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Announcements
Alfalfa Heights for Week of May 29, 2018
An overall assessment of first cutting progress from fields we measured:Most fields we measure have been harvested or are in the process of being cut. Early samples we've gotten back have shown that grass cut on recommendations looks really nice. One all grass sampled showed Adj Prot 22.0%, NDF 53.2 and NDFD 30h at 76. Early grass varieties are well headed by now, but later maturing grasses are just to head stage. If you have alfalfa fields standing alongside grass fields, it may be a good idea to harvest the grass for heifer or dry cow haylage, and focus on getting your alfalfa crop for lactating quality. Most alfalfa fields still standing are showing signs of early bud. A sample we've gotten back on a mostly alfalfa field cut on recommendations showed Adj Prot 22.6%, NDF of 48 and NDFD at 66, with the NDF and NDFD numbers a bit surprising. We'd like to see more samples of both grass and alfalfa and mixed if you'd like to share with Janice or Betsy.
You can find the entire report here.
Also, please consider responding to our brief survey of how you use the reports to give your assessment of how we are doing in regards to timing of first crop. You can find the survey here: https://cornell.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_6yxqOhaPo7YE22h. You can also reply to Betsy with any comments you may have on the use of the report or how we can improve. Your comments and feedback help us to be able to continue to provide this information every year!
Alfalfa Heights for Week of May 22nd, 2018
An overall assessment of first cutting growth from fields we measured:Quite a few farms across the region have started harvest of pure grass stands, as well as mixed stands. Recommendations are for 50% or less alfalfa stands to make prudent use of this cutting window to harvest for peak dairy quality across the region. There is still time for pure alfalfa stands to gain yield, given Jerry Cherney's observations. Look for our final report on Wednesday, May 30th. We will be sending out a brief survey of how you use the reports, so please feel free to give your assessment of how we are doing in regards to timing of first crop. You can also reply to Betsy with any comments you may have on the use of the report or how we can improve.
In the meanwhile, stay safe out in the fields and update the team with any conditions you encounter that would be of interest.
You can find the entire report here.
Alfalfa Heights for Week of May 15th, 2018
An overall assessment of first cutting growth from fields we measured:Now is the time to cut Pure Grass fields across the region for peak dairy quality forage. Some higher elevations are just at that point, some fields in lower elevations and those in the southern portion of the region are just past that point. Weather forecast looks like rain over the weekend. If you have pure grass stands to harvest for your lactating cows, now is the time to park the corn planter and focus on quality hay crop. For 50/50 mixed stands, recommendations are looking like middle of next week for peak quality. Pure alfalfa stands we still have time - predictions are out to the end of the month at this point for peak quality. Please feel free to share samples you have analyzed with the team to let us know how predictions match up with reality. For the full report click here
Alfalfa Heights for Week of May 8th, 2018
An overall assessment of first cutting growth from fields we measured:Many stands of alfalfa are too short to give adequate predictions for pure grass stand harvest - especially those at higher elevations. That being said, many lower elevation fields have alfalfa measuring 11-12", and predictions for harvest of nearby pure grass fields look like this weekend for peak quality. 50/50 mixed grass/alfalfa stands predictions are saying harvest in ~2 weeks, but time and weather will give us a better prediction next week for mixed stands. Weather looks like rain on Saturday, but a decent stretch of weather to start next week out. Look for our next report on Wednesday, May 16th. In the meanwhile, stay safe out in the fields and update the team with any conditions you encounter that would be of interest.
For the full report, see here
ProDairy Forage Management
Are you prepared to change your routine this spring?By: Joe Lawrence, Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY and Ron Kuck, Cornell Cooperative Extension North Country Regional Ag Team
While spring tasks vary by farm, there are many "rites of spring," and they are often completed in a fairly rigid sequence. Depending on the farm, these often include fixing fence, spreading manure, planting new seedings, planting corn and harvesting first cutting, and are often performed in this order.
We are optimistic that the upcoming turn in weather will allow these task to be accomplished in a timely manner, but at this point it is time to ask yourself: Are you willing to change your spring routine?
In addition to adverse weather it is no secret that everyone is facing extremely tight economic times, and dealing with forage inventories of poor digestibility forages from 2017. This combination of factors makes it more critical than ever to be ready to tackle the task that will have the most impact on your business at the proper time.
Recent reference articles on dealing with tough times:
• Key Opportunities to Optimize 2018 Crop Production Efficiency
• Resources for Dealing with Spring Weather Delays
First Cutting
The number one focus should be on timely harvest of first cutting.
