Beginning Farms

We offer the following resources and links to get you started on an exploration of farming opportunities and learning.




Relevant Events

Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day

April 24, 2025
Freeville, NY

How Harvest NY Can Support Your Business (For Value-Added Producers, Distributors and Manufacturers)

May 5, 2025

How Harvest NY Can Support Your Business (For Growers, Producers and Farmers)

May 7, 2025

Egg Prices are Historically High - Time to Re-Evaluate your Costs of Production

Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 8, 2025
Egg Prices are Historically High - Time to Re-Evaluate your Costs of Production

It takes a whole lot to produce a dozen eggs! Now's a great time to evaluate your costs so that you can charge a fair price that still enables you to make a profit.


It is Time to Check the Planter

Last Modified: April 8, 2025
It is Time to Check the Planter

It's April and planting season will be here before we know it. Take some time to check over your planter and conduct some maintenance so you are ready to hit the ground running in May. 


USDA Expediting Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers

Last Modified: April 1, 2025
USDA Expediting Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Contact your local FSA office for more information.


Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 3

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: March 18, 2025
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 3

The third and final session of the Advanced Soil Health Training Cohort focused on two critical topics: no-till and planting green. The session provided valuable insights through expert presentations and firsthand experiences shared by farmers through presentations and panel discussions.


Please Check H.E.R. Out: Ensuring a Compassionate End of Life

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: March 4, 2025
Please Check H.E.R. Out: Ensuring a Compassionate End of Life

Unfortunately, euthanasia is a decision every farmer has to make. This article stresses the need for clear euthanasia protocols, proper staff training, and emotional support for farmers making these difficult decisions.


Winter and wet weather manure spreading reminders

Last Modified: March 4, 2025

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding farmers to be mindful of conditions that are high risk for runoff.


Field Equipment or Road Equipment?

Last Modified: March 3, 2025
Field Equipment or Road Equipment?

As farms continue to evolve, truly addressing soil management in forage production requires more focus, with the distinction between field equipment and road equipment being an important opportunity.


So You Want To Become A Certified Pesticide Applicator?

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: March 3, 2025
So You Want To Become A Certified Pesticide Applicator?

Have you ever thought about becoming a Certified Pesticide Applicator but felt intimated by the process? This article walks through the steps to become a Certified Private Pesticide Applicator, including the necessary training, requirements, and testing as required by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). 


Win a Grain Rescue Tube and Training for Your Local Fire Department

Last Modified: February 4, 2025
Win a Grain Rescue Tube and Training for Your Local Fire Department

Win a grain rescue tube and training for your fire department! Nationwide Insurance once again is teaming up with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), Peosta, Iowa, to award emergency first responders with grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training to help save lives.


Proper Stored Grain Maintenance over the Winter: A Key to Pest Management

Last Modified: February 3, 2025
Proper Stored Grain Maintenance over the Winter: A Key to Pest Management

The combination of low grain prices and above average yields have led many farms to leave the grain in the bin and hope for better prices this spring. Check this article out for tips on how to protect your stored grain.


Fertilizer Calculations

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: January 23, 2025
Fertilizer Calculations

This article provides a detailed guide on how to calculate fertilizer applications based on soil test results, including examples of both granular and liquid fertilizers. It covers understanding fertilizer labels, determining nutrient content, and applying the correct amount of fertilizer to meet crop needs for optimal growth.


Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 2

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: January 23, 2025
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 2

The article discusses the insights gained from a soil health cohort session on cover crops, focusing on species selection, decision support tools, and root demonstrations. It also highlights how cover crops can improve soil health, enhance pest management, and provide valuable benefits for farm productivity and sustainability.






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Upcoming Events

Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day

April 24, 2025
Freeville, NY

How Harvest NY Can Support Your Business (For Value-Added Producers, Distributors and Manufacturers)

May 5, 2025

How Harvest NY Can Support Your Business (For Growers, Producers and Farmers)

May 7, 2025

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