Corn Cob for Evaluation

Corn Dry Down Results 9-14-2023

Corn generally looks good in the region, let’s get it across the finish line with a well-timed harvest to maximize quality. The dry spring and wet summer have resulted in lots of variability in many fields. Corn maturity is behind average even though recent hot weather has helped. The only way to be sure of picking the best harvest timing is to base your decision on whole plant dry matter.

CCE and WAC teamed up with Dairy One, and their portable NIR, to test corn dry matter this week and the results are in the chart to the right. Samples varied from ¾ milk line to ears still in milk stage, but ear stage alone was not adequate to guess dry matter (DM) content. DM is the best way to decide on harvest readiness, because it best predicts fermentation quality. We recommend 32 – 36% DM for bunk silos and bags, 35 – 38% DM for upright silos. Remember proper length of cut, thorough kernel processing, and adequate packing are all critical in making quality corn silage.

The samples tested on September 14th averaged 29% DM with a range of 23% DM to 32% DM. With the help of Dairy One NIR, were able to measure starch content as well, which averaged 31% with a range between 25% and 36%.

As corn matures it will increase in starch content, and increase in yield. Harvesting too early will sacrifice yield and energy content. Harvesting too late will yield poorer fermentation and lower starch digestibility. Corn will mature and dry down at about ½ to ¾ point of DM per day. Only two fields tested have reached 32%DM and are ready to chop right now, ½ of the fields need another week, ¼ are 10 days to two weeks away, while the other ¼ are two weeks or more from harvest dry matter. See chart below for more details.

Harvesting too early (<32% DM) results in reduced yield, reduced silage starch content, challenged fermentation and increased risk for silo juicing (which is a potent pollutant as well as tough on silos). Harvesting too late (>40% DM) will lead to poor fermentation and lower starch digestibility. Continuing to monitor whole plant DM is critical. Getting DM into the target zone yields best fermentation. Use of reputable inoculants helps on corn silage, especially when it is getting dry. Inoculants containing Lactobacillus Buchneri have been shown to be effective with corn silage. Increasing chop length with wetter silage may also reduce silo juicing.

Sample Results 9/14/23

Town Ear Maturity DM% Starch %
Davenport ½ milk line 29 32
Edmeston ¼ milk line 28 32
Edmeston ½ milk line 29 33
Edmeston ⅓ milk line 30 34
Edmeston ¼ milk line 30 35
Edmeston ½ milk line 31 35
Edmeston ½ milk line 32 36
Franklin E. Dent 27 30
Franklin ½ milk line 30 35
Franklin ⅔ milk line 30 33
Franklin ⅓ milk line 33 34
Guilford ½ milk line 29 34
Guilford ¼ milk line 30 31
Halcott Milk 24 25
Halcott Milk 24 27
Halcott Milk 26 28
Hallstead Milk 28 29
Kortright Milk 27 29
Kortright E. Dent 31 32
Kortright ¼ milk line 32 32
Meredith Milk 24 25
Norwich ¼ milk line 31 34
Roxbury ½ milk line 29 30
Roxbury ½ milk line 30 33
Sidney E. Dent 28 29
Sidney ⅓ milk line 29 32
Stamford E. Dent 24 28
Stamford Milk 25 29
Stamford E. Dent 27 31
Stamford ¾ milk line 30 30
Summit ⅔ milk line 29 32
Tompkins Milk 29 31
Tompkins Milk 30 31
Tompkins E. Dent 30 32
Tompkins E. Dent 30 31
Tompkins E. Dent 30 30
Unadilla ½ milk line 29 31
Walton ¼ milk line 29 31
  Average 28.7 31.2

Thanks to Dairy One Integrated Farming Solutions Consultant Tim Lewis for coming to both dry down days and providing rapid analysis of our samples!
Thanks to Dairy One for providing sample analysis

2023 Corn Stage and GDD Report

By: Ben Hepler, Nutrient Management Community Educator

 

It is that time of year again! Forecasting silage harvest dates after tasseling using Growing Degree Days (GDD) is a great way to help plan your harvest and be successful.

