by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
As pervasive labor shortages plague farms, many farmers investigate automation as a means of decreasing their need for labor; however, could this provide a long-term, sustainable and environmentally sound solution? As part of the 2021 Grow-NY Summit hosted by the Center of Excellence for Food and Agriculture at Cornell AgriTech, a panel of ag technology experts discussed aspects of robotics aiding farmers.
by Sally Colby
There’s an official definition for agroforestry, but Richard Straight, lead agroforester for USDA’s National Agroforestry Center, narrows it down to “the intentional combining of agriculture and working trees to create sustainable farming and ranching systems.” Agroforestry can also be described as a set of conservation practices that help provide benefits – provisions as well as protection – at the farm scale. Agroforestry practices focus on each farm and each situation.
Northwind Horse Farm in Wallkill, NY, was the place to be on Nov. 20. The Orange County 4-H Horse Program held a “Horse Fun Day” at the farm, with more than 150 boys and girls in attendance. Geared for ages 4 and up, the scores of children waiting on line to sign in could barely contain their excitement; squeals of “there’s horses inside!” and “I can’t wait to ride a horse!” punctuated the crisp, sunny morning, warming the hearts of the 4-H staff and volunteers who prepared for the popular event. Children were greeted by Rosie Budney, owner of Northwind Horse Farm; DeAnna Sardella, 4-H resource educator; and Carol McLaughlin, 4-H administrative assistant, and were given a “passport” to bring to each of the stations to have signed. Parents were advised to allow approximately 1.5 hours to complete the activities, but all were welcome to stay longer. A food truck manned by 4-H’ers and volunteers provided hot foods and beverages.
by Troy Bishopp
Maine, known for its legendary “Vacationland” status along with its iconic lobsters, Kennebec potatoes, wild blueberries, medical marijuana industry and forestry products, now has a new distinction. It is the nation’s first state to have a constitutional right to grow and eat food.
by Edith Tucker
MILFORD, NH – The New Hampshire Farm Bureau House of Delegates convened on the morning of Nov. 13, followed by an afternoon mental health presentation by Jessica Cabrera, M.Ed., managing director of member engagement for American Farm Bureau Federation, the screening of an agricultural video, the naming of the winners of a number of awards, a brief talk by NH Commissioner of Agriculture Shawn Jasper and a new NHFB president stepping in after six years.
by Sally Colby
After conducting the business of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) virtually last year, several hundred members met in person for the 71st annual meeting in Hershey, PA.
One of the most important roles of all state Farm Bureaus is establishing policy on issues that affect agriculture and rural communities. The process begins with resolutions submitted by members at the county level, which are voted on by membership at the county’s annual meeting. Adopted resolutions become policies and advance to the state convention where they are discussed and voted on for inclusion in the next year’s policy book. Farm Bureau maintains close relationships with local and state government officials and advances adopted policies to ensure a strong voice for agriculture in both state and federal legislation. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
While much of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic enjoyed a rather moderate autumn, winter – and all its frigidity and bluster – will be here soon. One of the many things farmers can do to prep now is check their fence lines. It’s much easier to be proactive in early December than it is to be reactive in early February (usually the coldest month of the year). (more…)
by Gabe Middleton, DVM
In much the country, this summer was especially hot and humid. The increase in temperatures led to an increase in bulk tank somatic cell count and cases of clinical mastitis. If you are like most dairy producers, the weather gets blamed and we move on. While there is no doubt that the impact of hot, humid weather is significant, there must be a plan to deal with the newly infected cows as well as a plan to reduce SCC in the tank. Upper echelon producers don’t simply place blame on uncontrollable factors – they establish a plan to solve problems. (more…)
by Debra J. Groom
Farmers are the best in teaching consumers about where food comes from. That’s true even if the farmer is eight years old.
Today, more and more children – even as young as kindergartners – are taking to the airwaves, speaking at special events and visiting with everyday folks to talk about what happens on the farm. (more…)
The 2022 Keystone Farm Show is shaping up to be as big or bigger than our last pre-pandemic show in 2020. Last year’s show was great despite having to work through a global pandemic, and a quality crowd of farmers attended and were able to see and talk to a terrific group of ag businesses. We’re hoping next year’s show will be even better! (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Could improving the size and function of tie-stalls help your herd become happier and healthier? In a recent webinar hosted by Dairy Cattle Welfare Council, Elsa Vasseur explored the topic, sharing her organization’s research. She is an associate professor at McGill University in the Department of Animal Science and has been chair of the NSERC Industrial Research Chair Novalait-Dairy Farmers of Canada-Valacta on Sustainable Life of Dairy Cattle since 2016. (more…)
by Laura Rodley
This year, Melissa Griffin and her family have much to be thankful for: No more getting up at 3:30 in the morning for her father, Paul Willis, to milk their 50 cows. They can now get up at 6 a.m. to do morning chores and feeding. This summer they could also continue cutting hay and chopping corn without running back to the barn at 3 p.m. to milk. How? They installed one Lely Astronaut A5 robotic milking machine that operates 24/7 that milks the cows for them. (more…)