• Park the corn planter when a field of first cutting is ready for harvest.
o Monitoring 1st cut harvest timing
• Approach harvest by the acre, not by the field. Be ready to skip over a field that has passed its optimum harvest stage.
o Dynamic Harvest Schedules
• Strategically plan feed storage to best utilize forage inventories for the right group of animals.
o Strategic Forage Storage Planning
o When More is Better
Corn Planting
The window for planting for silage is generally wider than for grain, which is why first cutting can and should take priority over corn planting. However, in the event of extreme delays in planting corn, performance will diminish with late plantings. If corn planting progresses into late May or early June, begin to consider alternative options for those acres. Previous research from Cornell and Penn State suggest a 0.5 to 1 ton/acre per week decline in silage yield for planting after mid to late May.
Multi-Tasking
First and foremost during a time of year that can be very busy and stressful, taking every precaution to keep your team safe is critical.
The idea of fitting all of this work into a condensed time period, and still getting key tasks completed before critical deadlines can seem impossible, but year after year many find unique ways to get it all done. Consider working with neighbors, custom operators or renting equipment to accomplish these key tasks on time.
If you currently utilize custom operators, now is a good time to set up a time to meet with them and make sure you are on the same page to get tasks accomplished in the time-frame needed. Make sure that your expectations and goals are clearly defined. They will also be under stress to fit their work into a condensed period and meet their customers' expectations, so defining expectations and pre-planning how to most efficiently get the work accomplished when the custom operator arrives can go a long way to increase the chances for success.
While spring tasks vary by farm, there are many "rites of spring," and they are often completed in a fairly rigid sequence. Depending on the farm, these often include fixing fence, spreading manure, planting new seedings, planting corn and harvesting first cutting, and are often performed in this order.
We are optimistic that the upcoming turn in weather will allow these task to be accomplished in a timely manner, but at this point it is time to ask yourself: Are you willing to change your spring routine?
In addition to adverse weather it is no secret that everyone is facing extremely tight economic times, and dealing with forage inventories of poor digestibility forages from 2017. This combination of factors makes it more critical than ever to be ready to tackle the task that will have the most impact on your business at the proper time.
Recent reference articles on dealing with tough times:
• Key Opportunities to Optimize 2018 Crop Production Efficiency
• Resources for Dealing with Spring Weather Delays
First Cutting
The number one focus should be on timely harvest of first cutting.
• Park the corn planter when a field of first cutting is ready for harvest.
o Monitoring 1st cut harvest timing
• Approach harvest by the acre, not by the field. Be ready to skip over a field that has passed its optimum harvest stage.
o Dynamic Harvest Schedules
• Strategically plan feed storage to best utilize forage inventories for the right group of animals.
o Strategic Forage Storage Planning
o When More is Better
Corn Planting
The window for planting for silage is generally wider than for grain, which is why first cutting can and should take priority over corn planting. However, in the event of extreme delays in planting corn, performance will diminish with late plantings. If corn planting progresses into late May or early June, begin to consider alternative options for those acres. Previous research from Cornell and Penn State suggest a 0.5 to 1 ton/acre per week decline in silage yield for planting after mid to late May.
Multi-Tasking
First and foremost during a time of year that can be very busy and stressful, taking every precaution to keep your team safe is critical.
The idea of fitting all of this work into a condensed time period, and still getting key tasks completed before critical deadlines can seem impossible, but year after year many find unique ways to get it all done. Consider working with neighbors, custom operators or renting equipment to accomplish these key tasks on time.
If you currently utilize custom operators, now is a good time to set up a time to meet with them and make sure you are on the same page to get tasks accomplished in the time-frame needed. Make sure that your expectations and goals are clearly defined. They will also be under stress to fit their work into a condensed period and meet their customers' expectations, so defining expectations and pre-planning how to most efficiently get the work accomplished when the custom operator arrives can go a long way to increase the chances for success.
Dairy Acceleration Program Funds Available
Funds available for the
• continued business planning (for farms awarded in a previous year) up to $2,500
• business planning up to $5,000
Guidelines remain the same DAP covers 80% of the cost up to the value of the award and the farm is responsible for 20%.
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
Western New York Dairy Farmers Kim Shaklee and Janice Brown make the news with their successful Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship match. Kim and Janice are Master Graizers, and they are working hard with their Apprentice, Travis Belmore and preparing Lauren La Mar for an official Apprenticeship.