It takes out half of the risk by forecasting silage harvest after the corn has tasseled. Through research done by Dr. Bill Cox at the Musgrave Research Farm, corn with a relative maturity (RM) of 96-99 need about 750GDD after tasseling to get it near silage maturity. Corn with a RM of 100-115 need about 800GDD. Both methods get the corn to about 32% dry matter (DM). Four to six days may pass before corn is ready to chop at the 35% or higher DM.  By using the Climate Smart Farming website, you can track GDD by field location and see what the forecasted harvest date might be. In the example below, we changed the planting date to the tassel date and enable targets to 800GDD. This will give a forecasted harvest window. Once corn starts to dry down, it averages .5% per day depending on weather. As corn silage harvest approaches CCE of Delaware County Ag team will be collecting corn samples to test their dry matters. This will help pin point the week to start harvesting and get the most from your corn crop.

Remember that all things depend on the weather and the Climate Smart Farming website is only a guide to work out when corn silage might be ready.

Early planted Corn started to tassel between July 23rd and July 25th. Using 800GDD as the target for reaching silage maturity and utilizing the Climate Smart Farming website, silage harvesting equipment should be ready around September 17th with actual harvesting taking place a few days later.

For More information on using the Climate Smart Farming website, type www.climatesmartfarming.org or to learn more about the GDD tool, type http://climatesmartfarming.org/videos/csf-growing-degree-day-calculator-video-introduction-and-practical-usage/

 

Growing Degree Day Corn Silage Maturity Chart

 

Projected date of 32% DM date based upon silking date, location, and GDD forecast
GDD, Base86/50 Silking Date
Location July 24

(750GDD)

July 24

(800GDD)

August 4

(750GDD)

August 4

(800GDD)

South Kortright (elev. 1565ft) Sept. 12 Sept. 17 Sept. 30 Oct. 8
Grand Gorge (elev. 1940ft) Sept. 13 Sept. 18 Oct. 2 Oct. 10

Scissors Cuts 5/30/2023

Dry Weather, Slow Changes

With continued dry weather this week, grass and legume growth was variable, some fields had no change in height while others gained 8 inches. Many grasses are heading, but some fields are maturing a little more slowly than expected, alfalfa is bud stage. Even with slower growth we would expect grasses be rapidly heading and legumes to continue to early bloom stage this week.
Grasses and mixed stands are past prime dairy quality this week. Legumes are arriving at peak quality and will likely pass prime this week as well. All fields are at target quality for growing yearlings and lactating beef cows. Producers looking for forage for mature dry beef cows should wait at least another week.
Grass fiber content changed at a more normal pace this week, advancing about ¾ point per day, legume fiber increased more slowly. Fiber digestibility (NDFD) continued a steady pace downward decreasing another 4½ points during the week.

Estimated days from 5/30 to reach target quality for classes of cattle

   

Beef

Dairy Growing Calf Growing Yearling Lactating Cow Mature Dry Cow
Grass Past Past NOW NOW 7-10 Days
Mixed Past Past NOW NOW 7-10 Days
Legume NOW Past NOW NOW 7-10 Days

The Table below has each sample location, listed by Town and elevation, and lists the species sampled, average height, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Neutral Detergent Fiber Digestibility (NDFD), and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). We have sampled grass, legume and mixed legume/grass fields across the county and at elevations from 1070 to 2240 feet. Look for locations with similar forage type and elevation to your farm.

