Small Ruminant Management & Fiber Conference Saturday, November 9, 2019 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Morrison Hall, Cornell University, 507 Tower Rd., Ithaca, NY Mary Smith, DVM., discusses setting up a flock/herd health management program and specifics on coping with foot and skin issues in small ruminants.Dr. Tatiana Stanton will give a talk on innovations in parasite managementWini Labrecque presents an introduction to cashmere, mohair and wool.Practice livestock skills, including hay evaluation, coping with kidding/lambing issues, hoof care and a practical demonstration of evaluating cashmere goats under the guidance of trained professionals.Presentations on cashmere genetics, genetics for color in fiber goats and sheep, and nutrition for follicle development and fiber production in small ruminants.Hands-on labs evaluating cashmere, mohair and wool, and presentations on designing and marketing fiber products.Dr. Nora Kravis, DVM of Chianti Cashmere, Italy discusses proactive farm management to improve livestock/predator coexistence and farm/wildlife habitat.Directions, Details on Transportation/Parking, Sponsorships, Tradeshow, Youth Discounts and Scholarships: https://tinyurl.com/y2ycwd6n. For information on being a sponsor and/or tradeshow participation, please contact Pamela Haendle at hermitpond@gmail.com. Information on youth discounts and limited scholarships is available through Christine McBrearty-Hulse at cmcbreartyhulse@gmail.com.Lodging: We have blocked rooms at the Clarion Inn (phone: 607-257-3100, 2310 N. Triphammer Rd., Ithaca, NY 14850) on November 8, 9 and/or 10, 2019, for $129.99/night. Reservations must be made by October 18thand must specify either Cashmere Goat Association or “CGA” to get this rate. Blocked rooms include doubles and kings. Parking is free. Registration: Online at https://tinyurl.com/y6sgfafv. Cost: Both days, $80 for non-members of the Cashmere Goat Association (CGA), $65 for members of CGA. The fee to attend a single day is $50 for both CGA members and non-members. If interested in joining CGA, please go to https://tinyurl.com/y64p2f23. ========================================= 2019 Annual Meeting and Dinner Thursday, November 14, 2019 6:15 pm - 8:15 pm Come join us for our Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County’s Annual Meeting and Dinner! On Thursday, November 14th at the Brunswick Greens located at 1004 Hoosick Street, Troy. Doors will open at 6:15 PM, formal annual meeting will commence at 6:45 PM followed by dinner at 7 PM. During our Annual Meeting portion of the evening we will be announcing the results or our 2020 elections. Following dinner we will be recognizing departing Board and Committee members and presenting our annual Golden Shovel Awards to volunteers, supporters, organizations/businesses that have gone above and beyond to help CCE increase our local impact.If you are interested in attending please contact our office to RSVP. If you are 18 years or older and a resident of Rensselaer County and would like to obtain a ballot, please contact our office located at 61 State Street, Troy, NY, phone 518-272-4210. Ballots and dinner reservations are due November 8th to our office.Click here for registration form ========================================= Tarping for Reduced Tillage Workshop Tuesday, November 19, 2019 9:00 am - 4:00 pm Cornell Cooperative Extension, 24 Martin Rd., Voorheesville, NY 121869:00 AM to 4:00 PMRegister Cost to participate is $35 per person with lunch and refreshments provided.Scholarships are available for active duty U.S. armed forces or military veterans in NY, covering up to $100 for travel costs and registration with support from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. To apply, contact Dean Koyanagi at drk5@cornell.edu or (607) 255-9911.For questions on registration and workshops, contact Ryan Maher at rmm325@cornell.edu.Are you a vegetable farmer already using tarps? Or are you wondering if and how tarps could work best on your farm?The Cornell Small Farms Program is excited to announce a series of workshops on tarping for reduced tillage in small-scale vegetable systems, to be held in Maine and New York this fall. The Reduced Tillage (RT) project of the Cornell Small Farms Program supports farmers in adopting scale-appropriate RT practices that can lead to healthy, productive soils and greater profitability. Through the evaluation of novel tools and methods using systems-based field research and on-farm trials, the project helps farmers learn about the approaches that can work for their farm. This work is accomplished in collaboration with the University of Maine, and with support from Northeast SARE.Tarping has emerged as a new practice for small farms — a tool being used to suppress weeds, manage soils, and reduce tillage. Join a full-day intensive farmer-to-farmer workshop to talk about how we can use tarps to advance reduced and no-till vegetable production. During the workshops we’ll discuss tillage, weeds, and how to combine tarps with other soil building practices — like compost, mulches, and cover crops. You will learn from farmers as