Agriculture News
Steuben County
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Dear Readers:
September brings more tomatoes and vegetables from the garden, school will be starting up again, and potentially cooler temperatures are on their way. Please read on for the newest happenings from CCE on agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources topics.
- Ariel Kirk, Agriculture Educator
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Agriculture and Natural Resources Program Committee |
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Ed Merry
Chris Comstock
Allison Lavine
Gary Mahany
Cody Lafler
Kevin Costello
Joe Castrechino
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Arkport
Bath
Savona
Arkport
Bath
Corning
Prattsburgh
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Legislative Representatives
Hilda Lando
Fred Potter
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USDA African Swine Fever Action Week
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service invites you to join us September 13-17 for daily webinars to learn more about African swine fever and its global spread, actions APHIS is taking to safeguard the United States, and biosecurity measures you can implement now to protect the U.S. herd.
Sign up for our Stakeholder Registry to receive daily updates during Action Week, including resources you can print, post, and share. Register for as many webinars as you would like. After you register, you will receive a confirmation email with additional details.
Monday, September 13
ASF: Where it Exists and
What’s at Stake
2:00 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Tuesday, September 14
Steps APHIS is Taking to
Prevent and Prepare for ASF
2:00 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Wednesday, September 15
ASF and the Benefits of Biosecurity
2:00 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Thursday, September 16
What to Expect in an ASF Outbreak
2:00 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
Friday, September 17
ASF and the Feral Swine Factor
2:00 to 3:30 p.m. EDT
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Caring for Your Trees After a Caterpillar Outbreak
Do you have trees in your yard that were defoliated during the caterpillar outbreak this year? Most healthy trees can withstand a couple years of leaf loss from caterpillar damage. Long-term damage depends on the type of tree as well as how much defoliation took place:
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Hardwoods – A healthy leaf-bearing tree should have grown new leaves by now, though leaves may be smaller than usual. If your tree lost all its leaves and does not grow any new ones by summer's end, watch it in the spring. If it still does not leaf out next spring, it has died.
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Conifers – If your needle-bearing trees lost more than 50 percent of their needles, there’s a good chance they probably won’t recover. Keep an eye on them in the coming seasons, and if you have concerns or think the tree could endanger a house if it were to fall, contact an arborist.
Losing lots of leaves in summer stresses trees and can weaken them, making them vulnerable to pests, diseases, or even competition from invasive plants that swoop in to steal the now-sunny understory space. If trees in your yard show signs of recovery, keep a close eye on them in upcoming months and watch for potential issues. Give them a little extra care when appropriate like:
- watering in dry conditions,
- weeding around the trunk,
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mulching properly - just 1-2 inches deep (if you plan to mulch), and
- scraping off invasive egg masses in fall/winter (if applicable).
If you’re a woodland owner who saw major forest defoliation, watch for new leaves this summer. If this is not the first year of the outbreak in your area and you have concerns for next year, contact a forester for a consultation.
Trees are pretty resilient, but sometimes they can use a little help from their human friends to get them through tough times. A watchful eye and a little extra care can go a long way in helping your trees get healthy again.
-NYSDEC
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Finger Lakes Respirator Fit Testing Clinics
September 23 and 24, 2021
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ontario County,
480 N. Main St., Canandaigua
The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health (NYCAMH) and HealthWorks is providing respirator fit testing clinics in the Finger Lakes Region. All attendees must wear a mask or face-covering. Appointments can be scheduled between August 2 and September 20, 2021. To schedule an appointment, please call the NYCAMH office between the above dates and ask to speak with the farm respirator clinic scheduler.
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Pollen-sized Technology Protects Bees From Deadly Insecticides
A Cornell-developed technology provides beekeepers, consumers and farmers with an antidote for deadly pesticides, which kill wild bees and cause beekeepers to lose around a third of their hives every year on average. An early version of the technology – which detoxified a widely-used group of insecticides called organophosphates – is described in a new study, “Pollen-Inspired Enzymatic Microparticles to Reduce Organophosphate Toxicity in Managed Pollinators,” published May 20 in Nature Food.
