A number of congressmen and women have written to the U.S. Department of Agriculture with a plan that could help farmers when milk prices go down.
Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/letter-urges-usda-to-make-milk-agricultural-commodity-20170729 to check out the story.
Tuesday, August 1, 2017
Dairy Farmers Persevere During Adverse Industry Times
Check out this story about problems hitting farmers in the dairy industry in New York state.
Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/dairy-farmers-persevere-during-adverse-industry-trends-looking-for-silver-lining-20170730 to see the story.
Go to http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/news03/dairy-farmers-persevere-during-adverse-industry-trends-looking-for-silver-lining-20170730 to see the story.
Monday, July 31, 2017
Farm Credit East Provides Updates on Agriculture Economic Conditions
Farm Credit East recently launched a section on its website containing snapshots for nine Northeast agriculture industries.
These snapshots provide industry-specific year-to-date updates on economic conditions in various sectors of agriculture.
Snapshots are available for the Northeast’s dairy, fruit, vegetable, nursery and greenhouse, cash field, timber, aquatic/fishing, and livestock industries, as well as an update and outlook on input costs for the region’s producers.
These snapshots will be updated on a quarterly basis and also contain links to other resources and recent articles relating to each industry.
The most recent update reports that overall, U.S. agriculture, as well as that of the Northeast, continues to face some challenging market conditions, but there are also a number of bright spots and some improvements are in the forecast.
Cash field crops in particular are dealing with adverse pricing and while dairy prices are improving, there continue to be marketing challenges in some areas. Nursery and greenhouse, which have had improving economic conditions for the past few years, are reporting relatively good spring results.
To dive deeper into industry-specific snapshots, visit FarmCreditEast.com.
These snapshots provide industry-specific year-to-date updates on economic conditions in various sectors of agriculture.
Snapshots are available for the Northeast’s dairy, fruit, vegetable, nursery and greenhouse, cash field, timber, aquatic/fishing, and livestock industries, as well as an update and outlook on input costs for the region’s producers.
These snapshots will be updated on a quarterly basis and also contain links to other resources and recent articles relating to each industry.
The most recent update reports that overall, U.S. agriculture, as well as that of the Northeast, continues to face some challenging market conditions, but there are also a number of bright spots and some improvements are in the forecast.
Cash field crops in particular are dealing with adverse pricing and while dairy prices are improving, there continue to be marketing challenges in some areas. Nursery and greenhouse, which have had improving economic conditions for the past few years, are reporting relatively good spring results.
To dive deeper into industry-specific snapshots, visit FarmCreditEast.com.
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Program Aug. 15 Details Use of Refractometers in Evaluation Colostrum Quality
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County will have a program demonstrating on farm use of refractometers in evaluating colostrum quality and calf immunity on organic dairy farms.
Detailed colostrum and calf feeding management can improve calf well being, reduce the frequency of illness and can eliminate the use of medications and therapy costs. Every calf on organic dairies should be fed a sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum and whole milk.
A calf comes into the world defenseless, without an immune system sufficient to protect it from disease. Activation of the immune system from vaccines that produces the antibodies necessary to fight disease takes several weeks.
To bridge the immunization gap starting at birth, the calf must take in antibodies from colostrum.
The value of calves acquiring passive immunity through colostrum management comes from improved calf health, especially respiratory health. Studies done since the late 1960s have also shown the value of colostrum and blood IgG levels in young calves will impact the long term health and future milk production of the dairy herd.
Jefferson County Cornell Cooperative Extension will demonstrate the use of refractometer as an easy, on farm method of evaluating colostrum quality and total solids in milk fed to calves.
The workshop will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 15 at Meeks Farm Organic Dairy, 25793 Waddingham Road, Evans Mills, Jefferson County. There is no fee for this workshop. RSVP not required but registration allows us to communicate any cancellations or changes in arrangements.
Kim Morrill of Cooperative Extension will be the guest speaker for the workshop. Morrill has published a paper in the Journal of Dairy Science showing that the Brix scale measurement from refractometer could be used to estimate failure of passive transfer in calves. One refractometer can be used to evaluate colostrum quality, total solids in milk as well as passive transfer in calves.