Delaware County Scissor Cuts Results May 23, 2023 May 30, 2023
Farm Town Elev Species Ht aNDFom NDFD TDN Ht aNDFom NDFD TDN
Darling Andes 1505 Red Clover 22 30.2 52 66 24 33.1 50 68
Eisele Andes 1412 Orchardgrass 21 45.4 68 68 22 50.7 63 67
Evans Andes 2240 Mixed Grasses 13 48 65 66 13 55 60 66
Gladstone Andes 1960 RClov(35%)Grass 13/22 41.4 56 68 mowed 40.7 60 67
Mattson Colchester 1080 Alf(60%)Tfesc 29/32 42.6 54 63 35/38 44.4 49 65
Frisbee Delhi 1380 Mixed Grasses 29 49.8 60 68 34 53.1 61 66
Mushkoday Delhi 1340 Alfalfa 25 36.3 54 65 28 35.2 44 66
Rama Delhi 1400 Clov(25%)Grass 17/27 51.3 67 66 20/35 56.2 60 63
Scobie Hamden 1490 Mixed Grasses 13 43 62 69 12 48 58 69
Hillriegel Hardenburgh 1670 Orchardgrass 19 50.9 65 67 21 53.3 60 67
DeDominicis Meredith 2100 Orchardgrass 15 42.9 73 66 17 48.2 66 64
Johnson Sidney 1070 Alfalfa 28 39 46 64 35.6 44 66
Hanselman Stamford 1488 Alfalfa 21 37.3 55 64 25 36.4 51 65
Ryan Stamford 1800 Mixed Grasses 17 44.3 67 66 12/21 48.1 61 67
LaTourette Tompkins 1210 Clov(25%)Grass 18/22 50.2 65 65 20/28 53.8 54 66
Av Grass 19.5 48.8 64.7 66.5 24.1 50.9 62.0 67.0
Av Mixed 46.7 61.3 65.8 48.8 55.8 65.3
Av Legume 23.6 38.7 51.6 65.6 25.3 35.1 47.3 66.3

Thanks to Dairy One for providing sample analysis

forage quality goals for classes of cattle

We report several measures of forage quality. Different types and groups of cattle have different demands and each measure tells a slightly different story. If harvesting for dairy forage, we suggest harvesting based on NDF, for beef choose an appropriate TDN target or the animals you will be feeding
NDF – Neutral Detergent Fiber is a measure of the structural fiber in a feed sample. NDF correlates well with how much forage a cow can eat (gut fill). Earlier cut hay = lower NDF = higher dry matter intake = higher performance.
NDF goals for Dairy Cattle Forage: Grass hay and silage – 48 – 55%, MMG hay & silage – 40 – 50%, MML hay & silage – 38 – 45%, Legume hay & silage – 36 – 42%
NDFD – NDF Digestibility As forage plants mature, the fiber percentage increases, and at the same time the digestibility of the fiber decreases. NDFD measures the digestibility of fiber by rumen fluid. We report 24hr NDFD as an indicator of forage digestibility. Higher digestibility = more energy available from a forage. Grasses inherently have a higher NDF digestibility than legumes.
TDN – Total Digestible Nutrients The sum of the digestible fiber, protein, lipid, and carbohydrate components. TDN is a measure of energy available from forage and is related to digestible energy. TDN is useful for beef cow rations that are primarily forage. Higher TDN values indicate higher energy available, cattle groups with higher energy demands require higher TDN intakes.

Scissors Cut Report 5/9/2023

Be Prepared

Hay grew steadily this week; grasses height averaged 16 inches, growing about 4 inches, and legumes averaged 12 inches, growing about 2 inches. Heights remain at about average compared to previous scissor cut years. Forage quality measures are holding steady, as we expect at this point in the growth cycle. As grasses start stem elongation, height will increase more rapidly and fiber content will begin to increase. None of the fields sampled are at target quality and are at least a week away from recommended start of harvest. At this point in the season we expect NDF to increase about 1 % point per day, which sets our predicted first day at target NDF for grasses at May 17, almost exactly on our 20-year average. We will sample again on May 16, so keep an eye out for next weeks results to fine tune your plans.

A note on early harvest of grasses. As grasses grow and start the heading process, the growing point is at the top of the stem as it elongates. If plants are cut before the growing point is above the cutting height, the cut plant will continue to push the seed head up, with few leaves, resulting in a field that looks like all heads. When this happens, the grass will eventually fill in, but quality will be reduced. This is something to consider if you are cutting very early. You can split a few grass stems and see the length of the developing stem, if the growing point is lower than cutting height you may want to wait a day or two to avoid rapid heading of the regrowth.

