HomeArchive by Category "LIvestock"

Silvopasture 6-wk online course – Integrating Trees, Livestock, and Forage, starts 1/14/26

On-line Silvopasture course is being offered by Cornell Small Farms, class starts January 14, 2026

  • 6 weeks
  • Wednesday’s 6:30-8pm
  • enroll here: https://smallfarmcourses.com/p/bf-235-silvopasture
  • Questions: eli.a.roberts eli.a.roberts@gmail.com (instructor)

Also, watch out for a Temperate Forest Silvopasture Symposium in PA this May 27-29.  Forthcoming!

Level Up Your Livestock Operation with Trees

Announcing BF 235: Silvopasture – Integrating Trees, Livestock, and Forage for Multiple Wins on Your Farm. 

This online course launches January 14, 2026, and runs for 6 weeks with live weekly webinars every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8pm Eastern facilitated by Eli Roberts of Sunfleck Consulting.

Sometimes ancient technology is the best: multi-functional, affordable, and carbon-negative.

 If you graze any species of livestock in big, open pastures, this online course is for you!

 If you graze livestock and have access to wooded land that could expand your grazing possibilities, this online course is for you!

 If you want to add layers of resilience to your farm, or become more versed in silvopasture to help the farmers you work with, this online course is for you!

 BF 235 will help you:

  • Plan a silvopasture project of your own, understand how your plan relates to other silvopastures, and how it fits into the larger category of practices that involve trees on farms.
  • Articulate goals, clarify functions, plan layout and species, and choose among different implementation methods.
  • Understand the guardrails of silvopasture practices, and equip you with the tools to avoid unmanaged forest grazing.
  • Have the skills to evaluate and make the decisions that will get you to a functional silvopasture

After enrolling in this course, all of the materials can be accessed through our single, user-friendly online platform. And at the conclusion of live course instruction, students will be granted lifetime access to the materials and webinar recordings.

 Additionally, in our ongoing commitment to equitable access to education, we have maintained tiered pricing for our courses based on household size and income. We also offer scholarships for eligible farmers in New York who face an entry barrier to farming, and for military veterans in New York State.

 If you are a service provider who provides technical assistance directly to producers, you may qualify to take this course for free. Simply send a brief paragraph to ejf5@cornell.edu explaining how you interact with farmers and how you think this course would help you better serve their needs, and if accepted, you will receive a code to register for free.

 You can browse all of our course offerings on our website. You can learn more about our courses, including answers to common questions, on our course FAQ.

 Enroll today! 

Landowner GRANTS: NRCS-NY Conservation Programs Due January 15

USDA Announces January 15 National Batching Deadline for Major NRCS Conservation Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) established a national Jan. 15, 2026, batching deadline for the first funding round of key conservation programs. This national batching date ensures producers have a clear, consistent timeline for participating in Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), and Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP). This includes NRCS’ new Regenerative Pilot Program, which provides targeted Farmer First assistance through EQIP and CSP.

“The NRCS team continues its commitment to New York producers — advancing conservation, strengthening service delivery, and keeping our promise to the men and women who feed and fuel our nation,” said NRCS New York State Conservationist Blake Glover.

NRCS programs are continuous sign-up programs, but due to the government shutdown, the agency is implementing an initial national batching period to ensure producers have access to funding and support.

Updated NRCS Program Timelines
•    All NRCS conservation programs remain continuous sign-up.
•    Farmers and ranchers have until Jan. 15, 2026, to apply for the first batching period.
•    National and State Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) will follow later in the year.
•    PL-566 and Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) opportunities remain open for sponsors based on available funding.

Programs with a January 15, 2026, batching period deadline include:
•    Agricultural Conservation Easement Program (ACEP)
•    Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP)
•    Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP)
•    New NRCS Regenerative Pilot Program (EQIP & CSP)

This extends the original October 24 deadline for CSP, EQIP, GLRI, NWQI, WLFW, and AMA. For more information on ACEP, please contact Peter Gibbs at peter.gibbs@usda.gov.

For more information, please visit nrcs.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center.

Lawsuit requires “climate-friendly beef” to be accountable.

All text is from a NYT post, Nov 19, 2025, authored by Claire Brown (we should all track the import of this lawsuit for any claim of ‘climate smart’ or ‘net zero’.)

‘Climate-friendly’ beef now has to prove it

As two of the world’s biggest meat companies began peppering marketing materials with phrases like “climate smart” and “net zero” over the last few years, climate and food industry experts thought it sounded too good to be true.

