Soil Temperatures and Insect Captures Remain Low in Southwest New York
Joshua Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Despite the cooler than usual weather, significant numbers of BCW and CAW have been recorded in our region. So what is a significant number of BCW? Many universities determine a significant flight of BCW as 9 moths over a two-day period. We do not look at our traps daily, only weekly, so we cannot be as accurate. Now that we have some traps that have hit this number, we should monitor the number of degree-days accumulated (base 50°F). It takes roughly 300 degree-days for BCW larvae to be big enough to cut corn plants (4th instar). This is not a scientific process but it gives us a good idea of when we should be out there monitoring for damage. There is no real degree-day thresholds for monitoring Common Armyworm. It will be roughly 100 degree-days to egg hatch. Grass hay fields and winter grains such as wheat and barley are favored egg-laying sites. Corn planted into a green cover crop will also need to be monitored carefully.
Upcoming Events
Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's
June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY
Perfect for beginners or experienced users needing a refresher. We'll cover safety features and basic maintenance of the modern saw and learn kickback prevention techniques. Participants will be able to try on various PPE and learn ergonomic practices. Interested participants will learn to safely start up, throttle up, and turn off a saw. You may bring our own saw if you choose, there will be no cutting in this class.
FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
June 14, 2025 : FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
Join Cornell Cooperative Extension for a morning of classroom learning, hands-on FAMACHA and 5 Point Check practice, and a pasture walk at Alfred State College's teaching farm to learn about putting IPM to work on pasture using evasive grazing techniques. An exam will be provided, and students passing the exam will receive program certification, including a FAMACHA Card.
Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
June 17, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY
This mobile workshop will teach you what you need to know to perform fecal egg counts and understand the results of fecal egg count reduction tests at home. While focused on testing sheep and goats, this event is applicable to all ruminants and camelids.