Commercial Agriculture
SOILS AND CROPS
Onondaga County contains approximately 90,000 acres of land devoted hay, corn for grain, corn for corn silage, soybeans, wheat, oats, and rye. Nutrient management is a term to describe how manure is incorporated into a cropping system to support crop growth and minimize risk to groundwater and surface water contamination. To access the Cornell Guide for Integrated Field Crop Management click here.
What’s Cropping Up
The NYS Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM) provided weekly scouting reports of crops grown across NYS. This report provides timely information to help users learn about, and better anticipate current and emerging problems and improve their integrated pest management efforts. To access this report during the growing season and past reports
click here.
Cornell Waste Management Institute
The Cornell Waste Management Institute was formed to research best practices for mortality composting, manure composting, and information about the use of sewage sludge on farmland. For more information about on-farm recycling and CWMI
click here.
Cornell Soil Health
The health of the soil is the intersection of the physical properties of the soil, the nutrients and fertility and contaminants contained in the soil and the biological attributes of the soil such as single cell organisms. To learn more about measuring soil health
click here.
Nutrient Management SPEAR Program
The Cornell Crop and Soil Science Department has created the SPEAR Program to provide information through Agronohttp://nmsp.css.cornell.edu/my Factsheets, nutrient guidelines, and soil test summaries. To access the SPEAR program
click here.
Onondaga County Soil Test Survey
Cornell University College of Agriculture and Science summarized the results of 2,447 soil samples submitted by commercial growers and 472 homeowner’s samples submitted to the Soils Laboratory between 2002-2006. To learn how your soil sample compares with the range of soils within the county
click here.
Field Crop Hybrid Research
Cornell Cooperative Extension works with Cornell University staff to design field trials to determine which forage, corn, and soybean varieties are most adapted to NYS growing conditions. To access recent issues of
What’s Cropping Up? And to learn about recent hybrid trials
click here.
Onondaga County Forage Production
The soils and climate in Onondaga County support the growth of cool season grasses and legumes, those species which are fast growing in early spring and fall. High quality forage is essential to support the local dairy and livestock sectors. To learn more about forages
click here.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy whereby pests and disease pressure is identified and measured. Control measures may be implemented when certain pests meet economic or environmental thresholds. Management strategies may or may not necessarily involve chemical treatment. To learn more about IPM
click here.
PASTURE MANAGEMENT
The climate and soils in Onondaga County are natural resources that support the use of farmland for pasture. Pasture maybe considered an old-fashioned farm and land management strategy. Pastures properly maintained and managed can be a low cost source of high value protein, energy, and fiber for grazing animals. Onondaga County is best suited for growth of cool season grasses, those grasses that emerge early in the spring and experience rapid growth followed by some decline in mid-summer, ending with renewed growth in the fall months. There are two main types of pasture management – continuous stock and prescribed pasture management. Continuous stocking involves placing the grazing animal on pasture for the entire grazing season. Grazing animals usually prefer some areas over others, and thus there is more risk for over grazing. Prescribed grazing management involves moving the grazing animals through a series of small paddocks, grazing the pasture grass when the grass reaches 6” to 8” in height and removing the animals (usually less than 12 hours to as much a 7 days) when the grass is grazed to 2” to 3” in height. A pasture system is designed to meet the goals of the animal operator, the needs of the grazing animals, and the land resource available.
Planning a Pasture System
Planning a pasture system involves evaluating the space of the pasture, design of fencing, laneway and water systems and determining how much of the nutritional requirements of the grazing animal can be met through the grazing season on a daily basis. To learn more about designing a pasture system click here.
Soil Fertility and Forage Selection
Understanding soil characteristics (sandy, clayey, loamy), fertility, drainage, and pH are important to determine the type of species of grasses or legumes that can be most easily grown. Soil analysis is highly recommended to determine the need for supplemental fertilization. Species of grass grown should merge the soil type with the nutritional needs of the grazing animal.
Managing the Grass
Beef Pasture Management
Dairy Pasture Management
Goat Pasture Management
Horse Pasture Management
Sheep Pasture Management
Technical Support
Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative
Grazing Resources
WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT
White-tail Deer
To learn about white-tail deer and strategies to reduce deer damage
click here.
Feral hogs
Feral hogs have been found in Southwestern Onondaga County. To report sightings of or damage caused by feral hogs contact Region 7, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation at 607/753-3095 x 247. To learn more about feral hogs
click here.
Controlling Woodchucks, Raccoons, Rabbits, and Birds
To learn more about controlling wildlife animals in fields , gardens and buildings
click here.
Controlling Moles, Striped Skunks and Canadian Geese
The Cornell Guide for Pest Management of Turfgrass contains information on controlling moles, striped skunks, and Canadian geese. To learn how to control these animals
click here.
