Leadership Conference Sponsored by the NYFB Young Farmer Program at the Holiday Inn, Liverpool/Syracuse New York. Conference costs consist of a registration fee, meal costs and overnight room cost. The cost for the one night hotel room is $123.17 (single or double). Hotel reservation deadline is Feb. 7th. The meal package is $120.00. Further conference & registration details are available online at www.nyfb.org or contact: Patti Dugan at (518) 431-5614
Ken Quick, Jr. is the speaker for the Friday evening and will share his perspective and insight. Other speakers include: Eric Ooms, NYFB Vice President & past Chair of the NYFB Young Farmer Committee and Richard Ball, Schoharie Valley Farms: Home of the Carrot Barn. The goal of the conference is to provide timely information on issues and trends that affect young farmers and their farm businesses as well as provide opportunities for networking with peers from across New York and the northeast. This conference is open to all; you don’t have to be associated with a young farmer committee to participate.
Saturday, February 23rd , 2013 North Country Pasture Meeting II –– 10:00 am to 3:00 pm – Chateaugay Knights of Columbus, Route 374, Chateaugay (Franklin County) – Registration $30/person, $5 for additional people from same farm, fee includes lunch sponsored by Feed Commodities, Inc, Malone, NY; register with local CCE office in Clinton/Essex County: 518-561-7450, phh7@cornell.edu; Franklin County: 518-483-7403, drd9@cornell.edu; or St. Lawrence County: 315-379-9192. Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Northern NY Livestock Team and the Adirondack North Country Association.
Featuring guest speaker Jenn Colby, a grazing specialist and Pasture Program Coordinator with the University of Vermont Center for Sustainability. Colby, who raises sheep, pigs and poultry, will speak about grazing practices in Vermont and her current projects that involve pasturing techniques. The program agenda includes information “from Northern New York farm fields” with either Agronomy Educator Mike Hunter of CCE of Jefferson County or Joe Lawrence of McClelland’s Agronomics discussing how the drought conditions of 2012 will affect pasture productivity in 2013 and the results of the Northern New York on-farm pasture nitrogen research trials. Trish Decosse of the Franklin County SWCD will be presenting programs of interest to grazers, and CCE of Clinton County Agricultural Educator Peter Hagar will provide information on pasture and forage insurance. Joe Orefice of North Branch Farm, Saranac, and Paul Smiths College, will present an introduction to silvaculture – the grazing of livestock in wooded areas and opportunities in the Adirondacks; and breakout sessions with grass-based dairy farmer Bob Zufall of Lisbon; Hugh Sutherland, who operates a 700-sheep farm in Huntingdon, Quebec; and beef backgrounder Joe Eisele of Canton, NY.
Saturday, February 23rd, 2013 Farming Our Future – Growing Food, Farms and Community Keynote Speaker – JIM SLAMA. 9:00 am – 4:30 pm. 8:00 AM Registration & Continental Breakfast. Throughout the day: Exhibitors, Networking, Workshops, and Panels, at Taconic Hills, CSD – 73 County Rte 11A, Craryville, NY 12521 – Columbia County NY. Registration is $20 per person if reserving in advance, $25 per person at the door. Registration includes Continental breakfast, lunch and afternoon snack break. Students are $10 per person and must show student ID. Child care for children ages 5 and above is available for $10 per child and must be reserved in advance. Contact: Web: www.farmingourfuture.org │ 518-329-0890 │ kdiperi@diperiandco.com Mailing Address: Cornell University Cooperative Extension, 479 Rte. 66, Hudson, NY 12534, ATT: Farming Our Future 2/23/2013
February 23-24, 2013. 9:00 AM. 2 Day Aquaponic Training Course. 104 E. Seneca St., Sherrill, NY 13461. Are you interested in opening an Aquaponic farm, building a back yard system, or just curious to learn more about this exciting farming method? Then this is the perfect opportunity for you! This training course will focus on hydroponic horticulture, aquaculture, and how to successfully merge aquaculture and hydroponics to get a fully functioning Aquaponic system! Space is limited for these classes! For more information, visit the website or email mark@aquavitafarms.com .
Feb 25th, 2013 Webinar from Pro-Dairy Water Use Reporting Webinar for Dairies at 10:00 AM EST. Register now! https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4618733136830993408 After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
The Cornell PRO-DAIRY environmental systems group has developed a new tool called the Dairy Water Use Calculator that can be used to estimate a farm’s water use and complete the required NYS DEC forms, thus streamlining the process. (This calculator replaces the guidance tables produced and released last year for estimating water use.) The tool includes an option for the user to have it automatically complete the required DEC reporting forms that then can be e-mailed directly to DEC or printed and sent via US mail.
