This article is an argument for small scale beef farmers to consider buying in forages instead of putting them up. It delves into costs that may not be apparent in your dollars in/dollars out equation, but when accounted for, are a significant portion of the cost of making hay.

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.

Our goal is to ensure cows are able to put their best hoof forward as we begin the new year. Since cows cannot tell us when they are in pain, it is up to the farm teams to recognize the early signs of lameness and take action to protect mobility, comfort, and productivity.

Managing Haemonchus contortus, or barber pole worm, in small ruminants is always a challenge. While pasture rearing sheep and goats is a popular practice, strategically using a barn to help disrupt the parasite's life cycle can be helpful. 

In 2025, our team evaluated 10 sheep and goat farms in the spring and fall for levels of parasites and parasite resistance to our deworming classes. The results of this study, including tips on reducing worm burdens on-farm, are shared here.

Great calving management has always been important for herd health, productivity, and profitability. It has become especially important in today's economic landscape with the high prices of beefXdairy calves and replacement heifers. To protect these high-value animals and prevent costly vet visits or complications, producers should be able to identify and respond appropriately to each stage of calving covered in this article.

The Longhorned tick, formerly known as the Asian Longhorned tick, is establishing populations as it moves north and west across the state. This tick has the potential to be lethal to livestock. This articles reviews the newest sightings and what to do if you happen to identify one.

Now, more than ever, selecting the most productive and advanced heifer calves for replacements can result in higher profitability, lower inputs, and better longevity in your brood cows. Continuously selecting for the best heifers each cycle will lead to genetic advancement of your herd, even without known EBVs. This article from Oklahoma State University Extension helps producers understand what to keep in mind as they select their replacement heifers.

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. 

Knapweed is an aggressive weed that spreads rapidly and reduces the quality of fresh and baled forages. Controlling it however, is not a simple answer. Check out this article for more information about the weed and tips on how to manage it. 

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.

Computer-based forage inventory calculators are excellent tools, but a good ol' pen and pad of paper can help you achieve the same result. This article walks you through calculating a forage inventory step-by-step, while also providing an example to follow along with.