Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, in partnership with the Watershed Agricultural Council, will host the 20th annual Catskill Regional Agriculture Conference Thursday, Jan. 12, beginning at 9:30 a.m. in Farrell Hall at SUNY Delhi. After two years of holding the conference virtually, it is back in person with a virtual option. Join farmers from around the region for this premier agricultural event. Top-notch speakers will present timely information about dairy, livestock, vegetable and cut flower production as well as grazing management.
As in previous years, the conference will feature a local foods luncheon and keynote speaker. This year’s featured speaker is Cornell Agriculture Climate Resiliency Specialist Zach Spangler, with Cornell’s Harvest New York team who will be speaking on climate policies and what they mean. His work supports farmers’ efforts to contribute to climate change mitigation, improve their ability to respond to stresses, and to adapt to changing climate patterns while maintaining or improving farm viability.
Registration begins at 9:30 a.m. followed by two early bird sessions at 10 a.m. which include Creating an Efficient Broiler Enterprise, and Stand Out at Farm Stands, a panel discussion with local farmers.
Attendees may choose to follow a single track or mix and match sessions that are of interest. Core sessions take place at 11 a.m., 1:40 and 2:40 p.m., and include the following topics:
• Dairy and field crops: How is Your Milk Price Determined & Understanding that PPD; Lowering Bulk Tank Somatic Cell and Keeping it Low; Innovative Approaches to Terminating Winter Rye Cover Crops.
• Livestock: Stocker Cattle – How it can Work, Status of Dung Beetles in New York State; Basics of Making Breeding Selections for your Livestock
• Grazing: Planning and Designing your Fence Project, Management Tools for Grazing Success; So You have a Hayfield you Want to Graze…
• Vegetables: Weed ID and Management Options, Introduction to Soils & Soil Health; Expand your Offerings with Uncommon Fruits
• Flowers: Calculating Cut Flower Profitability; Considering a U-Pick Cut Flower Operation, Wedding Opportunities for the Farmer Florist
There will be an all-day trade show of local agri-service provider offers networking opportunities between sessions.
For more information and to register visit ccedelaware.org. Questions can be directed to Kim Holden at 607-865-7090, ext. 241 or kmh19@cornell.edu. Pre-registration, including the luncheon is $35 per person and is required by Friday, Jan. 6.
