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USDA forecasts New York corn for grain and soybean yields

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ALBANY — The USDA-NASS has released the crop production forecast for August, according to Donnie Fike, state statistician of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), New York Field Office. The latest survey, which was conducted the last week of July included the following commodities.

Corn for grain production is forecast at 88.5 million bushels, down 9% from 2021. Based on conditions as of August 1, yields are forecast to average 150.0 bushels per acre, down 17 bushels per acre from last year. Area harvested for grain is forecast at 590 thousand acres, up 1% from 2021.

Soybean production is forecast at 16.6 million bushels, down 2% from 2021. Based on August 1 conditions, yield is forecast to average 51.0 bushels per acre, down 2 bushels from last year. Area for harvest is forecast at 325 thousand acres, up 2% from 2021.

The forecasts in this report are based on conditions as of August 1. Any potential impacts from severe weather that occurred after August 1 will be reflected in future reports.

For the complete “Crop Production” report, go to: https://usda.library.cornell.edu/concern/publications/tm70mv177

The “Crop Production” report and all other NASS reports are available online at www.nass.usda.gov.

–USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service New York

Greenfield Farms selected for New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award

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ALBANY — New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball and Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos today joined the Sand County Foundation to announce that Greenfield Farms of Skaneateles has been selected for the 2022 New York AEM-Leopold Conservation Award. The distinguished award honors a farm for its extraordinary efforts to promote and protect the environment through the preservation of soil and water quality while ensuring farm viability for future generations.

Greenfield Farms is located near Skaneateles Lake, which supplies drinking water for Syracuse and seven other New York municipalities. Jim, Tom, Bill, and TJ Greenfield utilize agricultural conservation practices to help their farm act as a 1,400-acre sponge, absorbing rain and snow melt and keeping topsoil in place. Jim Greenfield is one of the original leaders and farmer advocates of Syracuse’s Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program.

Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the Leopold Conservation Award (LCA) recognizes farmers, ranchers and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on working land. The award is presented to landowners in 24 states. Since 2020, New York’s longstanding Agricultural Environmental Management (AEM) Award has been offered in collaboration with the nationally recognized Leopold Conservation Award® program.

Earlier this year, New York State Soil and Water Conservation Districts were encouraged to identify and nominate the best examples of conservation success in their district. Applications were reviewed by an independent panel of agricultural and conservation leaders. Among the many outstanding landowners nominated for the award were three additional finalists: Echo Farm of Essex in Essex County, Humbert Farms of Clyde in Wayne County, and Lawnhurst Farms of Stanley in Ontario County. Last year’s recipient was Table Rock Farm of Castile in Wyoming County.

Commissioner Ball said, “I extend my congratulations to Jim, Tom, Bill, TJ, and the whole Greenfield family for their exemplary efforts to protect and steward their land. Their innovative environmental practices, leadership, and dedication to giving back to their community are something to be admired and mirrored across New York State, and they are certainly most deserving of the esteemed AEM-Leopold Conservation Award.”

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said, “Conservation and climate resiliency efforts at our local farms will help to protect the environment and preserve soil and water quality in New York State. Congratulations to Greenfield Farms for their well-deserved AEM-Leopold Conservation Award, which recognizes their leadership on preventing soil erosion, improving water quality, and using smart technology to grow and sustain their farm for future generations. Greenfield Farms serves as a great example of how New York’s agricultural community can help protect the environment and combat climate change.”

New York State Soil and Water Conservation Committee Chair Dale Stein said, “Congratulations to the Greenfield family on being honored with this distinguished award. Their work with the Onondaga Soil and Water Conservation District has helped them to implement measures to ensure soil health and water quality while maintaining farm viability. They are true examples of environmental stewardship in our New York State agricultural community.”

Kevin McAleese, Sand County Foundation President and Chief Executive Officer, said, “These award finalists are examples of how Aldo Leopold’s land ethic is alive and well today. Their dedication to conservation shows how individuals can improve the health of the land while producing food and fiber.”

