Country Folks New England 1.9.12 by Lee Publications

9 January 2012 Section One of One Volume 29 Number 42

Your Weekly Connection to Agriculture

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Farm News • Equipment for Sale • Auctions • Classifieds

Proper mineral management key to keeping cattle healthy ~ Page 5 Vo-Ag center adds rescued horses to its program ~ Page 2

Featured Columnist: Lee Mielke

Mielke Market Weekly 21 Black Ink 14 Crop Comments 6 Auctions Beef Classifieds Farmer to Farmer Trucks SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

22 14 35 8 18

“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8

Page 2 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

Vo-Ag center adds rescued horses to its program by George Looby, DVM Bubba Ray, Scottie and George have a new home and have settled in to what should prove to be a long, mutually beneficial relationship. Each is a horse, or pony, that has taken up residence at the stable of the Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience and Technology Center located on the campus of Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury, CT. The program has 319 students drawn from 22 surrounding towns with over 70 percent continuing their education at the college level. Their story represents a break-through in the history of the horse rescue program in the state of Connecticut. In what has become an all too familiar story in the wake of the economic downturn of the past four years, many horse owners have found that they can no longer afford the pleasure of keeping a horse as a pet, hobby or recreational animal. Closely related to the current economic climate is the sharp increase in the price of hay and grain making an already gloomy picture even gloomier. In addition to those who have been priced out of horse ownership, there is always an element of society who, for whatever reason, fail to provide an adequate level of care to the animals they own. Heartbreaking photos of neglected pets are all too common in the popular press and it falls to designated state regulatory personnel

to intervene on the animal’s behalf. Within the Connecticut Department of Agriculture there exists the Animal Control Division, whose charge it is to insure that all animals receive appropriate care at all levels, be it feeding, housing or other husbandry practices. The original focus of this division was to regulate and enforce dog laws within the state but, over the years, its role has expanded. The upsurge in abandoned, neglected or abused horses over the past several years has prompted the department to develop some innovative programs to address the problem. It should be noted that all animals rescued by the state are handled with a great deal of discretion, their previous ownership and locations are held in confidence to avoid any issues that might arise from such disclosures. The York Correctional Institution, located in Niantic, CT, is the only such facility in the state for women and it is here that, for the past eight years, abused horses seized by the state have been brought for rehabilitation. This program benefits not only the horses but also the inmates who are afforded the opportunity to develop a variety of skills that they otherwise would not be able to acquire. Once rehabilitated, the horses are sold to responsible owners and the money generated is used to help fund

Students studying horse managent in the vocational agriculture program at Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience and Technology Center, and their charges, are from left to right, Megan Williams, “Bubba Ray,” Victoria Hassad, Megan Conrad, Summer Churchill, “Scottie,” Kat Pannil, Molly Korowotny, Ahley Duprey, Katie Johnstone, “George,” Kaitlyn Bristol and Morgan Lavelle. the program. This year for the first time, horses have been relocated to a vocational agriculture program, the one located in Woodbury. Through a series of negotiations with school alumnus Raymond T. Connors, supervisor of the Connecticut Animal Control Division, acting with the persistent urging of Faculty Director Liz Webb, this arrangement was brought to

Discussing the success of using horses for the first time in a vocational agriculture program in Connecticut are, from left, Ellis Clark Faculty Director Liz Webb, Department of Agriculture Commissioner Steven Revicky, and Connecticut Animal Control Division Supervisor Raymond Connors. Photos by George Looby

fruition. In a year when the state budget was in a state of turmoil and budgetary constraints were the order of the day, to bring about this arrangement was a considerable achievement. Webb developed the horse management program over 20 years ago and remains the only faculty member involved in the program. It goes without saying that she loves it. Students studying horse management are fully responsible for the care, feeding and management of the horses in the program with appropriate faculty oversight. Students in the program take an introductory course during their sophomore year followed by more advanced course work during their junior and senior years. An overview of the subject matter covered would suggest that they are exposed to the whole range of horse management material from selection to breaking and training, thus preparing them for entry level work in the equine industry or laying the foundation for course work at the college level. Additionally, students care for the horses on weekends, holidays and during school vacations, for which they are compensated. The present plan is that during the summer vacation, the horses will return to the Niantic until school starts again in late August. The horses remain the property of the state of Connecticut. Department of Agriculture Commissioner Steven K.

Revicky and Connors were on hand for the formal presentation, which was low-key but representative of a new chapter in the horse rehabilitation program. It would be safe to say that Bubba Ray, Scottie and George were less than impressed by their new roles. Also in attendance was Susan K. Sieber, a major supporter of this and other programs in the area. Susan has involved FFA members in rehabilitation programs with children who are afflicted with a variety of learning and physical disabilities. Further, Sieber brought FFA members with horse skills into a summer program for inner-city children, especially those from the nearby Waterbury area. Activities such as this do much to expand the horizons of these young people as they explore the many paths open to them as they continue their education. Connecticut agriculture has many facets and certainly the horse industry plays a significant role when viewed from the perspective of land use for pasture and hay production, recreational and competitive programs, preservation of open space and support of a wide variety of support activities including farriers, veterinarians, tack shops and feed stores. It is certain that Bubba Ray, Scottie and George will do their best to insure that the students going through the horse program at Ellis Clark benefit greatly from their presence.

Crops and techniques for winter harvest

Website allows online payment of retail license renewals

Michael Kilpatrick of Kilpatrick Family Farm in Middle Granville, NY spoke at the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference and Trade Show in December, 2011. He shared his experience growing a wide variety of winter vegetables and how to store harvested crops for later sale. Photo by Sanne Kure-Jensen Family Farm by Aug. 1. By Sept. 1, Red Meat, Nero Tondo, Alpine and Miyashige radishes were seeded. Kilpatrick’s favorite shallots are Ambition or Picador. In February these onions were seeded for April transplanting: Prince or Pontiac, Redwing and Gold Coin. Bridger and Forum were seeded for overwintering. Ruby Perfection and Deadon cabbages were planted by June 1. Kilpatrick also spoke about the trials that seed companies were conducting with winter growing. Last year High Mowing Seeds trialed 13 varieties of spinach overwinter. The highest yields were achieved with Giant Wonder,

MONTPELIER, VT — The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets recently announced the launch of a new online service that allows licensed Vermont businesses to renew, and pay online, for their annual retail products and weighing and measuring device licenses. The new web service is intended to make these processes more convenient for Vermont businesses, saving time and money for both busi-

Space and Pigeon with regrowth harvests starting in January and continuing until May. Farm favorite lettuces included Sulu, Concept, Magenta, Winter Density and Johnny’s 5 Star mix. Blends included Lettony, Antaga, Defender, Galactic, Yankee mix and DMR mix. For head lettuce, Kilpatrick recommended Breen and Spretnak. Kilpatrick described his favorite braising or Asian greens: Pac Choi was seeded Aug. 20 and 25. Transplants were field planted Sept. 16 and indoor transplanted Sept. 30. Broccoli Raab, Vitamin Green, Tokyo Bekana (cus-

ness and state government. This enhancement will allow large Vermont businesses with multiple in-state retail locations to streamline the license renewal process for all of those locations. Additionally, smaller local businesses will benefit from the efficiencies that this new system will offer. Historically, the Vermont Agency of Agriculture has licensed more than 3,700 retail locations annually in the retail and weights and meas-

tomer favorite), Yukina Savoy were seeded Sept. 9 and transplanted to high tunnels in mid October. Leaves, rather than heads, were individually harvested, washed, dried and bagged for sale. Kale was seeded July 5 and field transplanted Aug. 5. Indoor kale was seeded July 20 and Aug. 4 for transplanting Aug. 17 and Sept. 1. Customers loved to buy and eat colorful Chidori Kale (ornamentals in red or white) since Kilpatrick nicknamed it “Peacock” Kale. Braising greens benefit from leaving a little rosette at first harvest to boost photosynthesis and speed regrowth. Tips for Handling Greens Spinach is washed in a tank aerated by a fish tank bubbler. Micro greens need only 30 days to harvest size. At Kilpatrick Family Farm staff use cordless grass sheers to harvest micro greens. When they tired of swapping and recharging batteries, they wired the clipper. Gradually hardened off lettuces and greens can take cooler temperatures and survive well into winter under row covers. Plant lettuces in the center of the row; kale, spinach and other greens are more cold tolerant and can be planted on the outer rows. Kale is very cold hardy; Kilpatrick only covers it when temperatures drop to 15 F. Leaves are stored loose in bins in the coolers until packaged for sale. Popular Specialty Crop Ginger is harvested in fall for immediate CSA delivery and some is frozen and stored for a “treat” in mid-winter. Other conference speakers placed ginger in a basket by their cash registers and impulse sales soared. The Kilpatrick Family Farm website has a resource page with helpful references and slides from all of Michael Kilpatrick’s conference talks at www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com/NEVF. html. You can read summaries of most of the speakers’ presentations from the 2011 New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference at www.newenglandvfc.org/2011_conference/proceedings/nevfc-2011-proceedings.pdf. A summary of Michael Kilpatrick’s talk on Diversified Winter Crops starts on page 106. To learn more about Kilpatrick Family Farm, visit www.kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com. You can contact Michael Kilpatrick via e-mail at michael@kilpatrickfamilyfarm.com or call 518300-4060.

ures categories, and this number is expected to increase over time. The convenience of the web service is straightforward: with a few quick clicks, retail business managers will be able to enter appropriate data about their license need, select appropriate license types online and pay securely by credit card, then get confirmation of renewal that they can print out if they choose. The service is accessible at

https://secure.vermont.gov/A griculture/licensing/. The web service was built at no cost to the agency over a two-year period by the state’s e-government partner, Vermont Information Consortium (VIC). The online service is the first such service for the agency — the first, they hope, of many to follow. For questions about the new system, contact the Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets at 828-828-2436.

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 3

by Sanne Kure-Jensen As part of the New England Vegetable & Fruit Conference and Trade Show, held Dec. 13-15, speakers described their experience with winter-hardy greens and outdoor storage of root crops. Michael Kilpatrick of Kilpatrick Family Farm in Middle Granville, NY, shared photographs from his farm and recommended his most valuable farm tool, a notebook. “Write everything down and use the data for planning and improvement,” Kilpatrick said. His notebooks are filled with data on temperature, rainfall, sun and clouds, planting dates, harvest dates, yield and crop rotations. Planting techniques To raise yields, Kilpatrick interplants short season crops with long season crops, like greens with tomatoes. By the time the tomatoes are 3feet tall, the lettuces are ready for harvest. Winter interplanting is accomplished by planting pac choi and Swiss chards together, due to the winter temperatures; they grow at different rates and complement each other. Fall plantings include onions and shallots overplanted with greens. The micro greens and baby lettuces shade out most weed seeds; when the early crops are harvested, the onions can grow on. Planting Schedule and Varieties Kilpatrick detailed his planting schedule and many successful varieties. By June 1 the Churchill and Dimitri Brussels Sprouts were planted for fall and winter harvest. Favorite leeks include Megaton, Lexton and Bandit. By July 10 Bolero, Yellow Sun, Purple Haze and Rainbow carrots were planted. Two Swiss Chards were planted: Bright Lights by Aug. 1 in fields or mini houses, Aug. 10 and Oct. 13 and 28 in high tunnels or greenhouses; Fordhook Giant was planted by Sept. 10 in high tunnels. At the Farmer to Farmer “Successful Winter Growing” Growers Forum, the following spinach varieties were recommended by the audience: Space (best according to majority), Beauty (very green), Corvair (pretty), Hunter (dark green), St. Helens (light green, resists fusarium), Lombarden (sweet and delicious in fall), Menorca (delicious, short stems). Raccoon and Crocodile spinach were recommended for cooking and Tyee was reported as the least productive variety. Kossack, Winner and Kilibro Kohlrabies were planted at Kilpatrick

Page 4 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

The 2012 Crystal Ball — five stories concerning ethanol production to watch in the year ahead 2011 was an exciting year for American ethanol production. Evolutions in the marketplace, advancements in technology, and progress in policy have all set the stage for a new era in American ethanol production. Gone is the tax incentive that helped build the industry and then was allowed to expire after it had served its purpose. Also gone is the tariff on imported ethanol. Still in place, however, are the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and a marketplace that is now comprised of 10 percent ethanol and growing. With this backdrop, here are five stories to watch for in 2012, in the humble opinion of the RFA: 1. First commercial availability of E15 blends for MY2001 and newer vehicles.

The RFA is working very hard to finalize federal requirements to certify E15 blends. Once completed, getting E15 blends into the marketplace becomes a state-by-state march, with some states like Iowa and Illinois ready to go as soon as the federal requirements are completed. When E15 gallons are first legally available is still up in the air, but we are betting if it happens in the first half of 2012. 2. Free and fair trade of ethanol. In addition to being the world’s largest producer, consumer, and exporter of ethanol, American ethanol producers are also the lowest cost producer. With this emergence, new challenges from ethanol interests in other nations have arisen. Whether it is the European Union anti-dumping investi-

gation or the vacillating ethanol policies in Brazil, a fair resolution to trade challenges will be important to the continued growth and evolution of domestic ethanol production. 3. “You want the truth? You can’t handle the truth!” The upcoming year promises to see a great deal of legal activity surrounding American ethanol use. The recent ruling by a federal judge that California’s Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is unconstitutional will be appealed. And, arguments in the oil/food processing/environmental lobbying industry lawsuit against EPA’s approval of E15 have yet to be heard. All of this, as well as international litigation, promises to keep legal beagles busy in the year and years to

Cover photo by Karl H. Kazaks If minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese and selenium are out of balance, a cow could have problems with immune function, reproduction, digestion and metabolism, and onset of puberty, among other issues.

Country Folks New England Farm Weekly U.S.P.S. 708-470 Country Folks New England Farm Weekly (ISSN 1536-0784) is published every week on Monday by Lee Publications, PO Box 121, 6113 St. Hwy. 5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428. Periodical postage paid at Palatine Bridge Post Office, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 and at an additional mailing office. Subscription Price: $47 per year, $78 for 2 years. POSTMASTER: Send address change to Country Folks New England Farm Weekly, P.O. Box 121, 6113 St. Hwy. 5, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428. 518-673-2448. Country Folks is the official publication of the Northeast DHIA. Publisher, President .....................Frederick W. Lee, 518-673-0134 V.P., General Manager.....................Bruce Button, 518-673-0104...................... bbutton@leepub.com V.P., Production................................Mark W. Lee, 518-673-0132........................... mlee@leepub.com Managing Editor...........................Joan Kark-Wren, 518-673-0141................. jkarkwren@leepub.com Assistant Editor.............................Richard Petrillo, 518-673-0145...................... rpetrillo@leepub.com Page Composition..........................Alison Swartz, 518-673-0139...................... aswartz@leepub.com Comptroller.....................................Robert Moyer, 518-673-0148....................... bmoyer@leepub.com Production Coordinator................Jessica Mackay, 518-673-0137.................... jmackay@leepub.com Classified Ad Manager....................Peggy Patrei, 518-673-0111..................... classified@leepub.com Shop Foreman ...................................................... ..........................................................Harry Delong Palatine Bridge, Front desk ....................518-673-0160...................... Web site: www.leepub.com Accounting/Billing Office ........................518-673-0149 ............................... amoyer@leepub.com Subscriptions ..........................................888-596-5329 .................... subscriptions@leepub.com Send all correspondence to: PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 • Fax (518) 673-2699 Editorial email: jkarkwren@leepub.com Advertising email: jmackay@leepub.com AD SALES REPRESENTATIVES Bruce Button, Corporate Sales Mgr .......Palatine Bridge, NY .........................................518-673-0104 Scott Duffy ..................................................Reading, VT ...............................................802-484-7240 Sue Thomas ................................................Albany, NY ................................................518-456-0603 Ian Hitchener ..............................................Bradford, VT ...............................................518-210-2066 Jan Andrews..........................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0110 Laura Clary............................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0118 Dave Dornburgh ....................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0109 Steve Heiser ..........................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0107 Tina Krieger ..........................................Palatine Bridge, NY..........................................518-673-0108 We cannot GUARANTEE the return of photographs. Publisher not responsible for typographical errors. Size, style of type and locations of advertisements are left to the discretion of the publisher. The opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher. We will not knowingly accept or publish advertising which is fraudulent or misleading in nature. The publisher reserves the sole right to edit, revise or reject any and all advertising with or without cause being assigned which in his judgement is unwholesome or contrary to the interest of this publication. We assume no financial responsibility for typographical errors in advertisement, but if at fault, will reprint that portion of the ad in which the error appears.

come. 4. Wave on wave of RFS challenges. The conventional wisdom is Congress will accomplish even less in 2012 than it did last year — with it being an election year and all. While this may prove to be true, it will not stop those who oppose American renewable fuels from seeking to dismantle the RFS. We expect the barrage of unsubstantiated attacks on the RFS to continue and even intensify as the tax credit that long served as the boogeyman for antiethanol interests has expired. 5. Answering cellulosic ethanol challengers. Construction is slated to begin on commercial scale cellulosic ethanol biorefineries with production to follow in early 2013. These facilities would be the first commer-

cial-scale project of their kind in the world. In order to assure these efforts are successful, Congress must renew key tax provisions for cellulosic ethanol producers before they expire at year’s end. The RFA, and its partner organization, the Advanced Ethanol Council, will make extending these policies a top legislative priority. Obviously, there are a host of issues with regard to America’s ethanol and energy sector that will deserve our attention. Eliminating unnecessary subsidies for the petroleum industry and accurately accounting for carbon emissions from transportation fuels are good examples. But we believe these five storylines will have the most lasting impact on ethanol production in the U.S.

USDA to host free soil health workshops in New Hampshire The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is hosting four free soil health workshops at the end of January and beginning of February, two in northern and two in southern New Hampshire. The workshop will be held on the following dates and at the following locations: • Jan. 30 — Charlestown, Student Conservation Association, Green Building, 689 River Road; • Jan. 31 — Lancaster, State Complex, Granite Room, 629A Main Street; • Feb. 1 — Conway, Grindle Center Conference Room, 73 Main Street; and • Feb. 2 — Alton, Gilman Library Meeting Room, 100 Main Street. Workshops will be conducted from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in all locations. The morning session is meant to be primarily educational and the afternoon session will be more interactive and will help producers interpret soil health test results. All are welcome to attend the workshops — results from a soil health test are not required. If anyone has received test results, but cannot spend the whole day at the workshop, they can drop by between 1:30 and 3 p.m. for assistance with interpretation. During this workshop, participants will learn about the properties of healthy soils and what can be done to improve soil health on their farms. Attendees can come for the whole day, or for either the morning or afternoon session. Those attending are asked to bring their own lunch.

The agenda for the workshop is: • 9:30-9:45: Welcome and Introductions — Brandon Smith, NH NRCS agronomist; • 9:45-10:15: Inherent Soil Quality — Joe Homer, NH NRCS soil scientist; • 10:15-11: Overview of Soil Health — Bianca Moebius-Clune, Cornell Extension/GreenStart; • 11-11:45: Improving Soil Health: Nutrient Management & Cover Crops — Brandon Smith; • 11:45-noon: Break; • noon-12:45: Working Lunch: Improving Soil Health: Tillage, Tools & Techniques — Dorn Cox, GreenStart/NHACD; • 12:45-1:15: Interpreting Cornell Soil Health Test Results — Bianca Moebius-Clune; • 1:15-1:30: Using NRCS Practices to Improve Soil Health — Brandon Smith; and • 1:30-3: Interpreting Your Recent Soil Health Tests and Open Discussion. This event is free to the public and is sponsored by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, The NH Association of Conservation Districts, Greenstart, and the Coos, Carroll, Belknap, and Sullivan County Conservation Districts. RSVP to County Conservation District staff by Jan 27 at: Charlestown, Lynn Brennan, 603-8634297, conservationdistrict@sullivancountynh.gov; Lancaster, Dianne Bennett, 603-788-4651 ext. 102, diane.bennett@nh.nhacd.net; Conway, Joan Richardson, 603-447-2771 ext. 100, joan.richardson@nh.nhacd.net; and Alton, Lisa Morin, 603-527-5880, lisa.morin@nh.nhacd.net.

Agriculture’s stellar performance by Stewart Truelsen “Jobs, jobs, jobs” seems to be the campaign theme for both major parties in 2012, and while unemployment is a terrible hardship, we can be thankful that the campaign is not about “food, food, food.” In an election year there is sure to be a focus on all the things that are wrong with the economy and the country at large. Both political parties would like to make things better. Unemployment, housing, energy, education and a crumbling infrastructure are all going to be touched on in campaigns. What’s missing from the list is food and agriculture and that’s because America does not have a food crisis. The basic goal of producing an ample supply of food at reasonable prices has been met and exceeded. The reasons for American agriculture’s stellar performance are apparent in a report issued by the Economic Research Service (ERS), the agency of the

FOCUS ON AGRICULTURE American Farm Bureau Federation Department of Agriculture responsible for economic analysis. The 77-page report basically boiled down to the fact that American farmers and ranchers are still able to produce more with less; that is more food with fewer labor hours and less land than was used 30 years ago. As a result, U.S. farm productivity has increased nearly 50 percent. There are a number of factors cited in the report that enabled American agriculture to achieve these results. They include innovations in the way farms are organized, managed and handle risk, as well as changes in production practices. Genetically engineered seeds and notill farming were credited with reducing machinery, fuel and pesticide use.

Advancements in drip and pressure irrigation systems conserved water. In fact, agriculture relies more on science and technology for growth than other industries. The ERS report also noted that farm production has shifted to larger units over the past quarter century. These larger crop and livestock operations can take advantage of scale economies and are better positioned to negotiate contracts. Yet, 97 percent of all farms remain family operations, some of them going back four or five generations. The amount of land used in agriculture dropped during the period measured by the report (1982 to 2007), declining from 54 percent to 51 percent of total U.S. land area. Farming also used 30 percent

less hired labor and 40 percent less operator labor. In the past, the work ethic of farmers has often been cited as a contributing factor in productivity gains. There’s really no difference today. Farmers and ranchers are still incredibly hard workers, but thanks to better education, training and technology they also work smarter. Throughout the history of American agriculture there has never been a time when the people who work the land to produce our food, fiber and fuel have said, “That’s good enough.” Instead, they have always tried to do better. This attitude may not show up in statistical tables, but that commitment to continual improvement is a driving force that makes American agriculture so successful. Stewart Truelsen is a regular contributor to the Focus on Agriculture series and is the author of a book marking the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 90th anniversary, Forward Farm Bureau.