Participants will be able to take back to the farm information about the quality of colostrum and how it varies greatly, how total solids of waste milk fed to calves fluctuates day to day and measuring immunoglobulin concentrations in the calf’s blood is the only method for evaluating passive transfer of immunity.
For more info please contact Ron Kuck, Dairy/Livestock Educator, CCE of Jefferson County; (315) 788-8450 (office), (315) 704-8810 (cell) or rak76@cornell.edu
Detailed colostrum and calf feeding management can improve calf well being, reduce the frequency of illness and can eliminate the use of medications and therapy costs. Every calf on organic dairies should be fed a sufficient quantity of high-quality colostrum and whole milk.
A calf comes into the world defenseless, without an immune system sufficient to protect it from disease. Activation of the immune system from vaccines that produces the antibodies necessary to fight disease takes several weeks.
To bridge the immunization gap starting at birth, the calf must take in antibodies from colostrum.
The value of calves acquiring passive immunity through colostrum management comes from improved calf health, especially respiratory health. Studies done since the late 1960s have also shown the value of colostrum and blood IgG levels in young calves will impact the long term health and future milk production of the dairy herd.
Jefferson County Cornell Cooperative Extension will demonstrate the use of refractometer as an easy, on farm method of evaluating colostrum quality and total solids in milk fed to calves.
The workshop will be held from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday Aug. 15 at Meeks Farm Organic Dairy, 25793 Waddingham Road, Evans Mills, Jefferson County. There is no fee for this workshop. RSVP not required but registration allows us to communicate any cancellations or changes in arrangements.
Kim Morrill of Cooperative Extension will be the guest speaker for the workshop. Morrill has published a paper in the Journal of Dairy Science showing that the Brix scale measurement from refractometer could be used to estimate failure of passive transfer in calves. One refractometer can be used to evaluate colostrum quality, total solids in milk as well as passive transfer in calves.
Participants will be able to take back to the farm information about the quality of colostrum and how it varies greatly, how total solids of waste milk fed to calves fluctuates day to day and measuring immunoglobulin concentrations in the calf’s blood is the only method for evaluating passive transfer of immunity.
For more info please contact Ron Kuck, Dairy/Livestock Educator, CCE of Jefferson County; (315) 788-8450 (office), (315) 704-8810 (cell) or rak76@cornell.edu
Young Farmers Advisory Board Bill Signs by Cuomo
From staff reports
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed the bill creating a “Young Farmers Advisory Board.”
State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, said the bill she sponsored would bring together leading agriculture experts to help protect the future of family farming in New York.
The new law creates a 20-member board, made up of farmers, representatives of agricultural organizations and state agencies, to find ways to attract next-generation farmers, and connect them with existing state resources that will help them succeed.
“If we want to make sure that agriculture remains our state’s leading industry, it’s imperative that we continue to come up with new, fresh ideas that will encourage more young people to consider careers in farming,” said Ritchie, who also is chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
“There’s no better way to do that than to tap into the experience and expertise of our state’s hardworking farmers,” she said. “I am pleased to see this bill become law and look forward to seeing how the Young Farmers Advisory Board will help those new to agriculture achieve success and in turn, preserve the future of family farming for many years to come.”
It is estimated that in five years, there will be 100,000 young farmers needed nationally and in New York, the average age of a farmer is 57 — making initiatives like the Young Farmers Advisory Board especially important to the future of the industry.
“The future of farming in New York State depends on encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Assemblyman William Magee, who sponsored the legislation in the Assembly and is chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee.
“Through the new Young Farmers Advisory Board, those who have achieved success in agriculture can continue to help pave the way for those who will follow in their footsteps and provide the guidance needed to help new and beginning farmers thrive,” Magee said.
In the 2017-2018 state budget, Ritchie helped obtain $1 million for a fourth round of the “New Farmers Grant Fund.” The grant program provides up to $50,000 for agriculture professionals to help offset startup costs with equipment and land purchases.
