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Job: Hudson Estuary Trees for Tributaries

Streamside Restoration Technician with Hudson Estuary Trees for Tribs

Learn more and apply here: https://tinyurl.com/ye6rz3dc

The Restoration Technician, will be responsible for developing and maintaining a plant materials nursery, conducting plant monitoring at previous restoration sites, data entry, providing one-on-one assistance to landowners, assessing and preparing potential planting sites, and leading volunteers at planting projects. Other duties include:

  • Implementing, monitoring, and adaptively managing streamside restoration and enhancement projects.
  • Assessing and preparing streamside planting project sites.
  • Leading volunteers at planting events.
  • Developing and maintaining a native plant materials center for planting projects.
  • Assessing and mapping planted project areas using an established protocol.
  • Monitoring and managing invasive species.
  • Instructing landowners in the maintenance of restoration areas.
  • Updating and maintaining databases and files.

CONTACT

Beth Roessler

Stream Buffer Coordinator, Hudson River Estuary Program/ NYS Water Resources Institute

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

21 South Putt Corners Rd, New Paltz, NY 12561

P: (845) 256-2253 | F: (845) 255-3649 | beth.roessler@dec.ny.gov

Fall Webinar Series: Climate and Communities 2nd wed/month 1pm EST, free

Join us for 4 free webinars scheduled for this fall from across the United States.

WHEN:

  • 2nd Wednesday of the month
  • 1pm EST
  • Please register for each event of interest

Most events will be recorded and shared publicly here, after the event recording has been processed.

Scroll for more details about each event, below.

September 11, 1pm EST: YOUTH & Climate, all youth recordings Here!

This hour long webinar will  discuss multiple ways to engage youth with climate change: teaching the need to replace fossil fuels in our energy systems, programs to support youth climate digital app development, and working creating culturally inclusive curricula with indigenous communities.

TITLE: Where Does Gasoline Go? Why We Must Replace Fire in Our Energy System
PRESENTER: Don Haas (Director of Teacher Programming at The Paleontological Research Institution)

Did you know a gallon of gasoline weighs about six pounds? Burning ten gallons of gas a week means sixty pounds seemingly disappear from the tank. What becomes of it, when placed in the context of 374 million gallons that we burn in the US every day, is an astonishing but undeniably true tale. Where does it go? Why should we care?

Key Resource: Climate & Energy Resources on PRI’s Earth@Home: https://climate.earthathome.org/

NOTE: PRI has online workshop in mid-October, and we can do workshops for groups. You can subscribe for announcements here: http://eepurl.com/goSjST

TITLE: Youth Power to Reduce Carbon Power
PRESENTER: Donna Nuger (4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Extension)

Nuger will discuss how youth are using their interest in technology and coding to increase awareness and inspire changes in people’s habits to decrease their carbon output, leading to a reduction in global warming.

TITLE: Creating a Culturally Inclusive Climate Change Curriculum with and for Indigenous People: Lessons Learned
PRESENTER: Ros McCann (Utah State University – Moab)

As part of a national science foundation project inspired by the NECI network, Ros will share her experience in building relationships with tribal members in the Colorado Plateau region. This will include an overview of how she formed a diverse team to co-create a climate change curriculum by and for Indigenous participants, what the curriculum entailed and the products that resulted from this process. Coverage here: https://www.usu.edu/today/story/usu-helps-host-unique-and-indigenous-student-specific-natural-resource-leadership-program

Curriculum can be found here:Utah NATURE Climate Module_ A Co-Created Menu Utah NATURE Climate Module_ A Co-Created Menu

 

SPEAKER BIOS

Don Haas (formerly, Don Duggan-Haas) is the Director of Teacher Programming at The Paleontological Research Institution and its Museum of the Earth & Cayuga Nature Center in Ithaca, NY. He is a nationally regarded expert in climate and energy education, place-based and technology-rich Earth and environmental science education; and is a past president of the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. He is co-author of the books, The Teacher-Friendly Guide to Climate Change and The Science Beneath the Surface: A Very Short Guide to the Marcellus Shale. He strives to help others thrive in their teaching and learning, especially as related to climate and energy and he wants you to talk more about fire.