they share their successes and failures with tarps being used on their farm. You will also hear research results from five years of tarping trials in Maine and New York, which test no-till practices side-by-side with conventional management.Join us and share your own tarping experiences and walk away with a plan to use tarps with less tillage on your farm. This is participatory workshop designed for farmers to learn from other farmers. Come prepared to dig-in, share your practices and struggles, and bring your questions as you consider adopting, changing, or expanding tarping practices on your farm. ========================================= Farmer Discussion Meetings Tuesday, January 7, 2020 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program will be holding winter Farmer Discussion Group meetings in early January 2020. Dayton Maxwell, newly hired CAAHP Farm Business Management Educator, will lead a discussion on farm business management in a challenging agricultural economy. Aaron Gabriel, CAAHP Agronomy Educator, will discuss new and old pests, including the soybean cyst nematode, western bean cutworm, and several weeds (tall waterhemp, palmer amaranth, marestail, knapweeds, and bedstraws). These pests create new challenges that require diligent management. All meetings are scheduled from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pmPlease register at https://tinyurl.com/FarmerDiscussionGroups2020, or by contacting Aaron Gabriel, 518-380-1496, adg12@cornell.eduDayton Maxwell, 518-380-1498, dtm4@cornell.edu. There is no charge for the meetings and lunch will be provided. Please register in advance so we can plan for lunch.January 7, 2020Proudfit Hall, 181 South Main St., Salem, NY 12865January 8, 2020 Knox Town Hall, 2192 Berne-Altamont Rd., Knox, NY 12009January 9, 2020Brunswick Family Community Center, 19 Keyes Ln, Troy, NY 12180 January 10, 2020CCE Columbia/Greene Office, 479 Rte. 66, Hudson, NY 12534 January 14, 2020Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY Rte. 23, Acra, NY 12405 ========================================= Farmer Discussion Meetings Wednesday, January 8, 2020 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program will be holding winter Farmer Discussion Group meetings in early January 2020. Dayton Maxwell, newly hired CAAHP Farm Business Management Educator, will lead a discussion on farm business management in a challenging agricultural economy. Aaron Gabriel, CAAHP Agronomy Educator, will discuss new and old pests, including the soybean cyst nematode, western bean cutworm, and several weeds (tall waterhemp, palmer amaranth, marestail, knapweeds, and bedstraws). These pests create new challenges that require diligent management. All meetings are scheduled from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pmPlease register at https://tinyurl.com/FarmerDiscussionGroups2020, or by contacting Aaron Gabriel, 518-380-1496, adg12@cornell.eduDayton Maxwell, 518-380-1498, dtm4@cornell.edu. There is no charge for the meetings and lunch will be provided. Please register in advance so we can plan for lunch.January 7, 2020Proudfit Hall, 181 South Main St., Salem, NY 12865January 8, 2020 Knox Town Hall, 2192 Berne-Altamont Rd., Knox, NY 12009January 9, 2020Brunswick Family Community Center, 19 Keyes Ln, Troy, NY 12180 January 10, 2020CCE Columbia/Greene Office, 479 Rte. 66, Hudson, NY 12534 January 14, 2020Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY Rte. 23, Acra, NY 12405 ========================================= Farmer Discussion Meetings Thursday, January 9, 2020 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program will be holding winter Farmer Discussion Group meetings in early January 2020. Dayton Maxwell, newly hired CAAHP Farm Business Management Educator, will lead a discussion on farm business management in a challenging agricultural economy. Aaron Gabriel, CAAHP Agronomy Educator, will discuss new and old pests, including the soybean cyst nematode, western bean cutworm, and several weeds (tall waterhemp, palmer amaranth, marestail, knapweeds, and bedstraws). These pests create new challenges that require diligent management. All meetings are scheduled from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pmPlease register at https://tinyurl.com/FarmerDiscussionGroups2020, or by contacting Aaron Gabriel, 518-380-1496, adg12@cornell.eduDayton Maxwell, 518-380-1498, dtm4@cornell.edu. There is no charge for the meetings and lunch will be provided. Please register in advance so we can plan for lunch.January 7, 2020Proudfit Hall, 181 South Main St., Salem, NY 12865January 8, 2020 Knox Town Hall, 2192 Berne-Altamont Rd., Knox, NY 12009January 9, 2020Brunswick Family Community Center, 19 Keyes Ln, Troy, NY 12180 January 10, 2020CCE Columbia/Greene Office, 479 Rte. 66, Hudson, NY 12534 January 14, 2020Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY Rte. 23, Acra, NY 12405 ========================================= Beef Quality Assurance Workshop Thursday, January 9, 2020 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Cambridge Valley Livestock Market, 2147 NY 22, Cambridge, NY 12816 Transportation