NYS Offers Heard Health Assistance to Cattle and Small Ruminant Producers
Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

The New York State Cattle Health Assurance Program (NYSCHAP) and the New York State Sheep/Goat Health Assurance Program (NYSSGHAP) were developed to aid producers with setting up whole herd/flock health management programs. All advice is free and confidential, and there is money available to cover the costs of the initial farm visit between you, a state veterinary advisor, and your herd/flock veterinarian, and subsequent annual visits. What's covered in the visit is up to you, but generally, visits will cover the following topics:
- Increase herd/flock productivity and profitability
- Manage herd/flock health
- Assure food safety, public health, and consumer confidence
- Promote environmental stewardship.
For more information, contact your herd veterinarian. They'll work with your local NYS Agriculture and Markets Field Veterinarian to schedule a date and time for your first meeting.
Upcoming Events
Memoir Reading: Barn Gothic
December 4, 2025
Bath, NY
Barn Gothic is an elegy for family farmers and an intimate portrait of three generations laboring to be fathers and sons while their livelihood falls apart. Beautifully told with a farmer's restraint and a poet's grace, it is a story of personal loss amid corporate corruption and of finding a way forward when everything you know disappears.
NY Small Farms Summit 2025: Stronger Together
December 5, 2025
Alfred, NY
We hope you will join us on December 5th for the 2025 New York Small Farms Summit! This is an opportunity to meet other farmers and ag supporters, learn about research and education projects, and set priorities for future efforts to grow small farm success.
At the Allegany County site, we will focus on giving trees a chance and how trees build resiliency on small farms. Whether attracted to fruit, nuts, vegetables, fodder or shade, trees can be an integral part of a successful farming system. Join us as we explore the opportunities for resiliency that come from adding tree crops or managing wooded areas of your farm for agroforestry or silvopasture systems.
Crops, Cows & Critters - Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Newsletter Sponsorship
December 19, 2025
Our two forms of publications feature research-based and timely information from our four specialists, listed to the right, along with local event notifications and Cornell University outreach. This information is provided to participants who range from dairy, livestock, and field crops producers to agricultural suppliers and consultants.
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If you sponsor our weekly and monthly publications you reach approximately 955 households.
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