Gov. Cuomo Announces New Farmer Grant
Empire State Development, in consultation with the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, will administer the $614,000 fund, which will provide grants from $15,000 to up to $50,000 for eligible early stage farmers who substantially and materially participate in the production of an agricultural product on a commercial farm operation within New York. Funds can be used for up to 50 percent of project costs including, but not limited to: lease or purchase of farm machinery and equipment; construction or expansion of farm buildings or systems; and, purchase of supplies such as root stock, seed, and fertilizer. Beginning farmers must not have produced an agricultural product, as defined in the Agriculture and Markets Law, for more than ten consecutive years prior to application. http://esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms/NewFarmersGrantFund.html
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Upcoming Events
2026 Soybean & Small Grains Congress
February 11, 2026
Henrietta, NY
Participant Registration for the 2026 Soybean & Small Grains Congress NOW OPEN!
2026 Forage Congress
March 12, 2026
Nunda, NY
Due to the unprecedented winter storm that recently impacted travel conditions across the region and U.S., combined with extreme cold temperatures and associated safety concerns, Forage Congress was postponed out of an abundance of caution. This decision was made with the safety of our participants, speakers, staff, and venue partners as the highest priority.
We are pleased to officially announce that Forage Congress has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, and will be held at The Nunda Ranch as originally planned.
Address: 2278-NY 436, Nunda, New York 14517
Sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, and event registration are now open. We are excited to reconvene this important educational program and look forward to welcoming producers, industry partners, and speakers for a full day of applied, research-based forage systems programming.
From Dry to Fresh: Transition Cow Management Training
March 12, 2026
Albion, NY
This is a 1-day hands-on training in transition cow management offered in English and Spanish.