Business
Farm Business Management efforts of the NWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program seek to increase the likelihood that the region's farm business owners achieve desired results by applying enhanced general business management, and farm financial management skills.To achieve the above purpose, program specialists Petzen and Hanchar develop and deliver extension education opportunities designed to enhance participants' management skills, and abilities to apply principles and ideas from finance and economics in a management context.
Owners of farm businesses enhance their management skills, their capacities to measure the financial condition and performance of their businesses, and their capacities to utilize economic principles in decision making via workshops, classes, presentations, writings, and individual farm business summary and economic analysis work.
Management Education. Emphasis is on enhancing the planning, implementation and control functions of the farm business manager.
Farm Finance and Economics. Emphasis is on enhancing participants' abilities to measure the financial condition and performance of the business for management purposes, and to use economic principles in decision making. Basic and Advanced Farm Financial Management workshops, Cornell University Cooperative Extension's Dairy Farm Business Summary Program, and other Farm Business Summary and Analysis tools play prominent roles here. Economic analyses of proposed changes to farm businesses provide farm business owners with information for decision making -- for example, economic analysis of tractor drawn tile plows, intensive wheat management systems, cow comfort practices, stacked corn hybrids, hay conditioners, zone tillage depths and others.
BUSINESS CATEGORIES
Relevant Events
Agritourism Workshops Monthly! -Agritourism Accessibility
December 10, 2024
2025 NWNY Dairy Day
February 6, 2025 : NWNY Dairy Day 2025
Perry, NY
2022 Economics of Growing Hemp for Cannabidiol (CBD) in NYS
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: October 28, 2022
Economics of Growing Hemp for Cannabidiol (CBD) in NYS: Expected Costs, Revenues and Returns for Three Hemp CBD Production Systems, 2022
by: Hanchar, J., S. Shelnutt, D. Vergara, L. Pashow, Cornell University/CALS & CCE
Dairy Training Resources
Kaitlyn Lutz, VMD, Bilingual Dairy Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 1, 2022
This document will guide you to many of the resources available for training dairy farm employees. Topics include:
- Safety
- Animal Handling
- Calf Care
- Milk Quality
- Calving Assistance
- Reproduction
- Herd Health
- Lameness/Hoof Trimming
- Forages/Feeding
- Creating Human Resource Management Documents
- Employee Housing
- Learning Spanish/English
Succession Planning Fact Sheet
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 13, 2022
Using a Facilitator to Keep Your Succession Planning Process on Track
Succession planning can be a daunting task. Many farm managers, particularly in smaller businesses, may only be involved in succession planning once or twice in a lifetime, when getting into or out of the business. Thinking about succession planning as a process rather than an event can help one gain perspective on the intentional time commitment required to make your transition plan work.
2021 Working Paper by John Hanchar and Aaron Ristow
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 23, 2021
Working Paper
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
Aaron Ristow, American Farmland Trust
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.
Microgrant for Dairy Farmers in New York
Last Modified: February 11, 2021
The new Dairy Forward program is a partnership between American Farmland Trust (AFT) and Chobani. This program aims to help select dairy farm families in New York access information and professional services to help plan for farm transitions in the face of tremendous challenges such as a weak dairy economy, disruptions from severe weather, and an aging farmer population. AFT will make grants of $500 to $5,000 for professional services that further goals associated with farm transfer and succession planning, farm business planning, permanently protecting land, or adopting regenerative farming practices. This is a great opportunity for dairy farm families who are thinking about transitioning their farm to a new generation, hoping to protect their farm, looking to improve farm profitability, or are interested in adopting regenerative practices. Applications are currently available until funds are used up. Funds will be paid directly to business providers.
Dairy Culture Coach Winter 2020
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 18, 2020
Check out the latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach:
- Communicating with Your Multicultural Team
- What's Happening in Mexico and Guatemala
- Recognizing Your Team
- Covid-19
Dairy Culture Coach Fall 2020
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 24, 2020
Check out the latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach!
- COVID-19 Update
- Flu Season is Here
- Influenza (gripe) / Influenza (flu)
- Somatic Cell Count / Conteo de Células Somáticas
- Keep SCC Low / Mantener bajo el CCS
Dairy Culture Coach Summer 2020
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 27, 2020
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is out, including the following:
- New and Effective Method for Cockroach Control
- What is the Census?
- ¿Qué es el Censo?
- Encuesta Sobre COVID-19 Survey (For industry, dairy producers, and dairy farm workers)
- Spanish Farm Management Program Inquiry
- Farmworker Survey about COVID-19 from NYCAMH
Thanks and as always please reach out with any questions or comments!
Farm Financial Management Practices for Unfavorable Economic Conditions
Last Modified: July 10, 2020
Sound financial planning and control improve owner's abilities to manage their businesses during unfavorable economic conditions. Consider the current environment affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of rain in many areas. Budgeting is a valuable farm financial management practice for these situations. Visit (Brandie, please insert link here) to learn more about budgeting and its value in managing your farm business.
