Info on the Dairy Acceleration Program
David Balbian, Area Dairy Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops
The Dairy Acceleration Program is an initiative of Governor Cuomo, in partnership with the NY Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. The program is designed to enhance profitability of New York dairy farms and to maintain a commitment to environmentally responsible growth.
Funds may be used to:
- Hire a qualified business consultant to analyze feasibility of growth.
- Develop an initial combined evaluation of farm financial and environmental needs.
- Develop a Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP).
- Update a CNMP with the assistance of an AEM certified planner.
- Develop design plans for new construction or to remodel facilities to support production growth.
- Create a farmstead development plan.
To be eligible, the business must be a dairy cattle farm. They must have complete financial records for business planning. Preference is given to farms under 300 cows. You must complete and submit an application.
The Dairy Acceleration Program funding covers 80% of a project's cost. The farm is responsible for 20% of the project cost, which is paid directly to the service provider, including any in excess of established limits.
Payments may include:
- up to $5,000 per farm to write a business plan or to develop a combination of a business and facility growth plan.
- Up to $6,000 to develop a new Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan (CNMP) for farms under 300 cows.
- Up to $4,500 to update an existing CNMP for farms under 300 cows.
- Up to $3,600 for an initial and combined evaluation of financial and environmental needs of the farm for farms under 300 cows.
An application is available online (preferred), however it can be printed out and mailed to :PRO-DAIRY Dairy Acceleration Program, 272 Morrison Hall, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853 For more information, see: http://ansci.cornell.edu/prodairy/dairy_acceleration/ Call the Dairy Acceleration Program at (315) 683-9268 or email: dap@cornell.edu for more information.
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We send out a bi-weekly e-newsletter that has announcements, upcoming programs, and opportunities for you! Registration is quick, easy, and free. Click here to sign up today!Document and Share Storm Damage
Mother nature has really been difficult over the last few days. Significant damage has been seen throughout NYS. Please let us know what types of damage your farm may have sustained during this time. This could be in the form of property damage, lost power, milk dump due to lost power, loss of livestock, loss of stored feed or growing crops.Farms are encouraged to DOCUMENT AND SHARE any impacts the weather may have had on their home or business. This could include structure damage, crop loss, inventory loss due to power outages, damage to equipment or fencing, and more.
If your farm experienced any sort of damage, please reach out to any of the folks listed below (or all of them). The more impact information that is collected, the greater the likelihood of a disaster declaration which can bring vital emergency support and awareness. The CNYDLFC Team will continue to collect detail and submit to NYSDAM and the EDEN network.
Reporting Weather Related Impacts (For your home or farm business)
- First, ensure that all the people and animals on your farm are safe, and that there aren't any unsafe working conditions created because of the weather (check your structures!). If there's an emergency, call 911 - don't try to manage it all on your own.
- Second, document all negative weather impacts for your farm and their estimated financial cost. Take photos, make estimates, and put it all in a safe place.
- Reach out to your insurance providers - farm, vehicle, crop, etc. to initiate the claim process as needed.
- Then, share your farm's damage with any (or all) of the ag support agencies listed below. We all work together to collect storm damage information and funnel it up to Ag and Markets which can initiate a natural disaster declaration.
- Chenango: 607-334-5841
- Fulton/Montgomery: 518-853-2135
- Herkimer: 315-866-7920
- Madison: 315-684-3001
- Otsego: 607-547-2536
- Schoharie: 518-234-4303
- Saratoga: 518-885-8995
- Erik Smith: 315-219-7786
- Daniela Gonzalez: 315-749-3486
- Ashley McFarland- 315-604-2156
Your county USDA/FSA service center.
- Chenango: 607-334-3231
- Fulton/Montgomery: 518-853-4015
- Herkimer: 315-866-2520
- Madison:315-824-9076
- Otsego: 607-547-8131
- Schoharie: 518-295-8600
- Saratoga: 518-692-9940
Your county farm bureau manager
- Region 3: Bailey Coon: 518-937-0566
- Region 5: John Wagner: 315-761-9770
- Region 6: Natally Batiston: 518-937-0269
- Region 7: Todd Heyn: 518-431-9338
Please let us know how we can help you.
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.