Events - month view
earlier monthsMarch 2019
Raising Healthy Livestock: The Basics of Feeding, Health, and Quality Care
March 2, 2019
10 am - 1 pm
Lockport, NY
Raising livestock can be a rewarding enterprise. There are many things to consider, including what to feed, how to keep them healthy and how to handle them. Cornell Cooperative Extension NWNY Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Team is holding a workshop for livestock farmers to help address these topics.
Hay & Pasture School
March 4 - March 1, 2019
Determining Rental Rates on the Farm~Cooperstown Location
March 4, 2019
6-8 pm
Cooperstown, NY
This program is designed to assist producers in determining fair rental rates on their farms from collected data in surrounding farms/ counties.
Dairy Manager Training
March 5 - March 12, 2019
9:30am - 3:00pm
Canton, NY
Dairy Manager Training
March 5 - February 12, 2019
9:30am - 3:00pm
Canton, NY
Crop Management Topics
March 5, 2019
Registration 9:30am Meeting 10:00am-2:30pm
Binghamton, NY
Current and Interesting Crop Topics
DEC & CCA Credits in Application
Cost $15
See Flyer for Details
DEC & CCA Credits in Application
Cost $15
See Flyer for Details
Stockmanship Training for Beef Producers
March 6, 2019
6:00-9:00 pm
Bath, NY
New York is proud to welcome Curt Pate, a nationally and internationally recognized clinician, known for his abilities conducting stockmanship demonstrations.
Dairy Managers Training
March 6 - March 13, 2019
9:30 Registration, 10am-3pm Training
Two-Day Training Session, March 6 and March 13
March 6: Owego/Newark Valley, NY Flemingville United Methodist Church, 540 W Creek Rd, Owego and visiting Todd and Josie Spencer's Dairy Farm, 3657 West Creek Rd, Newark Valley, NY
Communication with People, Erica Leubner, NYFarmNet
Communication with Animals and Cattle Handling, Curt Pate, 1 hour in classroom, 2 hours in freestall
March 13: McMahon's E-Z Acres, 5950 West Scott Rd, Homer, NY
Facility Management for Profitability
Heifer Management & Facilities, Steve Chuta, Zoetis
Partial Budgets
Farm Walkthrough of Heifer Facilities
March 6: Owego/Newark Valley, NY Flemingville United Methodist Church, 540 W Creek Rd, Owego and visiting Todd and Josie Spencer's Dairy Farm, 3657 West Creek Rd, Newark Valley, NY
Communication with People, Erica Leubner, NYFarmNet
Communication with Animals and Cattle Handling, Curt Pate, 1 hour in classroom, 2 hours in freestall
March 13: McMahon's E-Z Acres, 5950 West Scott Rd, Homer, NY
Facility Management for Profitability
Heifer Management & Facilities, Steve Chuta, Zoetis
Partial Budgets
Farm Walkthrough of Heifer Facilities
Soil Health Workshop sponsored by Ontario & Yates Co SWCD & Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association
March 7, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 2 p.m. 1.5 (DEC pesticide Applicator credits & 4.5 CCA CEUs)
Canandaigua, NY
To register, please return this form to: Canandaigua Lake Watershed Association, PO Box 323, Canandaigua, NY 14424, with check made payable to CLWA. You may also pre-register by calling 585-394-5030 or info@canandaigualakeassoc.org by February 21st, 2019. To pay with credit card, please go to the following link: http://www.canandaigualakeassoc.org/get-involved/soil-health-workshop/
$20 per participant with pre-registration (includes lunch).
$25 per participant for walk-ins (payable by cash only).
$20 per participant with pre-registration (includes lunch).
$25 per participant for walk-ins (payable by cash only).