The webinar will include an update by a DEC representative on revisions to the reporting rules and an introduction and demonstration of the new Calculator by PRO-DAIRY.
February 26, 2013 – Winter Dairy Management – Managing Your Dairy with Resiliency – from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the CCE-Orange County office in Middletown, NY. This Cornell University road show of experts will provide information on reproduction, LED lighting on cows, cow comfort, and dairy modernization. There will be FSA Borrower training production credits available. For more information, please call Jen Simpson, CCE-Orange County at 845-344-1234 or jks236@cornell.edu .
February 27, 2013 – Winter Dairy Management – Managing Your Dairy with Resiliency – from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the CCE- Saratoga County office, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Registration cost is $15/person, call to register call 315-866-7920 or mail to: CCE Herkimer, 5657 Ste Rte 5, Herkimer, NY 13350 or email Herkimer@cornell.edu .
This Cornell University road show of experts will provide information on reproduction, LED lighting on cows, cow comfort, and dairy modernization. There will be FSA Borrower training production credits available. For more information, please call Dave Balbian, CCE-CNY Dairy & Field Crops Team at 518-312-3592.
February 27, 2013 Lawn and Landscape Training at Washington County CCE office, 415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839. For More information contact Chuck Schmitt at cds34@cornell.edu or 518-765-3513 or David Chinery at dhc3@cornell.edu or 518- 272-4210.
This meeting will highlight current issues challenging the lawn care and landscape industry. Topics such as European crane fly identification, Boxwood Blight, new weed control products, Impatiens Downy Mildew, Hemlock Woolly Alegid and control of Canadian geese on managed properties will be covered.
February 27, 2013, Capital District Annual Vegetable and Small Fruit Winter Meeting, Best Western, 200 Wolf Rd, Albany, NY from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration for enrollees $30 1st person/ $20 for additional. For non-enrollees, $50/$20. You must pre-register. Call Marcie at 518-272-4210 or visit www.cdvsfp.cce.cornell.edu to register on-line. Call Laura McDermott 518-746-2562 or lgm4@cornell.edu for more info.
February 28, 2013 – Winter Dairy Management – Managing Your Dairy with Resiliency – from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Tally Ho Restaurant, 14 Main St (Rte 20) in Richfield Springs, NY. Registration cost is $15/person, call to register call 315-866-7920 or mail to: CCE Herkimer, 5657 Ste Rte 5, Herkimer, NY 13350 or email Herkimer@cornell.edu .
This Cornell University road show of experts will provide information on reproduction, LED lighting on cows, cow comfort, and dairy modernization. There will be FSA Borrower training production credits available. For more information, please call Dave Balbian, CCE-CNY Dairy & field Crops Team at 518-312-3592.
MARCH
Friday, March 1st , 2013 2nd Annual Organic Dairy and Field Crop Conference –– at Holiday Inn, Auburn (Cayuga County) – For more program details visit the NOFA-NY Web site or contact Bethany Wallis at 585-271-1979 ext. 513 or bethany@nofany.org. Sponsored in part by NYSGLCI.
Featuring experienced organic keynote speaker Jerry Brunetti, founder of Agri-Dynamics, who will share his perspective on how organic dairy and field crop farmers can address the current challenges in agriculture so that we find success and optimism for moving forward. The day’s program will highlight workshop topics including: Soil Sampling and Test Reading with CROPP soil Agronomist Mark Kopecky; Herd Health with founder of Agri-Dynamics Jerry Brunetti; Growing Small Grains with Mary-Howell and Klaas Martens, owners of Lakeview Organic Grain; Sprouting Fodder with dairyman John Stoltzfus; Farm Transfer with FarmNet director Ed Staehr and more. The conference will include a half-day intensive session on transitioning to organic dairy management; new farmers and farmers interested in transitioning are encouraged to attend. NOFA-NY Certified LLC staff will be available again this year throughout the day to answer questions on organic certification. Be sure to take time to visit our expanded trade show and speak with company representatives. Partake in a delicious organic lunch made with products donated by local farmers and business members and prepared by Holiday Inn Executive Chef Todd Field. There will be programming for both new and veteran farmers alike, so bring your family, friends, and neighbors. Enjoy a day of learning, networking, and information exchange.
