The critical weed-free period is the time during a crop’s development when weeds must be controlled in order to preserve yield potential. For corn, this stage is generally considered to run from about V2 through canopy closure (V6-8). During this time period the crop is setting itself up for future yield by expanding its root system and leaf area, sensing how abundant resources are, and determining how many other plants are growing around it (e.g. weeds). This means that the

Feed is one of the largest expenses on most dairy farms, so even small improvements in feed efficiency can have a significant impact on profitability. The quality of feed also has a direct influence on overall herd performance, including milk production, cow health, and reproduction. This makes feeding a consistent diet while minimizing feed waste an important priority on farms.

Miner Institute has conducted several studies over the years evaluating the impact of heat stress on dairy cattle in Northern NY on farms with different types of heat abatement systems. This research was supported through funding from the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program.

Heat stress changes more than respiration rate and milk production. As environmental temperature and humidity increase, cows also change how they compete for essential resources such as feed and water. While producers often focus on fans and sprinklers as the primary solutions, behavioral changes associated with heat stress can quietly reduce access to feed and water for certain animals in the pen. Understanding these behavioral shifts is important because the cows most affec

In 2018, with funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) of the USDA-NRCS, we began a 6-year edge-of-field drainage water monitoring study on two of Miner Institute’s fields. The project was designed to investigate the impacts of no-till corn production on field hydrology and nutrient transport dynamics.

Heat stress remains a management challenge for farmers, with lasting impacts on milk production, fertility, and overall herd health. Anticipating heat stress early and responding proactively can prevent costly losses. Over the last month or so, our Miner team has focused on fan and soaker maintenance to ensure our facilities are ready for the summer heat.

May is the month when the majority of corn gets planted across the nation. It is also one of the months where the most fertilizer is applied. It’s a terrible time for fertilizer prices to spike, and yet, here we are… While you may wish you could just take a year off from buying fertilizer, we all know that crop yield requires nitrogen, and the cows still need to eat. While we can’t take a year off, we can try to make cropping decisions that will allow us to purchase less and

Increasingly intense storms and more frequent freeze/thaw events due to climate change are making environmentally and economically sustainable crop production increasingly difficult. To survive the episodic periods of inundation and drought that will accompany these climate changes, farms will need to maximize precipitation infiltration to mitigate the accompanying risks which could result in substantial nutrient and sediment exports and crop failure.

As we step into spring our cows and barn crew are both looking forward to warmer weather. With temperatures increasing, the dairy has been busy gearing up for seasonal shifts. Spring cleaning is underway, with some major projects in progress as we also begin preparing for our Open House on August 1.

Anyone who has AI bred cows during the summer months has “felt the heat” when breeding animals. As a relief breeder on our family’s farm, I’ve often wondered if it was even worth the effort and cost of the semen straw to put sperm in what feels like a roaster oven. Since I’ve spent considerable time observing spermatozoa under a microscope, I know how sensitive sperm are to temperature…both cold and hot.