Dairy

DairyDairy is the leading agricultural industry in New York State, and the state ranks third in the country for milk production. Our five counties in southwestern New York form an especially vibrant dairy region, with over 680 dairy farms of many different sizes and production systems. 

The SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program assists dairy farmers by providing business management, forage production, and dairy management support. Our Dairy Management Specialist offers assistance with calf and heifer management, reproductive management, dairy records analysis, herd health, nutrition, and facilities. 





Relevant Events

Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar

September 27, 2023

WEBINAR: Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar: Paddock Trac - A New Way to Measure Pasture

October 4, 2023

Artificial Insemination Training for Beef and Dairy

October 9 - October 11, 2023

BQA Level II Training and NYBPA Region 1 Farm Tour and Picnic

November 4, 2023
North Collins, NY

Transfer of passive immunity in calves: Ensuring calf health and profitability

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: September 18, 2023
Transfer of passive immunity in calves: Ensuring calf health and profitability

Camila Lage, Cornell Cooperative Extension - SWNY team & Victor Malacco, Michigan State University Extension - September 15, 2023

Calves rely heavily on colostrum for immunity. Successful transfer of passive immunity is crucial. Evaluating and improving immune transfer can reduce deaths and the number of days calves are sick, enhancing overall herd performance and profitability.


8 Ways to Reduce Somatic Cell Counts in Your Dairy Cows

Last Modified: August 7, 2023
8 Ways to Reduce Somatic Cell Counts in Your Dairy Cows

Daniela Roland, Dairy Educator, Penn State Extension Jun 28, 2023 (To access the original article, click here)

Many factors can influence SCC, from housing to lactation phase and milking protocols. With tighter margins and lower projected milk prices through the summer, focusing on management practices that can be controlled can help maintain or improve milk quality.


Summer tips to prevent winter hoof health issues - Progressive Dairy

Last Modified: August 1, 2023
Summer tips to prevent winter hoof health issues - Progressive Dairy

Warm weather provides the perfect environment for pathogen activity and hoof damage. Address the dairy's management now to prevent hoof health issues when temperatures drop.


Mastering Pasture Management with Grazing Stick: A Pro Farmer's Tool for Success

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: July 25, 2023
Mastering Pasture Management with Grazing Stick: A Pro Farmer's Tool for Success

The grazing stick is a valuable tool for farmers to measure pasture dry matter and estimate the available forage for their livestock. Its importance lies in providing a quick, practical, and calibrated measurement system to assess the grazing potential of a pasture. While using the grazing stick, it's essential to take multiple samples from various areas to ensure a representative value of the pasture's dry matter. This helps account for variations in the pasture's growth and grazing potential.


Interpretation of Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) Values - PSU Extension

Last Modified: July 19, 2023
Interpretation of Milk Urea Nitrogen (MUN) Values - PSU Extension

MUN is a breakdown product of protein and it can be used to monitor protein status of cows.


Concentrate feeding strategies for maximizing performance in AMS

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: July 11, 2023
Concentrate feeding strategies for maximizing performance in AMS

The advancement of automated milking systems presents an opportunity to optimize cow nutrition through tailored separate concentrate feeding.


Dairy Advancement Program receives continued funding

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: July 5, 2023
Dairy Advancement Program receives continued funding

Dairy Advancement Program receives continued funding

To learn more about the program and apply, click here  


Shielding grazing dairy cows from heat stress

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: June 26, 2023
Shielding grazing dairy cows from heat stress

Shielding grazing dairy cows from heat stress: effective strategies for farm management and cow welfare

Victor Malacco, Michigan State University and Camila Lage, Cornell Cooperative Extension - SWNY - June 22, 2023

Prioritizing shade, ample water access, and thoughtful management practices are crucial for protecting grazing dairy cows from heat stress, promoting their well-being and productivity during hot summer periods.

To access original article, click here


The Endemic Calf Parasite Cryptosporidium Parvum - PSU Extension

Last Modified: June 21, 2023
The Endemic Calf Parasite Cryptosporidium Parvum - PSU Extension

by Dr. Melissa Cantor and Hayley R. Springer, MS, DVM


Wildfire Smoke - What Can we do for our Livestock?

Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: June 8, 2023
Wildfire Smoke - What Can we do for our Livestock?

Wildfire smoke from ongoing Canadian fires is drifting into NYS. As livestock caretakers, we can make small adjustments to our animal care, handling, and housing to reduce the effects of exposure to fine particulates and poor air quality.


Too hot to handle: Episodic heat stress can be tough on cows

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: June 5, 2023
Too hot to handle: Episodic heat stress can be tough on cows

It is still spring, but you are probably already observing some signs of discomfort in your cows since we see days in the high 80s. I always believed the Northeast weather wouldn't be so bad on cows, but that's not true. Since it takes weeks for cows to acclimate to the heat, episodic heat stress is tough for cows to handle. Investing in heat abatement is a cost-benefit, even in our "moderate climate" area.


JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH!

Camila Lage, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: May 31, 2023
JUNE IS DAIRY MONTH!

June is an exciting time as it marks the arrival of summer, but it is also Dairy Month! Nothing better than finding a noble excuse to indulge in delicious food! This annual celebration started in 1937 and continues to date as a way to pay homage to the remarkable contributions of the dairy industry to our economy, culinary delights, and the community. 






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Upcoming Events

Is Grazing Sheep Beneath Solar Arrays and Opportunity for Your Future?

September 25, 2023
Mt. Morris, NY

Technology for Grazing Dairies Webinar

September 27, 2023

Protecting Against Murphy's Law: A FREE Live Seminar for Veterans.

October 4, 2023

Announcements

No announcements at this time.