March 1- May 3, 2013 Tractor Safety Certification Course in Columbia County. This course will meet for 2 hours (7-9 p.m.) on most Fridays covering various skills and homework assignments each week. Registration and materials cost is $20/student. Students must be 14 years of age or more by April 15th. Preregistration is required by Feb. 20, enrollment is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Please call Kelly Radzick for more info at 518-828-3346 ext 201.
March 1, 2013 Farm Film Fest V deadline for film submissions – The festival shows films that focus on farms, farming, and farming issues and is especially interested in films that have a local connection. DVDs can be sent to: Farm Film Fest V, %The Chatham Film Club, PO Box 305, Chatham, NY, 12037. Additional information is available at chathamkeepfarming.org.
Films should be from 5-20 minutes and submitted in DVD format. The program includes films made by professional and amateur filmmakers. Students of all ages are encouraged to submit films. Selection of films for the festival is done by a panel of local filmmakers and farmers.
March 1-2, 2013 NOFA NH Growing a Resilient Community at Laconia Middle School
150 McGrath Street, Laconia, NH. For more information please contact Jo Russavage, Conference Coordinator at (508) 330-1034 or winterconference@nofanh.org. or visit www.nofanh.org .
Tuesday, March 5th Creating and Managing Wildlife Habitat for landowners in our region –a FREE program from 6-8 pm at the Freight Depot building behind Hubbard Hall in Cambridge, New York. Please register through the ASA website www.agstewardship.org or by phone at 518-677-7285 so that we can plan for attendance.
The Agricultural Stewardship Association and the Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District are pleased to present Bob Henke, popular columnist for the Post Star newspaper, retired Environmental Conservation Officer for the New York State DEC, and current Argyle Town Supervisor, will present a slideshow and talk about plantings and practices he has used to attract a diverse array of wildlife to his property. Scott Fitscher from the NRCS office in Greenwich will review the programs NRCS uses to promote wildlife habitat, including the Wetland Reserve Program and the Grassland Reserve Program. The final part of the program will feature your questions and answers from our presenters and a panel of local landowners who have participated in the NRCS programs or other management practices to promote habitat on their own properties.
March 5-7, 2013 Farmers Market Manager Training Conference – “The Science of Farmers Markets” The conference will be hosted by the Ithaca Farmers Market and held at La Tourelle Resort and August Moon Spa in Ithaca. Register now for “The Science of Farmers Markets” conference in Ithaca, March 5-7. Download the agenda and registration form at http://www.nyfarmersmarket.com/work-shop-programs/annual-conference-ditto-with-the-annual-conference/program.html. For more information, contact the Federation office at 315-637-4690 or email deggert@nyfarmersmarket.com.
The conference will focus on the operating issues of farmers markets. Topics will include food safety, crisis management, working with market volunteers, understanding your consumers, financing your market, assessing your market’s economic impact and working with a board of directors. A panel discussion will provide an opportunity to discuss issues with experienced managers who can answer your questions. There’s also a session to help you find all the resources you need to make your market a success.
The conference will break mid-week for a tour through Cornell University. This tour will look at facilities and labs that are in operation and under construction to help educate New York’s farmers be up-to-date on new techniques and innovative in the creation of new value-added products. The University is there to support local agriculture, directly and through the Cooperative Extension system. Learn what Cornell is doing to keep New York agriculture on the cutting edge so that you can bring this vital information back to your farmers.
“Bring a Friend to Conference” is a new feature, encouraging new conference attendees. Individuals who bring a friend to register for the full conference are eligible for a $50 rebate. We hope to encourage everyone to spread the word about the conference and capture the interest of many who have not taken advantage of this exciting opportunity. Contact the Federation office for complete details regarding the program.
March 5, 6 & 19, 2013 CNLP (Certified Nursery Landscape Professional) Review Session with Cornell Cooperative Extension – Albany County, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186.A 2-day review session and exam. Topics include botany, soils, and plant identification. This review session will prepare students for the CNLP exam. Registration required. For more information about the training and the CNLP program, contact Chuck Schmitt at cds34@cornell.edu and 518-765-3513.
March 11, Webinar – Invertebrate pests and their natural enemies in high-residue, conservation tillage cropping systems, from 12-1pm (EST) By Dr. Mary Barbercheck, Penn State Extension. The webinars are free and open to the public to attend. Participants attend via the internet from their home or office. A high-speed internet connection is recommended and the computer should be equipped with headphones or speakers to hear the audio. To register to attend any of the webinars in the series, please fill out the registration form at http://extension.psu.edu/cover-crops/webinars/2013-webinar-series#registrationform. Detailed instructions for logging in to attend the webinars are available at this link. Contact Charlie White at cmw29@psu.edu or 814-863-9922 for more information about the webinar series.
