Grains

USDA Expediting Direct Economic Assistance to Agricultural Producers

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.
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 3
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

The third and final session of the Advanced Soil Health Training Cohort focused on two critical topics: no-till and planting green. The session provided valuable insights through expert presentations and firsthand experiences shared by farmers through presentations and panel discussions.
Winter and wet weather manure spreading reminders
NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding farmers to be mindful of conditions that are high risk for runoff.
Field Equipment or Road Equipment?

As farms continue to evolve, truly addressing soil management in forage production requires more focus, with the distinction between field equipment and road equipment being an important opportunity.
So You Want To Become A Certified Pesticide Applicator?
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Have you ever thought about becoming a Certified Pesticide Applicator but felt intimated by the process? This article walks through the steps to become a Certified Private Pesticide Applicator, including the necessary training, requirements, and testing as required by the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC).
Win a Grain Rescue Tube and Training for Your Local Fire Department

Win a grain rescue tube and training for your fire department! Nationwide Insurance once again is teaming up with the National Education Center for Agricultural Safety (NECAS), Peosta, Iowa, to award emergency first responders with grain rescue tubes and hands-on rescue training to help save lives.
Proper Stored Grain Maintenance over the Winter: A Key to Pest Management

The combination of low grain prices and above average yields have led many farms to leave the grain in the bin and hope for better prices this spring. Check this article out for tips on how to protect your stored grain.
Fertilizer Calculations
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

This article provides a detailed guide on how to calculate fertilizer applications based on soil test results, including examples of both granular and liquid fertilizers. It covers understanding fertilizer labels, determining nutrient content, and applying the correct amount of fertilizer to meet crop needs for optimal growth.
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 2
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

The article discusses the insights gained from a soil health cohort session on cover crops, focusing on species selection, decision support tools, and root demonstrations. It also highlights how cover crops can improve soil health, enhance pest management, and provide valuable benefits for farm productivity and sustainability.
Does Cropping System Matter for Biologicals?

Biologicals are a hot topic in agriculture. This article highlights the uncertainties we face with their use, especially considering our different cropping systems.
Corn Stunt: A New Disease and A New Insect Vector for New York State

Corn stunt is a new corn disease that has been identified in four New York Counties this year. Symptoms present similarly to other stresses in corn, including drought, soil compaction, and phosphorous deficiency.
Decoding Your Soil Test Results
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Regular soil sampling is important for improving management practices, but many people feel confused when they receive their test results. With so much information, it can be hard to know what to do next. In this article, I'll explain the different measurements found in soil test reports and how to use this information effectively.
Upcoming Events
Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day
April 24, 2025
Freeville, NY
Join us for a field day featuring cutting edge cover crop and soil health research and resources.
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December 19, 2025
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