Organic
Organic production continues to grow in New York State. There are around 750 certified organic farms with over 68,900 acres. Of these farms, 286 are dairies. The Finger Lakes is a hub for organic crop production. ORGANIC CATEGORIES
Economics of Producing Industrial Hemp in NYS, 2019 Budgets
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Farm business owners can use 2019 budgets to make decisions regarding industrial hemp's place in their cropping systems.
Crop Alert
Mike Stanyard, Field Crops & IPM Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Timely observations, information, and control strategies for managing pests, fertility, and current conditions on northwestern NY farms.
Know a Better Pasture
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Pasture is a great way to feed your livestock during the growing season.
Transitioning from Conventional to Organic Production for the CSW Rotation
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Growers transitioning from conventional to organic production for the corn, soybean, wheat (CSW) cropping system can use an analysis of transition period economics to make decisions regarding an optimal crop sequencing.
Dealing with Frostbite on Newborn Lambs and Kids
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Frostbite can be more serious than just ear damage in a cold winter.
Improved Meat Marketing for Small Scale Farms in the Northeast
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
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.
Decoding the Label: Know Your Beef Choices
Check out the newly released fact sheet on types of beef production practices.
Managing Spring Grass Growth and Selective Grazing
For most beef cattle farmers who are managing their pastures in a rotational grazing system two of the biggest spring challenges are the flush of rapid growth that will occur and selective grazing. OSU Wayne Co. extension educator Rory Lewandowski reviews some basic plant growth biology and grazing principles that may suggest some management strategies. Click here for the full article.
Forage Congress - Presentations
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
New to the NWNY Team's lineup this winter was Forage Congress at the Genesee River Restaurant and Reception Center in Mount Morris, NY.
This event covered timely topics recommended by the region's producers. The morning's session began with an overview of the cropping plan from the ground up, economics of high fiber digestibility, and new alfalfa varieties with quality grasses. The afternoon covered double cropping with winter triticale and options for properly storing silages.
Integrated Pest Management Guide for Organic Dairies- Spanish & English
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
English- http://hdl.handle.net/1813/42899
Español- http://hdl.handle.net/1813/46203
Fall Forages
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Fall is coming, whether or not you have all your hay crops needed for the winter.
Dairy
Livestock
Grazing
Forages
Grains
Upcoming Events
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.
We are pleased to officially announce that Forage Congress has been rescheduled for Thursday, March 12, 2026, and will be held at The Nunda Ranch as originally planned.
Address: 2278-NY 436, Nunda, New York 14517
Sponsorship opportunities, vendor participation, and event registration are now open. We are excited to reconvene this important educational program and look forward to welcoming producers, industry partners, and speakers for a full day of applied, research-based forage systems programming.
From Dry to Fresh: Transition Cow Management Training
March 12, 2026
Albion, NY
This is a 1-day hands-on training in transition cow management offered in English and Spanish.
TENTATIVE- 2026 Dairy Feeder School - November 2026
November 11 - November 12, 2026
Dates are TENTATIVE for 2026! More Details to Come!
Join the Regional Dairy Specialists for a one day on-farm training for dairy farm feeders. The training will be offered in English and Spanish and will feature stations with hands-on activities and demonstrations.