Events - month view
earlier monthsJuly 2019
Pasture Walk: Custom Grazing Dairy Heifers
July 9, 2019
11:30am - 2pm
Fabius, NY
Join owner/operator Tim Virgil and Cornell Cooperative Extension grazing educator Fay Benson for a pasture walk at a 40-heifer custom grazing operation. The program will cover all aspects of custom grazing dairy heifers.
This program is designed for dairy producers who want to learn more about management intensive grazing. It is also intended for custom grazers and other landowners interested in setting up a heifer grazing enterprise.
This is a free event. Please register in advance so we know how many people to expect.
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update~Schuylerville
July 9, 2019
7-9 pm
Schuylerville, NY
After the day's work is done?
Come hear about two new research trials conducted by Julio Giordano's Lab.
Come hear about two new research trials conducted by Julio Giordano's Lab.
From No-Till to New Cultivars: Improving Organic Corn and Soybean Production
July 16, 2019
10am - 2pm
Aurora, NY
NOFA-NY Organic@Cornell Summer Field Day Series
From No-till to New Cultivars: Improving Organic Corn and Soybean Production
Cost: Free
Date: Tuesday, July 16, 2019
Time: 10:00 - 2:00 (Lunch included)
Location: Musgrave Research Farm, 1256 Poplar Ridge Rd, Aurora, NY 13026
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update~Milford
July 16, 2019
7-9 pm
Milford, NY
After the day's work is done?
Come hear about two new research trials conducted by Julio Giordano's Lab.
Come hear about two new research trials conducted by Julio Giordano's Lab.
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update
July 17, 2019
7-9pm
Ithaca, NY
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update
July 17, 2019 7-9 pm
Vet Teaching Dairy, Tulip Tree Drive, Ithaca, NY
No cost to attend, but registration is required!
To register: Contact Shannon Myers at srm242@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2662
Questions: Contact Betsy Hicks at bjh246@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2376
Tie Stall Cow Comfort Meeting and Tour
July 18, 2019
1pm-3pm
Newark Valley, NY
Tie Stall Cow Comfort Meeting & Tour
Thursday, July 18, 1-3 pm
Lawton's Jersey Farm
581 Bridge St., Newark Valley, NY 13811
No cost for attendance, but RSVP requested for refreshments.
RSVP Shannon Myers: srm242@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2662
Questions? Betsy Hicks: bjh246@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2673
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update
July 18, 2019
7:00-9:00pm
Batavia, NY
After the day's work is done, come hear about two new research trials conducted by Julio Giordano's lab:
- Strategies for improving dairy cattle reproductive performance and economics
- Using automated sensors for improving dairy cattle health monitoring and management
Sundaes on the Farm
July 21, 2019
12pm - 3pm
Barton, NY
Sundaes on the Farm
12pm - 3pm, Sunday July 21
Stronghaven Farm
12pm - 3pm, Sunday July 21
Stronghaven Farm
2601 State Route 17C, Barton, New York 13734
Cost = Free
What's the Buzz? Flies on Cattle?
July 23, 2019
1:00pm - 2:30pm at Dairy-Adon Farm, 403 St Hwy 72, Potsdam
6:30pm - 8:00pm at Beef-Cookeland Farm, 13 Regan Rd, Potsdam
Weed Resistance Management Demonstration and Plot Tour
July 23, 2019
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Waterloo, NY
Come join us on July 23 in Seneca County at Quinten Good's farm for a demonstration and walking tour of 16 different pre- and post-emergence treatments in soybean and 12 different treatments and combinations in corn.
- Tall waterhemp and marestail are two weeds that are resistant to glyphosate and ALS herbicide modes of action in the WNY and Finger Lakes regions.
- Each year the number of acres with resistant weed populations expands.
- For herbicides to be an effective tool in weed management, we have to know what chemistries & application timings are most effective against these resistant weeds.
Organic Dairy Profit Discussion Group
July 24, 2019
10am - 3pm
Dryden, NY
Organic Dairy Profit Discussion Group
10am - 3pm, Wednesday July 24
10am - 3pm, Wednesday July 24
Dryden Fire Hall
26 North St, Dryden NY
For more information, contact Mary Kate Wheeler at mkw87@cornell.edu or 509-294-6073.
Income and Real Property Tax Primer-A Learning Circle for Women Non-Operating Land Owners of Ag Land
July 24, 2019
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Portageville, NY
For many of us taxes can be a mystery, let's have a conversation with the experts about the tax considerations agricultural landowners need to think about.
Grasstravaganza ~ Save the Date!
