Dairy Princess and her court to promote milk and dairy products
by Lisa Kempisty, member of the Erie County Dairy Promotion Committee
SPRINGVILLE, NY — In celebration of June Dairy Month, the 2018-2019 Erie County Dairy Princess, Kristen Brown crowned the new 2019-2020 Erie County Dairy Princess and her Court at the Springville Agriculture/Dairy Festival held on June 8 in Springville, NY. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Every cow on the dairy farm is special, and each has special needs at least twice during the year. Dairy managers and employees can work together to identify and manage these cows in the most timely and appropriate manner. (more…)
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
“Sometimes to get where you need to go, it’s best to take the road less traveled,” remarked third generation dairyman Paul Fouts.
Fouts should know. As a dairy advocate he has traveled roads far and wide representing the dairy industry in New York and lobbying with NY Farm Bureau to benefit dairy farmers and all of the Ag industry. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
GENEVA, NY — At a time when the farm-to-table movement has never been more popular, discussing the trend’s role in agritourism represented an ideal first session at Al Fresco Flx, a presentation by a variety of representatives of the craft food and beverage industry and agritourism farms. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Dr. Alex White, Department of Dairy Science at Virginia Tech, has tip for ruining a family dinner: start bringing up topics that many families avoid, and ask questions like “Hey Mom and Dad – what am I getting from your will?” or “When are you going to retire so I can take over?” or “We should invest in new equipment.” (more…)
by Tamara Scully
Animal welfare isn’t only about physical health. Biologically healthy dairy cows can be mentally or emotionally stressed, and unable to express their natural tendencies or preferences. Dr. Katy Proudfoot, Ph.D., of the Ohio State University has been researching cow behaviors in the maternity pen since her undergraduate days at the University of British Columbia. Proudfoot presented research findings from her own research as well as from that of colleagues in a recent Dairy Cattle Welfare Council webinar. (more…)
by Sally Colby
At one point in Cliff Hawbaker’s dairy career, his goal was top production – squeezing every bit of milk from his cows. In 1998, a fellow dairyman who had switched to grazing convinced Hawbaker to give grazing a try. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Many people are familiar with the concept of a dairy princess – the poised young woman in the sash strolling around the county fair or visiting local schools to talk up the benefits of the dairy industry. Emily Shaw was never a dairy princess, but she is a different kind of royalty: an Instagram influencer, with nearly 7,000 followers. As @DairyGirlFitness, she inspires others to keep in shape and support the dairy industry. (more…)
by Sally Colby
While only two percent of the population is involved in farming, injury and fatality statistics indicate it is the most dangerous industry.
Dan Neenan, National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, discussed the hazards of working in grain bins, which are considered a confined space, and how farmers can avoid entrapment. (more…)
by Sally Colby
On a sunny day in late May, longtime Ohio crop farmer Jay Butterfield was going about his regular farm duties, including working in one of the farm’s grain bins. When Butterfield found that the auger in the bin was clogged, he used a plastic rod to dislodge it. Butterfield was successful in his effort to free the soybeans, but he also dislodged the crusty surface he was standing on. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Love ag research? The 2018 Farm Bill offers a new opportunity for qualifying farmers to partner with NRCS to get part of $25 million in grant money to use on-farm conservation measure and study their effectiveness. Kari Cohen, projects branch chief with USDA NRCS in Washington D.C., presented a webinar on the topic recently, highlighting what applicants should know during the application process. (more…)
Students: Pre-Registration open for New York State FFA Welding Contest
SENECA FALLS, NY — Students in grades 9-12 have until July 23 to pre-register for the 2019 New York State FFA Welding Competition that will be held at the 2019 Empire Farm Days. The students will demonstrate their welding knowledge and skills for Morrisville State College scholarship awards on Thursday, Aug. 8 at the 2019 Empire Farm Days at Rodman Lott and Son Farms in Seneca Falls, NY. (more…)