Learn the basics about key early season insect and slug pests that can pose problems in conservation tillage systems with high amounts of cover crop residues and how crop management practices can help reduce pest damage. Also, learn about ongoing research into naturally-occurring predators of early season insects and slugs and how best to conserve them. 2 category pesticide credits (Pennsylvania). The Cover Crop Innovations Webinar Series is a component of the training initiative sponsored by the Northeast SARE Pennsylvania State Program.
Thursday, March 14, 2013 The eXtension Entrepreneurship webinar series hosts a free presentation on Pinterest for Your Business! Tara Gross, owner of Country Drawers and Connie Hancock of University of Nebraska Extension. All webinars air monthly on the second Thursday at 2:00pm (ET); at https://connect.extension.iastate.edu/etc-cop.
Learn how to better utilize Pinterest for your business/ Just when you thought you’d gotten a handle on social media by giving Facebook and maybe Twitter a try, along comes Pinterest. Pinterest is now the number three most-popular social network in the U.S., behind only Facebook and Twitter, according to Experian’s Digital Marketer Trend and Benchmark Report. Presenters will introduce what Pinterest is and why you should use it for your business. They will also discuss setting up a Pinterest account, how to interact, and how to create pin boards. Gross is a young entrepreneur and owner of Country Drawers in Cambridge, Nebraska and Hancock is an Extension Educator from UNL Extension.
Sunday, March 17, 2013 Farm Film Fest V – The event will take place from 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the historic Crandell Theatre, Chatham, New York. Additional information is available at chathamkeepfarming.org.
Event is sponsored by the Chatham Agricultural Partnership, the Columbia Land Conservancy, and the Chatham Film Club. The festival shows films that focus on farms, farming, and farming issues and is especially interested in films that have a local connection.
March 18, Webinar – Optimizing weed suppression and nutrient use efficiency in cover crop-based no-till organic corn from 12-1pm (EST) By Dr. Steven Mirsky, USDA-ARS Sustainable Agriculture Systems Lab and Hanna Poffenbarger, University of Maryland. The webinars are free and open to the public to attend. Participants attend via the internet from their home or office. A high-speed internet connection is recommended and the computer should be equipped with headphones or speakers to hear the audio. To register to attend any of the webinars in the series, please fill out the registration form at http://extension.psu.edu/cover-crops/webinars/2013-webinar-series#registrationform. Detailed instructions for logging in to attend the webinars are available at this link. Contact Charlie White at cmw29@psu.edu or 814-863-9922 for more information about the webinar series.
Many organic grain producers seek weed management tactics that will allow them to reduce tillage in their cropping systems while maintaining weed control and efficient nutrient delivery. In this webinar, University of Maryland and USDA-ARS researchers discuss optimizing cover crop mixture composition and manure application to achieve weed suppression and adequate, efficient nitrogen delivery in a cover crop-based no-till corn system. Pennsylvania Nutrient Management credits pending. The Cover Crop Innovations Webinar Series is a component of the training initiative sponsored by the Northeast SARE Pennsylvania State Program.
Monday March 18, 2013 Truck Farm Clinics 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Turning Point Dairy Shop, Pat & Marty Hanehan, 211 County Rd 67, Saratoga, NY 12866 There is no fee to this clinic however calling ahead will be appreciated in the planning. Please call CCE-Rensselaer County 518-272-4210.
NYS Trooper Bormann and NYS Trooper Walker, NYS Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will again address farm truck registration, licensing, inspection and other issue associated with farm trucks. Local law enforcements are being invited at the various clinics to address local concerns and issues. Bring your questions and neighbors to the meeting.
Tuesday March 19, 2013 Truck Farm Clinics 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Herrington’s Farms Shop, Ken & Phil Herrington, 63 Herrington Lane, Troy, NY 12180 There is no fee to this clinic however calling ahead will be appreciated in the planning. Please call CCE-Rensselaer County 518-272-4210.
NYS Trooper Bormann and NYS Trooper Walker, NYS Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will again address farm truck registration, licensing, inspection and other issue associated with farm trucks. Local law enforcements are being invited at the various clinics to address local concerns and issues. Bring your questions and neighbors to the meeting.
Tuesday March 19, 2013 Truck Farm Clinics 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Wil-Roc Farms Shop, Carl Williams, 2167 Rt 9, Kinderhook, NY 12106 There is no fee to this clinic however calling ahead will be appreciated in the planning. Please call CCE-Rensselaer County 518-272-4210.
