L.E.A.F. Workshops to cover Running a CSA, Maple Syrup Production and Raising Sheep

CCE-Chautauqua Announces Upcoming L.E.A.F. (Learn. Empower. Achieve. Farm.) Workshops

-by Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County

JAMESTOWN, NEW YORK (October 18, 2016) -- Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County’s Agriculture Program will offer 3 workshops next week as part of their 2016-2017 L.E.A.F. (Learn. Empower. Achieve. Farm.) Workshop Series. On Wednesday, October 26th from 6pm - 8pm at the Frank Bratt Agricultural Center there will be a workshop entitled “Running a Successful CSA”. Then, on Thursday, October 27th, there will be a workshop on the “Maple Syrup Production from 6pm – 8pm. Finally, on Saturday, October 29th there will be an “Introduction to Sheep Production” workshop from 10am – 12pm at the Ag Center.

The “Running A Successful CSA” workshop to be held on Wednesday, October 26th from 6pm to 8pm will be led by Adrienne Ploss, owner of Hickory Hurst farm, a fourth-generation family farm that produces USDA Certified organic cut flowers, herbs, and produce. She will incorporate her own experiences with running her farm’s CSA and has more than 25 years of experience as a horticulturist, as well as a Master’s Degree from Purdue University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Cornell University. CSA's, or Community Supported Agriculture, are a unique way to connect consumers to farmers. Participants can learn about starting, organizing, managing, and marketing a CSA as well as deciding what type of a CSA will work best for your farm business.

There will be an encore presentation of this workshop to be held Saturday, February 25th from 10am to 12pm.

A workshop entitled “Maple Syrup Production” will be held on Thursday, October 27th from 6pm to 8pm. This workshop is for anyone who has ever wanted to make and/or sell their own maple syrup. Learn the basics about tree selection and tapping, sap collection and storage, syrup grading and packaging, equipment selection, and much more! Lloyd and David Munsee of Big Tree Maple (www.bigtreemaple.com), who have many years of experience with maple production, will be leading this introductory workshop.

On Saturday, October 29th from 10am to 12pm there will be a workshop on “Introduction to Sheep Production” taught by Breanna Waild-Halla, a Cornell University Graduate who has a bachelor’s degree in Animal Science with a focus in production animals and sheep production as well as many years of experience with raising sheep. In this workshop, participants will learn the basics of sheep production and care from lamb to adult animal. This will include information on housing and supplies, nutrition, breed selection, production, animal wellness, and marketing.

The L.E.A.F. Workshop Series is open to the general public, including homesteaders, beginning farmers, established farmers looking to diversify and grow, agriculture enthusiasts, and everyone in between! The 2016-2017 Workshop Series will feature 23 workshops to be held in October and November of 2016 and February of 2017. This season’s L.E.A.F. Program is made possible through the generous support of the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation.

Each workshop will be 2 hours long and led by an experienced instructor. The cost to attend is only $5/family/workshop and light refreshments will be offered. The L.E.A.F. workshops are designed to be interactive, so participants are encouraged to bring their questions and ideas to this collaborative environment! All of the workshops will be held at the Frank W. Bratt Agricultural Center located at 3542 Turner Road in Jamestown, NY.

Pre-registration is required at least 3 days prior to the workshop to allow for adequate time to prepare printed resources and materials. Interested participants can register online by visiting www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua/leaf1617, by emailing kaw249@cornell.edu, or by calling 716-664-9502.

The L.E.A.F. Program is one of many programs offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Chautauqua County (CCE-Chautauqua) in line with the County’s 20/20 Comprehensive Plan. CCE-Chautauqua is a community based educational organization, affiliated with Cornell University, Chautauqua County Government, the NYS SUNY system, and the federal government through the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. For more information, call 716-664-9502 or visit our website at www.cce.cornell.edu/chautauqua. Cornell University Cooperative Extension provides equal program and employment opportunities.

Last updated October 18, 2016