Historic Southwick tobacco farmers evolve with the times

by Paul Burdziakowski

When you hear the words tobacco farm you might imagine the rolling fields of North Carolina or a plantation in tropical Havana, Cuba as the ideal setting. There is, however, a long-standing tobacco farm that sits in the temperate climate of Southwick, MA.

“Tobacco farming has been in the Connecticut River Valley for a long time,” said John Arnold, one of three brothers who co-own the farm. “People think of it as southern best quality tobacco grown here in the north.” [Read more…]

North Country Fruit and Vegetable Seminar and Tradeshow

by Heather Bryant, Regional Field Specialist, Food and Agriculture

Bright and early Thursday morning, Oct. 29, 126 people arrived in Whitefield for the annual North Country Fruit and Vegetable Seminar and Tradeshow. This was the sixth year we’ve run this program at the Mountain View Grand and as usual they came through with an “as local as possible” meal which included squash, beets, kale and tomatoes grown by some of the attendees. [Read more…]

UNH conducts first study on growing Brussels sprouts in Northern New England

DURHAM, NH — In the first study on growing Brussels sprouts in northern New England, a researcher with the NH Agricultural Experiment Station at the University of New Hampshire has found different varieties of the vegetable perform much better than others and the practice of topping has the potential to increase marketable yields. [Read more…]

Genetic practices to improve: Beef cattle reproduction

By Darrh Bullock, University of Kentucky

Reproduction has a great impact on the profitability of beef cattle producers and is therefore an important consideration when making genetic management decisions. Due to the low heritability of most reproductive traits many producers feel there is little that can be done through genetic management and rely solely on other management practices such as health programs and nutrition management. While nutrition and health are critical to good reproductive rates, this publication will focus on genetic practices that can have a positive impact on reproduction.

[Read more…]

The media connects with New York agriculture

by Troy Bishopp

WATERLOO, NY — “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” This quote embodied the inaugural 2015 Food and Farm Experience where members of print, web and television media came to Seneca County to learn about the many facets of New York Agriculture.

“We were very excited to be able to put together the Food and Farm Experience,” said NYFB Foundation Director, Sandra Prokop. “The funding from the American Agriculturist Foundation, Inc. allows us to plan and launch the program during its inaugural year.” [Read more…]

Take time to observe the needs of cows

by Pat Malin

MUNNSVILLE, NY — Raising cattle on pasture should be neither a 24/7 task nor a thankless job.

According to Dave Roberts, a grazing specialist for the USDA, if a farmer takes the time to observe the cycle of growth in the pasture and the cattle’s natural tendencies, the animals can practically raise themselves.

Roberts, who is based in Oneida County, was the guest speaker as Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oneida and Madison counties invited local grazers to an end-of the season pasture walk at the Stolzfus Farm on Oct. 16. He discussed how to evaluate pasture conditions and marketing options for beef producers. [Read more…]

Horse racing threatened in Pennsylvania

by Hope Holland

During the last week of October Gov. Tom Wolf threatened to halt horse racing at all of Pennsylvania’s six tracks by Oct. 30, if the racing industry doesn’t agree to pay an approximate $9 million for drug testing. The tracks included cover three Thoroughbred racing tracks: Parx Casino and Racing in Bensalem, Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Erie and Penn National. Harrah’s Philadelphia Casino and Race Track in Chester, The Meadows Casino in Washington and the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs in Wilkes-Barre, all of which feature harness racing, make up the other three of the six tracks involved. [Read more…]

Penn State students earn top National Dairy Shrine Scholarships

Seven Penn State Dairy Science Club members received National Dairy Shrine scholarships awarded at the annual banquet during the World Dairy Expo in Madison, WI. Two members won two awards; five others received single scholarships, and the total was impressive – the most ever for students from Penn State.

Dr. Terry Etherton, Head of the Department of Dairy Science, said, “We are so proud of our students and congratulate them on the fine showing in this prestigious scholarship program. It is a testament to their hard work and their strong preparation that they have done so well. These scholarships are extremely important to the students as they prepare for the future, recognizing and supporting their passion for the dairy industry.” [Read more…]

Country Folks

Highlighting Agriculture