JEFFERSON CO., N.Y. — On two consecutive Tuesdays, January 23rd and January 30th 2018, Jefferson and Lewis County CCE will be hosting a program titled Dairy Day with special keynote speaker Mr. Matt Draper, Executive Director of The Shipley Center for Innovation, Clarkson University. These programs from 10am to 3pm will highlight Managing your Forage Acres, Effective use of Water on Dairies and Affordable Technology. As dairy farm management has become more difficult and challenging each topic will also have a financial decision making piece.
There are three critically important factors in describing a desirable location for dairy farming: 1. the supply of locally grown forages, 2. the cost of feed and 3. availability of water [Stirm, J.E., and N.R. St- Pierre. (2003)]. Jefferson and Lewis County excel in these resources helping our counties command 2 of the top 5 spots in New York State for dairy farming. Nonetheless they are limited and upkeep of these assets is crucial in maintaining our agricultural advantage. Speakers from Cornell University and Cooperative Extension will present not only the practical but economic applications of these resources.
Mr. Joe Lawrence, Dairy Forage Specialist from PRO-DAIRY will challenge you to rethink how you view your hay fields. Discussing field management, harvest and storage strategies that can help make forages with varying quality equally valuable to your operation.
Many farms are still using the same water systems installed from 60+ years ago while their water use has increased. “Effective use of water on dairies” will explain how conserving water, includes fixing leaks, in the barn and the milking center can preserve groundwater resources.
Adopting and using technology is the key in operating efficiently, regardless of farm size. But what technology is worth investing in? Lindsay Ferlito, North Country Regional Ag Team and Alyssa Couse, CCE Jefferson will describe how to sort through the decision making process and give some examples of simple to complex technology we can all use and afford.
Who or what is available to dairy farm managers when you are reflecting on making any changes to your farm operation? Peggy Murray, Farm Business Management Educator will encourage you to consider partial budgeting. This type of planning allows you to get a better handle on how a decision will affect the profitability of the farm, including the topics presented at this program.
CCE is especially pleased to have as our keynote speaker Mr. Matt Draper, Executive Director of The Shipley Center for Innovation, Clarkson University. Many of us don’t really understand why fluid milk sales are down and cheese and yogurt consumption are up. Mr. Draper will explain what millennials and aging baby boomers look for in products, how they want to pay for products, and what they expect from the companies (ultimately you) with which they do business.
There are two dates: Tuesday, January 23, 2018 at the Ramada Inn, 21000 NYS Route 3, Watertown and the following Tuesday January 30, 2018 at the Elks Club, 5600 Shady Ave., Lowville. While titles of talks at both locations are similar, content will reflect the agriculture character of each county.
Both programs begin at 10am and end at 3pm.
The cost is $30 including lunch and handouts. FSA Borrower credits are available.
To register or for more information please contact:
Alyssa Couse, Agricultural Outreach Jefferson County CCE
Office: 315-788-8450 Text: 315-523-4223 E-mail: amc557@cornell.edu
Follow her on Twitter: @CCEJeffCoAg
Peggy Murray-Farm Business Management CCE Lewis/Jeff
Office: 315 376-5270 Text: 315 771-4617 E-mail: Mlm40@cornell.edu
—Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County
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