Events - month view
earlier monthsOctober 2022
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
American Dairy Goat Association National Convention
October 1 - October 7, 2022
Ramada by Wyndham Hotel & Conference Center
Syracuse, NY
The NYS Dairy Goat Breeders Association and ADGA will be hosting the AMERICAN DAIRY GOAT ASSOCIATION'S 2022 National Convention on October 1-7, 2022 at the Ramada by Wyndham Hotel and Conference Center in Syracuse, NY. This conference will host hundreds of dairy goat breeders from across the USA, Canada, Mexico and other countries and is open to anyone interested in the dairy goat industry and dairy goat products.
General programming will be held daily with an almost unlimited number of seminars and workshops featuring topics related to all areas of raising, breeding and keeping dairy goats from basic to the newest trends and technology. There will be workshops for people wanting to start a commercial goat dairy as well as for hobbyists and dairy goat breeders. There is a huge tradeshow area with vendors, craftsmen and other goat related businesses promoting and offering their products.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Maple Syrup Workshop
October 3, 2022
5pm - 8pm
Cornell Cooperative Extension Steuben
Bath, NY
Are you new to maple syrup production or an experienced sugarmaker interested in improving your operation? Join Cornell University Maple Specialist, Aaron Wightman, for an evening of maple syrup production tips and research updates. A variety of topics for a range of skill levels will be presented through a combination of slides, hands-on exercises, and demonstrations. Active participation and discussions are encouraged.
Questions regarding workshop content can be directed to Aaron Wightman, arw6@cornell.edu
To register call 607-664-2300 or email amz65@cornell.edu
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Business Planning for Beginning Farmers
October 5, 2022
6pm - 8pm
JCC Carnahan Building
Jamestown, NY
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. This workshop will be taught by Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Team Leader and Farm Business Management Specialist from the Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program with Cornell Cooperative Extension. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a degree in Animal Science and Ag Business Management, and owns and operates a diversified livestock farm.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
FAMACHA and Internal Parasite IPM Training at Mitrowski House Farm, Machias NY
October 6, 2022
4:00pm - 6:30pm
Mitrowski House Farm
Machias, NY
Join Amy Barkley of the SWNYDLFC Team and Lynn Bliven of CCE Allegany for a comprehensive, hands-on FAMACHA training. We will review common internal parasites of sheep and goats, anti-parasitic drug classes and the use of Integrated Pest Management to reduce resistance in parasite populations, and pasture management for optimal forage production and limiting of potential parasite burdens.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
*Canceled* Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training
October 8, 2022
10:00am - 2:00pm
HLW Acres
Attica, NY
- Please Note this event has been canceled. - Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) is a nationwide certification program to help ensure a safe, wholesome, and quality beef product for consumers. Topics covered include herd health management, nutrition, behavior, and handling. Producers attending the training will become Level 2 certified.
CNYDFC Listed Event
Milk Quality, Understanding That PPD! & a Peek Into Future Prices
October 11, 2022
10:45am - 2:30pm
Quality Inn
Oneonta , NY
3 sessions, 2 speakers, and 1 buffet included.
