Events - month view
earlier monthsSeptember 2023
2023 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Meeting
September 1, 2023
1pm - 3pm
Hillcrest Homestead LLC
Caneadea , NY
Do you grow corn silage? Join us at Hillcrest Homestead LLC for a Corn Silage Pre-Harvest meeting! Topics covered in this discussion based meeting include particle size, packing density, inoculant use, agronomics, and much more. This event is free, so bring your corn silage questions!
2023 Corn Silage Dry Down Day- Seneca County
September 6, 2023
10:00am-2:00pm
Keystone Mills
Romulus, NY
Bring a sample of corn stalks from each field you anticipate harvesting for corn silage to receive whole plant dry matter value, estimated harvest date range, and information on best management practices for the 2023 corn silage harvest.
Social Media Basics and Tomato Tasting
September 7, 2023
4:30pm - 7:00pm
Schul Farmstead
Sandborn, NY
The Good Farmers Guild of WNY invites you to a two-part event, Social Media Basics & Tomato Tasting. At 4:30 pm, Aurora Schul Schunk will teach farmers social media basics, and the tomato tasting will start at 5:30. Come to one or both parts of this two-part event!
Youngman Farms Field Day
September 9, 2023
1 PM
Youngman Farms
Wolcott, NY
Come and learn about farming with Shawn Youngman and Nancy Glazier, Cornell Cooperative Extension
Empire Livestock Plans for the Future, Presented by new owner Heidi Nicholas
September 13, 2023
6:30pm
Lakewood Fireman's Training Grounds
Lakewood, NY
Everyone interested in learning more about marketing livestock is invited to attend.
Our guest speaker will be Heidi Nicholas, new owner of the 6 Empire Livestock sale barns and co-owner with her husband Gene of Nicholas Meats, an 800 head/day slaughterhouse near Loganton, Pa. Heidi and Gene also have over 20,000 head on feed at various lots from NY through the west. Heidi will join us to talk about her vision and plan for Empire Livestock, including the ramping up of beef marketing sales, renovation of barns, bringing in out of state buyers, board sales and more.
Grazing Dairy Technology Farm Tour
September 14, 2023
1pm-3pm
Cottonwood Farms, LLC
Pavilion, NY
At this free event, we will learn how the Tillotsons' multigenerational Cottonwood Farms manages their organic grazing system in conjunction with their automated milking system. We will also hear about their soil health and conservation practices. Tillotson will also be able to speak about his experience embracing other technologies to help manage the farm and implement sustainable practices.
2023 Cornell Grain & Fiber Hemp Field Day
September 14, 2023
8:00 am - 4:00 pm
Cornell AgriTech
Geneva, NY
Growers, processors, product developers and others interested in hemp grain and fiber are invited to see trials of hemp cultivars, including new lines from the Cornell breeding program. Learn the latest in weed and disease management, hear updates on the New York State hemp program, and see demonstrations of a HempFlax Double Cut Combine, a FiberCut harvester, baling, and decortication with a FiberTrack 660 decorticator.
Registration Fee: $30 (includes lunch) * Registration deadline: September 8, 2023 * Register online
Grazing Dairy Technology Farm Tour & Pasture Walk
September 14, 2023
1:00pm-3:00pm EST
Cottonwood Farms, LLC
Pavilion, NY
Learn how to manage grazing and rations in an automated milking system and conservation practices on an organic dairy in Pavilion, NY.
Join us for a farm tour and pasture walk at Cottonwood Farms in Pavilion, NY, where fifth generation farmer, Jason Tillotson and his family manage their milking herd on 5 robots and organic grazing pastures.
Agritourism Monthly Workshops
September 18, 2023
October 16, 2023
November 20, 2023
December 18, 2023
Noon - 1pm
Zoom
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one? Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Agritourism Workshops Monthly! - Farm Stay: Camping, Glamping and BnB
September 18, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm
virtual
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one?
Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Each session will focus on specific topic to help aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and profit through this exciting on-farm business.
Cost: Free to attend, but registration required!
