Experienced growers and UVM's Ag Engineering present new strategies and cleaning tools to increase the efficiency and efficacy of bin cleaning, sanitation and management practices. Lead growers show and tell their bin systems, with lessons learned. Participants leave with a plan to improve/implement new practices.

CSFP's new season of online courses is almost halfway through, and now's the time to register for their upcoming block three courses which begin in the new year. Upcoming courses include their new offering on social media and online marketing, farm business courses, and production courses covering beekeeping, mushrooms, sheep and more.

CCE Cornell Vegetable Program, NYS IPM, and Cornell Faculty will be attending this twilight meeting to share updates on Western bean cutworm trapping, white mold management, soybean cyst nematodes and field mapping, and pigweed identification and resistance screening. After the meeting, stick around to enjoy dinner and network with other dry bean growers and industry members.

1.5 DEC recertification credits (categories 10, 1a, 21, and 23) and CCA credits will be available.

Evaluate low-cost (either money or time) improvements that make a big difference. Experience growers show and tell the thrifty improvements they made and summarize lessons learned, including trade-offs of spending money (or not) to lower risks and increase efficiency. 

Learn to improve or repair a concrete floor so that it is smooth and easy to clean. This workshop highlights concrete repair, cleaning and sanitation techniques, water management, products and resources, as well as show and tell from experienced growers, and Chris Callahan from UVM's Extension Ag Engineering.

Due to predictions of extreme weather tomorrow evening, Wednesday, September 15th, the Exclusion Netting Workshop at the Berry Patch, Stephentown, NY has been postponed until Tuesday, October 5th, 4-6pm.  If you already registered for the Berry Patch session, there is no need to re-register.

The western NY site at Albers Acres in Kennedy, NY will still hold the workshop tomorrow night, Sept 15.

If you have any questions about eastern NY meeting - please call Laura McDermott, 518-791-5038, or email lgm4@cornell.edu.

2021 season review of SWD management techniques

Join us at either The Berry Patch in Stephentown (Oct 5) or Abers Acres in Kennedy (Sept 15) for a two-hour review of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) management techniques.  We'll cover the basics of SWD monitoring of adult and larvae populations and also discuss implementing a pesticide program.

The program will focus on what has been learned about designing an exclusion netting support system that provides long term control of SWD and maximum utility for berry farmers.

Exclusion netting is being used on field blueberries where it controls SWD while also excluding birds and moderating impacts of hail and heavy rain.  Raspberries and strawberries also benefit from exclusion netting on  the sides of high tunnels.   

1.5 DEC credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 22

Experienced growers and facilitators dig into the fundamentals of managing produce wash water, including show and tell with lessons learned about wash water management, use and monitoring of sanitizers. All participants leave with a plan to improve/implement new practices.

Develop management strategies/systems to retain and empower high-value workers, while improving crew morale and culture. Learn from experienced managers of loyal and reliable crews, the pros and cons of their current management systems, and how they came to be. Participants leave with resources and a plan to improve/implement one or more new practices or strategies.

Due to predictions of extreme weather tomorrow evening, Wednesday, September 15th, the Exclusion Netting Workshop at the Berry Patch, Stephentown, NY has been postponed until Tuesday, October 5th, 4-6pm.  If you already registered for the Berry Patch session, there is no need to re-register.

The western NY site at Albers Acres in Kennedy, NY will still hold the workshop tomorrow night, Sept 15.

If you have any questions about eastern NY meeting - please call Laura McDermott, 518-791-5038, or email lgm4@cornell.edu.

2021 season review of SWD management techniques

Join us at either The Berry Patch in Stephentown (Oct 5) or Abers Acres in Kennedy (Sept 15) for a two-hour review of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) management techniques.  We'll cover the basics of SWD monitoring of adult and larvae populations and also discuss implementing a pesticide program.

The program will focus on what has been learned about designing an exclusion netting support system that provides long term control of SWD and maximum utility for berry farmers.

Exclusion netting is being used on field blueberries where it controls SWD while also excluding birds and moderating impacts of hail and heavy rain.  Raspberries and strawberries also benefit from exclusion netting on  the sides of high tunnels.   

1.5 DEC credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 22

For growers wanting to install or improve a greens bubbler/aerator. Get feedback from growers who built/improved their own systems. Examine designs and DYI resources, as well as perceived quality and efficiency gains from bubblers as compared to other washing methods. This workshop features a panel of New York growers!

Our first session will provide an overview of tax planning, the management of tax liability, and assessing your record keeping system. 