The 2011 NCGA report spotlights efforts that brought together various organizations from across the industry to multiply the effectiveness of efforts beneficial to agriculture as a whole.

NGCA 2011 annual report now available online The National Corn Growers Association Fiscal Year 2011 Annual Report is now available online. A printed copy of the report, which highlights the association’s achievements over the previous year and features current financial information, will also be sent to all active members. “As the nation’s leading trade association representing corn growers, we’re proud of the work of our Communications team,” said NCGA Chairman Bart Schott, a grower from Kulm, ND, who served as president last year. “We’ve toiled tirelessly over the past year to proactively advance the image of corn growers and create opportuni-

ties to increase demand for their product. This report not only illuminates what grower contributions support, it also demonstrates the importance and effectiveness of these activities. Themed “Success through Collaboration,” the 2011 report spotlights efforts made by NCGA throughout the year that brought together various organizations from across the industry to multiply the effectiveness of efforts beneficial to agriculture as a whole. The 2011 annual report is available at www.ncga.com/ uploads/useruploads/2011_a nnual_report.pdf Source: NCGA News of the Day, Tuesday, Jan. 3

by Brian Wallheimer Beef producers shouldn’t overlook proper mineral intake as part of an overall feeding plan, according to a Purdue Extension specialist. Ron Lemenager, a professor of animal sciences, said minerals are becoming a more important issue as feed options have changed. “I think we pretty much had minerals taken care of when everyone was feeding corn and hay,” Lemenager said. “But then it changed and we introduced by-products like distillers dried grains, corn gluten feed and soybean hulls, which changes our supplementation strategy.” If minerals such as copper, zinc, manganese and selenium are out of balance, a cow could have problems with immune function, reproduction, digestion and metabolism, and onset of puberty, among other issues. “Minerals are involved with pretty much every metabolic process in the body. Animals do not perform without them,” Lemenager said. “If you don’t properly provide them, it can cause problems.” Lemenager said the right combinations of forage, feed and supplements can minimize the amount of minerals necessary in some cases. He added that the composition of feeds in different areas would require different strategies. Producers should be familiar with a few key issues involved in mineral management: • Bioavailability. Lemenager said animals do not absorb certain forms of minerals. Many minerals in the oxide form, such as copper oxide, do not deliver the copper a producer might intend. • Antagonists. Some minerals work against others. For example, mineral supplements high in iron or zinc may counteract the ability of an animal to absorb copper. In those cases, additional copper may be necessary. • Chelates. Animals absorb these organic forms of minerals better, but they are more expensive. Lemenager said the cost could be worth it if the animal is stressed or severely deficient, but may not be worth it in other situations.

Producers should develop a mineral strategy, understand how to read and interpret a feed tag, and know how the minerals will interact once ingested. Photo by Karl H. Kazaks

• Delivery methods. Lemenager said loose minerals and blocks are effective, but controlling how much an animal consumes can be difficult with those methods. Blocks can also be hard on the animal’s tongue. Mixing minerals with other feeds can better ensure proper consumption. In general, producers should develop a mineral strategy, understand how to read and interpret a feed tag, and know how the minerals will interact once ingested. More information on proper mineral management is available in Lemenager’s article, “How do you know if you’re feeding the right mineral?” on pages 18-20 in the winter 2011 edition of Indiana Beef Magazine. Other beef resources can be found at www.thebeefcenter.com Source: www.extension.org

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 5

Proper mineral management is the key to keeping cattle healthy

Crop Comments by Paris Reidhead Field Crops Consultant

Page 6 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

(Contact: renrock46@hotmail.com)

Wiggly Warriors The first time I was officially introduced to red wigglers (genus Eisenia) was in 2001. Sue and I were visiting my son and his wife in Switzerland; they live in the western, French-speaking, part of that tiny nation. We also visited some friends who live in the eastern, German-speaking, part of the country. During that side-trip excursion, as guests of Ruedi and Joan Keller, we saw some pretty neat organic gardening. Kellers had very little yard with their condo. He did most of his gardening in the back yard of a neighbor who had a reg-

ular type home with a decent-sized yard. He paid the land-owner rent by giving him produce. The whole deal worked out quite well. Going back 123 months, let me mentally revisit my Swiss host one more time. Ruedi had introduced red worms into his least aged pile of compost. We had a very brief conversation in German, which worked out okay for me: my German is limited… his English is non-existent. Well, actually Ruedi would tell us “come on”, if he thought that Sue, Joan, and I were walking too slowly. By using large wooden

This Family Friendly House Situated in a Beautiful Country Setting Rural Route Cooperstown, NY

pallets, Ruedi had fashioned four bays in which to store different stages of compost. In his system there were three different degrees of aged compost. He aerated the future plant food, with pitchfork, by pitching the most aged compost into the empty bay. Then he pitched the medium-aged compost into the bay where the most-aged material had been. Then he pitched the least-aged compost into the bay where the medium-aged compost had been. There was always one empty bay. As hard as he was working, he wanted to show me who the real workers were. He picked up a couple red worms

from the medium-aged compost pile, and explained to me that without the wigglers he would not have good compost. So I asked him if the worms traveled underground from one compost pile to another, or did they move on top of the soil. He quickly replied (translated), “I didn’t ask them, and they didn’t tell me”. The Web site www.redwormcomposting.com/quick-factsabout-wor m-composting/ is an excellent resource which deals with composting. From it we learn that worm composting (vermicomposting) involves the breakdown of organic wastes through the joint action

of worms and microorganisms (although there are often other critters that get involved). Regular (soil and garden) earthworms cannot be used for worm composting. And they will die if added to an indoor worm bin. Composting red wiggler worms are specialized surface dwellers (not burrowers), typically living in very rich organic matter such as manure, compost heaps or leaf litter. This Web site also says that the most common variety of red wigglers used for composting is Eisenia fetida, although it’s larger cousin, Eisenia hortensis (a.k.a. the “European Nightcrawler”) is

commonly used as well (more commonly to be sold as bait worms). Thus most likely hortensis was the species which was processing Ruedi’s compost piles. Eisenia may be common on farms, due to the presence of animal manure, but generally has to be introduced to compost heaps, which Ruedi had to do at some point. Lumbricus rubellus is another species (and also a small reddish worm) sometimes used for vermicomposting, but is not as effective as E. fetida and E. hortensis. Earthworms (night crawlers, scientific name Lumbricus terrestris) play second fiddle, compared

Crop 7

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OESCO, INC. 8 Ashfield Road on Route 116 Conway, MA 01341 413-369-4335 800-634-5557 www.oescoinc.com info@oescoinc.com R.S. OSGOOD & SONS Route 2 East Dixfield, ME 04227 207-645-4934 www.rsosgood.com

BUSH HOG, L.L.C. • P.O. Box 1039 • Selma, AL 36702-1039 (334) 874-2700 • www.bushhog.com

HERE’S A LARGE BUSH HOG LOADER, FOR THE BIGGER JOBS. The Bush Hog 3226QT Front End Loader mounts on 2-wheel drive tractors in the 70 to 120 pto horsepower range. And it delivers performance second to none. Its maximum lift capacity is 4,110 lbs., and it has a maximum lift height of 143 inches. The 3226QT can handle big jobs like clearing brush with a grapple fork, moving silage with the bucket tine teeth or handling large hauling jobs on the farm. Come in today and see how a Bush Hog loader is the best choice for any job, big or small.

More than a house, a wonderful way of life. 3.5 acres, Kitchen with built in Dishwasher, Stove, Refrigerator/Freezer, Ample Cupboards and Work Island. Dining Area - Living Room adjacent to Den, 3 Bedrooms with 3 Baths. Large, Glassed Sunroom, Outside Deck, Insulated Barn with concrete floor. Oil Hot Water Baseboard Heat. You owe it to yourself to come and take a look. Owner will carry mortgage for qualified buyer with down payment. Otsego Lake Privilege.

Contact Owner • 518-568-5115 or Hubbell’s Real Estate • 607-547-5740

FROST FARM SERVICE Route 123 East Greenville, NH 03048 603-878-2384 COLUMBIA TRACTOR, INC. Box 660 Claverack, NY 12513 518-828-1781 L.F. TROTTIER & SONS INC. 401 Dairy Hill Road S. Royalton, VT 05068 802-763-8082

BUSH HOG, L.L.C. • P.O. Box 1039 • Selma, AL 36702-1039 (334) 874-2700 • www.bushhog.com

Crop from 6 worm which often drowns before being eaten. Red worms technically graze on the microbial community that colonizes waste materials — not really the waste itself (although they certainly ingest some of the rotting waste in the process). Some research has indicated that protozoans are the primary food source, while there is also evidence that fungi and other microbes are consumed as well. There have been a number of research studies indicating that vermicomposting can significantly reduce levels of pathogens in waste materials, such as biosolids. Eisenia attack these materials aggressively. Recent research published by Cornell’s Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology Department promises that organic growers should soon have another weapon in their arsenal, courtesy of the humble red wiggler worm. Ph.D. candidate Allison Jack

has shown that beneficial microbes in vermicompost can colonize a seed’s surface and protect it from infection by releasing a substance that interferes with the chemical signaling between the host and the pathogen. I believe that this may be a situation where the best offense is a good defense. “We know the microbes are actually adding something the zoospores don’t like,” Jack said. “Now we just have to find out what it is.” Properly managed compost appears to be the best way to restore nutrition and balanced microbial life to soils. There are many questions which remain unanswered regarding compost management and the little red invertebrates who excel at tying the whole package together. One question which is well-answered, when posed to compost enthusiasts, is “do you have enough of this stuff?” The answer is consistently: “No.”

HAMMOND TRACTOR CO. Rt. 139, Fairfield, ME • 1-877-483-2473

F UNH03673 NH TD80D 08 80HP 4WD CAB SYNCRO WITH LOADER 1266 HRS VERY CLEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $33,900

F UA007385 JD 4955 91 200HP 4WD CAB POWERSHIFT 3SCV DUALS 9900HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,900 USED TRACTORS

F COMING JD 1530 2WD 45 HP 3CYL DSL 1 SCV AS IS . . . . . .$6,295 F CON46500 JD 401C INDUSTRIAL LOADER 2WD CANOPY 1621HRS 3PT AND PTO VERY CLEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$7,900 F UKB15410 KUBOTA M4900DTC 2000 4WD CAB SYNC REVERSER 3620HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,500 U UA80473 KUBOTA M5400DT 54HP 4WD SYNCRO TRANS OPEN STATION 4131HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,900 A UC001144 JD 1250 83 40HP 4WD LOADER 5000HRS CANOPY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10,900 F UA334408 JD 5325 07 55HP 4WD ISO PLATFORM 12 SPD REVERSER 2SCV MID VALVE AG TIRES 525HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$36,900 F UIH10756 CASE IH JX55 55HP 2WD CAB 600HRS SUPER CLEAN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$18,900 F UC14279 CASE IH 4230 96 72HP 4WD LDR 5000HRS CREEPER CANOPY FAIR CONDITION AS IS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$20,900 F UAG26986 JD 2555 88 65HP 4WD OPEN 8/4 SYNCRO JD 245SL LDR 8170 HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,900 F UA342557 JD 5410 CAB 4WD LOADER NEW CLUTCH REVERSER 4034HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,900 A UA269520 JD 5603 08 85HP 4WD CAB REVERSER AND 542SL LOADER 201HRS EXC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43,300

U UKB52234 KUBOTA M8200DT 4WD 82HP SYNCRO REVERSER 2600HRS LOADER NEEDS TIRES . . . $20,900

F UA11845 GEHL 8335 4 AUGER MIXER 340 CU FT SCALES AUGERS VG PAINT EXC DISCHARGE . . . . . . . . . . $12,000 A UA345671 JD 6120 OPEN 65HP 4WD LOADER LOW PROFILE R4 TIRES 16PQ REVERSER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$25,900 U UAG64347 JD 6300 96 75HP 16/16 SPEED PQ RIGHTHAND REVERSER CAB 5309HRS 18.4-30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$23,995 F UA491559 JD 2950 83 85HP 4WD CAB 2000HRS ON ENGINE REBUILD GOOD RUBBER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,900 F UKB51298 KUBOTA M105S 04 CAB 4WD LDR 2600HRS 105HP NEW REAR TIRES VERY GOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$38,900 F UAG30593 JD 6410 4WD CAB POWERQUAD RH REVERSER JD 640SL LDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37,900 F UA421787 JD 6420 04 90HP 4WD CAB LOADER 16/16 PQLH REVERSER 5600HRS VERY NICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$48,900 F UA02105 JD 7200 95HP CAB 4WD LOADER 2 SCV POWERQUAD DUALS 5100HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$44,900 A CON23416 JD 4240 82 110HP 2WD 4 POST POWERSHIFT 5035HRS CONSIGNED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$15,500 SPREADERS AND MIXERS U UKN0069 KNIGHT 8110 SLINGER 2 AUGER HAMMER DISCHARGE 1000GAL NICE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$10750 a UA7514 GEHL 1322 2200 GAL SIDE DISCHARGE HYD LIFT AUGER CLEAN UNIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9950 A UA50146 NEW IDEA 3222 SIDE DISCHARGE SPREADER 500 CU FT 2 AUGER TWIN VERT BEATERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$6800

A-Auburn Store 207-782-8921 • F-Fairfield Store 207-453-7131 • U-Union Store 207-785-4464 Limited to Dealer Stock - Delivery Not Included

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 7

to red wigglers. My guess is that the larger size of the L. terrestris renders it less mobile for non-stop penetration of compost heaps, compared to its cousin L. rubellus and the very distant relatives in the Eisenia genus. Red wiggler worms thrive in darkness, swearing off light; regular light is harmful to Eisenia, but red light is not. They are hardy workers and can eat half of their own weight every day. Having hearty appetites, they can live off food scraps such as banana peels and chicken mash, a very palatable (to them) mix of cornmeal and chicken meat. This mix works well for raising red worms as fish bait.Adding crushed egg shells (or other calcium sources) can help stimulate red worm reproduction. These invertebrates also live well in damp places. As fish bait, they wiggle around on the hook and have been known to survive in water for several days at a time, unlike the larger earth-

FARMER TO FARMER MARKETPLACE 1998 INT. 4700 diesel, 477E 6-1 trans, 14’ dump box, 1,100 gal. water tank, excel. cond., priced reasonably. 3315-4067066.(NY) JD 3955 forage harvester, grass head; Ford LN 8000, 10 wheel dump; Ford LN 8000 18 ft. platform dump truck. 978-5446105.(MA) GOATS: Boer, purebred, 5 females, 1 male, does bred, all yearlings, $3,500; Due in Spring. Fishhill NY. Also, post pounder $800. 914-896-5599.(NY) KRAUSE 1900 27’ rock flex disc, 17 in. front and 20 in. rear blades, working condition, $4,000. No Sunday Calls. 585-3944543.(NY)

JOHN DEERE 7200 conservation corn planter, 4 row, new double disc, openers, monitor, and insecticide, $10,000 firm, very good condition. 315-737-5929.(NY) CASE G310C dozer, real clean, $4,000. Ford 2n, original, 2 speed, overdrive, nice, $1,800, will trade towards 1960s-1970s ford pickup. 607-387-9598.(NY)

WANTED: 1930 or 1931 Ford Model A Coupe for Father and Son project. 716572-9102.(NY) ONE ARMSTRONG 18.4-38, one Goodyear 18.4-38, both on John Deere rims and with new tubes, 40%, $300 each OBO. 607-278-5846.(NY) WANTED: ONE ROW PTO potato digger, good working condition, 13.6x38 double ring chains, platform scale 100# minimum with extra weights. 315-382-2833.(NY) WANTED: small wood fired evaporator pan; FOR SALE: ACA registered lab puppies, yellow and chocolate, ready to go Jan. 25th. 585-526-5804.(NY) NH DISCBINE, 1411, like new, less than 70 hours, stored inside, retired farmer, $16,000. 716-542-2095.(NY) FIRST CUTTING mixed grass baleage, June cut, 22 bales, $32 ea. 2nd cutting grass baleage, $42, 26 bales, size 4’x4’. 607-674-9345.(NY) BRADY 15 ft. stalk chopper, 14 ft. trailer with hoist and grain racks. 18.4x38 snap on duals. 315-789-8859.(NY)

WANTED: 16 inch hammer mill screen to fit NH fine mesh. 315-536-3834.(NY) JD MoCo 936 discbine, excellent condition, $11,900. 518-527-2701.(NY) PATZ BEDDING chopper, like new, used very little, $3,000; 5 - 10 ft. head locks, $250. ea. Dump Trailer, $975. 585-5544295.(NY) MILK TANK 800 Darikool in use, will be replaced with larger one soon. Price to sell. 585-396-3401.(NY) CASE INTERNATIONAL 2250 loader, valve, bucket, brackets, fit utility 574 thru 895, like new, $3,500; Loader CIH-LA 118 fits DX55-TC55, $3,000. 607-6564568.(NY) 1st, 2nd cutting, grass hay, 60 lb bales. Knight 3300 mixer wagon, auger, discharge, stored inside, 8-10 years. 716-9836232.(NY)

HEAVY DUTY 21 Kasten forage wagon w/ tandem gear, $2,250; 3pt 9-tooth chisel plow w/ depth wheels. No Sunday Calls. 315-536-7841.(NY)

(2) NICE HOLSTEIN heifers, due to freshen in February, $1,200. Andrew D. Hershberger, 392 C.R. 30, Williamstown, NY 13493

5 TON TYLER fertilizer spreader, good condition with extra parts. 315-5733121.(NY)

GELBVIEH Highland Cross heifers for sale, delivery available. Call Diane, 860621-6363.(CT)

WANTED: Any purebred color breed heifer calf, for a 4-H dairy project. 716-9579193.(NY)

WANTED: Corn sheller, leave message at 315-651-1512.(NY)

WANTED: Oliver Cletrac HG or OC-3. 315697-3178.(NY)

Chukar Partridges, $5 each; Quail, $4 each; German Shepherd stud service. WANTED: Compound bow ready to go! 585-526-4536.(NY)

FARMALL 200, corn sheller, corn drag, 6” 20” auger, IH-FH cultivator, IH 420 2x plow, papec silo filler, dagelman rock rake, AC 2x plow. 518-731-8663.(NY) DEUTZ 6 cylinder air cooled engine, good running, 200 hp, $2,000. Portable hydraulic hole punch with 110v power unit, $1,200. 315-699-4157.(NY)

THREE SUPER CALF hutches, $600 or best offer. Three black poly tanks, (2) 3000, (1) 2000 asking $4,200 includes everything. 315-364-8569.(NY)

3 LARGE UTILITY poles, new condition, (2) 36 ft., (1) 30 ft., $150 ea. will separate, I can load. 315-252-0360.(NY)

FORD TW10 w/ heavy duty loader, bale grabber, bucket. CCW Patz barn cleaner, used, couple hundred feed, 2” s/s pipeline. 607-522-4340.(NY)

1972 CHEVY P-up dump body, good condition, $1,750; Oak lumber, 5/4” rough cut planks, NH 822 corn head for parts. 518731-1590.(NY)

WANTED: 4’ sickle mower, 3 pt. for JD 2520. 518-392-9422.(NY) WEAVERLINE feed cart, #430, new bearings in augers, new sprockets, web and batteries; WANTED: Eight bolt hub for 3 1/2” axle. 315-536-6027.(NY) 7.3 LITER Navistar diesel, Ford truck engines, Ford three cylinder diesel tractor engine 4.5 liter, John Deere Powertech engine, low hours. 585-526-4785.(NY) WANTED: FORD 7600 engine block, steering components, CASE 1690 head, piston, rings, push rod, used, working condition, can pick up. 315-868-4787.(NY)

WANTED: Dairy Goat for immediate milking. Will pay good price. Samuel A. Gingerich, 34529 Zang Road, LaFargeville, NY, 13656

ROUND BALES, horse, beef hay, 1st cutting, stored inside, 2003 CTS Cadillac, stored winters, loaded, 66,000 mi., copper color, sporty. 607-329-0301.(NY)

CASE IH 1896, 2wd cab tractor, $9,000. Duals, 20.8x38, almost new hardware, 30% tread, $1,500. No Sunday Calls. 315568-1573.(NY)

INTERNATIONAL 1986 model 674 dump truck, cummins double frame, positive lock trailer, air, new batteries, 5 speed, 2 speed axle. 607-865-5057.(NY)

FIVE CERTIFIED ORGANIC JERSEY Hol. cross, 1st and 2nd calf heifers, $6,000 OBO. 315-823-4969.(NY) MILKING DEVONS for sale, bulls (2010) and heifers (2011). Leave message. 315536-0539.(NY)

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NI 2 row picker; NI 1 row picker; Killbros 350 gravity wagon; 12 Ton Meyers running gear; WANTED: NH grinder mixers; 315219-9090.(NY)

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Page 8 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

WANTED: Ford super duty crew cab, four door with good body. No motor/transmission needed. Want to Cummings convert a Ford. 315-398-9582.(NY)

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January 9, 2012 â&#x20AC;˘ COUNTRY FOLKS New England â&#x20AC;˘ Section A - Page 9

With Country Folks, you will... - Read our exclusive stories about other small to medium farm operators who are like you. - Learn more about current events and government mandates and how they affect you. - Read our columns about the many varied and diverse segments of agriculture. - Keep up with associations that represent your interests with government or are a source of advice for you on your farm. - Track equipment prices, auctions, supplies and services.

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Over 500 Late Model Machines In Stock Please See Our Web Site for Complete Listing www.marshall-machinery.com 2009 Bobcat CT440 Tractor w/Loader 68 hrs, $19,500

2006 Bobcat S300 Skid Steer, w/Bucket, Good Cond. 586 hrs, $27,900

2006 Bobcat 335 Excavator w/Thumb, 733 hrs. $34,900

MARSHALL MACHINERY, INC.

