Field Crop Update, July 14, 2023

Erik Smith, Area Field Crop Specialist/Team Leader
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: July 18, 2023

1. Field Observations

Corn and soybeans are enjoying the increase in rainfall, but our thoughts are with our neighbors who've experienced flooding. If you did not receive (or would like to receive) the resources I shared this Tuesday regarding flooded forages, please let me know and I will send them to you.

According to the 7-day stream flow map, the hardest-hit areas were in eastern and southeastern upstate NY, but our region has also seen extreme precipitation levels this week. These images are courtesy of Jessica Spaccio, Climatologist at the Northeast Regional Climate Center at Cornell:

7 day streamflow
NYS COOP site in Shrub Oak NY saw 8.10 inches of rain in day, a 100-year storm event with circle around area
U.S. Drought monitor map of NY
Forecast with flood watch
7 day precipitation amounts

2. Growing Degree Days (See: Climate Smart Farming Growing Degree Day Calculator)

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). For corn silage, we are using base 50/86, as corn development starts at 50 degrees F and ceases above 86. Check your location and planting date:

growing degree days
growing degree days

3. Pest and disease monitoring

Western Bean Cutworm (WBC) and Fall Armyworm (FAW) in corn
WBC is hot out of the gate across our region. I scouted the Chenango Co. field with the highest number for WBC egg masses (they prefer to lay eggs on the top surface of the uppermost leaves), but found none. Something to keep an eye on….

western bean cutworm and fall armyworm count

Potato leafhopper (PLH) in alfalfa - Fields swept by Ashley Bound and Emily Anderson, CCE Chenango, who will be working with local FFA chapters across our region to sweep alfalfa fields this year (funding provided by the Chobani Community Impact Fund).

potato leafhopper in alfalfa count

*No action needed if crop is within 1 week of cutting. If not, use a short-residual insecticide.




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Upcoming Events

Labor Roadshow VIII

December 11, 2024
December 13, 2024
December 17 - December 18, 2024 : Labor Roadshow VIII

Two in-person locations to choose from, along with a virtual option.  Join them in navigating agricultural labor issues, connecting on common challenges, and exploring possible solutions.

View Labor Roadshow VIII Details

2025 Dairy Day

January 7, 2025 : Dairy Day - Hamilton
Hamilton, NY

New Location!  Lunch Included!


January 8, 2025 : Dairy Day - Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa, NY

Lunch Included!

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Corn & Soybean Day

Event Offers DEC Credits

January 14, 2025 : Corn & Soybean Day - Hamilton
Hamilton, NY

New Location!  Lunch included! 2.75 DEC Credits available!


Event Offers DEC Credits

January 15, 2025 : Corn & Soybean Day - Ballston Spa
Ballston Spa, NY

New Location!  Lunch included! 2.75 DEC Credits available!

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Announcements

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Document and Share Storm Damage

Mother nature has really been difficult over the last few days. Significant damage has been seen throughout NYS. Please let us know what types of damage your farm may have sustained during this time. This could be in the form of property damage, lost power, milk dump due to lost power, loss of livestock, loss of stored feed or growing crops.

Farms are encouraged to DOCUMENT AND SHARE any impacts the weather may have had on their home or business. This could include structure damage, crop loss, inventory loss due to power outages, damage to equipment or fencing, and more.

If your farm experienced any sort of damage, please reach out to any of the folks listed below (or all of them). The more impact information that is collected, the greater the likelihood of a disaster declaration which can bring vital emergency support and awareness. The CNYDLFC Team will continue to collect detail and submit to NYSDAM and the EDEN network.

Reporting Weather Related Impacts (For your home or farm business)

  • First, ensure that all the people and animals on your farm are safe, and that there aren't any unsafe working conditions created because of the weather (check your structures!). If there's an emergency, call 911 - don't try to manage it all on your own.
  • Second, document all negative weather impacts for your farm and their estimated financial cost. Take photos, make estimates, and put it all in a safe place.
  • Reach out to your insurance providers - farm, vehicle, crop, etc. to initiate the claim process as needed.
  • Then, share your farm's damage with any (or all) of the ag support agencies listed below. We all work together to collect storm damage information and funnel it up to Ag and Markets which can initiate a natural disaster declaration.
Your local Cornell Cooperative Extension Association Office.
  • Chenango: 607-334-5841
  • Fulton/Montgomery: 518-853-2135
  • Herkimer: 315-866-7920
  • Madison: 315-684-3001
  • Otsego: 607-547-2536
  • Schoharie: 518-234-4303
  • Saratoga: 518-885-8995
Any of our CNYDLFC Team members (calls/emails/texts/site visit requests all ok)
  • Erik Smith: 315-219-7786
  • Daniela Gonzalez: 315-749-3486
  • Ashley McFarland- 315-604-2156

Your county USDA/FSA service center.
  • Chenango: 607-334-3231
  • Fulton/Montgomery: 518-853-4015
  • Herkimer: 315-866-2520
  • Madison:315-824-9076
  • Otsego: 607-547-8131
  • Schoharie: 518-295-8600
  • Saratoga: 518-692-9940

Your county farm bureau manager

  • Region 3: Bailey Coon: 518-937-0566
  • Region 5: John Wagner: 315-761-9770
  • Region 6: Natally Batiston: 518-937-0269
  • Region 7: Todd Heyn: 518-431-9338

Please let us know how we can help you.


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?"

Take the survey here.


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.


Spotted Lanternfly

Lycorma delicatula, or Spotted Lanternfly (SLF), is an invasive plant hopper from Asia and is an agricultural pest. In the United States, it was first found in Pennsylvania in 2014. Spotted Lanternfly has been found in New York State on Staten Island, all New York City boroughs, Long Island, Port Jervis, Sloatsburg, Orangeburg, Ithaca, Binghamton, Middletown, Newburgh, Highland, and the Buffalo area. SLF threatens the agriculture and forestry industries, and is also a nuisance pest. The nymphs and adults feed on over 70 different plants, but is especially detrimental to grapes, a black walnut, hops, maple trees and apples. New York State Ag and Markets supported CCE efforts to help bring awareness to communities and we developed this Public Service Announcement and would appreciate you sharing it with your member lists. 



CCE Livestock Program Work Team

See the Livestock Program Work Team website for news, upcoming programs, and NYS Slaughterhouse Map.

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