2020 Fall Pasture Management Series

SOUTHWEST, NEW YORK (August 19th, 2020) – Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program (SWNYDLFC) is committed to continuing to provide farmers with timely information to help promote their success. In this series, Josh Putman, Field Crops and Forage Specialist, and Amy Barkley, Livestock and Beginning Farm Specialist, will explore pasture management from its most basic perspective: soil health. Soil testing, followed by proper soil amending, is a cost-effective first step to reducing weed pressure and getting the most out of pastures for years to come.

This joint-taught series focuses on three timely topics: late-season weed ID and management; soil sampling, preparation and submission; and interpreting soil test repots and adjusting fertility. The series will run on Thursday evenings from 7- 8pm from September 3rd – September 17th. The sessions will include time for questions. Details on the topics are below:

Thursday, September 3rd, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Late Season Pasture Weed ID and Management

Learn to identify common pasture weeds, why they may be in your pasture, and how to manage them.

Thursday, September 10th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Soil Sampling, Preparation, and Submission

Sampling soil is the key to understanding the nutrients available to our pasture species. Together we’ll explore the steps

of soil testing, including soil sampling techniques, sample preparation, and how to fill out a soil test submission form.

Thursday, September 17th, 7:00pm – 8:00pm Interpreting Your Soil Test Report and Adjusting Fertility

Here, we’ll share how to interpret a soil test report, calculate calcium needs and fertilizer blends, review the nutrient values for commonly available manures, and discuss how and when to apply fertilizer or manure for optimal returns.

Registration with be $25 and offers access to all 3 live sessions, the recordings, and the lecture materials. For those with limited or no internet access, we are providing mailed, printed copies of the notes and CDs of the lecture recordings, as requested.

To register, visit the SWNYDLFC website, at https://swnydlfc.cce.cornell.edu/event.php?id=1267, or contact Kelly Bourne at klb288@cornell.edu or (585) 268-7644 ext 10. Pre-registration is required. A confirmation will be sent following registration, with lecture materials and information for accessing the virtual classroom sent the day before each class.

Whether you are an established farm looking to improve your pastures, or a new farmer just starting out, the information provided in this workshop series will provide a solid foundation for pasture management for years to come. We look forward to seeing you there!

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program specialists are here to help provide research-based resources and support during this challenging time. Their team of four specialists include Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Farm Business Management (716-640-0522 or kaw249@cornell.edu); Joshua Putman, Field Crops (716-490-5572 or jap472@cornell.edu); Alycia Drwencke, Dairy Management (517-416-0386 or amd453@cornell.edu); and Amy Barkley, Livestock Management (716-640-0844 or amb544@cornell.edu). While specialists are working remotely at this time, they are still offering consultations via phone, text, email, videoconferencing, and mail. They are also providing weekly updates with timely resources and connections via email and hardcopy and virtual programming.

The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops Program is the newest Cornell Cooperative Extension regional program and covers Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Steuben Counties. The Southwest New York Dairy, Livestock, and Field Crops regional specialists work with Cornell faculty and Extension educators to address the issues that influence the agricultural industry in New York by offering educational programming and research based information to agricultural producers, growers, and agribusinesses in the Southwestern New York Region. Cornell Cooperative Extension is an employer and educator recognized for valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities and provides equal program and employment opportunities. For more information about this program, or to be added to their contact list, contact Katelyn Walley-Stoll, Team Leader, at 716-640-0522, kaw249@cornell.edu, or visit their website swnydlfc.cornell.edu.

If you would like more information about this topic, please call Amy Barkley at 716-640-0844 or email amb544@cornell.edu. For more information about Cornell Cooperative Extension, contact your county’s Association Executive Director. Allegany County – Laura Hunsberger, lkh47@cornell.edu or 585-268-7644. Cattaraugus County – Dick Rivers, rer263@cornell.edu or 716-699-2377. Chautauqua County – Emily Reynolds, eck47@cornell.edu or 716- 664-9502. Erie County – Diane Held, dbh24@cornell.edu or 716-652-5400. Steuben County – Tess McKinley, tsm223@cornell.edu, or 607-664-2301.

Last updated August 20, 2020