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NY Sustainable Ag Quarterly
F A L L 2 0 0 9 V O L U M E 2 , I S S U E 1

Fall 2009 Highlights

About SARE
SARE stands for Sus- ANNOUNCEMENTS
tainable Agriculture
Research and Education Greetings Farm Enthusiasts,
New York is part of the
Northeast SARE region.
If you‘re thinking about applying for a Farmer Grant, a Partnership Grant, or
a Sustainable Community Grant, don‘t wait to begin the application process!
Deadlines are late November and early December.
SARE defines sustain-
able agriculture as eco- Also, take a look at the other funding opportunities in this issue—new
nomically viable, ecol- grants for graduate students; financial help to attend out-of-state confer-
ogically sound, socially ences; and financial assistance for hosting conferences and workshops.
supportive and a holis-
tic approach to farming.
Interested in other grants? You‘ll find a comprehensive fact sheet of other
farm-related grants in the NY Beginning Farmer Guide, published by the
Cornell Small Farms Program. Visit the link at: http://
SARE offers...
www.smallfarms.cornell.edu/pdfs/Guide/Grant%20Opportunities%20for%
Many types of sustain- 20Farmers.pdf
able agriculture grants,
resources, publications Violet Stone,
and a national events NY SARE Outreach Coordinator
calendar.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...

For more info SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT: Young Farmer Movement Builds Momentum……….….2
For more information Learn more about the energetic young farmer coalition known as ―The Greenhorns‖ and the excitement they
on NE SARE programs, are generating.
visit the website at:
www.nesare.org
GRANTS/FUNDING/SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES………………………….…………3-4

SARE GRANT RECIPIENT PROFILE: Beauty Under Cover………………………………….5-6

Jan Blomgren of Windflower Farm evaluated the performance of 10 high-value organic cut flower varieties
grown in five kinds of high tunnels

NEW PUBLICATIONS, HANDBOOKS & WEBINARS……………………………………..…...7

SUSTAINABLE AG EVENTS CALENDAR……………………………………………………..…..8

FALL 2009 PAGE 2

SUSTAINABILITY SPOTLIGHT. This Fall we are highlighting the Greenhorns, an emerging

young farmer coalition. The Greenhorns are producing a documentary film that explores
the lives of America's young farming community -- its spirit, practices, and needs.

The Greenhorns: Young

Farmer Movement Builds
Momentum
Founded in a basement in Berkeley, California, in 2007, the young farmer coali-
tion known as ―The Greenhorns‖ has matured from an idea for a recruitment
film into a widespread national community. The center of the Greenhorn
coalition is based at Director Severine von Tscharner Fleming‘s farm in the
Hudson Valley, New York.

The Greenhorns documentary film explores the In the autumn of 2007, the Greenhorns began seeking out
lives of America's young farming community mentors and characters for a film, traveling the country to “As the nation
document an emerging movement of young farmers with a
series of borrowed cameras and generous cinematographers. According to Severine, over the two years the camera experiences a
crew spent travelling America, many ―scrappy, resourceful, adaptive young Americans‖ came forth to share their farming groundswell of
stories and styles. The Greenhorns are hopeful that the film will inspire and encourage young people across the country
to join the growing movement. interest in

sustainable
The documentary film featuring young farmers has become only one of many projects the Greenhorns are coordinating.
lifestyles, we see
They now have a sister website called ―Serve Your Country Food‖ which offers an interactive map of young farmers
across the country. They offer a detailed manual titled ―Guide for Beginning Farmers‖ which covers some of the major the
areas of institutional support for young farmers, some likely venues of learning, and useful references. And, they are fin-
ishing a book featuring young farmer profiles. ―These stories describe methods of production that we feel to be repre- promising
sentative of the young farmer experience in contemporary American life,‖ says Severine. beginnings of an

agricultural
How have the Greenhorns accomplished so much in so short at time? Their playful and impassioned, yet committed and
steadfast approach to farming and the rural lifestyle has attracted both widespread media attention and a coalition of revival”
followers. Greenhorns across the country actively participate in organizing young farmer meet-ups, fund-raising, and
volunteer recruitment. Their energetic events calendar covers workshops and festivals ranging from seed saving to pig roasting to a farm-
ers ball. The blog, which is titled ―the irresistible fleet of bicycles‖ has a banner that reads ―join the fleet. find some land. be a greenhorn‖.
And the message is resonating with droves of people, as evidenced by the long list of essays and posts by young farmers populating the blog
pages. This young farmer coalition is setting out to recruit the next generation of farmers, and by all accounts so far, are rapidly ‗gaining
ground‘.
To learn more about the Greenhorns and their projects, visit their website at www.thegreenhorns.net.