Rt. 652, midway between Indian Orchard & Beach Lake Honesdale, PA 18431 • 570-729-7117 www.marshall-machinery.com

518-265-0203

* USED EQUIPMENT SPECIALS * 2011 is Almost Over - Don’t Wait For the Equipment You Need

2008 CHALLENGER MT455B

2009 JOHN DEERE 5105M

2008 NEW HOLLAND T5060

CLEAN! 85HP, 4WD, Ldr., Cab w/Air & Heat, Dyna 4, 4-in-1 Bucket, Low Hours . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$64,975

105HP, 4WD, Ldr., Cab w/Air & Heat, 579 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$64,750

105HP, 4WD, Ldr., Cab w/Air & Heat, 12x12 PS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$54,900

2006 NEW HOLLAND TL90A

2010 KUBOTA L3400

2005 KUBOTA L4400

90HP, 4WD, Ldr., Cab w/Air & Heat, 878 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$42,500

NEVER SOLD! 34HP, 4WD, Ldr., 8x8, 30 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,950

45HP, 4WD, Ldr., 8x8 . . . . . . . . .$19,500

2010 KUBOTA M7040

1997 JOHN DEERE 5500

2005 MASSEY FERGUSON 5465

LIKE NEW! 62HP, 4WD, Ldr., 12x12 Mech. Shuttle, 62 Hrs. . . . . . . . .$29,500

85HP, 2WD, Ldr., Bale Spear . . .$19,600

110HP, 4WD, Cab w/Air & Heat, 16x16 PS, 1600 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$43,500

2010 MASSEY FERGUSON MF-1532

1988 JOHN DEERE 450G IV

2004 CHALLENGER MT255

TLB, 33HP, 4WD, Ldr., 8x8 SS, Backhoe, Quick-Attach Bkt, 50 Hrs. . . . . . .$23,750

GOOD PUSHER! Clean, 6-Way Bld., Nice U/C, 2,600 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . .$22,500

23HP, 4WD, Ldr., Hydro, Mower, Turf, 650 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$8,995

Call 518-265-0203 Today to Choose From Over 500 Machines

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 11

2005 Bobcat 331G Excavator, ROPS, Rubber Tracks, 18” Bucket, 794 hrs $23,900

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USDA announces sign-up period for conservation programs TOLLAND, CT — Jay T. Mar, Connecticut State Conservationist for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), recently announced funding opportunities for the agency’s conservation programs. Authorized under the 2008 Farm Bill, these federal programs provide financial and

technical assistance to farmers and forest landowners to protect soil, water, and other natural resources. The programs include the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Wildlife Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP), and Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Program. NRCS will offer three

ranking periods with the following closing dates: Feb. 3, March 30, and June 1. Landowners may submit applications any time throughout the year. All completed applications will be batched and ranked for funding. For an application to be considered complete, the following criteria apply: • All land and producer eligibility requirements

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crop production, and onfarm energy conservation. Applicants compete only among other farmers in the same funding pools. The New England/New York Forestry Initiative will be offered to non-industrial, private forest landowners to implement forest management plans on their land. Funds for this will be available through EQIP and WHIP. The 2008 Farm Bill provides additional incentives for farmers who are just beginning, have limited resources, or who are socially disadvantaged because they belong to

racial or ethnic groups that have historically been subjected to prejudice. Such farmers can receive up to 90 percent of the costs associated with planning and implementing conservation measures; up to 30 percent of expected costs may be provided in advance. For more information, visit www.ct.nrcs.usda .gov/programs or contact your nearest USDA Field Office: Brooklyn, 860774-0224; Hamden, 203287-8038; Norwich, 860887-3604; Torrington, 860-626-8258; Windsor, 860-688-7725.

Farmers may benefit when Russia joins WTO The decision to allow Russia to become a member of the World Trade Organization can be a benefit to American agriculture, the National Corn Growers Association said. WTO ministers adopted Russia’s terms of entry at the Eighth Ministerial Meeting, held recently in Geneva, and Russia has 220 days to ratify its accession agreement. “Russia’s membership makes the WTO a more

universal trade organization,” Chad Blindauer, Chair of NCGA’s Trade Policy and Biotechnology Action team said. “It also ensures Russia plays by the same rules as other WTO members. The deal allows for more fair and open trade policy.” The Working Party Chair of Russia’s accession, Ambassador Stefan Johannesson of Iceland, said the “documents constituting Russia’s terms of

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January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 13

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must have been met; and • A conservation plan identifying conservation practices to be included for proposed funding must be finalized for the enrolled land. “Incomplete applications will be deferred to the next ranking period,” said Mar. “We strongly encourage landowners to work with their local NRCS field office early to be sure that they don’t miss any opportunities.” Three national initiatives will also be available through EQIP including organic production, seasonal high tunnels for

Beef

Page 14 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

Common ground by Steve Suther They say it takes all kinds to make the world, and the adage is all about people. Look around the mall, watch TV or check out the Internet and you find ready evidence of the individuality of individuals. Look at the world of ideas out there — maybe way out there — in politics, government and economics. Most of us share some common ideals such as a respect for life, liberty and equality. We believe in that unique spark, call it a soul, that makes us human and drives us to achieve. With that spark comes the fire of independence as another basic ideal, especially in agriculture. We all like to do things our way, starting with a brand of truck or breed of cattle. Some like green tractors, others like red. Some build only barbwire fences, others use woven net or rely on electricity. Some spend evenings checking email, or check every smartphone buzz; others roll their eyes at the thought of computers. Horses are part of the deal for some while others ride four-wheelers. There are millions of ways to raise cattle, too, if you consider that no two farms or ranches around the world operate exactly the same. Even in North America, where there is more common ground in cattle production, there are still great differences. We may take issue with the genetic selection, management and marketing program across the road, not to mention what is going on a couple of states away. Yet this business is driven by the need to make consistent profits, to keep the lifestyle going. Among all of those subsets of people, from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, you can find a commitment to raising the kind of beef people rave about.

They aim for the highquality beef target because it pays now and it builds demand for their future. Sure, they find their own ways, but nearly all of their cattle are fed grain in commercial feedlots for at least the four to six months before harvest. Diversity in genetics is a useful resource in the big picture, but it works best not to have too much of it in one herd. Too much of that good thing makes it impossible to zero in on any target. Within those feedlots, any diversity in placements on feed is magnified before harvest. For example, a Kansas yard that analyzed records on many thousands of cattle for more than a decade found a range of at least 4 pounds (lb.) daily gain among the most variable quarter of cattle pens. Times 150 days on feed, that meant starting weights grew apart by 600 lb. A similar spread is apparent in terms of quality grade. Even without the weight difference, premiums and discounts can create a value spread of $500 or more. The need for maintain-

ing common ground extends through every segment of the beef indus-

try, through the packinghouse and all the way to the consumer. Al-

though all beef buyers are individuals, they come together on the is-

sue of wanting predictable value for their beef dollars.

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CATSKILL TRACTOR INC. 60 Center St., Franklin, NY 13775 607-829-2600

VERMONT DESMARAIS EQ., INC. Orleans, VT 05860 802-754-6629

New embryo transfer rule begins through several hands before a calf is born and registered,” says Don Laughlin, Association director of member services. “ET Authorizations allow the person who is responsible for flushing the donor cow to confirm dates, sires and type of flush (such as in vitro or split embryo) on a calf through the Association’s AAA Login service.” The authorization will confirm ET registrations when the breeder and first owner are not the same, creating a record between the buyer and seller of the embryos. The new rule will not affect every Angus producer. In fact, fiscal year numbers at the end of FY 2011 showed approximately 15 percent of all embryo registrations would need an ET au-

thorization to be registered, if the rule was previously in place. “Before the new rule, the sire, donor dam, embryo removal date, sex of the calf and the birth date from the first owner (the person registering the ET calf) was known. Now, thanks to information from the person who owned the donor dam at the time of the flush, we will know the parentage, range of age and possibly the sex on any pregnant recipients. This increases accuracy of the Association’s records and decreases errors,” Laughlin said. He added, “This rule will also provide an avenue for a seller to monitor registration of embryos or confirmed pregnancies from the donor of which they no longer have control.”

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ET Authorization is free and processed through AAA Login, sim-

ilar to artificial insemination (A.I.) certificates. Contact the member

service department at 816-383-5100 for more information.

Make plans for genomic testing With spring bull sale season around the corner, producers should plan ahead to submit DNA samples in order to receive test results in a timely manner. “If you are considering genomic tests for this spring, now is the time to place your orders,” said Bill Bowman, American Angus Association® chief operating officer (COO) and president of Angus Genetics Inc. (AGI). “Members are encouraged to order their tests well in advance of

spring bull sales to ensure that they have the results when needed.” Once breeders submit DNA samples, there is a 3-4-week processing time for most tests, and there are sale catalog deadlines to consider. “Even in today’s business of speedy turnaround times and weekly evaluations of expected progeny differences (EPDs), breeders can still miss their window of opportunity to include important information in their sale books,” Bow-

man says. “We encourage breeders to budget a four-week turnaround time in order to better meet marketing deadlines.” Angus breeders may submit genomic orders online through AAA Login and mail samples to AGI, which then processes the order for testing at the appropriate genomic labs. To learn more about genomic testing or how to submit samples, visit www.angus.org or call 816-383-5100.

Is there overlap in the farm safety net? Recent public discussion of Federal farm programs has suggested that the current array of programs, constructed over time through successive farm acts and other legislation, has created the potential for

overlap among programs. Identifying Overlap in the Farm Safety Net provides a classification of types of overlap and a synthesis of ERS research about overlapping payments in the farm safety net, includ-

ing how to identify and measure overlap among crop revenue insurance, ACRE, SURE, and ad hoc disaster assistance. For the full report, visi t www.ers.usda.gov/Publications/EIB87.

TRADE SHOW OPPORTUNITIES • KEYSTONE FARM SHOW • January 3, 4, 5, 2012 • Tues. 9-4, Wed. 9-4 & Thurs. 9-3 York Fairgrounds • York, PA

• VIRGINIA FARM SHOW • Jan. 19, 20 & 21, 2012 • Thurs. 9-4, Fri. 9-4 & Sat. 9-3 Augusta Expoland • Fishersville, VA

• BIG IRON EXPO • February 8 & 9, 2012 • Wed. 10-7 & Thurs. 9-4 Eastern States Exposition • West Springfield, MA

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January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 15

A new embryo transfer (ET) rule, which took effect on Jan. 1, 2012, requires Angus producers who want to register embryo transfer (ET) calves to request an ET authorization when the first owner of a calf is different than the owner of the donor dam. The new Rule 104(d)(12), adopted at the American Angus Association®’s September Board meeting, states: If the first owner of the calf is different than the owner of record of the donor female, and the embryo removal date is on or after Jan. 1, 2012, the owner of the donor female must obtain and transfer an ET Authorization to the account of the first owner before the calf is eligible for registration. “Embryos may pass

Country y Folks

BEEF F BREEDERS S DIRECTORY HEREFORD

TED Kriese Cato, NY 315-626-2881

JOHN KRIESE Branchport, NY 315-595-6198

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Registered Polled Herefords Scott,, Michelee & Carson n Barnes 239 Quaker St. North Ferrisburg, VT 05473 Web www.smbcattleco.com

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Sires from NYS Bull Test Very Docile & Vaccinated All Natural Feed Used Polled Hereford, Red Angus, Bulls, Feeders, Heifers, Cow/Calves Gary & Betty Lewis Gary John Lewis, Jr. 8936 Baker Road 2110 County Road #35 Bloomfield, NY 14469 Bloomfield, NY 14469 585-624-2983 585-624-4987

ANGUS

Page 16 - Section A â&#x20AC;˘ COUNTRY FOLKS New England â&#x20AC;˘ January 9, 2012

White Rock FARM Reg. Black Angus Reg. Polled Herefords

Jennifer Cell: (518) 796-4833 www.brookfieldfarms.com ami@brookfieldfarms.com

Bulls, Heifers, Feeders and Pairs Chet Kellogg PO Box 622, Worthington, MA 01098

Jennifer Coleman, Office Manager

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SUPPORTED D BY COUNTRY Y FOLKS P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 Contact: Dave Dornburgh Phone: (518) 673-0109 Fax: (518) 673-2381 Email: ddornburgh@leepub.com

Farm Credit East Cares provides $143,500 to help farm families hurt by Irene and Lee ENFIELD, CT/ COBLESKILL, NY — Farm Credit East announced on Dec. 21 that in concert with CoBank and other contributors it has donated $143,500 to farm families impacted by the Irene and Lee disasters and to organizations that are providing assistance to those impacted by the disasters. In coordination with United Way, “holiday donations” of $500 were provided by Farm Credit East Cares to 167 Northeast farm families in December. The donations were distributed to farm families from six Northeast states, including

112 families from New York, 27 from New Jersey, 16 from Connecticut, 4 from Massachusetts, 5 from Rhode Island and 3 from New Hampshire. The funds were provided by Farm Credit East and CoBank in conjunction with contributions from individuals, Yankee Farm Credit, New Jersey Farm Bureau and United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “It will take years for many Northeast farm families to recover from the hardships brought upon by the Irene and Lee disasters,” said Bill Lipinski, CEO of Farm Credit East. “We hope

that these donations will bring some happiness to these families just in time for the holidays. I am especially proud of our employees in Farm Credit East that wanted to support farm families by taking on this effort. In addition to donations to farm families, financial support was also provided to various organizations that are working directly with farmers and rural communities impacted by the disasters. Six donations of $10,000 were provided to GrowNYC — Hurricane Relief, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture

(CISA-MA) Emergency Fund, New York FarmNet, Schoharie County Community Action Program, Warwick Area Migrant Committee, Inc. and United Way of the Greater Capital Region. The holiday donations were provided as part of the Farm Credit East Cares Community Fund. United Way of the Greater Capital Region received the funds and worked with Farm Credit East to distribute them to the farm families hurt by the disasters. Farm Credit East, a farmer owned cooperative lender committed to the long-term success of

Northeast agriculture. Farm Credit East extends more than $4.3 billion in loans and has 19 local offices in its sixstate service area to 12,000 farm businesses. In addition to loans and leases, the organization

also offers a full range of agriculturally specific financial services for businesses related to farming, horticulture, forestry and commercial fishing. For more information, go to FarmCreditEast.com.

Farm income forecast up for 2011 Net farm income is forecast at $100.9 billion for 2011, up 28 percent from 2010. All three measures of farm sector earnings (net farm income, net cash income, and net value added) are forecast to rise more than 18 percent. Median total farm household income is also expected to rise. Most farm households earn the majority of their income from off-farm sources. For the full report, visit www.ers.usda.gov/Features/FarmIncome.

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TRACTORS 2001 NH TN70 w/32LA Loader, 4WD, ROPS, 2018 Hrs. . . . . . . . $22,600 1997 NH 8770 4WD, Supersteer, Mega Flow Hydraulics, Rear Duals, 7,164 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$53,750 2009 NH TD5050 4WD, Cab, 90 HP, 2683 Hrs., Excellent Cond. . $29,750 2000 NH TS100 4WD, Cab, 32x32 Shuttle, 2 Remotes, 2,135 Hrs.. $39,995 1995 White 6215 Cab, Tractor, 4WD, Duals, 215 HP, w/Degelman Blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P.O.R. 2007 NH TL100A 4WD, Cab, w/NH 830TL Loader. . . . . . . . . . . . $43,795 2011 Mahindra 3616 4WD, Cab w/Heat & AC, HST Trans, Loader, 4 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $24,375 2010 NH TD5050 4WD, ROPS, w/Warranty, 480 Hrs. - Excellent . $31,875 2010 NH TD5030 4WD, ROPS w/New 825TL Loader - 495 Hrs. - Excellent Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $37,800 AGRICULTURE EQUIPMENT 2001 Gehl 1075 Forage Harvester, 2 Row Corn Head, Hay Pickup, Metal Stop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,700 2009 NH 74CSRA 3Pt Snowblower, Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,450 2000 Gehl 1287 Tandem Manure Spreader, 287 Bushel, Slurry Sides, Hyd. Gate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,495 1987 NH 790 Forage Harvester, Metalert, 790W Hay Pickup. . . . . $4,995 2003 Challenger SB34 Inline Square Baler w/Thrower, Hyd. Tension Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,375 2000 LP RCR 2584 7’ Rotary Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,540 2005 H&S ST420 Rotary Rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,900 WIC Cart Mounted Bedding Chopper with Honda Engine. . . . . . $1,450 2008 Cole 1 Row 3pt. Planter with multiple Seed Plates . . . . . . . . $1,195 Gehl Forage Box, on Dion D1200 Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,895 JD 336 Baler w/Thrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,200 2010 NH H7230 10’4” Discbine, Roll Conditioner, Like New, Demo . $24,900 1987 NH 326 Baler w/70 Thrower, Hydra Formatic Tension, Hyd. Pickup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,700 2010 E-Z Trail CF890 Rd Bale Carrier/Feeder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,995 1989 NH 570 Baler w/72 Thrower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,300 2003 NH 1411 Discbine, 10’4” Cut w/Rubber Rolls, Field Ready . $15,950 Deutz-Fahr K500 Tedder, 4 Star, 17’ Working Width. . . . . . . . . . . . $1,260 Pequea HR930 Rotary Rake, Excellent Cond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,400 2002 NH FP240 Forage Harvester, w/ met alert, Crop Processor, 29 P/U Head, 3PN Corn Head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $39,995 NH 824 2 Row Corn Head for a NH 900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,250 2008 Taarup 8011T 8 Star 32’Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,995 2008 H&S RT5200 HYD Hydraulic Fold Tedder, Like New . . . . . . . $4,995 Smoker Solid Bottom Elevator 20’ on Chassis w/Elec. Motor . . . . . . $995 2009 NH BR7060 Twine Only Round Baler, Wide Pickup, Like New . $24,500 JD 127 5’ Pull type Rotary Cutter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $725

1995 Vicon H1050 9 Wheel Rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,195 Kverneland 2 Bottom Spring Reset Mold Board Plow . . . . . . . . . . $1,795 Gehl 940 16’ Forage Box on Tandem 12 ton on Gehl Gear . . . . . . $2,995 Wooden Flatbed on Gear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $350 2008 Agway Accumul8 AC800 Bale Accumulator & AC8006G SSL Grabber, Like New Package . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,700 2002 NH 570 Baler w/72 Thrower - Excellent Condition . . . . . . . . $19,600 2001 NH 163 Tedder, Hyd. Fold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,600 Knight 3300 Mixer Wagon - Good Condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,600 NH 716 Forage Wagon on NH Gear w/roof. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,250 NH 273 Baler w/54A Thrower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,995 2008 Knight 8118 Pro Twin Slinger Spreader, Tandems w/Flotation Tires . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,250 1998 JD 3970 Forage Harvester w/7’ PU Head, 3 Row Corn Head, Good Cond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,000 Knight 3300 Mixer Wagon, Good Cond. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,200 1993 Wil-Rich 3 Point 10 Shank Chisel Plow w/Gauge Wheels . . . $2,600 1995 Kuhn FC400RC Hyd. Swing Discbine, Good Cond. . . . . . . $10,200 NH 415 Discbine, Good Condition. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,900 NH 315 Baler w/70 Thrower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,950 CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 2007 NH M428 Telehandler 42’ Reach - 1050 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . $66,250 2008 NH M459 Telehandler 45’ Reach - 420 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $84,500 2008 NH W50BTC Mini Wheel Loader, Cab w/Heat/Air, Bucket/Forks, 375 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,500 2007 NH E70SR Excavator w/Blade, Steel Tracks, Car w/Heat/AC - 400 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $69,500 2009 NH E135B SR Excavator w/Cab, Dozer Blade, 36” Bucket, 1,600 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $118,750 2009 NH E50B Cab w/Heat & Air, Blade, Rubber Track, Hyd. Thumb, 725 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41,250 2010 NH E35B Excavator w/Blade, Rubber Tracks, Cab w/Heat/Air . $33,750 2010 NH L170 Skidsteer, Cab w/Heat, Pilot Controls, Hyd. Q-Attach Plate 72” Bucket - 100 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $31,875 2007 NH C185 Track Skidsteer, Cab, Heat/AC, Pilot, 84” Bucket, 1088 Hrs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $41,500 2008 NH C185 Track Skidsteer, Cab, Heat/AC, Pilot, Hi-Flow Hyd., 84” Bucket, 932 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $48,750 Mustang MS60P 60” SSL Pickup Broom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,650 ATTACHMENTS 1999 Mensch M1100 6’ Sawdust Shooter, SSL Mount, Good Cond.. $3,150 2008 NH/FFC 66” Skidsteer Tiller - Like New . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,900 2008 NH 96” Hyd. Angle Dozer Blade, Demo . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,875 2010 NH/Bradco 6” x 4’ Trencher, Skidsteer Mount, Like New $3,995 2011 NH/McMillon Hyd. Drive SSL Post Hole Digger w/9” Auger . .$2,950

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 17

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Obama administration’s final hours-of-service rule puts safety in the backseat Leaders of the American Trucking Associations expressed their frustration and disappointment that the Obama administration issued an unjustified final rule governing hours-of-

service that will do nothing to improve highway safety, but will very likely increase the risk of truck-involved crashes. “[The Dec. 22] announcement of a new rule on the hours-of-

service is completely unsurprising. What is surprising and new to us is that for the first time in the agency’s history, FMCSA has chosen to eschew a stream of positive safety data and cave in to

a vocal anti-truck minority and issue a rule that will have no positive impact on safety,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said. “From the beginning of this process in October 2009, the agency set itself on a course to fix a rule that’s not only not broken, but by all objective accounts is working to improve highway safety. Unfortunately, along the way,

FMCSA twisted data and, as part of this final rule, is using unjustified causal estimates to justify unnecessary changes.” “Even with an uptick in truck-involved fatalities in 2010, since the current rules went into effect in 2004, fatalities have fallen 29.9 percent, even as overall miles traveled for trucks has risen by tens of billions of miles,” said ATA Chair-

Page 18 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

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Trucks man Dan England, chairman of C.R. England, Salt Lake City. “No one can dispute these facts.” “By forcing through these changes FMCSA has created a situation that will ultimately please no one, with the likely exception of organized labor,” England said. “Both the trucking industry and consumers will suffer the impact of reduced productivity and higher costs. Also, groups that have historically been critical of the current hours of service rules won’t be happy since they will have once again failed to obtain an unjustified reduction in allowable daily driving time. Further, it is entirely possible that these changes may actually increase truckinvolved crashes by forcing trucks to have more interaction with passenger vehicles and increasing the risk to all drivers.” “This rule will put more truck traffic onto the roadways during morning rush hour, frustrate other motorists and increase the risk of crashes,” Graves said. “By mandating drivers include two periods between 1 a.m. And 5 a.m. as part of a ‘restart’ period, FMCSA is assuring that every day as America is commuting to work, thousands of truck drivers will be joining them, creating additional and unnecessary congestion and putting motorists and those professional drivers at greater risk. The largest percentage of truck-involved crashes occur between 6 a.m. and noon, so this change not only effectively destroys the provision of the current rule most cited by professional drivers as beneficial, but it will put more trucks on the road during the statistically riskiest time of the day. “If there is a positive in this rule, it is the lengthy period of time before it becomes effective,” Graves said of the 18-month delay in the rule’s compliance date. “This will give ATA time to consider legal options. And, by delaying implementation of this rule, the agency is acknowledging there is no safety crisis on our highways.”

