Highlighting Agriculture

Researching best practices for grazing farms

Posted in Eastern Edition, New England Farm Weekly, Western Edition

CEWN-MR-1-Researching best pracby Tamara Scully

While grazing practitioners use a variety of management tools to care for their land and animals, it can be difficult to quantify exactly how much benefit different practices make. Juan Alvez, PhD., of the University of Vermont’s Center for Sustainable Agriculture, has launched a three-year research study designed to see what differences, if any, a variety of farm management practices actually do make.

Quantifying management practices

The basis of grazing systems is grass. The quality and quantity of forage available to the animals is enhanced by a variety of management techniques designed to build soil health. Alvez is studying approximately 20 practices, on three very different grass-based Vermont farms, to determine the impact they have on soil health. Continue reading→

Agriculture showcased at NY Farm Bureau’s 2014 Taste of NY

Posted in Eastern Edition, Western Edition

CEW-MR-4-Taste of NY3by Elizabeth A. Tomlin

All aspects of New York agriculture were showcased at NY Farm Bureau’s annual Taste of New York Legislative Reception, held at the Empire State Plaza Convention Hall, where over 65 colorful and informational displays were exhibited.

“I believe this year’s Taste of New York event was one of the best yet,” commented Sarah Blood, Economic Development Marketing Coordinator for Schoharie County Planning and Development. “The variety of agriculture businesses and sectors was amazing! The collaboration among so many agriculture businesses and organizations brings out the best of the best in the industry.” Continue reading→

Emergency preparedness: The importance of having a plan for your operation

Posted in Eastern Edition, Western Edition

CEW-MR-2-Emergency preparedness 1by Steve Wagner

Dr. Greg Martin has had training in emergency preparedness, has taken FEMA classes, and periodically trains and updates himself on animal rescues. He imparted some of what he has experienced to a full room interested participants at the Penn-Ag 2014 Pork Expo and Poultry Progress Day at the Shady Maple complex in East Earl, PA. Continue reading→

Corn and soybean growers have banner year

Posted in Eastern Edition, Western Edition

CEW-MR-1-Corn and 1by Sally Colby

With nearly ideal growing conditions in many segments of the Mid-Atlantic region, 2013 was a record year for production. According to Dr. Greg Roth, Penn State Extension, Pennsylvania corn growers averaged an outstanding 237 bushels/acre.

At the Professional Crop Growers Conference held recently in Lancaster, PA, awards were given to growers who achieved top yields. Because the measurement of crop yields over a period of years is a better accurate indicator of overall performance than just one year’s yield, participants in the state’s Corn Club are recognized for three-year average performance.

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