Upcoming Events
Value-Added Dairy Product Development
May 7 - May 8, 2026.
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
FREE
SUNY Cobleskill is launching a new New Value-Added Dairy Product Development Microcredential Course! Offered free of charge, This program covers dairy value-added products (ice cream, yogurt, cheese, and butter) supports the resurgence of dairy production in the Northeast region, and meets the demands of a growing agribusiness sector.
This initiative is supported by the Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) so this course is free due to the Catalyzing the Regional Dairy Workforce Grant program.
Due to this program being supported by a grant there are some stipulations which need to be adhered to: photographs, video recordings, audio recordings, or other electronic or digital method of recording may be taken by SUNY Cobleskill, its employees or agents may be used by the College for advertisement, publicity, or information distribution; completion of course surveys to include valuable data for grant reports.
The hands-on learning experience takes place in SUNY Cobleskill’s $1.4 million Dairy Processing Center, which is certified by the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets.
FREE Dairy Processing Courses
May 11 - 14
8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech
This Dairy Processing Microcredential Series, an established, hands-on training opportunity
designed for individuals interested in starting a career in dairy processing, increasing
technical knowledge, or exploring on-farm milk processing. Thanks to grant support,
this program is offered entirely free of charge.
Participants will gain practical, industry-relevant experience in SUNY Cobleskill’s
$1.4 million Dairy Processing Center, fully certified by the NYS Department of Agriculture
& Markets. Each day of the series builds on the previous session, and participants
are strongly encouraged to attend all days to maximize learning outcomes.
May 11 – Introduction and Milk Quality
May 12 – Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), Standard Operating Procedures (SOP),
and HACCP
May 13 – Milk Receiving, Pasteurization, and Antibiotic Testing (Chemical Instruction)
May 14 – Titrations and Bacteria Swabbing
Hazard Analysis & Critical Control Points (HACCP) Food Safety Certification Course
June 10 & 11
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech
Participants are provided with training to implement the seven HACCP principles to identify, evaluate and control food safety from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product. They will be competent in preventative food safety systems that involve identifying physical, biological, and chemical hazards during the food handling and preparation stages. Receive your internationally recognized HACCP Certification! 50% Off Thanks to Empire State Development!
Basic and Advanced Beekeeping
June 2026 - Dates TBD
In Person – SUNY Cobleskill Ag & Tech
Completely FREE thanks to full program subsidization for Empire State Development. Whether you’re new to beekeeping or ready to deepen your skills, these hands-on courses provide practical knowledge and expert instruction to support sustainable beekeeping practices.
Advanced Fiber Sorting & Grading Course
July 25 - 26 & August 1
Learners will receive a more in-depth education on fiber characteristics, structure, types and how to identify them. Learners will learn more about developing a business sorting for other fiber bearing livestock owners or fiber purchasers. Earners will have the opportunity to examine alpaca, wool and other fiber types. In addition, instruction in documentation and record keeping will be presented, along with requirements for different sorting clients. Participants must have taken Basic Fiber Sorting, Grading, and Classing to enroll. Thanks to grant funding from EMmpire State Development you can currently obtain this certification for only $175 (50% off!)