July 25 - July 27, 2019
Preventing Sexual Harassment on Farms
July 29 - July 30, 2019
10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Preventing Sexual Harassment on Farms- Tools for Employers:
Updates and Resources for the NYS Sexual Harassment Regulations
Updates and Resources for the NYS Sexual Harassment Regulations
Preventing Sexual Harassment on Farms - Tools for Employers
July 29, 2019
10:00am - 1:00pm
Homer, NY
This workshop will bring together agriculture labor experts and farm management specialists from around the state to discuss New York's new sexual harassment prevention laws. The training will help you understand what the new requirements are and how your business can meet them.
Pasture Walk with the Finger Lakes Graziers-Cancelled!
July 29, 2019
12:45 - 4 pm
The Finger Lakes Graziers pasture walk has been cancelled due to some scheduling conflicts.
THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CANCELLED Twilight Meeting - Johne's Disease
July 30, 2019
Preventing Sexual Harassment on Farms - Tools for Employers
July 30, 2019
10:00am - 1:00pm
Dryden, NY
This workshop will bring together agriculture labor experts and farm management specialists from around the state to discuss New York's new sexual harassment prevention laws. The training will help you understand what the new requirements are and how your farm business can meet them.
Beef Quality Assurance Training
July 30, 2019
6:00 pm
Cooperstown, NY
Beef Quality Assurance "BQA" Training
When: Tuesday, July 30th, at 6:00pm
Where: Rock Spring Farm - 490 Mill Road, Cooperstown NY 13326
Cost: $10 per farm
Registration: Deadline July 29, 2019
When: Tuesday, July 30th, at 6:00pm
Where: Rock Spring Farm - 490 Mill Road, Cooperstown NY 13326
Cost: $10 per farm
Registration: Deadline July 29, 2019
Twilight Meeting - Johne's Disease: What to Look for, Management Points for Control, Info on Testing
July 30, 2019
6pm-8pm
Preble, NY
Twilight Meeting
Johne's Disease: What to Look for, Management Points for Control, and Info on Testing
July 30, 2019 6pm-8pm
Preble Hill Dairy
6993 West Bennett Hollow Road, Preble, NY 13141
No cost to attend, but RSVPs are required. Light refreshments will be offered.
RSVP: Shannon Myers, srm242@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2662
Questions? Betsy Hicks, bjh246@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2673
Innovations in Organic Vegetable Production
July 31, 2019
3pm - 7pm
Freeville, NY
NOFA-NY Organic@Cornell Summer Field Day Series
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
Innovations in Organic Vegetable Production
Cost: Free
Date: Wednesday, July 31, 2019Time: 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
Hoof Trimming Workshop
July 31 - August 1, 2019
9:30am - 3:30pm
Stanley, NY
This two-day hoof trimming workshop will be held on Wednesday, July 31 and Thursday, August 1.
Participants will learn the basic hoof trimming methods, along with hoof anatomy, nutrition & hoof horn health, lameness scoring, and knife sharpening and safety. *Note: This workshop is designed to introduce participants to hoof trimming methods and factors affecting hoof health. It is not intended to create proficient hoof trimmers in two days.*
August 2019
Agvocating for Dairy Farmers: "How To", Neighbor Relations, and Resources
August 1, 2019
10am - 3pm
Whitney Point, NY
Agvocating for Dairy Farmers: "How To", Neighbor Relations, and Resources
August 1, 2019 10am-3pm
Whittaker Dairy Farm
4585 NY-26
Whitney Point, NY 13862
Come for the entire day or AM/PM Sessions and Lunch!
No cost, but RSVP required by July 25th
RSVP: Shannon Myers, srm242@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2662
Questions? Betsy Hicks, bjh246@cornell.edu or (607) 391-2673
Management Options and rootstock Varieties for Organic Apple Production
August 1, 2019
3pm - 7pm
Ithaca, NY
NOFA-NY Organic@Cornell Summer Field Day Series
Date: Thursday, August 1, 2019
Management Options and Rootstock Varieties for Organic Apple Production
Time: 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Dinner included)
Location: Cornell Orchards, 709 Dryden Rd, Ithaca, NY 14850
Pasture Walk - Youngman Farms - Wolcott, NY - RSVP by July 31st
August 2, 2019
F 6:30pm -8:30pm - $10 per person, $15 per farm/family
Wolcott, NY
Come and learn about rotational grazing at a beef operation.
BQA at EFD
August 6, 2019
4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Seneca Falls, NY
The goal of this national program is to maximize consumer confidence and acceptance of beef by focusing the producer's attention to daily production practices that influence the safety, wholesomeness, and quality of beef and beef products.
Soil Health for Dairy Farms Field Day
August 7, 2019
11-2pm
Madrid, NY
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update
August 12, 2019
7-9pm
Bovine Reproduction and AI Training Course
August 13 - August 14, 2019
9:30am - 3:30pm
Oakfield, NY
This two-day AI workshop will be held on August 13 and 14.
