Grains
Grain crops such as corn, soybeans and small grains are grown on over 100,000 acres in the five county area of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben each year. Understanding Field Trial Data: A Producer's Guide
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
Every day, you are having to filter through data from consultants, salesmen, newsletter articles, and winter program presentations about possible best management practices that could be implemented on your farm or certain products. An important skill for making these decisions is being able to interpret research data, ensuring that its scientifically supported.
Drones in Agriculture: Exploring Opportunities
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
A follow up article to "Drones in Agriculture" in October 2024, this article dives into the opportunities to integrate drones into spray programs.
Framing the Discussions on BMR Corn
In the spring of 2025, Corteva announced they would discontinue the development of brown midrib (BMR) corn products. As numerous discussions on the topic have unfolded over the last several months, it has been apparent that sometimes the framing of the questions are not leading to the most productive discussions or decisions for a farm. Check out this article for important considerations for strateggizing forage plans for your farm.
What You Need to Know about the USDA's Farmer Bridge Assistance Program
Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
The US Department of Agriculture's Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program announced $12 billion in aid for US farmers this past December. Here's what you need to know.
Don't Put All Your Seeds in One Basket
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
While harvest has stretched on for many, attention is beginning to shift toward planning for the 2026 growing season. This article highlights key factors to consider as seed ordering approaches, helping ensure selections align with field conditions and production goals.
The Tillage Toolbelt: Pest Management
Rounding out the final article in this series on till vs no-till, we're finally focusing on how your tillage decisions can impact the pest pressures on your farm. Your tillage decisions present different challenges and opportunities as it relates to pest management.
Looking Past the Bin Door
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
As grain enters the bins, I've been having more frequent conversations about commodity marketing. There is no one size fits all approach, but one thing remains the same: understanding your cost of production is the foundation of every sound management decision.
Governor Hochul Announces Two Grant Opportunities
Governor Hochul has announced two grant opportunities to help address the impacts of climate change and protect water quality. Funding is available in four tracks: Livestock Management (alternative waste and precision feeding management), Adaptation and Resiliency, Healthy Soils, and Agricultural Forestry Management. Contact your local Soil & Water Conservation office for more information.
The Tillage Toolbelt: Soil Structure
Continuing this series from last month, we're taking a look at all of the differences between tilling and no-till systems to help you figure out which system is best for your farm. We previously looked at how tillage decisions impact nutrient cycling, and this time we're considering how the same decisions can change soil structure. Your choice to till or not to till can significantly change your soil structure, determining what kinds of challenges may appear or which may be avoided.
The Tillage Toolbelt: Nutrient Cycling
The decision to till or no-till is not a one size fits all approach. This article series aims to clear up some of the confusion about the ways that tillage (or a lack thereof) impacts our fields, and how the challenges you face could determine whether it's the right move for you.
Combine Adjustments to Minimize Corn Harvest Losses
Volunteer corn infestations popping up in your crop rotation can reduce crop yield and require additional herbicide considerations. Now is the time to prepare for harvest by calibrating your equipment to minimize harvest losses.
Grants & Incentives for New York Agriculture
By Farm Credit East
There are a number of grants and incentives available for Northeast agriculture businesses, but learning about their availability and navigating the application process can be a challenge. To help with this, Farm Credit East has released an update to its report identifying federal, regional and state grants, loan guarantees, and other incentives available to assist Northeast producers of all types and sizes.
This post is an excerpt from the document, focusing on funding opportunities available in New York. Find a full list of opportunities, including sector-specific opportunities for states including, but not limited to New York, see here.
Upcoming Events
NY Beef Producers Association Region 4 Annual Meeting
April 4, 2026
Alfred, NY
Open to all interested beef and dairy producers!
Presentations:
- Tube Feeding 101
- Early Calf Care Tips
- Handling Livestock Safely
Membership in the beef producer association is not required to attend. New memberships and renewals will be accepted at the meeting; drawing will be held for 1 free membership or renewal.
MILKING IT: Moving Milk Quality Forward
April 14, 2026
Springville, NY
***SAVE THE DATE***
More details to come!
April 14th from 11am-1pm
Education sessions by:
- CCE SWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops
- Springville Veterinary Services, P.C.
- Quality Milk Production Services
New York Application for Dairy of Distinction
April 15, 2026
Purpose of Program
Attractive dairy farms give the consumer greater confidence in the wholesomeness of milk and stimulate milk sales which encourages public support of the dairy industry. The award gives recognition to the dairy farmer for maintaining a well-kept farmstead.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.





