The ‘ick’ of chicken on the menu
The first day of summer 2023 ushered in graduation parties, summer vacation and the sales approval (more…)
Water plus fans equals cool cows
With the heat of summer on tap, keeping cows cool will be a priority on dairy farms.
Veterinarian Dr. William Prokop, director of operations at Dairy Innovations LLC, (more…)
New and familiar exhibitor faces featured at Empire Farm Days
One of the most exciting events of August is quickly approaching. Empire Farm Days is slated for Aug. 3 – 5 this summer, and the organizers (more…)
A way to celebrate the rain
GENEVA, NY – After the Canadian smoke and tinder-dry conditions in the region since May, what better way to greet the day than to walk in the rain? (more…)
Grazing for added value
Although Doug and Heather Donahue started milking cows in New York, in 2010 they decided to downsize and move their operation to a state where (more…)
(This Season’s) Final Sorghum Suggestions
Increasingly, crop people are planting their corn with the goal of harvesting (more…)
Farmers concerned about future of dairy in NYS
For years dairy farmers have been under fire from changing laws and milk prices that don’t keep up with inflation. Will the new labor law be the final nail in the coffin of Mom-and-Pop dairy farms? (more…)
Cattle housing designs: Tie-stall barns
When raising a herd of dairy cattle, it’s important to do your research on care techniques, such as the structure of their housing facility. Animals’ basic needs must be met so they’ll have a comfortable (more…)
Fixing up a forage stand
If the last forage harvest of the season didn’t yield well or livestock were left with poor quality grazing at the end of the season, it might be time to consider refurbishing. (more…)
Bedtime Snacks for Winter Forages
“Bedtime snacks can be healthy and help you sleep better.” This statement reflects practical wisdom (more…)
Protecting animals while promoting sales
If you run any kind of agritourism operation this time of year, whether that be a corn maze, a pumpkin patch, a Halloween event or something else, you’re likely welcoming lots of folks to your farm who aren’t normally present. In addition, if you have a petting zoo or a barn full of livestock, it’s possible you’re also welcoming the potential for disease. (more…)
Making the most of silage
A farmer who’s about to spend $250,000 on an implement or land does considerable homework before making such a purchase. Dr. John Goeser, nutritionist at Rock River Laboratory, wants farmers to also consider the investment they’ve made in corn for silage. (more…)
Making hay
Of all the farms I worked on as a boy, the most memorable was the old Borden Farm on the east side of Canadarago Lake outside of Richfield Springs. By the time I came along, it had been sold to Bill and Shirley Weingates. Back then, they were milking about 200 cows on one of the biggest operations in the area. I enjoyed all kinds of jobs, even cleaning calf pens, because at the time, I was kind of standing outside of myself, watching this kid from Brooklyn doing these country boy things. I had recently read Thomas Hardy and at times I was seeing all that I was doing through the great writer’s eyes. I never appreciated the country more than at that time of very hard work. (more…)
Focus on conservation: Pollinator Habitat Initiative
Researchers and beekeepers alike have been sounding the alarm over the drastic decline in bee populations over the course of the past two decades. (more…)
Employing minors on New England farms
Many rural and suburban youth experience their first paid employment on a farm. Attorney Michael Harrington, Ford Harrison Law, said hiring factors vary by state and depend on age, whether school is in session and what kind of work teens are allowed to do. There are federal restrictions on certain activities, and some states go beyond federal law to prohibit certain activities. (more…)