Pasture Walk: Stockpiling Forages for Winter Sheep Grazing
October 11, 2022
1pm to 3pm
Shetler Farm
Candor, NY
Are your animals still grazing in January? Allen Shetler's sheep are! Join us for a farm tour to learn about techniques for stockpiling pasture and winter grazing small ruminants. See how Allen efficiently delivers supplemental feed to grazing animals using a Greg Judy-style bale unroller. Experience a sheep fencing demonstration and learn how to manage electric fencing for winter grazing. Network with others in the grazing community and discover grant opportunities to expand or improve your grazing operation. Representatives from the Tioga County Soil and Water Conservation District will be present to share information about grazing planning services and funding to support the development of grazing systems.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
Fall Update on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak
October 12, 2022
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Meeting will be held over Zoom
All poultry famers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts are invited to join Cornell Cooperative Extension's Livestock Program Work Team and NYS Agriculture and Markets to learn more about this disease, what we know so far about the current outbreak, and how we should prepare moving into the heart of the fall migration.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Fall Update on the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Outbreak
October 12, 2022
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Zoom - Online Webinar
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is still circulating in the US, with the number of cases in both commercial and backyard flocks increasing as we head into fall. All poultry famers, hobbyists, and enthusiasts are invited to join Cornell Cooperative Extension's Livestock Program Work Team and the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets to learn more about this disease, what we know so far about the current outbreak, and how we should prepare moving into the heart of the fall migration.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) Training at Town Line Livestock in Perrysburg, NY
October 15, 2022
9am - 2pm
Perrysburg Volunteer Fire Co / Town Line Livestock
Perrysburg, NY
This nationwide training and certification program arms beef producers with the tools they need to make sound management decisions for the health of their cattle, the safety of their customers, and the quality of their beef.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings for Ag Communities of New York State
October 18 - October 19, 2022October 21, 2022
October 25, 2022
November 2, 2022
November 7 - November 8, 2022
8am-5pm
*Check the list for dates and locations*
Did you know that farmers are more likely than the general population to die by suicide?
NY FarmNet is collaborating with county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices this fall to offer free, full day, in person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community in New York is encouraged to attend. Trainings run from 8am to 5pm, and lunch will be provided from a local eatery with a one hour break.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You'll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You'll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
Cover Crop Field Day in Ithaca
October 19, 2022
4:00pm - 6:00pm
Leland Lab
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 cover crops.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training for the Cortland County Agriculture Community
October 19, 2022
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
Albright Grange
East Homer, NY
Join NY FarmNet & CCE Cortland for a free Mental Health First Aid Training for farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community on Wednesday, October 19th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (lunch is included).
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Young Farmer's Coalition Board of Director Elections and Potluck
October 23, 2022
5:00pm - 7:30pm
Grange Hall, Corfu, NY
Corfu, NY
The first official chapter meeting of the Young Farmer's Coalition of WNY will decide the leadership going into 2023 and will feature a potluck with ample time for socializing with other farmers in the community. Farmers of all ages and seasons are invited to the meeting and run for a position on the board.
Creating an Effective Land Lease with Attorneys from the Food and Farm Business Law Clinic at Pace University
October 24, 2022
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Taste NY Building
Binghamton, NY
Join CCE Broome and attorneys from the Food and Farm Business Law Clinic at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University for a free in-person event where we explore the components of a functional land lease which can meet the needs of both the landowner and farmer.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
NY Sheep and Goat Producers
October 27, 2022
7pm-9pm
Zoom
Please join USDA /APHIS /VS Small Ruminant Health staff and NY VS staff for a National Scrapie Eradication Program Update
October 27, 2022, 7 pm - 9 pm
via zoom- link will be provided with RSVP
Dr Charles Gaiser and Dr Linda Detwiler will give a brief overview of the scrapie program and review regulations regarding tagging.
A question-and-answer period will follow.
To RSVP please email NYscrapietags@usda.gov
To receive the link to the ZOOM meeting
November 2022
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings for Ag Communities of New York State
October 18 - October 19, 2022October 21, 2022
October 25, 2022
November 2, 2022
November 7 - November 8, 2022
8am-5pm
*Check the list for dates and locations*
Did you know that farmers are more likely than the general population to die by suicide?
NY FarmNet is collaborating with county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices this fall to offer free, full day, in person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community in New York is encouraged to attend. Trainings run from 8am to 5pm, and lunch will be provided from a local eatery with a one hour break.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You'll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You'll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.
Free Mental Health First Aid Training for the Agriculture Community of Southern Tier
November 2, 2022
8:00 am - 5:00 pm
CCE Broome County Auditorium in Main Building
Binghamton, NY
Join NY FarmNet & CCE Broome for a free Mental Health First Aid Training for farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community on Wednesday, November 2th from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (lunch is included).
