VAPG Training Course
Event Details
Date
February 3, 2021
February 17, 2021
March 3, 2021
Time
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Location
Zoom
Cost
Free Registration : Free
Host
Central New York Dairy and Field CropsWednesday, February 3rd from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - What is VAPG?
Presenters: Myron and Nicole
Description: Have you ever thought about applying for a Value Added Producer Grant through the USDA? Did you know that you could get up to $75,000 to pay for planning costs or up to $250,000 in capital costs associated with expanding value added products on your farm? This session will explain the basics of what the Value Added Producer Grant is, how it works, and what types of information you will need to fill out the extensive application form.
Wednesday, February 17th from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - How do I apply for VAPG?
Presenters: Helen, Bonnie, Marty
Description: Now you have decided to apply for a Value Added Producer Grant. How do you fill out the application? How do you make your application as appealing as possible to the person who will review it? This session will outline the process of writing and submitting the Value Added Producer Grant. Our team of experts will walk through the application and make suggestions on how to make your application as strong as possible.
Wednesday, March 3rd from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM - How are VAPG applications selected for funding?
Presenters: Liz
Description: Your application is ready but you want to be sure that you have included all the right information. What is that information? What will the person that is reviewing your grant application be looking for and how is that application scored? This session will be led by someone who has reviewed VAPG applications and can give some insight on what types of applications get funded. We will also discuss what the funding process looks like.
Upcoming Events
Tools for Farm Succession Planning Series
March 8, 2023
March 15, 2023
March 22, 2023
Do you have a plan in place for transferring your farm business to the next generation? This is a FREE 3-week series.
Hands-on Calving & Dystocia Workshop - Spanish Speaking Only
March 24, 2023
Morrisville, NY
Registration for 8 Spanish speaking attendees only. English speaking waiting list available.
Apple Tree Pest and Disease IPM

March 28, 2023
Morrisville, NY
1.5 DEC credits for categories 1a, & 22.
Announcements
Dave Balbian is Retiring
I have decided that it's time to retire. I find myself at a point in time where I'm now beginning to work with the 3rd generation of people on the farms in our region. It's time to bring in some new young blood into the team. June 28th will be my last official day on the job. I've enjoyed working with you all. The real satisfaction I've had with my work has been seeing producers take my advice and then be successful with it as they moved their business and family forward.We're Hiring!
Dairy Management SpecialistAs the Dairy Management Specialist, you will plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs that address producer-identified needs and opportunities, emphasizing dairy management for dairy producers. Other responsibilities include:
- Providing producers and industry with a framework to analyze production and management alternatives and to maximize profit opportunities.
- Collaborate with a diverse mix of farms throughout the region (i.e., conventional, organic, large/small, artisan, processing, etc.) to develop and implement effective education and applied research programs.
- Analyzing and evaluating major program efforts with the input of all program partners and making recommendations for enhancing these efforts.
- Participating in regional, statewide, and national professional organizations.
- Initiating and conducting field demonstrations and in-depth applied research projects appropriate to the needs of commercial dairy production.
- Individually and collaboratively exploring and pursuing new and additional funding sources to enhance and extend program opportunities.
- Planning and implementing educational programs utilizing various methods, including direct teaching, group experiences, mass media, newsletters, electronic technology, and internet use.
- Preparing quarterly reports and yearly impact statements on program progress and accomplishments.