Forages

ForagesForages grow well on Central NY soils to provide the quantity and quality of feed needed for the dairy and livestock industry. Over 243,000 acres of hay, haylage, and baleage are grown each year along with 56,000 acres of corn silage.

FORAGES CATEGORIES




Relevant Event

Corn and/or Dairy Days 2024

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 21, 2024 : Corn Day 2024
Cooperstown, NY


April 3, 2024 : Dairy Day 2024 (Otesaga)
Cooperstown, NY


April 4, 2024 : Dairy Day 2024 (CCE Saratoga)
Ballston Spa, NY

Field Crop Update, October 13, 2023

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

Last Modified: October 13, 2023

Announcements, Weather Outlook, and Growing Degree Days.  Last field crop update of the season.


Field Crop Update, October 5, 2023

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

Last Modified: October 6, 2023

Announcements, Weather Outlook, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, September 28, 2023

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

Last Modified: September 29, 2023

Announcements, Weather Outlook, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, September 14, 2023

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

Last Modified: September 15, 2023

Announcements, Weather Outlook, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, August 31, 2023

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

Last Modified: September 6, 2023

Announcements, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 24, 2023

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

Last Modified: August 24, 2023

Announcements, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 18, 2023

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

Last Modified: August 18, 2023

Field Observations, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 10, 2023

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

Last Modified: August 10, 2023

Field Observations, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 4, 2023

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

Last Modified: August 4, 2023

Field Observations, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, July 27, 2023

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

Last Modified: July 27, 2023

Field Observations, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, July 20, 2023

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

Last Modified: July 20, 2023

Field Observations, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, July 14, 2023

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

Last Modified: July 18, 2023

Field Observations, Weather Outlook, Growing Degree Days, Pest & Disease Management


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ July 6, 2023

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

Last Modified: July 7, 2023

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Weather Outlook


Field Crop Update, June 22, 2023

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

Last Modified: June 22, 2023

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, Weather Outlook, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, June 14, 2023

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

Last Modified: June 15, 2023

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, Weather Outlook, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 16, 2023

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

Last Modified: May 17, 2023

This is our fourth and final week of 1st cutting quality in 2023.


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 8, 2023

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

Last Modified: May 9, 2023

This is our third week of 1st cutting quality in 2023.


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ April 26, 2023

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

Last Modified: May 5, 2023

This is our 1st forage quality update for the week of April 26, 2023


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 3, 2023

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

Last Modified: May 5, 2023

This is our second week of 1st cutting quality in 2023.


Field Crop Update, September 30, 2022

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

Last Modified: September 30, 2022

Reminders and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, September 22, 2022

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

Last Modified: September 26, 2022

Fall Field Prep, Reminders from last week, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, September 15, 2022

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

Last Modified: September 15, 2022

Announcements, Field Observations, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, September 8, 2022

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

Last Modified: September 8, 2022

Announcements, Field Observations, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, September 1, 2022

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

Last Modified: September 1, 2022

Announcements, Field Observations, and Growing Degree Days


Field Crop Update, August 25, 2022

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

Last Modified: August 25, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 16, 2022

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

Last Modified: August 17, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 4, 2022

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

Last Modified: August 4, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 27, 2022

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

Last Modified: July 28, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 21, 2022

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

Last Modified: July 22, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 15, 2022

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

Last Modified: July 15, 2022

Fields Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 7, 2022

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

Last Modified: July 8, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update June 30, 2022

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

Last Modified: June 30, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest & Disease Monitoring


Field Crop Update June 9, 2022

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

Last Modified: June 9, 2022

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Weather Outlook


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 24, 2022

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

Last Modified: May 25, 2022

This is our fourth and final week of monitoring 1st cutting for quality in 2022.


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 17, 2022

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

Last Modified: May 18, 2022

This is our third week of monitoring 1st cutting for quality in 2022. If you are not familiar with our procedures, we use alfalfa height to predict Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and grass stands.


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 10, 2022

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

Last Modified: May 11, 2022

This is second week of monitoring 1st cutting quality in 2022.


1st Cutting Forage Quality Update ~ May 3, 2022

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

Last Modified: May 5, 2022

This is our 1st forage quality update for the week of May 3, 2022.


Field Crop Update, September 30, 2021

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

Last Modified: September 30, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Weather Outlook


Field Crop Update, September 24, 2021

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

Last Modified: September 24, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Weather Outlook


Field Crop Update, September 17, 2021

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

Last Modified: September 17, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Weather Outlook


Field Crop Update, September 9, 2021

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

Last Modified: September 10, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Weather Outlook


Field Crop Update, September 2, 2021

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

Last Modified: September 2, 2021
Field Crop Update, September 2, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days & Weather Outlook, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 26, 2021

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

Last Modified: August 27, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days & Weather Outlook, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update, August 20, 2021

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

Last Modified: August 20, 2021

Field Observations with Chlorpyrifos Update, Growing Degree Days & Weather Outlook


Field Crop Update, August 6, 2021

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

Last Modified: August 6, 2021
Field Crop Update, August 6, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days & Weather Outlook, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 30, 2021