The Greenhorns have regular farm celebrations to share skills, make new friends, and support each other.
FALL 2009 PAGE 3

Upcoming NE SARE Grant Opportunities

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program is a USDA
competitive grants program supporting agriculture that is profitable, environmentally
sound, and good for communities. To learn more about SARE, visit: http://nesare.org/

FARMER GRANTS — DUE DECEMBER 8, 2009

The goal of the Farmer Grant program is to develop, refine, and demonstrate new sustainable techniques and to explore innovative ideas
developed by farmers across the region. Farmer grant projects should seek new knowledge that other farmers can use and should address
questions that are directly linked to improved profits, better stewardship, and stronger rural communities. The maximum award is $10,000,
and the average award is around $6,500.
To apply, you must be a farmer in the Northeast SARE region. You need not be farming full time, but your operation should have an estab-
lished crop or animal product that you sell on a regular basis. Institutional and incorporated farms may apply, but the primary activity of that
farm must be to produce and sell food under the kinds of economic constraints that affect commercial growers. Many community-supported
farms qualify, but farms where the primary mission is educational normally do not.

You may find it useful to look at descriptions of last year's Farmer Grant awards.
Learn more: http://nesare.org/get/farmers/fg-overview/grant-description.html

PARTERSHIP GRANTS— DUE DECEMBER 1, 2009

The purpose of the Partnership Grant program is to support agricultural service providers who work directly with farmers to do on-farm
demonstrations, research, marketing, and other projects that will add to our understanding of sustainable agriculture. Sustainable agriculture
is understood to be agriculture that is profitable, environmentally sound, and beneficial to the community. The maximum award is $10,000
and the average award is $9,550.
To apply, you must be engaged in agricultural research or outreach in an organization such as Cooperative Extensions, NRCS, a state de-
partment of agriculture, a college or university, an agricultural nonprofit, or a commercial agricultural consulting business operating in the
Northeast SARE region.

You may find it useful to look at a list of last year's Partnership Grant awards.
Learn more: http://nesare.org/get/partnership/pg-overview/grant-description.html

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY GRANT— DUE NOVEMBER 24, 2009

Sustainable Community Grants are for projects that strengthen the position of sustainable agriculture as it affects community economic de-
velopment. Communities and commercial farmers must benefit from these proposals, and the selection emphasis is on model projects that
others can replicate. We also look for projects that are likely to bring about durable and positive institutional change and for projects that
benefit more than one farm. Grants are capped at $25,000.
Sustainable Community Grants are primarily for agriculturally oriented agencies (Cooperative Extensions, NRCS, or comparable entities),
and community development groups that have the capacity and experience to foster sustainable agricultural economic development. Other
institutions and organizations--a farming cooperative or a town planning board, for example, may also apply, provided there is sufficient ex-
pertise in sustainable agricultural enterprise development.

Learn more at: http://nesare.org/get/sustainable-community/sc-overview/grant-description.html

You may find it useful to look at a list of last year's Sustainable Community Grant awards.

NY SUSTAINABLE AG QUARTERLY
FALL 2009 PAGE 4

Need $ Help Hosting a Conference or Workshop?

