Transitioning from Conventional to Organic Production for the CSW Rotation
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
January 10, 2018
Summary
- A multiyear agronomic study of conventional and organic CSW cropping systems, including transition period agronomics, provided data for an economic analysis designed to identify the optimal crop sequence for the conventional to organic transition period.
- Net Present Value (NPV) analysis of a feasible set of crop sequences for the CSW cropping system, rotation during the transition period yielded the following optimal sequence, where acres are allocated equally among corn, soybean, wheat annually
- Conventional corn as an entry crop for the transition period precedes organic red clover which precedes organic corn
- Conventional soybean as an entry crop for the transition period precedes organic corn which precedes organic soybean
- Conventional small grain, barley as an entry crop for the transition period precedes organic soybean which precedes organic wheat/red clover
- Growing conditions to date for the multiyear agronomic study comparing a conventional to an organic CSW cropping system affected results.
Transitioning from Conventional to Organic Production for a CSW Rotation (pdf; 151KB)
- View this article for a detailed description of the economic analysis.
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Upcoming Events
AGROTOURISM - FREE FARMER TRAINING! ENROLL and GROW YOUR BUSINESS
May 9 - March 1, 2020
Rochester, NY
Expand your farm operations by starting Agritourism, either as your primary or as an add-on activity on your farm. Increasing your farm visibility, connecting with the community, educating the public, creating new local markets, sharing your knowledge and pride - these are just a few attributes that come with Agritourism. We are inviting all farmers in the Genesee Valley Region (Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Ontario, Orleans, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates) to enroll in this FREE Agritourism Farmer Training program.
The class size is limited. We are looking for a group of 10-12 farmers to teach them how to successfully develop and execute Agritourism events in their farm and grow their business.
The training is funded by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority in support of local farmers, agriculture and food industry.
The training is funded by the Genesee Valley Regional Market Authority in support of local farmers, agriculture and food industry.
Calling all 9th-12th graders! 4th Annual Precision Agriculture Day at Genesee Community College
May 21, 2019
9:00 am - 1:30 pm Register by Friday May 10th! $15/per person includes lunch
Batavia, NY
Calling all 9th-12th graders! We have an exciting new program for students interested in technology, science, engineering, and agriculture!Would you like to:
- Learn about how Drones collect information
- Check out some potential career opportunities that have new and ever-changing technology
- Learn how these technologies can be used in our own backyards in WNY
- Discover potential and exciting career opportunities
Human Resource Management on the Farm - 2 sessions! Register by Friday 5/17!!
May 21 - May 22, 2019
12:00 - 2:00 pm (2 sessions! Day 1 CCE- Ontario, or Day 2 CCE - Wyoming)
Are you looking for motivation and resources to implement new Human Resource Management practices on your farm?Join us for one of two sessions in WNY this spring. At each session, we'll discuss:
- What Human Resource Management is, and why it's important on your farm
- Examples of different Human Resource Management practices and how to implement them
- Complete a self-assessment to determine the areas of highest priority for your farm
- Hear from several local dairy farmers who have recently implemented new HRM practices on their farms.
- Go home with a plan of action and resources to help you accomplish your HRM goals
Announcements
USDA Announces New Decision Tool for New Dairy Margin Coverage Program
WASHINGTON, April 30, 2019 ? Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue announced today the availability of a new web-based tool - developed in partnership with the University of Wisconsin - to help dairy producers evaluate various scenarios using different coverage levels through the new Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.The 2018 Farm Bill authorized DMC, a voluntary risk management program that offers financial protection to dairy producers when the difference between the all milk price and the average feed cost (the margin) falls below a certain dollar amount selected by the producer. It replaces the program previously known as the Margin Protection Program for Dairy. Sign up for this USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) program opens on June 17.
"With sign-up for the DMC program just weeks away, we encourage producers to use this new support tool to help make decisions on participation in the program," Secretary Perdue said. "Dairy producers have faced tough challenges over the years, but the DMC program should help producers better weather the ups and downs in the industry."
The University of Wisconsin launched the decision support tool in cooperation with FSA and funded through a cooperative agreement with the USDA Office of the Chief Economist. The tool was designed to help producers determine the level of coverage under a variety of conditions that will provide them with the strongest financial safety net. It allows farmers to simplify their coverage level selection by combining operation data and other key variables to calculate coverage needs based on price projections.
The decision tool assists producers with calculating total premiums costs and administrative fees associated with participation in DMC. It also forecasts payments that will be made during the coverage year.
"The new Dairy Margin Coverage program offers very appealing options for all dairy farmers to reduce their net income risk due to volatility in milk or feed prices," said Dr. Mark Stephenson, Director of Dairy Policy Analysis, University of Wisconsin, Madison. "Higher coverage levels, monthly payments, and more flexible production coverage options are especially helpful for the sizable majority of farms who can cover much of their milk production with the new five million pound maximum for Tier 1 premiums. This program deserves the careful consideration of all dairy farmers."
For more information, access the tool at fsa.usda.gov/dmc-tool. For DMC sign up, eligibility and related program information, visit fsa.usda.gov or contact your local USDA Service Center. To locate your local FSA office, visit farmers.gov/service-locator.
New Guidance for Mortality Disposal Issued
NYS Department of Ag and Markets has posted guidelines on disposal of livestock carcasses, in response to reports that some rendering companies have halted pickups from farms.https://nwnyteam.cce.cornell.edu/submission.php?id=761&crumb=dairy|1