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

Last Modified: July 30, 2021
Field Crop Update July 30, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Weather Outlook, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 22, 2021

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

Last Modified: July 23, 2021
Field Crop Update July 22, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Weather Outlook, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update July 9, 2021

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

Last Modified: July 9, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days & Weather Outlook, and Pest Monitoring for the week ending July 9, 2021


Field Crop Update July 2, 2021

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

Last Modified: July 6, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest Monitoring for the week of July 2nd


Field Crop Update June 17, 2021

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

Last Modified: June 18, 2021
Field Crop Update June 17, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days, and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update June 11, 2021

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

Last Modified: June 11, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Pest Monitoring


Field Crop Update May 31-June 4, 2021

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

Last Modified: June 4, 2021

Field Observations, Growing Degree Days and Pest Monitoring


GDDs May 23, 2021

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

Last Modified: May 26, 2021

Growing Degree Days for May 23, 2021.


GDDs May 16, 2021

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

Last Modified: May 18, 2021

Growing Degree Days for May 16, 2021


GDDs May 9, 2021

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

Last Modified: May 12, 2021

Growing Degree Days for May 9, 2021


GDDs for May 2, 2021

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

Last Modified: May 5, 2021

Growing Degree Days for May 2, 2021


Biggest Bang for the Crop Buck

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: April 15, 2019

Here is my list of biggest bang for the buck ideas coming into the 2019 cropping season


Biostimulants: What are they and do they work?

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: April 15, 2019

In recent years, biostimulants have sparked an interest with many crop producers. With these products getting more attention, we find there is much to debate on their effectiveness. Before we discuss whether Extension recommends them, let's talk about the different types and what they actually do.


Feeding High Forage Diets Successfully

David Balbian, Area Dairy Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: April 15, 2019

You have probably read or heard of people feeding high forage diets to their dairy herds, but how feasible or practical is it? The feasibility comes in when we are able to also have good productivity. Anybody can feed a high forage diet, but if milk output suffers to any great degree, the benefits will almost always be lost to the economic value of the lost production, even with current milk prices.  


Alfalfa Grass Mixes article, Dr. Jerry Cherney

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: March 4, 2019

Silage Management 101-The Basics, Dr. Limin Kung

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: March 4, 2019

5-26-2015 1st cutting update

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: May 27, 2015

This is the third and last monitoring report for 1st cutting quality for this year. If you are not familiar with our procedures we use alfalfa height to predict Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and grass stands. Alfalfa height has proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field.

5-19-2015 1st cutting update

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: May 22, 2015

This is the second monitoring report for 1st cutting quality for this year. If you are not familiar with our procedures we use alfalfa height to predict Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF) for alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mixed and grass stands. Alfalfa height has proven to be a reliable indicator of NDF values in the field.

5-12-2015 1st cutting update

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: May 14, 2015

We have begun monitoring of 1st cutting for quality this year.

Every year is certainly different and 2015 is no exception. We did a dry run last week feeling that the fields were behind enough not to justify reporting. It appears we may just gone through one of the biggest jumps in alfalfa growth since we have started this monitoring. Since last week we had some alfalfa fields grow 9-11 inches where typically large jumps in the past have been in the 7-8 inch range. The warm temperatures really pushed alfalfa growth. However grass growth was atypical due to the dry conditions and is short by 2-4 inches as we now see some heading out. This is a reminder that grass may be behind in growth (yield) but it isn’t behind in maturity or fiber accumulation. So check your all grass or mostly grass fields there is a good chance they may need cut. Even mixed stands should be given some scrutiny!

As always use information in the attached table as a guide to know when to harvest by checking your fields! Next report May 19!


Potato Leafhopper Resistant Alfalfa Varieties Show Their Stuff

Last Modified: May 9, 2014

Keith Waldron, NYS Livestock and Field Crops IPM Coordinator wrote this article for the Weekly Field Crops Pest Report 2012 July 12, 2012, Volume 11 Number 13.  See the attached PDF.

Straw Itch Mites

Kevin Ganoe, Area Field Crop Specialist
Central New York Dairy and Field Crops

Last Modified: May 9, 2014

If you and your hay buyer have chests covered with small red welts after delivering a load of hay then the straw itch mite was looking for a meal.





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Upcoming Events

Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course

March 27, 2024 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Johnstown Location
Johnstown, NY


March 29, 2024 : Pesticide Applicator Exam Prep Course - Earlville Location
Earlville, NY

Corn and/or Dairy Days 2024

Event Offers DEC Credits

February 21, 2024 : Corn Day 2024
Cooperstown, NY


April 3, 2024 : Dairy Day 2024 (Otesaga)
Cooperstown, NY


April 4, 2024 : Dairy Day 2024 (CCE Saratoga)
Ballston Spa, NY

Parasite Fecal Analysis Roadshow

March 21, 2024
March 28, 2024
April 5, 2024
April 12, 2024

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.


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We send out a bi-weekly e-newsletter that has announcements, upcoming programs, and opportunities for you!  Registration is quick, easy, and free.  Click here to sign up today!

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.