NOFA 2025 Winter Conference

Saturday, January 18, 2025 at SUNY Morrisville

For more than four decades, the NOFA-NY Winter Conference has convened farmers, food system professionals, educators, advocates, homesteaders, and gardeners who are passionate about building a better food system. Mutual support and the generous exchange of knowledge is a hallmark of the NOFA-NY community as we remain true to our vision of a just and resilient farming system grounded in a diverse community now and for future generations. 

Farmer Friday Coffee Chats

For Farmers, Agribusiness Professionals & Retired Farmers

We know farming is stressful. Come de-stress with us and neighbors and enjoy conversation over free breakfast. Brought to you by NY FarmNet, Farm Credit East, and Dugan’s Country Grill!

When: January 17, 31 & February 7, 21

Drop in anytime from 7am - 10am

Where: Dugan’s Country Grill
3228 State Route 34B, Aurora NY

Sponsored by NY FarmNet and Farm Credit East

Corn & Soybean Day - Ballston Spa

2.75 DEC Pesticide Recertification Credits: Cat. 1A, 10, 21, or 23 

3.0 CCA CEUs: 2.5 Pest Mgmt, 0.5 Soil and Water

Agenda

9:00-9:55  Registration, Coffee Hour, and Trade Show

You must be present by 9:45 am and have your Applicator ID with you to receive credit.

10:00 - 10:30  The First Report of Corn Stunt in NY, and Update on Corn Tar Spot - Dr. Gary Bergstrom, Prof. Emeritus of Plant Pathology, Cornell University

10:30 - 11:30  Herbicide Resistant Weed Mgmt in Soybean, and Weed Management in Corn - Dr. Vipan Kumar, Prof. of Weed Science, Cornell University

11:30 - 12:00  The Most Bang For Your Bucks: Nuisance/Vertebrate Pest Management - Jim Stickles, Big Game Biologist, NYSDEC

12:00 - 1:00  Lunch Break and Trade Show

1:00 - 1:45  Research Update on Seedcorn Maggot and Our Future Without Neonics - Lilly Elliott and Anna DiPaola, PhD Candidates, Dept. of Entomology, Cornell University

1:45 - 2:15  Nitrogen and Phosphorus Balances in Our Local Soils - Dr. Olivia Godber, Nutrient Mgmt Spear Program, Cornell University

2:15 pm  Attendees receive DEC certificates and ADJOURN

Click here if you are interested in sponsoring this event.

About Our Forum

The Annual Forum of the NYS Agricultural Society is one of the oldest and largest meetings of its kind in NY and possibly the US. All sectors of the ag industry - producers, advocates, decision-makers, and aspiring leaders - gather to discuss and dissect emerging issues and to network with peers. The Commissioner of the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets describes the Forum as the largest family reunion in the state! Past themes have included regenerative business, building resiliency, trade and tech changes, diversification strategies and introducing the next generation of agriculturists. Conducted each January in Syracuse, NY - the heart of Central NY - the Forum is a day-long program capped off by the Commissioner’s State of Agriculture Address. Eight awards are announced annually including: Ag Promotion, Business of the Year, “Cap Creal” Communications recognition, Century and Bicentennial Farms, Distinguished Service, Farm Safety, Next Generation Farmer and NY FFA Chapter of the Year.

Tuesday, December 10 / 6:00 – 8:00 pm / JCC Carnahan Center / $5 per household

There is a mental health emergency in rural America, with higher rates of depression and suicide and less access to mental health care services than in cities. Join us for an evening with Jeff Winton, Chairman of Rural Minds, and Christina Marsh, NY FarmNet Consultant, as they share mental health and wellness information and resources for people in our local rural communities.

Tax Awareness for Farmers with Andy Gilbert of NY FarmNet

• Understand tax basics

• Implement recordkeeping best practices

• Develop a basic tax planning system for your farm business and more!

In-person event held at CCE Jefferson, 203 NorthHamilton Street, Watertown, NY 13601. $5 fee withlunch provided. Zoom only option available.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what people can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what people can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.

This is a free event open to all who wish to attend.

Light refreshments served.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what people can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.

