A person holds a child and stands in a field with cows grazing nearby

Agriculture & Beginner Farmer Support in Sullivan County

Beginner Farmer Support

Beginner Farmer Program

The Beginner Farmer Program assists beginning farmers in the Catskills–Hudson Valley region who have been in operation for less than 10 years. The program is supported by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture funding through the American Rescue Plan Technical Assistance Investment Program.

Our goal is to turn farming dreams into reality by helping you build a viable, resilient farm business.

If you are considering starting a farm or are within your first ten years of operation, the Beginner Farmer Program can help you:

  • Clarify your farm vision and enterprise mix
  • Assess land needs and explore access options
  • Develop a realistic business plan and budget
  • Understand marketing channels and pricing
  • Navigate food safety, certifications, and regulations
  • Connect with local markets, buyers, and service providers

Program features

Group trainings and workshops

Group training contents include:

✔️ Direct and wholesale marketing
✔️ Business planning and farm financial management
✔️ Farmland access and leases
✔️ Soil health and composting
✔️ Livestock and crop production
✔️ Urban farming and high tunnel production
✔️ Food safety, farm food safety plans, and regulatory compliance
✔️ Agritourism and value-added enterprises

One-on-one technical assistance

Our staff work individually with farmers to:

✔️ Review business plans
✔️ “Vet” new enterprise ideas
✔️ Troubleshoot production or marketing challenges
✔️ Connect you with more in-depth resources as needed

Farm visits and farmer networks

Extension staff visit farms, facilitate networking among peers, and host seasonal educational workshops at local farms so you can learn directly from working operations.

The program is guided by a Program Advisory Committee of local farmers and farm business owners in Sullivan County. This committee helps shape the program and ensures it reflects real on-the-ground experience.

Beginner Farmer Mentorship

Beginner Farmer Mentorship

As part of the Beginner Farmer Program, CCE Sullivan coordinates a farmer-to-farmer mentorship component. New farmers are paired with experienced producers in the region for a structured mentorship relationship over the course of the season.

A person holds a child and stands in a field with cows grazing nearby

Benefit #1

Farmer-to-farmer pairing based on enterprise type (e.g., vegetables, livestock, mixed operations), goals, and geography.

Benefit #2

Regular check-ins between mentees and mentors to discuss business decisions, production questions, and work–life balance on the farm.

Benefit #3

On-farm shadowing and visits so mentees can see systems in action—everything from planting schedules and grazing plans to wash/pack workflows.

In addition to mentorship, the program provides a peer community with other mentees, to share lessons learned and build a support network in the local farm community.

The mentorship builds confidence, reduces isolation, and helps beginner farmers make informed decisions faster by learning from people who are already succeeding in the region.

Agribusiness development

Agriculture Jobs & Career Pathways

Farming and agribusinesses in and around the Sullivan Catskills regularly seek employees for roles such as: 

  • Farm workers and farm managers
  • Production staff for food processing and specialty products
  • Guest services and tourism roles at farm-based destinations
  • Technical, logistics, and management positions with regional farm hubs and agribusinesses
A person holds a child and stands in a field with cows grazing nearby

CCE Sullivan helps connect farms and agribusinesses with job seekers by sharing current opportunities and directing people to training and workforce resources.

For up-to-date job listings, employers can submit positions through CCE Sullivan, and job seekers can contact the office to learn more about current openings and support services.

Contact

Agriculture Production Program Manager Michelle Proscia Email: mml249 [at] cornell.edu (mml249[at]cornell[dot]edu) Phone: 845-292-6180, Ext. 129 

Agriculture Program Coordinator / Beginner Farmer Program Haley Collins Email: hc2246 [at] cornell.edu (hc2246[at]cornell[dot]edu) Phone: 845-292-6180, Ext. 131