A three-part series for farms that are already filing a Schedule F covering tax planning and goals, handling farm profits/losses, and strategies to improve your tax position while also working positively with your accountant/tax preparer. 

Learn more about the process to apply for the Pandemic Response and Safety Grant Program.  This grant provides eligible farms grants of $1,500-$20,000 for costs related to workplace safety and marketing changes from COVID-19.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a Request for Applications (RFA) for the new Pandemic Response and Safety (PRS) Grant program and encourages eligible entities to apply now for funds. Applications must be submitted electronically through the grant portal at https://usda-prs.grantsolutions.gov/usda by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on Monday, November 22, 2021. Approximately $650 million in funding is available for the PRS grants, which are funded by the Pandemic Assistance provided in the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021.

A three-part series for farms that are already filing a Schedule F covering tax planning and goals, handling farm profits/losses, and strategies to improve your tax position while also working positively with your accountant/tax preparer. 

A grower training course developed by the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA) that meets the regulatory requirements of the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) for farms subject to the Produce Safety Rule. Participants will receive a certificate of course completion by the Association of Food and Drug Officials. All farms are welcome to attend to learn about recommended food safety practices for growing, handling, and storing fresh produce.

The second session will delve into everything Schedule F - depreciation and classifying revenues and expenses. 

CCE Farm Business Management and CCE County Associations in NYS are hosting a hybrid educational program on October 26th to prepare farmers and rural landowners navigate the solar development process and negotiate solar lease agreements.  The program features information provided by a lawyer experienced with solar leases, a solar developer and experts from Ag and Markets on local policy issues.

You can register for the program through the following participating CCE County Offices: Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Renssalear, Saratoga, Schoharie, Senaca, St Lawrence, Suffolk, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates.  

Don't know the website address for your county office?  Go to: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/local-offices.

CCE Farm Business Management and CCE County Associations in NYS are hosting a hybrid educational program on October 26th to prepare farmers and rural landowners navigate the solar development process and negotiate solar lease agreements.  The program features information provided by a lawyer experienced with solar leases, a solar developer and experts from Ag and Markets on local policy issues.

You can register for the program through the following participating CCE County Offices: Albany, Broome, Cayuga, Columbia, Cortland, Delaware, Dutchess, Erie, Essex, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Herkimer, Madison, Montgomery, Onondaga, Ontario, Otsego, Renssalear, Saratoga, Schoharie, Senaca, St Lawrence, Suffolk, Tioga, Tompkins, Ulster, Washington, Wayne, Wyoming, Yates.  

Don't know the website address for your county office?  Go to: https://cals.cornell.edu/cornell-cooperative-extension/local-offices.

A three-part series for farms that are already filing a Schedule F covering tax planning and goals, handling farm profits/losses, and strategies to improve your tax position while also working positively with your accountant/tax preparer. 

The final session will be led by a professional tax-preparer who will introduce tax planning strategies and the timeline for implementation with ample time for questions and discussion.

Join Elizabeth Higgins and Extension Specialist with the Eastern NY Commercial Hort Team, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, and Michelle Proscia, Agriculture Educator with CCE Sullivan, for a lunchtime discussion about how farms can prepare for selling on the wholesale market and the benefits of scaling up. Topics include: labeling, recordkeeping, grading standardization of product, and post harvest handling. 

This program is supported by the USDA, NIFA Award #: 2019-70020-30347

CSFP's new season of online courses is almost halfway through, and now's the time to register for their upcoming block three courses which begin in the new year. Upcoming courses include their new offering on social media and online marketing, farm business courses, and production courses covering beekeeping, mushrooms, sheep and more.

Farmers and next generation farmers will receive an opportunity to develop and design a succession plan with sessions led by experts across the field. Attendees will learn through scenario-based learning how to relate real-life experiences to the farm transition process. This webinar series will utilize a "flipped classroom" which requires that attendees complete pre-work prior to each session. This could include watching videos, visiting websites, or completing a handout/worksheet. This pre-work should not take more than 15-20 mins each week, but will enrich your experience during each of the weekly webinars.

Farmers and next generation farmers will receive an opportunity to develop and design a succession plan with sessions led by experts across the field. Attendees will learn through scenario-based learning how to relate real-life experiences to the farm transition process. This webinar series will utilize a "flipped classroom" which requires that attendees complete pre-work prior to each session. This could include watching videos, visiting websites, or completing a handout/worksheet. This pre-work should not take more than 15-20 mins each week, but will enrich your experience during each of the weekly webinars.

