EAST AURORA, N.Y. — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County (CCE Erie) is partnering with CCE Associations in Broome, Essex, Madison and Oneida counties to host a series of evening workshops on finding, affording, marketing, and leasing farmland. These “how-to” workshops are geared toward farmers and landowners, both farming and non-farming, who want practical advice on finding farmland or making their land available for agriculture.
Western New York participants will meet in East Aurora and join the workshop via video conference. Participants from across the state will hear a presentation from each expert and then have a chance to ask questions. There will also be time to network with other farmland seekers and owners.
The first workshop in the series is entitled How Do I Market My Farmland? This workshop is for non-farming landowners who want someone to farm their land, but don’t know where to start. It will take place on October 15, from 6:30-8:00pm at CCE Erie 21 South Grove Street, East Aurora NY.
Our expert, Jennifer Fimbrel, will discuss different ways to approach farmers and realtors. As the Agricultural Navigator for CCE Dutchess County, Jennifer facilitates communication and collaboration among county and municipal officials, the farming community, agricultural organizations and other agencies as they work to address issues affecting agriculture and agribusiness in Dutchess County. Working with these diverse stakeholders has given her insight into effective outreach methods.
Fimbrel said, “My most commonly asked question is, ‘I have just purchased some land in the county and I want it to be a farm.’ Most people don’t have the experience to farm. Having an established farmer work the land is a way for these people to learn more about farming and the local farm community. It’s a good first step for someone who might want to get into farming themselves.”
Upcoming Workshops in series:
How Do I Find Farmland? Can I Afford It? • October 29, 6:30-8:00 pm
This workshop will acquaint farmland seekers with two on-line tools: the New York Farmland Finder and the Finding Farmland Calculator.
How Might a Farmer Use My Land? How Much Should I Charge? • November 12, 6:30-8:00 pm
This workshop will help landowners and land seekers learn how to evaluate land for agricultural uses and how to set realistic land values.
How Do I Write a Farmland Lease? • November 26, 6:30-8:00 pm
This workshop will help landowners and land seekers understand how to draft a simple lease that will protect both the lessor and the lessee.
Cost:
General Public – $10 per session / $30 all four sessions
Erie County Ag Enrolled – $7 per session / $25 all four sessions
Register:
Visit http://erie.cce.cornell.edu/events/2019/10/15/farmland-for-a-new-generation-ask-the-expert-workshops or contact Jolie Hibit (716) 652-5400 x176 / jah663@cornell.edu.
Accommodations for persons with special needs may be requested by contacting Jolie Hibit (716)652-5400 x176 or jah663@cornell.edu at least 5 days prior to the event.
For more information:
Contact Kathleen McCormick, CCE Erie Agriculture Educator (716) 652-5400 x146 or km864@cornell.edu.
Farmland for a New Generation New York (FNG-NY)
The five Cooperative Extension Associations hosting this workshop series are part of the American Farmland Trust’s Farmland for a New Generation program. The program was developed in response to the impending transfer of nearly two million acres of New York farmland as the baby boomer generation begins to retire.
Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities; and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
–Cornell Cooperative Extension of Erie County