Resources
COVID-19 RESOURCES FOR FARMERS
Resources for Farm Business Safety Plan Required
As the New York Forward plan is implemented across the state, businesses of all kinds are required to have a COVID-19 written safety plan in place. Both essential agricultural businesses that have remained open throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and those non-food related agricultural businesses who will re-open must have a safety plan. A task force of Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) specialists developed a new set of resources to help farms comply with this requirement and efficiently prepare plans during this busy time of the year. NY Forward Business Safety Plan Support for Farms contains:
- Plan Templates
- Considerations and Examples for Your Plan
- Key References and Support Documents
Important! State COVID-19 Guidance for Farms
New York state has released official guidance specific to farms addressing COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). You can find the document titled "Interim Guidance for Prevention and Response of COVID-19 at Farms". The document covers: cleaning and disinfection, face coverings, social distancing, high-risk locations, coordination with local health departments, employee health screening, quarantine/isolation, and farm-provided employee housing.
A companion document is a helpful checklist for farms to be sure they have covered every required item.Also included is a tipsheet intended for farm workers. This document is presently in English but should be available in more languages soon, and I recommend that you distribute it to all employees. Please carefully read the last section of the document titled "Empower Yourself," this section informs workers about how to file complaints. Make sure that your business is in full compliance with all federal and state COVID-19-related sick leave and paid family leave requirements and that you are communicating this information to employees, see this post for more information.
https://agriculture.ny.gov/interim-guidance-prevention-and-response-covid-19-farms
COVID-19 Safety Plan Required for All Businesses
COVID-19 Safety Plans Required for All Businesses in "New York Forward"
New York Forward is the state's plan to begin re-opening in phases as regions of the state achieve certain COVID-19 management metrics. An important part of New York Forward is for all businesses to have a customized, written safety plan that details specifically how each business will prevent and manage COVID-19. Details for particular industries, including agriculture can be found here:
http://blogs.cornell.edu/agworkforce/2020/05/19/covid-19-safety-plans-required-for-all-businesses-in
Information on EIDL and PPP on Business pages
FYI...Find the latest information on EIDL Loan Program and Paycheck Protection Programs (PPP) on the Business page of our website.
Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP)
USDA to Host Webinar for Producers Interested in Applying for Direct Payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program
Producers new to Farm Service Agency programs are encouraged to participate
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) and Farm Service Agency (FSA) will host a webinar on Thursday, May 14, 2020, at 1 p.m. ET, for farmers, ranchers and other producers interested in applying for direct payments through the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program (CFAP).
This webinar is an opportunity for producers to learn about the general application process and required documentation prior to the official beginning of signup. Producers interested in participating may register in advance for webinar.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. We encourage participants to submit questions through the Q&A box or by emailing CFAP.webinars@usda.gov. While questions will not be answered live during the webinar, answers will be posted at farmers.gov/CFAP.
USDA is hosting this webinar to share what information is needed to apply for direct payments through CFAP, once the application period begins. Producers who are new to participating in FSA programs are especially encouraged to join the webinar. More details about CFAP direct payments will be announced soon.
As part of President Trump and Secretary Perdue's April 17 announcement of a $19 billion Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program, USDA will provide $16 billion in direct support based on losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted. Also, USDA will assist eligible producers facing additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.
A recording of the webinar, the answers to its questions, and other CFAP information can be found at farmers.gov/CFAP.
Please see instructions below if you have not worked with FSA in the past. This is a very IMPORTANT step in the process. Our team will share more information about the program after the USDA webinar. We are very cognizant that many folks will be unable to listen due to the time scheduled. Stay tuned for more info by way of either podcast/webinar/factsheet.CFAP, authorized in the CARES Act will provide $16 billion in direct support to agricultural producers impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Direct support for farmers and ranchers available via CFAP will include:CFAP will provide direct support based on actual losses for agricultural producers where prices and market supply chains have been impacted.CFAP will assist producers with additional adjustment and marketing costs resulting from lost demand and short-term oversupply for the 2020 marketing year caused by COVID-19.USDA evaluated commodity specific losses occurring during the January to April time frame for immediate assistance. In addition, near-term adjustment costs and supply disruptions over the next few months were also evaluated to the extent possible for sectors where prices have declined significantly for additional assistance.CFAP is available to farmers regardless of size and market outlet, if they suffered an eligible loss.USDA will be going over the rules for the program and details about the payments on a webinar on the 14th at 1:00. You can subscribe for the webinar hereHow to ApplyThe rules for CFAP are coming out soon, with details about how losses will be measured and program payments will be calculated. However you need to be in USDA's system to be eligible for CFAP - this is the case for most USDA disaster programs, so even if you don't qualify for CFAP now, you may need USDA assistance someday.USDA will soon begin taking applications for CFAP. As part of applying for the program, you'll need to contact the Farm Service Agency county office at your local USDA Service Center to schedule an appointment.Your local FSA staff will work with you to apply for the program, and through forms that will ask for this type of information:• Contact• Personal, including your Tax Identification Number• Farming operating structure• Adjusted Gross Income to ensure eligibility• Direct deposit to enable payment processingPlease do not send any personal information to USDA without first initiating contact through a phone call. You can find contact information for your local USDA Service Center hereIn addition to the application form, USDA staff will work with you to complete portions of the CCC-902 - Farm Operating Plan - if necessary. Additionally, the following forms will be needed for CFAP. If you are an existing customer, this information is likely on file at your local Service Center.• CCC-901 - Identifies members of a farm or ranch that is a legal entity. Member Information will be completed by legal entities and joint operations to collect the following:o member names, addresses, and Tax Identification Numberso citizenship status• CCC-941 - Reports your average adjusted gross income for programs where income restrictions apply.• CCC-942 - If applicable, this certification reports income from farming, ranching and forestry for those exceeding the adjusted gross income limitation.• AD-1026 - Ensures a conservation plan is in place before lands with highly erodible soils are farmed, identified wetland areas are protected, and conservation compliance provisions are met.• AD-2047 - Provides basic customer contact information.• SF-3881 - Collects your banking information to allow USDA to make payments to you via direct deposit.What Can You Do Now?While the application process has not started, you can start gathering/understanding your farm's recent sales and inventory.FSA has streamlined the signup process to not require an acreage report at the time of application and a USDA farm number may not be immediately needed.How Will USDA Accept Applications?USDA Service Centers are open for business by phone appointment only. Once the application period opens, please call your FSA county office to schedule an appointment.USDA staff are working with our agricultural producers by phone and using email, fax, mail, and online tools like Box to accept applications.