Virtual Broiler Field Day
September 20, 2023
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Online Webinar - Zoom
Learn the ins and outs of setting up your processing equipment, processing chickens, adding value through cuts, and pricing your chicken to make a profit!
Is Grazing Sheep Beneath Solar Arrays and Opportunity for Your Future?
September 25, 2023
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Livingston County Murray Hill office campus
Mt. Morris, NY
Grazing sheep beneath utility-scale solar arrays can build wealth of present and future sheep farmers as vegetation management service providers and access to additional pasture. The Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program (CEP) conducted a survey earlier this year completed by over 600 farmers. Farmers identified barriers to grazing sheep under solar arrays and weighed in on need for a producer-led organization to negotiate contracts on their behalf, coordinate logistics of multiple flocks, provide transport of sheep to and from the site, care for sheep while on-site, and provide supplemental mowing. Additional questions focused on processing and marketing needs.
Grazing Sheep under Utility-scale Solar Arrays - Survey Results
September 25, 2023 : Grazing Sheep under Utility-scale Solar Arrays - Survey Results
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Murray Hill Auditorium
Mt. Morris, NY
Grazing sheep beneath utility-scale solar arrays can build wealth of present and future sheep farmers as vegetation management service providers and access to additional pasture. The Cornell Cooperative Enterprise Program (CEP) conducted a survey earlier this year completed by over 600 farmers. Farmers identified barriers to grazing sheep under solar arrays and weighed in on need for a producer-led organization.
Integrated Parasite Management for Goats & Sheep Workshop
September 26, 2023
10am - 2pm
CCE Schoharie County
Cobleskill, NY
Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar
September 27, 2023
12pm-1pm
Virtual - Zoom
Join us for this free webinar! Brought to you by the dairy specialists of CCE NWNY and SWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Programs.
Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar
September 27, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm EST
virtual; Zoom
Dr. Glenda Pereira of the University of Maine presents an overview of the technology available, useful, and practical for dairies who currently manage, or are interested in managing, their cows in a grazing system.
Perspectives on the Opportunities and Impacts of Solar Installation in Agricultural Areas
September 28, 2023
October 12, 2023
October 26, 2023
November 9, 2023
November 22, 2023
Noon - 1:15pm
Zoom
This five part series will address the topic from multiple perspectives and help to identify the opportunities and challenges as well as currently know best practices for integrating the need for renewable energy with other economic and social factors.
October 2023
National Beef Quality Audit Webinar - Dairy Focus
October 3, 2023 : National Quality Audit - Dairy Focus
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual, Zoom webinar
Michaela Clowser, Director of Producer Education with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association will be providing an overview of dairy results of the current audit.
Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: PaddockTrac - A New Way to Measure Pasture
October 4, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm EST
Webinar
Are you interested in grazing, an experienced grazier, or just fascinated by new technology? Join Cornell Cooperative Extension and DGA for a webinar to discover the PaddockTrac technology! This technology is still under testing but is a promising tool for future data-driven pasture management.
WEBINAR: Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: Paddock Trac - A New Way to Measure Pasture
October 4, 2023
12pm - 1pm EST
Webinar
Are you interested in grazing, an experienced grazier, or just fascinated by new technology? Join CCE and DGA for a webinar to discover the PaddockTrac technology! This technology is still under testing but is a promising tool for future data-driven pasture management.
National Beef Quality Audit Webinar - Beef Focus
October 4, 2023 : National Quality Audit - Beef Focus
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Virtual, Zoom webinar
Michaela Clowser, Director of Producer Education with the National Cattlemen's Beef Association will be providing an overview of dairy results of the current audit.
Protecting Against Murphy's Law: A FREE Live Seminar for Veterans.
October 4, 2023
6pm
Webinar
What Can Go Wrong, Will Go Wrong!
Good ole' Murphy's Law is probably the best description of what it's like to be a farmer that there is! Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Farm Business Management Specialist, Katelyn Walley-Stoll, to learn more about the 5 areas of risk on farms and how to develop strategies to manage those risks. Participants will have the opportunity to identify areas of risk on their own farms and brainstorm ways to (try to) prevent the inevitable!
