Stewardship Resources

Farmers in your area are your best resource for learning hands-on good stewardship practices. Your local Cooperative Extension office can also answer your questions and provide resources about specific production practices and conservation programs.

General Stewardship

Contact your county office of the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD). One-on-one assistance is often available to help you incorporate good environmental management practices into your business plan from the start, and to walk your land with you to evaluate areas of concern. These offices will also have information on funding sources (grants, loans, cost-shares) for implementing conservation practices on your farm.

Soil Health

  • Cornell Soil Health Manual and soil health test
  • A collection of articles on improving soil health and techniques for building soil

Managing Mineral/Nutrient Cycles

  • Whole Farm Nutrient Management Tutorials from Cornell

Good Cropping Practices

  • Overview of Cover Crops and Green Manures, by Preston Sullivan
  • Managing Cover Crops Profitably, 3rd edition from SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) – available as a free PDF or for $19 hard copy

Good Grazing Practices

  • Pasture, Rangeland, and Grazing Management – from ATTRA (Appropriate Technology Transfer to Rural Areas)
  • A primer on “Sustainable Pasture Management” from ATTRA

Forest Management

  • Most Northeast States have a Forest Owners Association that offers trainings, individual consultation, and assistance with developing a forest management plan. Search the internet for “____ (your state) Forest Owners Association” to find one nearest you.
  • Sources of Assistance for NY Forest Owners (PDF)

In this section:

New Farmer Hub

Essential Resources for Your Farm

Need Small Farms Info?

Visit our sister Small Farms Programsite, the Cornell Small Farms Program