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
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Announcements
USDA Contract Freezes and Terminations: Legal Action Steps for Farmers
For Farmers with Signed EQIP and CSP ContractsThis resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA NRCS under the EQIP or CSP program for environmental improvements but have concerns that their contract is frozen, under review, or terminated, and who are uncertain of their rights to receive reimbursement as well as their ongoing obligations under the signed contract.
Version: 1.0
Issue date: Feb 28, 2025
A downloadable factsheet is available at our BUSINESS tab on the top of our webpage.
Additional Information: www.farmcommons.org
USDA Contract Freezes: Filing an NAD Appeal or Demand Letter
This resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA NRCS under the EQIP or CSP program for environmental improvements and want more information on the mechanics of filing a National Appeals Division (NAD) appeal. This resource includes sample letters.
USDA NAD Appeal https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-hearings-and-appeals/national-appeals-division/nad-appeals
ON FARM RESEARCH TRIALS 2025: Value of Manure & Power of Manure
Manure has all seventeen essential plant nutrients and can increase yield beyond what can be obtained with fertilizer only. In this project, Value of Manure, we evaluate the nitrogen fertilizer replacement value (how much N can we credit to manure?) and yield differences as a result of manure application.Farm Participants Needed for Bale Grazing Grant!
Information on the Project:- Approximately 10 acres total needed to bale graze two different bale densities
- "Core" farms will graze two winters, "Demo" farms will graze one winter.
- Payments for both "Core" farms and "Demo" farms
- Baseline soil sampling by bale grazing team
- Forage measurements in early season by bale grazing team
- Late season clipping if residual not trampled down by farm
Cornell Cow Convos - New Podcast
On-going podcast, New episodes released on the last Thursday of the month.Guest speakers, CCE Dairy Specialists.
Housed on Soundcloud Channel is CCE Dairy Educators
- Preventative healthcare for cows
- The trend of beef on dairy
- What to look forward to in the new year for dairy
- Socially grouping or pair-housing calves
2018 Drug Residue Prevention Manual
For more than 30 years, the U.S. dairy industry has focused educational efforts on the judicious use of antibiotics through the annual publication of a Best Practices Manual. The 2018 edition of the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management? Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual is the primary educational tool for dairy farm managers throughout the country on the judicious and responsible use of antibiotics, including avoidance of drug residues in milk and meat.The manual is a quick resource to review those antibiotics approved for dairy animals and can also be used as an educational tool and resource for farm managers as they develop on-farm best management practices necessary to avoid milk and meat residues. Visit the Manual and Form Library to download copies of this important tool!
Follow us on Facebook
The team updates our facebook page frequently - follow us to be updated on our events, see some fun videos and get local area updates!facebook.com/SCNYDairyandFieldCropsTeam
NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program
NYSERDA offers energy audits to help eligible farms and on-farm producers identify ways to save energy and money on utility bills. Reports include recommendations for energy efficiency measures.For more information and the NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program Application click here