LIBERTY, NY— A four-part, educational series of beginning farmer classes will kick off with a general “Introduction to Farming” class on Thursday, March 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC) will offer the program series at its Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center on 64 Ferndale-Loomis Rd., unless otherwise noted.

In this first class, CCESC educators Michelle Lipari and Melinda Meddaugh will cover the rules and regulations associated with farming. Discussion will include getting started with a farm, zoning and lease options, agriculture assessment and business plan development, and various marketing considerations.

Other sessions will be “Common Diseases of Small Ruminants,” from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 14, led by Dr. Joseph D’Abbraccio of Catskill Veterinary Services; “Introduction to Poultry,” on Thursday, May 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. led by CCESC educator Michelle Lipari; “Vegetable Farm Tour,” on Wednesday, June 8 from 6 to 8 p.m., at Gorzynski Ornery Farm in Narrowsburg.

The cost is $15 per person per class, $10 per CCESC enrollee per class, or $30 per enrollee for the entire series. Anyone can enroll in CCESC for an annual contribution of $25.

Scholarships are available for this educational program, made possible through donations from Sullivan Renaissance. In the event of financial hardship or special needs, the public should contact the office.

Space is limited and pre-registration with non-refundable payment is required. Registration and more information can be obtained by calling CCESC at 845/292-6180, emailing sullivan@cornell.edu, or visiting www.sullivancce.org. Payment can be made in advance by check, cash, or credit. Additional donations for CCESC programs are appreciated.