Events - month view
earlier monthsDecember 2017
Feed Dealer's Meeting
December 1, 2017
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Batavia, NY
The Feed Dealer Seminars are specifically targeted for nutritionists, veterinarians, crop and management consultants, extension educators, and dairy producers with specific interest in nutrition-oriented topics. They are designed to blend the latest concepts in feeding and other management aspects of dairies with field level application. They have been conducted annually as a road show with multiple sites in New York for many years with an additional Vermont location held during the past several years in collaboration with the Northeast Agribusiness and Feed Alliance.
*CANCELLED*Marketing Meeting ~ Fonda
December 4, 2017
6:00-7:30 pm
Fonda, NY
The Marketing meetings have been postponed. An announcement will go up when they are rescheduled.
*CANCELLED*Marketing Meeting ~ Norwich
December 5, 2017
6:00-7:30 pm
Norwich, NY
The Marketing meetings have been postponed. An announcement will go up when they are rescheduled.
Calf & Heifer Congress - 2017 "Rising Above the Challenges"
December 6 - December 7, 2017
East Syracuse, NY
Registration Now Open!
Click here to view a video highlighting the excellent programming you can expect at Calf & Heifer Congress!
*CANCELLED*Marketing Meeting ~ Ballston Spa
December 6, 2017
6:00-7:30 pm
Ballston Spa, NY
The Marketing meetings have been postponed. An announcement will go up when they are rescheduled.
In order to stay in business as producers, we need to learn how to produce a consistent product for our consumers to continue to come back year after year.
CANCELLED **** Navigating the Ag Labor Maze **** CANCELLED
December 7, 2017
11:30 am - 4:00 pm
Geneva, NY
Do you hire, or are considering hiring, migrant or foreign-born labor? Do you want to improve your skills in supervising employees who come from diffeent cultures, especially workers from Mexico and Central America?
This workshop is for you!
Academy for Dairy Executives
December 12 - February 21, 2018
The Academy for Dairy Executives Program (Academy) is an educational opportunity for progressive dairy executives.
Academy for Dairy Executives
December 12, 2017
Hamilton, Auburn & Oneonta, NY
Cornell University Cooperative Extension and PRO-DAIRY invite you to apply for this three part educational program in Central NY.
The Academy for Dairy Executives: Developing Leadership and Management Skills for Young Dairy Professionals
- Gain a better understanding of the fast-changing dairy industry
- Learn from and interact with other producers and dairy professionals
- Improve leadership and management skills of a successful dairy business during volatile times
- Develop skills necessary to lead your dairy business into the future
2017 Dairy Summit
December 13, 2017
10am - 3pm
Canton, NY
Speakers
Matt Draper, Executive Director of the Shipley Center for
Innovations, Clarkson University
Lindsay Ferlito, Kimberley Morrill, and Kelsey O'Shea,
North Country Regional Ag Team
Frank Welcome, Sr. Extension Associate, Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS)
Click here to register.
Matt Draper, Executive Director of the Shipley Center for
Innovations, Clarkson University
Lindsay Ferlito, Kimberley Morrill, and Kelsey O'Shea,
North Country Regional Ag Team
Frank Welcome, Sr. Extension Associate, Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS)
Click here to register.
High Tunnel Winter Greens Production Class
December 14, 2017
3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Warsaw, NY
Come learn the basics of how high tunnels work to help grow crops throughout the year. We will focus on crops grown in the tunnels during the colder months.
2017 Dairy Summit
December 20, 2017
10am - 3pm
Malone, NY
Speakers
Matt Draper, Executive Director of the Shipley Center for
Innovations, Clarkson University
Lindsay Ferlito, Kimberley Morrill, and Kelsey O'Shea,
North Country Regional Ag Team
Frank Welcome, Sr. Extension Associate, Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS)
Click here to register.
Matt Draper, Executive Director of the Shipley Center for
Innovations, Clarkson University
Lindsay Ferlito, Kimberley Morrill, and Kelsey O'Shea,
North Country Regional Ag Team
Frank Welcome, Sr. Extension Associate, Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS)
Click here to register.
