Free Webinar Helps Farmers Start Successful Farm Stands in Western New York
Cornell Cooperative Extension experts offer guidance on zoning, marketing, and logistics for launching on-farm retail operations.
SOUTHWEST, NY - Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist, and Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist with Cornell Cooperative Extension, invite beginning and established farmers to attend an upcoming online webinar that covers key considerations for farmers when starting a farm stand or farm store. Establishing these on-farm retail outlets can help producers gain market access, diversify their income, and connect with their community.
Individuals attending this training will learn to think through what is involved with setting up a farm stand or store - including agricultural districting, local zoning laws, suitability for farm stand or store locations, insurance needs, product regulations, marketing considerations, and more. The program will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 12:00-1:00pm. It will be taught as a webinar over Zoom and is free to attend. Pre-registration is required. The webinar will be recorded, and a recording will be sent to all registrants. For questions or assistance registering, visit https://tinyurl.com/47vzfw3t or contact Kate McDonald Polakiewicz at 716-640-0522 or kem348@cornell.edu.
SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Amy Barkley, Livestock Management Specialist and Team Leader (716-640-0844); Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist (716-640-0522); Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist (716-640-2047); and Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist (607-422-6788). Cornell is an equal opportunity employer.