With the increasing promotion and adoption of cover cropping practices, some growers are seeking novel ways to terminate their cover crops. Roller crimpers are one strategy, but a new 30-foot roller crimper is currently priced at around $30,000. According to Ryan Schmid, growers are reluctant to mak...

In a presentation for Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, financial advisor Henry Mondschein, Connect Financial Group LLC, provided farmers with information on estate planning. Mondschein’s admonition was “a will does not make a transition plan.” “Today, there are about two million family farms across the nat...

At the risk of sounding out of touch, it’s true that technology sometimes doesn’t improve upon the “old-fashioned way” of doing something. Dennis Buckmaster, representing Purdue University, presented “Digital Tech in Agriculture: Boon, Bane, Barrier or Blessing?” at the recent New York Ag Society Fo...

With the disclaimer that any and all topics being discussed at 8 a.m. on Feb. 4 might be flipped upside down at any given time – given tongue in cheek, of course – the higher-ups of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association provided their Washington, D.C., issues update at their annual CattleCon in ...

Snowmobile tourism brings significant income to northern states – but depends on the goodwill of landowners and snowmobile club members. The two entities must cooperate to maintain thousands of miles of trails. New York State alone has 10,500 miles of trails maintained by 250 clubs. Sharon Pathfinde...

Fashion trends change often and without a lot of substantive impact on everyday life. Trends in agriculture can affect a farm’s viability and a farmer’s livelihood. Eric Schilling, senior director of dairy business for Elanco Animal Health, presented “Trends that Transcend” as part of the recent New...

The maple industry in general is a “rapidly expanding industry,” stated Mark Cannella, an Extension associate professor at the University of Vermont (UVM). In early January, Cannella led Farm Credit East’s 2025 Maple Industry Outlook, analyzing trends in the maple industry and discussing expected ch...

It’s been a very cold start to 2025 so far, after a mild autumn and December. No doubt the animals are being challenged by the cold – for the first time ever we had to get an “outer layer” for our dog! She’s a 13-inch, 21-pound beagle and has been shivering and picking up her hind feet alternately w...

Many new and beginning farmers (as well as seasoned farmers) rely on USDA programs for technical guidance and funding. While it’s impossible to access most programs without assistance, trained technicians are eager to help farmers and rural landowners. Latoyia Elliott, USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA)...

It can feel impossible for one person to make a difference when it comes to a large problem, but every voice matters. Pasa Sustainable Ag recently hosted a webinar to help agricultural enthusiasts find their voice in ag policy. In this virtual training session, Noah Erwin, a policy specialist at Pas...

December and January have been very busy for the Boonville-Oneida County Fair Board of Directors. Our first order of business was our annual reorganizational meeting with elections of officers and appointments of committees: President David Hyatt; First Vice President Tom Reader; Second Vice Preside...

WATKINS GLEN, NY – When you drive by Angus Glen Farms, across the way from the iconic Watkins Glen International Speedway, you’ll see round bales staged like racecars throughout selected pastures, ready for the infamous words: “Gentlemen start your bale grazing.” The ironic part was the absence of e...

It’s the best time of year for those who raise sheep and goats, eagerly anticipating lambing, kidding or both. Although most late-gestation periods go smoothly, several obstacles can challenge even the most experienced herd and flock owners. Dr. Denise Konetchy, DVM, explained some of the most commo...

Our region is known for lots of things – great food, great neighbors, great events and, often, for receiving lots of snow. In a recent snowstorm, Steuben, NY, received 60 inches of snow – just a few inches less than Camden, which topped the local charts with more than 65 inches. A little snow can be...

DELHI, NY – “A tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it,” said Henry James. The 2025 Catskill Regional Agriculture Conference has followed this sentiment for 22 years, as one of the first gatherings to christen the new year with practical knowledge and networking for the 135 area ...