Reminder: Check mower cutting height settings. Grasses store energy reserves in the base of the stem, cutting too low can remove the reserves the plants need to start regrowth quickly. Setting cutting height to 4 inches is a good practice to ensure heathier plants and quicker regrowth.

We have a great forecast for completing field work, don’t let first cutting time sneak up on you. Looks like we have the making of a good cropping season, lets make the most of it.

The Table at the bottom has each sample location, listed by Town and elevation, and lists the species sampled, average height, Neutral Detergent Fiber (NDF), Neutral Detergent Fiber Digestibility (NDFD), and Total Digestible Nutrients (TDN). We have sampled grass, legume and mixed legume/grass fields across the region and at elevations from 1070 to 2240 feet. Look for locations with similar forage type and elevation to your farm.

We report several measures of forage quality. Different types and groups of cattle have different demands and each measure tells a slightly different story. If harvesting for dairy forage, we suggest harvesting based on NDF, for beef choose and appropriate TDN target or the animals you will be feeding.

Special thanks to Dairy One for providing the sample analysis

Delaware County Scissor Cuts Results May 2, 2023 May 9, 2023
Farm Town Elev Species Ht aNDFom NDFD TDN Ht aNDFom NDFD TDN
Darling Andes 1505 Red Clover 11 27.7 58 72 13 28.3 88 74
Darling Andes 1500 Mixed Grasses 10 39.3 79 67 14 37.6 75 69
Eisele Andes 1412 Orchardgrass 12 40.7 79 67 12 41.4 70 69
Evans Andes 2240 Mixed Grasses 7 39.7 73 67 9 36.6 66 68
Gladstone Andes 1960 RClov(35%)Grass 6/10 35.7 72 68 7/13 40.3 75 70
Mattson Colchester 1080 Alf(60%)Tfesc 14/13 34.9 64 67 18/20 35.4 63 66
Cerosaoletti Davenport 1285 Alfalfa 16 30.1 66 68 14 24.4 54 69
Frisbee Delhi 1380 Mixed Grasses 10 47.1 73 67 15 42.1 70 67
Mushkoday Delhi 1340 Alfalfa 18 27.2 71 68 15 26.4 70 70
Rama Delhi 1400 Clov(25%)Grass 7/13 42.9 77 67 11/19 44.9 72 69
Sherwood Delhi 1610 Mixed Grasses 13 41.8 73 67 18 40.9 76 66
Sullivan Delhi 1425 Orchardgrass 12 46.3 73 65 14 43.1 68 71
Buel Franklin 1260 Alf(50%)Orch 11/17 35.9 76 67 14/21 33.6 71 67
Grant Franklin 1650 Mixed Grasses 16 36.2 83 69 19 44 80 68
Taggart Franklin 1720 Mixed Grasses 11 43.3 78 68 15 44.1 72 66
DiBenedetto Halcott 1730 Orchardgrass 15 43.3 76 67 18 42 77 68
Moody Hamden 2100 Clov(50%)Grass 5/9 38.5 72 67 6/8 39.4 70 68
Scobie Hamden 1490 Mixed Grasses 6 39.3 75 69 9 38.7 71 69
Hillriegel Hardenburgh 1670 Orchardgrass 10 45.7 71 67 12 45.8 70 67
Hager Kortright 2000 Tall Fescue 11 38.9 84 70 17 40.5 78 73
Haynes Kortright 1860 Orchardgrass 14 46.4 71 67 14/21 42.2 74 68
Cieri Meredith 2230 Orchardgrass 7 32.8 80 72 13 36.8 84 68
DeDominicis Meredith 2100 Orchardgrass 7 40 74 68 9 35.9 71 68
Keator Meredith 1600 Tall Fescue 10 43.1 77 66 15 42.3 68 67
Elliot Middletown 2060 Orch/Rcanary 14 41.9 77 67 17 41.7 78 68
Gray Middletown 2020 Reed Canarygrass 15 42.5 79 66 18 43.3 73 65
Coombe Neversink 1420 Tall Fescue 10 38.4 92 70 13 41.7 78 68
Krum Neversink 1700 Mixed Grasses 4 42.1 74 67 8 41.3 67 67
Albano Roxbury 1950 Mixed Grasses 11 43.9 75 69 17 41.8 75 67
Gockel Roxbury 1890 Orchardgrass 10 44 75 67 16 44.7 71 70
Kuhn Roxbury 1980 Mixed Grasses 8 41.7 71 66 20 46.6 67 68
Perry Roxbury 1830 Orchardgrass 15 42.5 75 66 17 42.9 73 66
Johnson Sidney 1070 Orchardgrass 14 40.2 76 70 24 44.5 75 74
Johnson Sidney 1070 Alfalfa 13 28.8 70 67 19 28.3 62 69
Deysenroth Stamford 1510 Orchardgrass 9 42.7 74 68 15 45.5 71 65
Hanselman Stamford 1488 Alfalfa 10 29.7 69 67 13 24.6 51 71
Martin Stamford 1560 Alf(40%)Orch 10/14 35.9 71 66 19 39.7 73 66
Ryan Stamford 1800 Mixed Grasses 9 42 69 69 6/12 40.7 72 67
Trovato Stamford 2080 Mixed Grasses 10 43 75 68 8/14 44.7 75 66
LaTourette Tompkins 1210 Clov(25%)Grass 6/12 45.3 74 67 7/18 44.3 71 67
Walley Tompkins 1235 Clov(35%)Grass 7/13 46.3 78 66 12/18 40.4 68 69
Wickham,B Walton 1170 Alf(40%)Orch 11/15 42.2 72 67 13/17 38.2 68 69
Wickham,D Walton 1240 Clov(30%)Grass 10/14 39.6 79 68 15/19 34.7 71 68
Av Grass Ht 11.3 41.7 76.1 67.7 15.6 41.9 73.0 68.0
Av Legume Ht 9.5 28.7 66.8 68.4 12.1 26.4 65.0 70.6