2017 Corn Silage Update: Potential Fiber Quality
A message from Kevin Putnam, Dairy Specialist with Dupont-PioneerEveryone,
Over the last couple of weeks I have been asked multiple times, what will 2017 corn silage quality be like given the rain we have had so far, and is there anything we can do about it? The answer, as always, it depends. The reason it depends is mainly due to three factors, pollination, current inventory, and progress of the current crop. All of which are variable given drought conditions in areas last year, and delayed planting for many this year. In this email I hope to explain what corn silage quality could potentially be, and what management strategies could be utilized to improve it.
What is the potential NDFd of 2017 corn silage?
If we are only considering the fiber portion, which we would be with NDFd, then we have the potential to be disappointed. Corn silage NDFd is determined pre-silk, this is when the plant is building structure in the form of fiber, lignin, and cross linking (rebar that ties it all together). Once the plant goes reproductive its main focus is its offspring, the ear, this is why we typically see little to no plant growth after pollination. The main factors that affect corn silage fiber digestibility are moisture, sunlight, and heat (in that order). Dr. Mike VanAmburgh has said that moisture has a 7x greater the effect on NDFd when compared to sunlight and heat. Even though we have a lot of corn at different growing stages around the countryside right now, it’s pretty safe to say that most of the pre-silk growth has come during wet conditions. Not that I have to remind anyone, but this comes after one the worst droughts on record in 2016, and with that record high NDFd levels. So we are looking at potentially having 2017 corn silage be a complete 180 from 2016, from an NDFd standpoint. (read more: https://nydairyadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_491.pdf)
Over the last couple of weeks I have been asked multiple times, what will 2017 corn silage quality be like given the rain we have had so far, and is there anything we can do about it? The answer, as always, it depends. The reason it depends is mainly due to three factors, pollination, current inventory, and progress of the current crop. All of which are variable given drought conditions in areas last year, and delayed planting for many this year. In this email I hope to explain what corn silage quality could potentially be, and what management strategies could be utilized to improve it.
What is the potential NDFd of 2017 corn silage?
If we are only considering the fiber portion, which we would be with NDFd, then we have the potential to be disappointed. Corn silage NDFd is determined pre-silk, this is when the plant is building structure in the form of fiber, lignin, and cross linking (rebar that ties it all together). Once the plant goes reproductive its main focus is its offspring, the ear, this is why we typically see little to no plant growth after pollination. The main factors that affect corn silage fiber digestibility are moisture, sunlight, and heat (in that order). Dr. Mike VanAmburgh has said that moisture has a 7x greater the effect on NDFd when compared to sunlight and heat. Even though we have a lot of corn at different growing stages around the countryside right now, it’s pretty safe to say that most of the pre-silk growth has come during wet conditions. Not that I have to remind anyone, but this comes after one the worst droughts on record in 2016, and with that record high NDFd levels. So we are looking at potentially having 2017 corn silage be a complete 180 from 2016, from an NDFd standpoint. (read more: https://nydairyadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_491.pdf)
Grazing Heifers - An Opportunity for Large Dairy Farms
Grazing Heifers - An Opportunity for Large Dairy Farms
CONTENTS: An Overview of economics and 10 Fact Sheets covering the resources required to operate a
farm owned heifer grazing system or contracting with a Custom Grazer.
1. Grazing Management
2. Nutrition
3. Animal Control and Movement
4. Infrastructure: Fencing
5. Infrastructure: Water
6. Immunity and Vaccination
7. Fly Control
8. Avoiding Pasture Pitfalls
9. Grazing Checklist
10. Custom Grazing Contract
WRITTEN BY: FAY BENSON, GRAZING EDUCATOR, SCNY DAIRY TEAM
Additional Authors:
Dr. Sam Leadley-Attica Vet Clinic
John Conway-Cornell Pro Dairy
Kara Dunn-Freelance Writing,Mannsville, NY
Through the combined use of Management Intensive Grazing and winter confinement, Dairy Farmers can raise heifers that fit their operations through:
CONTENTS: An Overview of economics and 10 Fact Sheets covering the resources required to operate a
farm owned heifer grazing system or contracting with a Custom Grazer.