Gain valuable insights into the complexities of transitioning your farm to the next generation with Dave Chamberlain, NY FarmNet Financial Consultant. This webinar will cover key strategies for ensuring a smooth and successful succession, focusing on the financial, legal, and emotional challenges unique to New York farm families.

We will explore estate planning, navigating family dynamics, and safeguarding the legacy of your farming operation. Dave will share resources and tools to created a structured plan for your farm's future. 

Farm Succession Planning Thursday, October 10 / 10:00 – 12:00 pm / JCC Carnahan Center / $5 per household

When we think of a farm, we may picture a home, a business, a refuge, a lifestyle. It might include land, equipment, equity, animals, and more. A simple 4-letter word is actually a very complicated package, and it’s never too early to begin thinking ahead about a smooth transition of your farm to a future owner. David Chamberlain, NY FarmNet Financial Consultant, will guide us through a discussion about things to consider, resources available, and next steps for your farm succession plan.

Tax Awareness for Farmers:

Join NY FarmNet Financial Consultant Andy Gilbert for an insightful presentation about the basics of taxes for farmers. In this webinar, attendees will:

• Learn why it is important for farmers to understand the basics of taxes.

• Understand how to better communicate important tax information to tax preparers and accountants.

• Be able to implement good record keeping best practices.

• Gain knowledge of common tax forms, terms and definitions.

• Develop a basic tax planning system for their farm business.

About Andy Gilbert:

Andy Gilbert is an experienced agricultural finance and business management professional, having owned and operated a large dairy farm for over 40 years. He is a former director of CoBank and Farm Credit East. He also does tax preparation as part of the VITA program which is administered by the IRS.

Andy Gilbert is a graduate of Cornell University with a BS in Agriculture and a concentration in Business Management and Finance. Andy is also a graduate of LEAD NY and a certified corporate director having completed the Premier Governance Series offered by the Farm Credit System. He has completed several other training programs including the Penn State director’s school and the MBA upgrade program from Syracuse University.

Register at: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tXMwKz5vTeyiH5Rh67te0A

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what people can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.

Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention is a program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Talk Saves Lives provides participants with a clear understanding of this leading cause of death, including the most up-to-date research on suicide prevention, and what people can do in their communities to save lives. Participants will learn common risk factors and warning signs associated with suicide, and how to keep themselves and others safe.

It is time for our 2ND annual For The Farmers Formal! An event where farmers and consumers alike get dressed up and come together to support our local American farmers!

This event will take place Sept. 21st at our favorite venue- North Riding LLC. ! A LIVE auction, dinner, and photo opportunity’s will all be ready for you to enjoy.
*We are still looking for sponsors for our LIVE auction. If you are interested in sponsoring a basket or item for it please reach out to forthefarmersformal@gmail.com*

All proceeds are donated to 2 organizations that we hold very close to our hearts.
1: NY FarmNet : an organization that gives farmers FREE emotional and financial support in NY. Farmers are struggling mentally and financially every day, and NY Farm Net does their part to chip away at American farmer struggles so they can keep feeding America.

2: NY Ag Land trust : Simply put- this organization keeps farm land, farm land! Future generations will be thankful that our precious farm land did not turn into developments and commercial property.

Link in bio to purchase your ticket!

Can’t attend, but want to still donate or sponsor the event? Links are in our bio!

Tickets: https://northridingllc.ticketspice.com/for-the-farmers

Sponsor link: https://cornell.box.com/v/Farm-Formal-2024-Sponsorships

Chautauqua County is rich in agriculture and home to over 1,275 farms. With such prominence in our County, the tie to farming is something many have come to know and love. Our community is fortunate to enjoy rural landscapes that are preserved by our farming operations, along with access to wholesome, locally produced foods. This event is an opportunity to celebrate our community’s farmers that work tirelessly to produce safe, wholesome food for all to consume.

This farm-to-table dinner will showcase a variety of delicious food products. While each years’ dinner is different and dependent on the donations provided, it is sure to include a beautiful array of fruits, vegetables, lamb, turkey, beef, pork, maple syrup, and honey, all grown and harvested by nearby farmers and prepared by 3C’s Catering of Kennedy, NY. No farm-to-table dinner would be complete without locally produced beverages, including beer, wine, milk, and grape juice. The event regularly sells out, with over 230 people gathering to celebrate farmers and food.