NYS Trooper Bormann and NYS Trooper Walker, NYS Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit, will again address farm truck registration, licensing, inspection and other issue associated with farm trucks. Local law enforcements are being invited at the various clinics to address local concerns and issues. Bring your questions and neighbors to the meeting.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013 VT Annual Oilseed Producers Meeting at the Comfort Inn at Maplewood in Berlin, VT. It will be held from 10 am to 3 pm. It is free to attend but we do ask that you RSVP if you can come so we can plan to provide you with lunch. For more information on the event and how to RSVP for it, please download the attached PDF or visit the following link: http://www.uvm.edu/extension/cropsoil/wp-content/uploads/2013_Oilseedmtgbrochure.pdf
It will include a roundtable discussion, lunch, and presentations on bird control, animal nutrition of oilseed meal, preliminary results of press design evaluations in the Northeast, food-grade oil quality, and UVM Extension’s agronomic research trials.
Wednesday, March 20, 2013 4th Rural Issues – Community Leadership Conference: “Agriculture Production & Processing – Help Make It Happen!” A special one-day educational opportunity for municipal officials, farmers, economic developers, and planners. (Eligible for Local Board Training Credit). Herkimer County Community College, Herkimer, NY. Registration 8:00 – 9:00am; Conference 9:00am-3:45pm. The cost is $35.00 by March 1, 2013; $45.00 afterwards and at the door. Lunch and mid-day refreshments included. Regional food tastings in the Gallery. This program is produced by the Central NY Ag Council (CNYAC), known formerly as the Mohawk Valley – Leatherstocking Agricultural Region (MVLAR). To register call 607-433-2545, or email the Center for Agricultural Development & Entrepreneurship (CADE) at info@cadefarms.org. Thank you!
Keynote Speaker: David Cole – “The Explosion of the Dairy Value Added Products Industry –
Impacts and Opportunities.” David Cole is a consultant, formerly Commissioner of the Maine Department of Transportation and CEO of the Eastern Maine Development Corporation; author of “The Rise of the Greek Yogurt Industry in Central New York” – September 2012.
Plenary Sessions:
· Food Hubs – A Fad That Should Not Fade: Panel discussion with Jim Barham, USDA; Pat Hooker, ESD; and Becca Jablonski, PhD Candidate, Cornell University; Beth McKellips, moderator.
· Farm Brewery Legislature Opens Doors to Central NY Hops Production: Panel discussion with Steve Miller, NYS Hops Specialist; Dave Katleski, Owner of Empire Brewing; and Rick Pedersen, Hop Grower, Pedersen Farms, Inc; Bernie Armata, moderator.
· How Your Community can Benefit from Cleaner Greener Grants Program: David Weeks and Bob Singer, Ecology & Environment, Inc., Mohawk Valley Regional Sustainability Plan; David Cox, moderator.
· Utilizing Renewable Resources through Municipal Examples: Panel discussion with Charlie Niebling, New England Wood Pellets; Myron Thurston, Supervisor, Town of Vernon, Oneida County; and Gary Ramsey, Enchanted Forest Water Sarfari, Old Forge; Marty Broccoli, moderator.
March 20, 2012 Heifers:The Forgotten Piece of Grazing with Cornell Cooperative Extension – Rens. Cty at the Brunswick Community Center, Keyes Lane off Rte 7, Brunswick from 10 am – 2:30 pm. To register call 518-272-4210, Lunch will be provided. USDA-NRCS specialist Karen Hoffman will discuss the nutritional and pasture needs of young stock and how you should work them into your grazing system. Fay Benson of Cornell Cooperative Extension will talk about his research on grazing heifers and crop insurance options for pasture operations. This will be a truly interactive conversation and a great way to discuss your grazing economics questions.
If you know someone that would be interested in attend please feel free to share this invitation
March 22 -23, 2013 New England Meat Conference, at Grappone Conference Center, 70 Constitution Avenue, Concord NH 03301. This FREE event is designed to enhance the production, processing, and marketing of sustainable, nutritious, humanely-raised, and delicious meat from New England farms by providing educational and networking opportunities for meat producers, processors and consumers. Visit http://www.newenglandmeatconference.org/home.html for more information. The conference will feature more than 25 educational sessions, hands-on workshops and live demonstrations.