Dairy Managers Training
March 7 - March 14, 2019
9:30 am Registration, 10 am- 3 pm Training
Two-day training with sessions on March 7th and March 14th
March 7th:
Meet at CCE Wyoming County
36 Center St Suite B, Warsaw, NY 14569
Visiting Emerling Farm after lunch
2904 NY-246, Perry, NY 14530
Visiting Emerling Farm after lunch
2904 NY-246, Perry, NY 14530
Communication with People, Erica Leubner, NYFarmNet
Communication with Animals and Cattle Handling, Curt Pate, 1 hour in classroom, 2 hours in freestall
March 14th:
Meet at CCE Ontario County
480 North Main Street Canandaigua, NY 14424
Visiting Bonna Terra Farm after lunch
8800 NY-5, Bloomfield, NY 14469
Communication with Animals and Cattle Handling, Curt Pate, 1 hour in classroom, 2 hours in freestall
March 14th:
Meet at CCE Ontario County
480 North Main Street Canandaigua, NY 14424
Visiting Bonna Terra Farm after lunch
8800 NY-5, Bloomfield, NY 14469
Facility Management for Profitability
Heifer Management & Facilities, Steve Chuta, Zoetis
Partial Budgets
Farm Walk through of Heifer Facilities
Heifer Management & Facilities, Steve Chuta, Zoetis
Partial Budgets
Farm Walk through of Heifer Facilities
WEBINAR: 10 THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSURING YOUR CORN AND SOYBEANS
March 8, 2019
12:30pm - 1:00pm
"It's too complicated" is an often heard comment from farmers looking to utilize Crop Insurance on their farms here in New York. This webinar will go over some of the first things a farmer would need to consider before reaching out to a crop insurance sales person. Understanding these concepts will improve the chance of purchasing a policy which will truly reduce the risk of growing crops.
Fay Benson, who works with the South Central NY Dairy Team, will share some of his experience while farming as well as knowledge gained during working with crop insurance education in New York for the past 10 years.
Join Zoom Meeting https://cornell.zoom.us/j/787940563
One tap mobile +16468769923,787940563# US (New York)
By Phone +1 646 876 9923 US (New York)
Meeting ID: 787 940 563
Manure Handling & Trucking Safety Workshop
March 8, 2019
9am - 3pm
Cortland, NY
To register, call or e-mail Shannon Myers at (607) 391-2662 or srm242@cornell.edu
Cost: $10 for lunch
2019 Farmer and Chef Fair: Cut, Prep, Pair
March 9, 2019
3 pm - 6:30 pm
Geneva, NY
Finger Lakes livestock farmers are invited to participate in this year's "Meat & Great: Cut, Prep, Pair" event to showcase their farm's story and products.
2019 Dairy Day
March 12, 2019
10:00am-3:15pm
Cooperstown, NY
Economics and Strategies for Getting Cows Pregnant
NYCO Winter Meetings
March 12, 2019
10am - 2 pm
Geneva, NY
No cost, no need to register! Please bring a dish to pass at the potluck lunch.
For more information, contact Fay Benson, (607) 391-2669, afb3@cornell.edu
Livestock Techniques Hands-on Workshop ~ Herkimer location
March 12, 2019
6-8 pm
Herkimer, NY
Three locations to choose from.
Pre-Exam Training & Test to become a Certified Pesticide Applicator - Pre-Register by 3/4/19!!
March 12 - March 14, 2019
Class -12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Lunch Provided), Exam on 3/15/19 from 12:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. by DEC
Newark, NY
Ag Specialists Mike Stanyard and Tess Grasswitz will review core concepts and commodity-specific items in preparation for the exam. All participants must have experience working on their own farm or through employment on another farm. Participants must register directly with the DEC to take the EXAM and have any questions on exam eligibility answered by DEC representatives. This training is only for those with experience and does not quality for the 30-hour pre-test training.
Wyoming County Farmland Protection Informational Seminars
March 12 - March 30, 2019
Two Dates/Times: Thursday, Mar 21st, 7-9 p.m. & Saturday, March 30th, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Warsaw, NY
Wyoming County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board (WCAFPB) will accept pre-applications from farmland owners for the next round of New York State purchase of development rights (PDR) grants through May 3, 2019 at 3:00 pm. All owners of farms interested in applying must attend an informational seminar. Landowners can attend on either Thursday, March 21, 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm or Saturday, March 30, 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.At the seminars, Genesee Valley Conservancy (GVC) Farmland Protection Specialist David Bojanowski will discuss PDR, Conservation Easements, New York State PDR Grant Program, an example PDR Project and landowner considerations when considering farmland protection. Cornell Cooperative Extension's (CCE) Joan Sinclair Petzen will share information about the Wyoming County Context for Farmland Protection and Wyoming County's Farmland Protection Pre-Application Process.
Hemp Research Update and Information Session
March 13, 2019
1 pm - 3 pm
Binghamton, NY
Date: Wednesday, March 13, 2019
Time: 1:00 pm -3:00 pm
Where: Cornell Cooperative Extension
Ag Development Center Conference Room
(next to the Taste of NY Store)
840 Upper Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905
This meeting offers the opportunity to learn about findings from 2 years of
Cornell research projects, farmer's perspectives and
how to navigate the process of permit application.
