Owens Visits Lewis, Oneida Agriculture Areas

'HERE TO LEARN': Maple producers want assistance that's not intrusive

Rep. William L. Owens

CROGHAN — Rep. William L. Owens conducted a barnstorming tour of Lewis and northern Oneida counties Tuesday to gain insight into a variety of agricultural and business issues.
"I'm here to learn and listen and, I suspect, answer questions," Mr. Owens, D-Plattsburgh, told about a dozen maple producers during a stop at the American Maple Museum on Main Street.

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Owens Visits

US: Farm Food Safety Training & GAP Certification

In response to consumer concerns about food safety, many retailers have initiated programs requiring farmers to have independent third-party inspections of farms to certify that fruits and vegetables are being grown, harvested and packaged using good agricultural and management practices.  Effective farm strategies focus on prevention of contamination.

All farmers, regardless of farm size or product type, should have a farm food safety plan.  On April 14-15, Northern New York farmers will have the opportunity to develop those plans at a two-day workshop at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Learning Farm in Canton, NY.  

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Farm Food Safety

USDA Announces Funding to Enhance Market-based Approaches to Conservation

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2010 - The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced the availability of approximately $25 million in fiscal year 2010 to fund projects designed to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies through its Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) in fiscal year 2010.

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Market-based Approaches to Conservation

Thankful for Manure: Nutrient Management Info Now Online

Efficient use of manure and other nutrient sources, including soil, crop residue and purchased fertilizer, can save farmers money. To help North Country farmers reduce fertilizer costs without comprising crop quality or yield, the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program has posted a dozen articles and four farmer profiles written by NNY Cornell Cooperative Extension field crops educators.

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Thankful for Manure