John Piotti, American Farmland Trust President and Chief Executive, said, “As the national sponsor for Sand County Foundation’s Leopold Conservation Award, American Farmland Trust celebrates the hard work and dedication of the New York recipient. At AFT we believe that conservation in agriculture requires a focus on the land, the practices and the people and this award recognizes the integral role of all three.”

Mark E. Burger, Executive Director of the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District, said, “Congratulations to the Greenfield Family for being recognized for four generations of outstanding agricultural and environmental conservation efforts. It is an honor and privilege to work side-by-side with you!”

Sand County Foundation, a national nonprofit conservation organization, presents the $10,000 cash award through the support of American Farmland Trust, the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, Cornell Cooperative Extension, the Ida and Robert Gordon Family Foundation, Farm Credit East, Audubon New York, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, and the New York State Agribusiness Association.

For more information on the award, visit www.leopoldconservationaward.org.

ABOUT GREENFIELD FARMS

The Greenfields say their topsoil is more valuable than any of the crops they grow.

Preventing soil erosion at Greenfield Farms is important because most of the farm’s corn, soybean, hay, oat, and wheat fields overlook Skaneateles Lake, which provides the drinking water for Syracuse and seven other New York municipalities. The rest of the farm drains toward Owasco Lake, which supplies drinking water for the City of Auburn’s 36,000 residents. Jim, Tom, Bill, and TJ Greenfield team up with the Onondaga County Soil and Water Conservation District, including the Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program, and other conservation partners to put agricultural conservation practices to work, making their farm act as a 1,400-acre sponge that absorbs rain and snow melt and keeps topsoil in place.

Improving water quality through municipal-agricultural partnerships may be a new concept elsewhere in the nation, but Greenfield Farms and its neighbors have been part of such a public-private partnership for decades.

It was 30 years ago that the City of Syracuse had a choice: it could either build a $70 million water treatment plant (with an estimated $6 million annual operating expense), or it could begin cooperatively working with farmers and other landowners in the watershed to improve water quality before issues reached the existing plant. In collaboration with farmers like the Greenfield family, Syracuse opted to do the latter. At that time, Jim Greenfield was one of seven farmers who agreed to help encourage other landowners across the 37,952-acre watershed to voluntarily participate in the program.

As one of the original leaders and early adopters of Syracuse’s Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program, Jim and his family started making changes to the way things were done at home. The Greenfields sold their mold-board plow in 2000 and were among the first farms in the area to invest in a no-till drill technology to plant crops. To improve their soil’s ability to infiltrate water, add organic matter, and reduce erosion, the Greenfields began planting cover crops.

The Greenfields established more than 12 miles of grassed waterways and edged all of their crop fields with grass buffers to provide yet another barrier to prevent runoff. They have also installed and maintain more than two miles of stabilized access roads at the farm to keep their tractor tires from bringing soil onto public roadways.

Their farm also features 20 water and sediment control basins that capture clean water and move it underground (away from potential contaminants) and release it safely to a stable outlet. By having a professional forester advise the Greenfields on the best management of their natural resources, their work additionally benefits the local forest industry and provides habitats for wildlife.

Greenfield Farms uses smart technology to help apply, by variable rate, the amount of lime, fertilizers, and other soil amendments required to grow crops. This technology showed them that shade from hedgerows eliminates the profitability of nearby rows of corn. After converting these under-producing areas to grassed buffers, they saved approximately $400 per acre in time, fuel, crop inputs, and topsoil resources.

When taken together, Greenfield Farms provides a shining example of how continued, careful management improves farm viability, soil health, water quality, and resiliency in a changing climate.

Jim’s volunteer work with Syracuse’s Skaneateles Lake Watershed Agricultural Program and his family’s support on the farm for such efforts has not waned through the years. In addition to mentoring the next generation of board members, he gathered the sons and daughters of participants for a dinner meeting in 2017, where he explained how hard that he and his peers had to work to get the innovative partnership off the ground, and instilled in them why they need to carry it forward.

–NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets

MSR&PC’s Game of Soy wins at Farmfest

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MANKATO, Minn. — Everyone left a winner after playing the Game of Soy at Farmfest.