SPEAKERS FUND
The Northeast SARE speakers fund supports organizations who are bringing speakers with expertise
in sustainable agriculture to meetings, conferences, and workshops. The goal is to disseminate sus-
tainable techniques and approaches, and the primary audience for these events or workshops should
be farmers or agricultural service providers such as Cooperative Extension or NRCS staff. SARE
funds can be used to defray the costs of travel, lodging, meals, and speaking fees, up to $1,000. Be-
cause funds are limited, we will only consider one speaker fund request per event. Learn more
about SARE speakers fund http://nesare.org/get/speakers-and-educators/how-to-apply.html
.
SUSTAINABLE FARMER E DUCATORS
The SARE program offers direct grant support to selected speakers so that they can travel within
the region and speak on sustainable topics without any cost to the organization hosting an event.
Before applying for speaker funds, you should see if one of these farmer educators is a good fit for
your event; if so, all you need to do is contact the speaker directly and arrange for a speaking or
workshop appearance. All farmer educators are actively farming, so there are constraints on their
time. Be sure to get in touch with a farmer educator as far in advance of your event as possible.
Learn more about sustainable farmer educators at http://nesare.org/get/speakers-and-educators/sustainable-farmer-educators.html

EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

The NY SARE outreach office offers financial assistance starting at $350.00 for workshops and events with a sustainable agriculture
focus. For more information on sponsorship opportunities, or to download an application, visit http://nesare.org/state-programs/new-
york/scholarships-sponsorships.html

Students & Educators: 2009-10 Scholarships

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ‘ANY’ KIND OF AG EDUCATOR

If you are an agriculture educator in New York, you can apply to receive SARE scholarship assistance to
attend an out-of-state conference or workshop that has a sustainable agriculture focus. Scholarships are avail-
able for all kinds of educators, including extension agents, farmer educators, natural resource conservation
educators, etc. Awards are up to $350 per educator. For more information, contact Violet Stone, NY SARE
outreach coordinator, at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu or download an application at the NE SARE
website: http://nesare.org/state-programs/new-york/scholarships-sponsorships.html

SARE ANNOUNCES GRAD STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

In Spring 2010, Northeast SARE will be offering grants to graduate students doing research in sustainable
agriculture. The grant will allow the student, under the supervision of a faculty advisor, to explore topics
that will benefit farmers and add to our understanding of sustainable farm systems. Awards are capped at
$15,000 and can run up to two years, and the money can be used for labor, materials, and other direct costs
associated with a research effort. Proposals can cover a wide range of topic areas -- cropping systems, pest
management, livestock health, farm energy production, soil quality, or the institutional purchase of local food,
for example.

Proposals can be submitted on line from mid-April until May 31, 2010. To learn more, go to the Northeast
SARE web site at www.nesare.org

NY SUSTAINABLE AG QUARTERLY
FALL 2009 PAGE 3

SARE Grant Recipient Profile. The following 3-year SARE Farmer Grant project
was originally launched in 2004 with an award of $9,276. To learn about other
SARE funded projects, visit the national project database at www.sare.org

Beauty Under Cover

JAN BLOMGREN OF WIND FLOWER FARM EVALUATED THE PERFORMANCE OF
10 HIGH-VALUE ORGANIC CUT FLOWER VARIETIES GROWN IN FIVE KINDS
OF HIGH TUNNELS

THE FARM
Jan and Ted Blomgren have been growing organic vegetables and cut flowers
on their 15 acre farm in the Taconic hills of Washington County for over a
decade. As experienced farmers, they are skilled in the cultural practices of
ecological farming and have developed a substantial customer base at the Sara-
toga Springs Farmers Market and in NYC, where they ship weekly vegetable
and bouquet deliveries to 350 shareholders.

“Tunnel
But any farmer, no matter how practiced or popular, still
struggles with the inevitable drought or flood, hot or cold, structures can
hail or wind that imperils the most vulnerable crops every be configured in
growing season. Today, a myriad of technological innova-
tions designed to shield crops from nature‘s volatility are as many
available at low cost to the farmer. One of these, the hoop house, has been a critical tool for Windflower Farm, aiding
in not just season extension, but allowing Jan to raise cut flowers under optimal growing conditions for most or all of
different shapes
their life cycle. Realizing the importance of the hoop structure to the economics of her flower operation, Jan planned and sizes as the
an experiment to trial a selection of her highest value cut flowers in 5 different hoop structures, hoping to gather data
on how the unique conditions each structure created enhanced or hindered the desired traits of the flower. imagination