Registration is REQUIRED by visiting https://tinyurl.com/CCERisk or call Kelly at 585-268-7644.
Research on Customer Spending at NY Farmers Markets: Early Results and Farmer Recruitment
October 5, 2023
October 12, 2023
6:30pm - 8pm
Webinar
Electronic Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, such as the commonly used Square app, present farmers market vendors with an opportunity to gather data and learn from customer shopping habits. In turn, this data can be analyzed to reveal growth opportunities. POS provides a quick and easy means for farms to assess their marketing performance, make changes, and test for results. Matt LeRoux and Todd Schmit at Cornell's Agricultural Marketing Research Program are working with NY's farms to collect data using POS in direct-to-consumer channels and continue to recruit more farms for the project.
Tools for Calculating Forage Availability - Fall Grazing Pasture Walk
October 6, 2023
12pm - 3pm
Birds-All Farm
Canaseraga, NY
Join us for an interactive pasture walk focused on tools to assist you in calculating forage availability to match livestock needs and paddock size.
Artificial Insemination Training for Beef and Dairy
October 9 - October 11, 2023
An AI training is being planned in Chautauqua County for October 9-11, 2023 for beef and dairy cattle producers and farm employees interested in learning how to breed cows.
The cost will be $200 per person, which will include the classroom session, hands-on Artificial Training at a farm and materials.
Participants will need to bring their own lunch.
Registration deadline 9/22
Register by contacting Lisa Kempisty | 716.664.9502 ext. 203 | ljk4@cornell.edu
Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants IPM/FAMACHA Workshop
October 10, 2023
6pm - 8:30pm
Alfred State College Farm
Alfred, NY
Internal parasites are one of the biggest health problems affecting small ruminants 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.
Perspectives on the Opportunities and Impacts of Solar Installation in Agricultural Areas
September 28, 2023
October 12, 2023
October 26, 2023
November 9, 2023
November 22, 2023
Noon - 1:15pm
Zoom
This five part series will address the topic from multiple perspectives and help to identify the opportunities and challenges as well as currently know best practices for integrating the need for renewable energy with other economic and social factors.
Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants IPM/FAMACHA Workshop
October 12, 2023
6pm - 8:30pm
Alfred State College Farm
Alfred, NY
Internal parasites are one of the biggest health problems affecting small ruminants 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.
Small Fruit Workshop
October 14, 2023
9am - 12:30pm
CCE of Lewis County
Lowville,
Veterinarian Talk: Goat Husbandry and Health
October 15, 2023
11am - 1pm
East Homer/Albright Grange
Cortland, NY
Free, but pre-registration required due to limited seating.
Agritourism Monthly Workshops
September 18, 2023
October 16, 2023
November 20, 2023
December 18, 2023
Noon - 1pm
Zoom
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one? Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Agritourism Workshops Monthly! - Hosting One-Day Agritourism Event
October 16, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm
virtual
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one?
Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Each session will focus on specific topic to help aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and profit through this exciting on-farm business.
Cost: Free to attend, but registration required!
Fall Cover Crop Field Day
October 17, 2023
4 pm - 6 pm
Cornell University - Leland Laboratory
Ithaca, NY
Join members of Cornell's New York Soil Health Team, Cayuga and Tompkins Soil and Water Districts, and King's AgriSeeds/Cayuga Ag Enterprises to view and discuss summer and fall planted cover crops.
Farm Disaster Preparation Online Certificate Training
October 17, 2023
October 19, 2023
6pm-9pm
Zoom
The Farm Disaster Preparation program will help farm owners plan for and manage possible disasters. This program focuses on practical pre-disaster education and preparedness regarding farm equipment safety on the road, fire or structure collapse, storm and wind damage, criminal activity, farm chemical risks, and biosecurity. Farms that complete the training will receive a certificate to provide to their insurer and may be eligible for a credit or discount toward the farm's annual insurance premium. The value of the credit or discount will vary according to individual policies and policyholder circumstances but can be up to a 10 percent discount.
