Events - month view
earlier monthsFebruary 2015
CNY Small Grain Workshop Presentations Part 1
February 3, 2015
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
West Winfield, NY
Up-to-date information on variety selection, integrated pest management, drying and storage management that will lead to higher yields, higher grain quality and greater profitability.
Featured speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Professor at North Dakota State University. As an Extension (outreach) Engineer of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, who is responsible for providing education and technical assistance in the area of grain drying and storage.
Featured speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Professor at North Dakota State University. As an Extension (outreach) Engineer of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, who is responsible for providing education and technical assistance in the area of grain drying and storage.
CNY Small Grain Workshop Presentations Part 2
February 3, 2015
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
West Winfield, NY
Up-to-date information on variety selection, integrated pest management, drying and storage management that will lead to higher yields, higher grain quality and greater profitability.
Featured speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Professor at North Dakota State University. As an Extension (outreach) Engineer of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, who is responsible for providing education and technical assistance in the area of grain drying and storage.
Featured speaker will be Dr. Kenneth Hellevang, Professor at North Dakota State University. As an Extension (outreach) Engineer of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, who is responsible for providing education and technical assistance in the area of grain drying and storage.
Hands-On Cheese Class with Thomas Pinello
February 3, 2015
6-8pm
Cortland, NY
Due to popular demand, we will be having another cheese-making class! Have you ever thought about making cheese at home? Here is your chance to learn basic cheese making techniques from an experienced, local cheese maker.
WNY - Soybean/Small Grains Congress, Batavia
February 4, 2015
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Batavia, NY
We are pleased to announce that we will be having Dr. Kenneth Hellevang as our guest speaker.
As an Extension (outreach) Engineer of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, Ken has provided education and technical assistance in grain drying and storage, structures with a focus on energy efficiency, indoor environmental engineering primarily related to moisture and mold, and flood preparation and recovery to farmers, agribusiness, and professionals across the United States and internationally since 1980.
Regional Milk Quality Meetings
February 5, 2015
10 am Registration, Program 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cortland, NY
Cooperative Extension is offering three separate Milk Quality Meetings this winter: Jan 8, Feb 5 & Mar 5 from 10:30am-3:30pm. The January 8 meeting will focus on Mammary physiology & the basics of mastitis culturing. The February 5 meeting will focus on Importance of Cow Comfort, Environment & Equipment Maintenance & impacts on milk quality. The March 5 meeting will focus on the Importance of Record keeping for mastitis control. Cost for all 3 meetings is $100, including bulk tank sample.
Finger Lakes - Soybean/Small Grains Congress, Waterloo
February 5, 2015
8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Waterloo, NY
We are pleased to announce that we will be having Dr. Kenneth Hellevang as our guest speaker.
As an Extension (outreach) Engineer of Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering at North Dakota State University, Ken has provided education and technical assistance in grain drying and storage, structures with a focus on energy efficiency, indoor environmental engineering primarily related to moisture and mold, and flood preparation and recovery to farmers, agribusiness, and professionals across the United States and internationally since 1980.
NYCO Meeting: Quality Forage Comes From Planning, Not By Luck
February 10, 2015
10am-2pm
Geneva, NY
Presentations from
- Tom Kilcer from Advanced Ag Systems on the forage management required for All Forage or High Forage Diets
- Aaron Gabriel from Cornell Extension Washington County on information for making dry hay including certified hay preservatives
- A panel of organic dairy farmers on their planning and management strategies for making high-quality forage
The event is free but please bring a dish to pass for the lunch and any questions you might have for a group discussion after lunch.
2015 Corn Day ~ Little Falls
February 12, 2015
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Little Falls, NY
CNYDFC Annual Corn Day
Two dates and locations to choose from: February 12 at Beardslee Castle, Little Falls or February 13 at Magros Banquet Hall, Sherburne. 10:30 am - 2:30 pm both locations.
2015 Corn Day ~ Sherburne
February 13, 2015
10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Sherburne, NY
CNYDFC Annual Corn Day
Two dates and locations to choose from: February 12 at Beardslee Castle, Little Falls or February 13 at Magros Banquet Hall, Sherburne. 10:30 am - 2:30 pm both locations.