1. Grazing Management
2. Nutrition
3. Animal Control and Movement
4. Infrastructure: Fencing
5. Infrastructure: Water
6. Immunity and Vaccination
7. Fly Control
8. Avoiding Pasture Pitfalls
9. Grazing Checklist
10. Custom Grazing Contract
WRITTEN BY: FAY BENSON, GRAZING EDUCATOR, SCNY DAIRY TEAM
Additional Authors:
Dr. Sam Leadley-Attica Vet Clinic
John Conway-Cornell Pro Dairy
Kara Dunn-Freelance Writing,Mannsville, NY
Through the combined use of Management Intensive Grazing and winter confinement, Dairy Farmers can raise heifers that fit their operations through:
- Reduced Cost of Feed and Labor
- Targeted Growth Goals
- Increased Fitness due to Exercise
- Decreased Post Calving Metabolic Problems
Full PDF Version: https://nydairyadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_439.pdf
Grazing Heifers - An Opportunity for Large Dairy Farms
Grazing Heifers - An Opportunity for Large Dairy Farms
CONTENTS: An Overview of economics and 10 Fact Sheets covering the resources required to operate a
farm owned heifer grazing system or contracting with a Custom Grazer.
1. Grazing Management
2. Nutrition
3. Animal Control and Movement
4. Infrastructure: Fencing
5. Infrastructure: Water
6. Immunity and Vaccination
7. Fly Control
8. Avoiding Pasture Pitfalls
9. Grazing Checklist
10. Custom Grazing Contract
WRITTEN BY: FAY BENSON, GRAZING EDUCATOR, SCNY DAIRY TEAM
Additional Authors:
Dr. Sam Leadley-Attica Vet Clinic
John Conway-Cornell Pro Dairy
Kara Dunn-Freelance Writing,Mannsville, NY
Through the combined use of Management Intensive Grazing and winter confinement, Dairy Farmers can raise heifers that fit their operations through:
CONTENTS: An Overview of economics and 10 Fact Sheets covering the resources required to operate a
farm owned heifer grazing system or contracting with a Custom Grazer.
1. Grazing Management
2. Nutrition
3. Animal Control and Movement
4. Infrastructure: Fencing
5. Infrastructure: Water
6. Immunity and Vaccination
7. Fly Control
8. Avoiding Pasture Pitfalls
9. Grazing Checklist
10. Custom Grazing Contract
WRITTEN BY: FAY BENSON, GRAZING EDUCATOR, SCNY DAIRY TEAM
Additional Authors:
Dr. Sam Leadley-Attica Vet Clinic
John Conway-Cornell Pro Dairy
Kara Dunn-Freelance Writing,Mannsville, NY
Through the combined use of Management Intensive Grazing and winter confinement, Dairy Farmers can raise heifers that fit their operations through:
- Reduced Cost of Feed and Labor
- Targeted Growth Goals
- Increased Fitness due to Exercise
- Decreased Post Calving Metabolic Problems
Full PDF Version: https://nydairyadmin.cce.cornell.edu/uploads/doc_439.pdf
NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program
NYSERDA offers energy audits to help eligible farms and on-farm producers identify ways to save energy and money on utility bills. Reports include recommendations for energy efficiency measures.Eligibility
Eligible farms include but are not limited to dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg. The farms must also be customers of New York State investor-owned utilities and contribute to the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Please check your farm’s current utility bills to see if your farm pays the SBC.
Energy Audit Options
You can request the level of energy audit that best fits your farm’s needs. NYSERDA will assign a Flexible Technical Assistance Program Consultant to visit your farm and perform an energy audit at no cost to you.
For more information and the NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program Application click here
For more information and the NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program Application click here
$25M for Southern Tier Agriculture
ALBANY - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the release of program criteria for the $25 million Southern Tier Agricultural Industry Enhancement Program. The eligibility requirements are now available online at www.agriculture.ny.gov. The program will provide crucial funding for projects designed to help farms and agribusinesses expand and grow their operations, as well as increase environmental enhancements in Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Delaware, Schuyler, Steuben, Tompkins and Tioga counties. Applications will be available beginning January 19, 2016.
"New York's agriculture industry is an economic engine in upstate communities - driving growth and expanding opportunity," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm proud to announce $25 million in State funding for the Agriculture Industry Enhancement Program which will provide vital support to all farmers and agribusinesses in the Southern Tier and keep New York's agricultural economy growing."
Eligible projects will increase agricultural production on farms and improve profitability, as well as support farmers in better managing and enhancing environmental resources. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000 to help with expenses associated with construction, renovation, irrigation, drainage, environmental enhancements, fencing, trellis systems and greenhouses. Eligible applicants that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to protecting or enhancing natural resources, may also be entitled to an additional $10,000 toward their project.