EIDL Program Re-Opening for Agricultural Business
EIDL Application Re-Opening
The EIDL Advance/Loan portal will be re-opening shortly. The re-opening of the portal is for agricultural businesses that were previously ineligible for the program. New non-agricultural business applications will not be accepted.
The portal will be opened for a limited period, and it is recommended that you apply as soon as possible. The link to the portal will be:
http://www.sba.gov/Disaster
If you have already applied under the streamlined application (March 30th to program closure), there is no need to re-apply.
Agricultural Businesses Defined:
- Agricultural businesses includes those businesses engaged in the production of food and fiber, ranching, and raising of livestock, aquaculture, and all other farming and agricultural related industries (as defined by section 18(b) of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 647(b)).
- SBA is encouraging all eligible agricultural businesses with 500 or fewer employees wishing to apply to begin preparing their business financial information needed for their application.
USDA Farmers to Families Food Box
As part of the Coronavirus Farm Assistance Program Secretary Perdue announced on April 17 that the USDA is exercising authority under the Families First Coronavirus Response Act to purchase and distribute up to $3 billion of agricultural products to those in need. USDA will partner with regional and local distributors, whose workforce has been significantly impacted by the closure of many restaurants, hotels, and other food service entities, to purchase fresh produce, dairy, and meat.
USDA will issue a solicitation to invite proposals from offerors to supply commodity boxes to non-profit organizations, identified by the offeror, on a mutually agreeable, recurring schedule. USDA will award contracts for the purchase of the agricultural products, the assembly of commodity boxes and delivery to identified non-profit organizations that can receive, store and distribute food items.Agricultural Marketing Service's Commodity Procurement Program will procure an estimated $100 million per month in fresh fruits and vegetables, $100 million per month in a variety of dairy products, and $100 million per month in meat products. The distributors and wholesalers will then provide a pre-approved box of fresh produce, dairy, and meat products to food banks, community and faith-based organizations, and other non-profits serving Americans in need.For details on purchases, visit the solicitations page.Request for Proposal and Applicable Attachments• RFP Attachment 2 Compilation of TEFAP sites for AMS (xls)Additional Resources
https://www.ams.usda.gov/content/usda-purchase-3-billion-agricultural-commodities-issue-solicitation
Links to Services
FDA Food Safety
NY FarmNet: Hotline : 1-800-547-3276 (24 hr service)
Farm Partners (part of Bassett Health Care system and NYCAMH) 1-800-343-7527County Health Departments:
** Please note, not all small businesses fall under SBA, please call the Syracuse office to determine***** Although not all of our counties may not have been declared emergency status, SBA Syracuse confirmed they were waiting on the directive from government you can create an account and update when available*Continue to watch for emails from our team for upcoming webinars that may be of interest. Specialists from across the state are working to provide continual service through different mediums.
Managing Stress- NY FarmNet Links
There are two articles on the NY FarmNet Farm Stress Management Page: Managing Stress in Unprecedented Times and Managing Financial Stress on the Farm in Uncertain Times. Find this page at https://www.nyfarmnet.org/farm-stressSometimes taking healthy steps on your own to lower stress is not enough, and that is ok. Recognize when you need more help. If problems continue, or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a doctor, social worker, or professional counselor.
NY FarmNet 1-800-547-3276National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)Crisis Text Line Text "GOT 5" to 741-741
PRO-DAIRY Webinars & Podcasts
The following webinar and podcast information was sent out through PRO-DAIRY.