allows.”
THE SARE GRANT
In 2004, Jan received a SARE grant to fund the salary of a field employee to assist with planning, planting, data collection and photography,
and to reimburse her efforts as the project‘s supervisor and facilitator. They drew upon the experience of Laura McDermott, a horticul-
ture agent with Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) in Washington County, as an advisor to the project. Specifically, the goal was to
determine how the temperature and relative humidity inside each hoop structure affected stem and inflorescence (flowering part) length,
stem number per plant, and stem girth (circumference). Because Jan plants many of the varieties in succession to ensure a long, uninter-
rupted flow of harvest, she recorded data for the first, second and often third sowing of a variety. The flowers selected for comprehensive
data measurement were: Stock, Godetia, Larkspur, Snapdragon, and Bells of Ireland.
Additionally, Jan made visual notes on the productivity of China aster, Asiatic lily,
Delphinium, Sunflower and Lisianthus.

Tunnel structures can be configured in as many different shapes and sizes as the
imagination allows. The architecture of a tunnel is designed to trap heat and humidity
inside to hasten the growth of a plant relative to outside conditions. Stagnant air and
over-heating issues are often overcome with fans, vents, or roll up side flaps that
allow heat to escape and fresh air to pass through. The types of tunnels that Jan and
Ted used in the SARE experiment included variations on both the ―high tunnel‖, a
permanent structure of curved PVC or hollow metal piping covered in a polyethylene
plastic, and the ‗field tunnel‘, a structure erected quickly and seasonally by inserting
hoops in to the ground over a designated series of beds. The field tunnels in the ex-
periment were either ―walk-in‖ or low to the ground, hovering just over the blos- A variety of cut flowers were used in the trial:
soms. The covers ranged from opaque, light-weight, permeable commercial fabrics (Left to Right) Stock, Godetia, Delphinium,
Snapdragon, Bells of Ireland.
NY SUSTAINABLE AG QUARTERLY
FALL 2009 PAGE 6

Beauty Under Cover, continued

such as Typar and Covertan to single layer plastic.

RESULTS
While further trials are needed to clarify results, information emerged in the
2004 data that will help the Blomgren‘s determine how to match tunnel struc-
tures, covers and crops in the future. They concluded that plastic tunnels were
generally superior to Typar and Covertan tunnels, regardless of the structure.
In turn, Covertan and Typar were superior to growing plants in the out-of-
doors. Covertan was found to provide less warming and wind protection than
its counterpart, Typar. Some warm-loving flowers, such as China aster, Lisian-
thus, and Bells of Ireland, were better suited to the warm Typar tunnel than
cool-loving crops such as stock, larkspur, and snapdragon. The date of seeding
added yet another variable in determining which covers complimented cool or
warm-loving crops.
Measuring Snap Dragons in the field tunnel. Each
stem was measured for stem and inflorescence
(flowering part) length, stem number per plant, The experiment pointed to better and worse combinations of covers and struc-
and stem girth (circumference). tures. Low tunnels covered with plastic became too hot. Even the walk-in
tunnels covered with plastic over-heated, indicating that the high tunnel with its
larger airspace and roll-up walls was best suited for a plastic cover. Low tunnels covered with Covertan didn‘t‘ create enough warmth dur-
ing the unusually cold and windy spring, but could perhaps offer more favorable conditions in more average temperatures. Taking all factors
into account, the high tunnels provided the best overall horticultural results. Jan explains the likely reasons: ―This may have had most to do
with the high quality of the material used to cover them, but the slightly superior results of these units compared to plastic-covered walk-ins
shows that the size of the structure is important‖. Another advantage of high tunnels over plastic-covered field tunnels is the capacity of
the high tunnel to withstand significant snow loads in the winter. Covers from less permanent field structures are removed in the fall and re
-applied before planting in the spring.

Jan and Ted were pleased with their initial observations, but as in any farming venture, they have a
lot of learning and exploring ahead. They continue to search for the most economical hoop-
house structures, taking expense and labor into account, for the highest quality cut-flowers and
vegetables. Their next pursuit will be experimenting with various walk-in and drive-in (or tractor-
accessible) single and multi-bay structures. To check with Jan and Ted on their latest research,
contact Windflower Farm at 518-692-3188.