Donna Nuger joined University of Illinois Extension in 2004. During her tenure, she has focused on STEM and Youth Leadership. Environmental education field trips for youth in grades K-8 have ranged from the half day program, Pumpkin Day for the little ones to full day events like Natural Resources Day and multi-day events that included Environmental Science in Action with hands on research and career exploration. Nuger initiated and implemented 4-H Science Ambassadors that encouraged 4-H Teen Teachers and individual projects/research. Nuger has received and coordinated Ag Innovators Experience grants through National 4-H, funded by Monsanto/Bayer for Illinois. She looks forward to making future contributions in the area of climate change and ensuring that our youth have a healthy planet for their future.

Roslynn Brain McCann is a Professor & Sustainable Communities Extension Specialist in the Department of Environment and Society, College of Natural Resources at Utah State University. She teaches undergraduates Communicating Sustainability, helps lead the National Extension Climate Initiative, is the coordinator USU Extension Sustainability’s Utah Farm-Chef-Fork, the USU Permaculture Initiative, and Sustainable You! kids’ camps, co-leads the Utah High School Clean Air Marketing Contest, and is engaged in tribal climate change resilience.

October 9, 1pm EST: Empowering Communities: 1890 Land-Grant Institutions Tackling Climate Change, Recordings here. 

This hour long webinar will discuss the crucial role of 1890 Land-Grant Institutions in tackling climate change faced by underserved communities.

TITLE: The Climate Crisis and Environmental Justice:  Ensuring Resilience for Underserved Communities
PRESENTER: Alton Thompson (Executive Director, Association of 1890 Research Directors, ARD)

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and addressing it requires a strong commitment to research and development. For too long, environmental policy have failed to adequately address environmental injustice, particularly the unequal and cumulative effects of pollution and climate change on low-income communities and communities of color. Researchers at the 1890 land-grant universities, informed by their lived experiences of these communities, play a critical role in developing student leaders, advocates, while also supporting rigorous scientific analysis on issues like community and agricultural resiliency, climate adaptation and environmental justice.

TITLE: Leveraging AI and Innovation to Empower Future Leaders in Resource-Limited Communities
PRESENTER: Ali Fares (Professor of Water Security, Prairie View A&M University)

Dr. Fares’ academic program uses cutting-edge technologies and artificial intelligence to address resource challenges in the water-energy-food nexus for communities with limited resources. By training future leaders and professionals from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) through various outreach activities based on his research, Dr. Fares empowers them to tackle climate change challenges effectively and develop and implement sustainable solutions.

PRESENTER: Raymon Shange (1890 Extension Administrator, Tuskegee University Cooperative Extension)

SPEAKER BIOS

Dr. Thompson provides leadership and coordination in representing ARD in developing multistate and national priorities and implementing a regional response for the 1890 system. In addition, Thompson promotes, articulates and advocates the priorities of the 1890 region’s research agenda within the framework of the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute for Agriculture (NIFA), other federal agencies and the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU). Thompson serves in an executive capacity on several committees and working groups focusing on legislative issues, federal, state and private appropriation of funds for 1890 multistate research and the long-term direction of established and developing 1890 universities initiatives. Key Resource: Foundation for Food Agriculture and Research (FAR)

Ali Fares is the Endowed Professor at Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Texas and Chair of Water Security, Water Energy and Food Nexus. He is currently the editor of the Water Security Book Series.  He has edited two books and published 14 book chapters, over 20 conference proceedings, and over 74 articles in peer reviewed journals. His research interests include disaster preparedness and resiliency, flood prediction and mitigation, water security, water-energy-food nexus, watershed hydrology and management, water allocation, irrigation management, and adaptation and mitigation of climate variability. Currently he is doing research on Reducing Energy Barriers for Novel Water. Dr Fares’ research in artificial intelligence in agriculture as well as several inter-disciplinary, multi-institution projects, is supported by millions of dollars. His testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Agriculture Committee urged federal support to address “specific climate change needs of the underserved farming communities and train future professionals in climate-smart agriculture discipline.” Key Resource: https://works.bepress.com/fares-ali/

Dr. Shange’s research and teaching interests encompass the areas of: Ecology (Agroecology, Microbial Ecology, Molecular Ecology, and Ecological Engineering), Sustainable Agriculture, Impact of Climate Change on Ecosystems, Rural Energy & Water, Natural Resource Management, Integration of Art, Science and Nature, and Environmental Ethics and Justice. He has been an 1890’s Extension Administrator since 2022.