Annie's Meeting: Saving for Retirement
February 17, 2015
10:30am - 3pm
Ithaca, NY
Do you have a strategy in place for financing your retirement? The workshop, Planning and Saving for Retirement, will provide a foundation to get your plan off the ground. While relevant to all future retirees, this workshop has been developed for farm women. Cornell Cooperative Extension will host Andrew Polley, Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors on February 17th from 10:30 am to 3 pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension office in Tompkins County located at 615 Willow Ave. Arrive at 10:30 to enjoy refreshments and fellowship.
Pre-registration is required for this workshop. The cost is $10 per person. Please call Amanda Montgomery @ 753-5078 to pre-register.
2015 Step It Up Winter Grazing Conference: Improving Management
February 26, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Varysburg, NY
Come here ways to improve your dairy grazing operation. Keynote speaker is Bruce Rivington, Red Gate Farm in Hamilton, NY.
Topics include:
Topics include:
- Milking Efficiencies with a Pasture Based Herd
- Grain vs. No-Grain, What's Profitable?
- How Many Cows Can Your Farm Support? It Depends
- Farmer/speaker panel
Manure Handling Workshop
February 26, 2015
9:30am - 12pm
Auburn, NY
Tips for evaluation of your manure handling and transfer systems to reduce risk of spills
Some regulatory requirements
Spreading issues
Preparing for and handling spills
DEC perspective on handling spills
Meets the training requirements for manure handling for ECL &CAFO Farms.
Free and open to all.
Valuable information for farms of all sizes.
Participant discussion after the presentation.
Contact the Cayuga SWCD for more information or to register for the event @ 315-252-4171 x3,
or e-mail us? Valerie? vhorning@cayugaswcd.org or Jason - jcuddeback@cayugaswcd.org
Some regulatory requirements
Spreading issues
Preparing for and handling spills
DEC perspective on handling spills
Meets the training requirements for manure handling for ECL &CAFO Farms.
Free and open to all.
Valuable information for farms of all sizes.
Participant discussion after the presentation.
Contact the Cayuga SWCD for more information or to register for the event @ 315-252-4171 x3,
or e-mail us? Valerie? vhorning@cayugaswcd.org or Jason - jcuddeback@cayugaswcd.org
March 2015
Winter Dairy Management - Canandaigua Location
March 2, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Canandaigua, NY
For dairy farmers, the pleasure of historically high milk prices in 2014 has turned into the prospect of significantly lower milk checks for 2015. The component based pricing system for milk offers a means to achieve higher profits with the same level of milk production. Many producers have gained and maintained higher milk components even with Holsteins consistently surpassing the 3.5% BF and 3.0% MP standards.
FSA Borrower Credits available
FSA Borrower Credits available
Regional Milk Quality Meetings
March 5, 2015
10 am Registration, Program 10:30 am - 3:30 pm
Cortland, NY
Cooperative Extension is offering three separate Milk Quality Meetings this winter: Jan 8, Feb 5 & Mar 5 from 10:30am-3:30pm. The January 8 meeting will focus on Mammary physiology & the basics of mastitis culturing. The February 5 meeting will focus on Importance of Cow Comfort, Environment & Equipment Maintenance & impacts on milk quality. The March 5 meeting will focus on the Importance of Record keeping for mastitis control. Cost for all 3 meetings is $100, including bulk tank sample.
Winter Dairy Management - Batavia Location
March 9, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Batavia, NY
For dairy farmers, the pleasure of historically high milk prices in 2014 has turned into the prospect of significantly lower milk checks for 2015. The component based pricing system for milk offers a means to achieve higher profits with the same level of milk production. Many producers have gained and maintained higher milk components even with Holsteins consistently surpassing the 3.5% BF and 3.0% MP standards.
FSA Borrower Credits available
FSA Borrower Credits available
2015 Central New York Dairy Day
March 10, 2015
10-3 pm
Sherburne, NY
Breeding, Raising and Managing Your Future Herd of Super Cows
2015 Central NY Dairy Day ~ West
March 10, 2015
10:00am-3:00pm
Sherburne, NY
Breeding, Raising and Managing Your Future Herd of Super Cows ~ 2 locations to chose from:
CCE Saratoga, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa
or
Magros Banquet Hall, 110 Sanitarium Rd, Sherburne
CCE Saratoga, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa
or
Magros Banquet Hall, 110 Sanitarium Rd, Sherburne
$30 per person (includes lunch)
Program will start promptly with first speaker at time listed.
