Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County

10/29/2026

Join us for a New York Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training designed to help beef producers strengthen their herd management practices and maintain high standards for animal care, food safety, and beef quality.

Beef Quality Assurance is a nationwide certification program to help ensure a safe, wholesome, and quality beef product for consumers. Topics include heard health products and management, biosecurity, nutrition, handler safety, behavior, recordkeeping, handling and more.

Producers attending the classroom and chuteside FREE training will become certified.

🔗https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/weblink.aspx?name=E190538&id=969
Register before October 30th.

10/28/2026

Looking for a place to explore your interests, learn new skills, and discover your potential? 4-H has something for everyone!

Whether you're interested in animals, agriculture, STEM, public speaking, leadership, community service, or trying something new, 4-H is here to help you find your spark!

✨ 4-H Membership Benefits:
📩 Regular updates about upcoming programs and activities
🏅 Opportunities to participate in Public Presentations
🐄 Eligibility to participate in the 4-H Farm & Family Fair
🌎 Opportunities to take part in county, state, and national 4-H activities
💚 Discounted pricing on fee-based programs

💲 Membership Fees:
• $15 per individual
• $25 per family

📲 Ready to get started? Visit https://cceorangecounty.org/4-h-youth or call 845-344-1234 to learn more!

🌟 Find Your Spark. Join 4-H!

10/28/2026

Check out this event happening in Sullivan County TOMORROW! To learn more see the post below:

🐛🌱 IPM for the Small Farm: From Aphids to White-Tailed Deer

Join us at Bobolink Farm for a walking tour with owner Brenda Miller and learn how Integrated Pest Management can help you identify, prevent, and manage pests and diseases on your farm. We'll visit key areas where pests and pathogens overwinter and discuss practical management strategies for the coming season.

📅 October 29 | 4:00-6:00 PM
📍 6127 State Route 55, Liberty, NY
🔗 www.sullivancce.org/IPM

10/27/2026

🌿 Discover the Art of Natural Plant Dyes!

Join us on Saturday, November 7, for a hands-on workshop with local artisan Kirsten Gabrielsen!

Learn how everyday plants and flowers can be transformed into beautiful, vibrant dyes. Explore the natural dyeing process, prepare dyes from plants, and try your hand at dyeing yarn. Each participant will leave with two sample skeins of naturally dyed yarn!

🗓️ Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
📍 CCE Orange County Office (18 Seward Ave. 3rd Floor, Middletown, NY)
💲 Cost: $30 per person (all materials included)
🧶 Limited to 12 participants!

Hand-dyed yarn will also be available for purchase after the workshop.

Registration closes Friday, October 30, so reserve your spot today!

Register here: http://weblink.donorperfect.com/2026NaturalPlantDyes

Please note: No refunds are available. If you cannot attend, you may send someone in your place.

10/26/2026

🎙️ This Week on Farm Talk with Elias Bloom! 🌱

Tune in LIVE THIS WEDNESDAY at noon to hear from Nazir Adam Sharifi, a PhD Candidate in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Cornell University, as we discuss:
-Dry bean production
- Seeding density optimization
- Organic w**d suppression
- Seeding rate economics
And more!

Listen live at WTBQ Radio:
https://wtbq.com/ or broadcasting on AM 1110 or FM 93.5

Be sure to check out his paper on high seeding rates at https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s44279-026-00691-4

10/26/2026

🌱 Contractor Erosion and Sediment Control Training Course

Join us for a 4-hour training course focused on the key practices and requirements for effective erosion and sediment control.

📅 Tuesday, December 8, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 CCE Orange County Office, 18 Seward Ave., 3rd Floor, Middletown, NY
👨‍🏫 Instructor: Travis Ferry
💲 Registration: $100 (breakfast provided!)

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4BoQqfS

Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your knowledge and skills in erosion and sediment control!

10/25/2026

🍂🎨 Let Nature Be Your Art Studio!

Join Orange County 4-H's Green Minds, Bright Futures program for Creating Nature Art on Saturday, November 14, from 10 AM to 12 PM at the CCE Orange County Education Center & 4-H Park in Otisville!

🌿 Explore nature through an artist’s eyes, discover natural colors, patterns, and textures, and create art inspired by the world around you. This hands-on outdoor adventure is a great opportunity to build creativity, practice observation, and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world.

No previous art experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and creativity!

📅 Date: Saturday, November 14
⏰ Time: 10 AM–12 PM
📍 Location: Education Center & 4-H Park, 300 Finchville Turnpike, Otisville, NY
💲 Cost: $5 for non-members; FREE for 4-H members

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/4z5Zt3y

Questions? Contact Kat Leo at [email protected].

10/24/2026

CCE Orange County is partnering with the New York Blood Center to host a blood drive on Monday, November 9, from 9 AM to 3 PM!

📍 Location: CCE Orange County Office
18 Seward Avenue, Suite 300, Middletown, NY 10940 (Conference Room)

Your donation can make a lifesaving difference for someone in need. Take a little time out of your day to give back to your community!

🩸 Sign up today! Visit https://nybc.org/sponsor and use sponsor code #66967.

Donor reminders:
- Eat well and stay hydrated before donating.
- Bring a photo ID.
- Donors must be 17 or older, or 16 with a parental consent form.
- Meet minimum weight requirements and be feeling well on donation day.

10/23/2026

🎨🌈 Paint with 4-H! Beginner Painting Class

Ready to get creative? Join Orange County 4-H for a fun, fast-moving painting experience designed for ages 8 and up! 🖌️

Whether you choose a piece to paint in class or bring your own wearable item, you'll be the designer. No experience is necessary — just bring your creativity!

✨ What to expect:
🎨 Functional art: painting on fabric
🖌️ No experience needed
🌈 A fun, hands-on creative experience
💚 Part of our 4-H Thrive Healthy Living Series

📅 Saturday, November 21, 2026
⏰ 10:00–11:30 AM
📍 CCE Orange County Office, 18 Seward Ave., Suite 300, Middletown, NY

💲 Cost: $5 for 4-H members | $10 for non-4-H members

Space is limited, so register today!

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/3WGVhZZ

Questions? Contact Leah Brown at [email protected].

10/23/2026

💙 Strengthening Families Program: Learn, Connect & Grow Together!

Join us for a fun and engaging 3-part family series designed for parents, caregivers, and youth ages 10–14. Families will enjoy a meal, interactive activities, and meaningful conversations while building stronger relationships.

Together, families will learn how to:
✨ Communicate more effectively
✨ Navigate the challenges of the teen years
✨ Solve problems as a team
✨ Support healthy decision-making
✨ Connect, have fun, and strengthen family bonds

📅 Saturdays, November 7, 14 & 21
⏰ 1:00–5:00 PM
📍 Middletown Parks & Recreation
393 County Rd 78, Middletown, NY 10940

👨‍👩‍👧 Space is limited to 10 families!
🧸 Free childcare is available for children ages 3–9.

👉 Register: https://bit.ly/46zbNgh

Questions or need assistance? Contact Chloe at 845-344-1234 or [email protected].