Managing Performance: Understand motivation. Harness the power of performance feedback and coaching. Build clear and effective workplace communications. Set safety expectations. Conduct effective performance improvements. Materials will release November 10, 2021 and live weekly Zoom discussions will be held from 3 to 4 PM EDT each Tuesday from November 16 through December 21. Participation in the live sessions is highly encouraged and provides a valued opportunity for peer to peer learning and networking.

Planning for CCE-ENYCHP educational and research programming for 2022.  Our goal is industry input, focus on the wholesale side, only a minimal CCE report is planned.

Online course to help people lead and retain employees

Managing Performance: Understand motivation. Harness the power of performance feedback and coaching. Build clear and effective workplace communications. Set safety expectations. Conduct effective performance improvements.

Materials will release November 10, 2021 and live weekly Zoom discussions will be held from 3 to 4 PM EST each Tuesday from November 16 through December 21. Participation in the live sessions is highly encouraged and provides a valued opportunity for peer to peer learning and networking. 

Planning for CCE-ENYCHP educational and research programming for 2022.  Our goal is industry input, focus on the wholesale side, only a minimal CCE report is planned.

Planning for CCE-ENYCHP educational and research programming for 2022.  Our goal is industry input, focus on the agrotourism side, only a minimal CCE report is planned.

Farmers and next generation farmers will receive an opportunity to develop and design a succession plan with sessions led by experts across the field. Attendees will learn through scenario-based learning how to relate real-life experiences to the farm transition process. This webinar series will utilize a "flipped classroom" which requires that attendees complete pre-work prior to each session. This could include watching videos, visiting websites, or completing a handout/worksheet. This pre-work should not take more than 15-20 mins each week, but will enrich your experience during each of the weekly webinars.

If you are a new agricultural employer or you have questions about federal laws covering agricultural employment USDOL is offering a live webinar on November 18th.  This one-day, multi-session program by USDOL Wage and Hour Staff and hosted by the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team covers the key federal labor programs that agricultural employers need to understand.

FEDERAL LABOR STANDARDS IN AGRICULTURE - Learn about the key federal laws and regulations for agriucltural employers

Live Webinar Presentation by USDOL Wage and Hour Staff on Key Federal Labor Programs that agricultural employers need to understand. This webinar will not be recorded, but handouts and fact sheets from the meeting will be available.  

Session1   10:00am to 11:30am - Fair Labor Standards Act (FSLA) and Child Labor Laws as they pertain to Agriculture.
BREAK      11:30am to 12:30pm - Lunch/Break
Session 2  12:30pm to 2:15pm - Migrant and Seasonal Workers Protection Act and OSHA Field Sanitation
Session 3   2:15pm to 4:00pm - H2A

Planning for CCE-ENYCHP educational and research programming for 2022.  Our goal is industry input, focus is on retail oriented growers in the Capital Region and Mohawk Valley.  Only a minimal CCE report is planned.

Ag Workforce Development Council is hosting Labor Roadshow V as a virtual event. A series of six two-hour webinars will be held online through Zoom at noon on November 22 and 23, and December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Cost is $55 per person to attend all six webinars and to receive links to the webinar recordings and roadshow materials.

Ag Workforce Development Council is hosting Labor Roadshow V as a virtual event. A series of six two-hour webinars will be held online through Zoom at noon on November 22 and 23, and December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Cost is $55 per person to attend all six webinars and to receive links to the webinar recordings and roadshow materials.

Farmers and next generation farmers will receive an opportunity to develop and design a succession plan with sessions led by experts across the field. Attendees will learn through scenario-based learning how to relate real-life experiences to the farm transition process. This webinar series will utilize a "flipped classroom" which requires that attendees complete pre-work prior to each session. This could include watching videos, visiting websites, or completing a handout/worksheet. This pre-work should not take more than 15-20 mins each week, but will enrich your experience during each of the weekly webinars.

Register now to join the LOF Team member in this annual meeting to review their educational programs and share your feedback. 

Planning for CCE-ENYCHP educational and research programming for 2022.  Our goal is industry input, focus on the wholesale side, only a minimal CCE report is planned.

The inflationary economy is upon us! The huge influx of money into the US economy following the COVID-19 pandemic has manufactured high prices and in turn increased operating costs for farm business thus forcing many businesses into net operating loss situations. Other farms are facing high labor costs or chronic labor shortages.  Some farms have taken on debt loads that make these increased costs unaffordable.  Depending on the stage in the business lifecycle, it may make sense to change enterprises or exit the farming business entirely. 

Join CCE ENYCH Ag Business Educator, Elizabeth Higgins, and CAAHP Ag Business Educator, Dayton Maxwell, for a one-hour program to learn about the financial aspects of changing or exiting a farm business.