HARRISBURG, PA — More than 600 junior exhibitors from 34 states across the country spent a week here for the VitaFerm Junior National Hereford Expo (JNHE). “I honestly think it’s the best junior national I’ve been too,” said Andy Billing of Greendale, NJ, co-chair New Jersey. representative on the s...

No stranger to cattle, Robert Bentley of Argyle, NY, was an avid team penning and sorting competitor until two years ago. At the Washington County Fair his children entered poultry in the fair and met several other youth competing with their beef cattle. “My daughter, Brianna, the younger of our chi...

Guardian plants offer simple, non-chemical pest management in field crop and greenhouse settings. Guardian plants include indicator plants, trap crops and banker plants. Their use can dramatically reduce the need for pesticides. Jack Manix, of Walker Farm in Vermont, said the key is to know your lik...

by Troy Bishopp, Madison Co. SWCD/Upper Susquehanna Coalition Grazing Specialist WHITESVILLE, NY — While many farmers in Allegany and Steuben counties were out mowing hay after a week of severe thunderstorms, dairyman Chris Reinbold was hosting a workshop focused on learning more about soil health p...

The period just before and after calving can be a very dangerous time for a dairy cow, says Gustavo M. Schuenemann, DVM, MS, PhD, who is an assistant professor in the Department of Veterinary Preventive Medicine, Ohio State, and OSU Extension veterinarian. “That transition period, especially during ...

A field of bright yellow canola is a pretty sight, although most people don’t know what it is when they see it. The terms canola and rapeseed are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same crop. Canola is essentially improved rapeseed. Rapeseed contains high levels of certain compounds tha...

Row after row of wires stretch across the field, into the distant horizon. The wires run horizontally, forming a four-wire trellis, with the tallest wire at about 10 feet, the lowest around two feet off the ground. Thin, tall trees grow vertically in rows, spaced a mere few feet apart, with bent bra...

In the agriculture community, it’s not hard to find examples of folks “giving forward” in ways that make America great. One such example was to be found in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley this past winter and spring. The Rockingham Feeder Calf Association organized two cattle drives through the Heifers...

Good weed control leads to stronger plants, higher crop yields and higher farm profits. “Effective weed control starts with proper identification,” said Dr. Richard Bonanno, UMass Extension and GAP Educator, at a recent pesticide-training workshop held in Warwick, RI. He recommended growers verify w...

Corning East High School, in Corning, NY, won the American Dairy Association’s “Just Say Cheese” school menu recipe contest with their entry, Kickin’ Buffalo Mac & Cheese. For their efforts, the school received a recent visit from Sean Landeta, two-time Super Bowl champion and former National Footba...

For nearly 50 years, many dairy farmers have been waiting for some reputable sources to document and tell the truth about the real value of milk and list the reasons why the average American consumer should consume more milk and dairy products. It makes you wonder where the advertising experts and r...

Springfield, NY, a small town where the population is just over 1,300, where agriculture is showcased and family is still priority, has plenty of reasons to celebrate — and this 4th of July gave them one more reason! “The Town of Springfield held its 100th Anniversary Parade and Celebration for Inde...

On June 9, 2010 my friend, grazing customer, mentor and fiercely independent farmer, David Huse tragically died when his tractor and mower were hit by a car on his way to help a neighbor. At his funeral I recollect writing this passage: “A large, skylight provided a mottled scene over my friend’s ca...

State officers of the NYS FFA and officers from the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill FFA Chapter joined the Mohawk Valley FFA Chapter for the 76th Mohawk Valley FFA Annual Banquet and award ceremony on June 20 at the Oppenheim-Ephratah School. In addition to awarding Discovery Degrees, Greenhand Degrees and C...

Hay is an important crop for livestock producers, and should be treated the same as any other crop when it comes to weed control. Weedy hay results in decreased yields, short-lived stands and potential harmful effects to livestock. Weeds in forages compete for nutrients, light moisture and space. Th...