Topics covered will include:
• Reproductive Physiology
• Synchronization Protocols
• Heat Detection
• Artificial Insemination
• Proper Thawing of Semen
• Loading A.I. guns
• Practice Breeding Cows
• Reproductive Physiology
• Synchronization Protocols
• Heat Detection
• Artificial Insemination
• Proper Thawing of Semen
• Loading A.I. guns
• Practice Breeding Cows
Building Resilience into Organic Forage Production
August 14, 2019
10am - 2pm
Truxton, NY
NOFA-NY Organic@Cornell Summer Field Day Series
Building Resilience into Organic Forage Production
Cost: Free
Date: Wednesday, August 14, 2019
Time: 10:00 am to 2:00 pm (Lunch included)Location: Twin Oaks Dairy, 3185 NY-13, Truxton, NY 13158
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Meeting ~ Sharon Springs
August 21, 2019
1-3:00 pm
Oxford, NY
With continued low milk prices, getting the biggest bang for your buck out of your home-grown corn silage can help you get improved performance from your herd while also lowering dependence on purchased feed. Plan to attend one of the following on-farm Corn Silage Pre-Harvest meetings to get up to speed on the latest research-backed strategies you can put to work on your dairy.
Pasture Walk - Wild Geese Farm - Franklinville, NY
August 21, 2019
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Fanklinville, NY
Topics to include: Tools for Managing Rotational Grazed Pasture, Weed ID and Management and Calculating Cost of Production.
Pasture Walk - Wild Geese Farm - Franklinville, NY
August 21, 2019
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Fanklinville, NY
Topics to include: Tools for Managing Rotational Grazed Pasture, Weed ID and Management and Calculating Cost of Production.
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Meeting ~ Oxford
August 22, 2019
1-3:00 pm
Oxford, NY
With continued low milk prices, getting the biggest bang for your buck out of your home-grown corn silage can help you get improved performance from your herd while also lowering dependence on purchased feed. Plan to attend one of the following on-farm Corn Silage Pre-Harvest meetings to get up to speed on the latest research-backed strategies you can put to work on your dairy.
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Meeting ~ Canastota
August 26, 2019
1-3:00 pm
Canastota, NY
With continued low milk prices, getting the biggest bang for your buck out of your home-grown corn silage can help you get improved performance from your herd while also lowering dependence on purchased feed. Plan to attend one of the following on-farm Corn Silage Pre-Harvest meetings to get up to speed on the latest research-backed strategies you can put to work on your dairy.
Dairy Cattle Summer Research Update
August 27, 2019
7pm - 9pm
Randolph, NY
After the day's work is done....Come hear about two new research trials conducted by Julio Giordano's lab! Topics covering strategies for improving dairy cattle reproductive performance and economics & using automated sensors for improving dairy cattle health monitoring and management.
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Meeting ~ Schuylerville
August 28, 2019
1-3:00 pm
Schuylerville, NY
With continued low milk prices, getting the biggest bang for your buck out of your home-grown corn silage can help you get improved performance from your herd while also lowering dependence on purchased feed. Plan to attend one of the following on-farm Corn Silage Pre-Harvest meetings to get up to speed on the latest research-backed strategies you can put to work on your dairy.
Soil Health Field Day
August 29, 2019
9:30am - 2:00pm
Mount Morris, NY
Join us at Macauley Farms LLC in Mount Morris, NY for a day discussing soil health topics and field tours covering various topics such as cover crop mixtures, interseeder demonstration and more.
September 2019
Corn Silage Harvest Strategy: One Chance to Get it Right
September 3, 2019
1-3pm
Lowville, NY
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Workshop - Albion NY
September 3, 2019
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Albion, NY
Corn silage harvest is drawing near. The way corn silage is harvested and stored is a single event that affects your operation for the entire next year. Are you prepared to set your operation up for success?
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Workshop - Clifton Springs, NY
September 3, 2019
9:00am - 11:00am
Clifton Springs, NY
Corn silage harvest is drawing near. The way corn silage is harvested and stored is a single event that affects your operation for the entire next year. Are you prepared to set your operation up for success?
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Workshop - Bliss NY
September 4, 2019
10:00am to Noon
Bliss, NY
Corn silage harvest is drawing near. The way corn silage is harvested and stored is a single event that affects your operation for the entire next year. Are you prepared to set your operation up for success?
**CANCELLED**Beef Quality Assurance Training
September 5, 2019
6:00 pm
Cobleskill, NY
Visit the Farm Day
September 14, 2019
10:30am - 2:30pm
Conewango Valley, NY
CCE-Chautauqua is looking for volunteers from the agricultural community for this well-attended event!
2019 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Workshop - Penn Yan
September 17, 2019
10:00am to Noon
Penn Yan, NY
Corn silage harvest is drawing near. The way corn silage is harvested and stored is a single event that affects your operation for the entire next year. Are you prepared to set your operation up for success?
