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Funding! Round 8 Climate Resilient Farming Grants opened for NYS landowners! $28 million

RECORD INVESTMENT IN AGRICULTURAL STEWARDSHIP PROGRAMS

 

Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Provides Nearly $82 Million for Programs that Assist Farms to Implement Environmentally Sustainable Best Practices, Protect Soil and Water Quality, and Reduce Greenhouse Gases

 

Announces $28.75 Million is Now Available for On-Farm Projects Through the Climate Resilient Farming Grant Program

 

 

Governor Kathy Hochul today, during Earth Week, announced that as part of record funding being invested in the State’s agricultural stewardship programs, $28.75 million is now available for on-farm projects through the Climate Resilient Farming grant program. Round 8 of CRF provides critical funding that helps New York’s farmers reduce greenhouse gas emissions, protect water, ensure soil health, and increase on-farm resiliency to the effects of a changing climate. Under the Governor’s leadership, the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget provides $81.8 million through the Environmental Protection Fund, up $4 million from last year, for agricultural programs and initiatives, such as Climate Resilient Farming grant, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change.

 

“Our farmers work hard to feed our communities, producing food in a way that is also thoughtful about protecting our precious natural resources,” Governor Hochul said.  “The Climate Resilient Farming grant program is providing record funding to further assist our farmers and their Soil and Water Conservation Districts to elevate water quality and help New York State meet our climate goals.”

 

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard A. Ball today visited Providence Farm Collective in Orchard Park along with a number of agricultural partners, including the Erie County Soil and Water Conservation District, New York Farm Bureau, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County, the State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair, United States Department of Agriculture, the Western NY Land Conservancy, as well as elected officials and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation for an Earth Week celebration and to announce the CRF program funding opportunity. Round 8 of the CRF program also offers record funding this year, nearly $30 million, double what was available in the last round of the program.

 

Providence Farm Collective was awarded funding through the Erie County SWCD and under Round 7 of the Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) program to install an irrigation water management system, which, when installed will promote greater environmental efficiencies, reduce greenhouse gases, and improve on-farm resiliency to extreme weather events, such as drought.  Providence Farm Collective is a non-profit farm, which supports refugee, immigrant BIPOC and under-resourced farmers in Western New York by offering access to clean, rural farmland, farming and business education, technical assistance, access to markets, and, critically important, the opportunity to farm for income through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

 

During the visit, the farm shared its current environmentally sustainable farming practices, which includes growing cover crops, intercropping, and crop rotation for soil health; using high tunnels to extend the growing season; drip-line irrigation and water conservation practices; protecting its 37-acre home forever as farmland with an agricultural conservation easement, and more.

 

Funding for CRF Round 8 is provided by the State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and, for the first time, additional funding is being provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and its NYS Connects: Climate Smart Farms and Forests Project through the Partnerships for Climate Smart Commodities Program.

 

Awards will be made in the following tracks, which will assist projects related to livestock and manure management; water management and erosion control; and soil health management projects. Practices such as manure storage cover and methane capture projects, manure solid/liquid separation, prescribed grazing, cover crops, conservation tillage, irrigation, soil and water management structures, riparian buffers, tree planting, and many more are also eligible for funding.

 

  • Track 1A: Livestock Management: Alternative Waste Management & Precision Feed Management (NYS funds)
  • Track 1B: Manure Storage Cover and Methane Capture Projects (federal funds)
  • Track 2: Adaptation & Resiliency (NYS funds)
  • Track 3A: Healthy Soils NY (Systems and Best Management Practices that support soil health and agroforestry (NYS funds)
  • Track 3B: Soil Health Systems (federal funds)
  • Track 4: Agricultural Forestry Management (for carbon sequestration) (NYS funds)

 

This year’s program also includes a new funding track, Agricultural Forest Management, with approximately $1 million allocated to support healthy productive forests and afforestation on agricultural lands, goals that are a part of the New York State Climate Action Council’s Scoping Plan.

 

Through seven rounds of CRF funding to date, $36 million has been awarded to 396 farms that are estimated to deliver the equivalent of 454,000 metric tons of CO2e per year emissions reductions, equivalent to removing 108,053 cars from the road for one year.

 

The County Soil and Water Conservation Districts in NYS can apply now on behalf of farmers for these competitive grants. The application and additional information are available on the Department’s website at https://agriculture.ny.gov/funding-opportunities. Project proposals are due at 5:00 p.m. on June 24, 2024.

 

State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “Visiting Providence Farm Collective today, especially during Earth Week, helps us to shine the spotlight on our farms who are using best practices to ensure environmental sustainability and combat the effects of climate change.  With more than $60 million dedicated to the CRF program since its’ launch, we are seeing our farms, along with our Soil and Water Conservation Districts, implement a variety of projects that are addressing greenhouse gas emission reductions, carbon sequestration, and helping on-farm resiliency to extreme weather. Farm by farm, we are seeing significant progress in our collective goals to combat climate change, while also supporting our producers to remain competitive, profitable, and sustainable.”