DAIRY PRODUCTION
Onondaga County is the home of 20,000 dairy cows and a similar number of young stock living on 100 dairy farms. The dairy cows produce over 21,000 pounds of milk per cow or 2,625 gallons of milk per cow each year. Dairy farmers have the opportunity to evaluate management practices through one-on-one consultations, attending meetings and seminars and through newsletters. The dairy industry is served through the Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences in numerous ways.
PRODAIRY
PRODAIRY provides information and education on dairy herd management, dairy nutrition, nutrient management, dairy cattle health, heifer rearing, facilities design, and environmental stewardship. For more information on resources and programs available through PRODAIRY.
Raising Replacement Heifers
Raising replacements for the dairy herd is very costly. Many times farmers who choose to stop milking cows will raise heifers as a new farm business. It is important to know the cost of raising replacement heifers. To learn more about these costs click here.
Quality Milk Promotion Services
Quality Milk Promotion Services provides site consultations and milk analysis that leads to improved herd health and milk quality. For more information on the services provided by QMPS click here.
Cornell Program on Dairy Markets and Policy
The purpose of CPDMP is to educate dairy industry leaders about the economic principles and characteristics relevant to dairy markets and dairy policy. This is done through analysis and interpretation of market information. For more information about CPDMP
click here.
NYS Animal Health Diagnostic Center at Cornell University
The Diagnostic Center is focused on improving the health and well being of food and fiber animals, companion animals, sporting, zoo, and wildlife animals. It provides testing, consulting, outbreak and prevention programs. To learn more about the services provided by the Diagnostic Center
click here.
NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets Division of Animal Industry
The Division of Animal Industry promotes sustainable animal production agriculture of the animal origin food supply. This is done through regulatory and cooperative agreements. The NYS Cattle Health Assurance Program consists of a series of best management practices to reduce the transmission of animal disease and promote the safe handling and care of dairy and beef cattle. To access these resources at the NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Division of Animal Industry
click here.
Organic Dairy Production
While a small portion of the overall milk and dairy products sales sector. The demand for organic milk and dairy products has been one of the fastest growing components of the dairy sector. To analyze the transition to organic dairy farming
click here.
LIVESTOCK
Livestock are cloven-footed animals used for meat or fiber production. Numerous beef cattle, sheep, goats and some hogs are grown in Onondaga County.
BEEF
The educational program delivered by the Beef Cattle Extension Unit of Cornell University utilizes research based knowledge to improve the sustainability of the State's beef industry utilizing the natural, physical, labor and demographic resources of New York State. The goal is a beef industry which is economically and environmentally sustainable while being competitive in the local, national and global area. To access beef resources available from the Beef Cattle Extension Unit and current and past issues of Beef Cattle Comments
click here.
Grass-finished beef
Some consumers have expressed a desire for grass-finished beef. The resulting meat has less fat than beef cattle finished on grain. To learn more about grass finished beef
click here.
NYS Beef Producers Association
The NY Beef Producers Association is a membership organization dedicated to working together for the improvement of the beef industry. To learn more about the group
click here.
NYS Beef Industry Council
The NYS Beef Industry Council provides information to consumers about the beef industry production and processing practices and the nutritional needs met through the consumption of beef. To learn more about the beef industry
click here.
GOATS
Goats provide a variety of products to people. Dairy goats produce milk with milkfat that is more easily digestible for human beings. It can also be used as a supplement for mare’s milk as well. Meat goats can be used as a source of protein, and other goats such as angora goats can be used for fiber purposes. For additional information about goat management practices
click here.
For a list of plants poisonous to goats
click here.
SHEEP
The Cornell Sheep Program (CSP) strives to be a global source of information about sheep, wool, sheep milk, and their management, production, and marketing in the Northeastern United States. To access the web site
click here.
SheepGoatMarketing.Info
SheepGoatMarketing.info originated from the North East Sheep & Goat Marketing Project, a USDA-funded project to improve the marketing infrastructure for sheep and goat producers in the twelve northeastern states. This web site was redesigned as a National information resource for sheep and goat marketing, with special focus on the marketing of lamb and goat to the ethnic and religious markets. The site includes a list of producers, market inquiries, and holidays. To access SheepGoat Marketing.info
click here.
FRUITS
The 2007 Census of Agriculture reported that 34 farms with 883 acres of land devoted to fruit production are located in Onondaga County. Thirty farms grow apples on 785 acres. Onondaga County is one of the top counties for strawberry production in NYS. Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has devoted significant resources to development of varieties that thrive in local climates and to strategies to minimize costs of production. This has been done at both the University in Ithaca, NY and through the NYS Experiment Stations located in Geneva and in the Hudson Valley.