“Watching everyone from kids to grandparents participate in the Game of Soy and interact at each stop was wonderful,” said Joe Serbus, Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council chair. “Engagement was high, and the learning opportunities to promote the soy checkoff were numerous.”

The interactive elements at each stop were a welcomed distraction from the heat, especially Tuesday’s sweltering temperatures, when the real-feel exceeded 100 degrees. Whether attendees were identifying weeds, answering soy versatility trivia questions or guessing the amount of foreign material (FM) in samples of soybeans, there were hands-on learning experiences to help attendees get a better grasp of the many ways MSR&PC serves Minnesota soybean farmers.

“MSR&PC invests checkoff dollars in so many areas of the agriculture industry, and many people, including soybean farmers, don’t realize the scope of our investments,” MSR&PC CEO Tom Slunecka said. “This year’s tent was an excellent way to engage without making them feel like they were being taught.”

As they finished playing the game, everyone received an MSR&PC and Minnesota Soybean Growers Association-branded tumbler, which were handed out and “Bean Breaks” throughout the game. Each tumbler boasted the phrase “The Perfect Brew” to remind the farming community how both organizations work together to strengthen the soybean industry. And to compliment the tumbler, MSGA members received a free bag of coffee, which is locally roasted in Mankato.

Besides playing the Game of Soy, visitors put a lot of miles on their shoes as they strolled the 50-acre site, perusing more than 500 different exhibits. There were also multiple opportunities to listen to various panel discussions that delved into policy, such as the Congressional Candidate Forum on Ag and Rural Issues and the Minnesota Governor Candidate Forum.

As they entered the Minnesota Soybean tent, attendees chose a career: farmer, agronomist, loan officer or county commissioner – and then followed the “path” their playing cards indicated to soy stops. At each stop, attendees learned how Minnesota Soybean impacts their chosen career.

Throughout the three day event, there were veteran farmers learning about how MSR&PC invests their checkoff dollars, children enthusiastically following the game path painted on the floor, excited to see what the next stop entailed, and everyone in between learning about the power of soy.

Council directors who participated included Serbus, Gail Donkers, Pat Sullivan, Paul Freeman, Rochelle Krusemark and Gene Stoel.

“We’re so proud to visit with old and new friends alike at Farmfest and represent Minnesota soybean farmers,” Serbus said. “And this Farmfest was certainly one to remember.”

— Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council

Nebraska Extension provides in-field training in August on corn and soybean production

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LINCOLN, Neb. — Nebraska Extension is providing in-field training opportunities during the Crop Management Diagnostic Clinics. Training includes the Aug. 23 Midwest Soybean Production Clinic and the Aug. 24 Midwest Corn Production Clinic.

The clinics offer the following:

  • Hands-on, in-field training with CCA credits.
  • Learn from the unbiased expertise of university specialists.
  • Up-to-date, current, research-based information.
  • One-on-one attention, actual on-site plot demonstrations, and beneficial interaction with other participants. The small manageable groups promote interaction between presenters and participants.
  • The training sessions consistently receive excellent reviews.
  • Held at a site specifically developed for the training at the University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead (50 minutes from Eppley Airfield-Omaha or 35 minutes from the Lincoln Airport).
  • Money-back guarantee if not completely satisfied with the training.

Participants will see a growing season in one place at the training sessions.  They will observe plots with crop growth and development at a range of vegetative/reproductive growth stages. Discount available if attending both soybean and corn sessions.

Aug. 23 Midwest Soybean Production Clinic topics include: cultural practices; insect management in soybeans; soybean plant pathology; soil fertility; IPM for successful weed management in soybean; soybean irrigation management; effects of planting decisions; and cover crops.  Eight total CCA credits have been approved (2-Crop Mgt., 1-Nutr. Mgt., 1 Soil & Water, and 4-Pest Mgt.)

Aug. 24 Midwest Corn Production Clinic topics include: agronomy cultural practices; genetics/production; insect damage in corn; plant pathology; soil fertility; IPM for successful weed management in corn; Irrigation management; effects of planting decisions; and cover crops in corn  Eigh total CCA credits have been approved (2-Crop Mgt., 1-Nutr. Mgt., 1 Soil & Water, and 4-Pest Mgt.)

