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January 11, 2025
Watkins Glen, NY

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WCM: Session 2-Key Considerations Feeding 2021 Corn Silage and Planning for 2022

Donette Griffith, Administrative Assistant
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: January 25, 2022
WCM: Session 2-Key Considerations Feeding 2021 Corn Silage and Planning for 2022

Resources from Winter Crop Meeting 2022: Session 2 (January 21)

Topic: Key Considerations Feeding 2021 Corn Silage and Planning for 2022 with Joe Lawrence

Slides and links available


Fall Alfalfa Management - Dr. Jerry Cherney updated 2021

Janice Degni, Team Leader, Field Crop Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: August 25, 2021


A Comparison of Pre & Post Tassel Fungicides for the Control of NCLB

Janice Degni, Team Leader, Field Crop Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: July 19, 2018

Northern Corn Leaf Blight (NCLB) is one of the most serious diseases of corn. It has become endemic in NYS, affecting all corn growers. Although we cannot predict when first infection will occur, it has occurred regularly for over ten years consecutively. This field scale study sought to measure and compare effects on yields and quality from fungicide treatment at an early and late timing on five cooperating farms in Northern, Central and Eastern New York. Applications were made at two timings: early vegetative and reproductive. Treatments included: 1) an untreated control, two early vegetative fungicide treatments with

2) Priaxor® and 3) Affiance®, and two post tassel treatments of 4) Affiance® and 5) Headline Amp®.  This year was an anomaly because occurrence was absent to arriving fairly late and then only with light infection. NCLB disease incidence was very low, below 1% in the majority of the plots. Although disease pressure from common rust was abundant as well as other abiotic stress factors, there were no statistically significant effects on yield or forage quality components from the fungicide treatments compared to the untreated check plots.

 


First Cutting Updates - Week of May 22nd, 2018

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 30, 2018

An overall assessment of first cutting growth from fields we measured: 

Quite a few farms across the region have started harvest of pure grass stands, as well as mixed stands.  Recommendations are for 50% or less alfalfa stands to make prudent use of this cutting window to harvest for peak dairy quality across the region.  There is still time for pure alfalfa stands to gain yield, given Jerry Cherney's observations.  Look for our final report on Wednesday, May 30th.  We will be sending out a brief survey of how you use the reports, so please feel free to give your assessment of how we are doing in regards to timing of first crop.  You can also reply to Betsy with any comments you may have on the use of the report or how we can improve. 

In the meanwhile, stay safe out in the fields and update the team with any conditions you encounter that would be of interest. 


First Cutting Updates - Week of May 29, 2018

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 30, 2018

An overall assessment of first cutting progress from fields we measured:  Most fields we measure have been harvested or are in the process of being cut.   Early samples we've gotten back have shown that grass cut on recommendations looks really nice.  One all grass sampled showed Adj Prot 22.0%, NDF 53.2 and NDFD 30h at 76.   Early grass varieties are well headed by now, but later maturing grasses are just to head stage.  If you have alfalfa fields standing alongside grass fields, it may be a good idea to harvest the grass for heifer or dry cow haylage, and focus on getting your alfalfa crop for lactating quality.  Most alfalfa fields still standing are showing signs of early bud.  A sample we've gotten back on a mostly alfalfa field cut on recommendations showed Adj Prot 22.6%, NDF of 48 and NDFD at 66, with the NDF and NDFD numbers a bit surprising.  We'd like to see more samples of both grass and alfalfa and mixed if you'd like to share with Janice or Betsy.  


First Cutting Updates - Week of May 15th, 2018

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 15, 2018

An overall assessment of first cutting growth from fields we measured:
Now is the time to cut Pure Grass fields across the region for peak dairy quality forage. Some higher elevations are just at that point, some fields in lower elevations and those in the southern portion of the region are just past that point. Weather forecast looks like rain over the weekend. If you have pure grass stands to harvest for your lactating cows, now is the time to park the corn planter and focus on quality hay crop. For 50/50 mixed stands, recommendations are looking like middle of next week for peak quality. Pure alfalfa stands we still have time - predictions are out to the end of the month at this point for peak quality. Please feel free to share samples you have analyzed with the team to let us know how predictions match up with reality. 


