Agriculture

Agriculture represents one of the largest economic sectors in Clinton County with a combined output value exceeding $148,999,000 (2012). Farms create direct economic benefits, provide our residents with fresh local foods, support other local businesses across many sectors, and preserve the rural character that our residents and visitors value so highly. CCE-Clinton supports local agriculture by providing resources for farmers, and consumers, to help strengthen our local and regional food systems.

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Agriculture Winter Series is Available!

Are you thinking about farming? Are you already farming but want to learn more? Come see us for our winter series courses! We have five courses, each taught by experts in their field, for you to enjoy. 

January 8th, 6-8pm: Grants for NYS Farmers

Hosted by Elizabeth Higgins, agricultural business specialist with the Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Team

If you are considering applying to the NYS Grown and Certified grant program or the NYS Beginning Farmer Grant and would like some advice or assistance with your grant proposal, come to this 2-hour workshop at CCE Clinton County on January 8th from 6-8pm. Higgins will run through the proposals and identify areas that you should focus on to help make your application more competitive. She will also help you think through what types of projects are more likely to be funded and whether these grant programs make sense for your farm and business. Higgins will also highlight other funding opportunities that may be a better fit for specific projects or businesses. Limited to 20 participants.

January 11th, 2-4pm: Virtual Fencing Course

Hosted by Ben Nottermann, co-owner of Snug Valley Farm

Say goodbye to post rammers and accidental electrocutions! Learn about the up-and-coming technology that is virtual livestock fencing! What is it, how does it work, how does it help, how are the animals affected, and how does it save you money? Learn it all here! Limited to 20 participants, snacks provided.

January 16th, 9-11am: Learn How to Have a Home Orchard

Hosted by Michael Basedow, regional fruit tree specialist with Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program

Have you ever wondered what it would take to grow a fruit tree of your very own? Or do you maybe have one (or many - we don't judge) and don't know how to care for them? We are here to help! Come to our class where we discuss the ins and outs of fruit tree growing! Training, pruning, thinning, nutrient management and pest management are all included! Snacks provided, limited to 20 participants.

February 13th, 9-11am: Apple Tree Grafting Workshop

Hosted by Michael Basedow, regional fruit tree specialist with Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture Program

How do you graft trees? And, once they're grafted, how do you establish them? Come to our workshop where you can graft two of your very own apple trees to learn hands-on what the best methods are! All supplies are provided, and you will be able to take home both of your trees and a brand-new grafting knife! Limited to 12 participants, pay in advance at our office.

March 22nd, 2-3:30pm: Grapes 101: A Year in a Vineyard

Hosted by Jeremy Schuster, Viticulture Extension Specialist with Eastern NY Commercial Horticulture Program

Learn the ins and outs of growing grapes, from planting to harvest. Whether you've already got grapes planted or you're just curious, you'll gain valuable knowledge here. If enough interest, a part two will be created to learn about the business side of viticulture. Refreshments provided, limited to 20 participants.

The events are posted on our events page to the right - select the event to learn more and register! Contact Tia Legge if you have questions or need assistance with registration.

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Owner/Operator in Search of Next Generation Farmer in Clinton County!

Operating organic dairy farm for lease, business partnership or farm management. A family farm for 46 years, ready to be passed on to the new generation!

Closed herd of AI serviced Holsteins and Jersey crosses. 67 cow tie stall with pipeline and automatic takeoffs with milk weights. 300+ acre farm, 150 acres of prime ag soils with rotational grazing. Other outside buildings for other ages of livestock. Organic/conventional milk market available. Farm housing available.

Click "Contact Us" at the top right of this page if you are interested or have questions!

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Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in New York

Follow Best Practices to Prevent the Spread of Bird Flu

A deadly strain of bird flu, Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), has been identified in several states throughout the country, including New York. This strain can infect chickens, turkeys, game birds, waterfowl, ratites (emus, etc.), and a wide variety of wild birds. It can spread from bird to bird by direct contact as well as through farm equipment, clothing, and shoes.

Birds affected with HPAI may show one or more of the following clinical signs: sudden death without clinical signs; lack of energy and appetite; decreased egg production; soft-shelled or misshapen eggs; swelling of the head, eyelids, comb, wattles, and hocks; purple discoloration of the wattles, combs, and legs; nasal discharge; coughing, sneezing; lack of coordination; and diarrhea. The Highly Pathogenic strain can spread and kill an entire flock within days, backyard flocks included. Many, if not all the birds in a flock will be affected.

HPAI has been found in small flocks in Suffolk, Dutchess, and Ulster counties in New York as of 2/28/22 Precautions are needed to prevent further spread. This virus is not known to be a public health concern.

If you are visiting a poultry farm, follow these procedures:

• Do not enter any farm premise without permission from the owner.
• Whenever possible, make an appointment prior to traveling to the farm.
• Wear clean clothes and shoes on the day of the visit.
• When you arrive, park your vehicle at the end of the farm drive or on the roadside and use your cell phone to notify the owners of your presence and to receive instructions for entry. Or, set up an appointment ahead of time
• Let the farm owner know if in the previous five days you have been on another poultry farm or if you’ve had contact with wild birds. Also let them know if you personally own or care for birds or poultry.
• Observe all of the farm’s instructions regarding biosecurity procedures.
• Do not enter animal housing areas without express permission from farm owner.
• Do not touch animals unless that is part of your tasks on the farm.
• Immediately report anything unusual to farm owner, especially sick or dead birds.

New York and many other states have enacted emergency regulations that restrict interstate transport of poultry and add new, more stringent requirements for entry. If you are planning to move poultry across state lines, be sure to check with the state veterinarian’s office in the receiving state to be sure you’re meeting all the requirements.

If you have death loss in your home flock or a flock you manage, call NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets at 518-457-3502. This number is available 24 hours a day. If after normal business hours, select State Watch Center option. More information can be found on the website, https://agriculture.ny.gov/animals/poultry or by calling your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office. Your attention to these precautions is critical to protecting bird health and our state’s farm economy!

The New York Extension Disaster Education Network (NY EDEN) is a collaborative educational network based at Cornell University and dedicated to educating New York residents about preventing, preparing for, and recovering from emergencies and disasters.NY EDEN is working with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets to provide resources and updates to poultry producers.

Nancy Glazier and Amy Barkley, Regional Livestock Specialists, Cornell Cooperative Extension

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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.

NNYADP Research: NNAGDEV Link

Farmer-Driven for Northern New York
Northern New York Agricultural Development Program
• High Priority Research • Practical Real-World Results •
Meeting Critical Needs & Opportunities for Clinton, Essex Franklin, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
• Funding for the NNYADP is supported by the New York State Legislature and administered
through the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets •

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Last updated December 12, 2024