March 22, 2013 Pesticide Recertification Day with CCE at The Century House, 997 New Loudon Road, (Route 9), Latham, NY 12110. Learn the latest on pesticide use, safety, and pest management for the upcoming season. This program features up to 6 DEC recertification credits. Morning sessions offer core credits and afternoon sessions offer category specific credits for 3a,1a,7a and private categories as well. Registration required. For more information contact Chuck Schmitt at cds34@cornell.edu
Monday, March 25, 2013 Trac Software Workshops. Taught by Juliet Carroll, Trac Software Developer 1:00 PM-4:00 PM at Cornell Cooperative Extension Clinton County, 6064 Route 22, Suite 5, Plattsburgh, NY 12901. Hosted by Kevin Iungerman, 518-744-0720. Advanced registration only! Space is limited to 15 people per location. First come – first serve so register early! Registration is $15.00 per person. To register contact: Marcie Vohnoutka, 518-272-4210, mmp74@cornell.edu .
Trac software is a pesticide spray record-keeping program built in Excel. It will automatically generate your reports. Learn more about it at www.nysipm.cornell.edu/trac Workshops will demonstrate how to set up your farm’s information, applicators, blocks, pesticide inventory and how to enter your records and generate reports, including the EPA WPS Central Posting Form. You will learn how Trac can generate spray material costs and keep fertilizer and harvest records. There will be time for questions and discussion.
Mondays 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15, and Tues. 4/23 Beginner Beekeeping School with the Southern Adirondack Beekeepers Association. Though this class series is titled “Beginner” it will also be of use to the person who has had bees over the years but has never taken a class. Please visit our website www.adirondackbees.org for a registration form or call 518-895-8744.
Classes #1 -5 run from 6:30 – 9 p.m. at the Saratoga County Cornell Cooperative Extension, 50 West High St., Ballston Spa. The 6th class will be presented on a weekend in early May in a bee yard and will be an open hive class. The location and time will be announced.
The Beekeeping School is open to all, and part of the fee of $80 per student covers a one year membership in SABA and the two textbooks. Required texts: The Beekeeper’s Handbook 4th Edition (Sammataro and Avitabile) and Hive Management (Bonney)
Couples or family members in the same house who take the class together can share books. After you register, your books will be sent to you.
March 25, Webinar Nitrogen Management with Cover Crop Mixtures from 12-1pm (EST)
By Charlie White, Penn State Extension. The webinars are free and open to the public to attend. Participants attend via the internet from their home or office. A high-speed internet connection is recommended and the computer should be equipped with headphones or speakers to hear the audio. To register to attend any of the webinars in the series, please fill out the registration form at http://extension.psu.edu/cover-crops/webinars/2013-webinar-series#registrationform. Detailed instructions for logging in to attend the webinars are available at this link. Contact Charlie White at cmw29@psu.edu or 814-863-9922 for more information about the webinar series.
This presentation will review how the characteristics of different cover crop types, including winter-hardy and winter-killed grasses and legumes, can be used to assemble a mixed-species cover crop planting that balances nitrogen retention over the winter with nitrogen supply to the next crop. Tools to assess nitrogen supplied by cover crops to the next cash crop will also be discussed. Pennsylvania Nutrient Management credits pending.
The Cover Crop Innovations Webinar Series is a component of the training initiative sponsored by the Northeast SARE Pennsylvania State Program.
Tuesday, March 26, 2013 Trac Software Workshops. Taught by Juliet Carroll, Trac Software Developer 9:00 AM-12:00 PM at Hudson Valley Laboratory, 3357 US Highway Rt. 9W, Highland, NY 12528. Hosted by Michael Fargione, 845-399-2028. Advanced registration only! Space is limited to 15 people per location. First come – first serve so register early! Registration is $15.00 per person. To register contact: Marcie Vohnoutka, 518-272-4210, mmp74@cornell.edu .
Trac software is a pesticide spray record-keeping program built in Excel. It will automatically generate your reports. Learn more about it at www.nysipm.cornell.edu/trac Workshops will demonstrate how to set up your farm’s information, applicators, blocks, pesticide inventory and how to enter your records and generate reports, including the EPA WPS Central Posting Form. You will learn how Trac can generate spray material costs and keep fertilizer and harvest records. There will be time for questions and discussion.
March 26, 2013 Dairy Farm Business Summary Wrap-up Meeting with Pro-Dairy’s Jason Karszes at Farm Credit East’s meeting room, 394 State Rte 29, Greenwich, NY. Informal discussion 11a.m.-1 p.m. with discussion about 2012 information starting at 1:00 p.m. Meeting is free, bring lunch or money for sandwich. Call Sandy 518-380-1498 or email sab22@cornell.edu for more info.