Early registration is recommended to reserve a seat and resource materials. If registering for one clinic, cost is $115 by Aug. 20 and $140 after.  A two-day discount is provided for those registering for both corn and soybean clinics; cost is $170 by Aug. 20 and $220 after.

Participants will meet at the August N. Christenson Research and Education Building at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Eastern Nebraska Research and Extension Center near Mead, Nebraska. Time frames for each clinic are:  Soybean Production Clinic 8:25 a.m. – 5:10 p.m. with registration at 8 a.m. and Corn Production Clinic is from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. with 7:30 a.m. registration.

Visit enrec.unl.edu/crop for additional information or to register. Or contact Nebraska Extension CMDC Programs, 1071 County Road G, Ithaca, NE 68033, 800-529-8030, e-mail cchromy2@unl.edu or fax 402-624-8010.

— Deloris Pittman, Eastern NE Research & Extension Center, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Indiana farmland prices soar to record highs

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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Purdue Farmland Value and Cash Rents Survey suggests Indiana farmland prices grew at a record pace between June 2021 and June 2022, exceeding previous highs set in 2021. Statewide, top-quality farmland averaged $12,808 per acre, up 30.9% from the same time last year. The average per acre price of average-quality farmland similarly increased by 30.1% to $10,598. Poor quality farmland prices exhibited the largest increase of 34.0% to $8,631.

“Multiple factors are influencing the increase in farmland prices, including positive net farm incomes, relatively strong commodity prices, inflation, and high farmer liquidity,” said Todd H. Kuethe, Purdue associate professor and the Schrader Endowed Chair in Farmland Economics and survey author. “However, rising interest rates are associated with increased costs of borrowing, which put downward pressure on purchases financed through mortgages.”

Statewide cash rental rates also increased across all land quality classes in 2022. Average cash rents increased by 11.5% for top-quality land, 10.8% for average-quality land, and 13.2% for poor-quality land. The increases in cash rents were the highest observed since the 2011–2012 period. Across the three quality grades, cash rents also reached a record high in 2022 at $300 per acre for high-quality farmland, $252 for average-quality, and $207 for poor-quality land. At the regional level, the largest cash rental rate increases for top- and average-quality land were in the Northeast (21.3% and 13.2%, respectively), and the largest increase for poor-quality land was in the Southwest region (18.6%). Across all three quality grades, the highest per acre average cash rent was observed in the West Central region.

While rental rates across all three quality grades increased in almost all regions, the cash rental rates grew at a slower rate than market prices. As a result, rent as a share of land value declined relative to 2021.

The price appreciation rates for farmland transitioning out of agricultural production or sold for recreational purposes surpassed the previous record growth rates observed in 2011. Statewide, the average price of transitional land was up 36.5% from June 2021, with an average price per acre of $24,240. Recreational land prices grew by 21.8% to an average per acre price of $9,121. For the remainder of 2022, respondents expect transitional land to increase modestly by 2.3%, while the value of recreational land is expected to hold relatively stable.

For more in-depth analysis on the survey, the Purdue Center for Commercial Agriculture will host a free webinar 1-2 p.m. ET Aug. 24. Join Purdue agricultural economists Todd Kuethe, James Mintert and Michael Langemeier as they break down the Purdue Farmland Values Survey and USDA Land Values report, discuss marketing strategies for 2022 corn and soybean crops, and make projections for 2023 corn and soybean returns. Register for the free webinar at https://purdue.ag/landvalues2022.

Purdue’s Department of Agricultural Economics conducts the Purdue Farmland Value and Cash Rent Survey each June and publishes it in the Purdue Agricultural Economics Report.The survey is produced through the cooperation of numerous professionals knowledgeable of Indiana’s farmland market. These professionals provided an estimate of the market value for bare poor, average, and top-quality farmland in December 2021, June 2022, and a forecast value for December 2022.

— Purdue University Agriculture News

MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center field day is Aug. 23

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FAIRFAX, Mo. – The University of Missouri Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center will celebrate a new chapter during the center’s Aug. 23 field day.