 

Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar said, “New York’s farmers are critically important stewards of our shared environment and are valuable partners in promoting resiliency and addressing climate change through land conservation, water quality improvements, and cutting-edge best practices. Thanks to the Governor’s continued record support of the Environmental Protection Fund, DEC and our agency partners like the Department of Agriculture and Markets are providing significant resources to mitigate and adapt to our changing climate’s impacts on agriculture and across our economy.”

 

New York State Soil and Water Committee Chair Dale Stein said, “The record level of funding being offered through the Climate Resilient Farming grant program this year is an exciting opportunity for our farmers and Soil and Water Districts, who are committed to improving soil health and protecting our waterways as part of our agriculture’s shared goals to combat climate change. The hundreds of projects completed across the State so far —from cover cropping and irrigation systems to manure storage covers—are not only benefiting our environment but also helping our producers to better prepare for and recover from the increasing number of extreme weather events are facing as a result of climate change.  We saw a great example of this today at Providence Farm Collective, and hope to keep this momentum moving forward across the state.”

 

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “New York farmers are on the frontlines of the Climate Crisis and need our continued support to scale the most effective methods for environmental stewardship and resilience against severe weather so we can continue to have a local food supply. The Climate Resilient Farming Grant program is instrumental in this effort, helping farmers across the state build soil health and protect our air and water. We’re especially excited about a new funding track for Agricultural Forest Management, which I was proud to push for along with increased support for climate-forward agricultural programs through the EPF this year.”

 

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Agricultural stewardship programs like Climate Resilient Farming are vital to protecting NY’s natural resources through planning and promoting best practices. They help farmers develop unique on-farm solutions to combat the climate crisis and its effect on their farm operations. I am especially pleased that our Soil and Water Conservation Districts received an increase in funding to assist with their important work at the county level. A special thank you to NY’s farmers who have continued to demonstrate their commitment to protecting our natural resources.”

 

Providence Farm Collective President and Executive Director Kristin Heltman-Weiss said, “Today as we celebrate Earth Week, Providence Farm Collective farmers and Commissioner Richard Ball are shining a light on the need for environmental sustainability and resiliency in agriculture and food systems, while also uplifting the need for farms to be economically viable. Through several climate resiliency farming grants received by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Erie County Soil and Water Conservation, the Natural Resources Conservation Services, and the United States Department of Agriculture, PFC farmers have tools for managing the effects of climate change that include implementing best practices for irrigation and water management, nurturing healthy soils through cover cropping, crop rotation, onsite composting, access to no-till equipment, and minimizing tillage, installing low tunnels and high tunnels, and protecting our farmland forever through a conservation easement. In our values, mission and vision, we are committed to a holistic sustainability model that empowers and provides equitably for people, honors and cares for the health of the planet, embodies the purpose and values of the organization, and balances all of those with the need for financial viability.”

 

The State’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, through the EPF, included several agricultural initiatives, including funding for Cornell Soil Health, a $1.25 million increase for the Soil and Water Conservation Districts, and continued funding for the CRF program along with the establishment of new initiatives such as the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition, which will direct key investments into the Eastern Finger Lakes Coalition of Soil and Water Conservation Districts to support agricultural and resiliency-related projects on farms. This will also include support for farmers to invest in more cover crops, improve culverts to reduce runoff, and other investments to improve soil health and reduce water quality impairments in the region.

 

About NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

The New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, in coordination with the New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, administers the Climate Resilient Farming Program through its Land and Water Division, which works to protect New York’s land and water resources through farmland protection, farmland conservation, and proactive environmental stewardship. The Climate Resilient Farming Program functions as part of the Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) framework, a broader effort that helps farmers achieve higher levels of environmental stewardship and more efficient, cost-effective farming systems. County Soil and Water Conservation Districts use the AEM framework to assist interested farmers through planning and implementation to make science-based and cost-effective decisions. As a result, farmers can meet business goals while conserving the state’s natural resources.

 

ClimateCorps.gov are now open for applications!

20,000 young Americans will find positions in jobs like solar installation, mangrove restoration, re-build wetlands, weatherize homes, fight forest fires, and work on air quality monitoring.

For applying, go here: https://www.acc.gov/

For more press on the topic, go here: https://www.govexec.com/workforce/2024/04/biden-announces-first-tranche-climate-corps-jobs-hopes-segueing-thousands-federal-service/395960/?oref=govexec_news_alert_nl&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=GovExec%20Alert:%20April%2022%2C%202024&utm_term=newsletter_ge_alert

 

NY landowners: Do you own or manage natural areas that are or could be forested? Survey

Do you own or manage natural areas that are or could be forested?

