How warm are your soils? Things to consider prior to planting
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program
The sun is shining, grassing is greening up, and some recent warm temperatures have everyone excited about planting. However, there are other things to consider as we move further into the spring. Imbibition is the process by which seeds absorb water for the initiation of germination. A chilling effect occurs when water colder than 50 degrees F is imbibed. The imbibition of cold water disrupts the reorganization of cells during rehydration and can result in the loss of seed vigor or seed death. The most critical time for imbibition is within 24 hours of planting. Therefore, imbibitional chilling effects are more severe when seeds are planted into soils 50 degrees F or colder compared to planting into warmer soils followed by a drop in temperature. Recent soil temperatures taken by Field Crops Specialist, Josh Putman, indicate soil temperatures in Southwest New York are around 40-50 degrees F depending on the soil type. In SWNY, we recently had snow as well as a hard frost which can be damaging or lethal to a corn or soybean crop. It is important to monitor soil conditions before planting to avoid loss of stand or the potential to significantly reduce your crop yields. Additional information about seed imbibition can be found through the following link.
Field Crops
Dairy
Business
Livestock
Grains
Upcoming Events
Quality Wool Workshop
March 21, 2026
Alfred, NY
Please join us for a day of workshops and hands-on activities for shepherds, shearers, fiber artists, and interested community members -- learn how to produce quality fleece, process wool at-home, access markets for your wool, help your local shepherds, and strengthen our regional wool supply chain! Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension Allegany County in collaboration with Allegany Fresh Transport, Northeast Fiber Exchange (NEFX), Southern Tier Fiber Arts Guild, and Crooked Lane Farm. The workshop will be held at the Union University Church Community Center in Alfred, NY on Saturday, March 21st from 10 AM to 4 PM.
NY Beef Producers Assoc. & Chautauqua County Beef Producers Assoc. Region 2 Annual Meeting
March 24, 2026
Ellicottville, NY
Join us for an engaging and informative round table discussion focused on practical, performance driven cattle nutrition. This panel brings together industry leaders with hands on experience in dairy and beef strategies, ration formulation, ingredient sourcing, and on farm management.
All are welcome.
Membership is these beef producer groups is not required.
NY Beef Producers Association Region 4 Annual Meeting
April 4, 2026
Alfred, NY
Open to all interested beef and dairy producers!
Presentations:
- Tube Feeding 101
- Early Calf Care Tips
- Handling Livestock Safely
Membership in the beef producer association is not required to attend. New memberships and renewals will be accepted at the meeting; drawing will be held for 1 free membership or renewal.
Announcements
No announcements at this time.