“We are now part of the MU Extension network of extension and education centers,” said Jim Crawford, director of the MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center, which is in Fairfax in Atchison County. “Along with our new name, we will be breaking ground for a new building during this year’s event.”

A variety of experts from MU will be on hand to answer the most pressing questions farmers are facing.

“On-farm economics are central on most producers’ minds,” Crawford said. “We have experts who will talk about the market influences on their inputs, crop sales and lease agreements. We also will be demonstrating some of the new technologies that are becoming available to make your operation more efficient.”

Breakfast is served at 7:30 a.m. Groundbreaking is at 11:45 a.m., followed by lunch.

Presenters and topics:

  • Kevin Bradley, plant science and technology professor, “Weed Management Issues in Corn and Soybean.”
  • Mandy Bish, agronomy specialist, “Fungi on the Move: Disease Monitoring Initiatives in Missouri Row Crops.”
  • Wayne Flanary, extension field agronomist, “Corn and Soybean Yield Response to Crop Management Inputs.”
  • Carson Miller, research specialist in plant sciences, “Using a Drone to Spray Crops.”
  • Lance Conway, research specialist, “Can Planter Sensors Accurately Guide Agronomic Decisions?”
  • Ray Massey, extension agricultural economics professor, “Input Costs: Outlook and Management.”
  • Scott Brown, associate extension agricultural economics professor, “2023 Outlook for Corn and Soybean Markets.”
  • Denise Ferguson, ag business field specialist, “Negotiating a Land Lease.”

University of Missouri President Mun Choi and MU Vice Chancellor for Extension and Engagement Marshall Stewart will be on hand for the groundbreaking for the new machine shed.

Crawford said they look forward to welcoming field day guests from Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska and beyond. “Our field day is a big part of helping meet our extension goal of doubling the value of agriculture in Missouri by 2030,” he said.

Preregistration is not required.

MU Graves-Chapple Extension and Education Center is at 29955 Outer Road, Fairfax, Missouri.

— MU Extension

Record 18 farm families presented with Bicentennial, Century Farm status

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HARRISBURG, Pa. — During Penn State’s Ag Progress days, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding honored Charlotte E. Sunday, whose Lenhartsville, Berks County farm reached the Bicentennial Farm milestone, having been in her family since 1822. Redding also honored 17 families whose farms earned Century Farm status for being in the same family for 100 years.

Families from Armstrong, Berks, Blair, Centre, Columbia, Erie, Fulton, Jefferson, Juniata, Northumberland, Perry, Somerset, and York counties have earned the designation for their commitment to feeding Pennsylvania and sustaining our economy.

“These families have devoted their lives and their legacies to feeding their neighbors here and around the world,” said Secretary Redding. “They are stewards, protecting our land, water and soil, and inspiring the future generations that will put food on our tables. We are here not just because these farms have stood the test of time, but because of the decisions made by generations of families to persevere and thrive in agriculture no matter what comes their way.”

Since the Century Farm program’s inception in 1977 and 2004 when the Bicentennial Farm program began, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has recognized nearly 2,300 farms. Farms receive a sign they can post on their property noting the designation.

A family member must live on the farm on a permanent basis. The farm must consist of at least 10 acres of the original parcel or gross more than $1,000 annually from the sale of farm products.

Following is a list of Century and Bicentennial Farms honored today:

Armstrong County

David and Heather Harkleroad’s Rural Valley farm was bought by his great grandparents in 1915. The family still uses the original bank barn and the home was built in 1919. Today, the 65.87-acre farm is a cattle operation.

Armstrong County is home to 58 century farms and five bicentennial farms.

Berks County

Charlotte E. Sunday’s Bicentennial farm in Lenhartsville was purchased by her late husband George Suntag’s great, great, great grandfather in 1820 for $2.93 an acre. Of the original 192-plus acres, 156.1 acres and some original farm buildings are still in use on the crop and heifer farm. The farm was preserved in 2020 to remain a productive farm perpetually.

Robert D. Yanos’ Douglassville Farm was purchased by his grandfather in 1921. He still raises beef and grows crops on the original 86 acres.