The antidote delivery method has now been adapted to effectively protect bees from all insecticides, and has inspired a new company, Beemmunity, based in New York State. Studies show that wax and pollen in 98% of hives in the U.S. are contaminated with an average of six pesticides, which also lower a bee’s immunity to devastating varroa mites and pathogens. At the same time, pollinators provide vital services by helping to fertilize crops that lead to production of a third of the food we consume, according to the paper.
“We have a solution whereby beekeepers can feed their bees our microparticle products in pollen patties or in a sugar syrup, and it allows them to detoxify the hive of any pesticides that they might find,” said James Webb, M.S. ‘20, a co-author of the paper and CEO of Beemmunity. First author Jing Chen is a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of senior author Minglin Ma, associate professor in the Department of Biological and Environmental Engineering in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS). Scott McArt, assistant professor of entomology in CALS, is also a co-author. The paper focuses on organophosphate-based insecticides, which account for about a third of the insecticides on the market. A recent worldwide meta-analysis of in-hive pesticide residue studies found that, under current use patterns, five insecticides posed substantial risks to bees, two of which were organophosphates, McArt said.
The researchers developed a uniform pollen-sized microparticle filled with enzymes that detoxify organophosphate insecticides before they are absorbed and harm the bee. The particle’s protective casing allows the enzymes to move past the bee’s crop (stomach), which is acidic and breaks down enzymes. Microparticles can be mixed with pollen patties or sugar water, and once ingested, the safe-guarded enzymes pass through the acidic crop to the midgut, where digestion occurs and where toxins and nutrients are absorbed. There, the enzymes can act to break down and detoxify the organophosphates. After a series of in vitro experiments, the researchers tested the system on live bees in the lab. They fed a pod of bees malathion, an organophosphate pesticide, in contaminated pollen and also fed them the microparticles with enzyme. A control group was simultaneously fed the toxic pollen, without the enzyme-filled microparticles. Bees that were fed the microparticles with a high dose of the enzyme had a 100% survival rate after exposure to malathion. Meanwhile, unprotected control bees died in a matter of days.
Beemmunity takes the concept a step further, where instead of filling the microparticles with enzymes that break down an insecticide, the particles have a shell made with insect proteins and are filled with a special absorptive oil, creating a kind of micro-sponge. Many insecticides, including widely-used neonicotinoids, are designed to target insect proteins, so the microparticle shell draws in the insecticide where it is sequestered inert within the casing. Eventually, the bees simply defecate the sequestered toxin. The company is running colony-scale trials this summer on 240 hives in New Jersey and plans to publicly launch its products starting in February 2022.
Products include microparticle sponges in a dry sugar medium that can be added to pollen patties or sugar water, and consumer bee feeders in development. “This is a low-cost, scalable solution which we hope will be a first step to address the insecticide toxicity issue and contribute to the protection of managed pollinators,” Ma said. Jin-Kim Montclare, a researcher at New York University’s Tandon School of Engineering, is a co-author. The technology is licensed through Cornell’s Center for Technology Licensing (CTL). Ma and McArt are advisors for Beemmunity.
The study was funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation.
Source: Cornell CALS News and the Cornell Chronicle, May 21, 2021 by Krishna Ramanujan.
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What can the Dairy Advancement Program do for You? |
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Funding Available for NY Dairy Producers to Assist With Business and Environmental Planning
By Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management Specialist with the SWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program
Dairy producers in New York State, with a preference for small to mid-sized farms, are eligible for funding to address business needs to stay competitive and sustainable in today's agricultural environment!
The Dairy Advancement Program provides financial support to NY dairy producers that can be used to engage professionals for financial analysis and to create business plans, design new or remodeled farm facilities, and develop farmstead environmental plans, including design of practices identified in the farm comprehensive nutrient management plan. For more information, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll in the SWNY region at 716-640-0522 or visit prodairy.cals.cornell.edu/dairy-advancement.
