Reminder: USDA Designates 31 New York Counties as Primary Natural Disaster Areas

Contact: Lynnette Wright

lynnette.wright@usda.gov

This Secretarial natural disaster designation allows the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) to extend much-needed emergency credit to producers recovering from natural disasters through emergency loans. Emergency loans can be used to meet various recovery needs including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts. FSA will review the loans based on the extent of losses, security available, and repayment ability. 

Impacted Area: New York

Triggering Disaster: Freeze & Frost 

Application Deadline: 4/17/2024 

Read the complete article HERE.

When Milk Prices Are Lousy - Should You Dream Big?

Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Business Management Specialist and Team Leader

Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

"Dairy pricing is cyclic" - something that we've all heard during every high and low cycle of milk pricing. This current lull in prices (lull being an understatement) has had me talking with a flurry of farms about management strategies, business planning, and the future of their farm. For many, the conversation usually isn't about pulling out of dairy production entirely, but rather finding a middle ground that brings some stability to farm income and cash flow. Usually, talks around dairy farm diversification can be a hum of big dreams and lots of excitement. However, if you've read any of my previous articles on farm diversification, you'll know that it's not always the best fit for everyone. Indeed, farm diversification isn't one size fits all and there are other strategies farms can implement to weather periods of tight, or negative, margins.

From my humble perspective, diversifying your dairy, in the right situation, can lead to positive results. In this situation, farm diversification looks like adding additional enterprises (things you produce) that could provide other streams of income. Here I've got five ideas for consideration for those would like to brainstorm and dream. But - I would caution folks against going forth and building big without strongly considering farm business plan and financial implications.

1. Value Added Dairy. Most often,

we think of dairy farm diversification as processing your own milk and selling it direct to consumer. While this can be worthwhile and have higher profit margins, it's extremely complex with a high investment cost. We do see a growing demand for locally produced dairy products as consumers purchase "for the story". *Note - we actually have a project

going right now that focuses on value added dairy and includes resources, webinars, tours, and discussion groups.

2. Alternative Livestock. The sometimes not so fun thing about cows is that they require a lot of equipment to maintain. This includes barns, manure handling, crop production, and more.

However, this intensive capital demand does lend itself to

creating opportunities for other livestock. Once you're used to raising cows, you can easily add other animals to your operation. Selling these other animals, usually for meat production, provides an additional stream of cash income. This could include beef, sheep, goats, pork, poultry, and more.

3. Alternative Crops. Along with having all of the things to raise animals, dairy farms also have all of the things to feed cows. This includes equipment that can grow other crops - or crops for other cows. Diversifying revenue streams with crop production could look like selling an extra crops other farms, or changing what's planted to sell to other markets.

4. Agritourism. Another trendy option for diversification is ag tourism. This might look like farm tours, social media, farm-to-table opportunities, and on-farm sales. This helps to improve the industry's relationship with consumers and can provide other income streams. This is the trickiest venture, in my experience, because of the added risk, exposure, and considerations for dairy producers. However, it's incredibly rewarding!

5. Energy. Solar. Wind. Methane. Timber. Natural Gas. All topics that can be triggering to some but can provide business saving income to others. This decision will vary from farm to farm with lots of consideration, but exploring renewable energy opportunities can provide significant cash streams in the right situations.

With farming, risk management is always at the top of mind.  Farm diversification can help as a price risk management tool by increasing the number of revenue streams to decrease the impact of market highs and lows. However, there is always added risk whenever you're venturing into something new. It's important to consider these risks and protect your farm

accordingly. This could include enhanced safety plans, production processes, insurance coverage, and more.  For more

information about farm diversification, contact Katelyn

Walley-Stoll at 716-640-0522. This article was written as part of Cornell Cooperative Extension's "Diversifying

Your Dairy" initiative. This material is based upon work

supported by USDA/NIFA under award number 2021-70027-34693.

USDA Announces Milk Loss Assistance for Dairy Operations Impacted by 2020, 2021 and 2022 Disaster Events

Deadline: October 16, 2023

The U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) today announced Milk Loss Program (MLP) assistance for eligible dairy operations for milk that was dumped or removed, without compensation, from the commercial milk market due to qualifying weather events and the consequences of those weather events that inhibited delivery or storage of milk (e.g., power outages, impassable roads, infrastructure losses, etc.) during calendar years 2020, 2021 and 2022. Administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), signup for MLP begins Sept. 11 and runs through Oct. 16, 2023. Read the full article here and follow the steps to apply.

Transfer of Passive Immunity in Calves: Ensuring Calf Health and Profitability

Camila Lage,

Dairy Management Specialist

Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Calves rely heavily on colostrum for immunity. Successful transfer of passive immunity is crucial. Evaluating and improving immune transfer can reduce deaths and the number of days calves are sick, enhancing overall herd performance and profitability.

