| Extension Resource Educator, Aaron
Gabriel, adg12@cornell.edu
Hay Production Resources for New York State and Similar Climates
The demand for hay over the past few years has been very good. Both veteran and new farmers are growing this crop as the demand continues and the number of livestock operations keeps growing. (Click Link to Read More)
Field Crop Production
With approximately 70,000 acres, field crops are vital to the agricultural
economy in Washington County. We help farmers maximize profitability
by offering individualized crop plans, workshops, the "Ag Report"
newsletter, and other educational resources.
2007 Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management
Available here on the web and you can purchase by calling our
office, CCE Washington County, 800-548-0881.
What's
Cropping Up?: (A newsletter for New York Field Crops and Soils)
Yield Trial Results for forages, soybeans, and corn silage: http://www.css.cornell.edu/extension/Extension%20Publications.html
Cornell Small Grain Trials; http://smallgrains.cit.cornell.edu/testing.html
The Nutrient Management Spear Program has everything you need
to calculate crop fertility needs: http://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/
You can call our office to purchase a soil testing kit ($10) or
visit the Cornell Soil Nutrient Analysis Lab: http://www.css.cornell.edu/soiltest/newindex.asp
Another favorite is University of Wisconsin Forage Resources: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/uwforage/uwforage.htm
Pest Management
We offer two ways to earn pesticide applicator recertification credits.
During the summer we scout crops each week. If you come along with
us for one hour, you can earn one credit. You will learn how to
identify pests, how to look for them, how to determine economic
injury levels, and how to control them. Subscribe to the "Ag
Report" to find out where we will be scouting each week, or
call our office, 800-548-0881.
The second way is to attend our winter workshops on pest management
in field crops. Each winter we offer an 11 am to 1:30 workshop to
earn 2 credits. Call us for the date of our next one.
NYS Integrated Pest Management Program: http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/
Biofuels
Farmers in Washington County have a strong interest in biofuels.
You can email me for a packet of educational materials used in my
last workshop (adg12@cornell.edu).
During the 2007 growing season, I will be holding sessions twice
each month on the production of the biofuel crops: canola, corn,
Jerusalem artichoke, soybean, sugar beets, sunflower, and sweet
sorghum. Meetings will take place in the field as crops and pests
develop. Email me if you are interested in registering for this
program (adg12@cornell.edu).
Several articles on biofuels have been published in the 2006 issues
of "Agricultural News". Email me if you would like copies
(adg12@cornell.edu).
Composting
In many situations composting is a very viable solution to waste
management including manure, livestock carcasses, and butcher wastes.
In Washington County we have composted all of this and more. As
you consider the cost of liquid manure systems, composting is an
attractive alternative (if you are not using sand for bedding).
Borrow our copy of the video "Natural Rendering", which
shows how to compost carcasses and butcher wastes. Just call or
email (adg12@cornell) for
more information or if you have specific questions.
Cornell Composting: http://www.css.cornell.edu/compost/Composting_Homepage.html
Grazing
Washington County has a group of experienced and dedicated dairy
farmers that successfully use grazing. Each summer and winter we
get together for a meeting. Dates are published in the "Ag
Report" newsletter or check our calendar of events: http://counties.cce.cornell.edu/washington/CCEWash_Calendar.html
Woodchip Livestock Bedding
With a grant from NYS Ag & Markets, woodchips were evaluated
for use as a livestock bedding. Although, not as absorbent as sawdust,
woodchips have the potential to be a low-cost bedding for livestock.
Email me for a copy of the "Agricultural News" article
about this project.
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