Kitty O'Neil

Kitty O'Neil

Ag Climate Resiliency Specialist

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Areas of Interest
soil health

Kitty O'Neil joins Harvest NY with an extensive background in climate smart farming; Her goal is to improve productivity and resiliency across the state through smart farm and business management with keen attention to climate-related risks to land, farms, crop, and animal production and long-term soil health. She is a member of the Cornell Climate Smart Farming Extension Team and the Agriculture and Climate Change Program Work Team. Her current research projects focus on impacts of soil compaction to crop yields and soil function.

Kitty previously served as the Cornell Cooperative Extension Regional Field Crops and Soils Specialist in Northern NY. She grew up on a successful family dairy farm in Cayuga County, NY and went on to receive a B.S. in Animal Science from Cornell University, her M.S. in Animal Nutrition and Plant Biochemistry from Michigan State University (MSU), and her Ph.D. in Sustainable Plant and Soil Cropping Systems from MSU. Kitty is also a Certified Crop Adviser.

Prior to working with Cooperative Extension, Dr. O'Neil spent several years working at MSU researching potato cropping systems, studying impacts of crop rotations, soil amendments, and cover crops on soil health and biophysics on potato farms.

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Upcoming Events

Urban Ag Food Safety Webinar

March 11, 2026
12:00 pm - 1:30 pm

Urban and small-scale producers are encouraged to join us for the Urban Ag Food Safety webinar, featuring speakers from Cornell Cooperative Extension and Cornell IPM. We will explore the 'why' behind food safety, providing a basic overview and diving into specific urban ag considerations including water, pest, rodent, and soil health challenges. We will touch on the regulation and marketing landscape, and share resources for learning more. Bring your questions!

Companion Planting in the Garden -- With Mushrooms!

March 12, 2026
10:00 am - 11:30 am

Learn how to diversify your garden harvest with companion planting at this virtual workshop. Plan next spring's garden with guidance CCE Harvest NY Urban Agriculture Specialist Yolanda Gonzalez on growing three different types of mushrooms.

2026 Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference

March 21, 2026
9:00 am - 4:00 pm
Rochester, NY

Join us for our annual Rochester Urban Agriculture Conference, a day of learning and connections featuring interactive workshops, community knowledge sharing, Fruition's Gift of Seed Experience, horticulture tables and displays, and more!

Announcements

Community Gardens Soil Testing Program Accepting Applications

Soil testing supports the growth and expansion of community gardens by protecting the health and safety of the food produced in these gardens. CCE Harvest NY, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets (AGM) and the Cornell Soil Health Lab, is offering eligible, food-producing gardens in New York State the opportunity to send soil samples for testing without charge.

The soil test will analyze samples for heavy metals and nutrient levels. Test results help gardeners make appropriate plans to produce high quality fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Technical support and education for participating growers will be available from the CCE Harvest New York team. Learn more about the 2026 Community Gardens Soil Testing Program.

2025 Year in Review

2025 was another year of growth and accomplishment for CCE Harvest NY! Our 2025 Year in Review highlights our impacts and details our work.
  • Farm to School Local Procurement by the Numbers
  • Biochar in the NYC Urban Agriculture Landscape
  • Harvest New York Supports Farmer-Led Research Advancing Upland Rice Production in New York State
  • Community Garden Soil Testing Program Yields Great Results
  • Regional Roots: Culinary Training to Enhance School Meals with Local Foods
  • Rooted in Learning: Strengthening Farm to School Connections Across New York
  • South Lawn Farm Expands Fresh Food Access and Urban Farming Opportunities
  • NYS Summit Advances the Mushroom Industry
  • Research to Manage Pests in Blueberries with Less Sprays
  • Building a Research and Extension Hub at Brooklyn Botanic Garden
  • A Successful Community Garden Leadership Program Pilot
  • Farm to School Events Deliver Education, Culinary Training, and Business to Business Opportunities
  • A Trusted Source of Science-Based Information for the Cannabis sativa Hemp Industry
  • Sustainable Pest Management for New York Urban Farmers
  • Cultivating Resilience: Harvest New York Drives the State's Climate Goals Through Research and Outreach
  • Expanding Agritourism Outreach Across New York State
  • Coordinating City Agencies, Academia, and Community Gardens to Improve Urban Soils
  • USDA Urban Agriculture Training Development Complete