November 13, 1pm EST: ELECTRIFICATION & Climate, Recording here.

This hour long webinar will  discuss multiple ways to understand how ‘electrification’ can save money, decrease greenhouse gases, and improve health and well-being in our daily lives.

TITLE: Electrification: Climate Action or Personal Benefit?
PRESENTER: Brian Stewart (Co-Founder of Electrify Now)

Whether your motivation is to fight climate change, improve the safety and comfort of your home, reduce your health risks, or lower your energy bills, the sensible actions are the same – electrify your home and personal transportation. We will discuss how the topic of electrification can be approached from multiple entry points that each might resonate with our audience in different ways to help them to take action.

Key Resource: Electrify Now webinars on all things electrification: https://electrifynow.net/electrify-coalition-webinars

TITLE: Electrify your Landscaping Equipment: It’s Clean, It’s Quiet, It’s Healthy 
PRESENTER: Mark Puhlman (Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, Board Member)

Tackling climate change can seem to be an overwhelming proposition. But there is a key strategy that can make a major impact: Electrify Everything. Transitioning gas-powered landscaping equipment to electric helps the community take meaningful action addressing climate change while also improving air quality and reducing harmful noise levels in our community. This short talk will discuss the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network’s efforts to encourage a small community in the state of Oregon transition from Gas-powered equipment to electric landscaping equipment. Included are actions that the individual citizen can take to advance the transition.

Key Resource: https://mailchi.mp/15638b3e0577/losn-sustainability-insider-april-2021

TITLE: Energy Circuit Riders Spur Clean Energy Progress in Rural New Hampshire
PRESENTER: Sarah Brock (Clean Energy New Hampshire, Energy Circuit Rider Program Director)

New Hampshire’s unique Energy Circuit Rider (ECR) program embeds clean energy experts in rural New Hampshire communities, providing capacity and technical support to get projects done. Hosted by nonprofit Clean Energy NH and funded through a mix of philanthropic and federal sources, the program is currently supporting over 180 community-based energy projects in over 80 towns. The ECR program also supports small businesses statewide in applying for USDA’s Rural Energy for America Program, with grants for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Join us to hear reflections from the field: what works to spur community-based clean energy action, and what you can do to move projects forward in your own community.

Key Resource: Direct Pay / Elective Pay Guide

SPEAKER BIOS

Brian Stewart is a co-founder of Electrify Now, a volunteer organization devoted to educating energy consumers and homeowners about the health and economic benefits of electrification and the role that all of us can play to accelerate the world to clean renewable energy and a sustainable future. Brian has over 40 years of experience in product design, engineering, manufacturing and sustainability and held many leadership roles at Nike Inc. including Vice President of Sustainable Innovation.

Mark Puhlman is a board member of the Lake Oswego Sustainability Network, a volunteer organization of concerned citizens in Lake Oswego, Oregon. He holds a doctorate as a nurse practitioner and has worked in the area of heart failure for 45 years. He became interested in sustainability in high school but became very active in this area about 5 years ago after he retired. He is a Board Member of the Sustainability Advisory Board of Lake Oswego as well as a Board Member of the Forest Highlands Neighborhood Association. He has been involved in electrification and urban forest preservation.

Sarah Brock joined Clean Energy New Hampshire as Director of CENH’s Energy Circuit Rider Program in 2024. Sarah works with our growing team of Energy Circuit Riders to help municipalities and small businesses plan, finance, and implement clean energy and energy efficiency projects. Prior to joining Clean Energy New Hampshire, Sarah spent over a decade implementing community-based climate, energy, and transportation programming at Vital Communities, a nonprofit serving the Upper Valley region of Vermont and New Hampshire.

