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. Ag Safety and Health Springtime Preparations
Spring is one of the busiest times of the year on a farm. Even if things are busy, keep health and safety to the forefront of what you do.
Growing Degree Days: Another Tool in the Harvest Toolbox
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
Growing Degree Days (GDD) are a valuable tool for estimating crop development and optimal harvest timing. Whether tracking corn maturity or alfalfa harvest, using GDDs alongside other measurements can help improve decision-making and ensure better crop management.
It is Time to Check the Planter
It's April and planting season will be here before we know it. Take some time to check over your planter and conduct some maintenance so you are ready to hit the ground running in May.
USDA Expediting Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Contact your local FSA office for more information.
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 3
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
The third and final session of the Advanced Soil Health Training Cohort focused on two critical topics: no-till and planting green. The session provided valuable insights through expert presentations and firsthand experiences shared by farmers through presentations and panel discussions.
Winter and wet weather manure spreading reminders
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding farmers to be mindful of conditions that are high risk for runoff.
Field Equipment or Road Equipment?
As farms continue to evolve, truly addressing soil management in forage production requires more focus, with the distinction between field equipment and road equipment being an important opportunity.
So You Want To Become A Certified Pesticide Applicator?
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
Have you ever thought about becoming a Certified Pesticide Applicator but felt intimated by the process? This article walks through the steps to become a Certified Private Pesticide Applicator, including the necessary training, requirements, and testing as required by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Win a Grain Rescue Tube and Training for Your Local Fire Department
Win a grain rescue tube and training for your fire department! Nationwide Insurance once again is teaming up with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), Peosta, Iowa, to award emergency first responders with grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training to help save lives.
Proper Stored Grain Maintenance over the Winter: A Key to Pest Management
The combination of low grain prices and above average yields have led many farms to leave the grain in the bin and hope for better prices this spring. Check this article out for tips on how to protect your stored grain.
Fertilizer Calculations
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
This article provides a detailed guide on how to calculate fertilizer applications based on soil test results, including examples of both granular and liquid fertilizers. It covers understanding fertilizer labels, determining nutrient content, and applying the correct amount of fertilizer to meet crop needs for optimal growth.
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 2
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
The article discusses the insights gained from a soil health cohort session on cover crops, focusing on species selection, decision support tools, and root demonstrations. It also highlights how cover crops can improve soil health, enhance pest management, and provide valuable benefits for farm productivity and sustainability.
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Upcoming Events
Planning For Immigration Enforcement At Your Farm
May 20, 2025
Ramped-up immigration enforcement is spreading fear and resulting in family and workforce disruptions across the farm landscape. Farms and employees should take action by making a plan for what to do in case of an immigration enforcement action at your farm. Planning is critical to avoid the worst outcomes. Learn about available resources and hear from the experience of crisis support leaders!
Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's
June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY
Perfect for beginners or experienced users needing a refresher. We'll cover safety features and basic maintenance of the modern saw and learn kickback prevention techniques. Participants will be able to try on various PPE and learn ergonomic practices. Interested participants will learn to safely start up, throttle up, and turn off a saw. You may bring our own saw if you choose, there will be no cutting in this class.
FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
June 14, 2025 : FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a morning of classroom learning, hands-on FAMACHA and 5 Point Check practice, and a pasture walk at Alfred State College's teaching farm to learn about putting IPM to work on pasture using evasive grazing techniques. An exam will be provided, and students passing the exam will receive program certification, including a FAMACHA Card.