Saying goodbye to our Farm Business Management Specialist
Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
It's bittersweet to announce that I'll be moving on from my role as Farm Business Management Specialist with the Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Program.
Working with producers and partners across the southwest New York region has been rewarding. Thanks for welcoming me into your meetings, barns, fields events, and inboxes and for your time and trust in working together. I came in hoping to contribute a little and ended up learning a lot more.
This past year, I've visited farms in every kind of weather, had conversations that ranged from technical to deeply personal, and gained appreciation for the resilience, creativity, and humor that keep the agriculture industry moving forward.
I'll be starting a new position with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets in the division of Agricultural Development. I look forward to supporting New York agriculture in a new role and carrying all that I've learned in extension with me.
-Kate
Field Crops
Dairy
Business
Livestock
Grains
Upcoming Events
Livestock Production Field Day
August 29, 2026 : Livestock Production Field Day
Chaffee, NY and East Aurora, NY,
Join us on visits to Horizon Ridge Farm in East Aurora and Troll Bridge Farm in Chaffee for an introduction to small beef and small diversified livestock enterprises. Through walking farm tours, attendees will learn about management, meat processing, setting prices, and finding local markets. Dinner will be provided. Register by contacting Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell.edu or 716-640-0844.
Poultry Processing Workshop, Naples, NY
September 17, 2026 : Poultry Processing Workshop - Naples, NY
Naples, NY
This program is one of four statewide roadshow stops across the state, offering farmers a full poultry processing experience. The class will teach skills that build confidence, reduce costs, and strengthen your farm's independence. This hands-on workshop gives farmers the chance to process a bird from start to finish, learning every step of the workflow used by small farms across the state.
Large Animal Awareness Training For First Responders
September 19, 2026
Dunkirk, NY
Join the Chautauqua County Technical Rescue Services and NYS Veterinarian, Dr. Kate Card-Allen, for a specialized training on how to safely and effectively respond to large animal incidents. Learn techniques for managing large animals during traffic accidents, rollovers, entrapments and other transportation emergencies.
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