USDA, Cornell Experts to Headline Landowner Workshop on Climate Resilience, Farm Succession, and the Future of Agriculture
Farmers across the Genesee Valley know the pressures are mounting: a changing climate, tightening margins, aging landowners, and the weight of deciding what happens to the land next. On Saturday, May 2, Genesee Valley Conservancy and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Livingston County are bringing together experts from USDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension, American Farmland Trust, NOFA-NY, and others to help the agricultural community tackle those challenges head-on.
The Genesee Valley Landowner Workshop, themed "Harvesting Tomorrow, Together,” runs from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Livingston County Conference Center, 1 Murray Hill Drive, Mount Morris, NY 14510. Admission is $20 and includes lunch.
The workshop features a flexible "Mix 'n Match" morning schedule, letting attendees focus on what matters most to their operation.
Those navigating the business and family side of farming can choose from three "In the Office" sessions:
Planning Your Farm's Future, a deep dive into succession planning and land transfer led by Lori Shipman of FarmNet NY and Stephanie Castle of American Farmland Trust
Put It on Paper: The Art of the Land Lease, focused on moving from handshake deals to written agreements that protect both landowners and farmers
Harvesting Harmony and Hope, a candid discussion on conflict, mental health, and the unique pressures of running a family business, led by Jeff Winton of Rural Minds
Those focused on the land itself can head to "In the Field" for sessions on:
The Resiliency Pivot, a look at water efficiency, extreme weather preparation, and climate-smart crop diversification, led by Cornell Cooperative Extension's Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist Kitty O'Neil and USDA Resource Conservationist Dan Tighe
Beyond the Monocrop: Soil Health as a Profit Driver, featuring real-world insights from Oatka Creek Farm alongside guidance from American Farmland Trust
Unearthing Organic: Facts, Friction, and Future Growth, a candid look at the realities of organic certification and market opportunity, led by Chris Kemnah of NOFA-NY and Klaas Martins of Martens Farm and Lakeview Organic Grain Mill
After a shared lunch, all attendees will gather for a facilitated World Café Forum, a structured discussion designed to give farmers and landowners a real voice in identifying the challenges and opportunities shaping agriculture in our communities.
Registration is required in advance at GeneseeValleyConservancy.org/landownerworkshop. Questions can be directed to Genesee Valley Conservancy by calling (585) 243-2190, or by email to info@geneseevalleyconservancy.org.