Regular soil sampling is important for improving management practices, but many people feel confused when they receive their test results. With so much information, it can be hard to know what to do next. In this article, I'll explain the different measurements found in soil test reports and how to use this information effectively.

Every farm, regardless of size, that handles animal waste must be prepared to manage a manure-handling emergency. While prevention is the best strategy to reduce the risk of this type of emergency, not all manure spills can be prevented; therefore, a written emergency action plan should be developed for every farm. This article highlights the components in an emergency action plan and their importance.

Cleaning out your combine can help reduce the spread of weed seed, including herbicide resistant weeds. Check out this article to provide tips on how to cleanout your combine during the growing season!

This article discusses how drone technology fits into agriculture. While drones may offer some benefits, farmers should consider costs, regulations and farm needs before adopting them.

Recently, I participated in the first meeting in the Advanced Soil Health Training Cohort hosted by American Farmland Trust. Topics that we cover throughout the program include increased soil health, cover crop management, conducting soil health assessments, and economic considerations of adoption. With the first meeting having taken place in August, I wanted to share some of my lessons learned.

As manure gets spread onto corn fields this fall, it's important to remember that manure gas is incredibly dangerous. Take precautions to protect yourself, your family, and your employees as you spread manure from storage. 

With the recent flood damage, crops were unfortunately damaged. This article highlights how to manage crops that were damaged by floods. 

Flooding has had a devastating impact in the region this past weekend. Regardless of whether a few acres or several fields were affected, it is helpful to get out and scout your crops to understand the impacts. Cornell Cooperative Extension reminds farms affected by recent storm damage to document and share any impacts the weather may have had on their home or business. 

Tar spot, a foliar disease of corn, has made its way into New York State's crop production. Learn more about the disease, what it can be confused with, and how to manage it on your farm. 

The past winter, the weather proved to be one for the record books. New records were set for high temperatures, snowfall was low, and Lake Erie remained ice free. What might this mean for pest pressure? Check out this article to find out. 

Do you have questions about tillage? You're not alone. Every management decision that gets made on the farm has tradeoffs, and tillage is no exception. Check out this article to learn more about some commonly asked tillage questions. 

The list of notable weather events in 2023 is long and varied — from drought In the forage world, wild swings in winter weather can be a concern for conditions in parts of the Midwest, to extreme flooding in portions of New England, to smoky skies from Canadian wildfires. Stepping back from the seasons' weather, to larger climate trends, 2023 set a new global record for the warmest year, and rainfall patterns continue to become more extreme. While we cannot manage the weather, understanding the increased likelihood of these events, and evaluating the goals of our forage program, provide the best chance to minimize the negative implications for these extreme events.