Ranking dates for conservation initiatives announced TOLLAND, CT— Connecticut State Conservationist for the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Jay Mar seeks to remind potential applicants that application cutoff dates are fast approaching for the

agency’s On-Farm Energy, Organic, and Seasonal High Tunnel Conservation Initiatives. NRCS accepts applications for financial assistance on a continuous basis; however, there will be three ranking periods

for the Organic, On-Farm Energy, and Seasonal High Tunnel Initiatives. Applications for the first must be received by Feb. 3; second by March 30; and third by June 1. At the end of a period, NRCS ranks all proposals that

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natural resources.” Initiative Overview • On-Farm Energy Initiative: NRCS and producers develop farm energy audits that assess energy consumption on an operation. NRCS then uses audit data to develop energy conservation recommendations. • Organic Initiative: NRCS helps certified organic growers and producers working to achieve organic certification install conservation practices for organic produc-

tion. • Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Initiative: NRCS helps producers plan and implement high tunnels that extend growing seasons in an environmentally safe manner. For more information, visit www.ct.nrcs.usda. gov/programs, or contact your nearest USDA Field Office: Danielson, 860779-0557; Hamden, 203287-8038; Norwich, 860887-3604; Torrington, 860-626-8258; Windsor, 860-688-7725.

CEV launches new “must haves” for 2012 meat judging teams CEV Multimedia has launched the new Meat Science & Food Safety PowerPoint®, the approved resource for the National FFA Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE written exam. This in-depth presentation is the sole reference material for the written exam for the National FFA Meats Evaluation and Technology Career and Development Event (CDE) beginning 2012. It contains updated information regarding animal

care, meat handling and safety, buying meat, nutrition of meat, meat cookery, processed meats and food safety. “CEV was our first choice to develop a resource that will provide up-to-date, applicable information for students to study for the written exam,” said Dr. Randy Harp, Tarleton State University professor and Chairman of the National FFA Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE. “We are thrilled to have CEV on

our team.” With the launch of the Meat Science & Food Safety presentation also comes the launch of the new Retail Cut ID DVD, featuring the newly-approved cuts of the National FFA and 4-H; both “must have” resources for all 2012 meat judging teams. Customers can visit www.cevmultimedia.com to purchase the new Meat Science & Food Safety PowerPoint and the Retail Cut ID DVD.

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January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 19

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have been submitted for funding consideration. NRCS will notify applicants of the results and begin developing contracts with those selected. “Producers tell us they want to apply for these initiatives, but many want more time to make sure they choose the one that’s right for their operation,” Mar said. “Moving to multiple ranking dates will make it easier for them to apply and begin implementing the practices they need to benefit

Page 20 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

Massachusetts farmers have a voice at national level MARLBOROUGH, MA — The Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation has announced that four of its members have been appointed to represent Massachusetts farmers on the national stage as part of the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Commodity Advisory Committees. The Commodity Advisory Committees are designed to provide farmers and ranchers the opportunity to discuss and recommend solutions to problems that directly affect the commodity for which the member is appointed. The Commodity Advisory Committees focus and purpose includes: identifying emerging issues related to the specific industry; recommending issues for policy development, not addressed by current policy; identifying challenges related to production and marketing of commodities; and offering suggestions or clarification of existing policies. There are no more than 16 representatives allowed on any one committee, so it is genuinely an honor to be called to serve. “This organization is truly ‘grass roots’ and what that means is that the organization takes direction from its members,” explained MFBF President Dr. A Richard Bonanno. “Unlike many organizations where the leaders decide policy, Farm Bureau listens to the input of its members. The problems and concerns that we face in Massachusetts are very different from other areas of the country, so it’s extremely important that we have a say in how policies are developed.” Local farmers will be represented at the national level by the following individuals: John Dougherty of Hanover, MA, was appointed chairman of the Equine Advisory Committee. John operates Briggs Stable, a family-owned and continuously operated farm since 1854. John is the chairman of the MFBF Equine Advisory Committee and serves on the Legislative and Forestry committees. He is also a member of the Plymouth County Board of Directors. John is the president of Hanover Hunt Riding Club and is a member of the Hanover

Board of Health. Representing Massachusetts on the Agricultural Greenhouse & Nursery Committee is Laura B. Abrams. Laura operates JP Bartlett Co., the geranium specialists, located in Sudbury, MA. She is a former president

of the MA Flower Growers Association, and currently serves as vice president of the MA Association of Agricultural Commissions. Andy Reseska of Holliston, MA, was appointed to the Honey/Apiculture Committee. Andy owns

and operates Reseska Apiaries and the Boston Honey Co., and is a past chair of the AFBF Honey/Apiculture Committee. He is the current chairman of the MFBF Apiary Advisory Committee, and a board member of the Middlesex County

Farm Bureau. Mark Amato of Hopkinton, MA, will be serving on the AFBF Labor Committee. He is currently the MFBF treasurer, and vice president of the Worcester County Farm Bureau. Amato is the farm manager at Verrill Farm in Con-

cord. These four representatives have a wealth of experience in different aspects of farming, and will bring their expertise and knowledge of local issues that Massachusetts farmers face to the attention of the national stage.

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I WISH YOU A “DAIRY HAPPY” NEW YEAR Issued Dec. 30, 2011 2012 is upon us and we all wonder what lies ahead. It’s a far different world than our fathers and grandfathers lived in and perhaps they felt the same on New Year’s Day but I really do see us in a very different world.

If you’re still drawing breath and able to read this column then I think it safe to assume that you had your share of triumphs and trials in 2011. I had two major trials this year, the most recent being the passing of my wonderful mother on December 28. Our family gathered in celebration of her life in

Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. It is often easier to focus on the trials than the triumphs but I want to tell the story of the silversmith which has comforted me much over the years. Trials and tests are often referred to in Scripture as a refining process and in the book of Malachi there’s a verse that says; “He will sit as a smelter and purifier of silver.” I learned that the smith must watch over the process to make sure not to leave the silver in the fire too long or the fire will ruin it, but if it’s not left in long enough, the fire will not burn

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morning at $17.21, February $17.41, March $17.46, April $17.40, May $17.20, and June at $17.13. The four-week, NASSsurveyed cheese price averaged $1.8070 per pound, down 3 1/2cents from November. Butter averaged $1.6119, down 17 cents, nonfat dry milk averaged $1.4201, down 3.2 cents, and dry whey averaged 65.38 cents, up 1.6 cents from November. Meanwhile trading at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was pretty quiet the last week of the year. The 40-pound blocks of cheese closing at $1.5625 per pound, unchanged on the week, and 22 cents above that week a year ago. The 500-pound barrels closed Friday at $1.58, up 2 cents on the holiday shortened week and 24 cents above a year ago. That’s the second week in a row the barrels moved higher. Only one car of barrel traded hands on the week. The lagging NASS-surveyed U.S. average block price fell to $1.6977, down 7.6 cents on the week, while the barrels averaged $1.6356, down 7.4 cents. Cash butter closed at $1.5950, also un-

changed on the week, but 7 1/2-cents below a year ago. No spot butter was sold on the week. NASS butter averaged $1.5918, down slightly. NASS nonfat dry milk averaged $1.3766, down 6 1/2-cents, and dry whey hit 65.99 cents, up 0.4 cent on the week. It was a bit of a lean week for dairy news specifically. The last Ag Prices report of 2011 was released Friday afternoon after our deadline. But, there was good news in improved October cheese and butter sales, according to USDA’s latest commercial disappearance data. American cheese demand gained 4.7 percent from a year ago and was 3.6 percent above previous-month levels. Total cheese use was 4.6 percent higher than October 2010. Nonfat dry milk use, however, lost 16.5 percent, while butter use rose 18.1 percent. The CME’s Daily Dairy Report (DDR) points out that August to October cheese use was up 1.8 percent from the prior year and butter use was up 12.7 percent. Cheese and butter usage for the year was up 3.1 percent

Mielke 22

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 21

away all of the alloys. Either way, the silver is worthless for fashioning it into something of use. When asked how do you know how long to leave the silver in the fire, the smith replied, “I know the silver is ready to come out of the fire when I can see my image in the silver.” The Agriculture Department announced December Federal order milk prices the last Friday of 2011 and the benchmark Class III price is $18.77 per hundredweight, down 30 cents from November but $4.94 above December 2010 and equates to about $1.61 per gallon. The 2011 average is $18.37, up from $14.41 in 2010 and $11.36 in 2009. The December Class IV price is $16.87, down a dollar from November, but $1.84 above a year ago. The Class IV averaged $19.04 in 2011, up from $15.09 in 2010 and $10.89 in 2009. California’s comparable 4a and 4b prices will be announced by the California Department of Food and Agriculture on January 3, 2012. Looking ahead, the Class III futures had the January 2012 contract trading late Friday

Mielke from 21 and 10.7 percent, respectively. This fact, says the DDR, helped counter the decline in fluid milk sales, which

were off 1.4 percent in the first 10 months of the year. The Agriculture Department’s weekly milk

production update reports that milk processing patterns are shifting and following expected holiday patterns. Fluid

milk accounts and smaller processors are taking more time off around the holidays and reducing their milk orders.

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Page 22 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

SELLING CONSTRUCTION EQUIP, FARM TRACTORS, COMPACT TRACTORS, EQUIPMENT, TOOLS AND ATTACHMENTS

CONSTRUCTION 2005 Kubota KX161 excavator w/cab, thumb, 24" dig bucket & 48" clean up bucket, 1879 hrs 2005 Cat 304CR excavator w/cab, thumb, 18 & 24" buckets 1630 hrs JD 80 excavator w/cab, Wain Roy wrist & 3 buckets 2006 Case 450CT rubber track skid steer w/82" GP bucket 819 hrs Case 1845 skidsteer w/cab 73" GP bucket 2123 hrs NH 675E 4WD TLB erops w/hyd thumb, 3359 hrs Ford 555C 4WD TLB erops extenda-hoe 4 in 1 front bucket & 3 dig buckets Cat 426 4WD TLB erops extenda-hoe Balderson wrist, 2 buckets, 4200 hrs Case 580K TLB orops 3500 hrs Cat IT28B wheel loader erops 2.5 yd bucket, 48" forks Case 1150E dozer w/6way blade & canopy Cat D3 dozer 6way blade, winch, arch & canopy Austin Western 88 grader 2002 JLG 1932 elec sizzor lift 304 hrs RECREATION/UTILITY VEHICLES 2005 Kubota RTV900 w/cab, winch, power angle snow plow, 596 hrs 2005 Kubota RTV900 1263 hrs TRACTORS Kubota M120 4WD erops w/loader, 3500 hrs Int 986 w/cab 2010 JD 3038E 4WD w/loader 104 hrs 2004 NH TC40A 4WD TLB 760 hrs 2004 Kioti DK45 4WD TLB w/cab Kubota B2910 4WD TLB 358 hrs Kubota BX22 TLB 565 hrs JD 855 4WD TLB 507 hrs 2004 Kubota L3400DT 4WD w/loader 549 hrs Kubota L4310 4WD w/loader 1550 hrs Kubota B2710 w/loader & mower 362 hrs 2004 Kubota B7610 4WD w/loader & blade 392 hrs Kubota B2400 4WD w/loader 1128 hrs Kubota B2400 4WD w/loader & snow blower 665 hrs Kubota L2850GST 4WD w/loader 2100 hrs Kubota L3010 4WD w/loader 2000 hrs 2004 Kubota B7610HST 4WD w/loader 104 hrs Kubota L245DT 4WD w/loader 2057 hrs

Kubota B2100 4WD w/loader & snow blower 1015 hrs JD 301A w/canopy 2166 hrs Ford 2110 4WD w/loader 2208 hrs Ford 1320 4WD w/loader 2078 hrs Ford 1910 4WD w/loader 1376 hrs Ford 7000 128 hrs on new engine Farmall 300 w/loader MF 20 Ind w/loader LAWN & GARDEN TRACTORS 2009 Kubota ZG327 zero turn mower 48 hrs 2005 Kubota GR2000 w/mower & bagger 272 hrs Kubota GR2100 w/mower & blower Kubota G1800 w/mower & bagger Simplicity Legacy w/mower & snow blower 2005 JD 180LT w/mower deck 133 hrs EQUIPMENT & ATTACHMENTS 2003 NH BR740 silage special round baler Alamo 62" flail mower Bush Hog SQ72 rotary mower Bush Hog SQ142 rotary mower Lorenz 84" 3pth snow blower Valby CH260 3 pth 6" chipper w/hyd feed Patu DC65 3pth 6" chipper w/hyd feed 2006 Vermeer BC600XL auto feed chipper 339 hrs 6' Harley rake skidsteer mount w/power angle Harper Goosen SB5400 3pth straw blower w/hose Roadrunner skidsteer mount hyd grader attach Bradco 511 backhoe attach

AUCTIONEERS NOTES This is a very nice selection of used late models equipment with low hours to be offered at auction, due to the large volume of sales and trades in the late fall and early winter. There will be many more items included in this sale. TERMS CASH, GOOD CHECK OR CREDIT CARD W/3% FEE NO BUYERS FEES LUNCH BY RHONDA'S SNACK SHACK AUCTIONEERS: C W GRAY & SON'S, INC. EAST THETFORD, VT • VT LIC #128 802-785-2161 SALE SITE Jan 20, 21 & 22 802-296-5806 www.cwgray.com email: cwgray@valley.net Also: www.auctionzip.com

Schools and colleges closing for the holidays create the normal, expected backflow of milk. Other processors are increasing plant times to handle the increasing milk volumes. The expectations are that plants will be running near capacity, but will be able to handle the current milk supplies. Winter weather conditions were impeding transportation across several states in the South Central and Southwestern regions. The impact is intense for those areas, but returning to normal, according to USDA. Many cheese buyers are positioning for the yearend inventory taking and waiting for the results of holiday movement before reordering, according to USDA’s Dairy Market News. Packagers and processors operated on abbreviated schedules during the holiday weeks, reducing bulk cheese needs. Cheese production has started to increase as holiday surplus milk volumes back into manufacturing channels to run as heavy as desired. Extended schedules will be common into early January. Some plants have orders for specialties for 2012 shipments, at least on some of their production. Most plants will make their default cheese, often cheddar that provides options for later sale, USDA said. Butter demand tapered off Christmas week as needs had been shipped for the upcoming holiday. Some butter producers and handlers are indicating that some last minute orders did develop, but volumes were not significant. Retail feature activity across the country continued right up to Christmas week, USDA reported. Throughout the fall of the year, retail features in all regions of the U.S. have been much heavier than anticipated. This feature activity cleared strong volumes of print butter which kept butter churns very active all fall. Looking internationally; New Zealand milk processors and handlers project that milk volumes are about 20 per-

cent below peak levels and are trending lower as forecast earlier in the season. Steady rainfall was being reported on both islands and grass growth is good, although some milk producers are stating that grass quality might not be as positive as in previous years. Australia’s milk production season is on the down side of the peak. November output was trending 3.3 percent heavier than last November and year to date output (5 months) was running about 3 percent stronger, according to USDA. The Alliance of Western Milk Producers Bill VanDam wrote in his December 23 newsletter that milk production this year in New Zealand appears to be about the same as California annual production in terms of hundredweights produced without adjusting for the differences in components. But he pointed to the huge difference in the patterns of production. Production drops to nearly zero in the winter months in New Zealand, he said, and climbs to nearly double California levels in their spring. The implications of this difference are important, according to VanDam. Most glaring of those differences, he said, is the need for New Zealand to have sufficient capacity to process all of their milk in the highest month, October, at 6.4 billion pounds. California needs to do the same thing, VanDam said, except California’s peak is only 3.8 billion pounds in May. “On the whole they must invest 1.7 times more in plant capacity,” Van Dam wrote. “Stated differently our plants can run, on the average, somewhere in the range of 90 percent of annual capacity while theirs will average only 59 percent of capacity.” The second important difference is in marketing, according to VanDam. “The pattern of production in New Zealand is more like a typical farm crop, for example corn, that needs to be harvested and stored in its season and parcelled out to meet cus-

Mielke 23

Funding for On-Farm Energy, Organic, High Tunnel and Air Quality Conservation Initiatives

BRIGHTON COMMISSION CO.

691 Great Road, Littleton, MA 01460 978-486-3698

Goats, Lambs, Sheep, Pigs 12:30 Calves 3:00pm followed by Feeders & Beef Animals BUYERS FROM 3 NATIONAL SLAUGHTER HOUSES 15+ LOCAL BUYERS Same Day Payment

This new scoring process allows organic producers to implement conservation practices in a timelier manner. Seasonal High Tunnel Pilot Initiative NRCS helps producers plan and implement high tunnels, steel-framed, polyethylene-covered structures that extend growing seasons in an environmentally safe manner. High tunnel benefits include better plant and soil quality, fewer nutrients and pesticides in the environment, and better air quality due to fewer vehicles being needed to transport crops. More than 4,000 high tunnels have been planned and

implemented nationwide through this initiative over the past two years. Air Quality Initiative NRCS helps producers address air quality concerns on their operations. Assistance includes establishing cover crops, planting windbreaks, implementing nutrient management practices and applying other conservation measures that mitigate and prevent air quality problems. Conservation practices installed through this initiative reduce airborne particulate matter and greenhouse gases and conserve energy. For more information visit www.ny.nrcs.usda.gov

partially many times more storage capacity for each product than is required in California,” he concluded. “It will be very interesting to watch how each region’s markets adjust to these very different production styles.” Dairy Profit Weekly reports that October U.S. alfalfa hay exports topped 155,000 metric tons for the second consecutive month, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the leading destination, ac-

cording to USDA’s Foreign Ag Service. October 2011 U.S. exports totaled 158,627 metric tons, the highest monthly total of 2011, and bringing the year-todate (Y-T -D) total to 1.291 million metric tons, compared to 1.443 million metric tons for all of 2010. UAE imported 55,673 metric tons of U.S. alfalfa hay in October, its highest monthly total since December 2010,

and bringing its Y-T-D total to 437,967 metric tons, or about 34 percent of all U.S. exports so far this year. Japan remains the leading annual U.S. alfalfa hay market, importing 49,500 metric tons in October, bringing its 2011 Y-T -D total to 473,803 metric tons, about 37% of the U.S. YT-D total. On a Y-T -D basis, South Korea ranks third, at 137,839 metric tons (16,188 metric tons in October). China ranks fourth, importing 24,731 metric tons in October, bringing the 2011 Y-T-D total to 119,532 metric tons, according to Dairy Profit Weekly. I wish you all a happy and blessed 2012!!

Mielke from 22 tomer demand which will be spread out throughout the year. The storage costs must be absorbed, including the value of the product that must be financed assuming producers will continue to be paid, at least partially, each month. There is also the requirement

WEEKLY SALES EVERY MONDAY HOSKING SALES - FORMER WELCH LIVESTOCK Weekly Sales Every Monday 12:30 Produce, Misc. & small animals; 1:00 Dairy; **We will now sell lambs, goats, pigs, feeders immediately following Dairy. Calves and cull beef approx. 5:00-5:30 PM. Help us increase our volume - thus making a better market for everyone. **We are Independent Marketers - working 24/7 to increase your bottom line. Competitive marketing is the way to go. Monday, Jan. 2nd sale - Cull cows ave. .62 top cow .74wt. 1795 $1328.30, Bulls up to .93, bull calves top $1.72. Grassland Dispersal ave. $1755; Top Holstein $3200 ave. $2175; Top Guernsey $1750 ave. $1392; Top Jersey $1100 ave. $858. Monday, Jan. 9th - Special selling load of 4x4 Round bales 1st cutting net wrapped hay. The hay will sell just before Dairy. Monthly Heifer Sale: Lew-Lin Farm, Dryden, NY sends 15 Reg. Freestall Holsteins 9 of which had 80# to 130# milk for the tester last week all stages of lactation. Mostly 1st & 2nd lactation, Popular sires, good maternal lines you'll like this group. Paul Rohrbaugh, Schnevus, NY is sending 10-12 Open & Shortbred Registered Holsteins popular sires & big record Dams - Outstanding group. Brian Champlin, Jefferson sends two Registered heifers due sale time. Orange County, NY Dairy sending 3 fresh Jersey cross heifers, 2 Springing w/second calf, & a group of open heifers. Expecting a good selection in all age groups. Also selling a Registered Brown Swiss Service Bull. Monday, Jan. 16th - Monthly Lamb, Sheep, Goat & Pig Sale. Monday, Feb. 6th - Monthly Fat Cow & Feeder Sale. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year from The Hosking Family, the Sale barn crew & Café Girls - We appreciate all the business & friends we have made along the way. LOOKING TO HAVE A FARM SALE OR JUST SELL A FEW - GIVE US A CALL. **Trucking Assistance - Call the Sale Barn or check out our trucker list on our Web-Site. Call to advertise in any of these sales it makes a difference. Directions: Former Welch Livestock 6096 NYS Rt. 8, 30 miles South of Utica & 6 miles North of New Berlin, NY. www.hoskingsales.com Call today with your consignments. Tom & Brenda Hosking 6096 NYS Rt. 8 New Berlin, NY 13411

607-699-3637 or 607-847-8800 cell: 607-972-1770 or 1771

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 23

SALE EVERY TUESDAY

port the farm operation. Organic Initiative NRCS helps certified organic growers and producers working to achieve organic certification install conservation practices for organic production. New for fiscal year 2012, applicants will be evaluated continuously during the ranking periods. Applications meeting or exceeding a threshold score may be approved for an EQIP contract before the end of the ranking period. Applications rating below the threshold score will be deferred to the next period. A new threshold score will be established at the beginning of each ranking period.