Eligible Projects and Funding Include:
- Recordkeeping systems - $2,500 to start a new, or update, recordkeeping system. Example: Purchase something like QuickBooks for improved financial recordkeeping or DairyComp for cow health records.
- Operational planning - $2,500 to identify options for improving current operations by analyzing costs. Example: Pay for a financial consultant to analyze current cash inflows and outflows and budget for an anticipated or desired change and evaluate profitability or cover the cost of a financial analysis program like the Dairy Profit Monitor.
- Business Planning - $5,000 new and $2,500 continuing to develop a farm business plan which could include transition analysis, facility planning, and farmstead layout. Example: Hire a business consultant to discuss and design a transition plan from one generation to the next and how to do that sustainably.
- Advisory Teams - $3,000 to bring together farm advisors regularly to help brainstorm ideas and recommendations for farm issues with the goals of improving the dairy business. Example: Pay for a vet, crop consultant, lender, nutritionist, etc. to meet quarterly and discuss farm goals and issues while offering suggestions for improvements.
- Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plan - $6,000 new and $4,500 continuing to have a certified planner work with the farm to develop and update a CNMP.
- Engineering Services for Best Management Practices - $2,000 to $10,000 depending on the project to pay for an engineer to design BMP's from the farm's CNMP, construction oversight, structure evaluation, and development of a Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan.
Funding for DAP is provided by NYS Dept. of Ag and Markets, NYS DEC's Environmental Protection Fund, coordinated through Cornell PRO-DAIRY, and facilitated by CCE and other agri-service professionals. DAP funds 80% of the total project cost and the farmer pays for the remaining 20% directly to the service provider. Projects are expected to move forward in a consistent manner or farms risk forfeiting the award. Funds are awarded on a rolling basis, first-come first-serve.
For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county's Association Executive Director:
First posted June 11, 2021
SWNYDLFC is a partnership between Cornell University and the CCE Associations of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben counties. Their team includes Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522) and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844). CCE is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities.
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Opportunities to be Involved |
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New York Logger Training's Continuing Education Course:
FOREST & TREE INVASIVE SPECIES
Thursday, 9/30/21, 8:30am - 4:00pm
The goals of this course are to:
- Define invasive species and the characteristics that given them an advantage
- Review key invasive species: their movement, impact, and control
- Review the impact invasive species have on forest management activities and how forest management can positively and negatively affect invasive species
- Review key regulations, agencies and programs that deal with invasive species
- Provide tangible actions that you can take to slow the spread of invasive species
This class is a full day, inside course and may have an outdoor component, so bring appropriate clothing for the weather and hiking. Please also bring your own lunch.
Registration fee: $95 ($70 for Empire State Forest Products Association members)
Location: Howard Vol. Fire Hall, 3622 COUNTY ROUTE 70A AVOCA, NY 14809
Instructor: Mark Keister
Call (518) 463-1297 to register. Class size limited to 20 people
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Farm Ops Offering No Cost Enrollment into
BF 101: Starting at Square One
To support veterans interested in starting their own farm businesses, our Cornell Farm Ops project will sponsor 20 active duty servicemembers and/or military veterans, residing in NY or NJ, with enrollment into a number of our online courses this year.
The first course being offered is Starting at Square One: Farm Start-up Considerations for New and Aspiring Farmers.
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Pasture Walk in Livingston County
Join the NWNY Team for a pasture walk at Valley View Devons, the farm of Phil Race and Sharon Pierce, 2765 Mt. Morris Nunda Townline Rd, Mt. Morris, NY.
They raise Devon cattle, pastured pigs and laying hens on rotationally grazed pasture and have worked closely with JoBeth Bellanca with NRCS for farm improvement cost share opportunities.
