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Agri-Culture Webinar Series

  • Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday, March 4, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday, March 18, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
  • Wednesday, March 25, 2026, 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

This five‑part virtual workshop series supports Sullivan County farms in developing safe, accessible, engaging, and market‑ready agritourism experiences. Each session features expert speakers, practical tools, and real‑world examples to help farms strengthen visitor safety, enhance guest engagement, and grow their agritourism offerings.

Register to receive a Zoom link here: https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events.cfm?dept=248

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Know the Law: On Farm Risk Management & NYS Legal Requirements

February 18th, 6pm-7:30pm

Topics:

  • Overview of the NYS Safety in Agricultural Tourism Act and what it means for your farm
  • Understanding liability protections and the signage requirements under NY law
  • Best practices for visitor safety, including animal contact zones, food service, and emergency planning
  • Risk management strategies: insurance, waivers, staff training, and incident documentation
  • Real-world examples of how farms have implemented safety protocols and signage

Speakers:

  • Erika Malmgreen- Erika Malmgreen brings practical, real‑world experience managing visitor safety across two active agritourism businesses. At Winterton Farms and Two Farms Brewery, she has developed clear procedures for events, daily operations, and staff readiness to ensure safe, positive guest experiences. She will share practical examples of how farms can apply the NYS Safety in Agricultural Tourism Act and use straightforward risk‑management strategies to protect both visitors and the farm.
  • Kelly Young- Director of Agricultural Development at the NYS Department of Agriculture. Kelly Young provides a clear regulatory perspective on New York’s requirements for farm safety and agritourism. She will outline key elements of the NYS Safety in Agricultural Tourism Act, including liability protections and required practices, and offer guidance on insurance considerations, staff training, and steps farms can take to strengthen compliance and overall risk management.

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Biosecurity for Farm Experiences

February 24th, 6pm-7pm

Topics:

  • Safety protocols for visitors in farm environments
  • Managing animal contact zones and minimizing risk
  • Designing and placing effective biosecurity signage
  • Communicating safety expectations to guests

Speaker:

  • Michelle Proscia- Agriculture Production Program Manager at CCE Sullivan County

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Creating Accessible Farm Experiences

March 4th, 6pm-7:30pm

Topics:

  • Understanding ADA compliance for farm-based tourism
  • Designing inclusive and welcoming experiences for all visitors
  • Physical accessibility, communication strategies, and staff training
  • Tools and resources for evaluating and improving accessibility

Speakers:

  • Lee Karasik- Born with a mild form of Cerebral Palsy (CP), Lee Brian Karasik — musician, photographer, EMT, disability advocate and proud Sullivan County native shares his unique perspective on living with a disability while simultaneously navigating the world in which we live. Through personal stories and powerful insights, Lee’s mission is to promote understanding, inclusion, and respect for people of all abilities.
  • Scott Goodman- Scott Goodman brings a valuable combination of legal expertise and firsthand farming experience to the conversation on accessibility. As both an attorney and the owner of Butchies Organic Farm, Scott understands the practical implications of meeting ADA requirements in real farm settings. In this session, he will help participants navigate key aspects of the Americans with Disabilities Act, including visitor access considerations, liability concerns, and how farms can proactively address barriers to create safer, more welcoming experiences for all guests.
  • A participating farmer will share real‑world examples of how they’ve improved accessibility on their own farm, from physical modifications to communication strategies with visitors. They will highlight simple, practical steps any farm can take to reduce barriers and create a more inclusive, welcoming experience for guests of all abilities.

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Designing the Farm Experience: Tours, Storytelling & Visitor Engagement

March 18th, 6pm-7:30pm

Topics:

  • Tour scheduling, staffing, and pricing strategies
  • Crafting and delivering your farm’s story
  • Designing effective signage and wayfinding systems
  • Creating interactive and educational displays for visitors
  • Enhancing customer engagement through visual communication

Speakers:

  • Brandon Monroe- Brandon Monroe will share his experience designing engaging, educational farm tours that highlight both daily operations and the deeper mission behind Mother Earth Farmstead. He will offer practical insights on crafting a compelling farm story, organizing visitor flow, and using visual communication to enhance guest understanding and connection
  • A participating farmer will discuss how they structure tours, communicate their farm’s unique story, and create interactive elements that keep visitors engaged. They will share simple, effective strategies for signage, wayfinding, and hands‑on displays that help guests connect more deeply with the farm experience. 

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Marketing Your Farm Experience

March 25th, 6pm-7:30pm

Topics:

  • Building a strong online presence through websites and social media
  • Using booking platforms to manage visitor experiences
  • Creating compelling content and visuals to attract guests
  • Forming partnerships with local tourism and hospitality organizations

Speakers:

  • Erika Malmgreen- Erika Malmgreen offers a grounded, creative perspective on agritourism marketing shaped by her work growing Winterton Farms and Two Farms Brewery. She has successfully built customer engagement through storytelling, on‑farm events, and strong digital presence across websites and social media. In this session, Erika will share practical strategies for creating compelling content, highlighting what makes a farm experience unique, and building partnerships that strengthen visibility within the tourism and hospitality community.
  • Lindsay Wilcox, Centermost Marketing - Lindsay Wilcox is a marketing strategist with deep experience helping agricultural organizations build strong, recognizable brands. She has played a key role in developing the Sullivan Catskills Farmers Market brand and its multi‑channel marketing initiative, strengthening the region’s visibility and consumer engagement. Lindsay also leads the marketing efforts for Onondaga Grown, including the promotion of their annual Farm Day, where she supports farms in sharing their stories and attracting new visitors. In this session, she will offer practical guidance on branding, online platforms, and creating compelling digital content that enhances farm experiences and drives attendance.

Fee

FREE!

Register

https://pub.cce.cornell.edu/event_registration/main/events.cfm?dept=248

Contact

Alan Carroll
Food Systems Program Manager
amc586@cornell.edu
(845) 292-6180 ext. 108

Location

This event is online

Last updated February 4, 2026