Beginning Farms

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




Relevant Events

2025 Winter NYCO Meetings

January 14, 2025
March 11, 2025

Class A CDL Training Course

January 18, 2025
February 22, 2025
March 22, 2025

2025 NYBPA Annual Conference & Membership Meeting

January 24 - January 25, 2025
East Syracuse, NY

Cornell Organic Grains Conference

February 6, 2025

Decoding Your Soil Test Results

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

Last Modified: November 18, 2024
Decoding Your Soil Test Results

Regular soil sampling is important for improving management practices, but many people feel confused when they receive their test results. With so much information, it can be hard to know what to do next. In this article, I'll explain the different measurements found in soil test reports and how to use this information effectively.


Manure-Handling Emergency Action Plans

Last Modified: November 11, 2024
Manure-Handling Emergency Action Plans

Every farm, regardless of size, that handles animal waste must be prepared to manage a manure-handling emergency. While prevention is the best strategy to reduce the risk of this type of emergency, not all manure spills can be prevented; therefore, a written emergency action plan should be developed for every farm. This article highlights the components in an emergency action plan and their importance.


Recommended Procedures for a Between-field Combine Clean-out

Last Modified: October 23, 2024
Recommended Procedures for a Between-field Combine Clean-out

Cleaning out your combine can help reduce the spread of weed seed, including herbicide resistant weeds. Check out this article to provide tips on how to cleanout your combine during the growing season!


State Opens up $4.25M in Grant Funding for Beginning and Disadvantaged Farmers

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

Last Modified: October 17, 2024
State Opens up $4.25M in Grant Funding for Beginning and Disadvantaged Farmers

Two competitive state grants are available to fund start-up, improvement, or expansion of farm operations; support for marketing, training, construction, and more! Applications open October 25th and December 30th, closing January 24th, 2025 and December 30, 2024, respectively.


Drones in Agriculture

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

Last Modified: October 14, 2024
Drones in Agriculture

This article discusses how drone technology fits into agriculture. While drones may offer some benefits, farmers should consider costs, regulations and farm needs before adopting them.


Selling Eggs? Here's What You Need to Know

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

Last Modified: October 3, 2024
Selling Eggs? Here's What You Need to Know

Selling eggs can bring in some extra farm income, alleviate the stress of a full egg fridge (admit it, we all have one in the spring and summer!), and help you feed your community. Small flock owners can sell eggs to individuals, at a farm market, or wholesale to NYS stores for retail sale. As eggs are produced and prepared for sale, there are some safety considerations and state regulations that need to be kept in mind.


Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training

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

Last Modified: September 23, 2024
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training

Recently, I participated in the first meeting in the Advanced Soil Health Training Cohort hosted by American Farmland Trust. Topics that we cover throughout the program include increased soil health, cover crop management, conducting soil health assessments, and economic considerations of adoption. With the first meeting having taken place in August, I wanted to share some of my lessons learned.


Manure Management - The Safety Aspect

Last Modified: September 16, 2024
Manure Management - The Safety Aspect

As manure gets spread onto corn fields this fall, it's important to remember that manure gas is incredibly dangerous. Take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your employees as you spread manure from storage. 


Managing Weeds in Grass Pastures

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

Last Modified: September 4, 2024
Managing Weeds in Grass Pastures

With summer coming to an end, it can be a great time to control some of our pesky pasture weeds. If you're interested in managing weeds in your pastures, check out this article for more information. 


Raising Pigs on Pasture: Lessons Learned from North Carolina

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

Last Modified: September 3, 2024
Raising Pigs on Pasture: Lessons Learned from North Carolina

At a recent talk by a pig producer with over 20 years' experience as part of the Carolina Meat Conference highlights major considerations for raising pigs on pasture.


Managing Flood Damaged Crops

Last Modified: August 14, 2024

With the recent flood damage, crops were unfortunately damaged. This article highlights how to manage crops that were damaged by floods. 


Assessing Forage Crop Damage from Recent Weather Events

Last Modified: August 13, 2024
Assessing Forage Crop Damage from Recent Weather Events

Flooding has had a devastating impact in the region this past weekend. Regardless of whether a few acres or several fields were affected, it is helpful to get out and scout your crops to understand the impacts. Cornell Cooperative Extension reminds farms affected by recent storm damage to document and share any impacts the weather may have had on their home or business. 






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Upcoming Events

2025 Winter NYCO Meetings

January 14, 2025
March 11, 2025

Class A CDL Training Course

January 18, 2025
February 22, 2025
March 22, 2025

2025 NYBPA Annual Conference & Membership Meeting

January 24 - January 25, 2025
East Syracuse, NY

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