More than 70 beginning farmers already have shared in the $2.5 million in grants to help them build their farm businesses. In addition, Ritchie secured $150,000 in the recent state budget to continue the “student loan forgiveness program” to help those who commit to careers in farming cover their education expenses.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed the bill creating a “Young Farmers Advisory Board.”
State Sen. Patty Ritchie, R-Oswegatchie, said the bill she sponsored would bring together leading agriculture experts to help protect the future of family farming in New York.
The new law creates a 20-member board, made up of farmers, representatives of agricultural organizations and state agencies, to find ways to attract next-generation farmers, and connect them with existing state resources that will help them succeed.
“If we want to make sure that agriculture remains our state’s leading industry, it’s imperative that we continue to come up with new, fresh ideas that will encourage more young people to consider careers in farming,” said Ritchie, who also is chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
“There’s no better way to do that than to tap into the experience and expertise of our state’s hardworking farmers,” she said. “I am pleased to see this bill become law and look forward to seeing how the Young Farmers Advisory Board will help those new to agriculture achieve success and in turn, preserve the future of family farming for many years to come.”
It is estimated that in five years, there will be 100,000 young farmers needed nationally and in New York, the average age of a farmer is 57 — making initiatives like the Young Farmers Advisory Board especially important to the future of the industry.
“The future of farming in New York State depends on encouraging young people to pursue careers in agriculture,” said Assemblyman William Magee, who sponsored the legislation in the Assembly and is chair of the Assembly Agriculture Committee.
“Through the new Young Farmers Advisory Board, those who have achieved success in agriculture can continue to help pave the way for those who will follow in their footsteps and provide the guidance needed to help new and beginning farmers thrive,” Magee said.
In the 2017-2018 state budget, Ritchie helped obtain $1 million for a fourth round of the “New Farmers Grant Fund.” The grant program provides up to $50,000 for agriculture professionals to help offset startup costs with equipment and land purchases.
More than 70 beginning farmers already have shared in the $2.5 million in grants to help them build their farm businesses. In addition, Ritchie secured $150,000 in the recent state budget to continue the “student loan forgiveness program” to help those who commit to careers in farming cover their education expenses.
Friday, July 28, 2017
Cornell Stinky Corpse Plant To Bloom Soon Outdoors
One of Cornell University's stinky "corpse plants" (Titan arum) is going to bloom soon.
Check out the story in the Cornell Chronicle by https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/07/huge-stinky-corpse-flower-bloom-outdoors going to this link.
Check out the story in the Cornell Chronicle by https://news.cornell.edu/stories/2017/07/huge-stinky-corpse-flower-bloom-outdoors going to this link.
Monday, July 24, 2017
Empire Farm Days 2017 Kicks Off Aug. 8 in Seneca Falls
From Empire Farm & Dairy magazine
EMPIRE FARM DAYS
SENECA FALLS — Lift the hood. Kick the tires. Sit in the cab. Test drive tractors, trucks, applicators, UTVs and construction equipment.
“Come See for Yourself!” is the theme of this summer’s Empire Farm Days event Aug. 8 to10 at Rodman Lott and Son Farms, 2973 State Route 414, in Seneca Falls.
This show is the largest outdoor agricultural trade event in the northeastern U.S.
Here’s a quick look at what’s new at the 2017 show:
Expanded, irrigation-fed field demonstrations include:
** Hard hose reel system irrigation-fed crops
** More pieces of equipment to see and test drive
** Renewed focus on ‘big iron’ operating in real-time field conditions.
** Field demos starting at 10:30 a.m., with support from Morrisville State College and 15 equipment manufacturers: CNY Farm Supply/ROC, Cummings & Bricker/McHale, Dion-Ag Inc., H & S Manufacturing, John Deere, Marloo Equipment/SIP, Meyer Manufacturing, New Holland, Norwood/KwikTill, Oxbo International, Pequea Machine Inc., Poettinger US Inc, Rangeline Group/K-Line, Tigerco Distributing/Reese, and Unverferth Manufacturing.
** 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily: Test drive large applicators with Java Farm Supply/Ag Chem Rogator, John Deere, Monroe Tractor/Case IH, Chandler, Miller and Vector
** 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily: Ride and drive Ford Trucks, Honda, Milton Cat, RAM Trucks, and Yanmar tractors and UTVs.
