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October 2023

NWNYTeam Listed Event

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. 

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: PaddockTrac - A New Way to Measure Pasture

October 4, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm EST
Webinar

Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: PaddockTrac - A New Way to Measure Pasture

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.

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

WEBINAR: Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: Paddock Trac - A New Way to Measure Pasture

October 4, 2023
12pm - 1pm EST
Webinar

WEBINAR: Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: Paddock Trac - A New Way to Measure Pasture

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. 

NWNYTeam Listed Event

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. 

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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. 

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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.  

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

Tools for Calculating Forage Availability - Fall Grazing Pasture Walk

October 6, 2023
12pm - 3pm
Birds-All Farm
Canaseraga, NY

Tools for Calculating Forage Availability - Fall Grazing Pasture Walk

Join us for an interactive pasture walk focused on tools to assist you in calculating forage availability to match livestock needs and paddock size.

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants IPM/FAMACHA Workshop

October 10, 2023
6pm - 8:30pm
Alfred State College Farm
Alfred, NY

Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants IPM/FAMACHA Workshop

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

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

Perspectives on the Opportunities and Impacts of Solar Installation in Agricultural Areas

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.

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants IPM/FAMACHA Workshop

October 12, 2023
6pm - 8:30pm
Alfred State College Farm
Alfred, NY

Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants IPM/FAMACHA Workshop

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.

NCRAT Listed Event

Small Fruit Workshop

October 14, 2023
9am - 12:30pm
CCE of Lewis County
Lowville,

Rain or shine

DEC Credits Available:
2.00 Credits in 1A, 10, 22

CNYDFC Listed Event

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.

NWNYTeam Listed Event

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!

CNYDFC Listed Event

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!

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

Farm Disaster Preparation Online Certificate Training

October 17, 2023
October 19, 2023

6pm-9pm
Zoom

Farm Disaster Preparation Online Certificate Training

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

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.

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Meat Marketing and Processing Workshop

October 17, 2023
6:30pm - 8:30pm
CCE Ontario County
Canandaigua, NY

Meat Marketing and Processing Workshop

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.

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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. 

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 1 Release

October 19, 2023
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 1 Release

Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 1: Welcome to Cornell Cow Convos!

https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

Meat Processing and Marketing Workshop

October 19, 2023
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Town of Aurora Senior Center
East Aurora, NY

Meat Processing and Marketing Workshop

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.

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Beef Quality Assurance Training at HLW Acres, Attica

October 20, 2023
1pm - 4pm
HLW Acres, Hermann & Laura Weber
Attica, NY

Beef Quality Assurance Training at HLW Acres, Attica

Join us for a Beef Quality Assurance Training, a national certification program administered in NYS. 

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Managing for Quality Milk

October 25, 2023
9:30am-2:30pm
East Hill Creamery
Perry, NY

Managing for Quality Milk

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). 

NWNYTeam Listed Event

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 Podcast- Episode 2 Release

Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 2: Preventative Health Care for Dairy Cows

https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/e2-preventative-health-care-in-cows

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

2023 Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium

October 27 - October 29, 2023

2023 Cornell Sheep & Goat Symposium

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. 

CNYDFC Listed Event

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

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Farm Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Safety Workshop

November 1, 2023
11am-3pm
Breezyhill Dairy
Strykersville, NY

Farm Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Safety Workshop

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. 

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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. 

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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

BQA Level II Training and NYBPA Region 1 Farm Tour and Potluck

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

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

Perspectives on the Opportunities and Impacts of Solar Installation in Agricultural Areas

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

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

Equipment Safety and Maintenance Workshop - ENGLISH

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

Equipment Safety and Maintenance Workshop - SPANISH

Skid Steer & Tractor Operation & Maintenance

Winter Operation & Considerations

Safety Demonstrations provided by NYCAMH

Workshop in both English & Spanish!

CNYDFC Listed Event

Small Grain Production Field Meeting: Pre-Winter Crop Assessment

Event Offers DEC Credits

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.

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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

Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

POSTPONED: Small Flock Poultry Production: Have Questions? We've Got Answers!

November 15, 2023
6:30pm - 8:00pm
CCE Madison County
Morrisville, NY

NCRAT Listed Event

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

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!

NWNYTeam Listed Event

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!

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 3 Release

November 30, 2023
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 3 Release

Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 3: Trends in the Beef x Dairy Industry

https://soundcloud.com/user-30...

December 2023

CNYDFC Listed Event

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.

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

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

Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations

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.

CNYDFC Listed Event

Farm Business Plan Writing Course

December 6, 2023
December 13, 2023
January 10, 2024
January 17, 2024
January 24, 2024
January 31, 2024
February 7, 2024
February 14, 2024

3:30pm - 4:30pm
Zoom

Transform your farm's future: master business planning with ease and confidence

CNYDFC Listed Event

Minority and Women-Onwed Business Enterprise (MWBE) Certification 101

December 13, 2023
Noon - 1pm
Zoom

CNYDFC Listed Event

Labor Roadshow VII

December 13, 2023
December 15, 2023
December 19 - December 20, 2023
8:30am - 4:30pm
Various Locations & One Zoom Option

In four regional locations, including one remote option!

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Agritourism Workshops Monthly! - U-Pick Agritourism Operations: IN's and Out's

December 18, 2023
12:00pm-1:00pm
virtual

Agritourism Workshops Monthly! - U-Pick Agritourism Operations: IN's and Out's

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!
Cost: Free to attend, but registration required!

CNYDFC Listed Event

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!

NWNYTeam Listed Event

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 4 Release

December 28, 2023
https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/cornell-dairy-convos-ep-4-looking-ahead-to-the-new-y

Cornell Cow Convos Podcast- Episode 4 Release

Cornell Cow Convos-Episode 4: Looking Ahead to the New Year

https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/sets/cornell-dairy-convos

SWNYDLFC Listed Event

Crops, Cows & Critters - Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Newsletter Sponsorship

December 31, 2023
December 20, 2024

Our two forms of publications feature research-based and timely information from our four specialists, listed to the right, along with local event notifications and Cornell University outreach. This information is provided to participants who range from dairy, livestock, and field crops producers to agricultural suppliers and consultants.

Weekly Email Update: Shared with 550+ households who have signed up with our program.
Monthly Paper Mailer: To reach our stakeholders and farmers who lack internet access, we send out a monthly mailer where your company's logo and contact information would be featured with a mailing list of 320+ households.

If you sponsor our weekly and monthly publications you reach approximately 870 households.

Visit our website to view our newsletters!


Dairy

Dairy

Livestock

Livestock

Grazing

Grazing

Forages

Forages

Grains

Grains

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. 

View Cultivating Success with Better Bookkeeping Details

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

https://soundcloud.com/user-301921459-118136586/welcome-to-cornell-convos

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
Guidelines remain the same DAP covers 80% of the cost up to the value of the award and the farm is responsible for 20%.  Visit https://prodairy.cals.cornell.edu/dairy-acceleration/

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!

http://www.nationaldairyfarm.com/drug-residue-manual


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.



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


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