First Cutting Updates - Week of May 8th, 2018

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 8, 2018

An overall assessment of first cutting growth from fields we measured:
Many stands of alfalfa are too short to give adequate predictions for pure grass stand harvest - especially those at higher elevations. That being said, many lower elevation fields have alfalfa measuring 11-12", and predictions for harvest of nearby pure grass fields look like this weekend for peak quality. 50/50 mixed grass/alfalfa stands predictions are saying harvest in ~2 weeks, but time and weather will give us a better prediction next week for mixed stands. Weather looks like rain on Saturday, but a decent stretch of weather to start next week out. Look for our next report on Wednesday, May 16th. In the meanwhile, stay safe out in the fields and update the team with any conditions you encounter that would be of interest.  

What is the potential NDFd of 2017 corn silage?

Last Modified: August 16, 2017

A message from Kevin Putnam, Dairy Specialist with Dupont-Pioneer

Over the last couple of weeks I have been asked multiple times, what will 2017 corn silage quality be like given the rain we have had so far, and is there anything we can do about it? The answer, as always, it depends. The reason it depends is mainly due to three factors, pollination, current inventory, and progress of the current crop. All of which are variable given drought conditions in areas last year, and delayed planting for many this year. In this email I hope to explain what corn silage quality could potentially be, and what management strategies could be utilized to improve it.

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 22nd, 2017

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: June 7, 2017

First Cutting Updates - Utilizing Alfalfa Heights as a Predictor for Quality

The SCNY team is monitoring alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results will be compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward on. To be included on the weekly email, or to be removed from the email, please contact Betsy Hicks, bjh246@cornell.edu. 

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 15th, 2017

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 17, 2017

First Cutting Updates - Utilizing Alfalfa Heights as a Predictor for Quality

The SCNY team is monitoring alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results will be compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward on. To be included on the weekly email, or to be removed from the email, please contact Betsy Hicks, bjh246@cornell.edu.

UPDATES FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 15th, 2017:

Comments from Janice: Mowing has begun and it's right on for clear grass fields since orchard grass is heading and other grasses will be heading in the next week. Alfalfa is approaching or at 2 ft this week. Only occasional early buds found. With the adequate soil moisture and the predicted heat for the week ahead we have the potential to gain significant yield in the next week to alfalfa. The weather windows and percent alfalfa will drive when to target harvest of mixed stands. The time is near and the switch from corn planting to hay harvest may be necessary to capture high quality. Wet fields will be a factor to consider when planning harvest. In soils that have been saturated or even waterlogged over the last 3 weeks the alfalfa is obviously stressed. It's growing very slowing and in some fields actually going backwards. There are spots of significant winter damage, mainly crown heaving. These fields are going to have a disappointing yield and may be candidates for turning into corn after first cutting.

Comments for Southern Counties (Broome, Tioga, Chemung, S Cortland): Most fields saw a good 3" of growth from last week and are above that 20" mark. Hill ground maybe a bit less, but valley ground a bit more. Several fields of triticale and fields of grass have been mowed already, as well as some fields of mixed alfalfa/grass. Fields continue to be drier here than the northern part of the region (I didn't have to use 4wd to access fields this week!), so I would expect more mixed fields to be knocked down in the coming week. Predicted dates to cut for a 50/50 mix in the southern counties is the end of this week to beginning of next week. Forecast looks like rain Thursday/Friday with a decent weekend, although cooler than the heat we're getting today and tomorrow. Pure alfalfa stands still have some time to gain yield while maintaining quality.

Comments for Northern Counties (Tompkins, N Cortland, Onondaga): Fields saw similar growth to the southern counties in our region - a good 3" overall, hovering around that high teens to low 20's in height. The heat and sun in the next two days will hopefully help to dry out conditions. Predictions for peak quality for a 50/50 mix are looking like this weekend. Don't be fooled by the amount of alfalfa in the stand - often we overestimate the amount in the stand and harvest it later than what the grass's peak quality is. The weekend looks like decent weather, so getting on those mixed fields may be a good idea. We still have time to gain yield in higher percentage alfalfa fields without sacrificing quality. Pure alfalfa stands have time to gain for sure - predictions to cut are still out there to around Memorial Day. The 10-day forecast looks like a small percentage of rain every day, so waiting on the weatherman to figure out his forecast won't hurt quality and will gain tonnage on pure stands in the meanwhile.