Quality Assurance plays a critical role in the health and welfare of cattle. By using best practices, transporters can save the beef industry millions of dollars each year. When a transporter participates in the program they are showing consumers they are ready to take every step possible to keep cattle as healthy and safe as possible.The program covers many topics including: Cattle handling guidelines & diagrams Checklists for loading/unloading Checklists for hot/cold weather factors Checklists for fit/injured/weak cattle Checklist for traveling Loading suggestions and worksheets Bio-security & Emergency Action PlansCost: FREE but please register online at https://tinyurl.com/BQAT2020or call (518)765-3518/emailcce-caahp@cornell.edu. Questions: Ashley Pierce at 518-649-0267/arp253@cornell.edu or Tom Gallagher at 518-577-0958/tjg3@cornell.edu. ========================================= Farmer Discussion Meetings Friday, January 10, 2020 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program will be holding winter Farmer Discussion Group meetings in early January 2020. Dayton Maxwell, newly hired CAAHP Farm Business Management Educator, will lead a discussion on farm business management in a challenging agricultural economy. Aaron Gabriel, CAAHP Agronomy Educator, will discuss new and old pests, including the soybean cyst nematode, western bean cutworm, and several weeds (tall waterhemp, palmer amaranth, marestail, knapweeds, and bedstraws). These pests create new challenges that require diligent management. All meetings are scheduled from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pmPlease register at https://tinyurl.com/FarmerDiscussionGroups2020, or by contacting Aaron Gabriel, 518-380-1496, adg12@cornell.eduDayton Maxwell, 518-380-1498, dtm4@cornell.edu. There is no charge for the meetings and lunch will be provided. Please register in advance so we can plan for lunch.January 7, 2020Proudfit Hall, 181 South Main St., Salem, NY 12865January 8, 2020 Knox Town Hall, 2192 Berne-Altamont Rd., Knox, NY 12009January 9, 2020Brunswick Family Community Center, 19 Keyes Ln, Troy, NY 12180 January 10, 2020CCE Columbia/Greene Office, 479 Rte. 66, Hudson, NY 12534 January 14, 2020Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY Rte. 23, Acra, NY 12405 ========================================= Farmer Discussion Meetings Tuesday, January 14, 2020 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm The Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program will be holding winter Farmer Discussion Group meetings in early January 2020. Dayton Maxwell, newly hired CAAHP Farm Business Management Educator, will lead a discussion on farm business management in a challenging agricultural economy. Aaron Gabriel, CAAHP Agronomy Educator, will discuss new and old pests, including the soybean cyst nematode, western bean cutworm, and several weeds (tall waterhemp, palmer amaranth, marestail, knapweeds, and bedstraws). These pests create new challenges that require diligent management. All meetings are scheduled from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pmPlease register at https://tinyurl.com/FarmerDiscussionGroups2020, or by contacting Aaron Gabriel, 518-380-1496, adg12@cornell.eduDayton Maxwell, 518-380-1498, dtm4@cornell.edu. There is no charge for the meetings and lunch will be provided. Please register in advance so we can plan for lunch.January 7, 2020Proudfit Hall, 181 South Main St., Salem, NY 12865January 8, 2020 Knox Town Hall, 2192 Berne-Altamont Rd., Knox, NY 12009January 9, 2020Brunswick Family Community Center, 19 Keyes Ln, Troy, NY 12180 January 10, 2020CCE Columbia/Greene Office, 479 Rte. 66, Hudson, NY 12534 January 14, 2020Agroforestry Resource Center, 6055 NY Rte. 23, Acra, NY 12405 ========================================= Capital Area Bedding Plant Conference Thursday, January 16, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick St, Troy, NY. Lunch included. 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (registration begins at 8:00 AM)Topics: identification and treatments for powdery and downy mildews marketing to a new generation of plant buyers updates from Cornell trials and research Cost: $45.00 per person, pre-registered and paid in advance.$65.00 per person, paid at the door.Register and pay online: https://tinyurl.com/BeddingPlantConf2020 Registration will close on January 14, 2020.For assistance with registration, email cce-caahp@cornell.edu or call 518-765-3518.Questions about speakers and topics: contact Lindsey Christianson at (518)429-8608 or ldc74@cornell.edu. ========================================= Capital Area Cut Flower Conference Friday, January 17, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Hilton Garden Inn Troy, 235 Hoosick St, Troy, NY 12180, USA8:00 AM - 4:00 PM (registration begins at 8:00 AM)Cost: $45.00 per person, pre-registered and paid in advance.