2021 Working Paper by John Hanchar and Aaron Ristow
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Achieving Improved Soil Health Outcomes While Maintaining or Improving Economic Viability: Case Study of a Dairy Farm Business in the Genesee River Watershed, New York
John Hanchar, Cornell University/College of Agric. & Life Sciences/CCE/Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Program, <jjh6@cornell.edu>
Aaron Ristow, American Farmland Trust, <aristow@farmland.org>
Summary
- The owners and primary operators of the Mulligan Farm, a dairy farm business in the Genesee River Watershed of New York, like many farm business owners today, seek to achieve improved soil health and related outcomes while maintaining or improving economic performance.
- The Mulligan Farm has successfully planned and implemented numerous cropping system changes designed to achieve improved soil health and related results.
- Economic analysis suggests that successful implementation of soil health improving practices coincided with improved economic performance.
To view the full paper, please open PDF file below.
Case Study of a Dairy Farm Business in the Genesee River Watershed, New York (pdf; 1200KB)
- Please open this file to read the full paper
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2026 Soybean & Small Grains Congress
February 11, 2026
Henrietta, NY
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2026 Forage Congress
March 12, 2026
Nunda, NY
Due to the unprecedented winter storm that recently impacted travel conditions across the region and U.S., combined with extreme cold temperatures and associated safety concerns, Forage Congress was postponed out of an abundance of caution. This decision was made with the safety of our participants, speakers, staff, and venue partners as the highest priority.
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From Dry to Fresh: Transition Cow Management Training
March 12, 2026
Albion, NY
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