Program will start promptly with first speaker at time listed.
NYCO Meeting: Producing, Protecting, and Marketing of Organic Grain
March 10, 2015
10am-2pm
Geneva, NY
Presentations from
- Wegman's Bakery Team on their goal to use locally-produced organic grains in a new line of breads
- Sam Sherman from Champlain Valley Mills on marketing opportunities for organic grain
- Dr. Heather Darby on the results from her grain trials in Vermont
- Elizabeth Dyke, the overseer of the OGRN project, on the approaches to transitioning land into organic production
- Fay Benson on the new organic crop insurance program for organic grain production
Please bring a dish to pass for the lunch and any questions you might have for a group discussion after lunch. We do request a $1-2 donation to support the costs of coffee and paper products.
2015 Central NY Dairy Day ~ East
March 10, 2015
9:45am-3:00pm
Ballston Spa, NY
Breeding, Raising and Managing Your Future Herd of Super Cows ~ 2 locations to chose from:
CCE Saratoga, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa
or
Magros Banquet Hall, 110 Sanitarium Rd, Sherburne
CCE Saratoga, 50 West High St, Ballston Spa
or
Magros Banquet Hall, 110 Sanitarium Rd, Sherburne
$30 per person (includes lunch)
Program will start promptly with first speaker at time listed.
Program will start promptly with first speaker at time listed.
Winter Dairy Management
March 12, 2015
9:30 am Registration, Program 10:00 am - 2:30 pm
Cortland, NY
This year's Winter Dairy Management program will be focusing on impacting profitability via milk components.
Cover Crops & Soil Health
March 16, 2015
11:45am-1:00pm Registration & Lunch, 1:00-3:00pm Topics
Dryden, NY
Alternative Energy Workshop
March 17, 2015
9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
East Aurora, NY
Curious about utilizing alternative energy for your farm? Want to learn how to save on farm energy costs during a long cold winter? Join us for the Alternative Energy Workshop.
Hear from farmers who are already using alternative energy, learn about the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), explore options in using alternative energy on your farm, and meet local alternative energy vendors.
Lunch provided!
Hear from farmers who are already using alternative energy, learn about the USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), explore options in using alternative energy on your farm, and meet local alternative energy vendors.
Lunch provided!
"Lunch With Jerry" Organic Dairy Discussion Groups - Alfred State College Farm
March 19, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
Alfred, NY
Organic Dairy Discussion Groups to meet at regional locations. Farmers that are currently certified as
well as those that are thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
well as those that are thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
Adding Value To Livestock Through Better Communication With The Butcher
March 19, 2015
6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Arkport, NY
Join the Tri-County Graziers for some cabin fever relief and expert advice on processing and adding value to locally-grown meat animals. Featuring retired USDA meat scientist and grazier Steve Olson, and Becky Painter of Painter's Custom Meats. Steve will discuss how to maximize value from each animal through better finishing, processing and utilization of higher-value cuts of meat. Becky will offer tips on working with processors when direct marketing. The public is welcome, and everyone interested in raising or buying local meats are especially encouraged to attend.
Crop Protection Meeting 2015
March 19, 2015
Registration 9:30 am Program:10am-2pm
Horseheads, NY
Crop Protection Seminar addressing nutritional needs, plant diseases, weed control and benefits of cover crops.
Annie's Project Risk Management Education for Farm and Ranch Women
March 20, 2015
10:30 coffee. Discussion 11 am - 3 pm
Ithaca, NY
Women in Agriculture: A group to make friendships, share common interests and grow as partners in their farm business.
"Lunch With Jerry" Organic Dairy Discussion Groups - Mohawk, NY
March 20, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
Mohawk, NY
Organic Dairy Discussion Groups to meet at regional locations. Farmers who are currently certified as well as those who are thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
Malting Barley Roundtable
March 24, 2015
11am - 2pm
Richfield Springs, NY
This roundtable discussion is for anyone planning on or thinking about growing malting barley this coming growing season as a chance to meet with others who are considering this crop.