Are You Milking Some Cows You Shouldn't Be?
Last Modified: April 17, 2020
This article shares resources from Pro-DAIRY to help you develop management strategies for your dairy moving forward. It shares some lessons from the historical Milk Diversion Program that might help inform decision making in this price downturn. Your business must be nimble and ready to change production practices to bring costs in line with the prices you are receiving and paying. Eventually, markets will reopen and sales will return. In the meantime, easing back on the throttle in how we manage cows and how many cows we keep could be good strategies for the current situation.
" Do's and Don'ts for Dairy farmers When Facing Financial Difficulty"
Last Modified: April 10, 2020
During times of financial difficulty it is important to be mindful and methodical in financial decision making. " Do's and Don'ts for Dairy farmers When Facing Financial Difficulty" provides guidance on making objective decisions during a financial downturn.
Dairy Culture Coach Spring 2020
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: April 8, 2020
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach includes the following topics:
- Reliable Resources for Spanish- & English-Speaking Farmworkers about COVID-19
- Spanish Webinar: Mastitis Treatment Decisions
- Growing Great People Webinars
- Bring Your Own Bag
Some Thoughts on the Current State of Dairy Markets - April 1, 2020
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: April 3, 2020
Excerpts from information provided by Andrew Novakovic, PHD, Professor Emeritus, Cornell University and, Dr. Mark Stephenson, University of Wisconsin, Madison
Dairy Culture Coach December 2019
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 20, 2019
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach includes the following topics:
- An Overview of The Farm Laborer Fair Labor Practices Act (FLFLPA)
- Tools to help you make management decisions related to the FLFLPA
- Vocabulary related to the FLFLPA
- Additional resources on the FLFLPA
Please feel free to contact Libby with questions, to subscribe to the newsletter, or to make suggestions for future content. geg24@cornell.edu or 607-793-4847.
Dairy Culture Coach September 2019
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 30, 2019
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach includes the following topics:
- Improving Human Resource Management
- Silage Harvest Vocabulary
- The Importance of Corn
- La Importancia del Maíz
- Consulate Updates
Please feel free to contact Libby with questions, to subscribe to the newsletter, or to make suggestions for future content. geg24@cornell.edu or 607-793-4847.
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.
Human Resource Management Self-Assessment
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 26, 2019
This self-assessment is designed to help you evaluate the human resource management practices on your farm and help you prioritize areas for improvement.
Dairy Culture Coach June 2019
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2019
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach includes the following topics:
- Human Resource Management on Dairy Farms
- Summer Housing Reminders
- Recordatorios Sobre las Casas en el Verano
- Animal Handling Webinars
- Seminarios Web Sobre el Manejo de Animales
Please feel free to contact Libby with questions, to subscribe to the newsletter, or to make suggestions for future content. geg24@cornell.edu or 607-793-4847.
Resources for Making a Decision on the Dairy Margin Coverage Program
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 2, 2019
Decision making for the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program benefits from the availability of two recent webinars.
Webinar for Dairy Producers will Cover New Dairy Margin Coverage Program
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 10, 2019
The USDA/Farm Service Agency in New York is partnering with the NYS Crop Insurance Education Program to present a webinar for dairy producers.
Managing Financial Risk with the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) Program
Last Modified: June 3, 2019
Owners of dairy farm businesses face many risks and uncertainties associated with producing and marketing milk. As a result, farm business owners seek strategies for managing financial risks.
Dairy Culture Coach March 2019
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: April 2, 2019
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach includes the following topics:
- Learning English for Spanish Speakers
- Aprendiendo Inglés para Hispanohablantes
- Milking Vocabulary
- Milk Flow Graphs
- Gráficas de Flujo de Leche
- What's a Dicho?
Economics of Producing Industrial Hemp in NYS, 2019 Budgets
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 17, 2019
Farm business owners can use 2019 budgets to make decisions regarding industrial hemp's place in their cropping systems.
Dairy Culture Coach December 2018
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 21, 2018
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach includes the following topics:
- Learning Spanish for Dairy Farmers
- Cornell Pro-Dairy Learning Opportunities in 2019
- Becker Forum
- Labor Road Show II
- Minimum Wage Annual Adjustment
Malting Barley Budgets, New York, 2019
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 14, 2018
Farm business owners can use the 2019 revenue, costs and returns estimates from the budgets to make decisions regarding malting barley's place in their cropping systems.
Dairy Market Watch - 2018
Last Modified: November 1, 2018
An educational newsletter to keep producers informed of changing market factors affecting the dairy industry.
Dairy Culture Coach September 2018
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 21, 2018
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Read on to learn more about:
- Dairy Training Resources Guide
- Fresh Cow Evaluation
- Evaluación de las Vacas Frescas
- Employee Wage Survey
- Webinar on Worker Housing Concerns
- Ag Workforce Journal
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.