December 11, 1pm EST: RESILIENCY PLANNING & Climate, Register here.

This hour long webinar will share three different examples for engaging resiliency planning in local communities.

TITLE: Building Climate Resiliency through Disaster Preparedness Education
PRESENTER: Kimberly Davis, Extension Emergency Management Specialist, FAMU Extension Disaster Education Programs, Florida A&M University (FAMU)

TITLE: Preparing Agents of Change for Tomorrow: Building Youth Confidence and Capacity for Climate Resilient Futures in Appalachia 
PRESENTER: Megan Kruger, Evaluation and Research Specialist and Environmental Educator, West Virginia University Extension

TITLE: Filling Gaps in Coastal Communities with Asset Mapping
PRESENTER: Jack Voight, Coastal Community Resilience Immersive Training (C-CRIT) Program, Americorps Assessment Coordinator

This talk will discuss experiences working with the C-CRIT program and the work we completed. It will describe future plans for the program and how it can be improved to best fit the needs of different coastal communities. Also describe what I learned about Jones County, North Carolina and specific barriers that hinder the county’s ability to build back with resiliency.

 

SPEAKER BIOS

Ms. Kimberly Davis is an Extension Agent/Emergency Management Specialist with the Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension Family, Youth and Community programs/4-H Youth Development. Her areas of specialization include natural resources, environmental education, disaster preparedness and safety. She has over 25 years’ experience in coordinating STEM and environmental education outreach programs including the Kids Involved in Math and Sciences (KIMS) Program, and the Forestry and Conservation Education (FACE) Summer Program. She also worked over 10 years with the Florida Division of Emergency Management as an Environmental Scientist and Planning Manager. She holds a M.S. degree in Agricultural Sciences with a major in Environmental Sciences from FAMU.

Jack Voight is an undergraduate student and researcher from North Carolina State University. majoring in Environmental Engineering and researching as part of the Coastal & Computational Hydraulics Team with mentor Dr. Casey Dietrich. Jack was born and raised on the Outer Banks, North Carolina.

To see our previous webinars, please visit our YouTube channel

Spring 2024 Topics

YOUTH & Climate, Recording Here.

STORYTELLING & Climate, Recording Here.

DIY–Self-Guided Climate Instruction, Recording Here.

COMMUNITIES & Climate, Recordings Here: WA Latine Co-created Materials, PA Women Forest Owners

AGING & Climate, Recordings Here.

 

 

 

HOST: this “CONNECTING CLIMATE to COMMUNITIES” webinar series is hosted by National Extension Climate Initiative (NECI) Curriculum Working Group – a volunteer group looking to share resources amongst interested extension educators.

This program was curated by NECI CWG Active Volunteers Summer 2024

David Kay, Cornell University

James Shope, Rutgers University

Patricia Townsend, Washington State University

Rebecca Ward, NC State University

Jenifer Wightman, Cornell University

Join us or any NECI working group -learn more here: https://nationalextensionclimateinitiative.net/workinggroups/

***NECI is actively seeking a Communications Lead, please contact David Kay if you are interested.

Funding: RCPP Upper Susquehanna Ag BMPs, due Aug 23

Accepting Applications for the Regional Conservation Partnership Program in the New York portion of the Upper Susquehanna Watershed.

July 25, 2024

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces the sign-up period for Farmstead Practices in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed of New York through the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP).  The application deadline is August 23, 2024.

This funding is part of the RCPP Upper Susquehanna Agricultural BMP Implementation Project. The RCPP uses partnerships to coordinate and target resources to address climate change, improve the nation’s water quality, combat drought, enhance soil health, support wildlife habitat, and protect agricultural viability. The Upper Susquehanna Agricultural BMP Implementation Project is focused on reducing field nutrient, sediment and pathogen loss, improving the storage and handling of pollutants, as well as improving livestock production limitations in the Upper Susquehanna Watershed portion of New York.

All applications are competitive and are ranked based on locally identified resource priorities, as well as the overall benefit to the environment. Interested landowners within the project area in New York should contact their local NRCS Service Center or their local Soil and Water Conservation District for more information.

