Beginning Farms

We offer the following resources and links to get you started on an exploration of farming opportunities and learning.




Relevant Events

Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's

June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY

Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College

June 17, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY

Youth Tractor & Machinery Certification Program

June 19, 2025
June 26 - June 27, 2025
Cuba, NY

What to Know Before You Mow

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: May 27, 2025
What to Know Before You Mow

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

Last Modified: May 5, 2025
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

Last Modified: April 29, 2025
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

Last Modified: April 22, 2025
Growing Degree Days: Another Tool in the Harvest Toolbox

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

Last Modified: April 8, 2025
Egg Prices are Historically High - Time to Re-Evaluate your Costs of Production

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

Last Modified: April 8, 2025
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

Last Modified: April 1, 2025
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

Last Modified: March 18, 2025
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 3

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

Last Modified: March 4, 2025
Please Check H.E.R. Out: Ensuring a Compassionate End of Life

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

Last Modified: March 4, 2025

NYS Department of Environmental Conservation is reminding farmers to be mindful of conditions that are high risk for runoff.


Field Equipment or Road Equipment?

Last Modified: March 3, 2025
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

Last Modified: March 3, 2025
So You Want To Become A Certified Pesticide Applicator?

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). 






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Upcoming Events

Chainsaw Safety & Forestry BMP's

June 13, 2025
Belmont, NY

FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College

June 14, 2025 : FAMACHA Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY

Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College

June 17, 2025 : Fecal Egg Count Mobile Workshop at Alfred State College
Alfred, NY

Announcements

Our Team is Hiring

The SWNY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team is looking for a Farm Business Management Specialist to join our team. Information about the position, qualifications, and compensation can be found here