The farmland was in row crops and was converted to pasture about 8 years ago. Overall soil health has greatly improved with reduced erosion on the hillsides.
There will be moderate walking around the farm and no restroom facilities will be available. Masks are required for unvaccinated attendees and 6 ft. social distancing needs to be maintained. Please wear clean boots and clothing. A boot wash will be available.
Pre-registration is required by September 7. Cost is $10 per person, $15 per farm or family.
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2021 Corn Silage Pre-Harvest Meetings
Wednesday, September 1st, 2021
Two locations to choose from!
Join Cornell PRO-DAIRY Forage Specialist, Joe Lawrence, to discuss pre-harvest considerations for corn silage production. Topics that will be covered in this discussion style meeting will include harvest season safety, the importance of whole plant dry matter, chopper set-up for kernel processing and particle size, ensiling considerations and tips for success, molds and toxins, agronomics, and more depending on attendee interest.
These meetings are free to attend. Registration is required by August 31st to help prepare materials and to contact participants in the unlikely event of cancellation or location change. Register online by visiting swnydlfc.cce.cornell.edu or by calling/texting/emailing Katelyn Walley-Stoll at 716-640-0522 or kaw249@cornell.edu.
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Dear Readers,
Spotted Lanternfly poses a huge potential risk to NYS agriculture. I am including two articles in this month's newsletter to increase awareness.
-Ariel
WANTED IN THE FLX: Spotted Lanternfly
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Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula or simply ‘SLF’) is an invasive insect originally native to China. SLF was first detected in the United States, specifically near Philadelphia in 2014, likely arriving on a cargo shipment
- Since its arrival, SLF has rapidly spread across Pennsylvania and along the east coast, eventually arriving in New York and the Finger Lakes region in 2020
- SLF is characterized by its colorful appearance with pink wings and black spots, and red coloration underneath the wings
- SLF is a large insect, frequently reaching as long as 1″
SLF has a wide host range, and commonly attacks the following plant species:
- Tree of Heaven (also an invasive species)
- Grape vines
- Fruit trees (most notably apple trees)
- Hops vines
- Maple spp.
- Walnuts
SLF feeds on our plants not by biting them, but by sucking the sap inside the plant. So if you believe you’ve seen plants damaged by SLF, make sure you know what to look for. (See the photos and descriptions at the end of this article)
Range
As of August 2021, SLF has been reported in 8 counties in New York state, including the 5 boroughs of New York City, Rockland and Orange counties downstate, and Tompkins county here in the Finger Lakes.
Lifecycle
The SLF lifecycle has four distinct phases. An egg phase from October-June, a series of small black “instars” from June-July, a larger, red colored fourth instar from July-September, and an adult stage from July-December (depending on the local climate SLF might reach maturity earlier in the year).
Here is some important information to know about each stage of the lifecycle:
Eggs
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SLF eggs are most frequently laid on the host species they prefer, but can occur almost anywhere. Frequently in the past, eggs have been found on rocks, rusted metal, and on the bumpers and wheel bearings of vehicles. If you are stopping in an area where there is an active SLF infestation, make sure to check your vehicle!
- SLF eggs are a muted grey-purple color, and can be quite difficult to find in person. Make sure if you are looking for SLF eggs, to keep a sharp eye out
Black instars
- While as adults SLF is quite large, the initial instar phases are rather small. In fact, when SLF first hatches from its eggs, they are about the size of an ant
Red instar
- These instars are much larger than their black counterparts, and are close to the size of an adult
- These instars are capable of delivering considerable damage to plants compared to earlier phases
Adult
- Adults are the only stage in the SLF lifecycle that is capable of flight, as this is the only stage when they have wings. Earlier instars will simply hop around to move.
- Breeding activity amongst adults is highest in the early fall months of September and October, so this is most likely when you will see them
What can I do?
