The introduction of resistant crop traits helped revolutionize modern agriculture but has caused a large reliance on a single, or relatively few modes of actions. This has developed selection pressure on weed populations, leading to an increase in herbicide resistant-weeds. In New York State, we have 7 weed species confirmed to have developed resistance to at least one mode of action. 

Knowing that we will likely continue to experience volatile N pricing, coupled with less than stellar commodity prices, it's a critical time to evaluate your nutrient management strategy. So,what can you do to maintain your crop yields while also protecting your bottom line?

As last year has certainly shown most of us, water is one of the biggest drivers of success or stress in a cropping system. Not only is it difficult to manage something so unpredictable, but sometimes the things you do to keep water in your fields during a drought are the same things that can turn the field into a muddy mess for weeks. 

The EPA has approved federal registration of three over-the-top dicamba products in soybeans. While dicamba has remained on the market, this is approval specifically for OTT use, marking the strongest environmental protections for dicamba products. 

A follow up article to "Drones in Agriculture" in October 2024, this article dives into the opportunities to integrate drones into spray programs.

The decision to till or no-till is not a one size fits all approach. This article series aims to clear up some of the confusion about the ways that tillage (or a lack thereof) impacts our fields, and how the challenges you face could determine whether it's the right move for you. 

Volunteer corn infestations popping up in your crop rotation can reduce crop yield and require additional herbicide considerations. Now is the time to prepare for harvest by calibrating your equipment to minimize harvest losses.

With our average frost date fast approaching, it's time to consider how we are going to handle corn that is either immature or experiences a frost. Check out this article for tips on how to manage this forage. 

Many acres across New York were unable to be planted to corn, soybeans or new perennial forages due to extended wet conditions during this spring's planting season, resulting in several crop insurance claims. Check out this guidance for manure applications on prevented planting acreage for farms under CAFO permit and/or following a CNMP.

You might think it's too early to talk about corn silage harvest, but this season's challenges have many re-evaluating plans. Preliminary estimates from John Hanchar, NWNYDLFC, put the corn silage price at approximately $63 per ton. These early estimates can support informed decision-making as cropping and forage strategies shift.

Spring is one of the busiest times of the year on a farm. Even if things are busy, keep health and safety to the forefront of what you do.

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Contact your local FSA office for more information.