Why not custom?
by Tamara Scully
Many farmers take pride in handling every aspect of the farm work themselves. The reality is, however, that there are situations in which hiring someone else to do the work can save time, labor, and stress. (more…)
Farmers can treat common cow ailments
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
LIVERPOOL, NY — You may not hold a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine, but with a little know-how, you can treat some everyday cow illnesses on the farm, according to Greg Brickner, DVM. He presented a workshop at the 7th Annual Organic Dairy & Field Crop Conference recently. (more…)
Feral swine reported in Pennsylvania, Vermont and New Hampshire
by Hope Holland
For years people have heard that Texas and Florida has had a problem with feral hogs. It is estimated that of the possibly 6 million of these hogs in the United States, Texas is dealing with at least 2.3 million of them and that Florida has close to a million. (more…)
2018 New York State Dairy Princess Coronation
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Sixteen New York State county dairy princesses vied for the 2018-2019 NYS title at the 55th annual coronation in Liverpool, NY. (more…)
Tips for growing hemp
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
SYRACUSE, NY — Hemp is a fast-growing plant with many industrial uses — from cloth to fodder to fuel — and has been known as a “mop crop” to help clean up environmental damage to soil. Until recently, hemp has been imported, but researchers now want to develop a hemp growing industry in the U.S., including Jen Gilbert-Jenkins, representing Morrisville State College at the recent New York Farm Show. (more…)
The case of the foundered pony
by George Looby, DVM
Horse owners are bedeviled by many ills, such as founder or laminitis. This condition has been recognized by owners and veterinarians for many years and attempts to successfully treat it have too often been met with disappointing results. (more…)
Grazing conference reaches a decade of practical knowledge
by Troy Bishopp
LATHAM, NY — A decade has zipped by since the idea of a Winter Green-Up Grazing Conference became a reality for Beef Farmer, Morgan Hartman, aka “Graze-heart” and Albany County Cornell Cooperative Extension’s “semi-retired” livestock educator, Tom Gallagher. (more…)
Reduce risk of mycotoxin illnesses
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
GENEVA, NY — What’s lurking in your forages? Hopefully not mycotoxins, invisible chemical compounds produced by certain mold species that are harmful and even fatal for the animals that eat it. (more…)
Emerging issues highlighted at Cornell’s 2nd annual Cow Comfort Conference: Part 2
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
Betsy Hicks, SCNY Dairy & Field Crops Team, Cornell Regional Dairy Specialist, spoke about assessing lameness in dairy cows, during the 2nd Annual Cow Comfort Conference, hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension, North Country Regional Ag Team, and the South Central NY Dairy & Field Crops Team, at Liverpool, NY. (more…)
Milk quality: the people factor
by Tamara Scully
The somatic cell count (SCC) of milk increases if there is mammary gland inflammation in the cow. SCC is a “good marker of mastitis,” Susan Schexnayder, University of Tennessee, said in a recent DaireXNet presentation, “New Insight Into the People Side of Milk Quality.” “Mastitis is directly related to the quality of milk…and it decreases milk quality and yield.” (more…)
2018 Northeast Pasture Consortium conveys grazing research
by Troy Bishopp
LATHAM, NY — Conservation, quality soils, cool season pastures and human health are uniquely intertwined in the northeast pasture belt for the benefit of all. The Northeast Pasture Consortium continues to advocate for these coveted grasslands and grazing’s importance with an alliance of graziers, extension educators and research professionals. Is pasture relevant? “Unequivocally yes,” said Consortium Chairman, James Cropper. (more…)
Northeast region gain national prominence at NACD’s 72nd Annual Meeting
by Troy Bishopp
NASHVILLE, TN — Aldo Leopold said, “Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land.” This harmonious relationship was very evident at the National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) 72nd Annual Meeting held in Nashville, TN, when over a dozen Northeast conservation professionals and students won conservation awards for service, photography and hand-drawn posters. (more…)
Post Farms: Five generations and still growing
by Elizabeth A. Tomlin
“I am the fifth generation to farm here,” stated Jeffrey Post of Post Farms, LLC, Oakfield, NY, near the tip of Lake Erie, where he currently shares farm ownership and management with both his dad, Dan and his Uncle John. (more…)
Corn & Soybean Expo looks to young farmers
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
LIVERPOOL, NY — As with any industry, the future of agriculture lays in the hands of young people. Dr. David Kohl spoke on the topic at the recent 2018 Corn & Soybean Winter Expo, hosted by the New York Corn & Soybean Growers Association. He emphasized the top reasons young people should enjoy many opportunities going into agriculture now, along with tips for their success. (more…)
Farmers for America documentary looks into a diverse future
by Troy Bishopp
CAZENOVIA, NY — “If you share my addiction to chewing and swallowing, you’ll want to watch the documentary: Farmers for America,” says the movie’s narrator, Mike Rowe, of the famed TV show, Dirty Jobs and CEO of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation. (more…)