Wednesday, March 27, 2013 Trac Software Workshops. Taught by Juliet Carroll, Trac Software Developer 9:00 AM-12:00 PM at Cornell Cooperative Extension Rensselaer County
61 State Street, Troy, NY 12180, Hosted by Laura McDermott, 518-791-5038. Advanced registration only! Space is limited to 15 people per location. First come – first serve so register early! Registration is $15.00 per person. To register contact: Marcie Vohnoutka, 518-272-4210, mmp74@cornell.edu .
Trac software is a pesticide spray record-keeping program built in Excel. It will automatically generate your reports. Learn more about it at www.nysipm.cornell.edu/trac Workshops will demonstrate how to set up your farm’s information, applicators, blocks, pesticide inventory and how to enter your records and generate reports, including the EPA WPS Central Posting Form. You will learn how Trac can generate spray material costs and keep fertilizer and harvest records. There will be time for questions and discussion.
March 27-28, 2013 Adirondack North Country Assoc.(ANCA) Buyers Days at Saratoga City Center, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Registration fee. For more info contact Melissa Hart at mhart@adirondack.org , 518-891-6200 or visit www.adirondack.org . A location to help local artisans and value-added producers to connect with local businesses actively looking for products.
April
April 2nd – April 5th, 2013 Tractor Safety Certification with Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County will be holding a Hazardous Occupations Safety Training in Agriculture class. Cost is $35. Participants must Pre-register, Please contact Kirk Shoen for more information at CCE Rensselaer County 272-4210 or kjs264@cornell.edu Class will start at CCE office in Troy and will also be on-farm.
This course is designed for the hobbyist or part-time farmer and agricultural workers from landscapers to herdsman and essentially anyone who owns any kind of tractor or equipment. Youth aged 14 and 15 years who are not working directly for their parents must have a tractor operators certificate to legally operate large equipment according to OSHA.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013 Another Way to Market NY Farm Products – B&Bs from 1-4pm, The Farmers’ Museum, 5775 State Route 80, Cooperstown, NY. Register online at: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/BandBCooperstown_225, or call CCE-Madison at (315) 684-3001 by Wednesday, March 27. To register for any of the workshops listed above (or to learn of other locations statewide), contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County at (315) 684-3001.
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.
This project, which is administered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Madison County, is made possible though New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the Federal State Marketing Improvement Program at USDA.
April 3 & 4, 2013 Tractor Safety Certification at Washington County Fairgrounds, Greenwich, NY. Call CCE-Washington County 518-746-2560 or CCE-Saratoga County 518-885-8995 for more details and to pre-register. Pre-registration is required!! Class is for 14 & 15 year olds to gain certificate.
April 10, 2013 Herd Health and Nutrition Conference presented by PRO-Dairy & Northeast Ag & Feed Alliance in Syracuse, NY. For more info, contact Heather Darrow at 607-255-4478 or hh96@cornell.edu .
Program topics include: Recent research on hypocalcemia and immunity; group feeding of calves; economics of farm; advances in corn silage with national speakers.
April 12, 2013 Herd Health and Nutrition Conference presented by PRO-Dairy & Northeast Ag & Feed Alliance in West Lebanon, NH. For more info, contact Heather Darrow at 607-255-4478 or hh96@cornell.edu .
Program topics include: Recent research on hypocalcemia and immunity; group feeding of calves; economics of farm; advances in corn silage with national speakers.
June 8, 2013 Spring Herb & Garden Day at McLane Audubon Center, 84 Silk Farm Road, Concord NH 03301. Please visit www.nofanh.org for more info.
Opportunities
Good Book for New Farmers: We received a notice from an extension educator. An Orange County farmer is on his second book. Not quite released yet. It’s technical and for new organic veg& herb grower. It also covers business and personal decision-making on deciding to farm.
http://www.amazon.com/Storeys-Growing-Organic-Vegetables-ebook/dp/B008NEZRRQ
The first one was nonfiction about his experiences (http://www.amazon.com/Its-Long-Road-Tomato-Organic/dp/B0062GKV4G) Lots of good info!
Grant Available – USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service will provide up to $25 million in grants to help develop and demonstrate cutting-edge ideas to improve conservation on private lands. Conservation Innovation Grants are available for state and local governments, federally recognized Indian Tribes, non-governmental and educational organizations, private businesses and individuals with applications due March 15.