Last year, the New York attorney general’s office and the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization, filed lawsuits against JBS Foods U.S.A. and Tyson Foods over the claims, accusing the companies of “greenwashing.”

Two settlements announced this month would force the companies to walk back some of their environmental claims. But this week in Brazil, where JBS’s parent company is headquartered, ranchers and meatpackers have descended on the U.N.’s annual global climate conference to make the case for a “low-carbon” label for beef products.

The developments highlight the tension between food companies eager to promote climate efforts and advocates who want to make sure the industry’s messaging passes a smell test. Here’s what to know.

Beef’s heavy environmental toll

Thanks in large part to the immense amount of land required to grow cattle feed, beef has some of the highest environmental costs of any food. Cows also belch methane, a highly potent greenhouse gas responsible for up to a third of global warming.

So when Tyson Foods began marketing “climate-friendly” beef and advertising plans to stop adding greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, experts were skeptical. According to the company, it produces about 20 percent of its beef, pork and chicken in the United States. Critics called its green claims unclear.

“Our concern was that they didn’t do enough publicly to explain what those definitions meant — what climate-smart beef actually meant, how they were actually getting to net zero,” said Caroline Leary, general counsel for Environmental Working Group.

JBS’s promise to reach its own net-zero milestone raised even more eyebrows. Attorney General Letitia James of New York sued the company’s U.S. subsidiary last year, arguing that the company’s statements were misleading well-intentioned consumers.

The settlements

Both cases settled this month. For the next five years, an independent expert will have to verify Tyson’s climate commitments before the company can continue to make certain advertising claims about its beef products or emissions. In the meantime, the company will need to remove phrases like “climate smart” and “climate friendly” from beef marketing materials.

Under its agreement, JBS Foods USA must characterize plans to reach net-zero emissions by 2040 as a “goal” rather than a “pledge” or a “commitment.” Going forward, if the company says it is taking steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, it has to be explicit about those actions. JBS Foods USA will also pay $1.1 million to support sustainable agriculture in New York state.

In a statement, a Tyson Foods spokeswoman said the company is taking a holistic approach to identifying opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the supply chain. JBS said it is committed to sustainable agriculture. Both companies said the settlements are not an admission of wrongdoing.

A lesson from Listerine

It’s unclear how the legal agreements will affect ongoing efforts to market beef as a low-emissions product. When it comes to false advertising, individual lawsuits don’t tend to lead to big, industrywide changes, said Rebecca Tushnet, a Harvard law professor who focuses on advertising.

But sustained enforcement campaigns can make a big difference, she added.

Take Listerine, for example. Throughout much of the 20th century, the manufacturer of Listerine claimed its mouthwash treated and prevented colds. This wasn’t strictly true, and in the 1970s, the Federal Trade Commission cracked down. The mouthwash maker was ordered to spend $10 million, the rough equivalent of one year’s Listerine marketing budget, on “corrective” advertising to spread the message that its product didn’t actually treat colds.

That the Listerine brand no longer carries a cold medicine connotation is a success, Tushnet said. “Eventually, once the false advertising is removed from the market, things do tend to get better,” she said.

Misleading advertising from meat companies is what the JBS Foods USA and Tyson Foods lawsuits are intended to prevent. The point of the beef lawsuits is not so much to force all beef companies to change their business models, said Kelsey Eberly, a senior staff attorney at the legal advocacy organization FarmSTAND who worked on the Tyson case.

It’s more about making sure that a person buying a hamburger doesn’t think it has the same environmental footprint as a black bean burger.

“It’s a warning to other large companies that you cannot just claim that you’re magically going to erase your greenhouse gas emissions,” Eberly said. “You have to come with the goods if you’re going to claim meaningful climate improvement.”

Wet Weather Manure Spreading forecast tool for NYS

For farms that spread manure to the land, there is a great tool that forecasts the next 3 days for appropriate manure application conditions to protect our shared water resources.

Check it out!

https://runoff-risk.nrcc.cornell.edu/ny/

Super useful!