** 10:30 a.m. daily: Cover Crops Field Demonstration Tour with King’s AgriSeeds and Seedway: Cool and warm season cover crop species/mixes; best seeding methods, timing, and purposes discussions.
Soil Health Center Seminars
** USDA NRCS Northeast Regional Soil Health Specialist Jim Hoorman from Findlay, Ohio, opens the Tuesday programs on fertilizer, manure and nutrient management in cover cropping and reduced tillage systems.
** Hoorman leads Wednesday’s schedule addressing prevention, reduction and mitigation strategies for compaction problems.
** Thursday programs focus on utilizing soil health practices in vegetable cropping systems beginning at 9:30 am with Cornell University Horticulture Professor Dr. Thomas Bjorkman.
** Wednesday, 2 p.m.: “The Living Soil” Keynote Presentation/Demonstration with Conservation Biologist Carmen Greenwood of SUNY Cobleskill. Learn how live soil-dwelling invertebrates, such as soil mites, serve in vital ecosystem roles, provide conservation benefits and act as indicators of soil health.
** Daily: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service intro to Conservation Client Gateway (1:30 p.m. presentation; one-on-one all day), Web Soil Survey, cell phone Soil Web App.
Dairy Profit Seminars
The daily 10:30 a.m. Dairy Profit Seminars are made possible by a collaboration by Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY Program, the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, and Dairy Business and Holstein World magazine.
** The Tuesday, Aug. 8 presentation is on Robotics and Maximizing Milk Per Box: Grouping and Feeding Strategies with Douglas F. Waterman, Director of Technology Application: Dairy for Trouw Nutrition Agresearch.
** The Wednesday, Aug. 9 presentation is on Transitioning to Automatic Milking Systems with farmer panelists, Bruce Dehm of Dehm Associates, LLC, and Cornell Senior Extension Associate Jason Karszes.
** The Thursday, Aug. 10 presentation is called, “Is Your Farm a Member of the 7 Pound Club?” Leading dairy producers delve into the next frontier of maximizing pounds of components produced while maintaining profitability with representatives of Albano Farms, Thornapple Farm, and Hanehan Family Dairy; Bruce Dehm of Dehm Associates; and Dr. Cargill Feed and Nutrition Senior Dairy Specialist Jay Giesy.
New Products
Among the new products in 2017: forage mergers, disc blades, manure spreaders, an on-farm mastitis detection system, a patented metal roofing system, a PTO-driven firewood processor from Finland, an expanded reach skidsteer; mower combination, cover crop seeder, rock picker, mineral feeder, bale grapples, apple grinder, and precision fertilizer application monitoring system.
Expanded Beef Programs
** Designing cattle handling systems with Runnings.
** Animal ID and pre-conditioning practices.
** Tuesday/Wednesday programs on feeder calf grading and evaluating with NY livestock graders and market news reporter, and how to use blood sampling to check for pregnancy as early as 28 days.
** One-Day-Only Programs with NY Beef Council: Wednesday: Livestock Animal Well Being; Thursday: Beef Quality Assurance Training and Recertification: must pre-register: (315) 339-6922.
** 11a.m. daily: Live Cattle Handling with Cornell Beef Extension Specialist Dr. Mike Baker and representatives of Hi Hog, Priefert and Powder River cattle systems.
Ag Education
** Try virtual reality welders aboard American Welding Society Careers in Welding trailer from Miami, Fla.
** NYS FFA students compete in NYS welding and tractor driving safety contests on Thursday.
** 2017 Cornell PRO-DAIRY Junior DAIRY LEADERS class graduates Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.
** Colleges highlighting agricultural degree programs at Empire Farm Days include Alfred State College, Cornell University, Morrisville State College, SUNY Canton and SUNY Cobleskill.
** Information on national Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program and info on grass-fed milk emerging markets. in Cornell Marketplace Building.
New Craft Beverage Center
** New center to meet needs of emerging micro beverage industry in New York State. According to the state Department of Agriculture, the state has seen an increase from 10 farm distilleries in 2010 to 114 today, along with 163 farm breweries and 34 farm cideries.
