Ag commissioner says now is the time for farmers, agribusinesses to prepare for hurricane season

RALEIGH, NC — Hardly a county in North Carolina can say it is immune from hurricane damage. From Ivan in the mountains, Hugo in the foothills, Fran in the Sandhills, and Isabel and Floyd in the East, hurricanes have cost lives and livelihoods in every region of the state.

Scientists are predicting another active hurricane season in the Atlantic Ocean, which means North Carolina could again find itself in the path of a storm.

Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler is encouraging farmers, livestock producers, food manufacturers, pesticide dealers, timber owners and other agribusinesses across the state to prepare now for hurricane season. [Read more…]

Cayuga County holds Youth Tractor Safety Course

Each year, Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Cayuga County delivers a Safe Tractor and Machinery Operation Certification course, specifically to educate youth. Youth from Cayuga and the surrounding counties are invited to participate in this very important safety program. This year, 10 teenagers from Cayuga and Onondaga Counties successfully completed the six week (24 hour) safety certification course. [Read more…]

Fighting the silver bullet mentality

by Sally Colby

Dr. Gareth Bath, University of Pretoria, South Africa, says when it comes to treating sheep and goats for internal parasites, producers have spent far too long concentrating on the parasites instead of the host.

“We tended to rely on dosing remedies that worked,” said Bath, explaining the worldwide resistance problem. “Since the 1960s, there have been a series of excellent drugs. Unfortunately, this led us to be lazy and get into bad habits and not think of anything except a dosing program. [Read more…]

He that plants trees loves others besides himself

by Troy Bishopp

HAMILTON, NY — English Clergyman and writer, Thomas Fuller, inspired this belief in 1660, which is also a timely sentiment for our climate-changing environment. There was definitely some love to share as over 230 residents from Madison, Oneida and surrounding counties bought saplings from this year’s Madison County Soil and Water Conservation District’s 30th anniversary tree sale. [Read more…]

Success rings its bell loudly

by Laura Rodley

Change is constant. Come summer, Dr. Hess Veterinary Service’s office in South Hadley will be operating under its new name. On April 27, papers were signed making it Hess McWilliams Veterinary Services, as Dr. Frederick Hess and Dr. Rose McWilliams became partners.

Their extern is set to graduate from Cornell University in May. Her name is Caroline Barstow, wife of Steven Barstow, 7^th generation farmer at Longview Farm in Hadley, MA. [Read more…]

Working toward a career in dairy

by Sally Colby

Katie Ann Bower didn’t grow up on a farm, but her love of animals started when she was young.

“I’ve always had animals at my house,” said Katie. “I was being bullied in high school, so my parents got me a horse. I started going to 4-H, and my leader gave me lessons and took me to horse shows. I paid for my lessons by working on her dairy farm.”

That experience is what led Katie to fall in love with the dairy industry. [Read more…]

Spring Premiere Horse Show highlighted by first chapter fundraiser for neglected horses

by Paul Burdziakowski

The United Professional Horseman’s Association Chapter 14 (UPHA-14) held their first show of the season April 20-23 at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA. Admission was free to watch the Spring Premiere Horse Show, which was also the kickoff event for the New England horse show season.

According to UPHA-14 officials, nearly 2,500 people were in attendance during the four-day event. The Spring Premiere Horse Show is considered to be one of the most prestigious nationally recognized horse shows in the country due to the high level of competitiveness and it regularly draws national champions and equestrians. [Read more…]

Don’t get shocked: What you need to know about solar arrays

by Katie Navarra

Have you been contacted by solar development companies interested in renting your land?

Several solar development companies are recruiting land in the Capital District and landowners in the region are receiving proposals. “One company has mailed a blanket of proposals to landowners, highlighting possible land to rent on a map. Interested people needed to sign and return in order to express interest and receive a contract form,” said Sandy Buxton, with the Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program. [Read more…]

Country Folks

Highlighting Agriculture