In NYS, wet weather spreading conditions means significant precipitation (e.g., greater than 0.25 inches of rain within 24 hours when soils are approaching saturation or greater than 1 inch of rain independent of soil moisture content)  and/or snowmelt events (e.g., greater than 40°F for 6 hours or more) is forecasted within the next 48 hours.  Winter spreading conditions means soil is frozen (4”+), snow covered (4”+), or encumbered by significant surface icing. As defined by the NYSDEC CAFO General Permit (GP-0-22-001)

For more, contact

  • The farm’s CNMP planner for help identifying low risk fields, adjusting rates and setbacks, concerns about manure storage capacity, or farm or field-specific questions.
  • Kirsten Workman, PRO-DAIRY Nutrient Management & Environmental Sustainability Specialist, 607-255-4890 or kw566@cornell.edu, for technical assistance, questions about the runoff risk forecast tool or for general guidance, especially third-party manure applicators who do not work directly CNMP planners.
  • Sara Latessa, NYSDEC – Division of Water, sara.latessa@dec.ny.gov for questions related to the CAFO permit.

For more on Groundwater protection

 

 

Summer Internships Related to Climate! Due Jan 27

Announcing 2025 Cornell Atkinson-EDF
Summer Internships

Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability invites applications for 2025 Cornell Atkinson-EDF Summer Internships. Interns are embedded in problem-oriented sustainability teams working at the intersection of science, policy, community, and the private sector. Internships are full time for 10 weeks.

The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) has offered ten opportunities for Cornell students (primarily undergraduates) returning to Cornell for the Fall 2025 semester.

Summer 2025 Positions:

Applications are due by Jan. 27, 2025.

Please share this announcement with Cornell students and colleagues.

Email questions to atkinson@cornell.edu.

More Info

 

Job: Scientist –Livestock Methane, EDF

Job Op

https://www.edf.org/jobs/scientist-livestock-methane

The food system accounts for around one-third of global climate impacts, and this will only increase as we work to feed a growing global population of 10 billion people. Methane emissions are a major part of these impacts but are mostly an under-realized strategy for climate action. The livestock sector must accelerate methane mitigation if the world is to slow the rate of climate change and avoid disastrous tipping points.

Dairy Methane Action Alliance (DMAA) is a global initiative convened by EDF to spur action and accountability to drive down dairy methane emissions. With 8 major companies already signed on, it requires signatories to measure, report, and make a public action plan to reduce methane emissions, while providing the tools, resources and networks to unlock barriers and speed action.

 

Overall Function

The Scientist, Livestock Methane will be a critical part of the Livestock Methane Science team, joining in its efforts to 1) review and provide input to documents targeting corporate audiences to ensure alignment with best available science while staying practical to corporate needs; 2) engaging with outside scientists to fill critical scientific gaps that can push our work forward; and 3) supporting the overall livestock methane science team on critical projects. The Livestock Methane team works in close coordination with the EDF+Business and Climate Smart Agriculture teams, and the Scientist will have a particular focus on the science and technical needs of DMAA members.

The Scientist will report to the Lead Senior Scientist in the Office of Chief Scientist.

Duration: This is a two-year fixed-term position with the possibility for extension.

Location: This position may either be fully remote or hybrid out of one of EDF’s offices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct rigorous original scientific research with a focus on livestock methane, nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions.
  • As part of the Livestock Science Team, help develop and support a scientifically rigorous livestock methane reduction strategy with a particular focus on the DMAA.
  • Work with key stakeholders to receive feedback and build consensus on the work to meet scientific and technical rigor while being able to provide practical and actionable guidance to companies.
  • Become familiar with existing and evolving GHG climate standards and best practices, such as the GHG Protocol, SBTi, CA LCFS and others, to determine overlap with DMAA guidance and support overall strategic engagement.
  • Define scientific frameworks and standards for models and on-farm tools including Cool Farm Tool, FarmES and RuFaS, COMET Farm, CNCPS, etc. for on-farm quantification of emissions in the Measurement, Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MMRV) framework for different contexts.
  • Coordinate, support, and manage key partnerships with technical bodies and/or consultants to coordinate research and pilots to increase the understanding of livestock methane reduction products, technologies and management approaches.
  • Collaborate on the development of criteria for determining efficacy of enteric methane inhibiting products for inclusion in calculation of methane reduction in on-farm tools.
  • In collaboration with EDF scientists, lead research and regulatory partnerships by developing and executing webinar and technical workshops.
  • Publish in scientific journals as lead and co-author as part of EDF’s science team and with science partners outside of EDF.
  • Stay up-to-date on relevant research and build and maintain scientific networks.
  • Represent EDF externally by attending and presenting at conferences and external meetings.
  • Participate in advancing EDF DEI goals in which people from all backgrounds and experiences feel connected, included, and empowered to address the environmental and organizational challenges in alignment with EDF values.
  • Build and cultivate internal and external relationships that deliver project goals and support trust building and idea generation.
  • Develop work plans, negotiate project agreements and scopes of work, and manage project work and deliverables.
  • Forge strong internal collaborations with the Climate Smart Agriculture, EDF+Business, and Office of the Chief Scientist teams as a critical member of a cross-cutting team working on agricultural methane emissions.
  • Evaluate projects, identify new opportunities, engage in thought-partnership, disseminate and communicate progress and outcomes, and support strategic refinement of plans as part of the broader Livestock Methane team.
  • Additional relevant responsibilities as assigned.