  • The NYS DEC Division of Lands and Forests is conducting a survey to learn more about how public and private forestland is being managed, as well as the tree planting potential for lands that are not currently forested
    e.g.  lawns, grassland, shrubland, vineland, wetlands, and previously-developed sites

  • DEC will be using this data to help with reforestation and afforestation (creating new forests) efforts across the state to meet our tree planting and forest regeneration goals.

If your organization owns or manages forest land or land that could be planted to create new forests, please fill out this survey by March 29, 2024:https://forms.office.com/g/qfdAbJbX9i.

Farmers+Forest Owners: Agroforestry Incentives Program (2-3 enrollment cycles per year)

The Nature Conservancy’s new agroforestry project called Expanding Agroforestry Production (EAP).  The EAP program is focused on adding new fruit, nut, timber, and biodiversity trees and shrubs through alley cropping, silvopasture, and windbreak practices. For qualified farmers, this project will offer technical assistance, Per-Tree Installation Costs Incentive (average $30/tree),  and Transition Incentive of $450/acre paid out in three installments. You can find more about the payments here: Fact sheet on the Incentive Payment Program.

Regions included shown below.

When, Where, How?

  • Enrollment is open now for producers in the Upper Midwest, Lower Midwest, Mid- Atlantic/Central Appalachia, Northeast and Hawai’i regions.
  • Projects need to be in one of the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawai’i, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
  • Projects must follow NRCS Conservation Practice Standards for Alley Cropping, Silvopasture, and/or Windbreaks (either the state Conservation Practice Standards or the national Conservation Practice standards may be used).

    So essentially, EAP can pay producers about $1200 per acre to establish trees on their operations.  That should go a long way toward getting silvopasture established on lots of farms and creating shade for livestock, improving summer forage quality, and extending the grazing season. Check out the program! And if TFG can be of service in the process, please feel free to reach out.

What is agroforestry?

Agroforestry is the intentional integration of trees and shrubs into crop and animal farming systems to create environmental, economic and social benefits.

Tree Seedlings for NYers! Help Capture that Carbon, BEAUTIFULLY!

DEC Announces Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery officially kicked off the annual spring seedling sale, which is now open to the public and runs until May 10. Each year, the nursery offers low-cost, New York-grown tree and shrub species for sale to encourage plantings that help conserve New York’s natural resources and foster the next generation of forests.

Go here to make your lo-cost order!

https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/saratoga-tree-nursery/spring-seedling-sale

The seedling sale supports Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State commitment to plant 25 million trees by 2033 to invigorate New York State’s tree planting efforts, advance steps to meet the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act’s net-zero goal, and grow the state’s vital forest products industry.

ALSO

Free Seedlings Available for Youth Education Through the School Seedling Program

Applications are now being accepted for the nursery’s School Seedling Program. From now until March 29, schools and youth education organizations across New York State may apply to receive up to 50 free tree or shrub seedlings to plant with their students.

The goal of the program is to help instill a sense of environmental stewardship at a young age and set a foundation that will allow students to make informed decisions about the use of natural resources. The program is an excellent tool for educators to use in meeting the Next Generation Science Standards as it provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn about natural systems and the valuable role that trees play, while building their awareness of conservation issues.

All schools (public, private, nursery, elementary, secondary, vocational, college or university), homeschool groups, and any youth education-based organization may apply, provided trees are planted in New York State. Individual homeschools must apply through a homeschool group, co-op, or other association. Seedlings are two to three years old, approximately four to 12 inches tall, and bare-root. There are three packets available – 50 jack pine, 25 red oak or 30 mixed shrub species good for wildlife habitat – and each school or organization may only receive one packet per year. For more information and to apply online, visit DEC’s website. For assistance or questions, contact the Colonel William F. Fox Memorial Saratoga Tree Nursery at nysnursery@dec.ny.gov or 518-581-1439.

How To Join a Program Work Team (PWT) at Cornell.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Program Work Teams (PWT) are communities of learning and practice that focus on specific Extension areas and issues. PWTs bring Cornell faculty and staff, CCE educators, industry members and stakeholders together to collaborate and innovate.

There are Many PWTs – But for those looking to leverage policies, funding, and working lands to reduce Greenhouse Gases check out the following:

  • AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
    • the goal of connecting CCE educators, Cornell staff, and external stakeholders to collaborate on opportunities for advancing climate change mitigation, adaptation, and resiliency across agricultural, forested, and managed lands in New York State.
    • Here is a ppt crafted by Jenna Walczak describing the goals: 4_19_2023 Agriculture and Climate Change PWT Meeting
  • Sign Up Here:
    • https://cceconferences.wufoo.com/forms/s1acwes60eet828/
    • then select “Agriculture and Climate Change” from the dropdown menu.