** See bottling equipment, hammermills for grain processing, a new apple grinder that converts to milling malted grains, and high-tech filtration, separation and purification systems; talk with manufacturers.
** Tuesday, 9 a.m to 1 p.m., all day Wednesday: Try wine and cider “sniff test” with Cornell University Viticulture and Enology Extension specialists to identify issues and how to avoid them. Learn about Cornell Wine Lab testing and analysis services to help all types of beverage makers.
** Tuesday 1 to 5 p.m., all day Thursday: Talk with Brewmaster Jon Paul Partee and co-owner Craig Partee of Fleur De Lis Brew Works and Hop Yards of Seneca Falls, about hops production and their French style of artisan beer making. Their beer garden has been part of the Partee family farming legacy for three generations.
Farm Safety
** Grain Bin Simulator from National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, Peosta, Iowa, will offer demos and educate show visitors about the four most common ways to become entrapped in a grain bin, the equipment every grain bin operator should have on site, and how to protect yourself form grain dust and mold.
** Special Tuesday evening hands-on safety training session will be available by registration for firefighters. Contact is Jim Carrabba at New York Center for Agriculture Medicine and Health, (800) 343-7572, ext. 2216, jcarrabba@nycamh.com
** The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health tent will be offering blood pressure, hearing, vision and skin cancer screenings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
** The winner of the new Fastest PTO Shield Installation contest at the NYCAMH booth will receive a free Bare-Co PTO Shield.
For the Horse Crowd
The rugged horses of the American West and the refinement of dressage riding will be featured in the Equine Round Pen showcases at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily.
** America’s Mustangs: From Wild to Mild will be featured on Tuesday Aug. 9 and Wednesday Aug. 10 with celebrated horse trainers and 2017 Extreme Mustang Makeover regional winners Jack and Emma Minteer of Rose Hill Ranch, Naples.
** On Thursday. Aug. 10, Lucretia Galbraith, raised in a family of Standardbred racing royalty and a lifelong horsewoman, will demonstrate the skills that make her a five-time Western NY Dressage Association Professional Rider of the Year and a United States Dressage Association Bronze Medalist.
Farm Family Fun and Learning
** “Why I Farm,” pumpkin production, and the Chicken Chat large board game are all new attractions at the NY Farm Bureau Family Education Center.
** The Dancing Digger will perform ‘hydraulic handstands’ to music daily.
** The New York State Grange has added quilting presentations to programming at 11:05 a.m. and 2:05 p.m. Dalmatian Sparks and handler Tibbie Dell lead off at 9:30 a.m. with You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks.
** Did you know that in addition to making tractors International Harvester made refrigerators? See tractors, implements and other farm and household items made by agricultural manufacturers at the Old Iron exhibits.
Get in the Farm Pond
Those 10 and older can try a standup paddleboard or kayak with Morgan Marine in the farm pond. Participants must attend a preceding water safety program by New York Sea Grant, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and New York State Parks Marine Services Bureau.
Empire Farm Days show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday. Admission is $10 per vehicle.
For daily schedules and more information, visit www.empirefarmdays.com, check out Empire Farm Days on Facebook, or call 877-697-7837.
EMPIRE FARM DAYS
SENECA FALLS — Lift the hood. Kick the tires. Sit in the cab. Test drive tractors, trucks, applicators, UTVs and construction equipment.
“Come See for Yourself!” is the theme of this summer’s Empire Farm Days event Aug. 8 to10 at Rodman Lott and Son Farms, 2973 State Route 414, in Seneca Falls.
This show is the largest outdoor agricultural trade event in the northeastern U.S.
Here’s a quick look at what’s new at the 2017 show:
Expanded, irrigation-fed field demonstrations include:
** Hard hose reel system irrigation-fed crops
** More pieces of equipment to see and test drive
** Renewed focus on ‘big iron’ operating in real-time field conditions.
** Field demos starting at 10:30 a.m., with support from Morrisville State College and 15 equipment manufacturers: CNY Farm Supply/ROC, Cummings & Bricker/McHale, Dion-Ag Inc., H & S Manufacturing, John Deere, Marloo Equipment/SIP, Meyer Manufacturing, New Holland, Norwood/KwikTill, Oxbo International, Pequea Machine Inc., Poettinger US Inc, Rangeline Group/K-Line, Tigerco Distributing/Reese, and Unverferth Manufacturing.