Farm Disaster Preparation Online Certificate Training
October 17, 2023
October 19, 2023
6pm - 9pm EST
Zoom
The Farm Disaster Preparation Certificate is directed to all sizes of farms and all types of products. Dairy and livestock farms are especially encouraged to participate in the program due to their additional concerns regarding animal agriculture. The person representing a farm should be the insurance policyholder; other key farm personnel are welcome.
Meat Marketing and Processing Workshop
October 17, 2023
6:30pm - 8:30pm
CCE Ontario County
Canandaigua, NY
Matt LeRoux, Extension Associate with Cornell's Charles H Dyson School of Economics & Management is bringing meat experts Sarah Blacklin and Lee Menius with NC Choices, NC State University on a workshop tour of WNY and Finger Lakes.
Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 1 Release
October 19, 2023
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos
Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 1: Welcome to Cornell Cow Convos!
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos
Meat Processing and Marketing Workshop
October 19, 2023
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Town of Aurora Senior Center
East Aurora, NY
Farms participating in this jam-packed workshop will hear from experts on topics covering evaluating livestock for optimal harvest timing, working with your processor (including navigating difficult situations), determining if value-added products are worth it, advertising and selling meats, an introduction to MeatSuite.com, and creating consumer-friendly bulk meat sales.
Beef Quality Assurance Training at HLW Acres, Attica
October 20, 2023
1pm - 4pm
HLW Acres, Hermann & Laura Weber
Attica, NY
Join us for a Beef Quality Assurance Training, a national certification program administered in NYS.
AgriConnect - Farm Labor (For CCE and Cornell Educators) !
October 24, 2023
10am - 3pm
Jordan Hall (Cornell AgriTech)
Geneva, NY
Bringing together CCE and Cornell University Educators & Specialists to Cultivate Discussions on Key Agricultural Labor Topics
Managing for Quality Milk
October 25, 2023
9:30am-2:30pm
East Hill Creamery
Perry, NY
If you're looking for new management strategies to take your tank to the next level you're in the right place! Join us for this interactive program featuring two tracks: Owner/Manager (English) and Employee (Spanish).
Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 2 Release
October 26, 2023
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/e2-preventative-health-care-in-cows
Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 2: Preventative Health Care for Dairy Cows
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/e2-preventative-health-care-in-cows
2023 Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium
October 27 - October 29, 2023
Each year the Cornell Dept. of Animal Science puts on the Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium. Co-sponsors for 2023 include Cashmere Goat Association, Empire Sheep Producers Assoc. and NYS Dairy Goat Breeders Assoc.
The 2023 Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium is scheduled for Oct 27th through 29th on the Cornell University campus in Ithaca, NY. Goat and sheep raisers and industry stakeholders are welcome to register for the whole event or individual days. Friday Oct 27th is devoted to advance sign-up workshops on: 1) learning to process sheep and goat for meat - Jess Waltemyer, 2) Learning to do a field necropsy - Dr. Mary Smith DVM, 3) Demos and hands-on practicals for new goat and sheep raisers - Betsy Hodge and Dr. tatiana Stanton, and later in the evening, 4) Intro to artificial insemination - Dr. Megan Bernard, DVM.
2023 Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium
October 27, 2023
October 29, 2023
Friday, 3pm - 12:30pm Sunday, Saturday is main day.
Cornell University, Frank Morrison Hall
Ithaca, NY
Each year the Cornell Dept. of Animal Science puts on the Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium.
November 2023
Farm Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Safety Workshop
November 1, 2023
11am-3pm
Breezyhill Dairy
Strykersville, NY
Do you struggle with broken gates, delayed maintenance requests and unsafe driving on your farm? Then come and join us for this *NEW* hands-on program where we will cover the basics of farm equipment maintenance, operation and safety.
Make a Farm Business Plan that Works for You! A FREE Live Seminar for Veterans.
November 1, 2023
6pm
Webinar
Without a plan, how will you know where you're going?
