BERLIN, VT – Several 4-H teens competed June 24 for a chance to represent Vermont on the 4-H Horse Communications Team at regional and national events.
The State 4-H Horse Communications Contest, which featured separate public speaking, individual demonstration and team demonstration contests, was sponsored by University of Vermont (UVM) Extension 4-H. All Vermont 4-H club members, ages 14 to 18, were eligible to compete. [Read more…]
Graduate students interested in milk quality could win trip to NMC meeting
Full-time graduate students interested in controlling mastitis, promoting udder health and improving milk quality can be selected for an expense-paid trip to attend the National Mastitis Council 56th Annual Meeting, Jan. 29 to 31, 2017, in St. Pete Beach, FL by applying for the NMC Scholars program. In its 10th year, the NMC Scholars program provides up to four scholarships. At least two NMC Scholars will be graduate students at a university or college outside of the United States and Canada. [Read more…]
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
“Do you always graze before you clip?” asked Jeff Vibbard.
Vibbard was addressing CNY Field Crop Specialist Kevin Ganoe and Cornell University Beef Specialist Dr. Mike Baker at a CNY Beef Producers’ Pasture Renovation Workshop held at Vibbard View Beef Farms in Burlington Flats, NY. [Read more…]
by George Looby
On June 1, 2016 a day long program was held at Woodstock Orchards in Woodstock, CT designed to give those in attendance a better understanding of the complexities of soil structure. The orchard is owned and operated by Douglas and Eric Young. The father and son team manage a traditional orchard along with vegetables and berries. This year is a tough one for Connecticut orchardists. [Read more…]
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
The second in a series of Webinars organized by the University of California Small Farm Program in partnership with FarmsReach, instructing practical ways to attract Agritourism to your business was presented on June 2, with Kristin York of the Sierra Business Council and Lauren Gagliano-Saline of Suzie’s Farm as featured speakers.
Gagliano and York walked listeners through steps of using the internet to attract and secure new customers through use of social media including Google, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Yelp, Pinterest and other growing social media sources. [Read more…]
by Lorraine Strenkowski
Jeff and Alexis Cone of River Plain Dairy in Lebanon, CT, recently hosted New England Patriot Devon McCourty and the New England Dairy and Food Council (NEDFC),, as part of the Fuel Up to Play 60 campaign. Fuel Up to Play 60 is an in-school nutrition and physical activity program started by the National Dairy Council and the National Football League in collaboration with the USDA. McCourty, also known affectionately as “DMac,” is a Fuel Up to Play 60 Player Ambassador and is nominated for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year. [Read more…]
WOODBURY, CT — At the State FFA Conference held June 4 at Suffield High School, Woodbury FFA’s state winning Dairy Judging team members were recognized for their first place state championship team accomplishments as well as their individual placing within the state. [Read more…]
by Tamara Scully
The dairy industry — or at least the small family dairy farm — is struggling. With production costing more than the milk check, holding onto the farm is difficult. Some have turned to automatic milking systems and other automation to cut labor costs, help keep older generations on the farm, and interest younger generations in continuing to dairy. Others have sought refuge in the increasing demands for organic production, higher milk fat and protein components, 100 percent grass-fed milk, or A2 milk. [Read more…]