***FREE*** BEEF QUALITY ASSURANCE TRAINING! MARCH 15th, CANANDAIGUA NY, Pre-register by 3/11/19.
March 15, 2019
6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Canandaigua, NY
The New York Beef Council and Cornell Cooperative Extension are pleased to partner with Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange to offer a Beef Quality Assurance training for beef and dairy producers in the Finger Lakes region of NY. The training will be held on Friday, March 15th from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Join us at Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange located at 3865 Rts 5 & 20 Geneva Turnpike Canandaigua N.Y 14424 for a presentation by Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist, and chute side training led by Dave Wilson, retired DVM.
This training is being offered for FREE, thanks to sponsorship from Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange, and will include meal and training resources. Pre-registration is required by March 11th. For further assistance or information please contact Allison, Finger Lakes Livestock at 585-394-1515 or email flle83@yahoo.com.
This training is being offered for FREE, thanks to sponsorship from Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange, and will include meal and training resources. Pre-registration is required by March 11th. For further assistance or information please contact Allison, Finger Lakes Livestock at 585-394-1515 or email flle83@yahoo.com.
Milk Quality & Components
March 19 - March 21, 2019
11-2pm
Livestock Techniques Hands-on Workshop ~ Morrisville location
March 19, 2019
6-8 pm
Morrisville, NY
Three locations to choose from.
Determining Rental Rates on the Farm~Morrisville Location
March 20, 2019
6-8 pm
Morrisville, NY
This program is designed to assist producers in determining fair rental rates on their farms from collected data in surrounding farms/ counties.
Crop Protection
March 20, 2019
Registration 9:30am Meeting 10:00am-3:00pm
Horseheads, NY
Current and Interesting Crop Protection Topics.
DEC and CCA Credits in Application.
See Flyer for Details.
Labor Road Show II- New Date & Location for WNY!
March 21, 2019
8:30 am- 4:00 pm
Warsaw, NY
New Date & Location for Western New York!
safety, wage and hour laws, and worker care.
Dairy Managers Discussion Group: Session III
March 21, 2019
Noon lunch, followed by discussion 1-3 pm
Cortland, NY
Dairy Beef: All Questions Answered, Dr. Mike Baker - Cornell University; Calf Math, Megan Bradley - Genex
RSVP to Shannon Myers: srm242@cornell.edu, (607) 391-2662
Questions to Betsy Hicks: bjh246@cornell.edu (607) 391-2673
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Madison County
March 26, 2019
1-3 pm
Morrisville, NY
Come and discuss pest management and growing season issues that affected your crops in 2018 and look ahead to changes you might make for 2019.
Livestock Techniques Hands-on Workshop ~ Norwich location
March 26, 2019
6-8 pm
Norwich, NY
Three locations to choose from.
Microenterprise Training Classes
March 26 - April 16, 2019
7pm-9pm
Fonda, NY
The Montgomery County Business Development Center (MCBDC) and Montgomery County Soil and Water Department are administering a Montgomery County Agriculture Microenterprise Program (MCAMP) that will provide grants to eligible agricultural entrepreneurs and business owners that want to establish or expand an existing business located within Montgomery County. Agricultural microenterprises can receive grants of up to $25,000 to assist with startup or expansion costs.
QuickBooks for Farmers and Growers
March 27 - April 17, 2019
10am - 12pm on March 27, April 3 & 10; 1pm - 3pm on April 17
Cortland, NY
Learn how to set up and use QuickBooks in your farm or agricultural business. This 4-part series will cover:
- Basic accounting concepts
- Setting up a customized Chart of Accounts
- Recording sales revenues
- Recording and paying for expenses
- Reconciling accounts
- Creating and analyzing financial statements
- Record keeping for risk management
Manure Applicator Training
March 28 - March 29, 2019
March 28th, Living Goods Restaurant, Peru, 9-11am
March 28th, Papa's Dairy, North Bangor, 1-3pm
March 29th, Madrid Community Center, 9-11am
March 29th, Lewis-Jefferson Community Center, 1:30-3:30pm
Pesticide Applicator Training
March 28, 2019
Registration: Noon, Workshop: 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Dryden, NY
March 28, 2019
Registration: Noon
Workshop: 12:30-3:30 pm
Light snacks provided/you are welcome to bring a bag lunch
Exam - TBA
Cost $25/Instruction class
3 Core DEC Re-Certification Credits Available
See Flyer for Details
Internal Parasites in Sheep & Goats IPM/FAMACHA Workshop, Pre-Register by 3/28
March 30, 2019
9:45 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Naples, NY
Internal parasites are one of the biggest health problems affecting goats and sheep in the Northeast. Dewormer resistance is becoming commonplace. As a result, producers need to know how best to manage parasites. In this workshop, producers will learn the basics of parasite control as well as how to develop integrated parasite management programs for their farms. We will also provide hands-on training on how to use the FAMACHA Anemia Card (good only for the barber pole worm) as part of a 5-point check to determine which animals in your herd or flock most likely need deworming. This workshop will also include hands-on training on doing fecal egg counts. You are welcome to bring a refrigerated fecal sample of 8 to 10 fecal pellets from one sheep or goat at your farm to the workshop.