For more specific results on variety performance, download the Blomgren‘s final report at:
www.sare.org/reporting/report_viewer.asp?pn=FNE04-503. To obtain a copy of the Windflower
Farm power-point photo narration of the results, please contact the Small Farms Program at 607-
255-9227.

Author Information: Violet Stone is the NY SARE Outreach Coordinator and also Cornell Small Farms
Program. She may be reached at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu

Jan Blomgren with a bundle of

fresh cut Lisianthus.

NY SUSTAINABLE AG QUARTERLY
FALL 2009 PAGE 7

2009 Publications from NE SARE

YOUTH RENEWING THE COUNTRYSIDE
Whether we live in Manhattan or Peoria, we depend on a healthy countryside: it supplies the food we
eat. So it‘s welcome news that across the nation, a hearty crop is taking root. Smart, young people are
returning to the roots of American Agriculture—roots steeped in a tradition and culture of diversity,
quality, and respect for the Earth. Full of brilliant color photographs, ―Youth Renewing the Countryside‖
shares remarkable stories of young people in each state changing the world through rural renewal.
Produced by Renewing the Countryside in partnership with young writers and photographers across the
country and with support from SARE and the Center for Rural Strategies.

LAND & POWER: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE AND AFRI-

CAN AMERICANS
Black American agricultural experiences are grounded in unique cultural, historical, and ecological experi-
ences, informed by the values and history of the African Diaspora. In 2007, over 100 people gathered at
Tuskegee University to move innovation in Black sustainable agriculture forward.
―Land & Power: Sustainable Agriculture and African Americans‖ features a selection of the presentations,
posters, discussions, and performances that made up this extraordinary, joyous event. The authors cap-
ture the perspectives of various Black American cultural leaders about land and power as they relate to
sustainable agriculture and Black American traditions. ―Land and Power‖ places African American farmers,
their cultural traditions, and the historical circumstances they have faced squarely in the forefront of the
sustainable agriculture movement.

CROP ROTATION ON ORGANIC FARMS: A PLANNING

MANUAL
―Crop Rotation on Organic Farms: A Planning Manual‖ provides an in-depth review of the applications of
crop rotation-including improving soil quality and health, and managing pests, diseases, and weeds. Con-
sulting with expert organic farmers, the authors share rotation strategies that can be applied under vari-
ous field conditions and with a wide range of crops.

Published by the Natural Resource, Agriculture and Engineering Service (NRAES) and funded in part by
SARE, the book includes instructions for making rotation planning maps and discusses the transition to
organic farming.

2009 SARE Grant Writing Webinars

NEED MORE INFO ABOUT SARE FARMER, PARTNE RSHIP
OR SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY GRANTS?