January 2018
NYCO (NY Certified Organic) Meeting
January 9, 2018
10 am - 2 pm
Geneva, NY
New York Certified Organic Sets 2018 Winter Program Series:
Crop Rotations, Quality Forage Harvest, Pastured Hogs, Farm Startup
New York Certified Organic (NYCO) has announced its 2018 series of Winter Meetings with a January 9 session on crop rotations with a presentation on Ag-Analytics.org, February 13 focus on harvesting quality forage, and a March 13 spotlight on adding pastured hogs to a diversified dairy or crop business and general farm start-up opportunities.
The free-to-attend NYCO meetings begin at 10 AM in Jordan Hall at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and provide organic crop growers and dairy farmers together with the opportunity to learn from presenters and network. There is no need to register for meetings.
Crop Rotations, Quality Forage Harvest, Pastured Hogs, Farm Startup
New York Certified Organic (NYCO) has announced its 2018 series of Winter Meetings with a January 9 session on crop rotations with a presentation on Ag-Analytics.org, February 13 focus on harvesting quality forage, and a March 13 spotlight on adding pastured hogs to a diversified dairy or crop business and general farm start-up opportunities.
The free-to-attend NYCO meetings begin at 10 AM in Jordan Hall at the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station and provide organic crop growers and dairy farmers together with the opportunity to learn from presenters and network. There is no need to register for meetings.
Participants are asked to bring a dish to pass at the potluck lunch.
Corn Congress - Batavia Location
January 10, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Batavia, NY
The Corn Congresses are right around the corner! We have two exceptional speakers this year.
Dr. Julian Smith, PhD, President of CZO Agronomics. LLC.
Jim Hershey, President, PA No-Till Alliance
2018 SCNY Dairy Manager's Discussion Group Kick-off Meeting
January 10, 2018
Noon - 3pm
Cortland, NY
The Dairy Manager Discussion Group will start out 2018 with a Kick-off Meeting at the Cortland County Office Building.
Topics include an Outlook on Dairy as well as an Update on Labor Regulations.
Speakers: Dr Andy Novakovic, Cornell University
Tom Maloney, Cornell University
Corn Congress - Waterloo Location
January 11, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Waterloo, NY
The Corn Congresses are right around the corner! We have two exceptional speakers this year.
Dr. Julian Smith, PhD, President of CZO Agronomics, LLC.
Jim Hershey, President, PA No-Till Alliance
No-Till Discussion Group
January 11, 2018
4 pm - 6 pm
Lansing, NY
Please join with other no-tillers to share experiences. Jim Hershey has been practicing no-till for 25 years+ and cover cropping for 15. He owns and operates a 600 Ac livestock and grain farm located in Elizabethtown, PA & has been operating a Crop Mgt Service that covers several thousand acres. Jim recently installed a ZRX roller on this corn planter to be able to roll and plant into green cover. This has helped reduce weed pressure, less herbicide, build organic matter while conserving moisture and nutrients. Featuring: Jim Hershey, President of the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance
We will meet in the Conference Room over the Rotary Parlor
Come as you are! Barn clothes are fine.
Please RSVP to Janice if you plan to come - click registration.
We will meet in the Conference Room over the Rotary Parlor
Come as you are! Barn clothes are fine.
Please RSVP to Janice if you plan to come - click registration.
or @ 607-391-2672 or jgd3@cornell.edu.
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Herkimer County
January 12, 2018
1-3 pm
Little Falls, NY
Register now for Field Crop Pest Management Meetings!
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Chenango County
January 16, 2018
1-3 pm
Norwich, NY
Register now for Field Crop Pest Management Meetings!
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Schoharie County
January 17, 2018
1-3 pm
Cobleskill, NY
Register now for Field Crop Pest Management Meetings!
Hemp Permit Discussion Group
January 17, 2018
1pm-3pm
Binghamton, NY
Now that you have your permit ~ What's next?
Join us for an informal discussion for sharing and next steps!
Join us for an informal discussion for sharing and next steps!
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Saratoga County
January 18, 2018
1-3 pm
Ballston Spa, NY
Register now for Field Crop Pest Management Meetings!
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Otsego County
January 19, 2018
1-3 pm
Cooperstown, NY
Register now for Field Crop Pest Management Meetings!