Thoughts on pure grass fields that are past peak quality: If you are able to segregate your first cutting, you may want to leave your fields that are past peak quality and save them for dry cow or heifer feed and focus on getting your mixed fields in at peak quality. Certainly, field conditions will play a role, but yield can be a factor to take into account as well.

Please let us know conditions you observe while harvesting, and any comments back about the alfalfa height project are appreciated! We also welcome any sample results you would like to share, so forward them on me, bjh246@cornell.edu. You can also post harvest pictures on our team's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SCNYDairyandFieldCropsTeam/ and use the hashtag #harvest2017. 


Harvesting Winter Small Grains in a Wet Spring

Last Modified: May 12, 2017

Tom Kilcer's Advanced Ag Systems: Crop Soils May newsletter addresses timing of harvest for optimizing quality of a winter small grain cover crop.

Tillage and Planting Reminders in a Wet Spring

Last Modified: May 12, 2017

Tom Kilcer outlines some precautions to prevent compaction when tilling and planting under wet conditions with some other spring tips 

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 8th, 2017

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 10, 2017

UPDATES FOR THE WEEK OF MAY 8th, 2017:

Comments from Janice: We measured slow growth with the wet and cold conditions of the last week. Our protocol is to measure the tallest alfalfa in the stand, but in older alfalfa and wetter fields, the alfalfa tends to be more uneven. Keeping this in mind, our field scale measurement should be ground-truthed as you plan for harvest. Grasses will be headed by next week so if you are harvesting grass or mixed stands for dairy quality they will be ready to mow in the next stretch of decent weather. Some lodging is beginning in alfalfa over 20". No buds are observed yet in alfalfa. If you have mixed grass/alfalfa stands, refer back to the chart of percent of alfalfa vs grass (attached) and what height alfalfa is to determine when to harvest the field for peak quality. If you need help determining what percent your stand is, contact me at 607.391.2672 or jgd3@cornell.edu.

Comments for Southern Counties (Broome, Tioga, Chemung, S Cortland): Most fields saw no more than 2" growth in alfalfa, although some of the valley ground with favorable drainage and a southern slope did see more. In general, higher elevations and wetter fields only saw 1" of growth with the cool weather. Even so, predictions for harvesting 50/50 mixed grass/alfalfa stands are stating dairy quality harvest should begin by the middle of next week and grass stands should be harvested now. Fields in general are drier here than in the counties to the north. Some farms that have pure grass fields and some mixed fields to the east of our region have started harvest on fields that have dried out enough to drive on.

Comments for Northern Counties (Tompkins, N Cortland, Onondaga): In general, most all fields saw no more than 2" growth in alfalfa. Fields are very wet across the northern counties and will likely have some rutting around wet spots if they are to be harvested for dairy quality. Predictions for peak grass quality is to harvest now, 50/50 mixed grass/alfalfa stands are predicted to be peak at the end of next week, only a couple days behind the more southern counties.

Weather conditions for the coming week look like rain Saturday and Sunday, with warmer weather closer to 70 degrees next week. I know you all are frustrated with not being able to get corn in the ground, but the focus needs to be on harvesting hay crop at peak quality! Please let us know conditions you observe while harvesting, and any comments back about the alfalfa height project are appreciated! We also welcome any sample results you would like to share, so forward them on me, bjh246@cornell.edu. You can also post harvest pictures on our team's Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/SCNYDairyandFieldCropsTeam/ and use the hashtag #harvest2017.  

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 1st, 2017

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 4, 2017

Updates for the week of May 1st, 2017:

Compared to last year, conditions are closer to the "normal" for this region.  Alfalfa heights near the southern portion of our region are approaching the 17" plus range on average.  In the northern counties, we observe only a few inches less than that.  In order to cut pure grass stands for maximum quality, now is the time to be harvesting pure stands ... if you can get in them.  The rain and cooler temperatures this week have put the hold on in many operations, so you're not alone in feeling frustrated about harvesting or being able to put corn in.  Our predictions for mixed grass stands are looking to be ready next weekend for peak quality harvest.  Cooler weather may delay this a little bit, so hopefully our fields can dry up some more. 


