Opportunity for Silage Corn Growers: On-Farm Biodiversity Experiment

February 20, 2023

Overview

Cornell graduate student researcher is seeking New York partner farms to test how planting native flowers near silage corn fields affects biodiversity on the farm. We are also interested in how flower planting date affects biodiversity. This single-year experiment will run from May to September 2023. Participating farms will each receive $500 and if desired, publicity.

Eligibility

Silage corn fields may be managed using either organic or non-organic methods. However, no synthetic insecticides may be sprayed within 660 ft of the experimental plots.

Experiment

The experiment will require four small plots of land (16 by 32 ft), which may be arranged around one or more corn fields. The plots may be located along field edges, as shown below, or field corners may be used for this purpose rather than corn production. The grower and researcher (Sophie Westbrook, Cornell graduate student) will choose plot locations together. The grower will plow two of the plots as soon as field access is possible in the spring, and the other two plots four weeks later. After this initial plowing, no further management is needed. The researcher will hand-seed flowers in two plots and collect data over the summer.

Experiment plot layoutThe experiment will involve four plots, placed at least 660 ft apart. CE: control plot (no flowers), earlier plowing. CL: control plot, later plowing. FE: flower plot, earlier plowing. FL: flower plot, later plowing.

Contact

For more information or to enroll, contact Sophie Westbrook, (716) 597-7344; asw265@cornell.edu.




Field Crops

Field Crops

Dairy

Dairy

Business

Business

Livestock

Livestock

Grains

Grains

Upcoming Events

Agribusiness & Chamber of Commerce - What Does This Partnership Look Like?

May 30, 2023
Jamestown, NY

The Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce is interested in working with more agribusiness' in Chautauqua County. Join this workshop with representatives from the Chautauqua County Chamber of Commerce to learn how a partnership with them would be a great next step for your agribusiness. They will also walk us through their online sales platform, ShopLocalCHQ. This is such an exciting time for collaborations and working to get the word out about locally sourced products of any kind!

view details

Challenges and Opportunities of Managing Transition Cows on AMS

June 1, 2023

Join us for a live webinar on June 1st, 2023, at noon (ET), where we will discuss the challenges and opportunities of managing transition cows on automated milking systems (AMS).

view details

TALK DAIRY TO ME: Facts, Fiction &FAQ's

June 1, 2023

From farming to processing and health to sustainability, both consumers and healthcare professionals have questions about dairy foods. With widespread information available online and in the media, it can feel overwhelming to discern fact from fiction. In this webinar, our dairy experts address common questions and misconceptions that can help health and wellness professionals feel confident in evidence-based guidance when it comes to dairy's role in health and sustainability.  

view details

Announcements

No announcements at this time.

NEWSLETTER   |   CURRENT PROJECTS   |   IMPACT IN NY   |   SPONSORSHIP  |  RESOURCES   |   SITE MAP