 

Contact

Emily Dekar

(607)972-7983

dekare@tiogacountyny.gov

$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. 

Dairy Farms: Thinking about converting from sand to separated solids bedding? April 3 workshop.

This meeting is intended for:

  • dairy farmers that currently bed with sand or
  • dairy farmers who might be interested in separating their manure for  solids bedding and/or cover+flare to destroy methane from their liquid manure storage; and
  • SWCD, CCE, NRCS, TSP, etc. agents interested in helping these farmers make management decisions for their farm.
  • Recordings of the Event, Found Here.
  • Farmer Funding Worksheet, pdf found here: Infrastructure_FundingOps_2024NY.

 

Jump to individual talks:

1:09 – Why a farm might transition away from sand bedding. Jenifer Wightman, Senior Extension Associate, School of Integrative Plant Science Soil and Crop Sciences Section, Cornell University

25:38 – Separators and farm infrastructure for solids + liquids. Ken Van Syke, Farmer/Pikeside Ag Machinery

1:13:46 – Cow Health (sand vs. solid bedding). Lindsay Ferlito, CCE North Country Regional Ag Team Farm Panel (sand vs solids bedding)

1:55:40 – Jon Patterson, Patterson Farm (Auburn, NY)

2:05:19 – Stein Farms, Dale Stein (LeRoy, NY) & NYS Soil & Water Conservation Committee

2:13:33 – Doug Shelmidine, Sheland Farms (Adams, NY)

2:44:43 – P-Index 2.0 & Comparing sand vs. solids bedding. Kirsten Workman, Pro-Dairy Funding Panel

3:30:40 – Mike Durant, Lewis County Soil & Water

3:49:20 – Thomas Pratt, USDA-NRCS

Final conversations redacted for sound quality.

This event is hosted by SWCD Jefferson and Lewis Counties in collaboration with Cornell University and Cooperative Extension.

Agenda:

We will post recordings here, if they are of sufficient quality and have speaker approval,  ~7 days after the event.

 

Navigating NRCS Funding Rates and Associated Practices to support GHG mitigation

NRCS provides lots of support for projects that improve whole farm management.

In my experience it is very hard to navigate their online platform.

  • Key Concept: NRCS support projects within ‘systems‘ or ‘scenarios‘ – you can’t just do a mini-project in isolation of other considerations. You need their whole farm system evaluation.

Look for ‘projects’ they do fund that relates to your goal-

  • say you want to install a cover on your manure storage
    • to exclude rainwater capture,
      • reduce rainwater hauling (labor, fuel, tractor passes on public roads, field compaction)
      • increase your herd size (without rainwater, your storage capacity goes up, so herd can increase without adding more storage)
    • address odor issues and improve community relations
    • avoid SPDES overflow events in the case of extreme precipitation
  • then look for ‘associated projects’ that help you build out a whole farm ‘system’

Here are a few steps to get you started – thanks to Paula Bagley – NRCS-NY state engineer.

STEP 1: contact your NRCS agent whenever you want to do a new project on farm.

Contact your local NY NRCS field office: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

STEP 2: Get a sense of how much money NRCS currently re-imburses particular project components

For example, for manure cover and flare (based on storage surface area and HU – historically underserved) context, a flexible membrane cover can be re-imbursed between $10 and $20 per square foot in 2024 in NYS under NRCS Code 367:

Note, at this time, it is very Unlikely a manure cover+flare  (as a stand alone activity) would qualify under NRCS rules for whole farm management.

STEP 3: Identify “Associated Practices” to understand HOW a particular project you are interested in building, fits within a larger Whole Farm Management planning to address a larger farm sustainability

We all know, fixing one problem without considering other attributes can lead to more problems. To avoid this, NRCS requires their projects to be built in context (e.g. a suite of practices to support a suite of ecosystem services such as water quality, soil health & greenhouse gas mitigation).