NCRAT Listed Event
Dairy Feeder School
November 2, 2022
10am - 3pm
Murcrest Farm
Copenhagen, NY
Topics Covered During Feeder School:
- Economics and Importance of feeder center analysis
- Dry Matter and Feeder Math-basics, how to measure, work it into ratio, refusals, adjust ration based on DM, feed software
- Feed Consistency-TMR audits
- Trouble Shooting Mixer Wagons
- Bunker Management, drone demonstration/map out bunk, bunk silo management, packing Density & Preservation
- Safety
"Sponsorship provided by: Alltech, Lallemand, and Pioneer."
CNYDFC Listed Event
Feeder School 2022
November 3, 2022
9:30am - 3pm
Morning: Tally-Ho Restaurant. Afternoon: Woodlawn Dairy Farm
Richfield Springs, NY
One Day of On-Farm Training with lunch and materials included. Featuring mostly hands-on activities and demonstrations. Offered in English and Spanish.
Cortland County Feeder School 2022
November 4, 2022
10 am - 3 pm
East River Dairy
Cortland, NY
Feeder School | One Day On-Farm Training for Dairy Farms Feeders
Offered in English & Spanish at each site
featuring stations with mostly hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Topics Covered During Feeder School: Economics and Importance of feeder center analysis, Dry Matter and Feeder Math-basics, how to measure, work it into ratio, refusals, adjust ration based on DM, feed software, Feed Consistency-TMR audits, Trouble Shooting Mixer Wagons, Bunker Management, drone demonstration/map out bunk, bunk silo management, packing Density & Preservation, Safety
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
"Meat" Your Farmer - Cattaraugus County
November 5, 2022
1pm - 3pm
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Cattaraugus County
Ellicottville, NY
This event brings together livestock farmers and the community through a pop-up farmer's market, tasting of locally sourced meats, and an educational program about buying bulk meat. We are currently looking for participating farmers to set up booths and donate meats for the tasting!
Cayuga County Feeder School 2022
November 8, 2022
10 am - 3 pm
Oakwood Dairy
Auburn, NY
Feeder School | One Day On-Farm Training for Dairy Farms Feeders
Offered in English & Spanish at each site
featuring stations with mostly hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Topics Covered During Feeder School: Economics and Importance of feeder center analysis, Dry Matter and Feeder Math-basics, how to measure, work it into ratio, refusals, adjust ration based on DM, feed software, Feed Consistency-TMR audits, Trouble Shooting Mixer Wagons, Bunker Management, drone demonstration/map out bunk, bunk silo management, packing Density & Preservation, Safety
CNYDFC Listed Event
Mental Health First Aid Training for the Agricultural Community of Mohawk Valley
November 8, 2022
8am - 5pm
Hales Mills Country Club
Johnstown , NY
Farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community is encouraged to attend this free training with lunch included.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Labor Roadshow VI
November 9, 2022
8:30am - 4:30pm
Genesee Community College-Batavia Campus
Batavia, NY
New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC) Labor Roadshow VI heads back on the road with three in person sites and one online option for 2022. The program will run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Registration is required.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Feeder School - SWNY - CANCELLED due to low registrations
November 9, 2022
10am-3:00pm
Karr Dairy Farm
Hornell, NY
Join CCE and PRO-DAIRY for a Feeder School on November 9th. This hands-on in-person program will bring Cornell and Industry experts to cover essential cow nutrition and ingredient management, on-farm sampling, and dry matter testing, among others. Everyone is welcome to participate, and this program will focus on skills for managers or employees that work directly with farm feed management. We will offer English & Spanish stations so we can accommodate everyone in one training! We are waiting for you there!
CNYDFC Listed Event
Labor Roadshow VI
November 9 - November 10, 2022November 22, 2022
8:30am - 4:30pm
CCE Saratoga Auditorium
Ballston Spa, NY
Presented in three locations with one remote session available. One Roadshow located in Saratoga County.