Field Crop Pest Management Meeting ~ Fulton/Montgomery Counties**Date Update**
January 22, 2018
1-3 pm
Fonda, NY
Register now for Field Crop Pest Management Meetings!
Note that this event date has been updated.
Jefferson County Dairy Scene
January 23, 2018
10am - 3pm
Watertown, NY
Keynote Address: Generational and Consumer Product Trends or "Why don't people serve milk with dinner anymore?"
Matt Draper, Executive Director of the Shipley Center for Innovations, Clarkson University.
Matt Draper, Executive Director of the Shipley Center for Innovations, Clarkson University.
Winter Crop Meeting
January 24, 2018
9 am - 10 am Tradeshow, 10am - 3:30 pm Program
Ithaca, NY
CCA and 2 DEC credits are in application.
This meeting features an array of topics important to dairy and field crop producers. Since incidences of Hazardous algal Blooms in nearby Finger Lakes and lakes across NYS are on the rise, Karl Czymmek, keynote speaker will discuss Harmful Algal Blooms and where the ag community goes from here.
Succession & Estate Planning Kickoff Seminar
January 24, 2018
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Batavia, NY
We encourage farm owner managers and potential entrants to the business to participate inthis seminar for an introduction to important concepts in succession and estate planning.
A series of workshops to help participants clarify their goals, identify a planning team to assist in achieving retirement, succession or estate planning oags and learn skills for communicating your ideas to your heirs or successors will be offered following his seminar.
New York Learning Circles - Conservation Values - Your Land is Your Legacy
January 25, 2018
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mount Morris, NY
More than one million women now own or manage farmland across America with many of these women inheriting their land from their spouse or parents. Research shows that women landowners can benefit from learning about conservation practices from other women landowners and conservation professionals. To reach the growing number of women landowners interested in conservation, American Farmland Trust, along with Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Team & Ohio's Wood Soil & Water Conservation District, have joined together to offer a number of different opportunities to share information and learn more about preserving their land long into the future.
We hope that you can join us for 1 or more of our Learning Circles! Invite a friend or family member to join you!!!
We hope that you can join us for 1 or more of our Learning Circles! Invite a friend or family member to join you!!!
Lewis County Dairy Day
January 30, 2018
10am - 3pm
Lowville, NY
NYCO Winter Meetings
January 30, 2018
10am-2pm
Meeting discusses putting hogs into crop rotation & funding opportunities for beginning farmers.
Our meetings are free and there is no need to RSVP! Please bring a dish to share for our potluck lunch!
February 2018
22nd Annual North Country Crop Congress and Agribusiness Tradeshow
February 1, 2018
10-3pm
Lowville, NY
2018 Cow Comfort Conference
February 6 - February 7, 2018
Liverpool, NY
Topics Include:
The importance of maximizing cow comfort and the role of animal welfare in the dairy industry
Preparing for the worst (animal abuse allegations and emergencies)
Cow comfort and economics of robotic milking herds
Cow comfort in the maternity pen
Cow cooling vs. barn ventilation
Speakers Include:
Dr. Katy Proudfoot, Ohio State University
Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
Jason Karszes, Cornell University
Curt Gooch, Cornell University
Click here to register.
The importance of maximizing cow comfort and the role of animal welfare in the dairy industry
Preparing for the worst (animal abuse allegations and emergencies)
Cow comfort and economics of robotic milking herds
Cow comfort in the maternity pen
Cow cooling vs. barn ventilation
Speakers Include:
Dr. Katy Proudfoot, Ohio State University
Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
Jason Karszes, Cornell University
Curt Gooch, Cornell University
Click here to register.
