The summary report focuses on identified priorities in ten policy theme areas, including: Agriculture & Food Systems; Community Capacity & Social Networks; Economic Development; Energy; Environment, Land Use, & Natural Resources; Health Care; Housing & Transportation; Local & Regional Governance; Schools & Youth; and Workforce Development.
Smallidge Recently Elected to Fellow in the Society of American Foresters ---- Peter Smallidge, Senior Extension Associate, has been elected to Fellow in the Society of American Foresters (SAF). This is an exceptional honor bestowed by his peers for outstanding service to the Society and to the profession. The criteria for the award include a continuing professional commitment through direct SAF volunteer activities, and exemplary action, sustained leadership, and advancement of the forestry profession in at least one of the following areas: application of forestry, education, public policy, research, or technology transfer. Congratulations Peter!
SEMINARS, CONFERENCES & WORKSHOPS
Strengthen Your Leadership in the Agricultural Industry ---- The Upper Hudson Agricultural Leadership Forum (UHALF) is a program to provide a platform for agricultural producers and professionals to develop and expand their leadership abilities and understanding of the food and agricultural industry in the Capital District and New York State. UHALF participants will be empowered to become involved in a broad range of policy issues facing the industry at the local and state level. Participants will improve their leadership and communication skills, increase their understanding of the food and agricultural industry, and develop opportunities for networking.
UHALF begins on January 19, 2007 and continues through April 20, 2007 with nine sessions consisting of day and evening programs and will be conducted at various locations in the Saratoga and Washington County area. Session topics include: Time Management, Local Agricultural Policy, Influencing Agricultural Policy, People Types and Personality Styles, Communication Skill Development, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Wholesale and Retail Marketing, Production Agriculture and Land Use Issues and a Graduation Dinner.
Twenty-five to thirty agricultural producers and professionals from the Greater Capital District and Upper Hudson region will be accepted to the UHALF program. Tuition for the program is $150 and includes 2 dinners, 7 lunches, and program materials. Application deadline is January 2, 2007. To receive more information or an application, contact Paula Schafer at 885-8995, 746-2560 or pjb11@cornell.edu or visit http://www.aedpws.org and click on upcoming programs. The direct link for the brochure and application is http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/washington/AEDP/Programs.html UHALF is sponsored by American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga and Washington Counties, and the NY Farm Bureau.
The NYS IPM Program Announces a Unique Workshop for Agricultural Educators February 1 & 2, 2007 ---- The NYS IPM Field Crops and Livestock Program, with funding from NE SARE, will host a workshop to train educators in the Northeast on how to plan and conduct a Tactical Agriculture Program. Tactical Agriculture, or TAg, is an educational model that NYS IPM has been using for years to effectively deliver locally adapted field programs to our clientele. Visit our web site for a description of TAg: http://nysipm.cornell.edu/fieldcrops/tag/tag_intro.asp . Participants will have the opportunity to design their own experiential, hands-on training program for small groups of farmers in local areas. The training workshop is to be held in Albany, NY. More details are available online at http://nysipm.cornell.edu/fieldcrops/tag/tag_training.asp . Contact Julie Dennis (js38@cornell.edu) or Ken Wise (klw24@cornell.edu) to register or to request more information.
Soil Health Training Workshop February 20, 2007 ---- All are invited to the Cornell campus Tuesday, February 20, 2007 for a one-day training event focusing on Soil Health. Our Soil Health Program Work Team will demonstrate hands-on sampling strategies; show lab procedures; and discuss Soil Health Test Reports towards the goal of recommendations for improved soil health management. We are offering a Soil Health Training Certificate to participants!
Goals of the Soil Health Project
Identify critical soil quality problems currently reducing profits for New York State growers
Identify solutions utilizing cutting-edge research information, and work with growers on adoption of new practices
Develop the tools and infrastructure to provide meaningful soil health quality assessment and management suggestions to complement existing soil testing services
Provide a comprehensive soil health educational program for New York State and the region
For more details of the event and registration information, contact Bob Schindelbeck at 607-227-6055 or rrs3@cornell.edu, or Pam Kline at 607-255-2177 or pak1@cornell.edu
The Cornell Soil Health Team is a multi-disciplinary team of vegetable growers, Cooperative Extension educators, and Cornell University faculty (Program Work Team) interested in developing new approaches to restore and improve the health and productivity of New York state soils.
NACDEP 2007 Conference April 16-19, 2007 ---- The National Association of Community Development Extension Professionals (NACDEP) 2007 conference is going to be held April 16-19, 2007 in Philadelphia, PA. The theme is the "Declaration of Interdependence: The Fabric of Community." Workshop tracks include: Economic Development (Community Focus; Assistance for individual businesses and/or entrepreneurs; Specific Sectors, e.g. agricultural, tourism, natural resources); Community Decision Making; Education and Workforce Development; Local Government and Community Services; Land Use and Natural Resources; Leadership Development (Community Focus; Individual Focus); Evaluation and Research Methods and Tools; Organizational Development; Sustainable Development; and Community Initiatives. The Early Bird registration discount ends January 15, 2007. Register online or download the registration form! http://www.nacdep.net For this and past issues of CCE News, please visit: www.staff.cce.cornell.edu/administration/ccenews/index.htm
To submit items for CCE News, send CCE News submissions to Lauri Whatley at lhw6@cornell.edu. The weekly deadline is noon each Friday.