1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 26, 2020
Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops
May 27, 2020
Since last Tuesday alfalfa height increased 6.8 inches (13.5 to 20.3 inches) a sizable increase with several fields increasing as much as 10 inches.
The average alfalfa height for May 19, 2020 was 13.5 inches.
The average alfalfa height for May 26, 2020 was 20.3 inches.
Of the thirty-two fields, 8 fields or 25 % have been cut.
We would expect all but one of our remaining 24 fields if they were a 50/50 mixed stand to be ready for harvest this coming week or are ready now.
More details in the pdf.
A huge thanks to the team of Dave Balbian, Ashley McFarland, Nicole Tommell and Mark Schmidt for helping to gather this info.
1st Cutting Forage Quality Update 5-26-20 (pdf; 635KB)
Upcoming Events
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.The data that is collected, and the subsequent reports/findings/resources will be helpful for all of us to answer that call of "What's the average rental rate in my area?" and "How much do people charge to combine oats?"
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.