Register for the Ag Solutions Networking Expo Today - Dont Miss the Valuable Resources for Regional Farmers

COBLESKILL — Have you registered for the Ag Solutions & Networking Expo yet? Regional farmers, rural landowners, and aspiring agriculturalists are invited to attend this event, held on Tuesday, February 18th from 9 am- 4 pm at the Institute for Rural Vitality (in Prentice Hall) at SUNY Cobleskill.  Pre-registration is required by February 11th via this link: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/AgNetwork 

The program is designed to focus on the topics and share resources that are important to the agricultural community in our region, and it is free to farmers! Attendees can meet exhibitors and vendors at the Expo, enjoy a free networking lunch which will include an update on NY State's agricultural legislative issues by the NY State Farm Bureau’s public policy team, and participate in two break-out sessions. Planned break-out sessions will explore value added product development, networking on local agricultural issues, and resources for mitigating environmental and water quality concerns on farms. Highlights of the breakout options include:

Going Green - Renewable Energy Support for NYS Farms: Are you considering solar, wind, or anaerobic digestion, on your farm? The session will include a variety of speakers who will discuss the pros and cons of different technologies, farm size considerations, and available supplemental funding sources.

Clean Energy Solutions for Greenhouses & CEAs: Whether your building is a new facility or retrofitting and existing grow equipment, considering clean energy and energy efficiency solutions such as heat pumps, LED lighting, and PEI Rated Water Pumps can make a big impact on your bottom-line. This session will explore the pros and cons of different technologies, funding sources, and electrification considerations.

Secure the Future of the Family Farm for Generations to Come: Gain valuable insights into the complexities of transitioning your farm to the next generation from NY FarmNet, including key strategies for ensuring a smooth and successful succession, and the financial, legal, and emotional challenges unique to New York farm families.  It will explore estate planning, navigating family dynamics, and safeguarding the legacy of your farming operation.

Growing Agritourism – Free Resources to Promote Your Farm: Discover how to grow your farm’s visibility and attract visitors through agritourism! Learn about free promotional resources available to farmers, and how your farm can benefit from local, regional, and statewide tourism programs, and explore simple ways to connect with tourists and enhance your business.

Cooperative Extension Schoharie and Otsego Counties, the Schoharie County Farm Bureau, Schoharie County’s Agricultural Development Specialist, SUNY Cobleskill's Institute for Rural Vitality, NYSERDA and National Grid are collaborating to bring members of the regional agricultural community together to network and connect farmers to opportunities, solutions and new ideas. There are also still opportunities for sponsors, vendors and agricultural support organizations to support and exhibit at the EXPO. Exhibitors will have access to a table space central to the meeting space on the second floor of Prentice Hall, and will be recognized through Expo advertising and during the event. For information on sponsorships (suggested starting at $50), exhibiting sponsors (suggested starting at $150), and break-out session sponsors (suggested starting at $250), or for more information about participating in this event, please contact Steven Smith at sesmithfarmmgtllc@gmail.com or (518)207-7112 or Deb Pernat at pernatdg@cobleskill.edu or 518-255-5537 with any questions.