The Landowner & Utility-scale Solar Decision
Event Details
Date
October 26, 2021
Time
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Location
NYS Grange Building
Cortland, NY
Host
CCE Cortland CountyDana Havas
(607)391-2664
email Dana Havas
To register: https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/Solar_211
In order to reach the state's goal of 50% renewable energy by 2030, New York State is providing many benefits for solar developers since solar is a feasible way to achieve this goal. The push for solar development in NYS makes farmland and other 'open' landscapes located near transmission lines rather valuable. This increase in value has the potential of benefiting the landowners who are being approached by solar developers with options to purchase or lease land for utility-scale solar development, but it does not come without questions. Utility-scale solar development is a new arena with many unknowns leaving these landowners feeling as if they do not have enough information to make an informed decision - specifically pertaining to 1) leasing, 2) development concerns, and 3) regulations.
On Tuesday October 26th, at the NYS Grange Building in Cortland NY from 9:30 am - 3:00 pm, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cortland County, and co-sponsored by the Cortland County Soil & Water Conservation District, will be hosting an event that will provide farmers and other landowners with information that addresses the topics of utility-scale solar development, leasing, and regulations. From 9:30 - 1:30, with a break for lunch, attendees will join in a webinar hosted by the statewide CCE team and covers the topics outlined above. From 1:30 - 3:00 attendees will be given an opportunity to engage in a Q&A with local panelists. The panelists will include 2 farmers who are currently working with solar developers, 2 municipal representatives who have been regularly engaged in this conversation, and the Energy & Climate Change Team Leader at CCE Tompkins.
Registration is required for the event and a registration fee of $10 will go to help cover the costs of lunch, speaker, and location fees. You can register at https://reg.cce.cornell.edu/Solar_211 or call Dana Havas, CCE Cortland Ag Team Leader, at (607)391-2664. A remote option will also be made available, and more details will be shared as the event gets closer.
Cornell University COVID protocols will be followed, which currently states that individuals must practice social distancing, and masks are required for all vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals when inside. Guidelines will continue to be monitored and adjusted accordingly.
Dairy
Livestock
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
HPAI in Dairy Cattle ~ Spanish Webinar
May 17, 2024
Free Informational webinar for Spanish-speaking members of the dairy industry providing background and updates on the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza or H5N1 virus in dairy cattle.
New York State Fiber Conference
June 9, 2024
Bouckville, NY
Theme for this year: Quality Matters
Announcements
Cash Rent and Custom Harvest Survey
To date, there is limited information available about rental rates and fees for crop harvesting. Farms can use this valuable information for their farm business planning to help improve decision making and profitability.Farmers Can Join MeatSuite For Free!
MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.Why should farmers join?
1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
How do I join?
Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.