At the moment, SLF is only just beginning to enter New York. If you are concerned about SLF, keep an eye out for it! With your help, we may be able to identify populations and eradicate them before they have a chance to spread. If you believe you have found SLF, please take a picture of the insect and send that photo to spottedlanternfly@agriculture.ny.gov.
Making sure that you are not inadvertently spreading SLF is crucial as well. Ensure that when you are passing through areas that have an active SLF infestation, to check your vehicle and scrape off any egg masses before you leave.
Common Misconceptions
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Despite the fact that they are planthoppers, SLF is capable of long, sustained flight
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SLF DOES NOT bite humans, and they’re actually incapable of biting at all as they have no teeth
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Unlike carpenter ants or termite, SLF does not damage structures at all, they may land on houses and other buildings but do not cause any damage
By: Finger Lakes PRISM (Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management)
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Dear Readers,
FLFC is a collaborative effort between the regional CCE offices and their respective counties' visitor centers. You may have seen the logo or heard of the Agritourism Trail project in the last year or so. We are continually building and adding visitor information to the website at no cost to you. If you are interested in having your farm listed on the site, please complete the survey or reach out to Kevin Peterson, contact information below.
Did You Know?
Finger Lakes Farm Country is a regional agritourism program that combines agriculture and tourism to promote the abundance of agricultural resources in the southern Finger Lakes. Through a collaborative approach to marketing and promotion, the program creates a memorable brand for agritourism attractions and businesses in the area, while showcasing educational and recreational activities for visitors to the region.
In an effort to sustain local farms and create an environment for entrepreneurism, Finger Lakes Farm Country will promote the region’s abundant agritourism resources through a variety of marketing strategies. The Finger Lakes Farm Country region includes the counties of Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben, Tioga, and Yates.
Interested in Joining?
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Dear Readers,
Below is a request from a college student needing information to further her thesis studies. If you are a farmer, please offer your thoughts on the topic of biochar as a soil amendment to help Cara's study.
-Ariel
Biochar Research Survey
My name is Cara Sherman, and I am an MS student at the University at Albany in the Biodiversity, Conservation, and Policy program. I am writing my thesis on the prospects of using biochar as a soil amendment on farms in New York State. I have created the following survey to get your input on this topic as a farmer in New York.
The survey should take you no longer than 15-20 minutes. Most of the questions are multiple choice, with some requiring a few sentences for clarification. The survey will be anonymous, and the results will only be used in my thesis. You will be contacted only once to take the initial survey; there will be no follow up surveys or interviews in the future.
Unfortunately, no compensation can be provided, so your response is greatly appreciated!
Email Cara for questions about the survey here
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** Your Advertisement Here! **
Dear Readers,
Through this publication, CCE Steuben serves farmers, agribusinesses, and county residents of all ages interested in current agriculture, horticulture, and natural resources topics. You can contribute a logo and/or have space for a promotional message to reach the local agriculture community.
$15.00/Month
$100.00 for the remainder of the year - December 2021
Contact Anne at 607-664-2300 or email her here for more details.
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From the Cornell Small Farms Staff:
Funding Opportunities
USDA Updates Pandemic Assistance for Livestock, Poultry Contract Producers and Specialty Crop Growers
The Coronavirus Food Assistance Program 2 (CFAP 2) has been updated for contract producers of eligible livestock and poultry and producers of specialty crops and other sales-based commodities. CFAP 2 assists producers who faced market disruptions in 2020 due to COVID-19. Learn more and apply by October 12.
New York Farm Viability Institute Grant Program
Proposals are currently being accepted for this grant program. They are seeking proposals that have clear relevance to New York’s agriculture community, demonstrated producer support, and the ability to deliver farm-level economic impact over time. Learn more and apply by October 17.
USDA Accepting Applications to Help Cover Costs for Organic Certification
Organic producers and handlers can now apply for funds to assist with the cost of receiving or maintaining organic certification. This program provides cost-share assistance to producers and handlers of agricultural products for the costs of obtaining or maintaining organic certification under the USDA’s National Organic Program. Learn more and apply by November 1.