 

To see a complete list,

go here: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/work-teams

Below are some related Teams that might immediately spark your interest.

  • Community and Energy
  • Youth, Nature & the Outdoor Environment (YNOE)
  • Urban Agriculture
  • Agroforestry in NYS
  • Managing Wastes: Composting and Land Application
  • Small Farms
  • Climate Change
  • Livestock
  • Integrated Nutrient Management
  • 4-H Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

2023 CCE Climate Symposium, schedule and resources.

On November 9, 2023, we celebrated just some of the Great Work Happening Across our State with respect to Building a Bright Resilient Future for NYS.

 

Click below for particular talks!

0:08 Welcome – Jenna Walczak and TeJay Chess

  • 5:35 Introduction – Jenifer Wightman
  • 24:41 Keynote – Julie Suarez
  • 52:23 Dean’s Welcome – Benjamin Houlton, Ronald P. Lynch Dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

 

57:37 Lightning talks: Responding to the Impacts of Climate Change in New York State – TeJay Chess

  • 1:01:39 Data Tools for Monitoring and Adapting to Climate Change – Art Degatano
  • 1:02:48 Insights from the 2023 NYS Climate Impacts Assessment: Agriculture Chapter – Deborah Aller
  • 1:04:00 The Cornell Cooperative Extension Climate Resilience Partnership – Carolyn Klocker
  • 1:05:18 National 4-H Climate Change Survey of Teens – Andy Turner
  • 1:06:24 Using Healing-Informed Social Imaginaries as Frameworks for Change – Julika von Stackelberg
  • 1:07:28 Using the power of food to make climate change relevant to everyone – Michael Hoffmann
  • 1:08:34 Managing climate risk and vulnerability in manufactured housing communities – Danielle Eiseman
  • 1:09:45 The Cornell Climate Stewards Program – Allison Chatrchyan
  • 1:10:57 The Role of Power Systems in Climate Mitigation – Lindsay Anderson
  • 1:12:07 Discussion instructions

 

1:13:18 Lightning Talks: Forests and Farms A Kitty O’Neil

  • 1:18:27 The intersection of CCE programming efforts on community tree stewardship, food security and community climate action goals – Sharon Bachman
  • 1:19:34 Climate and Applied Forest Research Institute: Insights on Landowner Forest Management Richard Stedman
  • 1:21:00 Agroforestry NY: realizing multiple benefits through integrating practices – Gabriel Smith
  • 1:22:00 Urban Growing in WNY: A comparison of Erie and Monroe Counties – Mallory Hohl
  • 1:22:50 DEI in Ag and Climate: Why is it important? – Graham Savio
  • 1:24:02 Reforestation can help New York State meet its climate goals – Peter Woodbury
  • 1:25:11 Payment for Ecosystem Service (PES) Programs: An Incentive Based Approach – Jenna DeRario
  • 1:26:14 Discussion instructions

1:26:34 Lightning Talks: Forests and Farms B Kitty O’Neil

  • 1:26:50 Insurance is one option for losses you can’t control – Elizabeth Higgins
  • 1:28:06 Weed Management in a Changing Climate – Caroline Marschner
  • 1:29:09 Sustainable Materials Management: Using food scraps to build community resiliency – Khila Pecoraro
  • 1:30:16 Small Farms on the Front Line of Climate Change Impact – Kacey Deamer
  • 1:31:20 Enteric methane mitigation from livestock: Barriers and path to accelerate solutions – Joseph McFadden
  • 1:32:25 Unanticipated Consequences: How the Effects of Climate Change Makes Raising Chickens Hard – Amy Barkley
  • 1:33:24 Cooperative Opportunities: Grazing Sheep Beneath Solar Arrays – Bobbie Severson
  • 1:34:40 Discussion instructions

 

1:36:07 Lightning Talks: Energy and Community David Kay

  • 1:39:35 PowerHouse: Bringing climate education to youth – Jack Wright
  • 1:40:32 What kind of mobilization is necessary to meet the climate crisis? How can we create a groundswell? – Anne Rhodes
  • 1:41:40 Collaborating Across Programs to Reduce Household Waste & Hazards – Jackie Spencer and Toni Gardner
  • 1:43:37 What is Ag Energy NY? – Gabriel Gurley
  • 1:44:52 Regional Clean Energy Hubs: Engaging Disadvantaged Communities Around Clean Energy – Karím Beers

 

1:46:38 Closing remarks – Jenny Kao-Kniffin, Interim Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension

 

Our TO DO List!  Which piece of the pie will you bite?

NYS SCOPING PLAN, Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Sector.

