JEFFERSON CO., N.Y. — This is an educational program to improve grazing practices for all pasture-based livestock including dairy, both conventional and organic. The North Country Regional Ag Team, a collaboration of Cornell and the Extension Associations of the North Country, is sponsoring this event.
This year’s guest speaker is Dr. Sid Bosworth, Extension Professor of Weed Ecology and Pasture Management at the University of Vermont. Dr. Bosworth will come to us via webinar on March 3 and 4 and live in Westport on the 9th. Dr. Bosworth will have a discussion about the lingering effects of last summer’s drought and how that might influence your decision making this year.
While the dry weather and some overgrazing in 2016 certainly stressed our pasture plants Joe Lawrence, Pro-Dairy, and Ron Kuck, Regional Livestock Specialist will talk about adding yield and quality to your pasture by sharing some studies they have done on north country pastures. In addition, these meetings also provide opportunity to explore other strategies to make improvements in your pasture based management systems. Have you been considering late season planted oats, cover crops, or winter cereal grains? Kitty O’Neil and Mike Hunter, regional agronomy specialists, will present their thoughts and answer your questions.
Two often requested topics will also be presented. Karen Soule, 4-H leader in Jefferson County and champion Aussie breeder will talk about working with your herd dog at the Burrville meeting. Her presentation is titled “The dogs know the job; it’s the humans that need the training”. At the Brushton meeting Robert Zufall, Zufall Farms in Lisbon will talk about his watering system for his 100% grass-fed dairy. Mr. Zufall has many great tips to share from his experience getting water out to his dairy cows, including a solar water pump out in one of the pastures.
The meetings will be in 3 Locations to serve you better! Plan to join area grass enthusiasts and learn some additional and new skills to utilize on your farm operation.
March 3 – Farm Credit East, Route 12 Watertown (Burrville) 10am-3pm
March 4 – Scottie’s Diner Route 11, Brushton 10am-3pm
March 9 – CCE Essex County 3 Sisco Street Westport 6pm-10pm
Cost $30.00 per person, $15.00 for additional from the same farm. Lunch/dinner included. Pay at the door.
Register at least 2 days before program date with Tatum Langworthy tlm92@cornell.edu 315-788-8450 or your call your local Extension educator.
Ron Kuck (Jefferson) 315-788-8450 or 315-704-8810 rak76@cornell.edu
Melissa Spence (Lewis) 315-376-5270 mms427@cornell.edu
Betsy Hodge (St. Lawrence) 315-379-9192 bmf9@cornel.edu
Diane Dumont (Franklin) 518-483-7403 drd9@cornell.edu
Linda Gillilland (Essex) 518-962-4810 llg46@cornell.edu
Sara Bull (Clinton) 518-561-7450 slk95@cornell.edu
—Cornell Cooperative Extension Jefferson County
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