Beginning Farms
Relevant Events
WNY Pastureland Conversion & Soil Health Field Day
July 16, 2025
Middleport, NY
Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day
August 13, 2025
Andover, NY
FAMACHA Training for Sheep and Goat producers in Woodhull NY
August 13, 2025 : FAMACHA Training in Woodhull
Woodhull, NY
Pasture Walk in Woodhull, NY
August 20, 2025 : Pasture Walk in Woodhull, NY
Woodhull, NY
Organic Cover Crop & Soil Health Field Day
September 11, 2025
Fillmore, NY
Rain vs. Herbicides
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

As a result of staggered planting, herbicide application timings have been spread out over a significant portion of time. Weeds and weed control are impacted by wet weather and subsequent flooding conditions for a variety of reasons.
Pesticide Label Changes Brought on by the Endangered Species Act
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Changes to our pesticide labels are coming including mitigation strategies for spray drift and runoff/erosion. Check out this article to see how these updates will appear on our product labels.
What to Know Before You Mow
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Manure continues to be spread onto fields, tillage implements have been in motion, corn and soybeans are starting to get planted, but have you thought about first cutting yet? Collecting this forage offers an opportunity to capture a high quality and quantity of forage, but doing so in a timely manner can come with an array of obstacles.
Ag Safety and Health Springtime Preparations

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.
Worried About Being Classified as a Hobby Farm by the IRS? What you Need to Know

Tax season is over, but you may be wondering if you may be audited by the IRS or incorrectly classified as a hobby farm. This article investigates the classification of farms as businesses vs hobbies, what the IRS is looking for in a business, and what records you need to keep to prove you're a legitimate business.
Growing Degree Days: Another Tool in the Harvest Toolbox
Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Growing Degree Days (GDD) are a valuable tool for estimating crop development and optimal harvest timing. Whether tracking corn maturity or alfalfa harvest, using GDDs alongside other measurements can help improve decision-making and ensure better crop management.
Egg Prices are Historically High - Time to Re-Evaluate your Costs of Production
Amy Barkley, Livestock Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

It takes a whole lot to produce a dozen eggs! Now's a great time to evaluate your costs so that you can charge a fair price that still enables you to make a profit.
It is Time to Check the Planter

It's April and planting season will be here before we know it. Take some time to check over your planter and conduct some maintenance so you are ready to hit the ground running in May.
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.
Please Check H.E.R. Out: Ensuring a Compassionate End of Life
Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Unfortunately, euthanasia is a decision every farmer has to make. This article stresses the need for clear euthanasia protocols, proper staff training, and emotional support for farmers making these difficult decisions.
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.
Upcoming Events
WNY Pastureland Conversion & Soil Health Field Day
July 16, 2025
Middleport, NY
IPM Strategies to Protect Corn and Soybean Seed in NY

July 30, 2025
Hamburg , NY
FAMACHA Training for Sheep and Goat producers in Woodhull NY
August 13, 2025 : FAMACHA Training in Woodhull
Woodhull, NY
Announcements
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