5 steps for regenerative agriculture with respect to climate (targeting Hudson Valley NY)

These 5 steps were designed for small/medium farms (fruit, vegetable, grazing) in the Hudson Valley NY to build climate resilient farming.

Each step has a worksheet to help you think about it on your farm.

For more details, go here: https://regenerativefarmresilienceguide.org/

Step 1

Gather and summarize information about your operation including your assets under management and your farm goals using two simple tools to create a snapshot of your farm’s current business condition and revisit your farm and family goals.

Step 2

Learn more about the current and expected climate change effects in your region to identify the climate-related threats and opportunities specific to your farm operation.

Step 3

Select a complementary set of climate risk management strategies that draw on a diversity of farm resources to cultivate the specific and general climate resilience of your farm.

Step 4

Evaluate selected climate risk management strategies and associated practices to identify those that are a “best fit” for your farm operation.

Step 5

Make a climate resilience plan to implement a group of complementary “best fit” climate resilience practices, including a timeline, specific steps to implementation, and monitoring the performance of your new practices to climate risks.

 

 

JOB- measuring dairy greenhouse gas in the Northeast!

ProDairy has a new job listing!

Research Support Specialist I – Dairy Environmental Research Support Specialist

Position Summary (abridged)

This position will provide direct operational leadership and support for a research programs measuring emissions of ammonia and greenhouse gases from dairy farms in the Northeast, involving the use of on-farm research equipment, coordination with collaborating farms and their staff, organization and analysis of data, and development of relevant reports, papers, and educational materials in support of the Dairy Environmental Systems program. This position will also support related work of the PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems program evaluating farm systems moving dairy farms toward sustainability and translating science on this topic into outreach. The position requires the incumbent to informally supervise a research technician and graduate students who will be supporting projects, and to work directly with dairy producers throughout the state, their professional advisors, other members of the PRO-DAIRY statewide and Cornell Cooperative Extension area teams, and faculty related to farm management and dairy production.

 

More Details here: https://cornell.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/CornellCareerPage/job/Ithaca-Main-Campus/Research-Support-Specialist-I—Dairy-Environmental-Research-Support-Specialist_WDR-00046003-1?q=Dairy

Let me know if this link doesn’t work.

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture, engineering, environmental science or related field and 3+ years of experience in field, research, extension, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Must have knowledge and/or education in agricultural/environmental science research methodology.
  • Demonstrated proficiency in the use of a range of field and laboratory equipment, methodology, and statistical analysis. Knowledge of standard laboratory and fieldwork safety protocols and guidelines.
  • Must be willing to maintain and keep research equipment, materials, and laboratory organized.
  • Must possess excellent organizational skills. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Experience in data collection, database management, and online data-sharing tools (e.g. BOX, Google Docs)
  • Ability to handle sensitive and confidential material in a professional manner.
  • Ability to adapt to challenges and anticipate potential issues with applied, on-farm field work. Ability to prioritize multiple project tasks.
  • Must be willing to work for long durations under harsh and hazardous conditions.
  • Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds.
  • Ability to work evenings and weekends as essential job functions require.
  • Must be able to meet the in-state travel requirements of the position and have and maintain a valid and unrestricted New York State driver’s license.
  • Must be personable, flexible with a proven demonstrated ability to express thoughts clearly, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work successfully independently as well as in a team environment.
  • Must be willing to communicate with team members using a personal cell phone.
  • Must be able to interact effectively in person with large and diverse groups, including organizing presentations, leading demonstrations, and delivering engaging and interesting presentations to large audiences.
  • Exercise sound and ethical judgment when acting on behalf of the University.
  • Experience in and/or demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, inclusion, and wellbeing.
  • Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.
  • Must complete University Supervisory Training within 6 months.