Tree Fruit
For information on tree fruits such as apples and pears
click here.
Berry Production
For information on berry production such as strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, etc.
click here.
Grape Production
New varieties of grapes developed at the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station allow grapes to be grown in micro-climates in Onondaga County. For information on grapes
click here.
NYS Agricultural Experiment Station
To learn more about initiatives at the NYS Agricultural Experiment Station
click here.
Value-Added Fruit and Vegetable Processing
The NYS Agricultural Experiment Station includes facilities, laboratory and faculty support to develop value-added products. For more information
click here.
Vinification and Brewing Technology Laboratory
The new facility allows us to expand our experimental winemaking program to test new grape varieties and winemaking practices. It allows us to scale up our experiments to industrial production volumes. It is a place for equipment manufacturers to showcase their new equipment. It is a place where industry members can train on new and current technology and equipment. The brewing pilot plant is planned to serve multiple roles. It will be used in hands-on instruction during formal Cornell courses and extension programs. It will be a neutral site for suppliers of equipment and ingredients to present demonstrations or to obtain evaluations of their products or comparisons with competitors. It will be a facility available to present and aspiring brewers for product and process development. The new facility will form a center in which wine and brewing industry members can test and learn about new ideas. Workshops and industry seminars can be conducted teaching the use of new equipment and techniques. The new Cornell V&B Lab has (most) all utilities in place to allow equipment manufacturers and distributors to demonstrate new equipment and instruct industry personnel on the proper use of the equipment. Industry member will be able to utilize space and equipment on a fee basis for their own tests or small production lots. To learn more about the V & B Laboratory
click here.
Horticultural Business Management and Marketing Program
The Horticulture Business Management and Marketing program is designed to enhance the competitive position of the New York fruit, vegetable, and ornamental horticultural industry through targeted, curriculum-driven educational programs. To learn about the resources available and faculty support for this program
click here.
Marketing Fruit
The goal of the National GAPs Program is to reduce microbial risks in fruits and vegetables by developing a comprehensive extension and education program for growers and packers.
The National GAPs Program was established in 1999, funded by CSREES-USDA and US-FDA, and based at Cornell University. The GAPs Program has collaborators in 26 states throughout the nation and has created many educational materials to help implement good agricultural practices on the farm. To access the Network for Education and Training (GAPsNET ) portal
click here.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy whereby pests and disease pressure is identified and measured. Control measures may be implemented when certain pests meet economic or environmental thresholds. Management strategies may or may not necessarily involve chemical treatment. To learn more about IPM
click here.
VEGETABLES
Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm
CALS conducts vegetable production research at the Thompson Vegetable Research Farm. The 200 acre farm includes 30 acres of organic vegetable research as well. To learn more about the Thompson Research Farm
click here.
Cornell Vegetables Program
The goal of the Cornell Vegetables website is to provide vegetable producers, processors, and the vegetable industry with high quality research-based information to support profitable production and marketing of safe, healthy vegetable crops in an environmentally sound manner. To access the website
click here.
Organic Vegetable Production
Demand for organic vegetable production has increased steadily for over 10 years. CALS faculty collaborated with other Northeast land grant colleges to create the
Resource Guide for Organic Insect and Disease Management. To order the Guide and to access other publications on commercial production of organic vegetables
click here.
Marketing Vegetables
click here.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is a strategy whereby pests and disease pressure is identified and measured. Control measures may be implemented when certain pests meet economic or environmental thresholds. Management strategies may or may not necessarily involve chemical treatment. To learn more about IPM
click here.
Good Agricultural Practices (GAP)
The goal of the National GAPs Program is to reduce microbial risks in fruits and vegetables by developing a comprehensive extension and education program for growers and packers.
The National GAPs Program was established in 1999, funded by CSREES-USDA and US-FDA, and based at Cornell University. The GAPs Program has collaborators in 26 states throughout the nation and has created many educational materials to help implement good agricultural practices on the farm. To access the Network for Education and Training (GAPsNET ) portal
click here.
ORGANIC AGRICULTURE
Organic food is one of the fastest growing consumer food sectors. Organic vegetable research is conducted at the Homer C. Thompson Vegetable Research Farm located in Freeville, NY. To learn more about the vegetable research farm
click here.
Cornell Organic Working Group
The Cornell University Working Group is a group of farmers and Cornell faculty and Cooperative Extension staffers with interests in research and outreach of methods that improves production and profitability of organic farmers. To access the work of the Cornell Organic Working Group
click here.
New York State Organic Farming Resource Center
The NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets has created a list of resources for farmers and individuals interested in organic farming. To access the Center
click here.