Organic Dairy & Crop Discussion Group Meeting
March 24, 2015
12:00pm-3:00pm
Cortland, NY
Pesticide Applicator Training
March 25, 2015
12:00pm Registration, 12:30-3:30pm Instruction
Dryden, NY
"Lunch With Jerry" Organic Dairy Discussion Groups - Memphis, NY
March 26, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
Memphis, NY
Organic Dairy Discussion Groups to meet at regional locations. Farmers who are currently certified as well as those who are thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
"Lunch With Jerry" Organic Dairy Discussion Groups - Village Hall, St. Hammond, NY
March 31, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
St. Hammond, NY
Organic Dairy Discussion Groups to meet at regional locations. Farmers who are currently certified as well as those who are thinking of transitioning to organic production are welcome.
Winter Dairy Management 2015~Cooperstown
March 31, 2015
9:30am-3:30pm
Cooperstown, NY
Increase Milk Components Profitably
3 dates and locations to choose from:
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Where: Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake St., Cooperstown
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where: Winner's Circle Restaurant
3293 State Hwy 5, Fonda
When: Thursday, April 2, 2015
Where: Town of Saratoga Town Hall
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
(Old Schuylerville High School building)
$30 per person, includes lunch
Register by March 25, 2015
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Where: Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake St., Cooperstown
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where: Winner's Circle Restaurant
3293 State Hwy 5, Fonda
When: Thursday, April 2, 2015
Where: Town of Saratoga Town Hall
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
(Old Schuylerville High School building)
$30 per person, includes lunch
Register by March 25, 2015
April 2015
Winter Dairy Management 2015~Fonda
April 1, 2015
10:00am-3:00pm
Fonda, NY
Increase Milk Components Profitably
3 dates and locations to choose from:
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Where: Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake St., Cooperstown
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where: Winner's Circle Restaurant
3293 State Hwy 5, Fonda
When: Thursday, April 2, 2015
Where: Town of Saratoga Town Hall
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
(Old Schuylerville High School building)
$30 per person, includes lunch
Register by March 25, 2015
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Where: Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake St., Cooperstown
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where: Winner's Circle Restaurant
3293 State Hwy 5, Fonda
When: Thursday, April 2, 2015
Where: Town of Saratoga Town Hall
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
(Old Schuylerville High School building)
$30 per person, includes lunch
Register by March 25, 2015
"Lunch With Jerry" Organic Dairy Discussion Groups - Malone, NY
April 1, 2015
11:00am-2:00pm
Malone, NY
Winter Dairy Management 2015~Schuylerville
April 2, 2015
10:00am-3:00pm
Fonda, NY
Increase Milk Components Profitably
3 dates and locations to choose from:
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Where: Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake St., Cooperstown
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where: Winner's Circle Restaurant
3293 State Hwy 5, Fonda
When: Thursday, April 2, 2015
Where: Town of Saratoga Town Hall
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
(Old Schuylerville High School building)
$30 per person, includes lunch
Register by March 25, 2015
When: Tuesday, March 31, 2015
Where: Otesaga Resort Hotel
60 Lake St., Cooperstown
When: Wednesday, April 1, 2015
Where: Winner's Circle Restaurant
3293 State Hwy 5, Fonda
When: Thursday, April 2, 2015
Where: Town of Saratoga Town Hall
12 Spring St., Schuylerville
(Old Schuylerville High School building)
$30 per person, includes lunch
Register by March 25, 2015
Broome-Tioga-Chemung Farmers Discussion Group Meeting
April 16, 2015
1-3 pm
Owego, NY
This discussion group meeting will focus on farming and working with family dynamics as well as conflict resolution. Our invited speakers are Judy Flint and Erica Leubner from NY FarmNet.
Cortland County Agri-Economic Development Mini Conference-For All Farm Sizes
April 17, 2015
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Cortland, NY
Your Farm Business: The Least Thought of Side Should be the Most Thought of Side! This free workshop is being provided to help you develop and promote your agricultural enterprise! Cornell Cooperative Extension Educator Steve Hadcock will share ideas on various business management practices, risk management, business structures, taxes and regulations for any size farm or business that will assist you as your farm or business grows and changes. Participants are welcome to bring farm or business displays, literature, brochures, business cards etc. for networking while enjoying local foods provided by Dasher's Pub. Pre-Register online or by calling 607-753-5078.
