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
Silvopasture on a Shoestring
October 7, 2025
Franklinville, NY
Join Joshua Greene, Director of Education at Trees For Graziers, Jonathan Bates, Statewide Agroforestry Educator, and Lynn Bliven, owner of Wild Geese Farm for a full day training event that will include classroom and hands-on sessions. The focus will be on DIY silvopasture projects on small grazing farms. We will address the practical considerations of tree establishment, protection, and maintenance while learning how silvopasture can help address your farm's resource concerns and enhance livestock grazing.
Optimizing the Economic Return of Pasture-Raised Slow-Growth and Conventional Broilers - Webinar
October 15, 2025 : Optimizing the Economic Return of Pasture-Raised Slow-Growth and Conventional Broilers - Webinar
Over the past three years, Cornell Cooperative Extension has worked with nearly 40 small farmers across NYS to gather information on the true costs of raising broilers (meat chickens) on pasture. This presentation is a summary of the findings of this research project.
2025 Annual Cornell Sheep and Goat Symposium Day 1
October 31, 2025 : 2025 Annual Cornell Sheep and Goat Symposium Day 1
Join sheep and goat production experts for three days of informational lectures, hands-on experiences, and demonstrations around sheep and goat production and management. The symposium starts on Friday, October 31 and runs through Sunday, November 2, 2025.
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