$21 million for nutrient and methane management in NYS

Governor Kathy Hochul today announced $21 million is available for on-farm projects through the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) Enhanced Nutrient and Methane Management Program (CAFO ENMP), which will help farmers protect water quality and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

RFP found here: https://agriculture.ny.gov/rfp-0326-cafo-enhanced-nutrient-and-methane-management-program

 

Governor Hochul also highlighted the state’s overarching commitment to the dairy industry, including $34 million dedicated in the FY25 Enacted Budget for fluid milk storage technologies, the support of several major dairy manufacturing facility projects, and a number of promotional efforts designed to educate consumers about New York dairy products. To formally recognize the state’s dairy farmers and processors who contribute so greatly to the state’s economy, the Governor also issued a proclamationdeclaring June as Dairy Month in New York State.

 

“The dairy industry is a powerhouse of New York’s economy, creating thousands of local jobs while nourishing our communities statewide,” Governor Hochul said. “Dairy Month is an opportunity to celebrate our tremendous dairy farmers and manufacturers and we are working to ensure they can continue putting these products on the tables of New Yorkers for years to come.” 

 

To help farmers mitigate the impacts of climate change and reduce their carbon footprint, CAFO ENMP will provide $21 million, through Soil and Water Conservation Districts, to dairy farms across the state. The program will help CAFO-permitted farmers implement projects that enhance manure management systems that sequester carbon and conserve manure nutrients applied to fields and soil to benefit water quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The program also supports advancements in precision feed management to balance nutrients and reduce methane emissions.

 

A total of $14 million is available for eligible projects in the first round of the program, and $7 million is available for the second round. Eligible applicants are County Soil and Water Conservation Districts who will work with CAFO-permitted farmers to apply for this program. The Request for Proposals opened on Tuesday, June 4. Additional information can be found here. 

Funding for this program was announced as part of the Governor’s 2024 State of the State, and builds on the commitment that Governor Hochul has made to support dairy farm modernization and sustainability. 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 the Climate Resilient Farming grant program, that are helping farms to implement environmentally sustainable practices and combat climate change.  

 

The FY25 Enacted Budget also includes additional funding to help boost the dairy industry, including $34 million in capital funding over two years to expand on-farm milk storage capacity, improve efficiencies, invest in milk transfer systems, cooling technologies, and other projects to further opportunities for dairy farmers to transport or store their products. This program will help to mitigate transportation issues during periods of intense winter weather and road closures, which will increase dairy supply chain efficiency and avoid raw milk dumping related to emergency events.     

 

Since taking office, Governor Hochul has made significant strides in expanding the dairy manufacturing sector in New York. In the last few years, New York has celebrated investments across the State, including a $650 million fairlife production plant in Webster, $518 million Great Lakes Cheese packaging and manufacturing facilities in Franklinville, and $30 million expansion to the Agri-Mark cheese manufacturing facility in Chateaugay, helping New York continue to be the leading producer of milk in the Northeast. There are currently nearly 300 world-recognized dairy processing plants across New York.

 

Additionally, many of these processors are proud participants of the NYS Grown & Certified program, adhering to higher standards of food safety and environmental sustainability.  There are 51 participating dairy processors in the NYS Grown & Certified program sourcing milk from thousands of dairy farms across the state, including Lactalis, which produces the Galbani Cheese line in Buffalo, DFA’s recently acquired Garelick milk products plant in Rensselaer, and Belgioioso’s Glenville plant that also produces the Polly-O cheeses, which have been a New York State tradition since 1899.

 

Dairy Month Activities and Promotions

In recognition of Dairy Month, the Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball will tour several dairy farms and processing plants across New York State. The Department will also host Dairy Education Days to teach children across New York State about the importance of fresh, nutritious dairy products in their diets. Department staff will visit local elementary and middle schools to help New York’s school children understand where their milk and dairy products come from and instill an early appreciation of the benefits of consuming New York products. Educational materials for the schools and students, including fun dairy-themed giveaways, are provided by the American Dairy Association North East.

 

Taste NY Markets and Welcome Centers throughout the state are also celebrating Dairy Month by spotlighting different dairy producers in their regions and featuring a variety of delicious specials designed to encourage consumers to shop for local dairy products, including offering dairy samplings, specialty milkshakes, opportunities to learn more about New York’s dairy industry and more. For more information on what’s taking place at the State’s Welcome Centers and Taste NY market locations, visit taste.ny.gov.

