From the Cornell Cooperative Extension:
March 6 from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm - Winter Dairy Management - Dairy Modernization
Held at the Batavia Party House, Stafford, NY
Topics covered:
>Business Planning for a Successful Project
>Is your Farmstead Master Plan Still Workable?
>Renovating the Old Free-stall for Milking Cows, Heifers or Special Needs
>Replacement Parlor Options (including Robots & Manure handling)
>Evaluating environmental issues on your farm
For more information contact Cathy at 585-343-3040 x138. Cost is $20 which includes lunch.
March 10 from 8:30 am to 3:30 pm - NYS Dry Bean Meeting
Held at BW's Restaurant, Davis' Countryside Meadows Golf Course, 11070 Perry Rd., Pavilion
For more information contact Carol MacNeil at 585-394-3977 x406 or crm6@cornell.edu. For those enrolled in the Cornell Cooperative Extension Vegetable Program cost is $20 pre-registration ($25 walk-in). For those NOT enrolled - $30 pre-registration ($35 walk-in). 2 DEC and CCA credits have been requested. Listen to 1180 WHAM AM Radio in case of bad weather for cancellation notice.
March 11 from 9am to 11am - Weed Management Workshop for Commercial Pea Growers.
Held at Batavia First United Methodist Church, 8221 Lewiston Road in Batavia.
Dr. Robin Bellinder, Cornell will be the presenter. DEC/CCA credits available. Cost: $5.00 per person. To register or for more information, contact Julie Kikkert, 585-394-3977 ext. 404 or jrk2@cornell.edu.
March 16 to 20 - Ag Literacy Week.
Ag Literacy Week unites communities and schools. Volunteers bring New York agriculture into local schools by sharing a special story and leading educational activities. Volunteer in your community and get this year's book donated to your school or library. This year the program will highlight the NYS Apple Industry and with the help from the NYS Apple Association and their generous donation will also mark the first year in which the book that is used will be written by New York Ag in the Classroom (NYAITC) staff. This book will be the first in a series that will highlight New York Agriculture and is titled: The Empire State Investigator: The Applesauce Bandit. For more information on volunteering or to sponsor a book for Ag Literacy Day, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at bbs28@cornell.edu or you can visit the Ag in the Classroom website at: www.nyaged.org/aitc.
March 20 - Registration deadline for Incubation and Embryology Project for the Classroom
Welcome to the Genesee County 4-H Incubation and Embryology Project. This interdisciplinary project is designed to provide youth with a “hands on” experience while classroom teachers have the opportunity to satisfy science, math and ELA core requirements. If you have questions or are interested about the Incubation and Embryology project, please contact Barb Sturm at (585)343-3040 x122 or via email bbs28@cornell.edu.
March 21 - 7th Annual Celebrate Agriculture Dinner
Held at the Alexander Fire Hall, Route 98 in Alexander, NY. Sponsors of the event include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, Genesee County Chamber of Commerce, Genesee County Farm Bureau and Genesee County Soil and Water Conservation District. This extremely popular community tradition has become firmly established as a festive, fun filled get-together, and an opportunity to come together and socialize before the beginning of another growing season. This event is sold out!
March 26 1pm to 4pm -Regional Berry Workshop - Pruning and its Impact on Pest Management
Livingston County CCE, Mt. Morris.
Agenda: Pruning Blueberries and Brambles
Pruning and Pests - A Closer Look
Sprayer Calibration's easier to do and more important than you think
NYS DEC pesticide applicator credits will be available for categories 1A, 10, and 22. Registration fee is $10. To register contact Jennifer at 585-658-3250. For more information call David Thorp, 585-658-3250 x109 or email dlt8@cornell.edu.
March 27 - Entries due locally to Barb Sturm for the "Be Aware of NY Agriculture" Contest
The Be Aware of New York Agriculture Contest is a great way to expose students (Pre-K - 6th grade) to agriculture and the food system, and to meet the New York State Learning Standards in your classroom. Students can learn more about where food comes from and why it is important that they understand agriculture in New York State, while creating art and writing projects.
The contest is divided by grade level categories and statewide winners (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 2 Honorable Mentions) are selected for each grade level.
* 1st place individual for each grade level is awarded a $50 U.S. Savings Bond.
* 1st place classroom and school receive agriculture-related books and /or videos.
* 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive T-shirts.
All awardees receive Certificates of Recognition. Winning entries will be exhibited at the Great New York State Fair. If you are interested in more information about this contest or need an entry from, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or check out the New York Ag in the Classroom website at : www.nyaged.org/aitc.
March 28 - Finger Lakes Region - 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest
The 2009 Finger Lakes Region - 4-H Dairy Bowl Contest will be held at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Ontario County, 480 North Main Street, Canandaigua. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m., Contest will start at 10:00 a.m. The primary objective of this event is to provide an educational experience for youth enrolled in a 4-H dairy project to demonstrate their knowledge of dairy related subject matter in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. County Entries are due March 6, 2009. If you are interested in more information about this contest, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at: bbs28@cornell.edu.
March 28 - Finger Lakes Region - 4-H Horse Extravaganza
The 2009 Finger Lakes Region 4-H Horse Extravaganza will take place at Canandaigua Middle School, Canandaigua, NY. Local youth wil demonstrate their horse knowledge in Hippology and Horse Bowl Contests. The primary objective of this contest is to provide an opportunity for Region II youth to demonstrate the breadth of their equine knowledge in a competitive setting where attitudes of friendliness and fairness prevail. We hope that this contest will generate a rewarding experience for the 4-H members. If you are interested in more information about this contest, please contact Barb Sturm at (585) 343-3040, ext. 122 or via e-mail at: bbs28@cornell.edu.
