If the benefits of Kentucky 31 tall fescue don’t outweigh the risk of toxicity, or its propensity to out-compete other forages, it is possible to renovate and remove this controversial forage from your pastures. Before renovating, though, a cost-benefit analysis is needed. The benefits can include i...

MORRISVILLE, NY – Constituents in New York’s 121st Assembly District are mourning the loss of their beloved, cow-tie wearing friend, lifelong rural advocate and former Democratic Assemblyman William “Bill” Magee, who received his wings on Christmas Eve at the age of 81. “He was truly an advocate for...

As winter settles in, reviewing your winter livestock management strategy can help you improve the productivity and profitability of your operation. Recently, NRCS hosted a webinar with three of its agronomy and grazing experts to discuss approaches to handling livestock during what can be a challen...

Recently, the Animal Ag Alliance announced the winners of their College Aggies Online initiative, which connects college students across the country who are interested in promoting agriculture. Participants receive training from industry experts and social media-savvy farmers to engage on social med...

For a number of years, we’ve enjoyed receiving weekly emails from Image Equine Photography, featuring a “Photo of the Week.” Carien Schippers, originator of the site, chooses stunning images of equines she has photographed to share. She adds inspirational quotes and interesting facts on the breed, d...

Stephanie Finn knew she wanted to return to her family’s dairy farm in after attending Cornell, where she obtained a degree in dairy science with a minor in ag business, graduating in May 2018. Stephanie’s brother Nicholas was just ahead of her with the same degree, graduating in December 2017. Both...

Lee Newspapers is proud to announce that the 23rd Annual Keystone Farm Show – the farm show for farmers – will be taking place Jan. 5 – 7 at the York Fairgrounds, 334 Carlisle Ave., York, PA. Although virtual trade shows were par for the course in 2020, nothing can beat the experience of learning an...

In a shining example of optimism meeting reality, Dr. Rob Swackhammer explained what shouldn’t have happened in a group of young heifers. A new farmer acquired 10 cows from his grandfather and rented out the other half of the barn to help pay the bills. The pregnant heifers from the grandfather’s he...

Tall fescue has earned a bad reputation. For some, it’s the grass that never dies, being an aggressive grower and having earned notoriety as difficult to eradicate. Others are concerned about its toxic effects: the ergot alkaloids which are found throughout the plant – in the highest concentrations ...

The coronavirus pandemic created a perfect storm for an economic, political and health crisis all at the same time, according to David McWilliams, an economist and professor at Trinity College Dublin. Prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, a strong recovery from the financial crisis of 2008 was likely to b...

NYFarmNet Personal Consultant Brenda O’Brien cited a common occurrence among women involved in agriculture today: “Sometimes you don’t realize you’re actually drowning when you’re trying to be everyone else’s anchor.” The recognition and managing of myriad daily stressors was the focus of a virtual ...

Now that heifers are no longer relegated to an old shed on the edge of the property and fed whatever the milking herd refuses, they’re performing up to their genetic potential starting with their first lactation. But managing heifers for optimum milk production still requires careful attention to gr...

Although modern farm equipment is designed for safe operation that doesn’t result in immediate or long-term harm to the user, there’s a degree of risk every time the key is turned. However, some risks are silent, and equipment operators may not be aware of the danger. Whole body vibration (WBV) is a...

Regularly testing your soil to make sure it’s performing as best as it can is important, but so is testing the manure you spread as fertilizer. Mahmoud Sharara, waste management Extension specialist with North Carolina State University, shares the best management practices for sampling manure. There...

All Emma Durling of Trumansburg, NY, wanted for her fifth birthday was to ride a live unicorn with wings. As she found out, when you wish hard enough, your dreams do come true. Emma’s mom, Elizabeth, knew that her parents who live in Albion, NY, would be eager to help. They still own her youth horse...