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Upcoming Events
Feeder School - 2 Days of On-Farm Training
October 26 - November 2, 2017
10am-3pm both days
Lansing & Whitney Point, NY
Who Should Attend:- Those who are currently feeding dairy cows and want to learn more about the how and why of what they're doing
- Those who are interested in becoming a cow feeder and want to increase their knowledge of cow feeding
- Anyone interested in learning more about how to improve the feeding process on their farm
Hire and Retain the Best
October 27, 2017
4:30 pm
Scipio Center, NY
Dairy producers please join us for this great hiring event!With your attendance, you will be given the opportunity to hire for both internships and careers. Our guest speaker will visit with you on how to make your hiring techniques more effective.
Northeast Cover Crop Council Annual Meeting
November 8, 2017
8 am - 8 pm
Ithaca, NY
Interested in cover crops? Farmers, students, researchers, extension educators, government and industry representatives, and other cover crop enthusiasts are invited to the first annual Northeast Cover Crops Council Meeting hosted by Cornell University and the USDA NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center on November 8-9, 2017.
Presentations on November 8 will focus on soil health, cover crop practices for no-till, pest management, cover crop mixtures, harvesting cover crops for forage, and more. Participants will also have the opportunity to present their own work in a Poster Reception featuring local and seasonal refreshments and hors d'oeuvres.
November 9 will feature a field tour of the cover crop demonstration plots at the USDA-NRCS Big Flats Plant Materials Center in Big Flats, NY. This meeting will be a great opportunity to learn about advances and network with cover crop experts from the Northeast.
Space is limited, so register now to secure your spot! (Once capacity is reached, a wait list will become available.)Announcements
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)
Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship
As DGA Education Coordinator in New York, Fay Benson, Small Dairy Educator, SCNY Dairy & Field Crops Team, CCE Cortland, is out recruiting dairy grazing farmers to become Masters.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
2017 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management Now Available
2017 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management Now AvailableThe 2017 edition of the Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management is now available. This annual publication provides up-to-date field crop production information for New York State. It is designed as a practical guide for field crop producers, crop consultants, ag chemical dealers, and others who advise field crop producers.
In addition to the annual variety and pesticide updates, highlighted changes in this edition of the Field Crops Guide include:
• Updated malting barley variety descriptions, including field research trial data.
• Updated pesticide use information.
The Cornell Guidelines are available as a print copy, online-only access, or a package that combines print and online access. The print edition of the 2017 Field Crops Guide costs $30 plus shipping. Online-only access is $30. A combination of print and online access costs $42 plus shipping costs for the printed book.
Cornell Guidelines can be obtained through your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office or from the Cornell Store at Cornell University. To order from the Cornell Store, call (844) 688-7620 or order online at http://store.cornell.edu/c-875-pmep-guidelines.aspx.
2016 Machinery Custom Rates
https://www.nass.usda.gov/Statistics_by_State/PennsylvaniaNYSERDA 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
Malting Barley Resources
Brewing markets have one of the most stringent sets of quality standards of all the small grain markets. The humid northeastern climate of NYS can make this all the more challenging; even in the western North American malting barley regions, a significant percentage of barley crops may not meet malting quality standards in a given year. A grave mistake that NYS growers can make is to underestimate and/or be uninformed about the management attention that malting barley needs in order to achieve malting quality standards. If inadequate management is coupled with a difficult weather year, the chance of a malting barley crop failure is high. Operating in a new, developing craft economy also has its own set of challenges. Several aspects of malting barley need to be understood to manage the crop’s potential to produce and meet market quality specifications for craft markets in our climate and context.For more information, visit the following link: http://fieldcrops.cals.cornell.edu/small-grains/malting-barley
$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
Follow us on Facebook
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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