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Cornell Cooperative Extension makes a difference every day - today, YOU can help make that difference.

Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) has been deeply rooted in the Yates County community for over 100 years. Our connection to Cornell University and the 112 additional institutions comprising the Land Grant University System allows us immeasurable access to research and resources to help address needs and issues affecting our local community.

CCE-Yates works with residents of all ages, area farms, and businesses, as well as local community organizations to serve as a vital connection to research-based education and resources. Our association is pleased to share some of this year’s projects and accomplishments and ask you to consider how CCE-Yates County has improved your life and community:

• 4-H Youth Development- Increased our 4-H enrollment by 59%, with 67 current 4-H members 
• Cornell Vegetable Program (CVP)- 2,249 farm visits and direct contacts, 28 events and presentations featuring CVP specialists
• Family Budgeting & Life Skills- Provided FREE resources via workshops, 1:1 education, and community outreach, including budgeting tools, calendars/planners, expandable file folders, calculators, and lightbulbs.
• Finger Lakes Grape Program (FLGP)- The Spring Grape IPM Meeting offered growers a chance to learn about new updates on disease and insect management, including the status of the spotted lanternfly in New York State. Almost 100 growers and other industry members attended this year’s meeting.
• Master Gardeners & Community Horticulture- Built 28 new raised beds at the Community Garden in collaboration with Penn Yan FFA. 
  
• Northwest NY Dairy, Livestock, & Field Crops (NWNY)- Visited 10 Yates corn growers and estimated grain corn yield as part of an 11-county survey in NWNY. Yates corn average was 197/bu/acre.
• Natural Resources- The 57th Annual Conservation Field Day was held on September 19th at Indian Pines Park. Conservation Field Day is a one-day environmental education program designed to introduce local sixth graders to topics in ecology, water, natural resource management, conservation careers, and safety. “We appreciate the time, effort, and talent you put forth for Conservation Field Day and the students. It definitely makes a difference.”
• SNAP-Ed- Partnered with the Dream Catchers program through the Living Well to provide 17 nutrition and cooking classes to Penn Yan and Dundee youth. Students learned about the MyPlate food groups, cooking safety and skills, and how to reduce added sugars, sodium, and saturated fats intake. 

As we look towards the future of CCE-Yates, we are encouraged by the possibilities for growth and increased outreach, education, and services for Yates County. Your tax-deductible Friend of Extension donation allows us to continue our work and expand our efforts as we head into 2025.

As the new Executive Director, I thank you in advance for your willingness to donate and support CCE-Yates as we continue to grow and meet the ever-changing needs of the Yates County Community. 

To become a Friend of Cornell Cooperative Extension, download a donation form here. Online donations can be made via PayPal by clicking the PayPal button on the left-hand side of this page. 

Last updated April 18, 2025