The Department of Agriculture and Markets will work in coordination with the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to administer the program. The SWCDs will pre-qualify projects and oversee the implementation of awards. Awards will be made on a semi-annual basis for a period of two years or until funding is depleted. Applications will be available and filed locally through each respective county SWCD. To find a list of the SWCDs, click here.
Applicants must meet the Department's definition of a farm operation and meet additional criteria as outlined in the program criteria, including participation in the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management program within the past three years, or a commitment to participate in the program prior to being awarded.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The Governor's targeted initiative to invest in this 11-county area is a big win for agriculture, and we're excited to provide applicants the details of the program and begin to accept their proposals in a few weeks. The funding being made available will have a significant impact on the future success of many farms and agribusinesses that are looking to increase production as well as their environmental sustainability."
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie said, "Preserving our State's farmland is so important to ensuring New York's agriculture industry has the room it needs to thrive and grow. I'm pleased that farmers and agribusiness owners will soon be able to take advantage of this special program, which will not only provide them with the support they need to make their operations more successful, but also will help them to enhance their land's environmental protections."
Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Assemblyman Bill Magee said, "The funding for farms and farm businesses announced by Governor Cuomo today will encourage sustainable growth, giving farmers in the 11-county area an opportunity to invest in the protection of farmland and natural resources, while enhancing increased agricultural production in the Southern Tier."
-NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
"New York's agriculture industry is an economic engine in upstate communities - driving growth and expanding opportunity," Governor Cuomo said. "I'm proud to announce $25 million in State funding for the Agriculture Industry Enhancement Program which will provide vital support to all farmers and agribusinesses in the Southern Tier and keep New York's agricultural economy growing."
Eligible projects will increase agricultural production on farms and improve profitability, as well as support farmers in better managing and enhancing environmental resources. Projects that are awarded State funding may receive up to $100,000 to help with expenses associated with construction, renovation, irrigation, drainage, environmental enhancements, fencing, trellis systems and greenhouses. Eligible applicants that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to protecting or enhancing natural resources, may also be entitled to an additional $10,000 toward their project.
The Department of Agriculture and Markets will work in coordination with the County Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to administer the program. The SWCDs will pre-qualify projects and oversee the implementation of awards. Awards will be made on a semi-annual basis for a period of two years or until funding is depleted. Applications will be available and filed locally through each respective county SWCD. To find a list of the SWCDs, click here.
Applicants must meet the Department's definition of a farm operation and meet additional criteria as outlined in the program criteria, including participation in the New York State Agricultural Environmental Management program within the past three years, or a commitment to participate in the program prior to being awarded.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The Governor's targeted initiative to invest in this 11-county area is a big win for agriculture, and we're excited to provide applicants the details of the program and begin to accept their proposals in a few weeks. The funding being made available will have a significant impact on the future success of many farms and agribusinesses that are looking to increase production as well as their environmental sustainability."
Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Senator Patty Ritchie said, "Preserving our State's farmland is so important to ensuring New York's agriculture industry has the room it needs to thrive and grow. I'm pleased that farmers and agribusiness owners will soon be able to take advantage of this special program, which will not only provide them with the support they need to make their operations more successful, but also will help them to enhance their land's environmental protections."
Assembly Agriculture Committee Chair Assemblyman Bill Magee said, "The funding for farms and farm businesses announced by Governor Cuomo today will encourage sustainable growth, giving farmers in the 11-county area an opportunity to invest in the protection of farmland and natural resources, while enhancing increased agricultural production in the Southern Tier."
-NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets
2016 Residue Prevention Manual for Dairy Producers
The National Milk Producers Federation has released the 2016 Residue Prevention manual for dairy producers. This manual gives an update of some best management practices to lower the risk if antibiotic residues in meat or milk. It also contains a list of FDA approved drugs for use in dairy cattle. This manual is available free online at:www.nationaldairyfarm.com/sites/default/files/2016-Residue-Manual.pdf
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Dairy Acceleration Program
Plan for profitable and environmentally responsible growth! The Dairy Acceleration Program is an initiative of Governor Cuomo, in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation. The program is designed to enhance profitability of NY dairy farms and to maintain a commitment to environmentally responsible growth.For full details visit www.ansci.cornell.edu/prodairy
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops - Cornell Cooperative Extension