Pricing Corn Silage -- Fall 2018
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 10, 2018
Summary
- 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, 2018, and August 14, 2018, respectively), price analysis for NY suggests an estimated corn silage price of about $41 per ton. The Fall 2017 estimate was about $54 per ton.
Economics of Producing Industrial Hemp, Costs of Production, NYS, 2017
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 14, 2018
Costs of Production Analysis, Industrial Hemp, NYS, 2017
- Variable costs of production estimates for 2017 are $282, $268, and $269 per acre for industrial hemp for fiber only, fiber and seed, and seed only, respectively
- Fixed costs of production estimates for 2017 are $145, $183, and $160 per acre for industrial hemp for fiber only, fiber and seed, and seed only, respectively
- Total costs of production estimates for 2017 are $427, $451, and $429 per acre for industrial hemp for fiber only, fiber and seed, and seed only, respectively
Dairy Culture Coach June 2018
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 7, 2018
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Read on to learn more about:
- Understanding the Current Dairy Economy
- Cómo Entender la Situación Económica Actual de Granjas Lecheras
- Vocabulary: Feelings
- Time to Check Your W-4's
- Wednesday Webinars in Spanish
- Seminarios Web en Español
- The Most Costly Journey
The Dairy Culture Coach March 2018
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: April 2, 2018
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available and includes the following articles:
• Tools to Learn Spanish• Cooling Vocabulary• How to Identify the "Off" Animal• Identifique el Animal Anormal• Wednesday Webinars in Spanish• Seminarios Web en Español
Malting Barley Budgets, New York, 2018
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 23, 2018
Farm business owners can use the 2018 cost, revenue and return estimates from the budgets to make decisions regarding malting barley's place in their cropping systems.
Transitioning from Conventional to Organic Production for the CSW Rotation
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 10, 2018
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.
The Dairy Culture Coach December 2017
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 20, 2017
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available and includes the following articles:
- The Importance of Timing in a Milking Routine
- La Importancia del Ritmo de una Rutina de Ordeña
- Becker Forum
- I-9 Webinars
- Nacimientos
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.
The Dairy Culture Coach September 2017
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 1, 2017
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. In this issue you will find the following articles:
- Reporting Work-Related Accidents, Illnesses & Diseases
- Heating Vocabulary
- Family Relations Vocabulary
- Heating Systems - Los Sistemas de Calificación
- New Form I-9
- Heating Vocabulary
- Family Relations Vocabulary
- Heating Systems - Los Sistemas de Calificación
- New Form I-9
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.
Estimated cost of production, conventionally tilled malting barley
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 29, 2017
Producers can use cost and returns estimates to make decisions regarding malting barley production's place in their cropping systems: understanding variability plays an important role.
Malting Barley Budgets, Conventional Tillage, New York, 2017
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 29, 2017
Producers can use cost and return estimates to make decisions regarding malting barley production's place in their cropping systems; understanding variability plays an important role.
Malting Barley Budgets, Reduced Tillage, New York, 2017
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 29, 2017
Producers can use cost and return estimates to make decisions regarding malting barley production's place in their cropping systems; understanding variability plays an important role.
The Dairy Culture Coach June 2017
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 7, 2017
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. In this issue you will find the following articles:
- Focus Group Report Executive Summary
- June Dairy Month- Dairy in Guatemala
- Washing Milk Containers
- Lavando los Contenedores de Leche
- Refrigeration
- Refrigeración
Workforce Issues and the New York Dairy Industry
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 5, 2017
The report "Workforce Issues and the New York Dairy Industry" is now available at https://dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extension-bulletins/documents/Cornell-Dyson-eb1703.pdf.
The Dairy Culture Coach March 2017
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 28, 2017
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. In this issue you will find the following articles:
- What, Why, How?
-Respirator Fit Testing
-Wednesday Webinars in Spanish
-Seminarios Web en Español
-El Son Jarocho
Forage Congress - Presentations
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 14, 2017
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.
Benefits and Costs of Entry Level Precision Agriculture Technologies
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: February 16, 2017
Auto Section Control (ASC) is a precision agriculture technology designed to reduce double planting and other crop input usage in headlands. See the presentation by Erick Haas and John Hanchar at the 2017 Operations Managers Conference for benefits and costs, including results from partial budgeting and capital investment analysis.
Economics of Malting Barley Production in NYS
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 31, 2017
Economics of malting barley production in New York State is described using estimates of costs and profit with sensitivity analysis. Variability in returns is a key message.
Farm Worker Housing Quiz
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 24, 2017
Use this quiz to help you evaluate your worker housing.
Sample Cleaning Schedule in English & Spanish
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 13, 2017
A sample cleaning schedule for worker housing.
Sample House Rules in English
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 13, 2017
A sample document to encourage housing cleanliness and maintenance.
Sample House Rules in Spanish
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 13, 2017
A sample document to encourage housing cleanliness and maintenance.
Sample Housing Agreement in English
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 13, 2017
A template for writing a housing agreement. It includes a list of things that farm owners commonly find that they need to address with employees living in farm housing. Create your own housing agreement by using the sections that apply to your farm and omitting those that don't apply. DISCLAIMER: This material is intended for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Specific questions should be addressed to legal counsel.