 

Custom Machinery Rates

Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: June 1, 2016

Trying to figure out how much to pay or charge for custom machinery operations? Check out the 2016 custom rate summaries from Pennsylvania.

NYSERDA Agriculture Energy Audit Program - Fact Sheet

Janice Degni, Team Leader, Field Crop Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 26, 2016

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.  

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 25, 2016

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 25, 2016

This is the fourth week of monitoring alfalfa height. Many fields of mixed grass/alfalfa were cut in the past week and some pure stands of alfalfa were also mowed early this week all across the 5-county region. Alfalfa growth in fields we checked saw as much as 6-7". There looks to be a smattering of passing showers in the forecast for Friday/Saturday/Sunday/Monday, so the next few days are sure to be busy with a lot more first cutting being harvested. Early reports back on tonnage in grass fields are that it seems to have yielded well even though height may not have been what we would have expected. Some people have sent us samples back on cuttings - we always appreciate anything you are willing to share with us, so keep them coming! As always, feel free to reach out to Betsy and Janice (607.391.2660) to have us come out and check some fields with you. Let us know you're reading!

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 18, 2016

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 18, 2016

The SCNY team is in the third week of monitoring alfalfa height to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results! If your area falls outside of our 5 county region, please contact Betsy (bjh246@cornell.edu) because there are many other counties that are participating in the weekly checks. The weekly email for the month of May has a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation. Even if your fields aren't measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own.  

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 9, 2016

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 11, 2016

The SCNY team is in the second week of monitoring alfalfa height to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results!  

First Cutting Updates - Week of May 2, 2016

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 6, 2016

The SCNY team has started to monitor alfalfa heights again this spring to help predict quality and %NDF for first cutting hay crop. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. Results are compiled and emailed on a weekly basis - please feel free to forward the results! If your area falls outside of our 5 county region, please contact Betsy (bjh246@cornell.edu) because there are many other counties that are participating in the weekly checks. The weekly email for the month of May has a table of the locations around the region where we have measured the alfalfa height, as well as the elevation. Even if your fields aren't measured, you can use the location and elevation as a guide to conditions that may be similar to your own.  

Mixed Grass/Alfalfa Stands - optimal alfalfa height for harvest

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 6, 2016

We know that we should be harvesting pure grass stands when nearby alfalfa fields have reached 14-15", and pure stands of alfalfa at 28", but what about mixes of grasses?  The attachment shows where peak NDF values for harvesting different mixed stands will fall.  

Making Great Corn Silage Booklet

Janice Degni, Team Leader, Field Crop Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: September 16, 2015

A concise booklet with current recommendations for harvesting and preserving top quality corn silage.  Topics include: 
  • Staging corn silage
  • Ensiling: The Science of Silage
  • Silage preservation and recommended chopper and processor settings
  • Evaluating your silage processor at the bunk
  • Achieving excellent silage density
  • Tips for controlling shrink
  • Bunker safety checklist

Potato Leafhopper Info

Last Modified: June 26, 2015

We've received several calls with concerns about high levels of Potato Leafhopper in alfalfa. Sweeping and counting insects is the best way to monitor the population and use established thresholds for deciding when treatment is necessary. For more information on PLH and thresholds for different plant heights see http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/factsheets/fieldcrops/plh.pdf.

First Cutting Updates Week of May 25, 2015

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 27, 2015

The SCNY team is monitoring alfalfa heights this spring to help predict quality and %NDF. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. The team has identified fields that will be measured on a weekly basis from now until first cutting harvest. Results will be compiled and emailed on a weekly basis – to be included on the email list, please call us at 607.753.5078.

First Cutting Updates Week of May 18, 2015

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 21, 2015

The SCNY team is monitoring alfalfa heights this spring to help predict quality and %NDF. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. The team has identified fields that will be measured on a weekly basis from now until first cutting harvest. Results will be compiled and emailed on a weekly basis – to be included on the email list, please call us at 607.753.5078.