FLAME STOCKYARD

applicants. Initiative overviews On-Farm Energy Initiative NRCS and producers develop Agricultural Energy Management Plans (AgEMP) or farm energy audits that assess energy consumption on an operation. NRCS then uses audit data to develop energy conservation recommendations. Each AgEMP has a landscape component that assesses equipment and farming processes and a farm headquarters component that assesses power usage and efficiencies in livestock buildings, grain handling operations, and similar facilities to sup-

ub.c

tance on a continuous basis throughout the year. This year, there will be 3 ranking periods for the initiatives: Feb. 3, March 30 and June 1. The Air Quality Initiative has two ranking dates which end Feb. 3 and March 30. At the end of a ranking period, NRCS ranks all submitted proposals for funding consideration. NRCS will notify all applicants of the results of the rankings and begin developing contracts with selected

www .leep

All four initiatives offer technical and financial assistance through the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP). The On-Farm Energy, Organic and Seasonal High Tunnel initiatives are available statewide, but the Air Quality funding is limited to counties with serious air quality concerns. NRCS accepts applications for financial assis-

Controlling parasites contributes to heifer welfare When it comes to raising healthy heifers in a humane fashion, preventing infectious disease is only part of the battle. Internal and external parasites also can take a toll on heifer well-being and limit their production potential as well. Parasite control comprises a significant portion of the Dairy Calf & Heifer Association’s Gold

Standards III, which address animal welfare. “Heifers are more susceptible to damage from parasite infections than adult cattle, negatively affecting their growth potential and ability to reach breeding size,” said Kevin Tobey, DVM, professional services veterinarian for Novartis Animal Health. “Research shows that deworming heifers three

times between birth and breeding provides a significant advantage in pregnancy rates.” The Gold Standards III emphasizes that effective parasite control will vary considerably between operations. Consider the following when you are setting up your parasite control program: • Develop parasite control strategies, incorporating integrated pest management practices, with the herd veterinarian and pest management special-

ists. • Follow label directions on all products. • Avoid using products off-label. • Train new employees on pest control protocols; review quarterly. • Inspect cattle weekly for adequacy of parasite control programs. • Discard expired or contaminated products, paying close attention to proper disposal of insecticides. • Keep handwritten and/or computerized

records of all treatments. On Novartis’ “Healthy Heifer” website, recommended procedures, like the ones in Gold Standards III, note that specific environmental challenges; herd size; geographic location; pasture and housing dynamics; and prevalence of certain parasite species all play roles in the specific control measures that an individual operation will need to take. The most common internal parasites affecting

dairy cattle are roundworms, flukes, tapeworms and coccidia; and that external parasites of concern include grubs, lice and mites. When planning a herd parasite control program, give thought to the following: 1. Deworming schedule and frequency 2. Pasture management practices; and 3. Parasite diagnostic tests Source: Dairy Calf & Heifer Association

JD 7930 Lease return, IVT, Loaded Warranty .

Page 24 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

$128,500

MOWREY AUCTION CO., INC. JANUARY 18, 2012 • 8:00 A.M. LIVE ONLINE BIDDING THROUGH PROXIBID PLEASE VISIT WWW.PROXIBID.COM/MOWERY TO REGISTER FOR THE AUCTION

CHECK OUT THE WEBSITE FOR LISTING AND PICTURES: WWW.MOWREYAUCTION.COM

NEXT AUCTION: FEBRUARY 15, 2012

ADVANCE NOTICE

SATURDAY

JANUARY 21st, 10 AM

HUGE USED EQUIPMENT AUCTION Hosted by Gray’s Auction at the Connecticut Valley Auto Auction (Indoor Facility) Rt. 14, White River Junction, VT Full Details and Equipment List Coming Soon in Country Folks

TOWNLINE EQUIPMENT Plainfield, NH

603-675-6347

TRACTORS Case IH 9110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $23,900 . . . . . . . . Fultonville CAT D4H LGP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen Ford 8N w/Blade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Ford 555B WLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $18,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 2840 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 3010 w/Loader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 4010 w/Loader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,800 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 5075 w/553 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 5303 w/Loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 5510 w/540 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $15,000 . . . . . . . . Fultonville (4) JD 6430 Rental Returns . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (4) JD 7130 Rental Returns . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AC CA 2btm/cult . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,750 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 4230 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $13,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 5325 2WD/Cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $26,000 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 5065M w/553. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $35,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen NH TD95 Cab, MFWD, loader . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . Fultomville COMPACT TRACTORS MF 1220 w/mower. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,595. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 110 TLB. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 750 w/ldr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,900 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 750 w/67 ldr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,900. . . . . . . . . Chatham JD 2305 w/ldr & deck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,900 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 850 w/cab . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,500. . . . . . . Clifton Park JD 855 w/cab, & loader. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,800 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 1600 wam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $29,900 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 2210 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,750 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 3720 w/blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,900. . . . . . . . . Chatham JD 4410 w/420 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500. . . . . . . . . Chatham Kioti DK455 TLB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $20,000. . . . . . . . . . Goshen Kubota L39 TLB, canopy . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,900. . . . . . . Clifton Park Kubota L5450 loader/backhoe . . . . . . . . $21,000. . . . . . . . . Chatham NH TC45D cab/loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $27,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen NH TZ25DA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $11,900. . . . . . . . . . Goshen SKID STEER / CONSTRUCTION 72” Sweepster Broom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,200. . . . . . . . . Chatham 78” Skidsteer Blower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Cat 236 cab, heat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville NH L170 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $21,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville MOWERS CONDITIONERS Gehl DC2414 Moco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,500. . . . . . . . . Chatham NH 477 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,900. . . . . . . . . Chatham JD 925 Moco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10,900 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Kuhn FC 302 Moco . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville HAY AND FORAGE Claas 870 SPF H w/Heads . . . . . . . . . $169,500 . . . . . Schaghticoke NH 256 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,850 . . . . . . . . Fultonville NH Flail Chopper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,000 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Miller Pro Rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,900 . . . . . . . . Fultonville (2) JD 74 Rakes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . . Fultonville Double Rake Hitch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . . Fultonville Miller Pro Rake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,750 . . . . . . . . Fultonville

Fultonville Miller 1416 merger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $28,500 . . . . . Schaghticoke CIH 8880 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 385 RB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 446 w/mega wide . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 714 Forage Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,750 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 946 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen JD 4890 w/890 14’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $19,800 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 3960 forage harv., base unit . . . . . . . . $3,800 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 3970 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $9,000 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 735 Moco. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $14,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Gehl 860 w/2R 6’ po . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,950 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Gehl 1470 RB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500. . . . . . . . . Chatham NH 166 inverter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,850 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Pequea Fluffer 81⁄2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Fahr KH500 Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,200 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Vicon 4 Star Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,200. . . . . . . . . . Goshen Kuhn 500 Disc Mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500. . . . . . . . . Chatham Krone 550 Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,650 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Krone 552 Tedder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville PLANTING / TILLAGE Brillion 18’ Harrow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,900 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 220 disk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Taylorway 16’ disc . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5,500 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 7000 Grow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Coming In . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 12’ BWA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $750 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Brillion Seeder 10’. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,600 . . . . . Schaghticoke IH 710 4 bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,200 . . . . . Schaghticoke IH II Shank Chisel 5700. . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,600 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 1450 4 bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 2000 6 bottom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville BALERS NH 326 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,900 . . . . . Schaghticoke NH 316 baler. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500. . . . . . . . . . Goshen Hesston 560. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500. . . . . . . . . Chatham Hesston Rounder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $4,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Krone 1500 Rd baler, Knives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fultonville MISCELLANEOUS HARDI 210 3pt Sprayer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2,850 . . . . . . . . Fultonville POLARIS RAZOR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $8,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville NH 357 Grinder Mixer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 245 loader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,500 . . . . . Schaghticoke JD 666R corn HD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 6600 combine w/215 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $7,800 . . . . . . . . Fultonville JD 7000 Series 3 pt./PTO, front hitch . . . $4,950 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Kubota KX900 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $6,950 . . . . . . . . Fultonville H&S 125 spreader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,000 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Great Bend loader for JD 7000’s . . . . . . . $5,500 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Bush Hog 4 ft. mower . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $850. . . . . . . . . Chatham 7’Loader blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $875 . . . . . . . . Fultonville Landpride 7’ HD Blade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,900 . . . . . Schaghticoke Frontier 7’ HD back blade, hyd Angle . . . $1,850 . . . . . Schaghticoke Woods 1035 backhoe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $3,650. . . . . . . . . Chatham Woods RB72 rear blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $425. . . . . . . . . Chatham

HUDSON RIVER TRACTOR COMPANY LLC FULTONVILLE 518-853-3405

GOSHEN 845-294-2500

CHATHAM 518-392-2505

SCHAGHTICOKE 518-692-2676

CLIFTON PARK 518-877-5059

Home,, Family,, Friendss & You Appl-icious ways to prepare a delicious and nutritious fruit (NAPSA) — At only 80 calories, apples are high in dietary fiber and vitamin C. They contain iron and other trace minerals and vitamin A. One serving of apples has more of the antioxidant power needed to fight aging, cancer and heart disease than any other fruit. Whether you pick your apples from the farmer’s market or grocery store, there are many mouthwatering ways to enjoy them. Try these tempting recipes that combine fresh crisp apples with creamy caramel.

Caramel-Glazed Apple Pie Prep Time: 20 minutes Bake Time: 55 to 65 minutes Yield: 8 servings Apple Pie: Pastry for double-crust pie 8 cups peeled and sliced cooking apples (about 4 to 6 large) 1/3 cup Karo® Dark Corn Syrup

Caramel Dip Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Yield: 4 cups 1/2 cup butter OR margarine 2 cups brown sugar 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup 2 tablespoons water 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract Melt butter in a medium- sized saucepan. Stir in sugar, corn syrup and water. Bring to a full boil over medium-high heat. Add condensed milk, stirring constantly. Bring to a full boil

This delicious caramel sauce can be used as a dip for apples, pears, bananas, graham crackers or gingersnaps. for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla. Serve immediately or keep warm in a slow cooker or fondue pot. Recipe tip: Prepare ahead and reheat in microwave. If sauce seems too thick, stir in 1 tablespoon water or milk. Karo Syrup is an important ingredient in baked goods, pies and popcorn balls and can make homemade desserts taste better. Argo Corn Starch allows the natural flavor of food to come through. It can be used as a thickener for smooth gravies, sauces, glazes and casseroles, as well as in pies, puddings and cake fillings. For more recipes and tips, visit www.karosyrup.com and www.argostarch.com.

Comfort foods made fast and healthy! by Healthy Exchanges Pickle Meatloaf Winter weather means comfort food, and comfort food means meatloaf! Here’s a new version for you to try. 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish 1/4 cup reduced-sodium ketchup 1 teaspoon prepared mustard 16 ounces ground extra-lean sirloin beef or turkey breast 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon dried fine bread crumbs 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with butter-flavored cooking spray. 2. In a large bowl, combine pickle relish, ketchup and mustard. Add meat and bread crumbs. Mix well to combine. Pat mixture into prepared loaf pan. 3. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes. Place loaf pan on a wire rack and let set for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 pieces. • Each serving equals: 167 calories, 7g fat, 14g protein, 12g carb., 312mg sodium, 1g fiber; Diabetic Exchanges: 2 Meat, 1 Starch. (c) 2011 King Features Synd., Inc.5

This week’s Sudoku solution

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 25

Creamy caramel-topped apple pie makes the most of the season's fresh apple harvest.

3 tablespoons butter OR margarine, melted 3 tablespoons sugar 1 1/2 tablespoons Argo(r) or Kingsford’s® Corn® Starch 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon salt Caramel Glaze: 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 cup chopped pecans 3 tablespoons Karo Dark Corn Syrup 2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted 1 tablespoon Argo or Kingsford’s Corn Starch Preheat oven to 375° F. Fit one pie crust into bottom of 9 1/2-inch deepdish pie pan. Add apples. Combine corn syrup, butter, sugar, corn starch, cinnamon and salt in a small bowl. Pour over apples. Top with second crust, fold edges under, seal and flute. Cut a few slits in top crust to vent. Place a shallow pan under pie to catch any drips and bake for 45 to 55 minutes, until crust is browned and apples are tender. Combine all caramel glaze ingredients in a small bowl. Dollop over pie and carefully spread over hot crust. Bake 10 minutes or until topping is bubbly.

AUC TION CALENDAR To Have Your Auction Listed, See Your Sales Representative or Contact David Dornburgh at 518-673-0109 • Fax 518-673-2381

Page 26 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

Monday, January 9 • 8:00 AM: Half Acre Market, Ridge Rd., Auburn, NY. Drop Off Only. John Kelley, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-2589752. • 12:00 Noon: Pavilion Market, 357 Lake St., Pavilion, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Marketing, 585-5843033 • 12:30 PM: Dryden Market, 49 E. Main St., Dryden, NY. Calves. Phil Laug, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 607-844-9104 • 12:30 PM: Hosking Sales, 6096 NYS Rt. 8, New Berlin, NY (30 miles S. of Utica & 6 miles N. of New Berlin). Misc. & Small Animals. 1 pm Dairy. We now sell Lambs, Goats, Pigs & Feeders immediately following Dairy. Calves & Cull Beef approx. 5-5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, 607-847-8800, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com • 12:30 PM: Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Sheep, Goats, Pigs, Horses & Hay. 1:30 pm Calves & Beef. Regular Monday schedule. Happy New Year to all!. Dale Chambers, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105 • 12:30 PM: Hosking Sales, 6096 NYS Rt. 8, New Berlin, NY (30 miles S. of Utica & 6 miles N. of New Berlin). Special selling load of 4x4 Round bales,1st cutting net wrapped hay. Hay will sell just before Dairy. Monthly Heifer Sale: Lew-Lin Farm, Dryden, NY sends 15 Reg. Freestall Holsteins 9 of which had 80# to 130# milk for the tester last week all stages of lactation. Mostly 1st & 2nd lactation, Popular sires, good maternal lines you’ll like this group. Paul

Rohrbaugh, Schnevus, NY is sending 10-12 Open & Shortbred Reg. Holsteins popular sires & big record Dams - Outstanding group. Brian Champlin, Jefferson sends two Reg. heifers due sale time. Orange County, NY Dairy sending 3 fresh Jersey X heifers, 2 Springing w/2nd calf & a group of open heifers. Expecting a good selection in all age groups. Also selling a Reg. Brown Swiss Service Bull. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, 607847-8800, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com • 2:00 PM: Gouverneur Market, 952 US Hwy. 11, Gouverneur, NY. Calves, Pigs, Goats, Dairy and Beef. Jack Bero, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-322-3500, sale barn 315-2870220 • 4:00 PM: Chatham Market, 2249 Rte. 203, Chatham, NY. Regular Sale. Harold Renwick, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 518-3923321.

Tuesday, January 10 • 1:00 PM: Central Bridge Livestock, Rte. 30A, Central Bridge, NY. Consigned from Washing Co. Farmer. Overstocked sends 10 fresh hfrs., Hols. X. All have had 9 way & have been wormed. Real nice group of hfrs. Dairy, sheep, goats, pigs and horses; 3:30 PM feeders followed by beef and calves. Tim Miller, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 518-868-2006, 800-321-3211.

Wednesday, January 11 • 8:00 AM: Half Acre Market, Ridge Rd., Auburn, NY. Drop Off Only. John Kelley,

B RO U G HT

ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES Rte. 125, E. Middlebury, VT 05740 Sale every Monday & Thursday Specializing in Complete Farm Dispersals “A Leading Auction Service” In Vt. 800-339-2697 or 800-339-COWS 802-388-2661 • 802-388-2639 ALEX LYON & SON Sales Managers & Auctioneers, Inc. Jack Lyon Bridgeport, NY 315-633-2944 • 315-633-9544 315-633-2872 • Evenings 315-637-8912 AUCTIONEER PHIL JACQUIER INC. 18 Klaus Anderson Rd., Southwick, MA 01077 413-569-6421 • Fax 413-569-6599 www.jacquierauctions.com Auctions of Any Type, A Complete, Efficient Service philcorn@jacquierauctions.com AUCTIONS INTERNATIONAL 808 Borden Rd., Buffalo, NY 14227 800-536-1401 www.auctionsinternational.com BENUEL FISHER AUCTIONS Fort Plain, NY 518-568-2257 Licensed & Bonded in PA #AU005568

BRZOSTEK’S AUCTION SERVICE INC. Household Auctions Every Wed. at 6:30 PM 2052 Lamson Rd., Phoenix, NY 13135 Brzostek.com 315-678-2542 or 800-562-0660 Fax 315-678-2579 THE CATTLE EXCHANGE 4236 Co. Hwy. 18, Delhi, NY 13753 607-746-2226 • Fax 607-746-2911 www.cattlexchange.com E-mail: daveramasr@cattlexchange.com A Top-Quality Auction Service David Rama - Licensed Real Estate Broker C.W. GRAY & SONS, INC. Complete Auction Services Rte. 5, East Thetford, VT 802-785-2161 DANN AUCTIONEERS DELOS DANN 3339 Spangle St., Canandaigua, NY 14424 585-396-1676 www.cnyauctions.com dannauctioneers.htm DELARM & TREADWAY Sale Managers & Auctioneers William Delarm & Son • Malone, NY 518-483-4106 E.J. Treadway • Antwerp, NY 13608 315-659-2407

Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-2589752 • 1:30 PM: Dryden Market, 49 E. Main St., Dryden, NY. Phil Laug, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 607-8449104 • 1:30 PM: Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Calves followed by beef. Dale Chambers, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105 • 1:30 PM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Market, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842

Thursday, January 12 • Portland, OR. Major Job Completion Auction. Online bidding available. Alex Lyon & Son, Sales Managers & Auctioneers, Inc., 315-633-2944, 315-6339544 • 8:00 AM: Half Acre Market, Ridge Rd., Auburn, NY. Drop off only. John Kelley, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-2589752 • 12:30 PM: Pavilion Market, 357 Lake St., Pavilion, NY. Regular sale. Empire Livestock Marketing, 585-584-3033 • 1:15 PM: Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Our usual run of dairy cows, heifers & service bulls. Dale Chambers, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315829-3105 • 2:00 PM: Gouverneur Market, 952 US Hwy. 11, Gouverneur, NY. Calves, Pigs, Goats, Dairy and Beef. Jack Bero, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-322-3500, sale barn 315-2870220 • 5:00 PM: Central Bridge Livestock, Rte. 30A, Central Bridge, NY. Calves, followed by Beef. Tim Miller, Mgr. & Auc-

YO U

tioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 518-868-2006, 800-321-3211.

Monday, January 16 • Hosking Sales, 6096 NYS Rt. 8, New Berlin, NY (30 miles S. of Utica & 6 miles N. of New Berlin). Monthly Lamb, Sheep, Goat & Pig Sale. 1 pm Dairy. We now sell Lambs, Goats, Pigs & Feeders immediately following Dairy. Calves & Cull Beef approx. 5-5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, 607847-8800, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com

Wednesday, January 18 • 10:30 AM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Monthly Heifer Sale. Followed by our regular Wednesday sale at 1:30 pm. Empire Livestock Marketing, 716-2965041 or 585-447-3842

Thursday, January 19 • Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. Fat Cattle & Feeder Sale. Dale Chambers, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105

Friday, January 20 • 12:00 Noon: 73 West First Ave., Windsor, PA. Public Auction of Windsor Meat Market. Operating business with retail meat sales & custom slaughtering. Leaman Auctions, 717-464-1128 or 610662-8149 www.leamanauctions.com

Saturday, January 21 • 10:00 AM: Gray’s Connecticut Valley Indoor Auction, White River Junction, VT. Townline Equipment Sales Used Equipment Auction. C.W. Gray & Sons, Inc., 802-7852161

Wednesday, January 25

THESE

EMPIRE LIVESTOCK MARKETING LLC 5001 Brittonfield Parkway P.O. Box 4844, East Syracuse, NY 315-433-9129 • 800-462-8802 Bath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .607-776-2000 Burton Livestock . . . . . . . . . . .315-829-3105 Central Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-868-2006 Chatham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .518-392-3321 Cherry Creek . . . . . . . . . . . . . .716-296-5041 Dryden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .607-844-9104 Farm Sale Division . . . . . . . . . .315-436-2215 Gouverneur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315-287-0220 Half Acre . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .315-258-9752 Pavilion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .585-584-3033 FINGER LAKES LIVESTOCK 3 miles east of Canandaigua, NY on Rt. 5 & 20. Livestock Sale every Wednesday at 1 PM Feeder Cattle Sales monthly Horse Sales as scheduled 585-394-1515 • Fax 585-394-9151 www.fingerlakeslivestockex.com FRANKLIN USED EQUIPMENT SALES, INC. AUCTION SERVICE Franklin, NY 607-829-5172 Over 30 Years Experience in Farm Equipment Auctions Frank Walker, Auctioneer P.O. Box 25, Franklin, NY 13775 fwalker2@stny.rr.com

FRALEY AUCTION CO. Auctioneers & Sales Managers, Licensed & Bonded 1515 Kepner Hill Rd., Muncy, PA 570-546-6907 Fax 570-546-9344 www.fraleyauction.com GENE WOODS AUCTION SERVICE 5608 Short St., Cincinnatus, NY 13040 607-863-3821 www.genewoodsauctionserviceinc.com GOODRICH AUCTION SERVICE INC. 7166 St. Rt. 38, Newark Valley, NY 13811 607-642-3293 www.goodrichauctionservice.com H&L AUCTIONS Malone, NY Scott Hamilton 518-483-8787 or 483-8576 Ed Legacy 518-483-7386 or 483-0800 518-832-0616 cell Auctioneer: Willis Shattuck • 315-347-3003 HARRIS WILCOX, INC. Bergen, NY 585-494-1880 www.harriswilcox.com Sales Managers, Auctioneers, & Real Estate Brokers

AUC TION CALENDAR To Have Your Auction Listed, See Your Sales Representative or Contact David Dornburgh at 518-673-0109 • Fax 518-673-2381 • 9:00 AM: Rt. 11 Cortland, NY (off exit 10). CNY Farm Supply of Recreational Equipment, Farm Machinery, Heavy Equipment, Cars & Trucks. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-2431563 www.teitsworth.com • 11:00 AM: Cherry Creek Market, 6732 Pickup Hill Rd., Cherry Creek, NY. Feeder Calf Sale. Followed by our regular Wednesday sale at 1:30 pm. Empire Livestock Marketing, 716-296-5041 or 585-447-3842

Thursday, January 26

• 9:00 AM: 3186 Freshour Rd., Canandaigua, NY. Coryn Farm Supplies, Inc. Public Auction of Farm Equip. & Tools. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com

Saturday, February 11

• 10:00 AM: Batavia, NY. Jeff & Kathy Thompson Farm Machinery Auction. Selling a full line of farm machinery including Case IH Maxxum 115, Case IH MX110, Case IH 7220, Case IH CX70 plus hay, tillage, barn equipment and much more. William Kent, Inc., 585343-5449 www.williamkentinc.com

• 9:30 AM: Penn Yan, NY. Farm Machinery & farm smalls plus a few household goods for Ivan & Verna Zimmerman. L.W. Horst Auctioneer, 315-536-0954

Saturday, February 18 • 10:30 AM: Owens Farm, Smithfield, VA. Another Absolute Auction by Ownby. Farm Equipment Dispersal. No Buyer’s Premium. Ownby Auction & Realty Co., Inc., 804-730-0500

Tuesday, January 31

Saturday, March 3

• 3:00 PM: Central Bridge Livestock, Rte. 30A, Central Bridge, NY. Beef Replacement & Feeder Sale. Tim Miller, Mgr. & Auctioneer, Empire Livestock Marketing, 518-868-2006, 800-3213211.

