Early-Season Corn Disease: Northern Corn Leaf Blight
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

In 2019, northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) appeared throughout the Southwest New York region. In general, NCLB is more of an issue in fields with a history of continuous corn production however, this year, the environment has been conducive for the infection to occur in first year corn fields as well. Environmental conditions of 65-85F, sporadic rain events, and humidity can result in an NCLB infection. Early NCLB symptoms appear as long, narrow, tan lesions that form on the leaf surface of a corn plant. As the disease progresses, the lesions become longer, more oblong, or "cigar-shaped" and can appear grayish in color. These lesions can range from 1-8 inches long with multiple lesions forming dense, irregular areas of dead tissue on the corn leaves. Cornell University Field Crops Plant Pathologist, Dr. Gary Bergstrom, recommends we scout our fields now for early disease detection. For more information visit Purdue University Extension or contact Field Crops Specialist, Josh Putman.
Upcoming Events
Driving Efficiency in Dairy & Exploring the Irish Experience
September 29, 2025
Rock Stream, NY
This workshop series will feature in-depth presentation and discussion led by Dr. Padraig French who is the Head of Livestock Systems and the Dairy Enterprise Leader at Teagasc (the Irish version of USDA). Dr. French will focus on the critical success factors for Irish dairy, which include pasture utilization, labor efficiency and managing for seasonal calving. The discussion will focus on ways that U.S. dairy farmers can use some of the Irish dairy techniques to become more profitable with grass farming.
Open Forum to Discuss Newly Approved DOL Trade, "Butcher"
October 2, 2025 : Open Forum to Discuss Newly Approved DOL Trade, "Butcher"
Partners from New York State Dept. of Labor, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Southern Tier West, and Workforce Development will be in the space to provide an overview of the new program, discuss the roles of hosts and apprentices, review the benefits of hosting an apprentice, and setting the vision for building a corps of highly skilled, modern trained Butchers and validating this career as a skilled trade with respectful earning potential.
Silvopasture on a Shoestring
October 7, 2025
Franklinville, NY
Join Joshua Greene, Director of Education at Trees For Graziers, Jonathan Bates, Statewide Agroforestry Educator, and Lynn Bliven, owner of Wild Geese Farm for a full day training event that will include classroom and hands-on sessions. The focus will be on DIY silvopasture projects on small grazing farms. We will address the practical considerations of tree establishment, protection, and maintenance while learning how silvopasture can help address your farm's resource concerns and enhance livestock grazing.
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