by Katie Navarra
Flaxseed is an oilseed rich in fat, making it an energy source for livestock. When flaxseed is fed as a supplement to forage grazing, it can boost Omega-3 fatty acids in milk.
A two-year study by Cargill reported that 98 percent of consumers understand what Omega-3 fatty acids are and they will pay more and choose Omega-3 products over others. Omega-3s provide health benefits to cattle, too. [Read more…]
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Food service distributors, nutrition educators, culinary instructors, dietitians and other representatives from retail food and restaurant industries joined groups across New York State to attend 2016 Farm to Fork tours, hosted by the New York Beef Industry Council.
Attendees met with dedicated farm owners, touring beef farms and learning how cattle are cared for, from in utero through harvesting. [Read more…]
by Kristen M. Castrataro
When you own a beef operation, it may seem counter-intuitive to name all of your cattle. That kind of personal touch is just one of many that have endeared Stoney Hill Cattle Co. in Charlestown, RI to their customers and their community.
In 1955, Ben Luchka purchased a dairy farm on what is now Stoney Hill Cattle Co. (SHCC). The owner of a paper mill, he had rented land for years, hoping for an opportunity to buy. He jumped at the chance. In the 1960’s he shifted his business model from dairy to beef and sheep. [Read more…]
“The prosperity of this entire industry lies with the consumer.”
Ag economist Ted Schroeder made that statement during the recent Beef Improvement Federation meetings in Manhattan, KS, June 15-17, but it summed up the theme of the opening session.
Schroeder and fellow Kansas State University ag economist Glynn Tonsor kicked off the conference, talking about beef demand in the next two decades. [Read more…]
by Katie Navarra
Small grains crops have reached the middle of the growing season and it’s time to plan fungicide applications. “Head blight is such an important disease to control,” said Aaron Gabriel, Sr. Extension Resource Educator in agronomy for Cornell Cooperative Extension.
If the spores of the Fusarium head blight fungus germinate in the developing grain, the seed becomes shriveled and infected with the fungus. “Affected grains are lighter so the combine can sometimes be adjusted to remove light kernels, but distillers and brewers are particular in the quality they will accept,” he said. [Read more…]
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Crop farmers across New York State are sure to remember the armyworm destruction of 2012.
In a pest report from Cornell on June 23, 2016, extension agents reported true armyworms (Pseudaletia unipuncta) on the move. In most cases reported, corn had been planted into a rye cover crop. [Read more…]
USDA Virginia Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director, Jewel Hairston Bronaugh, Ph.D., reminds producers that FSA offers targeted farm ownership and farm operating loans to assist underserved applicants as well as beginning farmers.
“Each year, a portion of FSA’s loan funds are set aside to lend to targeted underserved and beginning farmers,” said Bronaugh. “Farming and livestock production are capital intensive business ventures and FSA is committed to helping producers start, expand, and maintain their agricultural operations.” [Read more…]
by Kristen M. Castrataro
When Betsy Molodich started “Betsy’s Stand” in 1998, she could hardly have imagined what the future would hold. Her brother-in-law had been selling apples and cider out of the stand for years, but when cider moved from fresh to pasteurized, the business model had to change. At her husband’s instigation, Betsy took over the stand, changed its name, and shifted towards vegetables. It was a good move. [Read more…]