Agriculture

Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties offers research-based resources and education to our farming community, and addresses the overall goals of our local Ag & Farmland Protection Plans. Educators help farms to remain viable and profitable businesses by providing comprehensive, research-based information in animal and natural resource husbandry, business planning and marketing, diversified farm products, and technical and financial support opportunities.  We connect clients with Cornell University faculty, Extension experts, and with other community agencies that also can provide information and support.

About Ag at CCE
Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties is unique among local organizations in offering a continuum of education and resources that enable it to address a food systems issues in a holistic way. By working at a food-system level, we can more effectively respond to cross-cutting needs such as food safety, food access, local agriculture and community infrastructure. We offer resources for farmers, and consumers that span the food system.

For Farmers
Resources on farm production and marketing, intended to help increase the number of farms and farm profitability through workshops, business planning, and consulting on technical production and marketing. Through regional collaborations among five counties, Extension Agricultural Educators consult on sustainable production practices in dairy and field crops, livestock, vegetable and fruits, and agroforestry. New or beginning farmers will find information on soils and climate, and links to publications and websites focused on how to start a farm or find suitable land for agricultural endeavors. Other efforts are directed toward increasing opportunities for year-round food sales through season extension, processing, and by developing new connections between local farms and wholesale or institutional buyers.

For Consumers
Strong farmer-consumer connections result in a strong local foods system in which consumers identify and appreciate the value of local products, foods are produced and consumed locally, "food miles" and our carbon footprint are reduced, and dollars keep circulating here to strengthen our local economy. Through special events, farm tours, publications, and classroom outreach, Cornell Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties connects you and your family with the farmers who grow your food. For families with limited resources, "Healthy Food For All" provides subsidized shares in an organic CSA program.

Last updated November 12, 2024