USDA Disaster Relief Programs Available to Help NY Farmers with Storm Recovery
Recent extreme weather conditions have impacted farmers and ranchers in New York. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has disaster assistance programs available to help agricultural producers recover after natural disasters, including floods. Program benefits include funding and technical assistance for farmers and ranchers to rehabilitate farmland damaged by natural disasters. Many disaster programs have a 30-day eligibility window to report losses. Learn more and apply.
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Dairy Market Watch
Note- The Dairy Markey Watch was not available at time of release for the newsletter. It will be added as a supplemental document for this month when it is available. Thanks for your patience.
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Dear Readers,
Below is an excerpt from the VegEdge Newsletter, a publication from our Cornell Vegetable Program. If you are interested in reading more about commercial vegetable farming and subscribing to the program, please contact Anne at the CCE Steuben office at amz65@cornell.edu or 607-664-2300.
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CONTACT:
For Immediate Release: August 24, 2021
STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ASKING RESIDENTS TO HELP COMBAT SPOTTED LANTERNFLY
With Population Spreading in New York City Area, Department Asks Public to Destroy or Treat Spotted Lanternfly
Encourages Residents to Report New Sightings Outside of New York City *Only
The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets (AGM) is asking for the public’s help in combatting the Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), an invasive pest from Asia. First found in New York State on Staten Island in August 2020, the population has now been observed in all NYC boroughs. SLF (see photo above and in earlier article within newsletter) is a destructive pest that feeds on more than 70 plant species, including tree-of-heaven, and plants and crops that are critical to New York’s agricultural economy, such as grapevine, apple trees, and hops.
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “The Department has been working diligently to mitigate the impacts of this destructive pest, which can weaken plants and have a devastating impact on agriculture. Despite intensive survey and the implementation of targeted management plans, AGM has continued to find SLF around the New York City area. We are once again asking for residents’ help, this time with spotted lanternfly treatment options, particularly in this area. Outside of NYC, we’re asking for the public to continue to be vigilant and report any sightings to help slow the spread of this invasive."
New York City Region
NYS AGM has been receiving increased reports of SLF in the five boroughs of New York City since early this month. While inspectors continue to survey and respond to these reports, AGM is asking residents to destroy SLF adults. Later in the fall the public can help further by scraping off and destroying SLF egg masses. The public can also reach out Cornell University’s Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) or a certified pesticide applicator for treatment options to help combat SLF.
Because NYSAGM is aware of the population spread, it is asking NYC residents to forgo reporting sightings of SLF at this time. In addition to reaching out to Cornell, AGM encourages the public to thoroughly inspect vehicles, luggage and gear, and all outdoor items for egg masses and adult SLF before leaving the New York City region.
While these insects can jump and fly short distances, they spread primarily through human activity. SLF can lay their eggs on any number of surfaces, such as vehicles, stone, rusty metal, outdoor furniture, and firewood. Adult SLF can hitch rides in vehicles, on any outdoor item, or cling to clothing or hats, and be easily transported into and throughout New York.
Residents can also help by allowing surveyors access to properties where SLF may be present. Surveyors will be uniformed and will always provide identification.
Upstate New York
SLF has also been detected in several isolated areas upstate, including Ithaca, New York; however, that population is relatively small and scheduled for treatment.
Reporting in Upstate New York is critical, helping inspectors identify any newly impacted areas.
Brian Eshenaur, Sr. Extension Associate at Cornell University’s NYS Integrated Pest Management Program, said, “In New York, we’re particularly concerned about the impact Spotted Lanternfly could have on our grape and wine industries. Our NYS Integrated Pest Management Program has been working with our colleagues in Pennsylvania over the past few years to learn from their experience and prepare our growers for this insect advance. We are currently scouting vineyards and have NYS appropriate management options available for producers and tips for residents as well.”