• 9:00 AM: Teitsworth Auction Yard, Barber Hill Rd., Geneseo, NY. Consignment Auction of Farm & Construction Equipment, Heavy & Light Trucks. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-2431563 www.teitsworth.com

Friday, February 3 • 3:30 PM: Erie Co. Fairgrounds, Hamburg, NY. WNY Farm Show Virtual Auction! Farm machinery, tractors, ATV’s. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585243-1563 www.teitsworth.com

Saturday, March 17 • 8:00 AM: Mendon, NY. Saxby Implement Corp. Public Auction. 200 Lawn Mowers, Vehicles, New Trailers & Much More. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com • 10:30 AM: Nathan Mason, Callaway, VA (near Rocky Mount). Another Absolute Auction by Ownby. Farm Equipment Dispersal. No Buyer’s Premium. Ownby Auction & Realty Co., Inc., 804730-0500

Friday, March 23

Saturday, March 24 • Atglen, PA. The Gala at Glen Valley II. Hosted by Glen Valley Farm. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226, daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com • 9:00 AM: Clymer, NY. Z&M Ag and Turf Farm Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-2431563 www.teitsworth.com

Saturday, March 31

www.teitsworth.com

Saturday, April 14 • Syracuse, NY. New York Spring Holstein Sale. Held in conjunction with the New York Spring Dairy Carousel. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226, daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com

Saturday, April 21 • Quarryville, PA. Wea-Land Holsteins Complete Dispersal. Landis Weaver & Family, Owners. Co-managed by The Cattle Exchange & Stonehurst Farm. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226, daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com

Saturday, April 21 • 9:00 AM: Gerry Rodeo Grounds, RT. 60 Gerry, NY. Chautauqua County Area, Municipal & Contractor Equipment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com

Saturday, April 28 • 8:00 AM: Teitsworth Auction Yard, Barber Hill Rd., Geneseo, NY. 42nd Annual New York’s Favorite Consignment Auction. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com

Wednesday, March 21

• Cobleskill, NY. 31st Annual Cobleskill Dairy Fashion Sale. Hosted by SUNY Cobleskill Dairy Cattle Club. The Cattle Exchange, 607-746-2226, daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com • 9:00 AM: Routes 39 & 219, Springville, NY. Lamb & Webster Used Equipment Auction. Farm Tractors & Machinery, Lawn & Garden Equipment. Roy Teitsworth, Inc. Auctioneers, 585243-1563

KELLEHER’S AUCTION SERVICE R.D. 1, Little Falls, NY 315-823-0089 We Buy or Sell Your Cattle or Equipment on Commission or Outright In Business Since 1948!

NORTHAMPTON COOP. AUCTION Whately, MA • Farmer Owned Since 1949 Livestock Commission Auction Sales at noon every Tues. Consignments at 9 AM 413-665-8774

ROY TEITSWORTH, INC. AUCTIONEERS Specialist in large auctions for farmers, dealers, contractors and municipalities. Groveland, Geneseo, NY 14454 585-243-1563 www.teitsworth.com

MEL MANASSE & SON, AUCTIONEERS Sales Managers, Auctioneers & Real Estate Brokers Whitney Point, NY Toll free 800-MANASSE or 607-692-4540 Fax 607-692-4327 www.manasseauctions.com

NORTHERN NEW YORK DAIRY SALES North Bangor, NY 518-481-6666 Sales Mgrs.: Joey St. Mary 518-569-0503 Harry Neverett 518-651-1818 Auctioneer John (Barney) McCracken 802-524-2991 www.nnyds.com

TOWN & COUNTRY AUCTION SERVICE Rt. 32 N., Schuylerville, NY 518-695-6663 Owner: Henry J. Moak

MIDDLESEX LIVESTOCK AUCTION 488 Cherry Hill Rd., Middlefield, CT 06455 Sale Every Monday Lisa Scirpo 860-883-5828 Sales Barn 860-349-3204 Res. 860-346-8550

PIRRUNG AUCTIONEERS, INC. P.O. Box 607, Wayland, NY 14572 585-728-2520 • Fax 585-728-3378 www.pirrunginc.com James P. Pirrung

LEAMAN AUCTIONS LTD 329 Brenneman Rd., Willow St., PA 17584 717-464-1128 cell 610-662-8149 auctionzip.com 3721 leamanauctions.com

NEW HOLLAND SALES STABLE Norman Kolb & David Kolb, Sales Mgrs. Auctions Every Mon., Wed., & Thurs. 717-354-4341 Sales Mon., Wed. • Thurs. Special Sales

R.G. MASON AUCTIONS Richard G. Mason We do all types of auctions Complete auction service & equipment Phone/Fax 585-567-8844

L. W. HORST AUCTIONEER 1445 Voak Rd., Penn Yan, NY 14527 315-536-0954 • Fax: 315-536-6189

NORTHEAST KINGDOM SALES INC. Jim Young & Ray LeBlanc Sales Mgrs. • Barton, VT Jim - 802-525-4774 • Ray - 802-525-6913 neks@together.net

ROBERTS AUCTION SERVICE MARCEL J. ROBERTS Specializing in farm liquidations. 802-334-2638 • 802-777-1065 cell robertsauction@together.net

Monday, February 6 • Kissimmee, FL. Yoder & Frey Auctioneers, Inc., 419-865-3990 info@yoderandfrey.com www.yoderandfrey.com • Hosking Sales, 6096 NYS Rt. 8, New Berlin, NY (30 miles S. of Utica & 6 miles N. of New Berlin). Monthly Fat

Saturday, July 21 • Middleburgh, NY. Reflections of Maple Downs Sale. Hosted by Maple Downs Farm II. The Cattle Exchange, 607-7462226, daveramasr@cattlexchange.com www.cattlexchange.com

PA RT I C I PAT I N G A U C T I O N E E R S

HOSKING SALES Sales Managers & Auctioneer 6810 W. River Rd., Nichols, NY 13812 Tom & Brenda Hosking • AU 005392 Looking to have a farm sale or just sell a few? Give us a call. Trucking Assistance. Call the Sale Barn or check out our trucker list on the Web site. 607-699-3637 Fax 607-699-3661 www.hoskingsales.com hoskingsales@stny.rr.com HOSKING SALES-FORMER WELCH LIVESTOCK MARKET Tom & Brenda Hosking • AU 008392 P.O. Box 311, New Berlin, NY 13411 607-847-8800 • 607-699-3637 cell: 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com hoskingsales@stny,rr.com

WILLIAM KENT, INC. Sales Managers & Auctioneers Farm Real Estate Brokers • Stafford, NY 585-343-5449 www.williamkentinc.com WRIGHT’S AUCTION SERVICE 48 Community Dr., Derby, VT 14541 802-334-6115 www.wrightsauctions.com

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 27

• Burton Livestock, Vernon, NY. January Heifer Consignment Sale. Dale Chambers, Manager, Empire Livestock Marketing, 315-829-3105

Cow & Feeder Sale. 1 pm Dairy. We now sell Lambs, Goats, Pigs & Feeders immediately following Dairy. Calves & Cull Beef approx. 5-5:30 pm. Tom & Brenda Hosking 607-699-3637, 607847-8800, cell 607-972-1770 or 1771 www.hoskingsales.com

Page 28 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

WEEKLY MARKET REPORT MIDDLESEX LIVESTOCK AUCTION Middlefield, CT January 2, 2012 Calves: 45-60# .28-.40; 6175# .45-.50; 76-90# .65-.70; 91-105# .7250-.85; 106# & up .8750-.95. Farm Calves: 1.07-.1.40 Started Calves: .35-.42 Veal Calves: .85-1 Open Heifers: .65-.9750 Beef Heifers: .68-.9250 Feeder Steers: .60-.80 Beef Steers: .68-.95 Stock Bull: .9250-1.05 Beef Bull: .7050-.72 Boars: 2 at .05 Sows: 1 at .45 Butcher Hogs: 1 at 92.50 Feeder Pigs (ea): 145-175 Sheep (ea): 35-75 Lambs (ea): 70-135 Goats (ea): 45-190 Kid Goats (ea): 30-65 Canners: up to 69.50 Cutters: 70-74.50 Utility: 75-78.50 Rabbits: 6-40 Chickens: 5-40 Ducks: 8-18 * Sale Mon., Jan 2. On the Hoof, Dollars/Cwt ADDISON COUNTY COMMISSION SALES East Middlebury, VT December 29, 2011 Cattle: 99 Calves: 149 Slaughter Cows: Prem. White 65-75% lean 87.5090; Breakers 75-80% lean 73-80.50; Boners 80-85% lean 64.50-76; Lean 8590% lean 45-74. Feeder Calves: 92-125# 70-140; 80-92# 70-80. Vealers: 100-120# not well tested; 90-100# 55-75; 8090# 55-74; 70-80# 5260.50; 60-70# not well tested.

.60; Cutters .58-.72; Util .65.78; Bulls .70-.88; Steers 11.15; Hfrs. .65-.85. Calves: Growers .80-1.40; Veal .70-1; Hfrs. .60-.80. Hogs: Sows 35-45; Boars 20; Market 55-60/ea. Sheep: 78-105 Lambs: 150-220 Goats: 75-140/ea; Billies 150-200/ea; Kids 50-128/ea. NORTHAMPTON COOPERATIVE AUCTION, INC Whately, MA January 3, 2012 Calves (/cwt): 61-75# 1161; 76-95# 41-72; 96-105# 40-75; 106# & up 56-75. Farm Calves: 75-160/cwt Start Calves: 66-88/cwt Heifers: 47-78/cwt Steers: 80-124/cwt Bulls: 83.50/cwt Canners: 30-62/cwt Cutters: 62.50-75/cwt Utility: 77-86/cwt Sows: 44/cwt Pigs: 46-57 ea. Lambs: 130-155/cwt Sheep: 60-150/cwt Goats: 75-195 ea. Rabbits: .50-11 ea. Poultry: .50-13 ea. Hay: 14 lots, 2.70-4.90/bale northamptonlivestockauction.homestead.com

COSTA & SONS LIVESTOCK & SALES Fairhaven, MA January 4, 2012 Cows: Canners 36-66; Cutters 67-73; Util 74-80.50. Bulls: 81.50-93 Steers: Ch 117-119.50; Sel 110-116.50; Hols. 81-94.50. Heifers: Ch 115-118.50; Sel 106-118; Hols. 7784.50. Calves: 2-84/ea. Feeders: 35-100 Sheep: 125-126 Goats: 138-155/ea. Kids: 54-108/ea. Hogs: 56-72/ea. Feeder Pigs: 41-54/ea. Chickens: 4.50-16 Rabbits: 4-18 Ducks: 3.50-18 * Sale every Wed. @ 7 pm.

HACKETTSTOWN AUCTION Hackettstown, NJ January 3, 2012 Livestock Report: 47 Calves .05-1.30, Avg .70; 45 Cows .34-.85, Avg .65; 4 Easy Cows .27.5-.58.25, Avg .42; 15 Feeders 300500# .40-1, Avg .60; 9 Heifers .59.5-1.09.5, Avg .84; 8 Bulls .76-.88.5, Avg .84; 12 Steers .72.5-1.27.5, Avg 1.01; 5 Hogs .43-.62, Avg .60; 4 Roasting Pigs (ea) 45; 8 Sheep .65-1.25, Avg .96; 1 Lambs (ea) 68, 22 (/#) 1.40-2.60, Avg 1.99; 1 Goats (ea) 46; 7 Hides (ea) 4-28, Avg 7.14. Total 188. Poultry & Egg Report: Heavy Fowl (ea) 2.50; Pullets (ea) 8.50; Roosters (ea) 12-13; Ducks (ea) 5.5016.50; Rabbits (/#) 2-3.70; Pigeons (ea) 2.50-4.75; Guineas (ea) 4.50-7.50. Grade A Eggs: White Jum XL 1.60; Brown Jum XL 1.80-1.85; L 1.75; M 1.151.20. Hay, Straw & Grain Report: 13 Mixed 2.204.10; 4 Timothy 3-3.40; 9 Grass 2.50-4; 1 Oat Straw 1.50; 1 Oats 5.50; 2 Firewood 40-115. Total 30.

FLAME LIVESTOCK Littleton, MA January 3, 2012 Beef Cattle: Canners .45-

CAMBRIDGE VALLEY LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Cambridge, NY

No report EMPIRE LIVESTOCK MARKET Gouverneur

BURTON LIVESTOCK Vernon, NY No report CENTRAL BRIDGE LIVESTOCK Central Bridge, NY No report CHATHAM MARKET Chatham, NY January 2, 2012 Calves (/#): Grower over 92# 1.10-1.50; 80-92# 1.051.35; Bob Veal .57-.61. Cull Cows (/#): Gd .79-.84; Lean .67-.73; Hvy. Beef Bulls .81-.8450. Beef (/price): Feeders 90105. Lamb/Sheep (/#): Market 1.85. Goats (/hd): Billies 120180; Nannies 75-90. Hogs (/#): .69-.79. *Buyers always looking for pigs. CHERRY CREEK Cherry Creek, NY December 28, 2011 Calves (/#): Hfrs. 1.70; Grower Bulls over 92# 1.251.475; 80-92# .70-.95; Bob Veal .20-.45. Cull Cows (/#): Gd. .68-.80; Lean .59-.75; Hvy. Beef Bulls .835. Beef (/#): Beef Ch 1.101.23; Hols. Ch .785-.99. Lambs (/#): Market 1.925; Slaugter Sheep .575. Goats (/#): Nannies .7752.10; Kids 1.70. Swine (/#): Hog .69-.72. DRYDEN MARKET Dryden, NY No report GOUVERNEUR LIVESTOCK Governeur, NY No report PAVILION MARKET Pavilion, NY December 29, 2011 Calves (/#): Grower over 92# 1-1.325; 80-92# .8251.175; Bob Veal .20-.45. Cull Cows (/#): Gd .62.755; Lean .54-.695. Beef (/#): Ch 1.10-1.225; Hols. Ch .85-1.005. Lamb/Sheep (/#): Market 1.025-1.525. Swine (/#): Hog .635 BATH MARKET Bath, NY No report FINGER LAKES LIVESTOCK AUCTION Canandaigua, NY January 4, 2012

Canandaigua Pavilion Penn Yan Dryden Cherry Creek

Bath

Vernon New Berlin

Cambridge

Central Bridge Chatham

Dairy Cows for Slaughter: Bone Util 59-80; Canners/Cutters 48-74; HY Util 73-85. Slaughter Calves: Bobs 95-110# 50-70; 80-95# 4067; 60-80# 30-65; Vealers (grassers) 250# & up 64-83. Dairy Calves Ret. to Feed: Bull over 95# 75-147.50; 8095# 70-145; 70-80# 65-90; Hfr calves 110-150. Beef Steers: Ch grain fed 116-128; Sel 96-110; Hols. Ch grain fed 87.50-108; Sel 78-85. Hogs: Sows US 1-3 50-55. Feeder Lambs: Ch 50-80# 150-182.50; Market Ch 80100# 100-120. Goats (/hd): L Nannies 75132.50. FINGER LAKES PRODUCE AUCTION Penn Yan, NY No report Produce Mon. @ 10 am, Wed-Fri. @ 9 am sharp! FINGER LAKES HAY AUCTION Penn Yan, NY No report HOSKING SALES New Berlin, NY January 2, 2012 Cattle: Dairy Cows for Slaughter Bone Util .60-.74; Canners/Cutters .58-.65; Easy Cows .60 & dn. Bulls: Bulls/Steers .62-.93. Calves: Bull Calves 96120# .80-1.72; up to 95# .10-.95; Hols. under 100# 1. Dairy: Grassland Dispersal avg. 1755; Top Hols. 3200, avg. 2175; Top Guernsey 1750, avg. 1392; Top Jersey 1100, avg. 858. BELKNAP LIVESTOCK AUCTION Belknap, PA December 28, 2011

Slaughter Steers: Ch 2-3 1222-1308# 117-118; Sel 12 1424# 115.50. Slaughter Heifers: Ch 2-3 1196-1268# 118-119; Sel 12 1182-1290# 113.50-115. Slaughter Cows: Prem. Whites 65-75# lean 8083.50, lo dress 79; Breakers 75-80% lean 76-79.50, hi dress 79, lo dress 72; Boners 80-85% lean 72-75.50; Lean 85-90% lean 67-71, hi dress 72, lo dress 63.5064.50. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 1220# 76.50; YG 2 12500# 65. Feeder Cattle: Steers M&L 1 400# 134. Feeder Calves: No. 1 Hols. Bulls 95-120# 112.50122.50; No. 2 90-120# 102.50-110; No. 3 90-120# 55-80; Beef type 114-142# 83-97. Vealers: Util 65-120# 35-40. Slaughter Hogs: Barrows & Gilts 45-50% lean 2422263# 85-86; Sows US 1-3 400-600# 60-66; Boars 500600# 19-24. Slaughter Lambs: Ch 1-2 70-100# 175-180. Slaughter Goats (/hd): Kids Sel 1 60-65# 110127.50; 70-75# 130-149; Sel 2 60-70# 80-85; Nannies Sel 1 90-100# 120-128; Sel 2 80-90# 72.50-95; Billies Sel 1 140# 187.50; Sel 2 110# 120. BELLEVILLE LIVESTOCK AUCTION Belleville, PA December 28, 2011 Slaughter Cows: Prem. Whites 65-75% lean 75.2577; Breakers 75-80% lean 71-75, lo dress 65.50-70; Boners 66-71.25, lo dress 60.50-64; Lean 59.75-64, hi dress 68.25, lo dress 54.5058. Bulls: YG 1 1818# 76.25.

Feeder Cattle: Steers M&L 2 698-802# 75-91; L 3 Hols. 430# 85; Hfrs. L 2 768# 63; Bulls L 3 Hols. 872# 74. Feeder Calves: Hols. Bulls No. 1 94-120# 116-138; 92# 114-116; No. 2 102-118# 85-112; 90-92# 84-102; No. 3 80-110# 68-82; Hols. Hfrs. No. 1 90# 125/hd; No. 2 8090# 70-120/hd; Vealers 70110# 13-74. Slaughter Hogs: Barrows & Gilts 49-54% lean 260-275# 185-190/hd; Sows US 1-3 400-500# 225-235/hd; Boars 370-450# 110125/hd. Feeder Pigs: US 1-3 2040# 6-24; 55-60# 24-27. Slaughter Sheep: Lambs Ch 2-3 54-60# 210-220; 74100# 135-205; 110# 130; Rams 188# 76. Slaughter Goats: Kids Sel 2 under 20# 9-20; 20-35# 32.50-35; Nannies Sel 3 90# 55; Wethers Sel 2 150# 150. CARLISLE LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Carlisle, PA January 3, 2012 Slaughter Cattle: Steers Ch 1360-1500# 125-131; 1555-1690# 122-127.50; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 15501645# 115-124.50; Ch 1445-1670# 105.50-112; Sel & lo Ch full 1190-1575# 93.50-102; Hfrs. one Beef 1060# 115; one Hols. 1155# 123.50. Slaughter Cows: Prem. White/Hols. Hfr. types 80-90; Breakers 75-80% lean 74.50-79.50; Boners 68-75; Lean 65.50-75; Big Middle/lo dress/lights 5765.50; Shelly 56.50 & dn. Feeder Cattle: Steers Jersey 835# 68; Hfrs. Hols. 320390# 64-80; Bulls Hereford 665# 71. Calves Ret. to Farm: Hols. Bulls No. 1 95-120# 130-

WEEKLY MARKET REPORT 142; No. 2 90-130# 105-130; No. 3 80-130# 80-105; Hols. Hfrs. No. 2 80-110# 95-145. Swine: Hogs 265-295# 6265; 300-320# 62-67; Sows 340-470# 44-48.50; 490580# 53-55.50; thin/weak/rough 26.5037.50; Boars 560# 30. Goats (/hd): Nannies 106130. Lambs: Ch 65# 230. Sale every Tuesday * 5 pm for Rabbits, Poultry & Eggs * 6 pm for Livestock starting with calves. * Special Fed Cattle Sales Jan 17. * State Graded Feeder Pig Sale Jan 13. Receiving 7:30 until 10 am. Sale 1 pm for Chinese New Year.

