As a farm business, how is the Cornell Dairy Foods Extension Team a valuable resource for you?
Cornell Dairy Extension has been an invaluable partner for Lively Run as we have grown over the years. From providing support while working with NYS and Federal regulatory agencies, Third Party Food Safety certification, and training programs for Lively Run staff members, Cornell Dairy Extension has made it possible for our small company to meet the regulatory and food safety standards that are required to play in the national marketplace.

How do you interact with the dairy foods extension team?
Cornell Dairy Extension has been a great resource for Lively Run. When I run into challenges, I have been able to work with Rob Ralyea, Kim Bukowski, or Anika Zuber (and Steve Murphy, although he is now retired!) to find the best ways to address the concern in question. They are quick to respond, knowledgeable, and always helpful. Rob, in particular, has been extremely helpful over the years, always willing to tackle whatever esoteric concern I throw at him!

What services have been valuable for you? Has the team’s expertise helped you tackle unique challenges?
Some services that Cornell Dairy Extension has been able to provide include training and certification programs for Lively Run staff and guidance with developing and maintaining our Food Safety Plan. Perhaps most important, assisting with the interpretation and implementation of regulations that are often written with much larger companies in mind.

Have collaborations with the dairy extension team contributed to your successes? Please describe.
In late 2021, Lively Run completed a Third Party Food Safety Certification with Merieux Nutrisciences. This would not have been possible without the training services and guidance that Cornell Dairy Extension has provided over the years. This certification has been extremely important for the continued growth of Lively Run as it has allowed us access to larger markets and vendors.