Grazing
New York has an excellent climate for pasture production - ample rainfall, fertile soils and moderate temperatures. Pasture plants include cool season grasses and legumes. Many dairy and livestock farms utilize pasture during the growing season with about 280,500 acres grazed. Fencing is an essential component to a grazing operation. These include high-tensile, woven wire, wood, and less frequently barbed wire. Water is an essential piece, too. Recommendations are for water in every paddock.
Relevant Event
Pasture Walk at C&H Farms of WNY, LLC
August 26, 2025
Akron, NY
Dung Beetles in Pastures
Last Modified: June 15, 2020
Reducing the Risk of Compaction When Grazing Cover Crops
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: October 31, 2019
The benefits of cover crops have been known for many
years; one is remediating compaction.
Pricing Corn Silage -- Fall 2019
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 13, 2019
- Analysis suggests corn silage price depends on corn silage quantities, alfalfa hay price, the price received by farmers for milk, and corn grain price.
- Analysis for NY suggests that estimated corn silage price is most sensitive to corn silage quantities, alfalfa hay price and corn grain price.
- Price estimates combined with understanding of relevant supply and demand factors from an individual farm business owner's perspective can aid decision making regarding corn silage price. Given recently available alfalfa hay and corn grain prices (May through July, 2019, and August 27, 2019, respectively), price analysis for NY suggests an estimated corn silage price of about $45 per ton. The Fall 2018 estimate was about $41 per ton.
Deer Farming
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 3, 2018
Cervid production is a $3 billion industry in the US. There are many opportunities for farms to raise deer, but proper care and health management is critical.
Financial Balancing Act Means Managing Risk is Essential
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 19, 2018
The present long-term downturn in commodity prices brings with it increased financial pressure on farm operations. Alternatives for managing risk are continually evolving. For many in agriculture, and particularly dairy, self-insurance has been the go-to method of risk management. Two new tools, the USDA Market Facilitation Program (MFP) and Dairy Revenue Protection Insurance (DRP) are coming on line and a third, Rainfall Index - Pasture, Rangeland, and Forage (RI-PRF) merits serious consideration.
Stockpiling Pastures
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 10, 2018
Know a Better Pasture
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: February 20, 2018
Pasture is a great way to feed your livestock during the growing season.
Meet the Specialist, Nancy Glazier
Last Modified: February 20, 2018
Meet Small Farms Specialist Nancy Glazier as she works with Peter Lehning and John Lehning, new beef producers.
Improved Meat Marketing for Small Scale Farms in the Northeast
Last Modified: October 6, 2017
Part 1. Understand the customer and their needs: Developing marketing strategy.
Labeling Guideline on Documentation Needed to Substantiate Animal Raising Claims
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 8, 2017
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is the Agency in USDA with the responsibility for ensuring that the labeling of meat and poultry products is truthful and not misleading.
Creating an Optimal Promotional Strategy for your business
Last Modified: July 17, 2017
At some time or another, most businesses find themselves developing various types of promotions to stimulate sales. Promotions are rarely "one-off" occurrences rather they are a part of an overall company promotional strategy. Article by Debra Wood Perosio, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, Cornell University.
Decoding the Label: Know Your Beef Choices
Last Modified: May 10, 2017
Check out the newly released fact sheet on types of beef production practices.
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
Pasture Walk at C&H Farms of WNY, LLC
August 26, 2025
Akron, NY
Dairy Bovine Reproduction and Artificial Insemination Training Course en Espanol
October 14 - October 15, 2025
Inaugural New York State Agritourism Conference
November 10 - November 11, 2025
Saratoga Springs, NY
Announcements
We're Hiring: Area Dairy Management Specialist
To apply:Please apply via Academic Jobs Online (https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/30185).
Qualified candidates should submit a short cover letter, curriculum vitae, and contact information for three references.
Applications must be submitted by July 31, 2025.
For more information, please contact Peter Landre at ptl2@cornell.edu. Additional information about the Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team can be found at https://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/.
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