2015 Swine Reproduction Clinic
April 18, 2015
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Alden, NY
The New York Pork Producers Cooperative Inc., will be hosting Dr. Tim Safranski of the University of Missouri for a swine reproduction clinic. Please bring questions and interest in breeding and reproduction in swine.
Margin Protection Program/Livestock Gross Margin: The 2016 Decision, Geneva
April 21, 2015
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Geneva, NY
Join us for a information packed workshop!
Margin Protection Program/Livestock Gross Margin: The 2016 Decision, Lockport
April 23, 2015
1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
Lockport, NY
Join us for a information packed workshop!
Marketing Opportunity for Feeder Calves - Ontario
April 28, 2015
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Canandaigua, NY
Come and hear about the new Cornell project to develop feeder pools to improve prices for feeder calves. This is an initiative to benefit the bottom line of beef herds in the region and across the state.
Bring a neighbor!
Marketing Opportunity for Feeder Calves - Orleans
April 29, 2015
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Albion, NY
Come and hear about the new Cornell project to develop feeder pools to improve prices for feeder calves. This is an initiative to benefit the bottom line of beef herds in the region and across the state.
Bring a neighbor!
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
Dairy Feeder School - Host Farm: Twin Birch Dairy
October 31, 2024
Skaneateles, NY
One day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders; Offered in English and Spanish at each site; Stations with hands-on activities/demos
Topics Covered During Feeder School:
¨ Economics and importance of feeding and feed management
¨ Dry matter and feeder math basics: how to measure DM and refusals, and adjust ration
¨ Feed consistency and TMR audits
¨ Troubleshooting mixer wagons
¨ Bunk silo management, map out bunk, packing density and preservation, and feed out
¨ Safety
Dairy Feeder School - Host Farm: Walnut Ridge Dairy
November 12, 2024
Lansing, NY
One day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders; Offered in English and Spanish at each site; Stations with hands-on activities/demos
Topics Covered During Feeder School:
¨ Economics and importance of feeding and feed management
¨ Dry matter and feeder math basics: how to measure DM and refusals, and adjust ration
¨ Feed consistency and TMR audits
¨ Troubleshooting mixer wagons
¨ Bunk silo management, map out bunk, packing density and preservation, and feed out
¨ Safety
Announcements
Farm Participants Needed for Bale Grazing Grant!
Information on the Project:- Approximately 10 acres total needed to bale graze two different bale densities
- "Core" farms will graze two winters, "Demo" farms will graze one winter.
- Payments for both "Core" farms and "Demo" farms
- Baseline soil sampling by bale grazing team
- Forage measurements in early season by bale grazing team
- Late season clipping if residual not trampled down by farm
Interested farms can enroll for this winter or next.
Looking for 2-3 dairy farms to enroll! If interested, please reach out to Betsy Hicks, 607.391.2673 or bjh246@cornell.edu
Cornell Cow Convos - New Podcast
On-going podcast, New episodes released on the last Thursday of the month.Guest speakers, CCE Dairy Specialists.
Housed on Soundcloud Channel is CCE Dairy Educators
Topics:
- Preventative healthcare for cows
- The trend of beef on dairy
- What to look forward to in the new year for dairy
- Socially grouping or pair-housing calves
Dairy Acceleration Program Funds Available
Funds available for the
- organization of financial records/benchmarking up to $1,000
- continued business planning (for farms awarded in a previous year) up to $2,500
- business planning up to $5,000
2018 Drug Residue Prevention Manual
For more than 30 years, the U.S. dairy industry has focused educational efforts on the judicious use of antibiotics through the annual publication of a Best Practices Manual. The 2018 edition of the National Dairy FARM Program: Farmers Assuring Responsible Management? Milk and Dairy Beef Drug Residue Prevention Manual is the primary educational tool for dairy farm managers throughout the country on the judicious and responsible use of antibiotics, including avoidance of drug residues in milk and meat.The manual is a quick resource to review those antibiotics approved for dairy animals and can also be used as an educational tool and resource for farm managers as they develop on-farm best management practices necessary to avoid milk and meat residues. Visit the Manual and Form Library to download copies of this important tool!
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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.
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