 

New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Commissioner Richard Ball said, “As the state’s number one agricultural commodity, we certainly have a lot to be proud of when it comes to New York dairy. Our state is home to some of the most hardworking dairy farmers and dairy manufacturers who are producing and processing some of the very best dairy products in the world. This month, I encourage you all to raise a delicious glass of milk to celebrate this tremendous industry that fuels our economy and nourishes our communities statewide!”

 

State Senator Michelle Hinchey said, “For over 400 years, dairy has been a cornerstone industry in the State of New York, sustained by generational family businesses whose work has made this commodity New York’s largest agricultural sector. During June Dairy Month, we thank our local dairy farmers and processors while elevating support for their businesses so that New York can remain a leading dairy state across our country.”

 

Assemblymember Donna Lupardo said, “Dairy is critically important to our agricultural economy, being a major producer of safe and nutritious food. I am very proud of the investments we have made in the state budget to help our farmers reduce their carbon footprint and assist with milk storage technologies. This month we celebrate the many excellent dairy products our state is known for and recognize the hard work of our dairy farmers, processors and milk haulers. They are responsible for bringing this food to market, and we are very grateful for their efforts.” 

 

Chair of the Northeast Dairy Producers Association Keith Kimball said, “We appreciate the Governor’s commitment to New York dairy, as demonstrated by significant investments designated to strengthen the industry. New York’s dairy farmers are part of the solution to climate change and are committed to protecting our natural resources while producing nutritious dairy products for consumers. The state’s investments in the CAFO ENMP play a key role in supporting science-based practices on our family dairy farms that reduce emissions, prevent runoff, and protect water quality. Additionally, the state’s support to expand on-farm milk storage will significantly improve farm and processing efficiencies along with the significant investments in workforce development and farm safety which will help fortify our food supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work with our partners in state government and academia to ensure our family dairy farms remain viable for generations to come.”

 

American Dairy Association North East CEO John Chrisman said “Helping to grow consumer understanding of New York dairy farmers and the nutritious products they produce is the foundation of everything we do at American Dairy Association North East. We are proud to partner with the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets to highlight dairy and help students make the connection with the industry that provides the milk and dairy products they enjoy at school – especially during National Dairy Month.”

 

New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher said, “June Dairy Month recognizes the contributions and hard work of our family dairy farms. As a dairy farmer myself, I see first-hand the continuous improvements we are making on sustainability, animal care, and workplace enhancements. Our farms, milk cooperatives, and dairy processors are national leaders in providing healthy, innovative products that consumers are increasingly enjoying as well as jobs across the state. New York Farm Bureau thanks Gov. Hochul for her support to build on this legacy through economic development and environmental funding. Together, we can all celebrate the value our farms provide to New York and its people.”

 

New York State Soil and Water Committee Chair Dale Stein said, “This Dairy Month, I’m proud to see the great work our farmers are doing to increase sustainability efforts put front and center. This funding is another critical step toward helping our farmers transition to climate-safe practices that preserve our natural resources and combat climate change while continuing to protect their businesses and nourish our communities.”

 

Executive Director of the Northeast Dairy Foods & Suppliers Associations Alex Walsh said,“During June Dairy Month, we recognize and highlight the significant contributions the dairy industry makes to New York and the region. From our hardworking producers, dedicated processors, manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, and retailers, supportive industry and government partners, it’s a true collaboration that makes the dairy sector here in the state strong and a national leader as an economic generator and providing thousands of jobs across New York. Our goal remains clear: to provide safe, healthy, and nutritious products to consumers.”

 

About the Dairy Industry in New York State 

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets promotes New York State agriculture and its high-quality and diverse products, fosters agricultural environmental stewardship, and safeguards the state’s food supply, land, and livestock to ensure the viability and growth of New York’s agriculture industries. New York’s dairy industry is the leading agricultural sector of the state’s economy and accounts for approximately one-half of New York’s total agricultural income. New York State has nearly 3,000 dairy producers that produce 16.1 billion pounds of milk annually, making New York the nation’s fifth largest dairy state. New York’s unique and talented dairy producers and processors provide significant contributions to New York’s agriculture industry, the economy, and to the health of our communities. 

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.