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by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Applying to grants early can make the difference between obtaining funding and not. Elizabeth Higgins, Extension specialist Ag Business Management, spoke about upcoming grants in a recent webinar hosted by Cornell. Higgins works for the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program of Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Hudson Valley Research Lab in Highland, NY. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
The doorways at your farm market are wide enough. You have ramps at entrances and designated parking spaces and restroom stalls. You think you’re completely accessible. But you could find yourself sued for lack of accessibility if your website isn’t compatible with software that reads text for those who are visually impaired. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Showing animals formed the beginning of Rugenstein Family Farm in Canandaigua, NY. Owned by Mike Pyra and his wife, Amy, the farm owns 21 beef cows and 6 pigs. Since the Pyras own just 2 acres, they house only the pigs and keep the cow herd at Amy’s parents’ home four miles away, where they have 15 acres designated for livestock. They also raise 75 acres of hay for the beef herd and to sell. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
CLYDE, NY — It’s easy to get nearsighted with the activities on one’s own farm and lose touch with industry trends. That’s why David M. Kohl, Ph.D., professor emeritus, Agricultural and Applied Economics College of Agriculture & Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, presented “Economic Radar Screen 2019-2020” at a recent open house at A.N. Martin Systems, LLC. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Fire Creek Farms in Livonia, NY is, in many ways, a dream come true to its owners. Farming has always been important to Jakob Stevens and his fiancé, Kyli Knickerbocker. Both grew up farming and realized while initially dating that they wanted to start their own farm together. The couple launched their operation in 2016 with 10 pigs. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
GENEVA, NY — A growing number of people want to know who raises their food and how. To help put a face on a farm and promote local foods and beverages, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County hosted Farmer and Chef Fair: Cut, Prep, Pair, a “Meat and Greet” event recently, which involved 10 area producers and local restaurant chefs. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
GENEVA, NY — You know what your crops should look like as they come up but if you can’t identify what weeds come up, it can be very difficult to trounce these competitors for nutrients, especially as an organic operator. New York Certified Organic’s final Winter Meeting for 2019 discussed weed identification. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
People farm for many reasons, from continuing their family’s heritage to caring for the land to doing what they love best. But ultimately, they need to make money at it, especially if they don’t work off the farm. Frank Wardynski, Michigan State University Extension educator, presented “Novice Farm Financial Management: the Next Level” as a recent webinar to help farmers better understand how their money management affects their ability to continue to farm. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Many farmers and ranchers are so busy trying to get their operations producing and profitable that they give little thought to physical health; however, mental health also deserves attention. Michigan State University recently offered a webinar on the topic, presented by Andrea Bjornestad, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development at South Dakota State University and Courtney Cuthbertson, community behavioral health specialist at Michigan State University Extension. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Investing in a tractor represents a big part of any small farm’s budget. The selection can affect the farm’s efficiency and profitability. Especially if it’s a used tractor — which many farms may choose to keep costs down — the right tractor can really make a difference in the farm’s viability. No farm of any size and longevity needs big tractor repair bills. That’s why Jason Hartschuh, an agriculture extension educator with Ohio State, presented “How to Buy the Right Tractor for Your Small Farm” at the recent New York Farm Show. (more…)