April 2019
2019 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Wayne County)
April 9, 2019
8:30 AM - 12:30 PM English Session / 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Spanish Session
Newark, NY
Just like last year, Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for 11 specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The labels that will be covered include Lorsban Advanced, Endigo ZC, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Gramoxone SL 2.0, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, Asana XL, and Lannate LV.
New York DEC notes that the Special Permit process is intended for farm workers with English language skills that are not adequate to pass the DEC private applicators exam. All others are encouraged to apply for their private applicator's license via taking the certification exam.
Certified Supervisors are required to attend the first 30 minutes of training.
New York DEC notes that the Special Permit process is intended for farm workers with English language skills that are not adequate to pass the DEC private applicators exam. All others are encouraged to apply for their private applicator's license via taking the certification exam.
Certified Supervisors are required to attend the first 30 minutes of training.
2019 Worker Protection Standard Training & DEC Special Permit Training (Orleans County)
April 10, 2019
8:30 AM - 12:00 PM English and Spanish combined session
Albion, NY
Just like last year, Special Permits (SP) will only be issued for 11 specific pesticide labels and SP trainees will have to pass a test. This will relieve the certified pesticide applicator from "on-site within voice contact" supervision of non-certified pesticide applicators when they are handling federally-restricted-use pesticides for which they hold a Special Permit. The labels that will be covered include Lorsban Advanced, Endigo ZC, Warrior II with Zeon Technology, Agri-Mek SC, Beseige, Gramoxone SL 2.0, Leverage 360, Danitol 2.4EC, Mustang Maxx, Asana XL, and Lannate LV.
New York DEC notes that the Special Permit process is intended for farm workers with English language skills that are not adequate to pass the DEC private applicators exam. All others are encouraged to apply for their private applicator's license via taking the certification exam.
Certified Supervisors are required to attend the first 30 minutes of training.
New York DEC notes that the Special Permit process is intended for farm workers with English language skills that are not adequate to pass the DEC private applicators exam. All others are encouraged to apply for their private applicator's license via taking the certification exam.
Certified Supervisors are required to attend the first 30 minutes of training.
Your Land as Your Legacy - Conservation Values a Special Invitation for Women Landowners.
April 10, 2019
9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., $10 payable at the door
Portageville, NY
Join women landowners, like yourself, for a learning circle to find solutions for the legacy of your land. Hear how you can get started planning.
- Clarify your goals for your land for the future.
- Understand the basic terminology that goes along with legacy planning.
- Learn about the planning tools to preserve your land for future generations.
- Explore opportunities for protecting your land for agriculture and conservation.
- Discover ways to protect your land from the high costs of long-term care.
- Find out how other women are planning for the future of their land.
- Meet professionals who can help you with your plan.
Pressure Canning Meat
April 13, 2019
1-4pm
Canton, NY
Join us in the Harvest Kitchen for first-hand experience using pressure canners to create delicious, safe, ready-to-eat products. The workshop is taught by Master Food Preservers with ingredients donated by 8 O'clock Ranch in Dekalb Junction.
Maximizing Components on Your Farm
April 17, 2019
11-2pm
Lowville, NY
Tom Overton, Cornell Professor and Director of Pro-Dairy, will be coming to Lewis County to discuss practical ways dairy farmers can improve components to boost income.
Please call CCE of Lewis County at 315.376.5270 to register.
Exploring Industrial Hemp Production in New York
April 25, 2019
1-4pm
Malone, NY
Beginning Farmer/Hobby Farmer Workshop $5/pp, class size is limited, so pre-register by April 15th!
April 27, 2019
9:00 am - 1:00 pm
Canandaigua, NY
This hands-on workshop is for beginning or part-time farmers who would like to improve their farm machinery skills, learn to properly and safely maintain their equipment to protect their investment. If you have been thinking about buying a tractor, new or used, two-wheel or four-wheel drive, compact or utility or more come join us. Topics include: selecting the right size/type tractor for the job; basic maintenance; staying safe around tractors and equipment; attaching implements properly; and information about ROPS and SMV's. There will be time for questions.