$65.00 per person, paid at the door.Register and pay online: https://tinyurl.com/CutFlowerConf2020 Registration will close on January 15, 2020.For assistance with registration, email cce-caahp@cornell.edu or call 518-765-3518.Topics:Soil health Reduced till systems New NYS labor laws - question and answer session Flower growers discuss their very different operations Questions about speakers and topics: contact Lindsey Christianson at (518)429-8608 or ldc74@cornell.edu. ========================================= Martin Luther King Day Monday, January 20, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Martin Luther King Day. ========================================= Part-Time Farmer Tax School Tuesday, January 21, 2020 5:30 pm - 9:00 pm CCE of Columbia-Greene Counties, 479 Route 66, Hudson, NY 12534CCE of Rensselaer County, 61 State Street, Troy, New York 121805:30 – 9:00 pmCAAHP’s Part-Time Farmer Tax School is being offered in two locations this year! You can choose between Hudson, NY and Troy, NY. The class material is the same at both locations.When it comes to taxes, do you have any of these questions? How much farm income do I need to make in order to be able to deduct it on my taxes? What tax related form(s) do I need to complete? What, if any, tax management strategy should I have for my farm business? Should I form an LLC or other form of business, and what tax documentation do lenders require?CAAHP Educators, Steve Hadcock and Dayton Maxwell, are prepared to answer these and other tax related questions for you during this meeting. In addition to discussing income tax concepts, they will also explore Agricultural Value Assessment, Building Exemptions, Sales Tax Regulations and Farmers School Tax Credit. Cost: $20.00 per person, includes light dinner and printed materials.Register online: Part-Time Farmer Tax School, Hudson Session Part-Time Farmer Tax School, Troy Session call 518-765-3518 to register and pay by phone. Email cce-caahp@cornell.edu for questions. ========================================= Twelfth Annual Winter Green-Up Saturday, January 25, 2020 8:00 am - 4:15 pm The Century House • 997 New Loudon Road • Latham • NY 12210Come join us at our twelfth Winter Green-Up, the Capital District’s original grazing conference! Hear talks from grazing experts, get to know other farmers and enjoy a buffet luncheon featuring local, grass-fed meats.Speakers for Winter Green-Up 2020 include Mike Baker (Cornell), Lexie Hain (Executive Director for the American Solar Grazing Association), Abe Collins (grazier, consultant and cofounder of LandStream, Inc.), Ashley Bridge (homestead farmer with a few extra enterprises up her sleeve that support her farm0, and Diana Rodgers, RD, LDN (“real food” Licensed Registered Dietitian Nutritionist living on a working organic farm).Cost: $80.00/person for adults, $60/person for ages 12-18 if registered and paid in advance. $100/person for adults, $70/person for ages 12-18 at the door. To help us plan for refreshments and the luncheon buffet, please register in advance. Register: https://tinyurl.com/WGU2020. For assistance with registration, email cce-caahp@cornell.edu or call 518-765-3518.Questions: Tom, 518-577-0958/tjg3@cornell.edu, Ashley, 518-765-3519/arp253@cornell.edu ========================================= Board of Directors Monday, January 27, 2020 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm The Board of Directors will meet at the CCE offices, 61 State Street, Troy, NY at 7:00pm. ========================================= 30 Hour Training Course for Pesticide Applicators 2020 Tuesday, February 4, 2020 9:00 am - 3:00 pm February 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 2020 (snow dates February 7th and 14th)  from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day. Classes will be held at the CCE offices, 61 State Street, Troy, NY. This course is offered as part of the training requirements needed for people seeking to become certified as pesticide technicians in category 3a OR certified as a private applicator in category 25 by the NYSDEC. When you successfully attend this entire class, you should be eligible to take the NYSDEC exams. Program fee is $400.00 per person. Registration deadline is January 24, 2020 or when the class is filled. Click here for full brochure Marcie Vohnoutka, mmp74@cornell.edu, (518) 272-4210 ext 111 ========================================= President's Day Monday, February 17, 2020 8:15 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of President's Day. ========================================= Board of Directors Meeting Monday, February 24, 2020 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm The Board of Directors will meet at 61 State Street, Troy, NY 12180 ========================================= Turf & Landscape Pest Management Update** CANCELLED** Tuesday, February 25, 2020 9:00 am - 12:15 pm CCE Rensselaer, 61 State Street , Troy, New York 12180 Please note this program has been CANCELLED. Offered on Two Dates! Tuesday, February 25th and Tuesday March 17th, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM. Class will be held at the CCE office located at 61 State Street, Troy, NY.  Three (3) NYS DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits are available.(See program brochure for details)Topics and Speakers:9:00 -11:00 AM-  What's Killing My Plant! 