Join us for presentations, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations focusing on soil health concepts and best management practices for vegetable growers. Topics include tarping, maintaining soil health in high tunnels, cover cropping, reduced tillage, compost microbiology, and more.

1.75 DEC pesticide recertification credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 23.

Organizing Work for High-Quality Results teaches farm supervisors how to develop clear expectations and delegate effectively. Learn how to implement a quality management system on your farm, create your own standard operating procedures, and develop processes to streamline work and improve results. This course is appropriate for both new and experienced farm supervisors and managers, as well as those preparing to become supervisors. All participants will learn leadership concepts and practice skills that will improve their ability to build a positive workplace and get results through leading others. Course topics include: setting clear expectations, effective delegation, quality management systems, workplace organization, and aligning HR management with social responsibility expectations.

Materials release November 8, 2023, and live weekly Zoom discussions will be held from 3 to 4 PM ET each Tuesday from November 14 through December 19. Continuing education credits will be offered.

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Essex on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

• How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
• What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
• Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
• When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. 

The workshop will be held on Tuesday November 14th at the Whallonsburg Grange Hall from 10-2:30. Locally sourced morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Please register here by Nov 7th: Register Here This event is free

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

Produce Safety Alliance Grower Training Course

Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2023

8 am - 5 pm

Canajoharie Volunteer Fire Department

75 Erie Boulevard, Canajoharie, NY

Public parking is available across the street from the training venue.

Registration: $10 per farm

Includes course manual ($50 value), certificate of course completion ($35 value), lunch, and other refreshments. Please indicate on the registration form if you have dietary restrictions we should know about.  

Deadline to register: Monday, Nov. 13th at noon or until course is filled (max. 30 participants)

2.00 DEC pesticide recertification credits available in Categories 1A, 10, 22, and 23

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Orange on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

• How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
• What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
• Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
• When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided. 
Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday November 17th at the CCE Orange County Office, 18 Seward Ave, Ste 300, Middletown, NY 10940.

Register here, cost is $10: Register here

For more information on how to register,
contact Nathaniel Lartey at nl498@cornell.edu or 845-344-1234 Ext 251 or (C): 917-635-9966. 

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock.
Steve may be reached at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

Monday, November 20th from 10am to 2:30pm at CCE Schoharie, 173 S Grand St, Cobleskill, NY 12034

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Schoharie on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

• How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
• What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
• Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
• When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. 

Morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Registration is $10.Register here

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

Tuesday, November 21th from 10am to 2:30pm at CCE Saratoga, 50 W High St, Ballston Spa, NY 12020

Nicole Tommell and Steve Hadcock will host a workshop with CCE Saratoga on various farm asset protection strategies. Nicole is a Farm Management Specialist with the Central New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Team. Steve Hadcock is a Beginning Farmer specialist with the Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program. Nicole and Steve have many years of experience working with farm families on farm management and estate planning topics.

Topics included are:

• How can I use my current records to gauge how well my business is doing? Various suggestions will assist you in looking at your records differently.
• What can I do to retain employees? Ideas will be shared on how to get new employees off to a good start. Also, ideas on how to help retain employees as well.
• Am I ready to consider diversifying my business? Thoughts on how to approach evaluating the diversification of your farm business will be shared.
• When and how do I start the succession process? It is never too early to begin discussing farm succession/transfer. Topics will be covered to help you feel confident to begin the process for your business. Shared topics may help you with your process if you have already started.

Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. 

Morning refreshments and lunch are provided.

Registration is $10. Register here

For more information about the workshop content, contact Steve Hadcock at seh11@cornell.edu or 518-380-1497.

Take your farming enterprise to the next level with our dynamic 9-week online program! Join experts Liz Higgins and Bonnie Nelsen in a journey tailored for existing farm owners. Whether you're aiming for a loan, a grant, or strategic growth, our program offers the perfect blend of flexibility and expert guidance, helping you write, refine and enhance your farm business plan. Our structured approach simplifies each section of the business plan, integrating innovative resources like ChatGPT (AI) for enhanced writing assistance. Work with your farm's team, at your own pace, supported by the seasoned Farm Business Management Specialists from Cornell Cooperative Extension. Join us to turn your vision into a strategic and actionable plan, setting the stage for your farm's success!"

First Zoom Session December 6, 2023, 3:30-4:30

This year's Potato Advisory Meeting will include talks from Cornell faculty on insect pest and weed updates, as well as updates from this year's potato variety trials. Following lunch, there will be a round table discussion with fellow potato growers and industry members. DEC credits: 2.0 credits in 10, 1a, 23. This meeting is FREE to attendees and includes lunch!

As we dive into Week 2, it's time to get clear about the 'why' and 'who' of your business plan. Is it a roadmap for your own farm's growth? A key to unlock loans or grants? Or a blueprint for a new agricultural venture? Understanding the purpose and audience of your plan is crucial.

Zoom Session December 13, 2023, 3:30-4:30

New York Labor Roadshow VII: December 2023 Offered by New York's Ag Workforce Development Council

New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC) is currently organizing Labor Roadshow VII.  The Eastern NY event will be held on December 15 in Greenwich, NY from 8:30-4:15.

This annual meeting will present information on insect and disease management in fresh market vegetables in both field and greenhouse (high tunnel) vegetables, primarily for those growing for wholesale auction. Grafting, biological and, where appropriate, conventional spray options will be discussed. Berry production updates will be provided. A general session will include updates from the Food Safety Modernization Act. Judson Reid, Senior Extension Associate with the Cornell Vegetable Program along with CCE staff will instruct participants and facilitate peer-based learnings. DEC recertification credits will be offered.

Welcome to Week 4 (after the break)! Now, we're getting into the heart of your business plan - the sections that really define the essence of your farm business.

Zoom Session January 10, 2024, 3:30-4:30

As we step into Week 5, we're tackling one of the most critical parts of your business plan: Financial Projections. Whether you're starting fresh or expanding your farm, these numbers are the pulse of your future success.

Zoom session January 17, 2024, 3:30-4:30

Welcome to Week 6, where we explore the landscape of your market and how to navigate it successfully. This week is all about understanding your place in the market and preparing for the unexpected.

Zoom Session January 24, 2024, 3:30-4:30

In Week 7, we turn our attention to the core of your farming operation: your team and how you work together. Just like a well-oiled tractor or a perfectly timed planting season, the efficiency and harmony of your team can make a huge difference in your farm's success.

Zoom Session, January 31, 2024, 3:30-4:30