In February of this year, the State also launched an innovative effort to combat the spread of SLF in New York State. A new online interface allows volunteer members of the public to assist in surveying for SLF in a specific area, or grid of land, and tracking associated data. The program encourages broader surveying for SLF and increased public awareness of this invasive pest.
The State is holding a series of training webinars to educate volunteers on how to identify SLF and tree-of-heaven, a plant that SLF commonly feeds on. Each training webinar will focus on a different life stage of SLF based on the time of year that stage would be most likely found during survey. Currently, the training focuses on identifying adult SLF. The training will also cover how to use iMapInvasives, how to sign up for a grid and track data, and details about land access. The next webinar will be held on October, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. More information about the program, including upcoming webinars, can be found at https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/slf.
Spotted Lanternfly Devastating to New York Agriculture
SLF feeding can stress plants, making them vulnerable to disease and attacks from other insects. SLF also excretes large amounts of sticky "honeydew," which attracts sooty molds that interfere with plant photosynthesis, negatively affecting the growth and fruit yield of plants, devastating agriculture and impacting forest health.
The estimated total economic impact of invasive insects in the US exceeds $70 billion per year, and if not contained, the SLF could have an impact to NYS of at least $300 million annually, mainly to the grape and wine industry.
SLF also has the potential to significantly hinder quality of life and recreational activities due to the honeydew and the swarms of insects it attracts.
First discovered in Pennsylvania in 2014, SLF has since been found in New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, West Virginia and Virginia. Given the proximity to the Pennsylvania and New Jersey infestations, New York State is at high risk for infestation.
Since 2017, AGM, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, New York State Department of Transportation, and New York State Thruway Authority have taken an aggressive approach to keeping SLF from establishing in New York State, conducting surveys of high-risk areas across the State; inspecting nursery stock, stone shipments, and commercial transports from quarantine areas; and launching a comprehensive education and outreach campaign to enlist the public’s help in reporting SLF.
Identifying SLF
Adult SLF are active from July to December. They are approximately one inch long and half an inch wide at rest, with eye-catching wings. Adults begin laying eggs in September. Signs of an SLF infestation may include:
- Sap oozing or weeping from open wounds on tree trunks, which appear wet and give off fermented odors.
- One-inch-long egg masses that are brownish-gray, waxy and mud-like when new. Old egg masses are brown and scaly.
- Massive honeydew build-up under plants, sometimes with black sooty mold developing.
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An important research project is gearing up in the next few weeks to understand what is happening with New York farm labor during this time of great change in markets, regulations and technology. It’s an opportunity for the voices of actual farm employers and employees to be heard through research! Strong participation from farm employers and employees is important! Go here for more information.
From the SWDLFC Team
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FOR LEASE OR RENT:
- 6+ acres for lease for organic cultivation. Must have ag exemption. Call (607) 483-8758 between 10:30 AM and 5:00 PM, M – F.
- Available For Rent: Steuben County SWCD has an Esch 10’ No-Till Drill for rent. Rates are $12-$25/acre based on number of acres planted. Delivery/pickup available. Please call (607)776-7398 ext.3 for more information.
- Seeking conservation minded individual with interests in permaculture to rent 3-4 acre, gentle grade, southern exposure field for agricultural production in Steuben County, NY. Acceptable practices include organic vegetable production, small scale poultry, and organic greenhouse or high tunnel production. Other considerations will be determined by owner. Improved, uncultivated ground will require proper preparation for success. Currently no housing available on the property, but can be discussed with owner in the future. Contact CCE Steuben at (607)664-2574 for further information.
- Attention Cattle Farmers: I have pasture/farmland for rent, 40-50 acres, reasonable rate. Located in Steuben County on State Rt. 63. Contact Marian Crawford at (585)728-5303.
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Looking for a farmer interested in a lease agreement for approximately 40 - 50 acres in Howard at the intersection of CR69 and Dublin Road. Please call Bill at (484)794-1400 for more information.
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