This fall, Charlie White of Penn State University and Carol Delaney, NE SARE Grants Coordinator,
offered two webinars on Farmer, Partnership and Sustainable Community Grants. The recordings from
these webinars are available anytime for viewing.
Farmer/Partnership Grants webinar (9/16/09): https://breeze.psu.edu/p40251664/
Sustainable Communities Grant webinar (8/25/09): https://breeze.psu.edu/p97275502/
For personal help writing your grant, contact Carol Delaney, Farmer Grants Coordinator, at the NE
SARE office at carol.delaney@uvm.edu or call 802/656-0697 or Violet Stone, NY SARE coordinator at
607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu
FALL 2009
Upcoming NY Sustainable Ag Events
November 2nd and 3rd, 2009
2009 CORNELL AG STRATEGIC
MARKETING CONFERENCE
Story Telling: Marketing the Unique Story of Your Business
for Success! The Henry A. Wallace Visitor and Education
Center, Hyde Park, NY. The conference will feature success-
ful producers, processors, and other agribusinesses that will
showcase their business stories and specific ways they build
success through improved marketing strategies. In addition,
key professional and industry experts will provide methods
to help you evaluate the success of your marketing activities
and analyze the financial implications of marketing strategies
you employ. For more information, visit http://
marketingpwt.aem.cornell.edu.
November 12-14, 2009
GREAT LAKES DAIRY SHEEP SYM-
POSIUM
Marriott Hotel, Albany, NY. Some topics and speakers in-
clude: Getting Started in Sheep Dairying, Cheesemaking with
Sheep Milk, Challenges in Cheese Plant Design, Intake on
Pasture, Effects of Prepubertal Lamb Nutrition on Milk Pro-
duction, Genetic Markers for Milk Production, and Sheep
Nutrition and Fermentable Fiber. For more details or to
register, see: http://www.dsana.org/symposia.html.
November 13-14, 2009
IT TAKES A REGION: A WORKING
CONFERENCE TO BUILD OUR
NORTHEAST FOOD SYSTE M.
Desmond Hotel and Conference Center, Albany.
Through in-depth working sessions, homework, provocative
debates, and exercises, we'll tackle questions such as: Why
regional? What does a regional food system look like? What
do we want? What will it take to get there? Who needs to
be at the table? What are realistic milestones? What do we
need to know, measure and monitor? We'll draw upon the
exciting efforts already underway in our region and nation-
ally, including alternative supply chain networks, research
projects, infrastructure initiatives and policy advocacy. We'll
address scale, size, and geography to reach beyond political
boundaries and sector "silos". For more information, contact
Kathryn Rhuf at 413.323.9878 or nesawg@nesawg.org.
NY SUSTAINABLE AG QUARTERLY
PAGE 8
November 17-18, 2009
NYSERDA’S 9TH ANNUAL INNO-
VATIONS IN AGRICULTURE CON-
FERENCE
Hilton Garden Inn, Troy.
Topics include: how future farms will adapt to climate change;
agriculture‘s role in the development of renewable fuels for
heating & transportation; the spectrum of controlled environ-
ment agriculture: current research and best practices; energy
efficiency opportunities for farms; the current status of the
Anaerobic Digester program; and federal and state funding
opportunities. For more information, please visit: http://
www.nyserda.org/InnovationsInAgriculture/default.asp.
December 3-4. 2009
YOUNG FARMERS CONFERENCE
Registration for the 2009 Young Farmers Conference is live!
Check out the brochure and register online by visiting our
website: www.stonebarnscenter.org. Conference highlights
include: * Over 30 workshops at beginning and intermediate
levels covering: - hands-on technical skills - livestock and vege-
table farming - policy, community, and advocacy issues as they
relate to young farmers - land access - business planning and
marketing – and much more! * Workshops are led by farmers,
educators, and advocates from all over the United States. *
Keynote addresses by Wes Jackson of the Land Institute, and
Fred Kirschenmann of Stone Barns Center and the Leopold
Center for Sustainable Agriculture. * Music, contra dancing,
and the opportunity to meet other young and new farmers.
 For Winter Submissions
If you have any sustainable agriculture news or events that
you would like publicized in this newsletter, please con-
tact: Violet Stone, NY SARE Outreach Coordinator at
607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu.
The WINTER issue will be released mid-January 2010

NY SARE Outreach Office

SARE Grant Writing Help Available!
Northeast SARE Farmer Grant specialist Carol Delaney is
Cornell University available to lead workshops on the priorities of the SARE
135C Plant Science program and how to plan and write a competitive Farmer
Grant application. She can also talk to farmers individually.
Ithaca, NY 14850
Phone: 607-255-9227
To reach Carol, e-mail carol.delaney@uvm.edu or call
Fax: 607-255-0599
802/656-0697.
E-mail: vws7@cornell.edu

NY SARE LEADERSHIP TEAM

The NY SARE Outreach Office is housed at Cornell Uni- Rose Marie Belforte
versity and directed by NY SARE Outreach Coordinator Finger Lakes Dexter Creamery
Violet Stone and NY SARE Professional Development
todo2@usadatanet.net
Coordinator Anu Rangarajan.
Brian Aldrich
A team of sustainable agriculture leaders across the state
assist developing outreach tools and programming.
Cayuga County Cooperative Extension
(315)255-1183
Anu Rangarajan
SARE Professional Development Coordinator
607-255-1780
Violet Stone
NY SARE Outreach Coordinator
607-255-9227
Rod Howe
Community and Rural Development Institute
607-255-2170
Phil Metzger
Central New York RC&D/USDA NRCS
607-334- 3231