Cattle at Centerdale Farm in Black River, New York.

Agriculture & Food Systems

CCE Albany County supports the full food system - from farm to table - by addressing food access, safety, local agriculture, and community needs through practical education and resources.

For Farmers

We offer training, business support, and technical guidance to help farms start, grow, and succeed, with a focus on sustainable production and expanding market opportunities year-round.

For Consumers

We connect communities to local food, strengthening the economy, reducing environmental impact, and supporting a resilient, locally rooted food system.

 

Ag assessments

 

local programs

CAAHP [livestock, field crops, greenhouse, small farm/farm business management, cut flowers, Christmas trees, etc.]

A person holds a child and stands in a field with cows grazing nearby
Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program

Our team provides agricultural and horticultural workshops, newsletters and consultations for Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady and Washington counties.

Amy at a farmers market with a display of eggs for sale
Farmers' Markets

Browse the complete list of Albany County farmers' markets, farm stores and stands, and community supported agriculture (CSA).

Livestock

Livestock production has seen abundant growth over the past 10 years. The land in our area is prime for grazing and making feeds for all forms of livestock. We work with livestock farms including beef, sheep, goat, hog, horse, and poultry producers.

A brown cow in the barn at the county fair.

For Producers

Educational information, technical service, workshops, tours, newsletters and one-on-one consultation are all available to livestock producers of any size. Contact us for help with:

  • Marketing
  • Herd Health
  • Nutrition
  • Herd Management
  • Handling Facilities
  • Finance/Budgeting

Resources

Cornell Small Farms Program

Resources on livestock processing, marketing, training and certification.

Cornell Integrated Pest Management

IPM for livestock provides resources and education in economically and environmentally sound ways of dealing with pest and farm management problems associated with livestock production.

Breeds of Livestock

Information on international breeds of cattle, goats, horses, sheep, swine and other species. Maintained by the University of Oklahoma Departement of Animal Science

Contact

Thomas Gallagher
tjg3 [at] cornell.edu
518-577-0958

Soils & Climate

Soil, essential to life, brings together the geology, hydrology, biology and atmosphere of our planet. Our environment, clean fresh water, the plants and the animals around us, most of our infrastructure and our very existence is dependent on healthy soils. It will serve us well to understand how and why soils do what they do. Cornell Cooperative Extension is your resource for soil information, research and educational opportunities.

Soil and young plant