forage quality goals for classes of cattle Thanks to Dairy One for providing sample analysis

CCE Delaware Welcomes New Executive Director

The Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County Board of Directors is proud to welcome Dr. Mandeep Virk-Baker as the association’s new Executive Director.

Dr. Mandeep Virk-Baker brings with her extensive public health research and administration experience and has served high-level state and academic leadership positions. With more than two decades leading work in chronic disease prevention, community nutrition, health promotion, and as a public health scientist trained at the Johns Hopkins University, and the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/ the National Cancer Institute (NCI), she is deeply passionate about improving public health and nutrition and making the world a better place.

Dr. Virk-Baker has an extensive background in health policy and public health research, has published in several high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and has received numerous awards for her research work. Previously, Dr. Virk-Baker served as the Area Extension Director for Baltimore, Carroll, and Harford Counties at University of Maryland Extension.

Dr. Virk-Baker is thrilled to join the CCE Delaware County team, and is looking forward to working with CCE colleagues, county, state, and federal level stakeholders, and Delaware County residents to continue to improve the lives of our local rural communities. Dr. Virk-Baker lives on a 24-acre family farm in West Oneonta. In her spare time, she likes to explore the beautiful local area, hiking trails, and lakes with her family. She is an excellent “Baker” and enjoys creating new recipes.

Cornell Cooperative Extension Association of Delaware County’s mission is to educate youth, families, farmers, and communities using research-based knowledge for practical application and lifelong learning.

Round 2 of Delaware County Farm Enhancement Grants Program Announced

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County invites applications from eligible Delaware County farm businesses for financial assistance to implement eligible projects that will improve viability of farm operations through strategic investment in farm infrastructure OR through a limited payment of 2022 crop input expenses. The competitive grants program is offered in response to challenging economic conditions experienced by farms resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including disrupted markets and supply-chains which have increased input costs and price volatility and the need to adapt to emerging market opportunities.