Of particular interest are applications for innovative demonstration partnerships on energy conservation, nutrient management, soil health, wildlife habitat and adaptive management. In the past eight years, the grants have helped develop trading markets for water quality and have shown precise ways to farm that use fertilizer, water and energy more efficiently.
The grants are funded through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and are awarded through a competitive process.
At least 50 percent of the total cost of CIG projects must come from non-federal matching funds, including cash and in-kind contributions provided by the grant recipient.
For more on this grant opportunity, visit http://go.usa.gov/4Kvx. To apply electronically, visit http://www.grants.gov or contact a local NRCS office.
Trees Now Available – The Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District is now taking orders for their annual Tree and Shrub sale. The order forms may be found in many locations and on our website at washingtoncountyswcd.org.
The orders are due in our office by March 25th, 2013. The trees, which are generally one to three year old plants, will be available for pickup at the Washington County Fairgrounds just in time for Arbor Day. There are many kinds of trees and shrubs available in lots of 10, 25, and 50.
These are bare root stock, not potted plants so landowners need to plan ahead as they will need to plant them soon after they receive them. If you do not see the order forms in these locations soon, feel free to call our office at 518-692-9940 ext 3. Pickup dates for the trees are April 26, 8am to 4 pm and April 27 from 9 am to noon at the Washington County Fairgrounds.
Fact Sheets for Spring Planted Crops and new release on the crop insurance deadlines for New York spring crops along with two examples of the commodity insurance fact sheets for cabbage and sweet corn. If you go to this site;
http://cce.cornell.edu/Ag/Pages/AgTeamsDocuments.aspx
You can access fact sheets for fresh market beans, processing snap beans, potatoes, dry beans, green peas, processing sweet corn, and processing tomatoes along with sheets for grain crops.
Hay available – mixed grass, 1st cut 150-200 square bales (40-45 lb) at barn. Never rained on. $3.00/bale. Call 518-642-0728.
Vermont Sheep and Goat Association is offering a Master Shepherd Course is a series of ten classes that will be taught by Chet Parsons of Parsons’ Farm in Richford, Vermont (recently retired Livestock Specialist with the University of Vermont Extension) and members of the Vermont Sheep and Goat Association (VSGA).
The classes will cover the primary aspects of sheep husbandry and will include selected aspects of the goat and camelid husbandry. All classes will include a lecture and be held on a working farm where participants will be able to see and participate in the hands-on practical sessions.
Classes will be held on Sunday mornings from 9 am to 12 noon. Locations will vary based on the subject matter of the class (see syllabus). As class size will be limited to insure quality of the class, pre-registration is necessary. One can register for individual classes or for the entire course. Individual registration is $60 per class for VSGA members or $75 per class for nonmembers. Registration for the entire course is $500 and $600, respectively.
To register, please fill out the registration form on the back of this booklet and send it along with the appropriate fee to: Parsons’ Farm, 463 Hardwood Hill Road, Richford, Vermont 05476 . Course syllabus is available on the VSGA Web site: vtsheepandgoat.org
2013 New York DAIRY OF DISTINCTION Applications – now available. All Northeast dairy farms producing milk for sale are invited to submit an application for the award. Dairies receiving the 10 highest scores in each of the 10 districts will receive an 18”x24” Dairy of Distinction sign to be displayed in front of their farm. Visit www.DairyofDistinction.com or call Sandy 518-746-2560. Application must be postmarked by April 15 for consideration.
Saratoga County Crop Land available for sale – 68.5 total acres near Mohawk River –40 prime-yielding river-bottom tillable acres–28.5 Wooded –Scotia, NY –For Sale $180,000. Call 518-664-4011.
Dairy goat herd for sale – Relatively young ADGA Registered La Mancha dairy goat herd for sale. Purchased in 2007 from a local neighbor to help him and preserve the herd, these fine animals stem from the herds of Fias Co Farm and Irene Decker and as such hail from a long line of champion milkers. Raised using top quality, all natural Poulin Grain, local all natural hay, and pastured on land that could readily be certified organic.
Herd consists of 26 Does and 3 Bucks. All offers entertained for the next week. Would prefer to sell full herd, but will consider breaking for the right offer.
Please contact: Charles Burd, American Masala Farm, 1189 Chamberlain Mills Road, Salem, NY 12865 or
charlie@suvir.com or call: 518.854.3753
Project gives grants for farm improvements that benefit livestock – Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) is accepting grant applications for its Fund-a-Farmer Project, which provides small grants to farmers who want to improve 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. View guidelines or apply online by May 1, 2013 for awards made in August 2013.