CARLISLE LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC State Graded Feeder Pig Sale Carlisle, PA No report *Next Sale Fri., Jan 13 for Chinese New Year 28-42#, 100-130# in strong demand for this sale. DEWART LIVESTOCK AUCTION MARKET, INC Dewart, PA January 2, 2012 Cattle: Hols. Steers Ch 1384-1454# 103.50-110; Sel 1146-1320# 94-103. Cows: Prem. White 7577.75; Breakers 68-73; Boners 64.50-67.50; Lean 5964. Bulls: 1394-1714# 73.5076; 2058-2118# 73.5077.50. Holstein Bulls: 410-622# 107-127. Feeder Heifers: 338-430# 107-118; 432-586# 106118. Calves: 178. Bull Calves No. 1 94-120# 120-147; 8090# 90-135; No. 2 95-110# 95-120; Hfr. Calves No. 1 90105# 175-205; No. 2 80-95# 155-195; Util 65-100# 1080. Lambs: 68-108# 175-205. Goats (/hd): L Wethers 160167.50; Nannies up to 120; S Billies up to 122.50. Feeder Pigs: 11-32/hd. Hogs: 296-312# 61-68; Sows 306-438# 52-63; 550-

Mercer

Jersey Shore

New Wilmington

Dewart Leesport Belleville Homer City

New Holland Carlisle Lancaster Paradise

Eighty-Four 614# 56-59. Hay: 33 lds, 100-390/ton. Straw: 5 lds, 190-235/ton. Earcorn: 4 lds, 200-220/ton. Rd. Bakes: 2 lds, 32-37/ld. Firewood: 12 lds, 35115/ld. EIGHTY FOUR LIVESTOCK AUCTION New Holland, PA No report GREENCASTLE LIVESTOCK AUCTION Greencastle, PA December 29, 2001 Slaughter Cows: Prem. Whites 65-75% lean 7476.25; Breakers 75-80% lean 68-73, hi dress 73-74, lo dress 66-67.75; Boners 80-85% lean 64-68.75, hi dress 68.75-69.75; Lean 8590% lean 57-62.25, hi dress 63-67.25, lo dress 49.7554.50. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 1352-1612# 78-81.50. Feeder Calves: Hols. Bull Calves No. 1 96-124# 130157.50; 80-94# 60-100; No. 2 94-124# 90-130; No. 3 94114# 60-100; 70-90# 40-60; Hols. Hfrs. No. 1 96-104# 120-140; Vealers Util 66130# 10-50. INDIANA FARMERS LIVESTOCK AUCTION Homer City, PA No report KUTZTOWN HAY & GRAIN AUCTION Kutztown, PA December 31, 2011 Alfalfa: 2 lds, 295-310 Mixed Hay: 17 lds, 150-295 Timothy: 7 lds, 185-255 Grass: 8 lds, 145-360 Straw: 6 lds, 170-215 Firewood: 11 lds, 45-80 Soy Stubble: 1 ld, 130 LANCASTER WEEKLY CATTLE SUMMARY New Holland, PA December 30, 2011 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch &

Pr 3-4 1290-1600# 130132.50; Ch 2-3 1140-1525# 125-130; Sel 2-3 11251475# 116-121.50; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-4 1355-1675# 111-114; Ch 2-3 12001530# 107.50-110. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1125-1400# 125-127; Ch 2-3 1068-1490# 115120. Slaughter Cows: Prem Whites 65-75% lean 75-80, hi dress 78-86.50, lo dress 68-75; Breakers 75-80% lean 69.50-77.50, hi dress 73-83, lo dress 64.50-72; Boners 80-85% lean 66-71, hi dress 69.50-78, lo dress 60-65.50; Lean 85-90% lean 60-65, hi dress 65-69, lo dress 53-59. Slaughter Bulls: Thurs. No. 1 94-128# 120-132, 86-92# 80-110; No. 2 88-128# 105123; 80-86# 70; No. 3 80130# 70-87; 72-78# 25; Util 60-110# 20-30. Holstein Heifer Calves: No. 1 95-110# 160-190; No. 2 80-95# 80-120. LEBANON VALLEY LIVESTOCK AUCTION Fredericksburg, PA December 27, 2011 Slaughter Cows: Breakers 75-80% lean 68.50-72.50, hi dress 72.50-74.50; Boners 80-85% lean 59-64.50; Lean 85-90% lean 57-62, lo dress 45-51.50. Feeder Calves: No. 1 95120# 130-167.50; 80-90# 95-120; No. 2 95-120# 100120; No. 3 80-110# 60-100; Util 70-105# 20-50. LEESPORT LIVESTOCK AUCTION Leesport, PA December 28, 2011 Slaughter Steers: Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1360-1615# 109.50-113.50; Ch 2-3 1600-1695# 97.50-105.50; 1680-1710# 103.50-106.50. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1265-1275# 128-129. Slaughter Cows: Prem.

White 65-75% lean 72.5074.50, hi dress 77-78; Breakers 75-80% lean 69.50-73, hi dress 73.50-76; Boners 80-85% lean 65.5069, hi dress 69.50-73; Lean 85-90% lean 60-65.50, hi dress 66-67.50, lo dress 54.50-59. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 1320-1875# 71-73. Vealers: Util 70-110# 5077.50; 50-65# 12.50-27.50. Feeder Calves: Hols. Bulls No. 1 95-120# 132.50147.50; 85-90# 110-125; No. 2 95-130# 115-135; 80-90# 85-100; No. 3 95-120# 80100; 80-90# 60-80. Lambs: Ch 2-3 75# 180; 95115# 147.50-166; Ewes Gd 1-2 85-100# 92.50-105. Goats: Kids Sel 1 30-40# 91-125; 60# 120; Sel 2 3040# 40-60; Nannies Sel 1 120-130# 120-140. Feeder Pigs (/cwt): US 1-3 40# 145; 52-71# 77.50-100; 195# 60.50 MIDDLEBURG LIVESTOCK AUCTION Middleburg, PA January 3, 2012 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1370-1555# 129133.50; 1600# 127; Ch 2-3 1190-1585# 123-128.50; 1590-1660# 118.50-123; full/YG 4-5 1305-1585# 120; Sel 1-3 1160-1440# 117122.50; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1340-1560# 107.50-113.50; Ch 2-3 1260-1520# 100105.50; Sel 1-3 1295-1500# 95-99. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 1300-1450# 125-130; Ch 2-3 1125-1395# 119.50124.50; full/YG 4-5 11651255# 114.50-115.50; Sel 13 1175-1370# 113-118. Slaughter Cows: Breakers 75-80% lean 70-75.50, hi dress 75-77, lo dress 65-69; Boners 80-85% lean 6772.50, hi dress 71-73.50, lo dress 60-65; Lean 85-90% lean 58.50-65, hi dress 67.50-70.50, lo dress 52-

58.50. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 1240-2105# 74-84, hi dress 1730-1785# 90-92; YG 2 1265-1880# 70.50-75. Feeder Steers: M&L 1 626# 100; Hereford 595# 92; M&L 2 620-930# 90-110; Herefords 490-620# 87-90; L 3 Hols. 205-325# 71-87; 8951106# 69-78. Feeder Heifers: M&L 1 545-595# 105-110; Hereford 515# 86; M&L 2 355# 105; 595-600# 87-88. Feeder Bulls: M&L 1 620# 119; M&L 2 360# 124; 500# 113; L 3 Hols. 260-325# 67. Feeder Calves: Hols. Bulls No. 1 95-125# 130-147; 90# 115-127; No. 2 95-125# 105132; 80-90# 80-105; No. 3 95-125# 75-100; 75-90# 6787; No. 1 Hols. Hfrs. 90-110# 150-190; No. 2 80-100# 70110; Vealers Util 60-105# 10-75. Slaughter Hogs: Barrows & Gilts 49-54% lean 230-275# 66-69; 280-360# 64-69; 4550% lean 247-275# 6366.50; 290-375# 61-65; Sows US 1-3 370-455# 5362; Boars 580-695# 2929.50. Feeder Pigs: US 1-3 35# 22. Slaughter Sheep: Lambs Ch 2-3 65# 240; 110-112# 127-152; Ewes Gd 2-3 120160# 77-90. Slaughter Kids: Sel 1 70# 145; 100# 182; Sel 2 under 20# 25-30; 20# 42; 70# 107. Slaughter Nannies: Sel 1 170# 150; pygmies 80# 7080; Sel 2 140# 92; Sel 3 100-110# 40-77; Billies Sel 1 pygmies 80# 100. MORRISON’S COVE LIVESTOCK AUCTION Martinsburg, PA January 2, 2012 Cattle: 72 Cows: Steers Ch 110-115; Gd 105-110; Hfrs. Ch 108113; Gd 100-108; Util & Comm. 67-77; Canner/lo Cutter 65 & dn. Bulls: YG 1 63-75 Feeder Cattle: Steers 70110; Bulls 70-105; Hfrs. 75100. Calves: 84. Ch 100-115; Gd 85-100; Std 15-80; Hols. Bulls 90-130# 80-140. Hogs: 19. US 1-2 70-75; US 1-3 65-70; Sows US 1-3 5058. Feeder Pigs: 4. US 1-3 2050# 30-40. Sheep: 24. Gd 140-160; SI Ewes 65-80. Goats: 10-120 MORRISON’S COVE HAY REPORT Martinsburg, PA January 2, 2012 Alfalfa: 200-235 Alfalfa/Grass: 205-265

Grass: 150-220 Timothy: 165-185 Mixed Hay: 95-180 Round Bales: 85-160 Lg. Sq. Bales: 225, 1 ld Straw: 170, 1 ld Wood: 70-75 Hay Auction held every Monday at 12:30 pm. MORRISON’S COVE LIVESTOCK, POULTRY & RABBIT REPORT Martinsburg, PA January 2, 2012 Roosters: 4-6 Hens: 1.50-3.25 Banties: 1-4.50 Guineas: 5.75 Ducks: 4-7.75 Bunnies: 6.75-10 Rabbits: 7.50-16 Auction held every Monday at 7 pm. NEW HOLLAND SALES STABLES New Holland, PA December 29, 2011 Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1290-1600# 130-132.50; Ch 2-3 1140-1525# 125-130; Sel 2-3 1125-1475# 116121.50; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-4 1355-1675# 111-114; Ch 23 1200-1530# 107.50-110. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 3-4 1125-1400# 125-127; Ch 2-3 1068-1490# 115120. Slaughter Cows: Prem. White 65-75% lean 76-80, hi dress 83-86.50, lo dress 7275; Breakers 75-80% lean 73.50-77.50, hi dress 79-83, lo dress 68-72; Boners 8085% lean 67-71, hi dress 74-78, lo dress 64-65.50; Lean 88-90% lean 60-65, hi dress 66-69, lo dress 54-59. Slaughter Bulls: YG 1 9051740# 77-82, lo dress 10601640# 69.50-74.50. Graded Bull Calves: No. 1 94-128# 120-132; 86-92# 80-110; No. 2 88-128# 105123; 80-86# 70; No. 3 80130# 70-87; 72-78# 25; Util 60-110# 60-110. Holstein Heifer Calves: No. 1 95-110# 160-190; No. 2 80-95# 80-120. NEW HOLLAND PIG AUCTION New Holland, PA No report NEW HOLLAND SHEEP & GOATS AUCTION New Holland, PA No report NEW WILMINGTON LIVESTOCK AUCTION New Wilmington, PA No report NEW WILMINGTON PRODUCE AUCTION, INC. New Wilmington, PA No report

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 29

CARLISLE LIVESTOCK MARKET, INC Carlisle, PA Small Animal Sale January 3, 2012 Rabbits: 1-16 Chickens: 1.75-6 Ducks: 3-9 Bunnies: 1-11.25 Chicks: .50 Quail: .75-3 All animals sold by the piece. Sale starts at 5 pm.

Pennsylvania Markets

Page 30 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

WEEKLY MARKET REPORT PA DEPT OF AGRICULTURE Grain Market Summary Compared to two weeks ago corn sold .40 to .50 higher, wheat sold .10 to .20 higher, barley sold .05 to .10 lower, Oats sold steady & Soybeans sold .40 to .50 higher. EarCorn sold 2-4 higher. All prices /bu. except ear corn is /ton. Southeastern PA: Corn No. 2 Range 7.13-7.40, Avg 7.26, Contracts 5.86-5.90; Wheat No. 2 Range 6.337.02, Avg 6.64, Contracts 6.36-6.50; Barley No. 3 Range 4.70-5.50, Avg 5.10, Contracts 4.50; Oats No. 2 Range 4.50-4.80, Avg 4.80; Soybeans No 2 Range 11.24-11.73, Avg 11.45, Contracts 11.35-11.70; EarCorn Range 200. Central PA: Corn No. 2 Range 6.50-7.46, Avg 7; Wheat 5.64; Barley No. 3 Range 4.75; Oats No. 2 Range 3.60-4.30, Avg 3.96; Soybeans No. 2 Range 10.50-11.20, Avg 10.73; EarCorn Range 195-220, Avg 207.50. South Central PA: Corn No. 2 Range 6.60-7.75, Avg 7.11; Wheat No. 2 Range 4.92-6.60, Avg 5.98; Barley No. 3 Range 4-5, Avg 4.53; Oats No. 2 Range 3-4, Avg

3.41; Soybeans No. 2 Range 10.90-11.12, Avg 11.10; EarCorn Range 180. Lehigh Valley Area: Corn No. 2 Range 7-7.57, Avg 7.20; Wheat No. 2 Range 7.45; Barley No. 3 Range 4.95; Oats No. 2 Range 4.55; Soybeans No. 2 Range 10.95-12.04, Avg 11.49; Gr. Sorghum Range 5.75. Eastern & Central PA: Corn No. 2 Range 6.507.46, Avg 7.14, Month Ago 6.71, Year Ago 6.16; Wheat No. 2 Range 5.64-7.04, Avg 6.41, Month Ago 6.33, Year Ago 7.46; Barley No. 3 Range 4-5.50, Avg 4.75, Month Ago 5.05 Year Ago 4.15; Oats No. 2 Range 34.80, Avg 3.98, Month Ago 4.15, Year Ago 2.89; Soybeans No. 2 Range 10.5012.04, Avg 11.21, Month Ago 10.75, Year Ago 12.88; EarCorn Range 180-220; Avg 198.20, Month Ago 198.20, Year Ago 151.25. Western PA: Corn No. 2 Range 5.70-6.50, Avg 6.24; Wheat No. 2 Range 5.93; Oats No. 2 3.20-4, Avg 3.56; Soybeans No. 2 11.41. PA DEPT OF AGRICULTURE Weekly Livestock Summary

December 30, 2011 Slaughter Steers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 127-132.50; Ch 1-3 123-128; Sel 1-2 115-121; Hols. Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 109114; Ch 2-3 98-104-110.50; Sel 1-2 94-101. Slaughter Heifers: Hi Ch & Pr 2-3 126-131; Ch 1-3 118.50-123.50; Sel 1-2 110116. Slaughter Cows: Breakers 75-80% lean 68.50-74.50; Boners 80-85% lean 64-71; Lean 85-90% lean 57-64. Slaughter Bulls: hi dress 81.50-89.50; Avg dress 7881.50; lo dress 70-78. Feeder Steers: M&L 1 300500# 122.50-152; 500-700# 115-147; M&L 2 300-500# 112-135; 500-700# 95-115. Feeder Heifers: M&L 1 300-500# 97-127; 500-700# 110-122.50; M&L 2 300500# 80-115; 500-700# 80102.50. Feeder Bulls: M&L 1 300500# 122.50-137; 500-700# 115-125; M&L 2 300-500# 88-119; 500-700# 87-114. Vealers: Util 60-120# 10-70. Farm Calves: No. 1 Hols. bulls 95-125# 130-160; No. 2 95-125# 100-130; No. 3 80-120# 60-100; No. 1 Hols. Hfrs. 84-105# 140-225; No. 2 80-105# 80-155. Hogs: Barrows & Glts 4954% lean 220-270# 67-71;

45-50% lean 220-270# 64.50-67. Sows: US 1-3 300-500# 5255; 500-700# 57.50-58.50. Graded Feeder Pigs: US 12 20-30# 250-300; 30-40# 160-180; 40-50# 140-155; 60-80# 110-130; US 2 2030# 260-305; 30-40# 160170; 50-65# 120-145. Slaughter Sheep: Lambs Ch & Pr 2-3 40-60# 240320; 60-80# 194-220; 80110# 170-200; 110-150# 150-188; Ch 1-3 40-60# 190-220; 60-80# 165-190; 80-110# 158-180; 90-130# 140-160; Ewes Gd 2-3 120160# 83-103; 160-200# 7893; Util 1-2 120-160# 64-84. Slaughter Goats: Kids Sel 1 40-60# 88-116; 60-80# 110-140; 80-100# 122-144; Sel 2 40-60# 80-100; 60-80# 88-120; 80-100# 105-131; Sel 3 40-60# 51-78; 60-80# 70-90; Nannies Sel 1 80130# 112-132; 130-180# 133-153; Sel 2 80-130# 105121; 130-180# 116-130; Sel 3 50-80# 66-86; 80-130# 90110; Billies Sel 1 100-150# 220-240; 150-250# 285305; Sel 2 100-150# 175195; 150-250# 215-235. PA DEPT OF AGRICULTURE Hay Market Summary Hay & Straw Market For

Eastern PA: All hay prices paid by dealers at the farm and /ton. All hay and straw reported sold /ton. Compred to last week hay & straw sold steady to 10 higher. Alfalfa 175-335; Mixed Hay 170-335; Timothy 150-240; Straw 120-170; Mulch 6090. Summary of Lancaster Co. Hay Auctions: Prices/ton, 211 lds Hay, 35 Straw. Alfalfa 190-370; Mixed Hay 135-450; Timothy 205-340; Grass Hay 105330; Straw 125-250. Diffenbach Auct, December 26, 58 lds Hay, 7 lds Straw. Alfalfa 200-370; Mixed Hay 135-450; Timothy 200-340; Grass 105-320; Straw 150-250. Green Dragon, Ephrata: December 30, 58 lds Hay, 9 Straw. Alfalfa 235-295; Mixed Hay 155-430; Timothy 122-430; Grass Hay 122305; Straw 170-230. Weaverland Auct, New Holland: December 29, 39 lds Hay, 9 Straw. Alfalfa 265; Mixed Hay 210-300; Timothy 250-300; Grass 135-285; Straw 125-190. Wolgemuth Auction: Leola, PA: December 28, 56 lds Hay, 10 Straw. Alfalfa 175315; Mixed Hay 175-365; Timothy 235-300; Grass

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165-330; Straw 170-205. Summary of Central PA Hay Auctions: Prices/ton, 145 Loads Hay, 33 Straw. Alfalfa 175-360; Mixed Hay 100-400; Timothy 100-255; Grass 140-330; Straw 100270. Belleville Auct, Belleville: December 14, 30 lds Hay, 2 lds Straw. Alfalfa 275-310; Alfalfa/Grass Mixed 135270; Grass 200-315. Dewart Auction, Dewart: December 26, 19 lds Hay, 2 Straw. Alfalfa 360; Mixed Hay 210-400; Tmothy 125180; Grass 125-330; Straw 192-230. Greencastle Livestock: December 26 & 29, 17 lds Hay, 3 Straw. Alfalfa 220; Mixed Hay 100-170; Grass 190. Kutztown Auction, Kutztown: December 31, 34 lds Hay, 6 Straw. Alfalfa 295310; Mixed Hay 150-295; Timothy 190-255; Grass Hay 145-260; Straw 170215. Middleburg Auct, Middleburg: December 27, 32 lds Hay, 14 Straw. Alfalfa 180205; Mixed Hay 155-205; Timothy 135-210; Grass 120-190; Straw 140-260. Leinbach’s Mkt, Shippensburg: December 24 & 27, 43 lds Hay, 8 Straw. Alfalfa 135-270; Mixed Hay 110312; Timothy 100-245; Grass 190-265; Straw 165195. New Wilmington Livestock, New Wilmington: December 16, 18 lds Hay, 0 Straw. Alfalfa 200-260; Timothy 185; Grass 200; Straw 210. VINTAGE SALES STABLES Paradise, PA No report WEAVERLAND AUCTION New Holland, PA December 29, 2011 Alfalfa: 1 ld, 265 Timothy Hay: 2 lds, 250300. Orchard Grass: 4 lds, 135270. Mixed Hay: 26 lds Grass: 6 lds, 150-285 Baleage Grass: 1 ld, 85 Straw: 9 lds, 125-190 Firewood: 7 lds, 55-105 Corn Fodder: 1 ld, 130 Bean Stubble: 1 ld, 115 WOLGEMUTH AUCTION Leola, PA January 4, 2012 Alfalfa: 5 lds, 184-280 Mixed: 34 lds, 195-370 Timothy: 2 lds, 233-315 Grass: 12 lds, 188-250 Straw: 8 lds, 173-222 Baleage: 1 ld, 50 Fodder: 1 ld, 140 Stubble: 1 ld, 130

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January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 31

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Page 34 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

Hard Hat News focuses on heavy equipment construction including excavating, construction/demolition, paving, bridge building, and utility construction in the northeastern third of the United States. TITLE 1 Ì President/CEO 2 Ì Manager/Supervisor 3 Ì Other NUMBER YOUR PRIMARY BUSINESS #1, SECONDARY #2, ETC. 1 Asphalt Paving _____________________ 7 Construction Demolition _________________ 2 Concrete Paving ___________________ 8 Landscaping __________________________ 3 Oil & Stone Paving__________________ 9 Land Clearing _________________________ 4 Bridge Construction ________________ 10 Logging _____________________________ 5 Excavating ________________________ 11 Other _______________________________ 6 Utility/Underground _________________

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CLASSIFICATION Announcements Antique Tractors Antiques Appraisal Services ATV Auctions Backhoe/Loaders Bale Covers Barn Equipment Bedding Beef Cattle Bees-Beekeeping Bird Control Books Building Materials/Supplies Buildings For Sale Business Opportunities Cars, Trucks, Trailers Chain Saws Christmas Trees Collectibles Computers Custom Butchering Dairy Cattle Dairy Equipment Dogs Electrical Employment Wanted Farm Machinery For Sale Farm Machinery Wanted Feed, Seed, Grain & Corn Fencing Fertilizer & Fert. Spreading Financial Services For Rent or Lease For Sale Fresh Produce, Nursery Grain Handling Eq., Bins & Dryers Groundcover Guns Hay - Straw For Sale Hay - Straw Wanted Help Wanted Herd Health Hogs Hoof Trimming Horse Equipment Horses Housing For Stock Industrial Equipment Insurance Irrigation Lawn & Garden Legal Notices Livestock For Sale Livestock Wanted Llamas Lumber & Wood Products Maintenance & Repair Maple Syrup Supplies Miscellaneous Mobile Homes Motorcycles Organic Parts & Repair Pest Control Plants Poultry & Rabbits Real Estate For Sale Real Estate Wanted Recreational Vehicles & Motor Homes Seeds & Nursery Services Offered Sheep Silos, Repairs, Silo Equip. Snowblowers Snowmobiles Snowplows Stud Service Tires & Tire Repair Service Tools Tractors Tractors, Parts & Repair Trailers Tree Trimming & Removal Truck Parts & Equipment Trucks Vegetable Vegetable Supplies Veterinary Wanted Water Conditioning Waterwell Drilling Wood For Sale

Announcements

ADVERTISERS Get the best response from your advertisements by including the condition, age, price and best calling hours. Also we always recommend insertion for at least 2 times for maximum benefits. Call Peg at 1-800-836-2888 or 518-673-0111 NEED BUSINESS CARDS? Full color glossy, heavy stock. 250 ($45.00); 500 ($65.00); 1,000 ($75.00). Call Lee Publications 518-673-0101 Beth bsnyder@leepub.com YARD SIGNS: 16x24 full color with stakes, double sided. Stakes included. Only $15.00 each. Call Beth at Lee Publications 518-673-0101. Please allow 7 to 10 business days when ordering. CHECK YOUR AD - ADVERTISERS should check their ads on the first week of insertion. Lee Publications, Inc. shall not be liable for typographical, or errors in publication except to the extent of the cost of the first weeks insertion of the ad, and shall also not be liable for damages due to failure to publish an ad. Adjustment for errors is limited to the cost of that portion of the ad wherein the error occurred. Report any errors to 800-836-2888 or 518-673-0111

Barn Repair BARN REPAIR SPECIALISTS: Straightening, leveling, beam replacements. From foundation and sills to steel roofs. HERITAGE STRUCTURAL RENOVATION INC., 1-800-735-2580.

