by George Looby, DVM
As if the current tick borne diseases that citizens in the northeast have to contend with were not enough a new one is emerging to make life in the out of doors a bit more challenging. Lyme disease has been with us for several years and there are few residents who are not familiar with some of the issues that can arise from being infected with the spirochete that causes the disease. [Read more…]
by Paul Burdziakowski
The Arabian Horse Association of New England (AHANE) held their 63rd annual show June 29 through July 1 at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds in West Springfield, MA. Admission was free to watch the three-day event that many New England riders use to qualify for the Region 16 Championship held at the same venue later in the month. [Read more…]
Please be aware that Cucurbit Downy Mildew (CDM) has been identified in the Mid- Hudson Valley, specifically Dutchess County. This is a fast moving and very destructive disease as windblown spores from this infection site are a primary source of infection for other cucurbit plantings in the area. Spores are easily dispersed long distances.
[Read more…]
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Moving and subsequently expanding a farm is never easy. But for Sara Spahn, purchasing five acres from her mother, Lori Winston, added another dynamic that made the sale last July atypical from many real estate transactions. [Read more…]
by Sally Colby
Those who own sheep and goats find out fairly quickly that raising these species becomes a battle against internal parasites. The less-than-judicious use of chemical dewormers over the past 40 years combined with the lack of small ruminants’ ability to develop good immunity to internal parasites has led to anthelmintic resistance, and has spurred both farmers and researchers to seek out and test alternative methods of parasite control. [Read more…]
FLOYD, NY — Poet William Matthews wrote, “What matters is that a soldier has a sword of dazzling finish, of the keenest edge, and finest temper, if he has never learned the art of fence.” In today’s farming vernacular, learning the art of fence stimulates livestock management, insures safety, protects water quality, produces local food and saves money for those who have the passion to build their own. [Read more…]
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Connie Louise Frasier of Mohawk, NY, was crowned Herkimer County’s 2017-2018 Dairy Princess during the 54th annual pageant on April 28, 2017.
The 16-year-old, barrel-racing daughter of Harvey and Connie Frasier, grew up on a certified organic grass fed dairy and says one of the reasons she pursued the Dairy Princess title was to support her family. [Read more…]
by Steve Wagner
Building soil health is what Jim Hershey says the PA No-Till Alliance is focusing on. Hershey recently chaired a Farming for Success seminar at Penn State’s SEAREC unit near Lancaster, PA.
“Planting green,” he says, “is a relatively new practice. [Read more…]