Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County

Through quality educational programs, Cornell Cooperative Extension Dutchess County (CCE Dutchess) provides the framework and resources to enable farmers (new, beginning, small, and experienced) to develop sensible, realistic, and economically viable methodologies and practices using the latest scientific and proven production methods in the areas of: Production Best Management Practices, Integrated Pest Management, Agriculture Policy and Awareness (Agriculture Districts and Agricultural Value Assessment), Farm/Agri-business Development, and Profitability and Sustainability (Business and Marketing Plan Development). CCE Dutchess also educates and facilitates discussions with farmers, Municipal Officials and County Leaders about the importance of agriculture in Dutchess County. 

As a Regional Navigator for Farmland for a New Generation New York, CCE Dutchess will assist farmers in evaluating potential farm properties via soil mapping and crop selection. Staff will offer one-on-one consultations to landowners, potential purchasers of farmland, and new and beginning farmers about lease agreements, production practices, and infrastructure needs and create a toolkit of resources for Farmers of Color tailored exclusively to address access to capital, access to land (funding), access to education and training for minority farmers and other educational resources for minority farmers. 

Regions Served

Capital Region, Columbia County, Hudson Valley, Dutchess County, Putnam County, Westchester County

Ag Updates

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Register Now for Cornell Small Farms Online Courses!

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. The Cornell Small Farms Program offers a suite of more than 30 online courses, primarily taught by Cornell Cooperative Extension educators, to help farmers improve their technical and business skills. 

2023-2024 Online Course List Learn More

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Looking for an on farm job or have a farm job you are hiring for?

Are you looking for a farm job? Are you a farm looking to hire help? Check out the 'Find a Farm Job' page on the New York Farmland Finder website! 

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Applications Open for GrowNYC Farm Beginnings Course!

Farm Beginnings is a foundations course developed for experienced farmers, gardeners, and farm workers who want to build their own farm businesses focused on food, herbs, or flowers in the Northeast. The course is focused on providing business training for land-based farm operations and is primarily focused on serving BIPOC, immigrants, and historically underrepresented communities in farm business ownership. Applications close on Sunday, October 29th! 

Learn More & Apply  Course Eligibility