Sample Housing Agreement in Spanish
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 13, 2017
A template for writing a housing agreement.
Survey of Hispanic Dairy Workers in New York State 2016
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 13, 2017
The Survey of Hispanic Dairy Workers report is now available at http://publications.dyson.cornell.edu/outreach/extensionpdf/2016/Cornell-Dyson-eb1612.pdf
The Dairy Culture Coach December 2016
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 5, 2016
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Included in this issue are the following articles:
-Farm Worker Survey Summary
-New Farmworker Handbook
-Nuevo Manual Para Trabajadores Agrícolas
-GCC Spanish Classes
-Spanish Webinars
-Seminarios Web
-New Form I-9
Balancing Livestock and Forage to Thrive Past the Drought
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 12, 2016
If your farm is in one of the areas affected by severe drought, this growing season has been a bit scary to say the least. One of the keys to your livestock business thriving after more "normal" weather patterns have returned is to have your livestock numbers in balance with your feed supply. There are different avenues you can use to achieve short term balance between your herd nutrient requirements and feed inventory.
Food for Thought: To Cover or Not To Cover Trucks
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 12, 2016
The name of the forage harvest game for 2016 in drought stricken area is conservation of every ton of forage you can harvest. During harvest, time is critical and no one wants to afford the time to tarp and un-tarp loads before they dump at the feed storage area. Hydraulic and electric roller tarp systems are used in the construction industry on a frequent basis.
Pricing Corn Silage - Fall 2016
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 9, 2016
Summary
- 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 most recently available alfalfa hay and corn grain prices (June 2016, and October, November 2016, respectively), price analysis for NY suggests an estimated corn silage price of about $60 per ton. The Fall 2015 estimate was about $50 per ton.
The Dairy Culture Coach September 2016
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 2, 2016
The latest issue of the Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Included in this issue are the following articles:
- Getting More Involved in Agriculture
- House Cleaning Vocabulary
- Help Calves Beat the Cold / Ayudar a las Becerras a Combatir el Frío
- Farm Worker Housing Quiz
- Encouraging Proper Housing Maintenance
- A Different Dialogue!
The Dairy Culture Coach June 2016
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 10, 2016
The latest issue of The Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Included in this month's issue, you will find the following articles:
- Helping Employees Combat the Heat
- Lameness in Dairy Cows/ La Cojera en las Vacas Lecheras
- Lameness Scoring/ Calificación de la Cojera
- Cinco de Mayo - What's the Real Significance?
- The Flight Zone/ La Zona de Vuelo
- Introducing Brooke Ryan
If you're interested in receiving the latest issues of The Dairy Culture Coach straight to your inbox, send an email to geg24@cornell.edu.
Custom Machinery Rates
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 1, 2016
Trying to figure out how much to pay or charge for custom machinery operations? Check out the 2016 custom rate summaries from Pennsylvania.
Holstein Market Cow Feeding Project
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: May 12, 2016
This report highlights a feeding study Cornell beef specialist Mike Baker and others conducted at Cornell's beef unit.
Managing During Low Milk Prices, Dairy Farm Business Summary, NY, 2016
Last Modified: May 4, 2016
Written by:
Richard Kimmich, Dyson School of Applied Economics & Management, Cornell University.
Learn about recommended strategies, practices that when implemented will help you manage your dairy farm business when a period of low milk prices are expected.
The Dairy Culture Coach March 2016
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 28, 2016
The latest issue of The Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Included in this month's issue, you will find the following articles:
- Employees Want to Learn!
- Hoof Health Solutions Course
- Calculating Dry Matter
- Calcular la Materia Seca
- Why So Many Last Names?
Crisis Planning for Your Dairy, Part 4
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 23, 2016
Is your livestock enterprise prepared if the next attack on agriculture targets your farm as an example of alleged mistreatment of animals, environmental pollution or community group opposition, farm worker issues or an accidental injury or death? Any farm is vulnerable to being in the media spotlight at a moment's notice. Understanding and preparing for a crisis helps you to protect yourself, industry image and consumer confidence. A written on-farm crisis response plan can help your business to weather a storm of attention from the media or social media.
How to Respond to the Media in a Crisis, Part 3
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 23, 2016
Imagine this: an animal rights activist group has released a video alleging animal abuse at your dairy farm (or a manure spill, farmworker abuse… insert crisis here). You have a few minutes to collect your thoughts before the phones start ringing off the hook with questions from media and requests for interviews. What do you do?
Is Your Farm Prepared For a Crisis? Part 1
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 23, 2016
Are you ready for an undercover video to be released depicting animal abuse on your dairy farm? Who could be ready for that?
Preventing an Undercover Video Crisis at Your Farm, Part 2
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 23, 2016
"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." - Benjamin Franklin
Livestock farmers value their animals and work tirelessly to be certain they are well cared for. That being said, anyone in animal business today thinks about the remote possibility of their business being targeted and the horrific effect an undercover video being released about their animal handling practices might have. To take Franklin's advice, one must exercise caution in order to minimize the risk to their business of being the target of malicious exposure.