11:15 - 12:15 AM- Introduction To Diagnosing Lawn Problems.Click here for a full brochure and registration information. David Chinery, dhc3@cornell.edu, (518) 272-4210 ext 114 ========================================= Spring Garden Day 2020 Saturday, March 7, 2020 9:45 am - 3:30 pm (Snow date Sunday, March 8th)  Celebrate Gardening!Special Keynote Session:  Smarter Gardening-Choose classes from 10 different gardening subjects-Delicious lunch provided by the Rensselaer County Master Gardeners-Shop for bargains at the used garden book and plant sale-Pick-A- Prize Auction, with something for everyone-Fabulous door prizes!Click here for full brochure ========================================= Turf & Landscape Pest Management Update** CANCELLED** Tuesday, March 17, 2020 9:00 am - 12:15 pm CCE Rensselaer, 61 State Street , Troy, New York 12180 Please note this program has been CANCELLED. Offered on Two Dates! Tuesday, February 25th and Tuesday March 17th, 2020 from 9:00 AM - 12:15 PM. Class will be held at the CCE office located at 61 State Street, Troy, NY.  Three (3) NYS DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits are available.(See program brochure for details)Topics and Speakers:9:00 -11:00 AM-  What's Killing My Plant! 11:15 - 12:15 AM- Introduction To Diagnosing Lawn Problems.Click here for a full brochure and registration information. David Chinery, dhc3@cornell.edu, (518) 272-4210 ext 114 ========================================= Building Status Friday, March 20, 2020 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm Due to guidance on COVID-19 by USDA, NYSDOH and RCDOH, all are required to make an appointment before coming into our office.Only appointments of a time sensitive and vital nature will be considered.Additionally, you will only be able to enter our office if you can answer NO to the following questions:1.Have you or someone living in your household, you have been in close or frequent contact with, or someone you are caring for been diagnosed with COVID-19?2.In the last 14 days, have you or someone living in your household, you have been in close or frequent contact withor someone you are caring for returned from or made a travel connection through a CDC Level 3 or Level 2 country or State Department Level 3 or Level 4 Country?3.Do you currently have, or have you had within the last 24 hours any cold or flu symptoms with a fever higher than 100.4 or acute respiratory distress (shortness of breath/coughing)?To make an appointment please call our office at 518-272-4210.Please know due to public health guidance the majority of our staff are working remotely.To reach out directly to our staff, please go to our staff page  staff contact informationThank you for your patience as we work through the COVID-19 threat together! ========================================= Memorial Day Monday, May 25, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will closed in observance of Memorial Day. ========================================= Garden Tour 2020 Thursday, June 18, 2020 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm This drive-it-yourself tour will features Greater West Sand Lake and surrounding areas.  Everyone will enjoy seeing the gardens and learning from their owners, and will take home dozens of inspirational ideas.Maps will be on sale for $15.00 per person or $45.00 per car (3 or more people) and can be purchased from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. the day of the tour only at either Robert C. Parker School, 4254 NY Route 43, Wynantskill, NY 12198, or Church of the Covenant United Methodist, 3055 NY Route 43, Wynantskill, NY 12018.The tour will be held rain or shine.  Proceeds will benefit the Rensselaer County Master Gardener program.Individuals with questions or special needs requiring accommodation should contact Cornell Cooperative Extension at (518) 272-4210 or dhc3@cornell.edu. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.. David Chinery, dhc3@cornell.edu, (518) 272-4210 ext 114 ========================================= Independence Day Friday, July 3, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Independence Day. ========================================= Labor Day Monday, September 7, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day. ========================================= Columbus Day Monday, October 12, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Columbus Day. ========================================= Election Day Tuesday, November 3, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed for Election Day. ========================================= Veteran's Day Wednesday, November 11, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Veteran's Day. ========================================= Thanksgiving Day Thursday, November 26, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving. ========================================= Christmas Friday, December 25, 2020 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed in observance of Christmas. ========================================= New Year's Day Friday, January 1, 2021 8:00 am - 4:00 pm The CCE offices will be closed  New Year's Day. =========================================