Livestock

Feeding Cull Pumpkins to Livestock

Cull pumpkins, gourds, and squashes can provide a good source of nutrients for cattle. They have high moisture, but relatively high protein and TDN.
Confined Spaces: Hazards of Manure Gases

While new manure handling systems are more efficient and reduce manual labor, farmers and ranchers must understand the hazards associated with working in and around confined spaces where manure is stored. Keep yourself and employees safe this season by understanding the risk of manure gases!
2022 National Beef Quality Audit Results
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Every 5 years, this audit is used to identify trends in the beef market and in beef cattle in general. It also helps the industry gain an understanding of how the implementation of the Beef Quality Assurance Program has helped reduce losses and improve quality.
Please help us add contacts to our SWNY Farm Service Provider Directory!
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

We want to know which categories and contacts would be most helpful to you! Please take 2 minutes to answer our anonymous survey at https://tinyurl.com/SWNYServiceProviders.
Poultry Carcass Breakdown Fact Sheet
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Breaking down a whole processed chicken into its individual parts can be a way to increase the revenue from your chicken and offer customers more choices. This fact sheet takes your step-by-step through the process of taking a whole chicken into whole wings, boneless skinless breast, thighs, and drums. For a PDF or print copy of this fact sheet, reach out to Amy Barkley at amb544@cornell or 716-640-0844.
Can Mutton Make Money?
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Histocially a low-value animal in the U.S., it may be time for mutton to make a comeback! There are processing and pricing considerations to aid in the development and sale of value-added products that can make these older ewes into valuable co-products.
Strategic Deworming of the Beef Herd: Continuing the Resistance Fight

While commercial dewormers are available to assist beef producers with fighting gastrointestinal parasites, resistance is building among populations on many farms. Strategic deworming in addition to pasture rotation is helpful to keep worms susceptible to anthelmintics so that they remain effective.
Historical Review of the U.S. Beef Cattle Industry

When we look at the beef industry in the US today, it's hard to believe that cattle are non-native creatures. However, their introduction has resulted in a long history intertwined with the growth and industrialization of the country. This historical review shares major highlights of breed introductions and industrial shifts that have taken us to where we are today.
Is it Safe to Eat? Inspecting Poultry for Wholesomeness During Processing
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

When processing poultry under the 1,000 bird exemption, it's important to make sure that the meat is safe to eat. There are some disease processes and conditions that render parts, organs, or even whole birds unconsumable. This article shares what is OK to leave and what should be removed.
Wildfire Smoke - What Can we do for our Livestock?
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

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.
The Importance of Hay Moisture
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Hay moisture is critical to storage success. Moisture that is too high results in bales that come with a fire risk in addition to decreasing feed quality as it moves from the field to the hay ring.
Regulations for Processing Poultry for Sale
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Processing regulations surrounding poultry for sale can be confusing. There's much to know regarding what birds you can process, where you can process them, and who you can sell them to. This article outlines the two available options for getting poultry processed in NYS.
Upcoming Events
Farm Asset Protection Strategies: Safeguarding Agricultural Legacies for Future Generations
November 14, 2023
November 17, 2023
November 20 - November 21, 2023November 29 - December 1, 2023
Join us for a workshop on farm asset protection to help you preserve long-standing agricultural legacies. In these uncertain times, safeguarding valuable farm assets has become paramount to ensure our farming communities' continued success and sustainability. Each participant will receive written materials and a flash drive containing various resources. Morning refreshments and lunch are included.
Value-Added Dairy Tour
March 13 - March 14, 2024
Pre-register now for our March 2024 Value-Added Dairy Tour!
Announcements
Help Us Help You - SWNYDLFC Needs Assessment
TAKE SHORT SURVEY