Sexual Harassment Prevention Discussion - Rushford
September 18, 2019
11am - 1pm
Rushford, NY
Cancelled due to low registrations (and excellent crop weather)!
Attend any of our upcoming discussions to learn more about the rules and regulations affecting
employers (including farms) that go into effect on October 9th, 2019!
Introduction to Poultry
September 18, 2019
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Lowville, NY
Sexual Harassment Prevention Discussion - Randolph
September 19, 2019
11am - 1pm
Randolph, NY
NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Regulations - Are You in Compliance?
Attend any of our upcoming discussions to learn more about the rules and regulations affecting
employers (including farms) that go into effect on October 9th, 2019!
Attend any of our upcoming discussions to learn more about the rules and regulations affecting
employers (including farms) that go into effect on October 9th, 2019!
Ontario County Fun on the Farm
September 21, 2019
11:00 am- 4:00 pm
Seneca Castle, NY
Fun on the Farm works to educate non-farm public and our neighbors about agriculture around them. It is fun and educational.
Fun on the Farm attracts thousands of people and gives us the opportunity to communicate to the community the benefits of the agricultural production in Ontario County, the state, and the nation.
The event is free! There are many agricultural products that are available to be sampled. It is the perfect place to try that product you have seen in the store but didn't want to commit to purchasing.
Food is available to purchase for lunch. It is provided by a local service group.
Fun on the Farm attracts thousands of people and gives us the opportunity to communicate to the community the benefits of the agricultural production in Ontario County, the state, and the nation.
The event is free! There are many agricultural products that are available to be sampled. It is the perfect place to try that product you have seen in the store but didn't want to commit to purchasing.
Food is available to purchase for lunch. It is provided by a local service group.
Sexual Harassment Prevention Discussion - Eden - Cancelled
September 24, 2019
11am - 1pm
Eden, NY
Cancelled due to low registrations!
NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Regulations - Are You in Compliance?Attend any of our upcoming discussions to learn more about the rules and regulations affecting
employers (including farms) that go into effect on October 9th, 2019!
Integrated Parasite Management for Goats and Sheep ~ Includes FAMACHA Training
September 24, 2019
12 noon-5:00pm
Ballston Spa, NY
Internal parasites are one of the largest health issues that affect sheep and goats across the country. A lot of producers are unaware how important it is to understand parasites in their flocks.
Sexual Harassment "Train the Trainer" Evening ~ Cooperstown
September 24, 2019
6-8 pm
Cooperstown, NY
Bovine Reproduction and AI Training Course
September 24 - September 25, 2019
9:30am - 3:30pm
Shortsville, NY
**CLASS IS FULL**
Topics covered will include:
• Reproductive Physiology
• Synchronization Protocols
• Heat Detection
• Artificial Insemination
• Proper Thawing of Semen
• Loading A.I. guns
• Practice Breeding Cows
• Reproductive Physiology
• Synchronization Protocols
• Heat Detection
• Artificial Insemination
• Proper Thawing of Semen
• Loading A.I. guns
• Practice Breeding Cows
Sexual Harassment Prevention Discussion - Bath
September 25, 2019
11am - 1pm
Bath, NY
Cancelled due to low registrations!
NYS Sexual Harassment Prevention Regulations - Are You in Compliance?Attend any of our upcoming discussions to learn more about the rules and regulations affecting
employers (including farms) that go into effect on October 9th, 2019!
Evaluating Markets for Your Ag Business
September 25, 2019
12-3pm or 6-8pm
Watertown, NY
Sexual Harassment "Train the Trainer" Evening ~ Morrisville
September 26, 2019
6-8 pm
Morrisville, NY
Sexual Harassment "Train the Trainer" Evening ~ Fonda
September 30, 2019
6-8 pm
Fonda, NY
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
The first ever Bale Grazing Winter Pasture Walk
January 11, 2025
Watkins Glen, NY
Have you heard about or seen bale grazing and wondered if it would work for you?
Do you want to learn the nuances and logistical context for implementing this regenerative practice?
Are you interested in seeing the impacts of bale grazing on land and animals from a practicing farmer?
Do you need some fresh air, a bowl of chili and to network with other beef farmers in the snow (or possibly mud)?
If you answered Yes to any question, The Northeast Region National Grazing Lands Coalition, the Cornell Cooperative Extension SCNY Dairy & Field Crops Team, and Angus Glen Farm are teaming up to showcase The first ever Bale Grazing Winter Pasture Walk!
Cultivating Success with Better Bookkeeping
January 16, 2025
January 30, 2025
February 13, 2025
February 27, 2025
March 13, 2025
March 27, 2025
: Cultivating Success with Better Bookkeeping
Save the Date! Join us for a six-session virtual series designed to boost your knowledge about what bookkeeping services are available to help you excel in farm recordkeeping.
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