Entry Point Precision Ag Technology: Benefits & Costs for Decision Making
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 15, 2016
Two benefits attributed to auto steer mentioned frequently by producers and their advisors are reduced stress and reduced fatigue. Combine these benefits with expected favorable economic and financial impacts, and auto steer has the potential to be a beneficial change in practice for farmers, one that farmers will likely want to evaluate for their business.
The Dairy Culture Coach December 2015
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 10, 2015
The latest issue of The Dairy Culture Coach is now available. Included in this month's issue, you will find the following articles:
- Communicate Goals to Motivate Employees
- Winter Vocabulary
- Why Push Up Feed?
- ¿Para Qué Empujar la Comida?
- Poinsettias, la Flor de Noche Buena
Feeder Calf Pool Sale Set, December 16
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 9, 2015
Two groups of producers, one in central NY and another in northern NY have come together to market their cattle cooperatively in hopes of building a reputation which over time will increase price of their feeder cattle.
Manure Injection vs. Surface Application
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 23, 2015
Owners of dairy farm businesses face numerous challenges as they manage manure to meet financial, environmental, and other farm business objectives; trade-offs and conflicting objectives describe the situation. What is the expected change in profit associated with the change to manure injection from surface applicatin followed by incorporation?
The Dairy Culture Coach September 2015
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 21, 2015
As you'll notice, El Sostento has a new name! The Dairy Culture Coach will continue to bring you the same great information and advice to help you better understand and manage your Hispanic workforce. This month's issue includes:
So You Want to Learn Spanish...
Bunker Silo Safety Reminders
Consejos de Prudencia con los Silos Horizontales
The What, Why and How of Recycling
El Qué, Por Qué y Cómo de Reciclar
School Systems in Central America
Language Vocabulary
El Sostento Newsletter June 2015
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 12, 2015
The June 2015 issue of El Sostento includes:
- What Language are my Employees Speaking?
- Span/Eng Family Vocabulary
- Proper Use of Crowd Gates
- El Uso Apropiado de las Puertas de Arreo
- What is a Consulate?
- Summer Schedule for Mexican & Guatemalan Mobile Consulates
- Where did Chips and Salsa Come From?
Updated Technology Provides an Advantage: LED Lighting and LDPP
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 19, 2015
Article from Ag Focus Newsletter: January 2015
Apply Now for New Farmer Profit Teams
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 16, 2015
Do you need some decision support to improve profitability of the farm business after 3-9 years of running it? Farmers at this stage are often faced with critical decisions that determine the long-term viability of their operation.
Gov. Cuomo Announces New Farmer Grant
Last Modified: November 5, 2014
The New York State New Farmers Grant Fund was created to provide assistance to new and early stage farmers and encourage farming as a career path to sustain and grow agribusiness across New York State.
Margin Protection Program
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: October 17, 2014
The USDA Margin Protection Program - Dairy (MPP-Dairy) is a new and unique safety net program that will provide dairy producers with indemnity payments when actual dairy margins are below the margin coverage levels the producer chooses on an annual basis. Its focus is to protect farm equity by guarding against destructively low margins, not to guarantee a profit to individual producers.
Pricing for Your Farm Store
Last Modified: September 8, 2014
Kristen Park, Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management at Cornell University writes about how to go about pricing your farm products.
USDA Helps New and Beginning Farmers
Last Modified: August 14, 2014
USDA continues its commitment to the future of agriculture by unveiling www.usda.gov/newfarmers, a one-stop shop for new and beginning farmers entering agriculture. It?s a practical, workable tool that will help farmers and ranchers of tomorrow tap into the range of USDA resources today. Featuring direct links to USDA programs and services, as well as case studies about how USDA support is being put to work to for America?s agriculture future, usda.gov/newfarmers is a welcome new resource.
Leasing Land for Agriculture
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 8, 2014
Leasing land to an agricultural producer is a viable option for generating some income from land one owns. Rental income is variable across the region. It is important to have a clear understandable rental agreement, preferably in writing, between the parties involved. Both share rental and cash rent agreements can be used. Costs of ownership, the ability of the property to generate income, and market conditions all must be considered to determine a fair rental value.
Dairy Profit Team Springboards Davis Valley Farm into Future
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 25, 2014
Davis Valley Farm in Bliss, New York started a Dairy Profit Team in February. Since then the Team has embarked upon a journey, helping James Junior and James the Third to seize a number of opportunities to advance their farm business.
Communicate With Your People, Not Just Your Cows
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
Communicating for Safety
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
El Sostento June 2014
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
El Sostento June 2014:
- Employee Evaluations: Worth Your Time
- Crop Vocabulary
- Summer 2014 Mobile Consulates
- Heat Stress
- Estr?s Cal?rico
- Mother's Day and Father's Day
El Sostento March 2014
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
El Sostento March 2014
- Together, Growing Lasting Solutions for Hunger
- Four (Informal) Greetings
- Highlights from the 2014 Becker Forum
- Farm Safety for Employees
- Seguridad en la Finca para los Empleados
- So What is Cinco de Mayo All About?
