Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County

06/18/2026

There is still time to register for the Soil Health Day on June 25th!

Join us at Sheland Farms in Adams from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM for a Soil Health Field Day exploring how double cropping with triticale as a cover crop following corn silage can improve soil health while producing high-quality forage for dairy operations.

There will be a brief field tour, an overview of manure injection equipment, a short Q & A farmer panel discussion, and an update from JCSWCD and NRCS on programs available to qualifying farms in the region. The event will also feature a talk on compaction by the CCE Statewide Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist, and a rain simulator demonstration by the New York Soil Health Team. Attendance is free! Register now: https://cce.cornell.edu/jefferson/soil-health-day

  At CCE Jefferson County, we connect local communities with the research and resources of Cornell University while fostering opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation. From free or low-cost workshops on topics ranging from organic gardening and canning to parenting and youth development,...

06/17/2026

Our first year of 4-H Afterschool Programming at General Brown has officially come to a close! To celebrate a successful year, our team hosted an attendance party for the students who joined us throughout the program. The celebration included Jumpin Goat Drive Thru, ice cream, games, tie-dye activities, and a fun photo booth. Thank you to all the youth who helped make our first year such a success!

06/16/2026

Did you know that the US produces over 1 billion pounds of mushrooms every year, and that the majority of them are havested by hand?!

On June 1, we hosted a Mushrooms and More class that took place at Cogumelo Mushrooms. The group explored the different methods of mushroom production, and toured the facilities located in Natural Bridge NY! Thank you to Liam Carney for sharing your knowledge, resources, and passion!

06/15/2026

The Farmers Market Resiliency Grant aims to strengthen local food systems through the support of local farmers market vendors. Rock and Jam and Cogumelo Mushrooms are two of the businesses that have been awarded through this grant! You can find both of these vendors, along with many other local businesses, at the Watertown Farm & Craft Market. The Watertown Farm & Craft Market is the perfect spot to support local vendors, engage with the community and try some delicious local foods. Comment below your favorite local Jefferson County food product!

Are you a producer that is interested in applying for the Farmers Market Resiliency Grant? Reach out to Taylor for more information: 315-788-8450 ext. 224

06/14/2026

Have you HERD?

There are different terms for groups of animals depending on their species. A group of cows or goats is called a herd, a group of sheep or chickens is called a flock, and there are a couple of different terms used to describe a group of pigs! What is the group name for your favorite animal?

06/13/2026

The Evans Mills 4-H students worked incredibly hard this past week planting new flowers in front of EMP as part of their final community service project of the 4-H year. We are so proud of their dedication, teamwork, and willingness to give back to the community. Their hard work has made a beautiful impact for everyone to enjoy! 🌸

06/11/2026

The 2026 Master Gardener Annual Plant Sale was hosted by the CCE Master Gardener Volunteers on May 16th! They raised $2,279.00. A special thanks to the hard-working volunteers, Next Step Floral Designs, Stratton Hardware Ltd., Spring Valley Garden Center, O D Greene Ace Home Center, Rhodes Greenhouses, Limerick Greenhouses, Price Chopper in Watertown, LaFargeville Agway, Martin’s Produce and Greenhouse, State Street Ace Hardware, The Home Depot, Yard by Yard, OD Greene Lumber Co. Inc., Watertown Garden Center, Petals N Pots Greenhouses, Krings Greenhouses and Nursery, Deluke’s Garden Center, Cross Island Farms, Seaway Coldhardy Berries, Carthage and Watertown Tractor Supply, and Walmart in Evans Mills.

06/09/2026

Join us via Zoom for a free, 3-part Fast Track to Farming Webinar Series!

This program is perfect for aspiring producers of all kinds, and those looking to diversify. We will explore business and marketing principals, the basics of horticulture and livestock operations, value- added processing and more! If you have ever wanted to make your agricultural passion an enterprise, now is the time to get on the Fast Track to success!

Classes will take place on June 23rd, 24th and 25th 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. Registration is required to attend and receive the zoom link. You can register here: https://cce.cornell.edu/jefferson/fast-track-farming

06/08/2026

Looking to expand your apiary offerings? Join us for a hands-on workshop diving into the science behind and process of making whipped honey! Participants will explore the science of honey crystallization, and how this process can be manipulated to create a smooth and spreadable whipped honey. Whether you are a beekeeper, homesteader or a honey enthusiast, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to learn a new skill!

Limited spots available- registration is required.
Register here: https://cce.cornell.edu/jefferson/value-added-whipped-honey-workshop

If you have questions about the registration process, please call Taylor at 315-788-8450 ext. 224.

06/08/2026

June 8 - June 14, 2026, is New York's Invasive Species Week!

This statewide initiative encourages New Yorkers to learn how invasive species impact our forests, waterways, farms, and natural areas, and what we can do to help prevent their spread. Throughout the week, organizations across the state are hosting educational programs, volunteer opportunities, hikes, and family-friendly activities.

Find an event near you and get involved: https://nyis.info/ny-invasive-species-awareness-week/