Financial support for this program has been awarded through the Delaware County American Rescue Plan Committee with approval from the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and utilizes funding provided to Delaware County through the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Applications for funding in round two (2) are due by 4:00 pm on Monday, October 31, 2022.

An informational meeting about the program was held on August 9th at Cornell Cooperative Extension in Hamden, with the option to join via Zoom. The meeting was recorded and can be accessed, along with a set of “Frequently Asked Questions” on the program webpage at https://bit.ly/3oD5aUy.

To learn more about the program, including applicant and project eligibility, funding limits, process timeline, and to access the grant application, interested applicants can visit the program webpage at https://bit.ly/3oD5aUy or contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County at (607) 865-6531 or via email at delaware@cornell.edu.

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.

Delaware County Farm Enhancement Grants Program Applications Requested

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County invites applications from eligible Delaware County farm businesses for financial assistance to implement eligible projects that will improve viability of farm operations through strategic investment in farm infrastructure OR through a limited payment of 2022 crop input expenses. The competitive grants program is offered in response to challenging economic conditions experienced by farms resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, including disrupted markets and supply-chains which have increased input costs and price volatility and the need to adapt to emerging market opportunities. Financial support for this program has been awarded through the Delaware County American Rescue Plan Committee with approval from the Delaware County Board of Supervisors, and utilizes funding provided to Delaware County through the federal American Rescue Plan Act. To learn more about the program, including applicant and project eligibility, funding limits, process timeline, and to access the grant application, interested applicants can visit the program webpage at https://bit.ly/3oD5aUyon or after August 1 2022, or contact Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County (607) 865-6531.Applications for funding in the first grant round are due by 4:00 pm on Friday, September 2, 2022.Future grant rounds are contingent on available remaining program funds. An informational meeting with Q&A opportunity will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, August 9that Cornell Cooperative Extension in Hamden, with the option to join via Zoom. To register for the meeting visit the program webpage or call 607-865-6531.

Interim Executive Director Appointed

photo of Jack Salo

Jack Salo will be acting as interim Executive Director. Jack is a rural advocate and non-profit executive who has worked in South Central New York State for the past 35 years. Jack’s experience includes leading health, human service, and youth development organizations. Until 2021 Jack farmed part-time, primarily raising Dorset Sheep and beef cattle. He is familiar with a number of conservation programs including the Grasslands Reserve Program, Conservation Reserve Program, and the Environmental Quality Incentives Program. Jack has worked in the forestry sector in multiple capacities and currently owns forest land enrolled in the 480-a tax program. An important principle that has guided Jack’s work is to find ways that healthcare and other sectors can contribute to developing sustainable rural economies that are asset based and build wealth.

He can be reached at jcs549@cornell.edu

Jeanne Darling Retirement Press Release

photo of Jeanne Darling

After serving Delaware County for over 50 years with integrity and excellence, Jeanne Darling will be leaving Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County as Executive Director, June 30, 2022. Ms. Darling has led Delaware CCE over 35 years supporting local, regional, and state programs in Agriculture, 4-H and Human Ecology and leaves a vibrant and engaged Extension Association.

Jeanne Darling was awarded the first National Extension Housing Award for Radon Education; she has been recognized nationally as a distinguished professional in Extension; she has received the National Extension Continued Excellence Award as well as being selected to serve five years on the Advisory Council for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University along with receiving numerous individual and team awards throughout her Extension Career.

Ms. Darling, a licensed Nutritionist and Dietician has participated in several Cornell research projects including one on Breast Cancer, a National School Garden Study, A Penn State Cancer Coalition project, a Resilience Innovation Grant from Cornell and a recent National Extension Vaccination study. Jeanne Darling has served as Coordinator of the Delaware County Rural Healthcare Alliance, one of more than thirty Rural Healthcare Networks in New York State.

Ms. Darling is looking forward to retirement and continuing to serve the needs of Delaware County families and communities.