Forage Sorghum Trials in SCNY Region

Janice Degni, Team Leader, Field Crop Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 20, 2015

The objective of this study was to observe and measure the performance of forage sorghum in a farm production scheme on typical soils found in our region and evaluate whether this cropping combination would be cost effective with consistent performance, adequate yield and feed quality. Case studies were used to document the practices and performance of forage sorghum on 4 farms in the South Central region of NY State. Three farms used conventional practices and one was certified organic. The study’s sorghum yields were much lower than expected, averaging 5.1 tons/ac, while ranging from 2.2 -11.8 tons/ac @ 35% drymatter. Comparatively, nearby corn fields averaged 8.2 T/ac @ 35% drymatter. Forage quality was satisfactory. The growing season offered many challenges. Even though we selected a short season variety, it was still on the edge for our region, especially considering the cool, wet growing season.  



First Cutting Updates Week of May 11, 2015

Betsy Hicks, Area Dairy Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: May 13, 2015
First Cutting Updates Week of May 11, 2015

The SCNY team is monitoring alfalfa heights this spring to help predict quality and %NDF. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. The team has identified fields that will be measured on a weekly basis from now until first cutting harvest. Results will be compiled and emailed on a weekly basis – to be included on the email list, please call us at 607.753.5078.

First Cutting Updates Week of May 4, 2015

Last Modified: May 8, 2015
First Cutting Updates Week of May 4, 2015

The SCNY team is monitoring alfalfa heights this spring to help predict quality and %NDF. Alfalfa height has been proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and all grass stands. The team has identified fields that will be measured on a weekly basis from now until first cutting harvest. Results will be compiled and emailed on a weekly basis – to be included on the email list, please call us at 607.753.5078.

Management Considerations for Immature and Frosted Corn Silage

Last Modified: August 29, 2014


Delayed Planting Dates and Corn Maturity in 2014

Last Modified: August 21, 2014


Guidelines for Adjusting Corn Maturities

Last Modified: May 16, 2014

MAY 16 2014 UPDATE
Rainfall totals from last night (western NY), today (central NY), and tonight (eastern NY) will keep most growers out of the field for 3-7 days, depending upon soil texture and timing of the next precipitation event. The NASS data indicated that 8% of NY corn was planted by 5/11, last Sunday. Probably another 15-20% was planted this week so we probably have close to 25% of the corn planted, hopefully all to full-season hybrids.

Now is probably the time to consider switching to shorter season hybrids for grain?..silage or high moisture corn can probably wait until May 25th or so. Grain growers should probably back off by 5 days in hybrid maturity, if they can get in later next week-May 22-25. If planting is delayed until early June, grain growers should consider backing off another 5 days or 10 days shorter than normal or consider switching corn acres to soybean acres if it is early June. This is especially true for no-till corn on corn ground (slower early-season growth translates into higher grain moisture at harvest if there is lots of corn residue?.if it is soybean residue not really an issue), fields that receive the first frost in the fall, or high elevation fields that mature slowly. As last year?s data shows, there was really no yield hit to staying with long-season hybrids right up until June but either harvest has to be delayed by 2-3 weeks or grain moisture will be much higher (see attached WCU article).

But again, anything can happen. In 2011, we had an exceedingly wet May allowing only for 24% of the corn to be planted in NY by 5/22 and 43% by 5/29. But then conditions turned exceedingly dry from mid-June through July before the drought was relieved in August. And guess what, the long-season corn planted in late May or early June yielded by far the best because it didn?t silk until the first week of August when drought was relieved.

So, it has been a tough spring so far but the season is not over (I keep telling myself the same thing when I read about yet another Red Sox loss?.no comment on the devastating Game 7 loss by the Bruins to the much-hated Canadians!). The long-term forecast has normal rainfall and normal temperature starting next week and for the following 10 days. Likewise, the worthless 3-month long-term forecast for June-August has pretty much normal conditions. Hope springs eternal!

