December 2022 Storm Damage Survey
December 2022 Storm Damage Survey
To help public officials understand the extent of storm event damage and guide efforts to be better prepared for future storm events, Cornell Cooperative Extension - Erie is once again collecting storm damage reports for damage to agricultural infrastructure, equipment, livestock, stored crops, or winter produce associated with the December 2022 blizzard.
Reporting survey: https://cornell.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9AytO5D9oYvRCXc
Alternatively, you can scan this QR Code with your phone or tablet to complete the short survey.

Federal disaster declarations are in place for both the November and December events. We also recommend that you contact the local Farm Service Agency office (in Erie County: 716-652-1400) about damage to your operation. This may be an important step if or when federal assistance becomes available, most likely in the form of low-interest disaster recovery loans.
We hope you are on your way to recovering from these extreme events. We know farming is hard work with inherent risks. Still, back-to-back extreme winter storm events are more than most of us are ever prepared to deal with. Please accept our sincere condolences if your farm was among the local operations that suffered damage during one or both recent events. And don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of assistance at this time. John Whitney is available to enter damage survey information on your behalf if that's helpful. (jrw44@cornell.edu). John's cell phone is 716-796-3204. Lauren Wight in the Erie County Farm Service Agency office can also help enter information for you.
Farming can be stressful even without extreme storm events. We want to remind you that if you are feeling unusual levels of stress at any time, you might want to reach out to NY Farmnet. NY FarmNet is always free and confidential, phone 1-800-547-3276.
Upcoming Events
NY Sheep Shearing School 2025
March 15, 2025
East Meredith, NY
This 2-day sheep shearing school is great for beginners and also for those who want to improve their current shearing skills. Doug Rathke, a seasoned shearer, knows what it takes to learn the art of shearing and he knows what it takes to teach it on a level so it can be understood and retained.
This class will give you the confidence to start shearing your own flock or take it to the next level and earn income by shearing for others.
Avian Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - the latest updates and what it means for poultry health
March 18, 2025
In light of the state of HPAI across the country and in NYS, the Poultry Subgroup of the Livestock PWT has developed two webinars to assist small farms and backyard laying flock owners to make informed decisions around getting laying hens and managing disease, while keeping abreast of the current status of HPAI and how they can keep it out of their flocks.
Join Dr. Jarra Jagne of Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine and Dr. Chad Wall of NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets for an evening of learning about avian disease, including Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). We'll cover:
- Updates on the HPAI outbreak
- Symptoms of HPAI
- Common small flock diseases
- HPAI disease look-alikes
- Keeping your birds safe
Shop Talk: Integrated Weed Management

March 19, 2025
Andover, NY
Mike Hunter, Field Crop IPM Coordinator, will share his knowledge on managing weeds. The discussion will cover various management practices in both conventional and organic settings, including herbicide-resistant weeds.
Announcements
Transition Heifer Calf Program
Join us for this hand-on program and demos! We will be offering this program in English and in Spanish.Calf and heifer managers, dairy herdspersons, farm owners, and heifer raisers interested in learning more about how to better house and manage animals as they transition from the calf phase to the weaned heifer phase.
Topics covered:
Nutrition
Health
Housing Management
Inventory Management
Biosecurity: All attendees must wear clean clothes and boots. You will be required to scrub and disinfect footwear upon arrival to the program and before leaving.
Registration: $25 per person (includes lunch)