Find your local Agents (SWCD, NRCS, Extension) to leverage NYS and federal $ to address climate

To leverage funding and information to implement  GHG mitigation, be sure to contact all three types of local resources

Interestingly, due to mandated privacy policies across agencies, each type of agent may not be able to connect you directly to the different programs – so be sure to learn about as many opportunities and ask them to help you to connect the dots to maximize dollars and sense!

Also, due to covid, there was high staff turnover – so be sure to ask around if a position is non-responsive (it might be vacant) and someone will fill the gap.

$850,000 Forest Funding Available to NYer’s via “RegenerateNY” program, apply by Oct 6, 2023

go here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/119950.html

DEC Announces ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Cost Share Grants

Eligibility:

  • any individual, partnerships, for-profit entity, or not-for-profit entity that owns (in fee) 5 or more acres of land in NYS that is forested or can become forested through planting
  • Projects must be able to be completed within three years
  • Projects may not be for orchard, ornamental, nursery, or Christmas tree purposes.

Project Types:

They must  include at least one of the following four forestry practices

1. Afforestation/reforestation – Conduct activities that encourage the establishment or regeneration of commercial tree species to create or maintain a forested landscape. This may include site preparation, tree planting, or installing tree shelters for the purposes of timber or fiber production and carbon sequestration.

2. Forest stand regeneration – Apply treatments to an area that enhance or stimulate the regeneration of forest stands currently in a degraded or otherwise unproductive condition.

3. Competing vegetation control – Employ mechanical removal or chemical control to address aggressive native or invasive plant species that interfere with forest establishment or regeneration.

4. Deer exclosures – Install fencing around an area to protect young trees from deer browse.

Project AWARDS

  • The minimum award amount is $10,000. The maximum award amount is $100,000.
  • A 25% match is required. For example, a $25,000 project would have a maximum grant amount of $20,000, with $5,000 of the project costs covered by the applicant.
  • for more detail, go here: https://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/119950.html

DEC press release below.

$850,000 in Grants Now Available for Eligible Private Forest Landowners

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos today announced that $850,000 in funding is now available in the third round of the State’s ‘Regenerate NY’ Forestry Cost Share Grant Program. The grant program is designed to assist private landowners in growing the next generation of forests, which are crucial for mitigating climate change, providing wildlife habitat, protecting air and water quality, and supplying an important renewable resource.

“New York’s forests are under continued pressure from development, competition from invasive species, an overabundance of white-tailed deer, and the effects of climate change,” said Commissioner Seggos. “Investing in the establishment and resiliency of our forests is a critical component for ensuring the continued ecosystem services that trees provide. I encourage all interested landowners to take advantage of this funding.”

“Efforts to support and grow private natural and working forest lands are a key climate resilience strategy,” said New York State Forester Fiona Watt. “Regenerate NY gives a vital boost to expand and restore private forests by promoting forest regeneration and ecosystem health in the face of challenges from invasive species, soil disturbance and climate change.”

Regenerate NY is funded by New York State’s Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) and managed by DEC’s Division of Lands and Forests. Private landowners planning to restore or establish five or more acres of forest land in New York State, may apply for grant awards ranging from a minimum of $10,000 to a maximum of $100,000, with a required 25 percent match. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to, planting trees, soil scarification, removing competing vegetation that would interfere with seedling establishment and growth, and installation of deer fence. Applicants must work with a forester or a qualified natural resource professional to develop their project. Up to two applications may be submitted per applicant, provided the applications are for separate properties.

In December 2022, Governor Hochul signed legislation setting the goal to support and contribute to national efforts to conserve at least 30 percent of U.S. land and water by 2030. This law promotes biodiversity and preserves New York’s wildlife, forests, and clean water sources, which are all essential to New York’s health and economy. In the 2023-34 State Budget, Governor Hochul maintained EPF funding at $400 million, the highest level of funding in the program’s history. The EPF provides funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

“The New York Forest Owner’s Association applauds the Regenerate NY Forestry Cost Share Grant Program,” said the organization’s President, Stacey Kazacos. “Funding stewardship and regeneration efforts will help ensure our forests continue to support New York’s rural economy, protect our water and air quality, and sequester carbon, for generations to come. We look forward to the long-term improvements this initiative will contribute to our communities throughout the state.”

“Investing in our forests is one of the most cost-effective natural solutions to climate change,” said John Bartow, Executive Director of the Empire State Forest Products Association. “Regenerate NY is funding efforts that will help ensure our forests continue to support New York’s rural economy, protect our water and air quality, and provide carbon stewardship, for generations to come.”

