This year's preliminary corn silage pricing estimates have been released. Using the estimating equation, and the above prices for alfalfa hay, and corn grain as expected prices, estimated corn silage price is about $61 per ton

Dry hay with an increased moisture level is a concern not only from a quality perspective, leading to increased dry matter losses and mold growth, but is also at an increased risk for heating, and subsequently fires. With reports of hay fires hitting the news, we think it's a good time to dive into what causes the hay to heat, how to decrease the risk of hay fires, and the hazards associated.

Does it pay to spray a fungicide? Check out this article for considerations on using a fungicide as a disease management tool in corn. 

As we know, nitrogen (N) is a critical nutrient for corn production, but is also one of the most difficult to manage. Application rates must be balanced in a way that meets crop needs in an economical way, while also protecting against environmental
losses. One of the best ways to manage this is by using practices such as sidedressing to provide additional N at a time
when the plant will have increased uptake requirements.

For those who are thinking of starting their own farm stand, knowing what product classes you can sell and what regulations apply to each will help you make decisions about which products you produce, create, or purchase in for resale.

Poor soybean emergence is one of the more frustrating situations a grower can face in early summer, and it raises an immediate question: do I replant, or do I make the best of what I've got? The answer is rarely straightforward, but understanding a few key decision-making factors can help you make a more confident and financially-sound decision. 

This week is bringing us plenty of heat, bringing in questions about POST herbicide applications. Check out these tips for an impactful herbicide application in soybeans with elevated temperatures. 

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. 

Dust is starting to fly which is bringing in some pre-emergent herbicide questions: What is happening to my PRE herbicides? Are they still there? And do I need to adjust my weed management plans? 

Regardless of how beef animals are finished, either by grass, grain, or a combination, market weight animals that are sent to the auction or processor should be finished properly. This article reviews the characteristics of finishing as described in the Cornell Small Farms video, "Determining Market Readiness of Finished Cattle", narrated by Dr. Mike Baker, found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrF5aCEAI-0&feature=emb_title

This winter was a "classic NY winter", but was it cold enough to actually impact insect populations? While we can't predict pest pressure with any greater accuracy than long-term weather forecasts, we can evaluate historic insect populations, weather and biology to give us a better idea of what we could see this growing season.