Pre-registration requested by April 15, 2019 email Amy with your name, address, and phone number or call 585-394-3977 x 429.
Fee: $5.00/person. Class size is limited.
Pre-registration requested by April 15, 2019 email Amy with your name, address, and phone number or call 585-394-3977 x 429.
Fee: $5.00/person. Class size is limited.
May 2019
Beef Quality Assurance Transportation Training
May 8, 2019
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Lowville, NY
Youth Tractor Safety Certification Course
May 9 - May 30, 2019
Thursdays 5-9 May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30 and Saturdays 8:30-12:30 May 11 & May 18
Tully, NY
Youth Tractor Safety Certification Course
Class fee is $30, which includes the training manual.
Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is Monday May 6
Class size is limited. Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is Monday May 6
Thursday evenings 5 - 9 pm on May 9, May 16, May 23, May 30 and Saturday mornings 8:30 am - 12:30 pm on May 11 and May 18. The certification exams will be given at class on Thursday May 30th.
Venture Farms LLC in Tully, NY and Cazenovia Equipment Company in Cazenovia, NY.
Beef Quality Assurance Transportation Training
May 10, 2019
6-9pm
Canton, NY
Innovations in Organic Vegetable Production
May 13, 2019
3pm - 7pm
Freeville, NY
NOFA-NY Organic@Cornell Summer Field Day Series
Innovations in Organic Vegetable Production
Cost: Free
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Time: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Vegetable tastings and reception to follow)
Location: Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm, 133 Fall Creek Rd, Freeville, NY 13068
Time: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Vegetable tastings and reception to follow)
Location: Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm, 133 Fall Creek Rd, Freeville, NY 13068
2019 Pastured Poultry Seminar, lunch included so please register by May 10th! $25/person
May 18, 2019
Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.w/ coffee & donuts with the Program running from 9:00 a.m. - 5 p. m.
Attica, NY
The main speaker this year is Eli Reiff of Mifflinburg Pennsylvania. Eli raises broilers, turkeys, sheep, and beef, all on pasture. Topics to be covered will include the pasture, feed and nutrition, marketing, costs, and much more. As we grow as farm operators and get bigger, we may not pay as much attention to the basics as we should. So those areas are where we will start, and then expand to cover the group's interests.
Mike Badger, Director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association will also be available for a round-table discussion. Plans are to have representatives from Farm Bureau, NYCAMH for farm health and safety, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, as well as others.
Mike Badger, Director of the American Pastured Poultry Producers Association will also be available for a round-table discussion. Plans are to have representatives from Farm Bureau, NYCAMH for farm health and safety, Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce, and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Wyoming County, as well as others.
Human Resource Management on the Farm - 2 sessions! Register by Friday 5/17!!
May 21 - May 22, 2019
12:00 - 2:00 pm (2 sessions! Day 1 CCE- Ontario, or Day 2 CCE - Wyoming)
Are you looking for motivation and resources to implement new Human Resource Management practices on your farm?
Join us for one of two sessions in WNY this spring. At each session, we'll discuss:
Join us for one of two sessions in WNY this spring. At each session, we'll discuss:
- What Human Resource Management is, and why it's important on your farm
- Examples of different Human Resource Management practices and how to implement them
- Complete a self-assessment to determine the areas of highest priority for your farm
- Hear from several local dairy farmers who have recently implemented new HRM practices on their farms.
- Go home with a plan of action and resources to help you accomplish your HRM goals
Calling all 9th-12th graders! 4th Annual Precision Agriculture Day at Genesee Community College
May 21, 2019
9:00 am - 1:30 pm Register by Friday May 10th! $15/per person includes lunch
Batavia, NY
Calling all 9th-12th graders! We have an exciting new program for students interested in technology, science, engineering, and agriculture!
Would you like to:
- Learn about how Drones collect information
- Check out some potential career opportunities that have new and ever-changing technology
- Learn how these technologies can be used in our own backyards in WNY
- Discover potential and exciting career opportunities
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
North American Manure Expo
July 17 - July 18, 2024 : North American Manure Expo
Auburn, NY
Save the Date for the North American Manure Expo
Professionalism in Nutrient Management - www.manureexpo.com
Sundaes on the Farm
July 21, 2024
Spencer, NY
Learn about Tioga County Agriculture! IFree Admission! Enjoy Ice Cream, Animals and Farm Tours, Kid's Activities, Food, Live Music, and Farm Vendors.
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!
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
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