New York Labor Roadshow VI - Batavia
November 9, 2022
8:30am-4:30pm
Genesee Community College
Batavia, NY
New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC) is organizing Labor Roadshow VI. Labor continues to be the primary challenge for many farm businesses and this event tackles those challenges head on. The event heads back out on the road with three stops (plus an online option).
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
"Meat" Your Farmer - Chautauqua County
November 9, 2022
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Fluvanna Volunteer Fire Department
Jamestown, NY
These events bring together livestock farmers and the community through a pop-up farmer's market, tasting of locally sourced meats, and an educational program about buying bulk meat. We are currently looking for participating farmers to set up booths and donate meats for the tasting!
NWNYTeam Listed Event
NY Labor Roadshow VI: November 9, 10 and 22
November 9 - November 10, 2022November 22, 2022
8:30am - 4:00pm
Various Locations - see below for details
Labor Road Show VI is hosted by New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC). The event is open to farmers, farm employees and agricultural industry representatives who work with farms to improve farm human resource management.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
2022 Feeder School - November 10
November 10, 2022
10:00am - 3:00pm, Registration begins @ 9:30am
Old Acres Farm
Perry, NY
Join the NWNY Team Dairy Specialists for a one day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders. The training is offered in English and Spanish and will feature stations with hands-on activities and demonstrations.
New York Labor Roadshow VI - Auburn & Online
November 10, 2022
8:30am-4:30pm
Cayuga‐Onondaga BOCES
Auburn, NY
New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC) is organizing Labor Roadshow VI. Labor continues to be the primary challenge for many farm businesses and this event tackles those challenges head on. The event heads back out on the road with three stops (plus an online option).
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Cornell Professional Sheep Shearing School at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
November 11 - November 12, 2022 : Cornell Professional Sheep Shearing School at Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
8:30am-4:00pm
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY
This two day in-person training is for shearers with prior experience who are looking to make shearing a profession. Instruction will include the shearing pattern, blade sharpening techniques, physical fitness, hand piece maintenance, shearing resources from the American Sheep Industry Association (ASI), and more.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
2022 Feeder School - November 11
November 11, 2022
10:00am - 3:00pm, Registration begins @ 9:30am
Bonna Terra Farm
West Bloomfield, NY
Join the NWNY Team Dairy Specialists for a one day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders. The training is offered in English and Spanish and will feature stations with hands-on activities and demonstrations.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
Staffing and Organizing Your Team
November 15, 2022
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Online weekly discussions via Zoom
The Agricultural Supervisory Leadership Certificate Program presents: Staffing and Organizing Your Team. Develop job descriptions. Learn how to find potential employees, interview and select the right people. Implement new hire documentation, employment authorization, and onboarding: bringing new employees into the business successfully and productively.
CNYDFC Listed Event
Agricultural Safety Health and Risk Management Certificate Program
November 15 - November 16, 2022
8am - 5pm
Sunnyside Farm
Scipio Center, NY
2022 Dairy Focused Course. Attendees will receive a AgSHARP certificate of completion.
Webinar: Raising and Managing Cows for Automated Milking Systems
November 16, 2022
12:30pm-1:30pm
Zoom
Advancements in technology in the past years made AMS a reliable machine that can successfully harvest milk. However, as with any other system, management is key to guaranteeing productivity and efficiency. In AMS, cow behavior is a big piece of the puzzle. Researchers have been studying how early life nutrition, environment, and human-animal interaction can affect cow behavior and how cows with different personalities perform in AMS.
We are pleased to invite all dairy farmers that transitioned or are transitioning to AMS, stakeholders, and students to the webinar: "Raising and Managing Cows for Automated Milking Systems." This event is free to the public and will be held over Zoom on Wednesday, November 16th from 12:30 pm -1:30 pm (Eastern time).
