About Program
The South Central NY Dairy & Field Crops Program provides educational opportunities and technical assistance to help the industry with emerging issues, production bottlenecks, and new technologies. Our primary audiences are dairy and field crop producers as well as agri-service providers with secondary audiences of the media, non-farm residents and consumers. We focus on areas that will help improve farm profitability within the region since farm financial success is a key to maintaining a viable dairy and field crops industry. Our program's education helps our industry respond to both internal and external forces that help it keep pace in a rapidly changing world.The dairy and field crops sector brings significant economic activity to the region ($411 M in milk income alone). Dollars produced from agriculture have one of the largest multiplier effects. Farms make a significant contribution to the local tax base and have been found in several cost of service studies to demand less in services than they pay in taxes compared to residences (1). Farms maintain open space which provides the community with beautiful landscapes and recreational land.
(1) Cost of Community Services Studies
American Farmland Trust; Northampton, MA: American Farmland Trust; FIC Fact Sheet and Technical Memo; page(s) 6; 2010; National; Fact Sheets and Technical Memos Cost of Community Services Studies.
Our Mission:
This program is supported by Cornell University and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations of Broome, Chemung, Cortland, Onondaga, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
- Enhance the profitability of farmers to maintain a strong regional dairy industry,
- Create greater awareness of trends and options to help producers achieve family and business goals,
- Maintain environmentally responsible agricultural practices, and
- Encourage a better understanding of agriculture by the general community.
This program is supported by Cornell University and the Cornell Cooperative Extension Associations of Broome, Chemung, Cortland, Onondaga, Tioga & Tompkins Counties
The South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops is supported, in part, by
six
county Cornell Cooperative Extensions including:
Broome, Chemung, Cortland,
Onondaga, Tioga and Tompkins Counties.
To visit one of these Cornell Cooperative Extension's web sites,
simply click on a county within the map.
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
Multi-Species Pasture Walk in Broome County
June 29, 2017
6-8 pm
Glen Aubrey, NY
This multi-species pasture walk will feature farm hosts,Pete Reynolds and Carol McGee, who will share their experiences of establishing their farmstead and pasture infrastructure to building their beef and lamb markets.Topics to be covered include: building grazing infrastructure, multi-species grazing and marketing, pasture management and pasture species, role and use of soil and forage testing and accessing cost share program with the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Broome County Soil and Water Conservation Service.
Co-Sponsored with: USDA, NRCS & Broome County Soil & Water
Twilight Dairy Meeting - Cow Comfort and Safe Handling
July 12, 2017
6 - 8 pm
Preble, NY
Owner Dr Mike Griep DVM will talk about cow comfort and facilities - both sands beds and mattresses. Jim Carrabba with NYCAMH will present on safe animal handling.
Tour of new freestall facility to follow presentations. Builders will be on hand to answer questions about construction.
Multi-Species Pasture Walk: lamb and beef
July 13, 2017
6-8 pm
Tully, NY
Host Erin Hull will share her experience:- Establishing the farm
- building grazing infrastructure
- grazing lambs and grass-based beef
- pasture management an pasture species
- supplementing pasture with difficult weather patterns
- Lucky 13's marketing strategies
- Accessing cost-share programs and technical assistance from the county soil & water conservation district
Co-Sponsored with: Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District
Announcements
First Cutting Updates - Alfalfa Heights Week of May 22, 2017
The SCNY team has started to monitor alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results! If your area falls outside of our 6 county region, please contact your local association because there are many other counties that are participating in the weekly checks. The weekly report for the month of May has a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation. Even if your fields aren’t measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own. Find this week's report here.First Cutting Updates - Alfalfa Heights Week of May 15, 2017
The SCNY team has started to monitor alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results! If your area falls outside of our 6 county region, please contact your local association because there are many other counties that are participating in the weekly checks. The weekly report for the month of May has a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation. Even if your fields aren’t measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own. Find this week's report here.First Cutting Updates - Alfalfa Heights Week of May 8, 2017
The SCNY team has started to monitor alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results! If your area falls outside of our 6 county region, please contact your local association because there are many other counties that are participating in the weekly checks. The weekly report for the month of May has a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation. Even if your fields aren’t measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own. Find this week's report here.First Cutting Updates - Alfalfa Heights Week of May 1, 2017
The SCNY team has started to monitor alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results! If your area falls outside of our 6 county region, please contact your local association because there are many other counties that are participating in the weekly checks. The weekly report for the month of May has a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation. Even if your fields aren’t measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own. Find this week's report here.First-ever Industrial Hemp Summit
"Industrial hemp has tremendous potential to grow manufacturing, support the creation of new jobs and boost the profitability of farms across New York," Governor Cuomo said. "By eliminating barriers and expanding research and development for both businesses and farms, New York will capitalize on this emerging crop to continue to move this region and this state forward." (Metropolitan Transportation Authority of the State of New York, Flickr/Creative Commons)See more at: https://www.morningagclips.com/first-evet-industrial-hemp-summit/#sthash.pg6Ju1I8.dpuf
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
The team updates our facebook page frequently - follow us to be updated on our events, see some fun videos and get local area updates!facebook.com/SCNYDairyandFieldCropsTeam
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
Your Trusted Source for Research-Based Knowledge
Your Trusted Source for Research-Based Knowledge