Berks County is home to 34 century and 11 bicentennial farms.

Blair County

Elizabeth W. Jacobus’ father Gilbert Watts, who served at one time as president of the PA Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, purchased her farm in 1922. The farm’s 1923 fruit market thrived through the Great Depression, becoming what is now Packing House Market on Rt. 220. The market sells Christmas trees, wreaths and greens.

Today, Jacobus’ daughter Betty runs the farm raising Angus cattle. The farm is one of nine Century Farms in Blair County.

Centre County

Thomas D. and Laura J. Gardner’s 127-acre Bellefonte farm was originally purchased in 1913 by the current owner’s great, great grandfather, John Hutchinson Lutz. Lutz passed the farm down through the family line to owners including David Lamb, the founder of Bellefonte. Lutz had purchased the farm after his family’s farm was taken by eminent domain to build Rockview State Penitentiary.

Ronald and Candace Wasson’s State College farm was purchased by Ronald’s great grandparents in 1922 for $82. The Wassons have farmed 46.85 of the original 219.19 acres since they purchased them in 1997.

In 1782, family home on the farm was build by Revolutionary War General John Patton, who was given the land by General George Washington in recognition of his service to the new country.

Previous owners also include William “Buck” Taylor, who performed in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show.

Centre County is home to 41 century farms and two bicentennial farms.

Columbia County

Jerry D. and Brian D. Davis farm all 88 acres of the Catawissa land originally bought by their great-grandfather William D. Davis in 1889. Davis had emigrated to the U.S. from Wales and was a prospector in the 1849 Gold Rush, and later a coal miner in Centralia. The Davis Covered Bridge, built in 1887, was named after him.

Columbia County is home to 28 century farms and 2 bicentennial farms.

Erie County

Bruce and Susan Yatzor’s Edinboro Farm was purchased by Bruce’s grandfather Melvin Flickinger in 1910. The family raises bees, chickens, cows, hay, and vegetables.

Erie County is home to 39 century farms.

Fulton County

Anthony and Barbara Onorato’s Shady Spring Farm in McConnellsburg was originally purchased by his great, great uncle and aunt Barney and Grace Bivens in 1922. The farm is now an agritourism business hosting farm stays in the 1880s farmhouse.

Fulton County is home to 11 century farms and one bicentennial farm.

Jefferson County

Dylan and Emily Dilulio’s Reynoldsville farm was passed down by her great, great, great, great grandfather, Alexander Bollinger, who bought 153 acres for $2.50 an acre in 1850. The couple grows hay on 43.7 acres and still uses farm’s 1872 barn.

Jefferson County is home to 75 century farms.

Juniata County

Barbara E. Nissley’s Mifflintown farm was bought by her great, great grandfather William Lauver in 1915. The family and the farm have expanded over the years to include generations of dairy farmers. The 232-acre farm includes 71 of the original 79 acres, and the original 1830 house as well as the dairy barn and spring house are still standing.

Juniata County is home to 33 century farms and one bicentennial farm.

Northumberland County

Phil and Karen Geise’s Northumberland farm was bought in 1907 by Phillip’s great, great grandfather, A.S. Hoffman. Today the Geises produce beef, grain and hay on 95.69 acres and live in the farm’s original 19th-century log home.

Northumberland County is home to 37 century farms and 4 bicentennial farms.

Perry County

Richard D. Metz, Jr.’s great, great, great grandfather Johann Metz purchased his Loysville farm in 1825 for $18. Through the years, the family farm included a blacksmith and a dairy operation. Today the farm is 147.5 acres and Metz raises beef cattle, soybeans, corn, and hay.

Perry County is home to 33 century farms and five bicentennial farms.

Somerset County

Dale and Dorothy Harman’s Glencoe farm was first purchased for the family by Dale’s grandfather Charles in 1922. The farm is the former site of a German Reform Church and graveyard where Civil War Veterans, railroad workers and others are buried, and outside the fence is the grave of a Black man barred from burial in the cemetery because of his race.

