by Karl H. Kazaks
Graziers throughout the Mid-Atlantic are familiar with the summer slump that comes with managing pastures dominated by cool season grasses. The slump presents itself not only as a drop in forage production but also, in fields dominated by endophyte-infected fescue, as fescue toxicosis, which affects the physiology and production of cattle. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
It’s always about the next big thing, whether it’s a new model of phone or the new “superfood.” The big thing in content creation and sharing right now is TikTok.
The short, vertical videos on the app, often accompanied by prerecorded sound bytes or music, are dominating social media, but they’re not just for teens. Viral success can happen overnight, even for farmers and growers. You just need the right equipment, some inspiration and a message to share. (more…)
by Sally Colby
It doesn’t take long for undesirable species to choke out unused pastures. The easy fix is herbicides, but managing them mechanically is sometimes a better option. (more…)
by Stephen Wagner
The COVID-19 pandemic has made itself at home in the U.S. for a year now. Michael Miller, a labor attorney with Eckert-Seamans, discussed how COVID is impacting the workplace in a virtual presentation through Penn State Extension. Insofar as vaccine distribution, Miller reminded us that there are three phases to that process. Phase 1a is dedicated to long-term care facility residents and professional medical personnel. The same is true of Phase 1b; people aged 75 and older are the main focus in this group, as well as first responders, correctional officers, postal workers and grocery store workers. Those ages 65 – 74 and 16 – 64 with high risk conditions are the main targets of Phase 1c, as of this writing. (more…)
Making connections and learning about the newest ag technologies are definitely important parts of one of the best farm shows on the East Coast – Empire Farm Days, set for Aug. 3 – 5 – but another critical draw is the equipment auction. Those looking to get great deals on like-new equipment are in for a treat at this year’s show. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Branding may sound like a difficult job for savvy social media whizzes. But Dahlia Dill, owner of Chandler Pond Farm in Wheelock, VT, believes that any farmer can develop effective branding with just a few ideas. She presented “Social Media Tips & Tricks” as part of the New England Women in Livestock Virtual Winter Conference recently. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
The New York State Dairy Promotion Order Advisory Board recently hosted a thorough, day-long update on all of its varied projects from 2020 recently, and some updates on what it would like to achieve this year. The Dairy Promotion Order, issued by the state’s ag commissioner and approved by the state’s milk producers, has producers pay 15 cents per hundredweight of milk for promotion. The board’s meeting was a good way to see where farmers’ money is going. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Dairy farm managers value a reliable workforce, but how do they make sure that’s what they’re getting when they hire? Jorge Delgado, Alltech Dairy On-Farm Support, said the top two criteria dairy employers list for applicants include strong problem-solving skills and the ability to learn new concepts. (more…)
by Edith Tucker
The 38th annual New Hampshire Farm, Forest and Garden Exposition kicked off live on Zoom recently, with NH Commissioner of Agriculture Shawn Jasper and Expo Director Ken La Valley, Ph.D., of UNH Cooperative Extension focusing on how they and the departments they lead were able to respond quickly to the COVID-19 pandemic. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
If your New York dairy farm could use professional services to plan for farm transition, investigate the Dairy Forward grant program. Molly Johnston-Heck, regional Farmland for a New Generation manager with American Farmland Trust, provided information in a recent webinar hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension and AFT. (more…)
by Laura Rodley
Katelyn Poitras has been working with Jerseys since 2008, when she was four years old. Now a junior at Tantasqua Regional High School in Fiskdale, MA, and currently 17, she claimed the title of Massachusetts State Jersey Princess on March 6. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Dr. Jesse Goff began a presentation about subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH), the milk fever a dairy farmer might miss, with a take-home message: it’s controllable. Goff, senior researcher and professor emeritus at Iowa State University Veterinary College, said as many as 50% of older cows in the national herd are affected by SCH. (more…)