April 9 from 6 to 8 pm - Coffee & Dessert Series - "Organic Vegetable Gardening"
Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. Cost is $10.00 and includes presentation, handouts, and homemade desserts. Pre-registration is required. Organic Vegetable Gardening will be taught by Dale Jacobs, Master Gardener and owner of an organic fruit and vegetable business "Crooked Creek" Farms. Vegetables should be part of everyone's diet. If you don't want to spend a little more for those organically grown and sold in the supermarket, perhaps you should consider planting your own garden. It is very easy and even a project your children can join in on and have fun doing. If you are interested in the Coffee & Dessert Series brochure or need more information, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.
April 16 from 6 to 8 pm - Coffee and Dessert Series - "Annuals and Bedding Plants"
Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. Cost is $10.00 and includes presentation, handouts, and homemade desserts. Pre-registration is required. Christine Quataert, Master Gardener will be talking about annuals and bedding plants, with their seemingly infinite variety of flower colors and plant forms fit into almost any landscape situation They provide the necessary touch of color to an often drab landscape. These plants can be grown in containers to add a splash of color to a porch, deck or patio area. They can also be enjoyed as fresh or dry cut flowers, as well as be a very rewarding hobby. If you are interested in the Coffee & Dessert Series brochure or need more information, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.
April 23 from 6 to 8 pm - Coffee & Dessert Series - "Spring Birds" (Back by popular demand) Held at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. Cost is $10.00 and includes presentation, handouts, and homemade desserts. Pre-registration is required. Back by popular demand, Jan Beglinger, Master Gardener and member of the Buffalo Audubon Society, will be talking about Spring Birds. Spring brings changes at the bird-feeder, but even more exciting birds that visit other parts of the backyard. Spring often starts with the departure of old friends that have spent the winter with us. Do you recognize the spring birds that show up at your feeder? Are they different from the birds you see in the summer, fall and winter? Our “birding” expert master gardener will help you identify different birds and show you how to attract them to your yard.If you are interested in the Coffee & Dessert Series brochure or need more information, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.
April 25 - 4-H Cloverbud Round Up
If you are interested in more information or to register, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at ame29@cornell.edu.
May 1 - Deadline for 4-H Giant Pumpkin Contest
The contest is open to any 4-H'er/4-H Family in Genesee County. If you want to have fun, learn about horticulture, and challenge yourself, join 4-H'ers who will grow a giant or tiny pumpkin in spring/summer (125 days to grow) in home gardens or in container gardens all over the county. We will be using giant and small seeds. The Giant variety is "Dill's Atlantic Giant" or tiny pumpkin varieties includes "Baby Boo" or " Jack-Be-Little". You can buy your own seeds or we can provide you with them. Educational materials will also be provided to each participant. Weigh-in will be in September (location to be determined). Register by May 1st. If you are interested in more information or to register, please contact Amy Berry at (585) 343-3040, ext. 106 or via e-mail at: ame29@cornell.edu.
2009 Agriculture Enrollment - This service provides subscribers with up-to-date information on trends in the agricultural sector by utilizing research-based knowledge from Cornell University. Included in this service, at no charge, are direct mailings of "emergency information" for commodities of interest to you and voting privileges at the Extension Association's annual meeting to determine organization leadership. Call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County at (585) 343-3040 ext. 126 or visit the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia for more information and enrollment packets.
4-H Participants - Please check the Extension website and refer to the monthly calendar for new and on-going events and deadlines. If you are interested in joining the 4-H program contact Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
4-H Local Government Intern Program - Designed for high school Juniors & Seniors. Orientation meeting 7 pm on February 2nd at the Old County Courthouse in Batavia. For more information on this program contact Chip Malone at (585) 343-3040, ext. 130.
Coffee and Dessert Series - If you want to socialize and learn about gardening, why not consider participating in the Coffee and Dessert Programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County. This is the fourth year of this popular program of classes presented by Community Educator Gail Culver and Genesee County Master Gardeners. During the program participants will enjoy a cup of coffee or tea along with desserts homemade by the Master Gardeners. For more information and to register call Amy at 343-3040, ext. 106 or stop by the Extension Center located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
Eat SMART New York - This free, confidential program for food stamp participants and limited income individuals and families explores parenting strategies, healthy meal options, and ways to stretch food dollars. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the nutrition and parenting education program at 343-3040, ext. 134 or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
Master Gardeners - Get answers on everything from landscaping to pest management. Free service. Call 343-3040, ext. 127, 10 a.m. to Noon, Monday through Friday or e-mail geneseemg@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
Master Gardener Home Diagnostic Service - Genesee County Master Gardeners conduct on-site visits to diagnose plant and pest problems, test soil pH, advise homeowners on gardening practices and more. Cost is $25 for the first hour and $15 for each additional hour. Fee includes informational packets, soil testing and diagnostic results. To schedule an appointment, contact Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu, or visit the Master Gardener Office at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Genesee County, 420 East Main St., Batavia.
Master Gardener Speakers' Bureau - Providing talks on a variety of topics, such as wildlife, local bird life, organic gardening, landscaping and more. Programs can be tailored to meet audience needs. Fee is $50, or $25 for non-profits in Genesee and surrounding counties. For more information call Gail Culver, Consumer Horticulture Educator, at 343-3040, ext. 132, e-mail gac11@cornell.edu or stop by Cornell Cooperative Extension, located at 420 East Main St. in Batavia.