2018 Cow Comfort Conference
February 6 - February 7, 2018
Liverpool, NY
Topics Include:
The importance of maximizing cow comfort and the role of animal welfare in the dairy industry
Preparing for the worst (animal abuse allegations and emergencies)
Cow comfort and economics of robotic milking herds
Cow comfort in the maternity pen
Cow cooling vs. barn ventilation
Speakers Include:
Dr. Katy Proudfoot, Ohio State University
Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
Jason Karszes, Cornell University
Curt Gooch, Cornell University
The importance of maximizing cow comfort and the role of animal welfare in the dairy industry
Preparing for the worst (animal abuse allegations and emergencies)
Cow comfort and economics of robotic milking herds
Cow comfort in the maternity pen
Cow cooling vs. barn ventilation
Speakers Include:
Dr. Katy Proudfoot, Ohio State University
Dr. Trevor DeVries, University of Guelph
Jason Karszes, Cornell University
Curt Gooch, Cornell University
2018 Cow Comfort Conference, "The Latest Research in Cow Comfort"
February 6 - February 7, 2018
Liverpool, NY
Along with help from partners and sponsors, the Cornell Cooperative Extension North Country Regional Ag Team and the South Central NY Dairy & Field Crops Team are hosing the 2018 Cow Comfort Conference - "The Latest in Cow Comfort". The 2nd annual installment of this conference will highlight the importance of maximizing cow comfort while showcasing the latest research and industry findings. The conference is open to anybody, and last year's attendees included a variety of producers, allied industry, extension, and students.
Soybean/Small Grains Congress - Batavia Location
February 7, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Batavia, NY
The Soybean/Small Grains Congresses are right around the corner! We have two exceptional speakers this year.
Dustin Lewis, PhD, District Manager, BASF Crop Protection
Dustin Lewis, PhD, District Manager, BASF Crop Protection
Adam Gaspar, PhD, Field Agronomist, DuPont Pioneer
Soybean/Small Grains Congress - Waterloo Location
February 8, 2018
10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Waterloo, NY
he Soybean/Small Grains Congresses are right around the corner! We have two exceptional speakers this year.
Dustin Lewis, PhD, District Manager, BASF Crop Protection
Adam Gaspar, PhD, Field Agronomist, DuPont Pioneer
Dustin Lewis, PhD, District Manager, BASF Crop Protection
Adam Gaspar, PhD, Field Agronomist, DuPont Pioneer
Hemp Workshop at the NYS Farmshow
February 8, 2018
10am-12am
Speakers:
Joy Beckerman, Principal, Hemp Ace International
Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, Asst. Professor of Agronomy, SUNY Morrisville
Reuben Stone, Valley Bio Ltd.
Chris Logue, Director, Division of Plant Industry, NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets
Lawrence B. Smart, Professor Plant Science, Horticulture Section, Professor, Cornell
**Get a free entrance ticket at local Ag businesses or CCE!**
NY Pork Producers - Annual Meeting
February 10, 2018
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Corfu, NY
Producers of all ages involved in pork production are invited and encouraged to attend the NY Pork Producers annual meeting.
Planning for Succession - Managing Business Transition to a New Generation, Warsaw Location
February 12 - March 12, 2018
12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Warsaw, NY
Members of each generation involved in agricultural business together are encouraged to attend this interactive workshop series to learn about skills, tools and tactics needed for success in a multi-generation business.
Planning for Succession - Managing Business Transition to a New Generation, Riga Location
February 12 - March 12, 2018
6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Churchville, NY
Members of each generation involved in agricultural business together are encouraged to attend this interactive workshop series to learn about skills, tools and tactics needed for success in a multi-generation business.
SCNY Dairy Manager Discussion Group Tour to WNY
February 13, 2018
10 am- 3pm
Newark, NY
2018 Corn Day
February 13, 2018
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Cooperstown, NY
NYCO Winter Meetings
February 13, 2018
10am-2pm
Meeting discusses forages with Tom Kilcer.
Our meetings are free and there is no need to RSVP! Please bring a dish to share for our potluck lunch!
Sustainable Agricultural Lease Workshop
February 15, 2018
7:00 p.m.
Warsaw, NY
Join Steven A. Walker, Esq. of Scolaro, Fetter, Grizanti, and McGough, P.C., Agricultural Services Division, for a discussion of sustainable agricultural leases. Come learn how farmers and landowners can work together to develop a lease. Meeting both of their goals for profitability and sustainability.
New York Learning Circles - Conservation & Farmland Leasing: Talking with Your Farmer
February 15, 2018
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Mount Morris, NY
More than one million women now own or manage farmland across America with many of these women inheriting their land from their spouse or parents. Research shows that women landowners can benefit from learning about conservation practices from other women landowners and conservation professionals. To reach the growing number of women landowners interested in conservation, American Farmland Trust, along with Cornell University Cooperative Extension, Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops Team & Ohio's Wood Soil & Water Conservation District, have joined together to offer a number of different opportunities to share information and learn more about preserving their land long into the future.