** 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily: Test drive large applicators with Java Farm Supply/Ag Chem Rogator, John Deere, Monroe Tractor/Case IH, Chandler, Miller and Vector
** 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily: Ride and drive Ford Trucks, Honda, Milton Cat, RAM Trucks, and Yanmar tractors and UTVs.
** 10:30 a.m. daily: Cover Crops Field Demonstration Tour with King’s AgriSeeds and Seedway: Cool and warm season cover crop species/mixes; best seeding methods, timing, and purposes discussions.
Soil Health Center Seminars
** USDA NRCS Northeast Regional Soil Health Specialist Jim Hoorman from Findlay, Ohio, opens the Tuesday programs on fertilizer, manure and nutrient management in cover cropping and reduced tillage systems.
** Hoorman leads Wednesday’s schedule addressing prevention, reduction and mitigation strategies for compaction problems.
** Thursday programs focus on utilizing soil health practices in vegetable cropping systems beginning at 9:30 am with Cornell University Horticulture Professor Dr. Thomas Bjorkman.
** Wednesday, 2 p.m.: “The Living Soil” Keynote Presentation/Demonstration with Conservation Biologist Carmen Greenwood of SUNY Cobleskill. Learn how live soil-dwelling invertebrates, such as soil mites, serve in vital ecosystem roles, provide conservation benefits and act as indicators of soil health.
** Daily: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service intro to Conservation Client Gateway (1:30 p.m. presentation; one-on-one all day), Web Soil Survey, cell phone Soil Web App.
Dairy Profit Seminars
The daily 10:30 a.m. Dairy Profit Seminars are made possible by a collaboration by Cornell’s PRO-DAIRY Program, the Northeast Dairy Producers Association, and Dairy Business and Holstein World magazine.
** The Tuesday, Aug. 8 presentation is on Robotics and Maximizing Milk Per Box: Grouping and Feeding Strategies with Douglas F. Waterman, Director of Technology Application: Dairy for Trouw Nutrition Agresearch.
** The Wednesday, Aug. 9 presentation is on Transitioning to Automatic Milking Systems with farmer panelists, Bruce Dehm of Dehm Associates, LLC, and Cornell Senior Extension Associate Jason Karszes.
** The Thursday, Aug. 10 presentation is called, “Is Your Farm a Member of the 7 Pound Club?” Leading dairy producers delve into the next frontier of maximizing pounds of components produced while maintaining profitability with representatives of Albano Farms, Thornapple Farm, and Hanehan Family Dairy; Bruce Dehm of Dehm Associates; and Dr. Cargill Feed and Nutrition Senior Dairy Specialist Jay Giesy.
New Products
Among the new products in 2017: forage mergers, disc blades, manure spreaders, an on-farm mastitis detection system, a patented metal roofing system, a PTO-driven firewood processor from Finland, an expanded reach skidsteer; mower combination, cover crop seeder, rock picker, mineral feeder, bale grapples, apple grinder, and precision fertilizer application monitoring system.
Expanded Beef Programs
** Designing cattle handling systems with Runnings.
** Animal ID and pre-conditioning practices.
** Tuesday/Wednesday programs on feeder calf grading and evaluating with NY livestock graders and market news reporter, and how to use blood sampling to check for pregnancy as early as 28 days.
** One-Day-Only Programs with NY Beef Council: Wednesday: Livestock Animal Well Being; Thursday: Beef Quality Assurance Training and Recertification: must pre-register: (315) 339-6922.
** 11a.m. daily: Live Cattle Handling with Cornell Beef Extension Specialist Dr. Mike Baker and representatives of Hi Hog, Priefert and Powder River cattle systems.
