Cultivating the Next Generation of Farmers

Programs cover multiple aspects of food security such as soil resources and soil health, crop plant genomics, field evaluation of crops, production guidelines, genetic improvement of animals and animal production, economics of production and farm management, integrated pest management, and healthy produce production and storage.

Aspiring and beginning farmers in Sullivan County have a variety of informational and practical needs when it comes to understanding what it takes to start and succeed at a life and career in agriculture. New farmer technical assistance has touched on multiple topics: •The Basics: How to set up a farm, agricultural districts and assessments, regulations, marketing, business planning, production practices, site selection, soil testing, pasture management, animal health, and husbandry •Vegetable Farming: Vegetables, fruit trees, high tunnels, bees, crop rotation, pest control, and tillage with tractor implements •Poultry: Breed selection, egg hatching, raising chicks and adult birds, feed and nutrition, equipment, healthcare, and regulations for selling eggs and meat •Swine: Breed selection, breeding and farrowing, feed and nutrition, equipment, healthcare, and regulations for selling meat

SPOTLIGHT ON: WINTERTON FARMS

Winterton Farms was established in 2010 in Bloomingburg, NY. Owned and operated by Kent Findley and Erika Malmgreen-Findley, this farm grows a variety of vegetables under high tunnels and in the field, produces maple syrup, and manages over 1000 lavender plants. Winterton Farms is dedicated to producing quality products and sharing their enthusiasm for agriculture in the form of agritourism. They host events and tours for schools and participate in farmers’ markets and the NYS Maple Tour. Winterton Farms has worked with CCE Sullivan on grant opportunities, identifying pests and diseases on crops, and farm food safety.

•Twilight Farm Tours •Introduction to Poultry •Introduction to Farming •Introduction to Swine •4-H Equine Program •4-H Animal Science Program •Youth Livestock Auction •Sullivan County Youth Fair

New Farmer Related Workshops, Events, and Initiatives

CCE Sullivan helps farmers connect to new markets such as the Catskills Food Hub, schools, and other institutions.

CCE Sullivan staff work with beginning and existing farmers to connect them with new sales outlets in the county and state, ranging from local farmers markets to our Shop Taste NY website. CCE Sullivan provides support to new and existing farmers, helping them put their best foot forward at markets.

Through CCE Sullivan’s 4H Youth Development Program, staff work to cultivate the next generation of farmers. s 4H Youth m, staff work to eration of farmers.

CCE Sullivan planned a farm tour at Wild Russet Farm as part of a Beginner Farmer Twilight Farm Tour Series.

CCE Sullivan offers educational programs for beginner farmers. At the Intro to Swine Workshop in collaboration with CCE Ulster, participants learned best practices for raising pigs.