We hope that you can join us for 1 or more of our Learning Circles! Invite a friend or family member to join you!!!
We hope that you can join us for 1 or more of our Learning Circles! Invite a friend or family member to join you!!!
Heifer Workshop - How to Make Decisions on Who to Keep, Genetics and Record Keeping
February 15, 2018
Registration: 9:30, Program: 10-3pm
Ithaca, NY
How to Make Decisions on Who to Keep, Genetics and Record Keeping
Topics include:
Economics of heifer programs
Record keeping and tracking heifer programs with dairy comp
Decision making based on genetics
Economics of heifer programs
Record keeping and tracking heifer programs with dairy comp
Decision making based on genetics
Organic Weed Management Topics
February 21, 2018
11am-2pm
McLean, NY
Cost: $10, includes lunch
Speakers include:
• Matt Ryan, an Assistant Professor at Cornell's Sustainable Cropping System Lab. He will talk about crop rotation, cover crops, and other cultural weed management practices. His interests also include: using cover crops for organic no-till soybean production, perennial grains, and adapting to climate change.
• An Organic Farmer Panel including:
o Tony Potenza of Trumansburg, who has had a tremendous history of organic field crop experience evidenced by his NOFA NY Farmer ID # of 01.
o Pete Mapstone of Manlius NY, Pete and his son Jeremy grow forage and grain to feed their 300 cow organic dairy.
o Phil Stauderman of Genoa NY raises organic crops for his son Karl's dairy and to sell
• Matt Ryan, an Assistant Professor at Cornell's Sustainable Cropping System Lab. He will talk about crop rotation, cover crops, and other cultural weed management practices. His interests also include: using cover crops for organic no-till soybean production, perennial grains, and adapting to climate change.
• An Organic Farmer Panel including:
o Tony Potenza of Trumansburg, who has had a tremendous history of organic field crop experience evidenced by his NOFA NY Farmer ID # of 01.
o Pete Mapstone of Manlius NY, Pete and his son Jeremy grow forage and grain to feed their 300 cow organic dairy.
o Phil Stauderman of Genoa NY raises organic crops for his son Karl's dairy and to sell
Adding New Cuts to Your Freezer Trade
February 21, 2018
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Canandaigua, NY
Retired USDA meat marketing specialist Steve Olson will be demonstrating some of the newly developed beef cuts. These cuts can add value to your direct marketing/freezer trade sales!
Hemp Workshop at the NYS Farmshow
February 23, 2018
10am-12am
Speakers:
Joy Beckerman, Principal, Hemp Ace International
Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, Asst. Professor of Agronomy, SUNY Morrisville
Reuben Stone, Valley Bio Ltd.
Chris Logue, Director, Division of Plant Industry, NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets
Lawrence B. Smart, Professor Plant Science, Horticulture Section, Professor, Cornell
**Get a free entrance ticket at local Ag businesses or CCE!**
2018 Pesticide Recertification Core Credits
February 27, 2018
10-3pm (2-1 hour sessions in the morning, 2-1 hour sessions in the afternoon)
Canton, NY
Farmer Appreciation Luncheon
February 27, 2018
11-2pm
Dryden, NY
In conjunction with CCE Cortland and Farm Service Agency.
For more information please contact Melanie Palmer at 315.424.9485 ext. 228 or mjp@cornell.edu.
2018 Pesticide Recertification Core Credits
February 28, 2018
10-3pm (2-1 hour sessions in the morning, 2-1 hour sessions in the afternoon)
Malone, NY
Forage Congress
February 28, 2018
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Mount Morris, NY
In response to producer requests and feedback from our first Forage Congress in 2017, the NWNY Team is proud to host our second Forage Congress. This conference will bring together the topics of dynamic harvest schedule, farm forage requirements, and critical management zones for yield stability, nutrient conservation, best crop selection and economics in a one day venue. Great speakers, valuable take home messages!
CCA credits will be available.
CCA credits will be available.
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