Dairy Grazing Pasture Walk at Houston Farms
Event Details
Date
June 27, 2023
Time
1pm-3pm
Location
Houston Farms
81 Sincerbeaux Rd
Groton, Ny 13073
Host
South Central NY Dairy & Field Crops Program
Mary Kate MacKenzie
email Mary Kate MacKenzie
Learn how rotational grazing and other conservation practices enhance farm viability for the 4th and 5th generations on a small dairy in Groton, NY.
Join the South Central NY Dairy and Field Crops Team for a pasture walk at Houston Farms in Groton, NY, where fourth generation dairy farmer PJ Houston and his son, Robert, manage 600 crop acres and 150 milking cows plus youngstock. Over the years, the farm has adopted conservation practices that improve cattle health and productivity, labor efficiency, and quality of life for the farmers, all while enhancing soil health and generating environmental benefits in the Owasco Lake Watershed. The Houstons view rotational grazing and other conservation practices as critical to their farm's long-term viability and its ability to support the next generation.
At this free event, you will learn how the Houstons manage their rotational grazing system to supplement the dairy ration during the grazing season. We will also discuss how the farm has benefitted from other conservation practices, including:
- Reduced tillage cropping systems
- Cover cropping & crop rotation
- Covered barnyard connecting freestall barns to the parlor
- Above ground manure storage
Natural resource program specialists Paul Gier and Devon Cox from the Tompkins County Soil & Water Conservation District will be present to share information and answer questions. Paul and Devon will discuss how farmers can connect with their local county Soil & Water Conservation District to learn more about conservation practices and access grant funding.
For more information, visit https://scnydfc.cce.cornell.edu/events.php or email mkw87@cornell.edu.
Upcoming Events
Farmer Mental Health in New York State
May 29, 2024
A Story of Crisis and Advocacy from the Makers of the Documentary "Muckville"
New York State Fiber Conference
June 9, 2024
Bouckville, NY
Theme for this year: Quality Matters
Announcements
Cash Rent and Custom Harvest Survey
To date, there is limited information available about rental rates and fees for crop harvesting. Farms can use this valuable information for their farm business planning to help improve decision making and profitability.Farmers Can Join MeatSuite For Free!
MeatSuite.com is a free resource provided by Cornell University where NY meat farmers can create a farm profile and list their bulk (wholes, halves, quarters) and bundled (i.e. Grilling Bundle) meat products.Why should farmers join?
1. It's free and easy!
2. Connect with more local customers. In the past year the MeatSuite.com farm directory had 8,300 visits from New York consumers. Farm profiles get as many as 25 views per month from potential local customers. We also spotlight MeatSuite farms on social media and bring attention and purchases to farms through highlights and giveaways.
How do I join?
Farmers can visit https://www.meatsuite.com/farmers/ to create a free farm profile. You must list at least one product for your farm's profile to go live. You'll also have access to Cornell's free Meat Price Calculator, a helpful tool for pricing your meat to make a profit.
While you're on MeatSuite, check out the "Creating Consumer-Friendly Bulk Meats" publication on the log-in page. It has tips on how to create bulk meat products that are easier for first-time buyers to say "yes" to.
If you have any questions as you create your farm profile or products, we're here to help! Please email Matt LeRoux at mnl28@cornell.edu.