The farm’s elevation of 1,800 feet and surrounding 3,000-feet ridges, as well as the being the source of Finkner Creek, which eventually empties into the Potomac River, also make the location unique. The family raises Hereford-Angus mix, grass-fed cattle marketed locally.

Larry and Melissa Vough’s Markelton farm was purchased by Larry’s grandfather, Elmer Pletcher in 1915. The family has expanded 209 of the original 213 acres to a 309-acre hay business.

Somerset County is home to 64 century farms and eight bicentennial farms.

York County

George E. Livingston’s Dover farm was purchased by his father, Oscar Marcellus Livingston in 1922.  All original farm buildings are still in use, including Davidsburg School and Davidsburg Church, once part of the thriving village of Davidsburg.

Livingston raises beef cattle, hogs, field crops, and forage.

Timothy and Nancy Livingston’s farm, also in Dover, is a second, 53.8 tract of land included in the original farm purchase. The Livingstons live in a home built by Oscar Marcellus Livingston in 1958 and sell sweet corn in their farm market.

York County is home to 54 century and nine bicentennial farms

For more information about Pennsylvania’s nation-leading farmland preservation program, visit agriculture.pa.gov.

Note: High resolution photos from today’s ceremony will be posted on the PA Department of Agriculture’s FlickR page

–Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Agriculture Commodity Commission appointments made

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ATLANTA — On August 2, the Commodity Commission Ex Officio Committee made several appointments of individuals to serve on Georgia Agricultural Commodity Commissions.

Equine Commission – Cassie Harper and Beth Williams were appointed. Barbar Kelly chose not to be reappointed.

Beef Commission – Allen Wiggins, Ernie Ford, Calhoun County, and Chuck Joiner were appointed. Chairman John Callaway chose not to be reappointed.

Cotton Commission – Matt Coley and Steven Meeks were reappointed.

Soybean Commission – Brian Ogletree and Jesse Patrick were reappointed.

Tobacco – Chance Callaway was appointed. Jerry Wooten did not apply for reappointment.

Appointees to the commodity commissions serve terms of three years and can be reappointed for additional terms. Georgia Agriculture Commodity Commissions receive funding from grower approved assessment of the commodity. These funds can be used for research, education, and promotion of that commodity.

–Georgia Department of Agriculture

Specialty producers to showcase products at S.D. State Fair

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PIERRE, S.D. — The Value Added Agriculture Development Center (VAADC) invites you to attend the 23rd Annual Value Added Agriculture Center Day at the South Dakota State Fair in Huron, SD on Thurs., Sept. 1 from 9:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m.

Be sure to make time to walk through the Day Sponsor Tent to sample products from value added businesses and learn more about the innovative products being made here in South Dakota.

The event will feature about 20 vendors, many which were developed with support from the VAADC. The VAADC helps producers enhance their profit stream by creating businesses to process and market products they grow. Additional exhibitors are members of the S.D. Specialty Producers Association (SDSPA), which provides producers of specialty crops and other local food  products with education, promotion and connections.

The event will highlight local food and products including South Dakota meats, ice cream, herbs, fresh produce, spirits, sorghum flour, and more.

 There will also be presentations on various local food topics and our Ice Cream Social brought to you in cooperation with Your South Dakota Dairy Producers. Resource organizations that partner with VAADC in developing and expanding value added agriculture ventures will also be on hand to provide details on their programs.

The Day Sponsor Tent presentation schedule is as follows:

  • 10:30 a.m.: Agritourism: Do We Have What They Want?

  • 11:30 a.m.: New Uses of Soybeans

  • 1:00 p.m.: Savory Crepe & Fresh Herb Demonstration (Women’s Building Kitchen)

  • 1:30 p.m.: Preparing Vegetables for Salsa (Women’s Building Kitchen)

  • 3:00 p.m.: Value Added Ag Day Center Ice Cream Social

Support from East River Electric Cooperative, Farm Credit Services of America, S.D. Bankers Association, S.D. Association of Cooperatives, S.D. Farmers Union, S.D. Rural Electric Association, S.D. Soybean Research & Promotion Council, S.D. Wheat Commission, Agtegra, and USDA-Rural Development make VAADC services available to South Dakota farmers, ranchers, entrepreneurs, and business owners.