Calves are the future of the herd, and everything that happens during the development phase can have long-term effects on their productive life and herd profitability. Calf immunity heavily relies on the transfer of immunoglobulins from colostrum within 24 hours after birth, as there is minimal transfer of immunoglobulins from the dam to the calf during gestation. Ensuring successful colostrum management is crucial for achieving adequate transfer of passive immunity (TPI).

Colostrum Management: The success of colostrum feeding management depends on the amount fed, the quality of the colostrum and the timing, also known as the three Q's: Quantity, Quality and Quickness of feeding colostrum. We recommend feeding 10% of the body weight of high-quality colostrum, which consists of colostrum harvested hygienically and with high concentrations of immunoglobulins 50 g/L IgG's (Brix ≥22) within six hours after birth.

Read the Full Article HERE.

Regional Agriculture Opportunities for

Veterans

SUNY Farmers Market Manager Professional Certification

Grow Your Skills: Market Manager Certification

October 2023 – March 2024

Dear Farmers Market Managers,

We are happy to announce the SUNY Farmers Market Manager Professional Certification program, designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge needed to take your farmers market to new heights. Whether you're a seasoned market manager or just starting your journey, this certification is your key to success! 

Grow your skills in our virtual and interactive monthly certification course!

Why Choose FMM Pro Certification?

Comprehensive Training: From basic market management to the development of key programs, strategies for market growth, and building a stronger community around your market, our program covers it all.

Boost Your Professional Skills: Gain essential skills that not only benefit your market but also help you garner community support and recognition.

Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow market managers, share experiences, and learn from each other's successes and challenges.

Build Your Toolkit: Complete 17 engaging homework assignments that will enhance your abilities and provide practical insights into market management.

Program Details:

Time Commitment:

-Six Zoom sessions on the second Wednesday of each month, from 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm, starting on October 11th (mandatory attendance).

-One allowed absence with a makeup session required; an additional absence will result in automatic removal from the program.

-Homework Assignments: Plan to dedicate a minimum of 5-7 hours per month to complete homework assignments, with opportunities for suggested edits based on instructor feedback.

-Homework Submission: Homework assignments are due two weeks after each Zoom session via email.

Cost:

$75

Join us in this exciting course to become a certified Farmers Market Manager and make a positive impact on your market and community.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your market management skills and achieve your goals. Secure your spot today!

For inquiries, please contact Jack Riffle at jriffle@nyfarmersmarket.com.

For registration, click here or visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grow-your-skills-fmm-pro-market-manager-certification-tickets-700352983627?aff=oddtdtcreator

Artificial Insemination Training for Beef and Dairy

An AI training is being planned in Chautauqua County for October 9-11, 2023 for beef and dairy cattle producers and farm employees interested in learning how to breed cows. 

The cost will be $200 per person, which will include the classroom session, hands-on Artificial Training at a farm and materials. 

Participants will need to bring their own lunch.

Registration deadline September 22nd.

Register by contacting Lisa Kempisty at 716.664.9502 ext. 203 or ljk4@cornell.edu.

It's Soil Sampling Season

Katelyn Miller, Field Crops and Forage Specialist

Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program

Soil testing is the building block of any fertilizer management program. Testing allows you to evaluate your pH, organic matter, and various macronutrient and micronutrient levels in your soil. When paired with crop trial data, the soil test results can be used to determine specific, crop based, nutrient applications that are profitable and environmentally sound. Fall is a popular time of year to take soil samples, so let's discuss how to get your soil from the field and into the lab for analysis.

First, you must decide where you are going to send your soil samples. In New York State, the most reliable extraction method based on our soil types is Morgan, and all fertility recommendations are based on this. In New York State, the most common lab is Dairy One, and all samples submitted contain recommendations derived from Cornell fertility guidelines. Regardless of if you decide to send samples to Dairy One or a different provider, always send samples to the same lab to receive consistent results. All the information in this article is based on submitting samples to this lab; for more information visit https://dairyone.com/services/agronomy-services/soil-analysis/.

Once you decide which lab you will send your samples to, you must take the sample. To do so, there are a couple different factors involved: Using the right tools: Soil probes are often the best tools to use for sampling because they can collect soil in a continuous core and create minimal soil disturbance. If you have rocky soil, an auger may work better as rocks can lodge inside the probe. These tools can be expensive, so a spade or shovel can also be used to take samples, but additional care is needed to avoid over/under sampling. Ensure that your equipment is clean and collect all cores into a bucket.

Read the full article here.

Are you thinking about starting a small farm? Do you already have a farm that you're looking to expand? Invest in your professional development and you'll see the returns in your business. Cornell Small Farms Program offers in-person trainings, workshops, and online courses for aspiring, new and experienced farmers.

Some options are listed below, and you can read more and enroll HERE.

BF 120: Vegetable Production I

From Planning to Planting

• Offered live for 6-weeks on Mondays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Eastern) from November 6 – December 11.

