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.
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Upcoming Events
Dairy Feeder School
October 29, 2026 : Dairy Feeder School
Freedom, NY
- One day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders
- Offered in English and Spanish
- Stations with hands-on activities/demos
Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers
November 4, 2026 : Tax 102: Tax planning and strategies for Farmers
This webinar follows the "Introduction to Income Taxes" webinar from September, going more into depth on topics including: understanding common tax concepts, tax strategies, long-term approaches to managing taxes, and more!
Labor Roadshow: Practical Workforce Strategies for Agricultural Professionals Across New York
November 30, 2026
December 21, 2026
The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State (AWDC) will celebrate a decade of connecting and educating agricultural professionals when Labor Roadshow X returns this December with five in-person events and two webinars across New York State.
For nearly ten years, the Labor Roadshow has brought agricultural professionals together to learn, connect, and navigate the evolving challenges of agricultural labor. The 2026 event will continue that tradition with timely, expert-led discussions focused on the issues affecting farms and agricultural employers today—including labor law and compliance, employee engagement, retention, and workplace culture.
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