NEW OSHA LEP Resources
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
OSHA Inspections: The Dairy Dozen
Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: June 6, 2014
Milk Price Protection Program - New Dairy Protection Included in 2014 Farm Bill
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: May 1, 2014
Milk Price Protection Program (MPP) slated to replace Federal Dairy Programs in 2014. Passage of the 2014 Farm Bill made sweeping changes to how dairy farmers will receive protection from swings in price of both milk and feed ingredients. Learn more about the new MPP.
Alternative Row Spacing for Corn Grain: Preliminary Findings for NY
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: March 4, 2014
Are narrow row widths attractive for corn grain, and under what conditions in NY? What are expected changes in profit associated with a change from 30 inch to narrow rows of corn grain?
Would a National Checkoff fit Organic?
A. Fay Benson, Small Dairy Extension Educator
South Central New York Dairy & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 6, 2014
The New York Organic Dairy Task Force heard from two sides on this topic at its December 6th 2013 meeting at the Dairylea Offices in Syracuse. As an outcome of that meeting the 23-member Task Force decided that more education on the topic should be directed towards those that would be affected by a checkoff.
Apps for Ag
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 20, 2013
List of some apps for smartphone users.
Annual Farm Business Summary and Analysis Season Is Right Around The Corner
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: December 2, 2013
- Sound financial planning and control are keys to successfully managing agricultural risks.
- The next few months present good opportunities to evaluate your business' financial management practices.
- The NWNY Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program has the capacity to work with a variety producers as they seek to improve their business' financial management practices.
2014 NRCS EQIP Sign-up
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: November 4, 2013
For more information about 2014 EQIP applications download these PDFs.
Pricing Corn Silage - Fall 2013
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: September 23, 2013
Empirical price analysis suggests that corn silage price is a function of corn silage quantities, alfalfa hay price, the price received by farmers for milk sold, and corn grain price. Given most recently available alfalfa hay and corn grain prices (August, and September/October 2013, respectively) and other factors (corn silage quantity and milk price) fixed at average levels for the period 1991 through 2010 price analysis suggests an estimated corn silage price of about $42 per ton.
Employers Must Provide Health Exchange Notice by October 1, 2013
Last Modified: September 19, 2013
From the Emerling Agency, Williamsville, NY with edits by Joan Sinclair Petzen.
Employers have until October 1, 2013 to provide employees with the Health Exchange Notice required by the Affordable Care Act.. The simplest way to satisfy this obligation is to choose the appropriate model and distribute a paper copy of it by hand or by mail.
Guide to Marketing Channel Selection
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 30, 2013
Market channel selection is as important as production decisions for the small to medium sized fruit and vegetable operation. The new "Guide to Marketing Channels" is a decision-making aid for new farmers and for those considering marketing through a new channel. The guide focuses on the marketing of fresh-market produce, however many of the marketing principles apply other agricultural products such as cut flowers, meats, honey, maple syrup, and dairy products. While generalizations are made about the channels, exact details are subject to conditions with individual farms, their location, potential customer base size, and other factors.
How Do I Market My Meat Products?
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 30, 2013
The article provides some strategies to target your marketing efforts.
Resource Guide to Direct Marketing Livestock and Poultry
Nancy Glazier, Small Farms & Livestock Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 30, 2013
One of the most challenging parts of farming is the marketing piece. This guide provides useful information on getting started.
Corn Silage Pricing
Bill Verbeten, Field Crops
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 22, 2013
A number of tools are available to help farmers price their corn silage.
Check out the Cornell University factsheet
a calculator from the University of Wisconsin/ Extension Corn Silage Pricing Decision Aid (http://www.uwex.edu/ces/crops/uwforage/dec_soft.htm),
a calculator from Penn State University
and a calculator from the Purdue University
Dairy Acceleration Program
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: August 20, 2013
The Dairy Acceleration Program is an initiative of Governor Cuomo in partnership with the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets and the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation designed to enhance profitability of New York dairy farms while maintaining a commitment to environmentally responsible growth.
Referral Tool for H-2A Employers
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 19, 2013
H-2A Employers can use a new tool from New York State Department of Labor's Agriculture Program to meet their recruitment reporting requirements to the U.S. Department of Labor's Chicago Reporting Center.
New York Corn and Soybean Growers Association
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 9, 2013
The NY Corn and Soybean Growers Association website contains marketing information and resources, news and events, and other resources valuable to producers of corn and soybeans.
Beginning Farmer Resources at the Cornell University Small Farms Program
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
The Small Farms Program at Cornell University offers general resources, information about internships and jobs, and land link programs for beginning farmers.
