by Courtney Llewellyn
The top three industries that see worker fatalities are construction, transportation and then agriculture. But why is farming so dangerous? Machinery with aggressive parts, isolated workplaces, working alone, unpredictable animals, use of toxic chemicals and adverse weather are all reasons. (more…)
by Sally Colby
When dairy cows leave the herd, they’re often referred to as cull cows. Culling is typically done to reduce the herd size or eliminate animals that are weak or sick. Aerica Bjurstrom, University of Wisconsin dairy Extension specialist, would like dairy producers to think of cull cows as market animals – and more importantly, as beef. (more…)
by Stephen Wagner
Dr. Scott Barao is executive director of the Maryland Beef Council and spoke at the Penn State Extension 2021 Lancaster Cattle Feeders Day virtual seminar, addressing challenges and opportunities. “What I’ve noticed because of the disruptions in the supply chain, which you’re well aware of, is that there’s been a renewed voice of those who think ‘local’ as the savior of the beef business. They like to claim that our food supply chain has become too centralized and that we need more niche opportunities, more small packers, more local food, and that may or may not be the case. At the same time, I’ve also heard many folks who are interested in trying to build a local meat business, specifically a local beef business, to try to address the new demand that was created.” (more…)
Shelby Benjamin from Chenango County was crowned the 2021-22 New York State Dairy Princess on Feb. 16 during a virtual ceremony that was livestreamed from Syracuse, NY. Selected from among 11 county dairy princesses who have served since the spring of 2020, Benjamin will devote an additional year to promoting milk and dairy products with American Dairy Association North East. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Consumer whims and trends can affect how they purchase farm goods. The COVID-19 pandemic has proven a major influence in how people shop. Martha Hilton, who manages produce merchandising at Rochester, NY-based Wegmans Food Markets, presented “Changing Consumers Through COVID” at the recent virtual New York State Agricultural Society Annual Meeting and Forum. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
Providing fresh water to livestock on pasture when temperatures are below freezing can be challenging. During the recent Vermont Grazing and Livestock Conference, a panel of three grazers shared how they’ve made winter watering less of a hassle. Bruce Hennessey of Maple Wind Farm, Matt Garcia of Taste for Good Farm and Ben Nottermann of Snug Valley Farm all serve on the Board of Directors for the Vermont Grass Farmers Association. They shared innovative ideas for keeping fresh water flowing. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
The 2020 Young Cooperator’s Leadership & Development Program, from the National Milk Producers Federation, aimed to put young dairy farmers on the path so success. Amber Roberts, ag business management Extension educator, University of Minnesota, discussed dairy farm resiliency. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Some farmers are experimenters – they start with raw materials and an idea and test a method. If their hypothesis works, success! If it doesn’t, they tweak the formula and try again.
Other farmers prefer to follow a tried-and-true template to help them achieve their goals. Offering a template for sheep farmers are Karin and Manie Wessels of Mamre Consulting, based in Frankfort, Free State, South Africa. They recently shared the formula to their success via webinar presented by the Maryland Extension Small Ruminant Program. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
Farmers all are too familiar with what’s left over after harvest – the corn stubble that pokes up through the snow all winter. It may not seem useful, but corn residue can actually be a valuable resource. The leaves, husks, kernels and cobs can serve as food to grazing cattle. And, when properly managed, corn residue can increase farm income, provide affordable food for cattle and efficiently use land to feed people. (more…)
by Sally Colby
When farmers are planning new livestock facilities, the intended water source should be a top priority. Drinking water problems can lead to low milk production, and in some cases, affect animal health. The more common problems are aesthetic issues, such as chloride that makes water taste salty but doesn’t directly cause health problems. The presence of excessive iron, manganese, chloride, sulfates and hydrogen sulfide can be difficult to determine, especially if the water supply to livestock is different from that to the home. (more…)
by Troy Bishopp
Many times, inquiries come in to Country Folks from concerned farmers seeking an investigation into an agricultural matter. Just after the 2021 New York State elections and the Assembly and Senate committee appointments, a tip came in which mysteriously asked, “Do you really know who is on our ag committees and how the selection/appointment process is carried out?” (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
What is more effective than stopping corn pests before they even start? Not much, according to Jaime Cummings, field crops and livestock IPM coordinator with Cornell University. She presented “Evaluating Seed Treatments for Seedcorn Maggot Protection in Corn: Will Neonic Alternatives Be a Good Substitute?” as part of the recent Corn Congress. (more…)