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Webinar: Raising and Managing Cows for Automated Milking Systems
November 16, 2022
12:30pm-1:30pm
Zoom
We are pleased to invite all dairy farmers that transitioned or are transitioning to AMS, stakeholders, and students to the webinar: "Raising and Managing Cows for Automated Milking Systems." This event is free to the public and will be held over Zoom on Wednesday, November 16th from 12:30 pm -1:30 pm (Eastern time).
Registration is required by visiting https://events.anr.msu.edu/cowsAMS/. The presentation will be recorded for those who are not able to attend the meeting and will be automatically sent to those who have registered. We will have ample time for Q&A following the official program, so please bring your questions to have them answered by our experts!
NCRAT Listed Event
Orchard Pest Management - Research Updates and Recommendations
November 22, 2022
12:30pm - 3:10pm
Gouverneur Public Library Loft
Gouverneur, NY
A review of current tree fruit pest management recommendations and recent research findings in Northern NY. Topics will include weed control best management practices, control methods for important fungal diseases, and orchard insect pest research results.
NYS DEC credits are pending approval. You must arrive on time and stay for the entire 2-hour session to receive these credits. Pesticide applicator sign-in roster will be available only during registration, prior to the start of the program. NYSDEC certificates will be distributed at the conclusion of the program
New York Labor Roadshow VI - Ballston Spa
November 22, 2022
8:30am-4:30pm
CCE Saratoga Auditorium
Ballston Spa, NY
New York's Ag Workforce Development Council (AWDC) is organizing Labor Roadshow VI. Labor continues to be the primary challenge for many farm businesses and this event tackles those challenges head on. The event heads back out on the road with three stops (plus an online option).
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Beef x Dairy Workshop - Postponed to Winter time!
April 27, 2022
November 23, 2022
December 2022
Webinar: Economic Feasibility of Co-Digestion of Manure and Food Waste
December 1, 2022
12:00pm-1:00pm
Zoom
Are you interested in exploring whether a manure and food waste co-digestion enterprise might be feasible at your dairy? This PRO-DAIRY webinar will present the economic feasibility of two scenarios of anaerobic co-digestion on a case dairy farm located in Northern New York.
SWNYDLFC Listed Event
Economic Feasibility Case Study of Co-Digestion of Manure and Food Waste on a Northern New York Dairy Farm
December 1, 2022
12pm - 1pm EST
Webinar
Are you interested in exploring whether a manure and food waste co-digestion enterprise might be feasible at your dairy? This webinar will present the economic feasibility of two scenarios of anaerobic co-digestion on a case dairy farm located in Northern New York.
CNYDFC Listed Event
Manure Management & CAFO Permit Workshop - Waterville
December 6, 2022
11am - 2pm
Waterville American Legion (Clifford J. Fulmer Post 92)
Waterville, NY
Lunch included. CCA Credits available. This event will count as a DEC approved manure applicator training for CAFO permitees.
NWNYTeam Listed Event
NWNY Dairy Day 2022
December 6, 2022
9:30am - 1:30pm
Terry Hills Restaurant
Batavia, NY
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!
Theme: The Future of Your Dairy's Youngstock
The NWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops team will be holding it's first "Dairy Day" this December! We will be bringing the latest in dairy research to you with this in-person, 1-day conference.
CNYDFC Listed Event
Manure Management & CAFO Permit Workshop - Ballston Spa
December 8, 2022
11am - 2:30pm
CCE Saratoga Auiditorium
Ballston Spa, NY
Lunch included. CCA Credits available. This event will count as a DEC approved manure applicator training for CAFO permitees.
CNYDFC Listed Event
Artificial Insemination Training Course
December 12 - December 13, 2022
9am - 3pm each day
Insight Dairy, LLC
Little Falls, NY
Two-day course. Lunch included. The course will have classroom and practical components. Registration limited to 14 people.
Upcoming Events
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
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