Variable Rate Fertility Management

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: April 24, 2014
Variable Rate Fertility Management

An expanded version of the February 2014 Ag Focus Article, Variable Rate Fertility Management.

Cover Crop InterSeeder

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: February 17, 2014
Cover Crop InterSeeder

Want to plant a cover crop into standing corn or soybeans, apply a herbicide, and sidedress nitrogen all in one pass? Check out the cover crop InterSeeder developed at Penn State in this PDF. For additional information go to InterSeeder website.

Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT)

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: February 14, 2014
Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT)

Curious about what the ISNT soil test is and how to use it? Download this Cornell Agronomy Fact Sheet describing the Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test. More Agronomy Fact Sheets are available at the Cornell Nutrient Management Spear Program website.

Soil Sampling for Field Crops

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: February 13, 2014
Soil Sampling for Field Crops

Not sure how to sample your soil? Download this Cornell Agronomy Fact Sheet. More Agronomy Fact Sheets are available at the Cornell Nutrient Management Spear Program website.

Alfalfa Management Guide

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: February 7, 2014
Alfalfa Management Guide

Have a question about growing alfalfa? You will probably find the answer in "The Alfalfa Management Guide". This is a must have reference for anyone working with "the queen of forages".

Mapping Management Zones with Soil Conductivity

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: February 4, 2014
Mapping Management Zones with Soil Conductivity

Interested in creating soil management zones with soil conductivity on your farm? Download this PDF.

Getting the Most Out of Your Manure Presentation

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: January 23, 2014
Getting the Most Out of Your Manure Presentation

There are many practical, cost-effective manure management practices can be adopted on farms of all sizes.

Apps for Ag

Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: December 20, 2013

List of some apps for smartphone users.

Veris Soil Electrical Conductivity, pH, & OM Videos

Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: December 17, 2013
Veris Soil Electrical Conductivity, pH, & OM Videos


Annual Farm Business Summary and Analysis Season Is Right Around The Corner

John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops

Last Modified: December 2, 2013

  • Sound financial planning and control are keys to successfully managing agricultural risks.
  • The next few months present good opportunities to evaluate your business' financial management practices.
  • The NWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program has the capacity to work with a variety producers as they seek to improve their business' financial management practices.

Managing Weeds with Knowledge and Metal

A. Fay Benson, Small Dairy Extension Educator
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: October 10, 2013

This video provides information about equipment that can be useful for organic weed management and control.

Fall Alfalfa Harvest Guides per Jerry Cherney, NYS Forage Agronomist

Last Modified: August 14, 2013

When forage supplies are short, it is better to plan late cuts to favor the survivability of the stand. - Jerry


Grazing in the Grass - The Movie

A. Fay Benson, Small Dairy Extension Educator
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: July 22, 2013

This video shows Tim Willsallen's farm in Tompkins County NY, and how he manages his pasture to feed a flock of 1000 sheep year round and also custom grazes 70 head of dairy heifers for the summer. He uses turnips for winter grazing and has a unique fence set up with no gates and he changes the fence while the elcectricty is still on. 

Is Double Cropping BMR Sorghum followed by a Winter Grain a Viable System?

Janice Degni, Team Leader, Field Crop Specialist
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops

Last Modified: July 22, 2013
Is Double Cropping BMR Sorghum followed by a Winter Grain a Viable System?

Alternative crops that yield well at a reasonable cost of production are needed for expanding cropping options on less than optimal ground. We propose to trial sorghum, as an alternative to corn silage, followed by a winter grain on 4 cooperator farms. Sorghum appears to be a reasonable substitute for corn silage offering similar yields and nutrition at a lower cost. Sorghum has not been widely grown in the NE and we want to understand the necessary management for its successful production. We want to quantify the benefit from a double crop system with a fall grain harvested as early spring forage. We will evaluate whether this cropping combination is cost effective with consistent performance, adequate yield and feed quality.



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Upcoming Events

NYBPA Region 6 Beef Meeting - Cortland

January 8, 2025
Cortland, NY

NYBPA Region 6 Beef Meeting - Owego

January 10, 2025
Owego, NY

The first ever Bale Grazing Winter Pasture Walk

January 11, 2025
Watkins Glen, NY

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
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!



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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