GDDs May 23, 2021
Erik Smith, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops
Growing degree days (GDD) are calculated by taking the average daily temperature and subtracting the base temperature for development of a given organism ((High + Low)/2 - base temp = GDD). This spring, we are tracking GDD for general grass development (base 32) and alfalfa development (base 41) across our region as a way of monitoring the weather conditions that promote or inhibit growth (soon we will begin tracking GDD for corn silage). Always visually check forage to assess harvestability. See: Climate Smart Farming Growing Degree Day Calculator
Afternoon thundershowers are in the forecast for most of the rest of this week. Temperatures hit their targets for last week, and we are right around the 15/30 year normals (some locations slightly higher).
Soil temperatures are above 60 and we're past the average date of the last spring frost (and close to latest-recorded frosts in many locations), so think about planting your warm-season forages if they are in your plans this season:
Dairy
Livestock
Forages
Grains
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.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.