Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk at Houston Farms
Event Details
Date
July 27, 2023
Time
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Location
Houston Farms
81 Sincerbeaux Rd
Groton, NY 13073
Host
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops
Learn how rotational grazing and other conservation practices enhance farm viability for the 4th and 5th generations on a small dairy in Groton, NY.
Join the South Central NY Dairy and Field Crops Team for a pasture walk at Houston Farms in Groton, NY, where fourth generation dairy farmer PJ Houston and his son, Robert, manage 600 crop acres and 150 milking cows plus youngstock. Over the years, the farm has adopted conservation practices that improve cattle health and productivity, labor efficiency, and quality of life for the farmers, all while enhancing soil health and generating environmental benefits in the Owasco Lake Watershed. The Houstons view rotational grazing and other conservation practices as critical to their farm's long-term viability and its ability to support the next generation.
At this free event, we will learn how the Houstons manage their rotational grazing system to supplement the dairy ration during the grazing season. We will also discuss how the farm has benefitted from other conservation practices, including:
- Reduced tillage cropping systems
- Cover cropping & crop rotation
- Covered barnyard connecting freestall barns to the parlor
- Above ground manure storage
Natural resource program specialists Paul Gier and Devon Cox from the Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District will be present to share information and answer questions. Paul and Devon will discuss how farmers can connect with their local Soil & Water Conservation District to learn more about conservation practices and access grant funding.
Free event, registration is not required.
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Announcements
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For Farmers with Signed EQIP and CSP ContractsThis resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA NRCS under the EQIP or CSP program for environmental improvements but have concerns that their contract is frozen, under review, or terminated, and who are uncertain of their rights to receive reimbursement as well as their ongoing obligations under the signed contract.
Version: 1.0
Issue date: Feb 28, 2025
A downloadable factsheet is available at our BUSINESS tab on the top of our webpage.
Additional Information: www.farmcommons.org
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This resource is written for farmers and ranchers nationwide who have a signed contract with USDA NRCS under the EQIP or CSP program for environmental improvements and want more information on the mechanics of filing a National Appeals Division (NAD) appeal. This resource includes sample letters.
USDA NAD Appeal https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/general-information/staff-offices/office-hearings-and-appeals/national-appeals-division/nad-appeals
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Information on the Project:- Approximately 10 acres total needed to bale graze two different bale densities
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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.For more information and the NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program Application click here