Expanding Farm Sales: Markets, Profits, and Branding Series
Looking to diversify where you sell your farm products? This four-part workshop series helps farmers explore new opportunities in direct-to-consumer, wholesale, and institutional markets. Learn how to meet buyer expectations, price for profitability, and build lasting relationships that support your business goals. Participants will strengthen marketing and communication skills, evaluate which sales channels best fit their farm, and connect with buyers, distributors, and local partners who can help expand their reach. Whether you're just starting out or ready to grow your market presence, this program will help you chart the right path for your farm's future.
Four Session Series: Saturdays from 10AM to Noon
1/10/2026 - Understanding Your Farm's Market Channels
1/17/2026 - Selling to Schools & Wholesale Buyers
1/24/2026 - Pricing for Profit: Tools & Strategies
1/31/2026 - Marketing Strategies for Farm Sales Growth
Attend at one of three locations:
Schoharie Extension Center - Cobleskill, NY
Otsego Education Center - Cooperstown, NY
Via Zoom
Pre-registration is requested! Fee: $25
Any questions can be directed to Kelley Doolin at kmd322@cornell.edu
Event Details
Date
January 10, 2026
Time
10am - 12pm
Location
In person (Cobleskill, Cooperstown) OR Via Zoom
Host
CCE Schoharie-Otsego
Kelley Doolin
email Kelley Doolin
Event Registration
Session 1: Understanding Your Farm's Market Channels
This session provides an overview of available sales avenues, including direct-to-consumer, wholesale, distributor, and institutional markets. Participants will review the requirements and opportunities of each channel, complete a guided worksheet to assess market fit, and hear from farmers experienced in a variety of sales models.
Event Details
Date
January 17, 2026
Time
10am - 12pm
Location
In person (Cobleskill, Cooperstown) OR Via Zoom
Host
CCE Schoharie-Otsego
Kelley Doolin
email Kelley Doolin
Event Registration
Session 2: Selling to Schools & Wholesale Buyers
This session introduces the key requirements of wholesale and institutional markets, with a particular focus on Farm to School and other local procurement opportunities. Participants will learn about food safety expectations, selling directly to schools and institutions, and navigating the bidding and procurement process.
Event Details
Date
January 24, 2026
Time
10am - 12pm
Location
In person (Cobleskill, Cooperstown) OR Via Zoom
Host
CCE Schoharie-Otsego
Kelley Doolin
email Kelley Doolin
Event Registration
Session 3: Pricing for Profit- Tools & Strategies
This session focuses on building the financial skills needed to evaluate and manage profitability across different market outlets. Participants will explore pricing strategies based on production costs and review institutional, wholesale, and direct-to-consumer pricing considerations. The session also covers recordkeeping systems and workforce-related cost considerations to support better financial planning and long-term business stability.
Event Details
Date
January 31, 2026
Time
10am - 12pm
Location
In person (Cobleskill, Cooperstown) OR Via Zoom
Host
CCE Schoharie-Otsego
Kelley Doolin
email Kelley Doolin
Event Registration
Session 4: Marketing Strategies for Farm Sales Growth
This session focuses on helping farmers strengthen their marketing presence and communicate the value of their products. Participants will learn strategies for crafting a clear farm story, building a positive brand identity, and using marketing tools such as websites, social media, and print materials. The session also highlights approaches for developing strong customer and buyer relationships.
Apples
Apricots
Asparagus
Beets
Blueberries
Broccoli
Brussels Sprouts
Cabbage
Carrots
Cauliflower
Cherries
Cucumbers
Dry Beans
Eggplant
Ethnic Vegetables
Garlic
Grapes
Horseradish
Kohlrabi
Leeks
Lettuce / Leafy Greens
Melons
Nectarines
Onions
Parsnips
Peaches
Pears
Peas
Peppers
Plums
Potatoes
Pumpkins / Gourds
Radishes
Raspberries / Blackberries
Rhubarb
Rutabaga
Snap Beans
Squash - Summer
Squash- Winter
Strawberries
Sweet Corn
Sweet Potatoes
Tomatoes
Turnips
Upcoming Events
How to Obtain a Pesticide Applicator License
December 17, 2025
Thinking about becoming a certified pesticide applicator in New York, but aren't sure where to start? Join DEC representative Kenneth Klubek for a discussion on who needs to become a certified pesticide applicator, certification types, examination procedures, and recertification. Participants will have ample opportunity to ask questions during the program.
Ag Labor Road Show IX
December 1, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 1
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
December 9, 2025 : Save the Date - Ag Labor Road Show In-Person Event (Greenwich, NY)
Greenwich, NY
The Roadshow delivers essential updates on labor law, regulations, and workforce best practices—tailored for farm owners, managers, and ag service providers. Sessions also focus on practical strategies to boost communication, strengthen retention, and build a positive workplace culture.
The in-person session for Eastern NY is December 9 - Elks Lodge, Greenwich, NY - full day in person session
Additional in-person sessions are:
December 10 - Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown, NY, December 17 - Cornell AgriTech, Geneva, NY, December 18 - Genesee Community College, Batavia, NY
December 22, 2025 : Save the Date! - Ag Labor Roadshow Webinar 2
In addition to the in-person Ag Labor Roadshow program in our region on December 9, two webinars are scheduled for December 1 and December 22. Each webinar will focus on different program content that is different from the in-person sessions. These webinars are an added benefit to program registration.
2026 Winter Cut Flower Webinar Series
January 6, 2026 : Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
Session 1: Cut Flower Cost Calculator Updates and Woody Cuts
January 13, 2026 : Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
Session 2: Perennials and Industry Trends
January 20, 2026 : Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
Session 3: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation and Biochar
January 27, 2026 : Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
Session 4: Beneficial Insects and Propagation Techniques
February 3, 2026 : Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends
Session 5: Fungal and Insect Pests and Market Trends