BF 122: Berry Production

Getting Started with Growing and Marketing Berries

• Offered live for 6-weeks on Tuesdays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Eastern) from November 7 – December 12. 

BF 130: Poultry Production

Profiting from Layers, Broilers, Turkeys, and Ducks

• Offered live for 6-weeks on Tuesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 PM (Eastern) from October 31 – December 5. 

BF 138: Getting Started with Pastured Pigs

Developing a Successful Farm Business with Pigs

• Offered live for 6-weeks on Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:00 PM (Eastern) from September 20 – October 25.

BF 150: Farm Woodlot Management

Assessing the Economic Potential of a Managed Forest

• Offered live for 6-weeks on Mondays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (Eastern) from October 30 – December 4.

BF 151: Outdoor Mushroom Cultivation

Growing Mushrooms on Logs, Stumps, and Woodchips

• Offered live for 6-weeks on Wednesdays from 6:30 – 8:00 PM (Eastern) from November 1 – December 6.

BF 152: Intro to Maple Syrup Production

Sugaring for Profit

• In 2023, this course will be offered live for 6-weeks on Thursdays from 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Eastern) from November 2 – December 14 (with November 23 off for Thanksgiving). 

What's Bugging You?

Join Live, on the first Friday of every month from Noon to 12:30 EST on Zoom.

Each month, experts will share practical information and answer questions on using integrated pest management (IPM) to avoid pest problems and promote a healthy environment where you live, work, learn and play. We’ll end with an IPM Minute and cover a specific action you can take in the next few days to help you avoid pest problems.

2023 Schedule:

• October 6: Jumping worms | Roof gutter pests
• November 3: Winter Garden prep | Tick check reminder
• December 1: Houseplant IPM | Firewood pests

Register for 2023 Events Here. Watch the past Event presentations Here.

Box Tree Moth Webinar

October 18, 2023

12:00 -1:00 PM

Cornell Garden-Based Learning and the Sustainable Landscapes Program Work Team are pleased to announce a Box Tree Moth webinar. This pest is new to the US and has already spread to several NY counties killing boxwoods along the way. The program will be held on Wednesday, October 18 from 12:00 to 1:00 pm and will help you answer questions from home gardeners, landscape professionals/arborists and nursery growers.

Dan Gilrein, an Entomologist with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, will share information on box tree moth life cycle, signs of infestation, as well as management options. Thom Allgaier, Invasive Species Coordinator with NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets Division of Plant Industry, will share where box tree moth is found across NY and the status of quarantines & regulations, and Brian Eshenaur, Sr. Extension Associate with Cornell’s NYS IPM Program will outline resources available through New York State Integrated Pest Management along with reporting protocols. Please join us with your questions and concerns at the end for a Q & A panel discussion.

Time: October 18th, 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Registration Link: https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_yDPAApLvTUWqadrbm1iX7w

DEC Updates Oak Wilt Emergency Orders for Ontario and Yates Counties

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today announced changes to oak wilt emergency orders in Yates and Ontario counties to reflect recent surveys for this invasive fungal disease. Emergency orders establish protective zones and quarantine districts around infections and prohibit the movement of oak and firewood out of the infected areas to help manage the spread of the fungus that causes the disease.

Oak wilt is an invasive fungal disease that blocks the flow of water and nutrients from the tree roots to the crown, causing the leaves to wilt and fall off, usually killing the tree. Oak wilt is spread above ground by beetles and below ground through tree roots. For more information on oak wilt, visit DEC's website.

Emergency orders are updated to include new detections and remove locations no longer showing signs of the disease. Through aerial and ground inspections, DEC Division of Lands and Forests staff confirmed additional areas of oak wilt in the town of Bristol, Ontario County, and the town of Italy, Yates County. Emergency Orders remain in effect in the towns of Bristol, South Bristol, Middlesex, and Italy in DEC's Region 8.

For more than six years, oak wilt was not detected in the town of Canandaigua, Ontario County; DEC is repealing the Emergency Order in place in that area.

DEC recommends avoiding pruning or wounding oak trees in the spring and summer (April - August) when spore mats are present and beetles are the most active. If an oak wound occurs, it should be sealed immediately with latex paint. This will deter beetles from landing in those areas, reducing the risk of oak wilt spreading.

Oak trees support more organisms than any other native North American tree. Oak trees provide food and protection to a variety of wildlife, from birds to bears, as well as numerous insects.



Prevention and early detection are critical to combating the spread of oak wilt. DEC will conduct aerial surveillance throughout the region during July. Property owners will be contacted if oak wilt is suspected on their property.

DEC encourages anyone that suspects oak wilt in DEC Region 8 to contact Brice June, Supervising Forester, Division of Lands and Forest, at (585) 226-5330 or brice.june@dec.ny.gov. Additional information about oak wilt can be found on the DEC oak wilt website.

Photo: NYS DEC, Oak Wilt - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation