New York Small Farms Summit 2025: Stronger Together Friday, December 5, 2025 9:00 am - 3:30 pm Alfred State College Farm , 1254 State Route 244 , Alfred, NY 14802 We hope you will join us on December 5th for the 2025 New York Small Farms Summit! This is an opportunity to meet other farmers and ag supporters, learn about research and education projects, and set priorities for future efforts to grow small farm success.At the Allegany County site, we will focus on giving trees a chance and how trees build resiliency on small farms. Whether attracted to fruit, nuts, vegetables, fodder or shade, trees can be an integral part of a successful farming system. Join us as we explore the opportunities for resiliency that come from adding tree crops or managing wooded areas of your farm for agroforestry or silvopasture systems. Click here for full agenda. Small farms are managed by diverse people integrating multiple enterprises to meet personal, local, environmental, and food systems goals. The Cornell Small Farms Program is dedicated to uplifting small-scale farming as a dignified and viable livelihood by providing intentional, innovative, and inclusive services. We envision a future where small farms are valued, respected, and supported for the vital role they play in creating a stronger and more resilient food system. This one-day Summit will bring together farmers, extension educators, university faculty, and other service providers at multiple sites across the state. Select locations will focus on different topics and farming communities. Each summit site will connect virtually in the morning to hear from agricultural leaders in New York State. Subsequent in-person conversations will explore topics on small farm entrepreneurship, resilience, support networks, and priorities moving forward.This Summit is free to attend, with lunch provided and refreshments served throughout the day. Therefore, seating will be limited, and pre-registration required. Click here for online registration. Please contact Lynn Bliven if you have questions about the program. Unsure what agroforestry entails? View this 8 minute video from the Savanna Institute - Farming with Trees: 5 Agroforestry Practices Explained.We look forward to meaningful engagement and conversations focused on how we can be stronger together as we build a future for small farm success across New York.Too far to travel to Western NY? Check for details of other sites across the state: https://smallfarms.cornell.edu/projects/summit/. Lynn Bliven, lao3@cornell.edu, 585-268-7644 ext 18 ========================================= Make Your Own Christmas Wreath Workshop Saturday, December 6, 2025 10:00 am - 12:00 pm 5435A County Road 48 , Belmont, NY 14813 Feel the exciting experience of crafting your holiday decorations! Enjoy the fresh scent of evergreens, the creativity, and the joy of making something beautiful with your hands while saving money at the same time. Join us for a festive Master Gardener Volunteer Christmas Wreath Workshop, where you’ll learn how to build a wreath from scratch and take home a unique piece you made yourself.In this workshop you will enjoy:A fun, guided wreath-making sessionPersonalizing your own holiday wreathFresh greenery A relaxed, creative environment perfect for the season Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pmLocation: CCE Belmont office. 5435A County Road 48, Belmont, NY 14813Fee: $20. All materials (wreath frame, greenery, and decorations) are included.Registration: Download the registration form HERE , fill it out, and mail your form and payment method before December 2, 2025.Whether you’re decorating your home, making a gift, or just looking for a relaxing seasonal craft, this workshop is perfect for you!  Cristian Acosta, cfa34@cornell.edu, 585-268-7644 ext 14 ========================================= Farm Disaster Preparation online Certificate Training Tuesday, January 27, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Online Event The Farm Disaster Preparation program will help farm owners plan for and manage possible disasters. This program focuses on practical pre-disaster education and preparedness regarding farm equipment safety on the road, fire or structure collapse, storm and wind damage, criminal activity, farm chemical risks, and biosecurity. Farms that complete the training will receive a certificate to provide to their insurer and may be eligible for a credit or discount toward the farm’s annual insurance premium. The value of the credit or discount will vary according to individual policies and policyholder circumstances but can be up to a 10 percent discount.The Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate is directed to all sizes of farms and all types of products. Dairy and livestock farms are especially encouraged to participate in the program due to their additional concerns regarding animal agriculture. The person representing a farm should be the insurance policyholder; other key farm personnel are welcome.The certificate program will be held on Tuesday, January 27, and Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00-9:00 PM via Zoom. You must attend both sessions to receive the certificate. Space is limited, and pre-registration is requested by January 16. There is a $35 fee per farm for this program. For more information about the training contact Lynn Bliven at 585-268-7644 ext. 18 or email lao3@cornell.edu. To pre-register click here.Course Instruction Team: Lynn Bliven, Ag & Natural Resources Issue Leader CCE Allegany County; Stephen Hadcock, Ag. Entrepreneurship and Market Development Team Leader, CCE Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program; and Jim Carrabba, Agricultural Safety Specialist New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). Lynn Bliven, lao3@cornell.edu, 585-268-7644 ext 18 ========================================= Farm Disaster Preparation online Certificate Training Thursday, January 29, 2026 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm Online Event The Farm Disaster Preparation program will help farm owners plan for and manage possible disasters. This program focuses on practical pre-disaster education and preparedness regarding farm equipment safety on the road, fire or structure collapse, storm and wind damage, criminal activity, farm chemical risks, and biosecurity. Farms that complete the training will receive a certificate to provide to their insurer and may be eligible for a credit or discount toward the farm’s annual insurance premium. The value of the credit or discount will vary according to individual policies and policyholder circumstances but can be up to a 10 percent discount.The Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate is directed to all sizes of farms and all types of products. Dairy and livestock farms are especially encouraged to participate in the program due to their additional concerns regarding animal agriculture. The person representing a farm should be the insurance policyholder; other key farm personnel are welcome.The certificate program will be held on Tuesday, January 27, and Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 6:00-9:00 PM via Zoom. You must attend both sessions to receive the certificate. Space is limited, and pre-registration is requested by January 16. There is a $35 fee per farm for this program. For more information about the training contact Lynn Bliven at 585-268-7644 ext. 18 or email lao3@cornell.edu. To pre-register click here.Course Instruction Team: Lynn Bliven, Ag & Natural Resources Issue Leader CCE Allegany County; Stephen Hadcock, Ag. Entrepreneurship and Market Development Team Leader, CCE Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program; and Jim Carrabba, Agricultural Safety Specialist New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH). Lynn Bliven, lao3@cornell.edu, 585-268-7644 ext 18 =========================================