Livestock

LivestockThe livestock industry in New York totals $2.4 billion. For livestock marketing, New York ranks 39th for cattle and calf production, 20th for egg production, 24th for chicken production excluding broilers, 30th for hog and pig production, and 25th for sheep and lamb production. Our Specialists are able to help livestock producers by offering research-based programming and individual consultations. 




Relevant Event

2026 Multi-Species Pasture Walk at the Vanstrom Homestead

June 20, 2026 : 2026 Multi-Species Pasture Walk at the Vanstrom Homestead
Kennedy, NY

Buckle Up: Volatile Nitrogen Pricing

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 20, 2026
Buckle Up: Volatile Nitrogen Pricing

Knowing that we will likely continue to experience volatile N pricing, coupled with less than stellar commodity prices, it's a critical time to evaluate your nutrient management strategy. So,what can you do to maintain your crop yields while also protecting your bottom line?


The Dairy Market Today

Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 17, 2026
The Dairy Market Today

What's the status of the dairy industry in NY?


Wet weather manure spreading reminders - Do you need more storage?

Last Modified: April 10, 2026

March 2026 has been wet, hovering around 150 percent of normal precipitation for much of New York. While this has some manure storages approaching or exceeding their operational capacity, it is critical to follow the prohibited spreading conditions within the CAFO permit and spreading plans in your CNMP. 


Southwest New York Beef Update: What We're Seeing Right Now

Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: April 8, 2026
Southwest New York Beef Update: What We're Seeing Right Now

With all that's going on in the world right now, some beef producers are asking, "what happens next". While it's likely that none of this will come as a surprise, it's worth stepping back and looking at the bigger picture, the regional lens, and what this means for moving forward.


Lean Management for Dairy

Kate McDonald Polakiewicz, Farm Business Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: March 11, 2026

I participated in Cornell Workforce Development's Lean Management for Dairy workshop in February. Lean Management, often referred to simply as "Lean", is a methodology frequently used in the business world to add value, maximize efficiency, and trim waste. How can applying principles of Lean Management work for the dairy industry in southwestern New York, and what could taking a Lean approach mean for your business?


Conclusions of CCE Pastured Broiler Study Improve Production & Profits

Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: March 3, 2026
Conclusions of CCE Pastured Broiler Study Improve Production & Profits

Raising chickens for meat on pasture is popular among SWNY farmers. From 2022-2025, a team from CCE followed the production and financial inputs and outcomes of 36 broiler farmers across the state. From this, we now have an accurate series of averages for production and pricing across the state as well as conclusions to help improve the success of small-scale broiler enterprises.


The Hidden Costs of Making Hay

Last Modified: January 22, 2026
The Hidden Costs of Making Hay

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.


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

Last Modified: January 20, 2026

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.


It's Time to "Shoe" Up for Your Cows in the New Year

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: January 12, 2026
It's Time to

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.


Using Barns to Manage Barber Pole Worm Infections in Small Ruminants

Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: January 8, 2026
Using Barns to Manage Barber Pole Worm Infections in Small Ruminants

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. 


What Did we Learn About Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants this Year?

Amy Barkley, Team Leader & Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: December 9, 2025
What Did we Learn About Internal Parasites in Small Ruminants this Year?

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.


Mooving through Calving: Recognizing Labor Signs and When to Help

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: December 8, 2025

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.






more content - left
Field Crops

Field Crops

Dairy

Dairy

Business

Business

Livestock

Livestock

Grains

Grains

more content - right

Upcoming Events

So, You Want to Start a Farm Stand?

May 12, 2026

Artificial Insemination Training For Cattle Producers

June 5 - June 6, 2026
Arkport, NY

2026 Multi-Species Pasture Walk at the Vanstrom Homestead

June 20, 2026 : 2026 Multi-Species Pasture Walk at the Vanstrom Homestead
Kennedy, NY

Announcements

No announcements at this time.