Applications can be submitted through the NYS Grants Gateway and will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Oct. 6, 2023, or until funds are depleted, whichever comes first. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis. Applicants need to establish an account in the Grants Gateway System. Once registered, applicants can search the Grants Gateway for “Regenerate NY.” DEC is holding a webinar for interested applicants on Wednesday, May 24, at 10 a.m. For instructions on how to access the webinar via phone or computer, or for details about the grant opportunity including application criteria, visit DEC’s website.

https://www.dec.ny.gov/press/press.html

REGISTER for Spring 2022 Webinar Series: reducing GHG using ag & forestry systems

Join us, Tuesday’s, from 9-11 am and learn about ways that farms, forests, and citizens can reduce Greenhouse Gases (GHG).

January 25: Livestock Rumen & GHG

February 8: Manure Management & GHG

March 8: Field Nitrogen & GHG

April 12: Land Use & GHG (scroll down for details)

May 10: Food Waste & GHG

More detail for each webinar, below.

 

January 25: Learn about methane emissions from livestock (enteric fermentation, rumen, methane, comparison of emissions between stall vs grazing livestock). Register here.

9am: The Magical Mystical Rumen and Dairy Cattle Sustainability presented by Dr. Larry Chase (Cornell)

Dairy cows are a biological factory that can convert a wide variety of forages and feeds into milk which is a high-quality food for humans. The key to this ability is the function of the rumen microorganisms. Many of the feeds used by the dairy cow are co-products of food processing and are not directly consumable by humans. The progress that dairy industry has made in lowering its impact on the environment and improving sustainability will be highlighted.

10am: Comparison of Confinement Vs Grazing Dairy Systems: Effect on production performance, nutrient use efficiency, and enteric methane emissions in dairy cows presented by Dr. Andre Brito (UNH)

Grazing systems perform multiple ecosystem services including food production, climate regulation, nutrient cycling, and erosion control. Consumers often associate grazing with “healthier and happy cows” and are willing to pay premiums for “grass-fed” dairy products. However, milk production and nutrient utilization generally decrease in pasture-based systems relative to confinement systems, which may reduce farm profitability depending on milk prices. It should be noted that there is limited research reporting both milk nitrogen (N) efficiency and methane emissions in confined versus grazing dairy cows. Therefore, our overarching objective was to build data sets to compare nutrient utilization in dairy cows under confinement or grazing management where milk N efficiency or methane emissions or both were reported in the same studies. Dietary strategies to mitigate methane emissions in grazing dairy systems will be also explored.

 

February 8: Panel discussion on steps, technical assistance, and financial support to install a Manure Cover + Flare Systems to destroy methane from liquid manure storage. Register, here.

PANEL

Dale Stein – Chair New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee, Semi-Retired Dairy Farmer, Stein Farms LeRoy NY that operates a cover+flare system

Abstract: We milk 1000 cows and have 1 covered manure storage, built in 2012, with a flare. A satellite storage is being covered this April also with a flare. The largest benefit to our farm from the cover is that no precipitation gets in the manure; instead the rainwater is pumped off the covered lagoon and goes to a separate storage that we use to irrigate growing crops with a center pivot. This keeps over 1.2 million gallons of water out of the manure, while making the storage have 1/3 greater capacity by having no precipitation in it. The resulting manure has a higher nutrient content due to no dilution taking place. We are trying to find a way to use the gas produced besides just burning it off. There is over 5 million cubic feet of gas produced per year.
Bio: Dale Stein is a senior partner in Stein Farms LeRoy with 1800 head dairy cattle and 2500 acres farmed for cow feed. He is a life-long conservationist helping the environment, from planting over 10,000 trees to building and improving wildlife habitat on his farm.
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Jennifer Clifford – CRF Program Manager with NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee and NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets – will release the new round of funding for Climate Resilient Farming in NYS (including cover+flare systems)

Abstract: The Climate Resilient Farming (CRF) Program works with farms to reduce GHG emissions and build resiliency. An integral part of the CRF program is providing cost-share support for cover and flare systems to reduce methane emissions on-farm. Information about CRF Round 6 can be found here – https://agriculture.ny.gov/soil-and-water/rfp-0243-climate-resilient-farming-round-6
Bio: Jennifer’s been with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Soil and Water Conservation Committee for 10 years. Jennifer aided in facilitation of the Agriculture & Forestry Advisory Panel for the Climate Advisory Council, participates in the NYS Interagency Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Work Group, and sits on the US Climate Alliance Natural Working Lands and Short-Lived Pollutants working groups. Prior to working with the Department, she worked on natural resource conservation and water conservation issues with the Conservation District of Southern Nevada.
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Jessica Skinner – JESS Engineering, PLLC – will discuss her firm’s design experience with Cover+Flare systems in NYS.