Cornell University Cooperative Ext. Dairy Farm Business Summary (DFBS) Program
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
Research studies conclude that dairy farm businesses that apply farm business summary and analysis to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of their businesses achieve greater levels of profit compared to the group that does not apply summary and analysis. Producers use Cornell University Cooperative Extension's DFBS Program as a financial management tool for the above purposes. To learn more visit the DFBS website.
Cornell University, PRO-DAIRY Program's Decision Making Tools
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
PRO-DAIRY's Decision Making Tools page contains a number of valuable electronic spreadsheets and other tools to assist producers with decision making on a number of topics.
Economics of Intensive Wheat Management Practices - Analysis for 2011
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
Intensive wheat management has the potential to increase value of production, income, but additional costs to realize that potential can be relatively large. For 2011, analysis suggests that an intensive system outperformed a standard system based upon the estimated change in profit attributed to intensive management. Analysis for 2010 concluded the same.
Economics of Tile Plow Investment and Use
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
Economic analyses suggest conditions under which tractor drawn tile plow investment and use make sense.
Payroll Taxes
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
Farm business employers are, depending upon the size of their workforce, required to withhold and deposit Federal and New York State Income Tax, pay social security and Medicare taxes on their employees, and larger agricultural employers are required to pay unemployment tax.
Performance of WNY Dairy Farm Businesses in 2012 - Progress of the Farm Business
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
The June 2013 issue of AgFocus contained preliminary Dairy Farm Business Summary (DFBS) results for Western New York (WNY) Region farms for 2012. We reported ranges of results for selected business factors. In this month's issue, we provide additional preliminary results, highlighting WNY cooperators' progress from 2011 to 2012.
Pricing Corn Silage: Another Look
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
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 current (January, February 2013) alfalfa hay and corn grain prices, price analysis suggests an estimated corn silage price of about $48 per ton.
USDA Forest Service - Forest Taxation
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 8, 2013
USDA Forest Service - Forest Taxation - Assuring that Non-Industrial Forest Landowners Have Access to the Best Available Information on Forest Related Tax Law
Ag Alternatives - Beef Cow-Calf Production
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
The beef cow-calf business is well adapted to small-scale and part-time farmers who have land suitable for pasture and hay production. Included are two sample beef cow-calf budgets.
Alternative Risk Management Strategies for Today's Farm Business Owners
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
Efforts to deal with the sources of risk faced by today's farm business owners (see the USDA publication in this section) will be more effective when the farm business manager understands that: A general framework based on management principles can effectively guide the manager; Alternative risk management strategies to reduce variability in outcomes exist; People are key to successfully developing and implementing a risk management plan.
Cash Flow Budgeting -- A Valuable Farm Financial Management Practice
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
Cash flow budgeting is linked to improved financial results for farm businesses. Understand budgeting approaches to choose the best approach or combination of approaches. Follow suggested guidelines for developing budgets.
Cash Rents Paid for Farm Land
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) staff often receive calls from individuals asking "What is the going cash rent for farm land in my area?"
Farm Labor
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
The Division of Labor Standards: 1) Enforces minimum wage standards for farm workers. 2) Reviews applications for and issues certificates of registration to migrant farm labor contractors, growers and food processors that bring migrant farm labor into the State and enforce compliance with the conditions set forth in the registration. 3) Issues permits to labor camp commissaries.
Introduction to Risk Management: Understanding Agricultural Risks
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
Learn about the five sources of agricultural risks, and about risk management strategies for each source of risk.
Measuring Expected Changes in Profit Using a Partial Budget
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
The partial budget is a decision making tool that helps producers evaluate proposed changes to the farm business by estimating the expected change in profit associated with the change.
NY Farm Bureau: Farm Labor Updates
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
Provides timely updates on regulatory and legislative issues related to farm labor. Many sections of the page are available to the public.
NYS Dept. of Ag & Markets' Crop Insurance/Risk Management
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
Learn about crop insurance education, products, events and news to successfully manage production, market, financial and other risks.
US Dept. of Homeland Security: Employment Verification
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 5, 2013
The US Citizenship and Immigration Service Employer's Handbook provides detailed instructions for employers on the employment verification process. You can find both the Handbook and Employment Verification, I-9 Forms in English and Spanish at their website.
A Guide to Evaluating the Feasibility of New Farm-Based Enterprises
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
Farming Alternatives: A Guide to Evaluating the Feasibility of New Farm-Based Enterprises assists rural and farm residents who are considering alternative enterprises. The case study and workbook format helps in evaluating personal and family considerations, resources, market potential, production feasibility, profitability, cash flow, and all factors combined. The guidebook also offers research sources for enterprise ideas. Each chapter includes exercises, self-tests, checklists, and worksheets that allow the reader to analyze an enterprise idea. (1988)
AgTransitions - Center for Farm Financial Management
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
AgTransitions helps farmers & ranchers develop a plan to transition their business to the next generation. An on-line resource for developing, sharing and gaining assistance with your farm transition plan.
American Farmland Trust's New York Agricultural Landowner Guide
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
American Farmland Trust's New York Agricultural Landowner Guide aims to help farmers and other farmland owners navigate the sometimes confusing array of public programs available to reduce taxes as well as steward and protect their land.