WEBINARGrowing Great People: Training Skills for Dairy FarmersBecome an Effective On-The-Job TrainerThis webinar is free but registration is required.Presented by: Jason Karszes, Dairy Farm Business Management Specialist, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY, and Richard Stup, PhD, Agricultural Workforce Specialist, Cornell Agricultural Workforce DevelopmentModerated by: Rob Lynch, DVM, Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRYOn many farms, multiple people might be able to do, or train others on, many day-to-day tasks, but fewer can take care of management tasks that occur daily, weekly, or monthly. This webinar focuses on developing plans to backup people who perform key management tasks, from middle to senior management roles, if they are unable to work.Dairy Responding to COVID-19: A Limited Podcast SeriesNew EpisodeThis episode describes how to safely reduce milk your cow's milk production without sacrificing future milk production. It also describes considerations for feeding milk to cows.Presenter: Dr. Tom Overton, Faculty Cornell University, Director PRO-DAIRYCompanion ArticlesBy: Mike Van Amburgh, Tom Overton, and Julio GiordanoBy: Tom Overton, Mike Van Amburgh, and Rob LynchAbout the PodcastHosted by Rob Lynch, DVM, Dairy Herd Health and Management Specialist, PRO-DAIRY, andKathy Barrett, Dairy Education, PRO-DAIRY, with interviews of key dairy industry professionals.Check the PRO-DAIRY Podcast Webpage for the latest podcasts.Recent Episodes• COVID-19 Overview and Milk Distribution - Mark Stevenson and Rob Lynch• Feed and Nutrition Services - Scott Lyndaker and David Horn• Dairy Farmer and Farm Consultant Perpsectives - Meghan Hauser and Corwin Holtz• Animal Health Service Provides - Rick Watters and Allen Fournier• Essential Care of Cows and Equipment - Bob Church, Steve Zehr, and Charles Biche• Milk Supply Chain Challenges - Andrew M. Novaković and Christopher Wolf• Spring 2020 Contingency Planning - Joe LawrenceManaging During COVID-19 is a PRO-DAIRY series of new and updated resources to help you navigate through the uncertain environment created by COVID-19. Recognizing the range in circumstances faced by farmers across the state, these resources cover a full spectrum.By: Mike Van Amburgh, Tom Overton, and Julio GiordanoBy: Tom Overton, Mike Van Amburgh, and Rob LynchBy: Jason KarszesBy: Wayne A. Knoblauch and Jason KarszesBy: Rob LynchBy: Tom Overton, Jason Karszes, Robert Lynch, Julio Giordano, and Mike Van AmburghBy: Joe LawrenceBy: Larry Chase and Tom OvertonWEBINARApril 29 | 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM EDTThis webinar is free but registration is required. It will include two one hour sessions with a 10 minute break.Join Katie Downes and Brenda O'Brien of NY FarmNet as they discuss managing stress and the impact it can have on mental health, building resiliency, suicide prevention, and the importance of breaking down the stigma related to these topics.There is no precedent with the novel coronavirus. Whatever our age, a life-altering event can leave us hoping there is some magical cure that will help us feel less anxious or overwhelmed. While no such magic exists, there are ways we can focus on the good.Stress is inevitable - it's how you respond to and manage the cause, or stressor, that can make a difference in your daily life. Whether the stressor is a medical diagnosis, low milk and commodity prices, weather that impedes crop production, or tensions within the family, there are tools we can use to help manage our emotions during challenging times.
https://prodairy.cals.cornell.edu/
GENERAL
Lameness in Dairy Cattle ~ Spanish
Cornell Cooperative Extension Spanish videos:
In this short video, we will discuss the importance of hoof trimming and footbath management to prevent lameness in dairy cows
Cornell Cooperative Extension Spanish videos:
En este video corto, discutimos el impacto de la nutrición en la cojera, factores de riesgo y las mejores prácticas de manejo que deben ser implementadas para prevenir las vacas cojas.
In this short video, we will discuss the impact of nutrition on lameness, risk factors associated with nutrition and lameness, and best management practices for employees to use when working with groups of cows.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Spanish videos:
In this short video, we will discuss the impact of housing facilities and management on lameness, and some best management practices for employees.
Cornell Cooperative Extension Spanish videos:
En este video corto, describimos qué es la cojera y cómo podemos identificar las vacas cojas lo más rápido posible para mejorar su bienestar.
In this short video, we will discuss the impact of housing facilities and management on lameness, and some best management practices for employees.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtQgnHQLbN40hif0V1oIjDA/videos
BUSINESS
Custom Rates & Fees
Here's the link to the 2020 Custom Rates & Fees sheet produced by CCE Franklin County. This is a useful guide in helping to determine what you should approximately be paying or charging. Reminder that this is an "estimate" or "guide" and not to be used as an established rate. Also, note that it is usually updated yearly, sometimes every two years.
http://franklin.cce.cornell.edu/resources/2020-custom-rates
Dairy
Livestock
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
Minority and Women-Onwed Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification 101
December 13, 2023
Free webinar
Agritourism Monthly Workshops
September 18, 2023
October 16, 2023
November 20, 2023
December 18, 2023
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one? Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
2024 Agricultural Marketing Webinar Series
January 8, 2024
January 22, 2024
January 29, 2024
February 12, 2024
February 19, 2024
March 11, 2024
March 25, 2024
Free webinar series