Abstract: This presentation will discuss the design and installation of covers and flares in New York State since 2007, including helping farms to secure funding, create design packages, and monitor installation. Each farm has unique needs and challenges when considering a cover and flare.
Bio:  Jessica has been working as an agricultural engineer in New York State for almost 25 years, the last 17 years she has owned and operated JESS Engineering PLLC.  The firm concentrates in the agricultural field, working to assist farms in both environmental compliance and facility planning.  A large portion of her projects include manure storage, separation, and transfer system design.
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Ken Van Slyke – PikeSide Ag Machinery, LLC – will discuss mechanical separation of manure liquids/solid resources for different uses.

Abstract: This presentation will cover different kinds of mechanical separation methods to maximize the value from manure (materials and nutrients). Ken has experience with covered lagoons from working with manure systems on farms around NY state, as well as a covered lagoon that was installed on his own farm in 2011. He is familiar with the installation, operation, and general challenges with lagoon covers on dairy farms.
Bio: Ken Van Slyke is a lifelong dariy farmer turned manure systems dealer, with 20 years of experience with manure processing on farms. Located in Western New York, PikeSide Ag Machinery was started after he saw a need for solutions to the challenges that Northeastern dairy farms face in maximizing value from manure. Ken lives in Pike, NY with his wife, Tonya, and two sons, Kyle and Kolby.
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Jason Taylor – Vice President of Operations at Environmental Fabrics, Inc., will discuss his firm’s installation experience with many Cover+Flare systems in NYS.

Abstract: Environmental Fabrics specializes in all membranes. “Cover+Flare” for liquid manure storage typically involve HDPE (high density Polyethylene). We have installed over 500 (US and abroad, >125 in California alone) cover projects not all require a flare. I would estimate we have supplied 75-100 flares. Our first cover was installed in 1995. These materials if installed and maintained properly will last more than 25-30 years. The manufacture will offer a 20-year prorated material warranty for a small fee.
Bio: Jason has been in the liner/cover installation business for 28 years. He started in the field as a technician and then supervisor, moved into the office 12 years ago as an estimator and project manager. He now is involved with all aspects of Operations with high focus on Field Installation and Shop Fabrication.

Al Fagan – District Manager at Wyoming County Soil & Water Conservation District – will discuss how SWCDs can help a farm evaluate the suitability of Cover+Flare system.

Abstract: While conducting Agricultural Environmental Management planning with farms, the Wyoming County SWCD discusses Cover & Flare systems with farms to gauge their interest. District staff discusses how the systems work, as well as associated practices and management that are vital to the success of the systems. Planning for these systems takes place throughout the calendar year to prepare for when RFPs are released.
Bio: Al Fagan was born and raised in Wyoming County, NY. From a young age, Al has always had a passion for the outdoors, and knew he wanted to pursue a career revolving around the outdoors. Al was fortunate enough to gain a position at WCSWCD 10 years ago, and enjoys assisting the agricultural community, municipalities, and private landowners achieve their conservation goals. https://www.wcswcd.org/

 

March 8: Managing Field Nitrogen & GHG – learn how farms can help reduce nitrous oxide  (N2O) emissions  in cropping systems– with a focus on managing organic (manure, legumes etc) sources of nitrogen. Register here.

9-10am
Organic Nitrogen Management for Greenhouse Gas Reduction in Agroecosystems: Between a Gentle Seesaw and a Catapult presented by Dr. Armen Kemanian (Professor, Production Systems and Modeling, Department of Plant Sciences at Penn State University)

Animal manure is often applied in cropland around CAFOs. Both manure and cover crops are often used as fertility inputs in organic agriculture. These organic amendments are often considered slow-release fertilizers for N (when low in ammonium) when compared with synthetic fertilizers, because organic N needs to be mineralized by soil microbes for that N to become available to plants. Ideally, when N mineralization and crop N uptake are well balanced, mineral N does not accumulate in the soil. One can visualize the process as a conceptual seesaw that goes down on one end due to N mineralization that adds mineral N, but that is gently returned to the horizontal position through N uptake that removes the mineralized N.

However, it is challenging to manage annual crop production on such bucolic rhythm. And when considering nitrous oxide (N2O), a powerful greenhouse gas, the gentle seesaw may well be a catapult. Why? Mainly for two reasons. First, easily decomposable residues can trigger high microbial activity that consumes oxygen (O2) and creates hypoxic pockets (or layers) in the soil while organic N is being mineralized. Second, the composition of the organic amendments is hard to control, in part because the composition of cover crops varies and in part because the composition of manure varies. A rational response by farm operators is to overshoot the application rate to avoid N shortages. These two conditions have the potential to favor large N2O emissions in bursts resembling catapult releases, because without fast mineral N uptake (or even with it) N mineralization is not lowering a seesaw but tensing and loading the denitrification catapult.