Building a Sustainable Business
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
Building A Sustainable Business - A Guide To Developing A Business Plan For Farms and Rural Businesses brings the business planning process alive to help today's alternative and sustainable agriculture entrepreneurs transform farm-grown inspiration into profitable enterprises. Sample worksheets lend a practical perspective and illustrate how real farm families set goals, researched processing alternatives, determined potential markets, and evaluated financing options. Blank worksheets help the reader develop a detailed, lender-ready business plan or map out strategies to take advantage of new opportunities.
Farm Journal Legacy Project
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
The Farm Journal Legacy Project is a concerted effort to address the succession planning needs of America's farm families. Utilizing all Farm Journal Media properties, the Legacy Project provides comprehensive succession planning information. Its mission: to cultivate multigenerational success in the agricultural community.
Farmers and Federal Income Tax
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
Farms just like any other business is required to file federal income tax. For information about farming check out the Farmer's Tax Guide
National Timber Tax Website
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
Tax Management for Timberland Owners - The National Timber Tax Website was developed to be used by timberland owners, as well as a reference for accountants, attorneys, consulting foresters and other professionals who work with timberland owners regarding the tax treatment of timber related activities.
New I-9 Form Required May 7th
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
The Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a new 9-page Form I-9. Effective May 7, 2013, employers must use the new form to document the eligibility for employment of new hires. Section 1, Employee Information and Attestation, of the new Form I-9 must be completed on the first day of employment.
New York State Tax Information
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance provides information about income tax, sales tax, real property taxes, payroll, and fuel and highway taxes. Many of the forms farmers need are fillable on-line. The site also includes a place where payments can be made on-line for certain taxes.
NY FarmLink
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
Transferring management responsibility and farm assets to the next generation or a non-family member is an important, but sometimes confusing process. In addition, existing farmers face a limited amount of choices for retirement and new farmers face a tremendous uphill battle in order to obtain the necessary knowledge, skill, and finances. NY FarmLink provides educational resources, consulting, and opportunities that enable more farms to be transferred and joint ventures to be developed for the economic enhancement of New York State agriculture.
Rural Tax Education Website
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
The Rural Tax Education website provides farmers and ranchers, other agricultural producers and Extension educators with a source for agriculturally related income and self-employment tax information that is both current and easy to understand. Tax issues are important for agricultural operations because income and self-employment taxes are a major cost and also because more and more USDA programs are being linked to a producer's federal income tax return.
Transferring the Farm Series - University of Minnesota
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 3, 2013
Fact sheets addressing specific farm business transfer issues from the University of Minnesota
Dairy Farm Business Summary: Intensive Grazing Farms New York 2011
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 1, 2013
Summary and analysis of performance of twenty-eight New York Farms that indicated they graze dairy cows at least three months, moving to a fresh paddock at least every three days and more than 30 percent of the forage consumed during the growing season was from grazing. These farms were neither organic nor first year grazers. Grazing farms are compared to 58 "Non-Graziers" with similar herd size to the 28 grazing farms.
FISA - A complete set of financial statements for agriculture
Joan Sinclair Petzen, Farm Business Management
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 1, 2013
This is an Excel 5.0 spreadsheet for calculating financial statements for agriculture. It includes a beginning of year (end of last year) balance sheet, end of year (end of this year) balance sheet, income statement, statement of owner equity, statement of cash flows and ratio analysis. The program is designed to allow single entry of data, it automatically does the transposition of data from one statement to the next and does nearly all the calculations. These statements are designed to be consistent with the recommendations of the Farm Financial Standards Council (FFSC). Thus, the statements include deferred taxes, base values for raised breeding livestock, the "sweet sixteen" financial ratios and the other characteristics embedded in the FFSC guidelines. The statements are intended for use with any type of farm business. Space is allowed for nonfarm assets and income because they are often important to lenders and others using the statements. However, the farm business part of the statement is separate from the non-farm section so that nonfarm assets can be ignored if desired. Each of the four basic financial statements is presented on one page with detailed information on supporting schedules. Thus, the summary financial performance and position of a business can be found on five sheets of paper (including two balance sheets).
Grazing at Grassland Dairy
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: July 1, 2013
Grazing at Grassland Dairy discusses the decision making rational for a start-up dairy to choose the organic production model.
Early Season Nitrogen Fertilizer Application for Pastures
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: April 1, 2013
Does it make sense to produce additional forage to be grazed in pastures early in the grazing season by means of an early season application of nitrogen fertilizer given milk production goals, and given that feed needs are to be met using the optimal mix of pasture sourced feed and purchased TMR?
Census Countdown Begins for New York's Farmers & Ranchers
John Hanchar, Farm Business Management Specialist
Northwest New York Dairy, Livestock & Field Crops
Last Modified: January 2, 2013
Farmers and ranchers in New York will soon have the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities by taking part in the 2012 Census of Agriculture.
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