CORNELL COOPERATIVE EXTENSION STATEWIDE MISSION
The Cornell Cooperative Extension educational system enables people to improve their lives and communities through partnerships that put experience and research knowledge to work.
Small Steps to Health & Wealth Online Challenge Begins Jan 15
Just in time to rescue failed New Year’s resolutions to improve health and personal finances, the Cooperative Extension system is launching an online Small Steps to Health and Wealth™ (SSHW) Challenge called “Winter 2012 SSHW Challenge.” This free six-week program, open to anyone who enrolls online, will be held from Sunday, January 15, through Saturday, February 25, 2012. Prizes will be awarded for participants who report the highest point totals.
Click on attached link for more information: Small Steps Are Easier Together
TRACTOR OPERATORS’ & MACHINERY CERTIFICATION COURSE
By federal law, no person under 16 years of age may operate a farm tractor or farm machinery on a farm owned by anyone other than the person’s parents. This course will allow exemption from this law for 14 and 15 year olds. Youth who are 13 and will turn 14 before summer may also take the course. The course will consist of attendance at a minimum of SEVEN meetings, plus a Saturday shop class:
- THURSDAYS - FEBRUARY 16, 23, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 6:30-9:30 p.m. (plus, one Saturday Shop Class)
There is a $40 fee (includes $25 course book) to cover teaching materials and instruction cost and participants must attend seven out of the eight meetings, including the practical exam to become certified. Attendance alone will not guarantee certification.
For more information click on the attached: Tractor Safety
GETTING STARTED WITH HONEYBEES
This workshop will cover a hoppyist's first year of beekeeping, including how to purchase and transport bees, bee identification, introducing your new bees to their new home, hive location, pest and disease management, hive components, harvesting and preparing your hives for winter.
For more information click on the following: Getting Started With Honeybees Feb 2012
CATSKILL GRASS BIO-ENERGY PROJECT
Grass biomass is receiving interest as a renewable alternative energy source as energy prices have dramatically increased in recent years. Production and combustion of grass biomass pellets for heating is a very promising option that offers the following advantages:
* Local energy loop
* Very efficient energy conversion
* Very environmentally friendly
(low net greenhouse gas production)
* Existing infrastructure on farms to harvest haycrop
* Compatible with livestock and crop operations
* Maintains open space
* Annually renewable crop
* Stove and furnace technology is very efficient
and low emission
Check out more by clicking on the following links:
(more information located under the Agriculture & Natural Resource Tab)
Catskill Grass Bioenergy Project
Why Grass Pellet Fuel?