In this seminar, Dr. Armen Kemanian (Professor, Production Systems and Modeling, Department of Plant Sciences at Penn State University) presents field data obtained in Central Pennsylvania and in Sardinia, Italy, that indicates that large N2O emissions do happen in cover cropped and manured soils, particularly with inversion tillage that buries and packs manure or cover crops residues in a thin soil layer. This research suggests that controlling the rate and timing of organic input additions, as well as preventing the co-location of legume cover crops and manure, could mitigate N2O emissions.

 

10-11am
Documenting and Managing Field Nitrogen Use for Greenhouse Gas Reduction presented by Dr. Quirine Ketterings (Professor of Nutrient Management in Agricultural Ecosystems at Cornell University).

“Adaptive Management” is an iterative strategy where farmers identify opportunities for improvement in production and environmental footprints, evaluate a management change on their own farm, through on-farm research and/or annual performance assessments. Whole farm nutrient mass balance (NMB) assessments is such an annual performance tool at the whole farm level while field nutrient balances are evaluation approaches at the field or within-field scale. The adaptive management strategy for field crop management introduced in NY in 2013, affords farm autonomy and decision making for site-specific problem solving and tracks issues and successes. When farms share results of the on-farm evaluations, successful strategies can be expanded to more fields and farms. Combined, anonymized data from participating farms can help identify practices and policies that incentivize improvements over time. While these whole farm and field-level tools were developed for nitrogen and phosphorus management with focus on water quality impact, reduction of N use will also reduce nitrous oxide emissions – a potent greenhouse gas.

 

April 12: Land Use & GHG: learn how land use can impact Greenhouse Gases (consider what area is ‘idle’ and consider how a land owner might ‘activate’ that land: afforestation, bioenergy feedstocks, solar, new food production, etc), register here.

9:00-9:50 am
Using former agricultural land to help meet climate goals presented by Peter Woodbury & Jenifer Wightman, Cornell University

More than 1.7  million acres of former agricultural land in New York State could be available for many purposes, including increasing livestock grazing, installing solar panels, growing biomass for bioenergy, or planting trees. Planting trees is a critically important strategy to help meet New York’s ambitious climate goals, because it is a natural and proven way to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which will be required to achieve the State mandate of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by year 2050. We will discuss how much land is available, limitations of that land, the potential for greenhouse gas mitigation, and some other competing uses.

9:50-10:40 am
Solar and Agriculture, from Competition to Co-Location presented by Zachary Eldredge, Technology Manager, U.S. Department of Energy Solar Energy Technologies Office

 According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Solar Futures Study, solar energy could occupy as much as ten million acres nationwide by 2050 if we are to meet our climate goals. While there is sufficient land in the United States to realize this development, competition for prime land area (close to transmission, favorable climate, relatively flat) is likely to be expected and could pose an issue for realizing decarbonization goals. Various options to address this, including deploying solar on brownfields, mine lands, and water bodies. In this talk, I will describe work at DOE to advance the practice of agrivoltaics, the combined use of land for both solar and agriculture.

10:40-11am
Land use implications of more circular and sustainable food systems presented by Lori Leonard, Professor, Department of Global Development

A large proportion of the world’s arable land is used to produce food (crops or livestock) that is never eaten. By reducing food waste, it is possible to conserve forested land and reduce GHG emissions associated with agricultural production. Keeping excess food, including food scraps, in the human food chain is also vital to reducing the pressure on land from agriculture and reducing the food-feed competition. This means privileging some recycling strategies, namely diverting food waste for animal feed.

 

May 10: Food Waste & GHG: Learn how citizens can help farms and landfills reduce greenhouse gases –while saving money, land area, and natural resources– by reducing food waste. Register here.

9-10am
Food Waste: What we know and what we don’t presented by Dr. Zach Conrad (Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiology, Global Research Institute at William & Mary)

Food waste is an issue for public health, the environment, and food affordability. This webinar describes the current state of science on these relationships, drawing from the most contemporary evidence from around the world but focusing on the United States. Specifically, this webinar describes the difference between food loss and waste, food waste reduction targets, health impacts, environmental impacts, economic impacts, which foods are wasted most, why we waste food, and ways to reduce food waste at the individual level and system level.

10-11am
Diverting Food Scraps from Landfills to reduce impacts of Methane presented by Marc Morgan (Solid Waste Manager, City of Lebanon, New Hampshire)

During this webinar, you will learn how a municipal solid waste facility is working to reduce waste disposal and have a positive impact on the environment.  This is being accomplished through a food scrap composting program.  The City of Lebanon’s Food Scrap Program is open to commercial accounts and as a drop off for residents.

 

 

This series is co-hosted with the USDA Northeast Climate Hub.

This series is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, Smith Lever Project 2019-20-110.