Governor Kathy Hochul today convened a roundtable with New York agriculture leaders to discuss global competitiveness and international markets in the wake of the Trump Administration’s trade tariffs on Mexico, Canada, and China. The Governor encourages businesses, including New York’s farms, to report the effects of these tariffs on their work to TariffImpact@esd.ny.gov.

“From the North Country to the Southern Tier, farmers are the backbone of New York State,” Governor Hochul said. “Many of our farmers rely on export sales of their products, and I’ll continue to do everything in my power to fight against this misguided tariff policy and ensure the government is doing what it is supposed to do, which is help, not hurt, New York farmers.”

Read the full article here.

Darlene Krisher-Meehan, owner and operator of Country Crossroads Feed & Seed LLC as well as a representative of Steuben County Farm Bureau, attended this roundtable meeting and is present, center front, in the photo above.

DEC Launches New Web-Based Form to Report Suspected Cases of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Wild Birds Public Reminded to Minimize Risk of Spread by Preventing Contact Between Domestic Animals and Wild Birds

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Interim Commissioner Sean Mahar today announced an online platform for the public to report suspected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) outbreaks in wild birds. The platform was designed as part of an ongoing effort to monitor HPAI in New York.  

The new link for reporting observations can be found on DEC’s Animal Diseases webpage. Once a report is received, DEC’s field response is guided by the report’s details, including the number of sick or dead birds, bird species, and observations from new areas where HPAI has not yet been documented. Of particular interest are reports of suspected outbreaks in all species of waterfowl, raptors, crows, shorebirds, and other waterbirds such as gulls, loons, and herons. These species are known HPAI vectors, particularly vulnerable to the disease, when testing can help DEC track HPAI prevalence on the landscape. 

HPAI is widespread in wild birds and mammals, so not all reports will result in DEC retrieving the animals for testing and/or disposal. The public can help minimize risk and limit disease spread by preventing contact between domestic animals and wild birds. In cases where DEC field staff are not responding to collect samples or carcasses from the landscape, the public should limit contact with dead wildlife and keep domestic animals away. If removal of carcasses is deemed necessary, the public is reminded to wear disposable gloves, a mask, and eye protection. Avoid direct contact with the carcass or carcass fluids by using a shovel and washing hands and clothing immediately after with soap and hot water. Carcasses should be triple bagged (garbage or contractor bags) and placed in an outdoor trash receptacle. 



The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that recent HPAI detections in birds pose a low risk to the public. While there is likely little risk for the public, people with close or prolonged unprotected contact with infected birds or virus-contaminated environments are at greater risk of infection.  

Manure Roadshow

Cornell Cooperative Extension, NY Soil & Water Conservation Districts and PRO-DAIRY are offering a series of Manure Roadshow events at five sites beginning March 4th. Cost and specific agendas vary by location, but all will provide lunch and include presentations on Manure Safety and the NYSDEC required Manure Applicator Training. 

Check out the locations scheduled now and..... 

Stay tuned for the location and date of the Southwest NY region event.

Looking for Pesticide Credits?

Remember to always refer to NYSPAD! All opportunities offering credits must be registered so you can search for upcoming events in Steuben and other nearby Counties to find one that fits your schedule most conveniently!

Access the NYSPAD Bureau of Pesticides Management - Information Portal

If you need help contact CCE Agriculture Dept, 607-664-2574.

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. Cornell Small Farms Program offers in-person trainings, workshops, and online courses for aspiring, new and experienced farmers.

Some great options are now open for 2025. Topics include vegetable, specialty mushroom, sheep, and goat production, financial and business plans, grazing management, growing uncommon fruit, high tunnel season extension, soil health and many more.

You can read more and enroll HERE.

Ag Energy NY website has been updated making it easier to access guidance for different types of farm's needs!

Now offering one-on-one consultations for all your ag energy needs, including Solar and Wind Energy! If you are thinking about leasing land to alternative energy, set up a consultation to learn more about how your decisions impact you in the long run!

Contact Gabriel Gurley, rg523@cornell.edu for assistance and additional information!

Spring is here and there are so many things to do in the Finger Lakes!

Finger Lakes Farm Country (FLFC) makes it easy to locate farm experiences and farm stays. From family gatherings at a restaurant offering farm-to-table options to various on farm experiences, you can plan a fun daytrip, event, or longer holiday centered around Steuben County Agriculture right from Finger Lakes Farm Country.

Farm producers and agritourism business owners, don't forget to list your events with FLFC! If you aren't a listed producer/farm and would like to be,

Complete The Participation Form

Or if you have questions about Finger Lakes Farm Country, please contact Kevin Peterson at kpeterson@corningfingerlakes.com or call 607-936-6544.

NYS is the #1 Producer of Beets - 2022 Census of Agriculture

Check out this article highlighting the invaluable role Cornell Vegetable Program and other Cornell Researchers have had in beet production.

Rooted in a Cornell collaboration, New York state is tops for beets

Image: Flickr, courtesy Gerald Klingaman

Spongy Moth: Managing a Tree-Devastating Pest

June 5, 2025, 7:00 PM

via ZOOM

The spongy moth (formerly known as the gypsy moth) poses a significant threat to our shade trees, with recent resurgences reported in some areas. These caterpillars feed voraciously on tree foliage, and during peak activity, their falling droppings can even mimic the sound of rainfall!

In this program, we’ll explore how to identify this pest, understand its life cycle, and assess the damage it can cause. We’ll place particular emphasis on Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques, as well as pesticide treatments, to help manage these pests effectively using environmentally friendly approaches. We’ll also talk about the natural biocontrols that can help manage future outbreaks.

REGISTER HERE

or Visit

https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZoxfrVK7RBqq0zQOktiP_w#/registration

Picture: E. Bradford Walker, Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, Bugwood.org

What's Bugging You?

Join Live, on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.

Each month, experts will share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We’ll end with an IPM Minute and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.

Watch the past Event presentations Here.

Register for the 2025 events by clicking the schedule below.

Learn more about the 2025 What’s Bugging You First Friday schedule here.

County Enrollment, Subscription, and Support

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program with Cornell Cooperative Extension offers educational programming and research based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the five county region of Southwestern New York. 

Our specialists work with Cornell Faculty and Extension Educators statewide to address the issues that impact the agricultural industry and provide services to farms of all sizes and production techniques. The educational programming and support that we offer ranges from workshops to on-farm events, and includes one-on-one consultations. Our program is designed to meet the rapidly changing needs of our region's diverse agricultural community. 

For more information, contact any of the specialists.



Please support CCE Steuben by signing up for their enrollment programs.

Reach out to CCE-Steuben at 607-664-2300 and ask about enrollment.

The enrollment form can be found online, here.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Steuben County 

20 East Morris Street | Bath, New York 14810

607-664-2300  |  smw272@cornell.edu  |  PutKnowledgeToWork.org

Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge to work in pursuit of economic vitality,

ecological sustainability and social well-being. We bring local experience and

research based solutions together, helping New York State families and

communities thrive in our rapidly changing world.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

CCE does not endorse or recommend any specific product or service.

This newsletter is solely intended to educate consumers about their choices.