Ag Education
** Try virtual reality welders aboard American Welding Society Careers in Welding trailer from Miami, Fla.
** NYS FFA students compete in NYS welding and tractor driving safety contests on Thursday.
** 2017 Cornell PRO-DAIRY Junior DAIRY LEADERS class graduates Wednesday, 1:30 p.m.
** Colleges highlighting agricultural degree programs at Empire Farm Days include Alfred State College, Cornell University, Morrisville State College, SUNY Canton and SUNY Cobleskill.
** Information on national Dairy Grazing Apprenticeship program and info on grass-fed milk emerging markets. in Cornell Marketplace Building.
New Craft Beverage Center
** New center to meet needs of emerging micro beverage industry in New York State. According to the state Department of Agriculture, the state has seen an increase from 10 farm distilleries in 2010 to 114 today, along with 163 farm breweries and 34 farm cideries.
** See bottling equipment, hammermills for grain processing, a new apple grinder that converts to milling malted grains, and high-tech filtration, separation and purification systems; talk with manufacturers.
** Tuesday, 9 a.m to 1 p.m., all day Wednesday: Try wine and cider “sniff test” with Cornell University Viticulture and Enology Extension specialists to identify issues and how to avoid them. Learn about Cornell Wine Lab testing and analysis services to help all types of beverage makers.
** Tuesday 1 to 5 p.m., all day Thursday: Talk with Brewmaster Jon Paul Partee and co-owner Craig Partee of Fleur De Lis Brew Works and Hop Yards of Seneca Falls, about hops production and their French style of artisan beer making. Their beer garden has been part of the Partee family farming legacy for three generations.
Farm Safety
** Grain Bin Simulator from National Education Center for Agricultural Safety, Peosta, Iowa, will offer demos and educate show visitors about the four most common ways to become entrapped in a grain bin, the equipment every grain bin operator should have on site, and how to protect yourself form grain dust and mold.
** Special Tuesday evening hands-on safety training session will be available by registration for firefighters. Contact is Jim Carrabba at New York Center for Agriculture Medicine and Health, (800) 343-7572, ext. 2216, jcarrabba@nycamh.com
** The New York Center for Agricultural Medicine and Health tent will be offering blood pressure, hearing, vision and skin cancer screenings on Tuesday and Wednesday.
** The winner of the new Fastest PTO Shield Installation contest at the NYCAMH booth will receive a free Bare-Co PTO Shield.
For the Horse Crowd
The rugged horses of the American West and the refinement of dressage riding will be featured in the Equine Round Pen showcases at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. daily.
** America’s Mustangs: From Wild to Mild will be featured on Tuesday Aug. 9 and Wednesday Aug. 10 with celebrated horse trainers and 2017 Extreme Mustang Makeover regional winners Jack and Emma Minteer of Rose Hill Ranch, Naples.
** On Thursday. Aug. 10, Lucretia Galbraith, raised in a family of Standardbred racing royalty and a lifelong horsewoman, will demonstrate the skills that make her a five-time Western NY Dressage Association Professional Rider of the Year and a United States Dressage Association Bronze Medalist.
Farm Family Fun and Learning
** “Why I Farm,” pumpkin production, and the Chicken Chat large board game are all new attractions at the NY Farm Bureau Family Education Center.
** The Dancing Digger will perform ‘hydraulic handstands’ to music daily.
** The New York State Grange has added quilting presentations to programming at 11:05 a.m. and 2:05 p.m. Dalmatian Sparks and handler Tibbie Dell lead off at 9:30 a.m. with You CAN Teach an Old Dog New Tricks.
** Did you know that in addition to making tractors International Harvester made refrigerators? See tractors, implements and other farm and household items made by agricultural manufacturers at the Old Iron exhibits.
Get in the Farm Pond
Those 10 and older can try a standup paddleboard or kayak with Morgan Marine in the farm pond. Participants must attend a preceding water safety program by New York Sea Grant, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, and New York State Parks Marine Services Bureau.
Empire Farm Days show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday. Admission is $10 per vehicle.
For daily schedules and more information, visit www.empirefarmdays.com, check out Empire Farm Days on Facebook, or call 877-697-7837.
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