  • To find associated practices in an NRCS ‘system’ or ‘scenario’
  • go back to the first page above, or just click again here:  https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/getting-assistance/payment-schedules
  • This time navigate to and open: “New York Scenarios“
  • Then search the document for typical farm issues/operations like “manure” to see “potential associated practices”
    • You will find practice 313 Waste Storage Facility
  • See screenshot below with blue highlighted areas to see ‘associated practices’ for a whole farm scenario
    • For example if you want to build out a new earthen storage facility (NRCS 313) you may also be required to plan for
      • Solid Liquid Waste Separation Facility (NRCS 632)
      • Roofs and Covers (NRCS 367)

STEP 4. Repeat step 2-3 to find associated re-imbursements and practices with Waste Separation (632)

 

OTHER relevant NRCS CODES:

  • NRCS 313 Waste Storage Facilities
  • NRCS 317 Composting Facility
  • NRCS 634 Waste Transfer
  • NRCS 366 Anaerobic Digestion

Types of items (and rates) that are covered for NRCS 313

 

SOME NOTES OF CAUTION:

  • It’s really important you talk to both your local NRCS agent and your local SWCD agent (and ask them to work together to leverage funding packages).
    • Know that your state and federal agents are not supposed to talk to each other (about your farm) for privacy reasons until you notify both agents that you want them to work together and share information on your behalf.
  • There is a limit on how much federal funding 1 farm can get in each farm bill period (typically 5 years) so be sure this is your priority project.
  • There are a huge array of projects they do fund – ask your NRCS agent to help you find the most appropriate path.
  • Getting all the funds (e.g. mixing and matching SWCD, NRCS, FSA grants, cost-shares, reimbursements) to line up and getting all the people to work together is a real task.
  • Know that there is a lot of planning when you involve NRCS. Talk to them early in your process!

 

BEGIN!

1) Contact your local NY NRCS field office: https://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app

2) File this simple form 1200 to get a project in the pipeline.

3) When a landowner has a conservation plan, they can then apply for Financial Assistance with NRCS programs. Here is the site that discusses all NRCS programs.

4) Remember, you can do all kinds of things like:

  • build south facing roof barns for solar and improved ventilations for livestock
  • separate manure solids for bedding (and/or install a manure cover+flare to address odor and GHG)
  • improve your N-use efficiency (saving money and reducing N2O – a potent GHG)
  • build out an afforestation project, growing trees for your grandkids and sequestering carbon in long-lived wood products
  • Get an Energy Audit – save energy and reduce bills
  • Already have an audit, then get assistance implementing one of the efficiency measures
  • Want to get 3Phase power lines right to your door? (I don’t know if this is possible – but ask!)
  • Want to increase your animal feed efficiency – reach out – (there are currently no NRSC Technical Service Providers to help you with a plan, but if you have a Nutrient Management Plan from another provider, you can still apply for assistance).

Equity and Climate Resilient Communities Fall Webinar series hosted by EPA

Learning Series: Building Water Equity and Climate Resilient Communities for ALL

The Urban Waters Learning Network is hosting a webinar series to highlight a variety of strategies that community-based organizations can use to help their communities anticipate, prepare for, and respond to climate risks such as flooding, coastal storms and drought, with a focus on protecting community members who are most vulnerable to climate threats.

At the end of this learning series, participants will:

  • Understand the historical context of climate inequities and be able to initiate local conversations to help residents and stakeholders understand the relationship between historic land use/housing policies and predicted impacts of climate change, in particular with regards to water.
  • Understand and describe how climate change impacts are felt through water: riverine, urban and coastal flooding, drought and water scarcity, water pollution and more, and how restoration initiatives improve community resilience.
  • Identify key practices of community-driven climate resilience and gain tools for organizing community members and communicating local priorities to decision-makers more effectively.

To learn more about each session, visit: https://urbanwaterslearningnetwork.org/learning-series-building-water-equity-and-climate-resilient-communities-for-all/.

Resilience Hubs as Community Superheroes of Climate Preparedness and Disaster Recovery

Investing in Local Leadership to Advocate for Equitable Climate Resilience

Centering Those at Risk: The Power of Community-Led Research for Climate Resilience Investments

Equitable Resilience Planning Frameworks

Building Climate Resilience: Transforming Communities through Green Workforce Development

Building Climate Resilience: The Link Between Historic Policies and Today’s Risk

  • July 19, 2023
  • Watch the recording here.