Kate Preston

Farm to School Education Specialist

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Before starting with Harvest NY, Kate was an Agriculture in the Classroom Educator for CCE Madison County. Her fondness for education and agriculture started when she was a young girl and joined the Otsego County 4-H program where she raised and showed her own herd of dairy goats, as well as beef cattle and horses. Pursuing her growing passion for agriculture, Kate attended SUNY Cobleskill for a Bachelors in Agricultural Business Management, followed by Masters in Agricultural Education, Communications and Leadership from the University of Missouri. As the Farm to School Education Specialist for Harvest NY, Kate provides support and educational opportunities to Farm to School programs in NYS.

Webinar: Biochar Applications on Urban Farms

June 10, 2026
12:00 noon - 1:00 PM

Hear from Deborah Aller, Cornell, about biochar applications on urban farms and its ability to act as a tool for soil health and climate mitigation. We will also be discussing the mission behind New York Center for Organics Recycling and Education (NYCORE).

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.