Beginning Farms

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




Relevant Events

Class A CDL Training Course

January 18, 2025
February 22, 2025
March 22, 2025

Avian Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - the latest updates and what it means for poultry health

March 18, 2025

Shop Talk: Integrated Weed Management

Event Offers DEC Credits

March 19, 2025
Andover, NY

NY Beef Producers Association (NYBPA) Region 2 Meeting

March 21, 2025
Lakewood, NY

NY Beef Producers Association (NYBPA) Region 4 Meeting

March 22, 2025
Alfred, NY

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). 


Win a Grain Rescue Tube and Training for Your Local Fire Department

Last Modified: February 4, 2025
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

Last Modified: February 3, 2025
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

Last Modified: January 23, 2025
Fertilizer Calculations

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

Last Modified: January 23, 2025
Practical Lessons Learned from Advanced Soil Health Training: Part 2

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?

Last Modified: January 7, 2025
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

Last Modified: December 16, 2024
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. 


Colostrum Construction: Building a Firm Foundation

Katie Callero, Dairy Management Specialist
Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Last Modified: December 12, 2024
Colostrum Construction: Building a Firm Foundation

Good colostrum management builds a strong foundation for cow health and production. Building this strong foundation requires four key steps: create a detailed plan, choose quality materials, build the foundation, evaluate and adjust. There are also common errors in colostrum management that can create cracks in your foundation. Check out this article to make sure you have a firm foundation. 


Decoding Your Soil Test Results

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

Last Modified: November 18, 2024
Decoding Your Soil Test Results

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.






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Upcoming Events

Avian Disease and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza - the latest updates and what it means for poultry health

March 18, 2025

Shop Talk: Integrated Weed Management

Event Offers DEC Credits

March 19, 2025
Andover, NY

NY Beef Producers Association (NYBPA) Region 2 Meeting

March 21, 2025
Lakewood, NY

Announcements

Transition Heifer Calf Program

Join us for this hand-on program and demos! We will be offering this program in English and in Spanish.

Calf and heifer managers, dairy herdspersons, farm owners, and heifer raisers interested in learning more about how to better house and manage animals as they transition from the calf phase to the weaned heifer phase.

Topics covered:

Nutrition
Health
Housing Management
Inventory Management

Biosecurity: All attendees must wear clean clothes and boots. You will be required to scrub and disinfect footwear upon arrival to the program and before leaving.

Registration: $25 per person (includes lunch)