Business plans for farms are often viewed as yet another chore to do and usually result in dusty binders taking up space on the office shelf. This discussion based workshop will walk you through the mental exercise of planning your future agricultural adventures. Participants will leave with a better understanding of the use of a business plan, the essential components, and a "to-do" list of things to think about to inform future planning efforts. Additional opportunities for one-on-one follow up will also be offered. FSA Borrower credits may be made available for your attendance.
Registration is REQUIRED by visiting https://tinyurl.com/FarmBizCCE or call Kelly at 585-268-7644.
BQA Level II Training and NYBPA Region 1 Farm Tour and Potluck
November 4, 2023
10:30am - 4:30pm
Phillips Farm Inc.
North Collins, NY
Join us for Level 1 and 2 BQA training, following the NYBPA Region 1 farm tour and potluck at Phillips Farm Inc.. All beef producers are welcome to attend the tour, potluck, and training. This class will also serve as continuing education to maintain BQA certification.
Perspectives on the Opportunities and Impacts of Solar Installation in Agricultural Areas
September 28, 2023
October 12, 2023
October 26, 2023
November 9, 2023
November 22, 2023
Noon - 1:15pm
Zoom
This five part series will address the topic from multiple perspectives and help to identify the opportunities and challenges as well as currently know best practices for integrating the need for renewable energy with other economic and social factors.
Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations
November 14, 2023
November 17, 2023
November 20 - November 21, 2023November 29 - December 1, 2023
10am-2:30pm
Join us for a workshop on farm asset protection to help you preserve long-standing agricultural legacies. In these uncertain times, safeguarding valuable farm assets has become paramount to ensure our farming communities' continued success and sustainability. Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. Morning refreshments and lunch are included.
Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations - Other Locations
November 14, 2023
November 17, 2023
November 20 - November 21, 2023November 29 - December 1, 2023
10am - 2:30pm
A list of locations that will host this program. Morning refreshments and lunch will be provided.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance Workshop - ENGLISH
November 14, 2023
11am-3pm
Elken Dale shop
Locke, NY
Join us for Skid Steer & Tractor Operation & Maintenance
Winter Operation & Considerations Safety Demonstrations provided by NYCAMH
Workshop in both English & Spanish! Register here for the English offering.
Equipment Safety and Maintenance Workshop - SPANISH
November 14, 2023
11am-3pm
Elken Dale shop
Locke, NY
Skid Steer & Tractor Operation & Maintenance
Winter Operation & Considerations
Safety Demonstrations provided by NYCAMH
Workshop in both English & Spanish!
Small Grain Production Field Meeting: Pre-Winter Crop Assessment
November 14 - November 16, 2023
1pm - 3 pm
$10 per person. 2 Pesticide Credits available for Categories 1A, 21, 23, & 10. Three Locations to choose from, and only attending one location good for these 2 credits.
POSTPONED: Small Flock Poultry Production: Have Questions? We've Got Answers!
November 15, 2023
6:30pm - 8:00pm
CCE Madison County
Morrisville, NY
Farm Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Safety Workshop
November 16, 2023
11-3pm
November 16th - Mapleview Dairy
This program will be offered in English and Spanish for both dates.
Agritourism Monthly Workshops
September 18, 2023
October 16, 2023
November 20, 2023
December 18, 2023
Noon - 1pm
Zoom
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one? Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Agritourism Workshops Monthly! - Hosting Agritourism Air BnB Experience
November 20, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm
virtual
Are you thinking of starting an agritourism business or are you currently operating one?
Join our monthly lunch-hour, workshop virtual series and learn how to grow your agritourism business!
Each session will focus on specific topic to help aspiring agritourism entrepreneurs grow their knowledge and profit through this exciting on-farm business.
Cost: Free to attend, but registration required!
Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 3 Release
November 30, 2023
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos
Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 3: Trends in the Beef x Dairy Industry
https://soundcloud.com/user-30...
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
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
- 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
- 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?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.For more information and the NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program Application click here