— SDSPA

Blister beetles reported in large numbers in Missouri

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COLUMBIA, Mo. – Farmers, livestock owners and gardeners across the state report that blister beetles are appearing in large numbers this summer, says Pat Miller, University of Missouri Extension agronomy specialist. Blister beetles produce a toxin that can harm livestock.

The toxin, called cantharidin, can cause animals to become sick and even die. Cantharidin is a stable toxin, so even the dried remains of beetles in hay remain poisonous to livestock.

There are a number of species of blister beetles, Miller says. Some common ones are the striped, black, gray and margined. Striped blister beetles cause the most damage to livestock, especially horses, because of their habit of aggregating in huge numbers in alfalfa, which can result in many dead beetles in bales of hay.

Striped blister beetles range from 0.5 inch to 1 inch long and have narrow, cylindrical soft dark bodies marked by orange stripes on their backs. They are an infrequent pest in alfalfa and cause limited plant damage in alfalfa and soybean. Few blister beetles appear in the first cutting of alfalfa in Missouri, says Miller. They appear in alfalfa harvested in June, July or August.

The beetles are hard to detect in standing alfalfa, blending in with the foliage, Miller says. “I’ve walked through swarms while taking insect sweeps and never noticed them until I found them in the sweep net.”

Other species are found individually or in small, low-density clusters in alfalfa, soybeans, vegetables, ornamentals, weeds (such as those in the pigweed family) and other plants. Therefore, these are usually not the problem in bales of hay.

Blister beetle larvae feed on grasshopper eggs in late summer. They overwinter in the soil, pupate the following spring and, depending upon the species, emerge in June, July or August. Adults then feed, mate and lay eggs for the next generation.

Horses are most susceptible to the toxin produced by blister beetles. They absorb and excrete it through their kidneys, which causes serious damage to the stomach lining, small intestine, kidney, ureter, urinary tract and urethra. The reaction depends on the number of beetles consumed.

In most estimates, horses must consume at least 30-50 striped blister beetles to be poisoned. However, as few as two to five blister beetles may cause colic in horses, says Miller. Dried body fluids from crushed beetles on the hay may cause other issues as well.

Blister beetle poisoning symptoms vary but usually include ulcerations of the mouth, frequent attempts to urinate, jerking contractions of the diaphragm, colic, diarrhea, discarded intestinal tract lining in the stool, reduced levels of calcium and magnesium in the blood, pawing and frequent play with lips and tongue in water. Miller recommends contacting a veterinarian immediately when these symptoms show. Also, inspect the forage eaten by the animal for blister beetles.

Beef cattle and sheep are less susceptible to cantharidin poisoning but may experience symptoms if they eat large numbers of the beetles. Little is known of the effects on dairy cows.

Miller recommends these options to reduce the chance of poisoning:

• Use first cutting alfalfa as feed for horses.

• Avoid using hay conditioners or crimpers. Use a self-propelled harvester with wide-set wheels instead to windrow alfalfa as it is cut. Hay conditioners and crimpers tend to kill beetles when cutting instead of allowing live beetles to move out of the alfalfa as it dries.

• Apply an insecticide for control. Scout fields eight or nine days before harvest, concentrating on the edge of fields. Scout treated and untreated fields one day prior to harvest to ensure that beetles have not reinfested fields after insecticide application.

• Check hay for blister beetles at time of feeding. They retain their size and shape when dead. Removing beetles from forages alone will not prevent poisoning as hay can still absorb the beetles’ cantharidin.

Miller also notes that these common suggestions may NOT help:

• Mowing alfalfa before flowering. The striped blister beetle species is just as likely to feed on nonflowering alfalfa as flowering.

• Using a sickle bar mower. This results in driving over the newly cut swath. Beetles may then be crushed and killed in the swath by the tractor tires.

For more information, contact your local MU Extension agronomy specialist. Also see the newly revised MU Extension publication “Blister Beetle Management” at extension.missouri.edu/g4569.

— MU Extension