Bedding

KILN DRIED BULK BEDDING Delivered all of NY & New England or you pick up at mill.

Seward Valley 518-234-4052 WOOD SHAVINGS: Compressed bags, kiln dried, sold by tractor trailer loads. Call SAVE! 1-800-688-1187

Dairy Cattle

NEW ENGLAND ANGUS Annual and Educational Meeting 1/28/12, held at Salem Cross Inn, W. Brookfield, MA, RSVP contact JohnIovieno@gmail.com

ALWAYSS AVAILABLE: Whether you’re looking for a few heifers or a large herd, we have a quality selection of healthy, freestall trained cattle. Herds ranging in size from 30-200+ tie or freestall.

REG. ANGUS BULLS Embryo Yearlings out of Final Answer, $2,000; show heifer and market steer prospects. 802-3766729, 518-436-1050

Strong demand for youngstock, heifers and herds.

Visit Our New Troy, NY Location!

All Semen Processed at Our Lab Under Strict Regulations Electronic Seal of Straws (no powder plug)

315-829-2250

16 s Color

24-29 G Pane a. ls

Wiin Haven Farm 978-874-2822

CJM Farm Equipment 802-895-4159

Dairy Cattle WANTED

HEIFERS

300 Lbs. to Springing Free Stall Herds & Tie Stall Herds

Dairy Equipment

- WANTED -

Dairy Equipment

BERG-BENNETT, INC. RD #2 Box 113C, Wysox, PA 18854

(ALL SIZES)

BASKIN LIVESTOCK 585-344-4452 508-965-3370

Call Toll Free 1-800-724-4866 Hook & Eye Chain • Manure Augers & Pumps Replacement Gutter Cleaner Drive Units

Heifers & Herds

Free Stalls

Tumble Mixers

Jack Gordon (518) 279-3101

Tie Rail Stalls

Conveyors

Comfort Stalls

Feeders

Cow Comfort Pads

Ventilation

Cut to the INCH Agricultural Commercial Residential

Bulk Milk Coolers, Stainless Steel Storage Tanks, Pipeline Milkers, Milking Parlors, Vacuum Pumps, Used Milking Machine Plus Agitator Motors, Stainless Steel Shells, Weigh Jars, Etc.

buycows@warwick.net

Building Materials/Supplies

Metal Roofing

USED DAIRY EQUIPMENT

Middletown, NY (845)) 344-71700

40 Years Experience

Dependa-Bull Services

Dairy Equipment

DISTELBURGER R LIVESTOCK K SALES,, INC.

SEMEN COLLECTED ON YOUR BULL At Your Farm or At Our Stud in Verona, NY

Dairy Cattle

We have clients in need of herds, fresh cows, bred, and open heifers. Call Us with your information or email jeffking@kingsransomfarm.com

978-790-3231 Cell Westminster, MA

518-791-2876

Herd Expansions

WANTED All Size Heifers

Also Complete Herds Prompt Pay & Removal

Farm Equipment

H O L I DAY

B A R GA I N S Your Pick of 12

AI HOLSTEIN FREESTALL HEIFERS Close & Fresh From High Producing Commercial Herd Had All Their Shots

Priced to Sell Will Deliver

315-269-6600

978-505-0380

Buildings For Sale

Double O Builders LLC

518-673-1073 or 518-774-7288 • Dairy Facilities • Machinery Sheds • Pole Barns • Free Stall Barns • Tie Stall Barns • Garages • Gravity Flow Manure Systems • Horse Barns • Riding Arenas Call today and join our family of satisfied customers!!

BETTER PRICES ~ BETTER SERVICE

www.cattlesourcellc.com

Dairy Cattle 50 WELL GROWN Freestall Heifers due within 60 days. Joe Distelburger 845-3447170.

WE OFFER PARTS & COMPONENTS FOR EVERY CLEANER

1992 Like New Belarus 572 4WD w/Kelley loader, 400 eng. Hours, Last 572 Sold New by Us, Hobby Farm Tractor, Always Inside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$12,500 2011 McCormick X-10 40 4WD w/Loader, Nearly New! Only 15 Hrs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,500 JD 5440 4WD Forage Harvester w/P.U. Head, 4500 Hrs., New Dura Drum Cutterhead rebuilt in 2011, Priced Right!. .$12,500 NH 8560 4WD, Cab, 3500 Hrs, Powershift, 4 New Tires, Very Nice!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$37,500 JD 325 Skid Steer w/Cab & AC, Hi flow, 68 Hrs!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$29,500 Claas 46 Round Baler w/Netwrap, Very Nice . . . . . . . . . .$8,750 Krone RR280 5x6 Round Baler, Very Good . . . . . . . . . . . .$5,750 Case IH C80 2WD, 3500 Hrs, Bargain!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$9,500 ‘07 Krone KW1102 36 Ft. Tedder, Like New!! . . . . . . . . .$12,500 Case IH 395 4WD Tractor w/Quick Tach Loader, 800 Original Hrs!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,500 JD 4050 4 Post, Quad, 4500 Hrs, 3Pt, 2 Hyd, Future Collector Tractor, Factory Yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$17,500 15 Ft. Brillion Land Commander Very Good . . . . . . . . .$15,000 NH 2120 4WD Tractor w/Loader, 1500 Hrs . . . . . . . . . .$12,500 Case IH 9X, 800 Spring Reset Plows, Very Good!! . . . . . . .$9,500

MACFADDEN & SONS INC. 1457 Hwy. Rt. 20 • Sharon Springs, NY 13459

518-284-2090 • email: info@macfaddens.com

www.macfaddens.com Lots More Equipment & Parts In Stock - Stop In

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 35

CODE 35 40 45 55 75 80 85 90 95 105 115 120 130 140 155 160 165 175 190 210 215 235 325 335 340 370 410 415 440 445 455 460 465 470 495 500 510 560

Beef Cattle

Announcements

Sell Your Items Through Reader Ads P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

1-800-836-2888 classified@leepub.com

Farm Machinery For Sale

1991 LOR-AL EZ Rider F350 Spray Truck, 60’ booms, 500Gal. tank, light-bar, chemical injection, Mattracks available. Jantzi Crop & Turf Spray. 315-523-2249

Int’l 966, open, 115hp, nice machine! $9,500; JD 2940, new motor, ROPS, 2WD, 90hp, very nice! $9,500; Int. 766, Black Stripe, cab, 3100 hrs. orig., super nice! $14,950; Bale spears, 3ph & SS mount, $250/each. 603-477-2011

Page 36 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

A/C 5020, 25hp, $2,950; White #252, 10’ transport/ disk harrows, $2,800; Kelly backhoe, 8’, 3ph, $1,900; Kub #4560 backhoe, 9’, $3,200; JD & NH tandem manure sprdrs, $2,000/each; JD 34 manure sprdr, 120 bu., $600; Flail mowers, 5’ & 8’, $800 & $1,300; Henke chipper, 6”hyd. feed, $2,200; 4’-7’ bush hogs, $400 & up. Full line of farm equipment available! 802-885-4000 FOR SALE OR TRADE: John Deere 2640, w/loader & rollbar, 3pt. hitch, clean; John Deere 2640, 3pt. hitch; Allis Chalmers D14; Farmall 460 diesel, WF, doesn’t run; Farmall M, completely rebuilt, WF; Int. 1066 hydro, needs paint; 856 tractor w/cab, 3pt. hitch.; Int. 1206, needs paint. For more information & pricing 802-758-2396 or email lawtonfamily@gmavt.net IH DISGUSTED??? With your shifting? Now is the time to fix. Put a good tractor back to work. 800-808-7885, 402-374-2202

Farm Machinery For Sale

JD 444 loader w/clam bucket, good rubber, runs good, has hydraulic leak, reason for selling bigger loader needed. 802-758-2138 HITACHI track dumper, 6 cyl. Isuzu made by MOROOKA, same size as 2200, needs tracks, $10,000. 603-4985835 JD BALER PARTS: Used, New Aftermarket and rebuilt. JD canopy new aftermarket, $750. Call for pictures. Nelson Horning 585-526-6705

JOHN DEERE TRACTOR PARTS

Many New Parts in Stock RECENT MODELS IN FOR SALVAGE:

• 6420 burnt • 6215 burnt • 5400 4WD burnt • 4430 qd, cab • E4020 •L4020 PS • E3020 • 3010 • 2840 • 2630 • 2010 We Rebuild Your Hydraulic Pumps, SCV Valves, Steering Valves, etc. All Units are Bench Tested Many Used Tractor Parts Already Dismantled CALL FOR YOUR NEEDS

NELSON PARTS 800-730-4020 315-536-3737 Farm Machinery For Sale

Farm Machinery For Sale Kennedy Tractor (315) 964-1161 Williamstown, NY “We Deliver” Ford NH 4630 Heated Factory Cab 5560HP Dsl, 1800 hrs, dual outlets, super clean $11,500; 4x4 Kubota 34HP Dsl, Heated Cab, Hydro,“Ag” tires w/new 5’ 3pt snowblower package $9,950; Ford 540 Heated Cab & Ford Ldr 50HP Dsl, PS 3pt live PTO $4,950; 3Pt snowblowers; Front Mt Snow Pushers; PTO Generators; 4x4 Long 50HP Dsl, exc. rubber/runner & tin $6,950; 4x4 JD 4200 Heated Cab 20HP Dsl, hydro w/JD 72” mower deck $Call; Lots more tractors & machinery in stock

KNIGHT MIXER WAGON, model 3030, real good shape, good paint, $8,500. Gorham, ME 207-839-3170

Maine To North Carolina PleasantCreekHay.com MACK ENTERPRISES Randolph, NY

(716) 358-3006 • (716) 358-3768 Ship UPS Daily www.w2r.com/mackenterprises/

New & Used Tractor & Logging Equipment Parts

RECONDITIONED 4-6-8R 7000 and 7200 planters. Also, one and two row sweetcorn, vegetable, pumpkin planters w/JD Max-Emerge. FrameMount no-till coulters. Custom b u i l d p l a n t e r s . Pe q u e a Planter, 717-442-4406

WANTED

Massey Ferguson Combine Salvage

K & J Surplus 60 Dublin Rd. Lansing, NY 14882 (607) 533-4850 • (607) 279-6232

Lower your feed cost! Save an average of 3 to 4 lbs of grain per cow per day Going from non processing to a processor. $6.00 corn. . . .

165, 175, 265, 275, 285 Any Condition

Hay - Straw For Sale

FOR LEASE: Organic dairy farm in Central NY, 3 bedroom house with 40 stall barn with pens for calves, 32 acres of pasture. Please call for details. 315-893-7616

HAY & STRAW: Large or small square bales. Wood Shaving Bagged. René Normandin,Québec,Canada 450347-7714

ONTARIO DAIRY HAY & STRAW

Quality Alfalfa Grass Mix Lg. Sq. - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Cut

ALSO CERTIFIED ORGANIC

Call for Competitive Prices

TINGLEY

NEEB AGRI-PRODUCTS

• Hi-Top Work Rubbers* #1300 - $17.00/pr • 10” Closure Boots* #1400 - $22.00/pr • 17” Knee Boots #1500 - $26.00/pr Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2X, & 3X

Naples Distributors

A N MARTIN GRAIN SYSTEMS

Feed, Seed, Grain & Corn

CORN SILAGE: Processed, 38% dry matter. Delivered. Polinsky Farms, Jewett City, CT. 860-376-2227 ORGANIC FEED: hay silage & hay, VT based, delivery possible 888-212-6898

Clyde, NY

WE SPECIALIZE IN • Sukup Grain Bins • Dryers • Grain Legs • Custom Mill Righting Hay - Straw For Sale

STANTON BROTHERS 10 Ton Minimum Limited Availability

Farm Machinery Wanted

814-793-4293

Hay & Straw - All Types

Grain Handling Equip. Bins & Dryers

1st & 2nd cutting alfalfa timothy & grass, small squares & large square bales, also round bales. Stored inside. 518-9293480, 518-329-1321

John Deere 5460, 5820, or 5830 Choppers

WANTED

Grain Handling Equip. Bins & Dryers

315-923-9118

4X4 ROUND SILAGE BALES, 1st & 2nd cutting, FOB SE Mass. 508-648-3276 AMARAL FARMS 1st & 2nd cutting good quality hay, round silage bales 4x5. Call 860-576-5188 or 860-4506536 DRY HAY: Several grades & quality levels available for horse, cow, sheep & goat. Large square, barn stored, no rained-on hay. Also, straw available. Pick up or deliver. Free loading. Fox Valley Vail Farms 518-872-1811 FOR SALE: Quality first & second cut big & small square bales. Delivered. 315-264-3900 HAY FOR SALE: Dry round, wet round, second cutting small squares. Call Louis 860803-0675

Experienced Cheese Maker

Established, well equipped grass-based sheep dairy in Cazenovia, NY producing on-farm artisanal yogurts and award winning cheeses seeks experienced head cheese maker starting April 2012. Commercial acumen and marketing experience a plus. Send resume to resumes@meadowoodfarms.com

Hay - Straw Wanted

We Pick Up & Pay Cell 717-222-2304 Buyers & Sellers

www.NaplesDistributors.com

Help Wanted

519-529-1141

(888) 223-8608

518-768-2344

WANTED

Low Potassium for Dry Cows

For Sale

814-793-4293

300 4x4 dry wrapped round bales, $40/bale. 802-7484667

GET A

For Rent or Lease

• Hopper Feed Bins • Transport Augers • Crane Service • Dryer Service Help Wanted

HERDSMAN WANTED For modern 350 cow dairy in northern Vermont. Slatted floors, double 10 parlor, sort gate, auto ID, computer. We’ve got it all except the right person. Minimum of 2 years recent experience on large dairy farm required as well as skills in hoof trimming, AI, Spanish and computer literacy; advanced education such as college is a plus. Competitive salary and housing. Livestock equity is a possibility. References required. Are you the person who can make things happen? Send resume and references to

farm1850s@yahoo.com

Help Wanted

WRITERS WANTED Country Folks is looking for self-motivated free-lance writers to contribute to their weekly agricultural paper. Knowledge of the industry a must. Articles could include educational topics as well as feature articles. Please send resume to Joan Kark-Wren jkarkwren@leepub.com or call 518-673-0141

Sell Your Items Through Reader Ads P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

1-800-836-2888 classified@leepub.com

Horses

Parts & Repair

FLYING ZEE HORSE DISPERSAL SALE, Delanson, NY, 1/21/12, 70 head sell, 5 1 8 - 8 9 3 - 1 5 7 2 , flyingzeesale@gmail.com, www.highcliff.com

IH TRACTOR SALVAGE PARTS

TEAM of 15 year old blonde smaller Belgian mares, kid broke to all machinery and traffic. Erin C. Lundy 315-4931051

BATES CORPORATION 12351 Elm Rd BOURBON, IN 46504

New, Used & Rebuilt We Ship Anywhere CHECK OUT OUR MONTHLY WEB SPECIALS! Call the IH Parts Specialists:

Our Web Address: www.batescorp.com

1-800-248-2955

NEW, USED & RECONDITIONED PARTS FOR CONSTRUCTION & AGRICULTURE Case-JD-IHC Crawlers Case-JD-Ford-IHC TLB’s Case-JD-Wheel Loaders Skid Loader Parts SPECIAL: MultiKey Construction Sets $45

GOODRICH TRACTOR PARTS

Rt. 38 & 38B, Newark Valley, NY

Poultry & Rabbits

Poultry Goslings, ducklings, chicks, turkeys, guineas, bantams, pheasants, chukars, books, medications.

Clearview Hatchery PO Box 399 Gratz, PA 17030

607-642-3293

(717) 365-3234

Real Estate For Sale

POSSON REALTY LLC 787 Bates-Wilson Road Norwich, NY 13851

(607)) 334-97277 Celll 607-316-3758 www.possonrealty.com possonrealty@frontiernet.net David C. Posson, Broker

Richard E. Posson, Associate Broker

2304 4 - Oneidaa Countyy Dairyy Farm 140 acres, 80+ acres tillable well drained very productive soils right behind the barn, flat to gently rolling fields. An additional 86 acres tillable close by available to rent. Nice remodeled 2 story dairy barn with 86 stalls. Tunnel ventilation. Nice barn to work in. Attached 74 stall free stall barn w/large bedding pack and pens for calves. Barn has a manure pit for 3 month storage. 2 large machinery buildings. Good 2 story 5 bdrm home and 2 bdrm mobile home for hired help. This is a good turn-key operation. Owners are retiring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Askingg $450,000 2312 2 - Jefferson n Countyy Farm - 190 acres located on a quiet road. 100 tillable acres good well drained soils all in hay. 50 acres of woods. Balance pasture. Modern 36x100 2 story barn. 32 tie stalls. One large calving pen, enclosed manure room, patz cleaner, and pipeline milking system. This is a very nice little barn to milk a small dairy, raise beef or horses. 2 - 24x22 machinery buildings with lots of storage. Good 2 story 5 bdrm farm house w/new windows and siding. This farm could be organic. Close to machinery, grain dealers, and shopping. Owners have reduced the price from an earlier listing from $385,0000 too $300,0000.. $15000 perr acre with buildings. Great buy on a nice little farm. 23022 - Otsegoo Countyy Freee stalll Operation. Buildings for 300 head. Double 8 milking parlor, 3,000 gallon bulk tank, large concrete pad for feed storage. Good 2 story 4 bdrm home. All situated on 70 acres of land w/40+/- acres tillable, gravel loem soils w/lots of

Real Estate For Sale

DEMEREE REALTY Little Falls, NY 13365 Phone (315) 823-0288

www.demereerealty.com • demeree@ntcnet.com #718 Nice 210 A. free stall dairy farm w/170 tillable flat to rolling acres w/ sandy/loam soil - 120 cow free stall barn w/double 10 Beco Parlor w/ATO’s, 3,000 gal Bulk tank also 160 ft. free stall heifer/dry cow barn, 20x41 ft. SealStore grain silo & 170x100 ft. bunk silo w/concrete floor - Good 9 rm. home w/5 bdrms. & 2 baths - corn & wood stoves - nice fire place, also village water & Artisian spring . . . . . . . . . . . . .$550,000 #40 - DAIRY OF DISTINCTION - Very nice 395 Acre river bottom dairy farm w/240 tillable, 70 pasture & 80 woods - 350 ft. stone barn w/108 tie stalls & room for 75 young stock - 1500 gal. B.T. & 2” pipeline - 6 stall garage & 100x25 ft. carraige barn - 4 concrete silos w/unloaders & 40x80 ft. bunk silo - 3 bdrm. brick home & 2 fam. tenant house - also 5 rm mobile home - 1 lg. pond, 2 springs & 100 ft. well. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Asking $1,500,000 - Machinery Available #26 - Ten plus acres between Middleville & Herkimer on Rte. 28 near KOA camp grounds with 40x80 ft. maintenance/shop/garage w/two 16 ft. over head doors, one 14 ft. door, 16x30 ft. storage space inside plus office space - radiant heat in floors, 250 gal. oil tank, dug well & septic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$149,000 REDUCED TO $129,000 #54 - COUNTRY SIDE STOVE & CHIMNEY STORE OF LITTLE FALLS, NY on 6.5 A. of land on main busy highway (St. Rte. 5). Attractive, well-kept, nearly new bldgs. - one w/show room & offices is 2800 sq. ft. (46x64’) - also lg. Garage w/concrete floor for storage & vehicles (36x60’) w/12x14 ft. Overhead door - both buildings have alarm system - also natural gas on property - COMPLETE INVENTORY of $214,000, included in sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Great Value at $550,000 C-67 - 3.75 A. Adirondack Park Waterfront Property. One quarter acre developed with year round camp, remainder wooded undeveloped area, Located on motorless Lake Edward. The pleasant one-story house is fully furnished with three rooms, one full bath, full cellar, new forced air furnace and new chimney, enclosed porch, tiled well, line phone, and septic. All in a private setting at the end of a dirt rroad. great investment property. A nice waterfront location at a modest price. . . . . . . .Asking $199,000 C-40 - Hobby/dairy farm on 70 A. of gravel soil, 40 A. pasture, 30 A. woods - 52 tie stalls, 3 lg. pens, 2” pipeline, 5 units, 800 gal. tank, tunnel ventilation, mow conveyor, 2 Patz barn cleaners, 8 ton grain bin, 16x40 & 16x60 silos w/unloaders, tiled mangers, concrete barnyard, 50x80 pole barn & out buildings all w/concrete floors, water & electric - nice 7 room, 3 BR, 1 bath home - new outside wood furnace, inside oil furnace, drilled wells & spring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Asking $260,000

www.countryfolks.com Real Estate For Sale

Real Estate For Sale

additional land to rent reasonable. Great location. Mins from Cooperstown or Oneonta. Farm would work well for dairy although buildings are conducive for horses and beef. Farm has 2 trout streams. Excellent deer and turkey hunting. Nice area to live and farm. Priced to sell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Askingg $245,000 2310 0 - Madison n Countyy - 45 acre Gentleman’s Farm. Quiet road beautiful view. 20 acres tillable Balance pasture. Good 2 story barn with 41 ties, barn cleaner, and milking system. New 30x56 insulated shop in-floor heat. Remodeled 2 story 3 bdrm home in very condition. Nice location, close to machinery and ag dealers. Beautiful views of Chenango Valley. Mins from shopping and hospitals. Surely a very nice little farm. Owners are serious sellers who will consider all offers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Askingg $230,000 2293 3 - Chenangoo County. 34 acre Gentleman’s farm w/ the mineral rights. 15 acres tillable ground, all in hay. Will grow row crops or vegetables. 7 acres of pasture w/ year round trout stream. Balance woods. Lots of firewood & good hunting. Good 2 story 30x40 drive through barn. 20x20 tack building used for storage, wooden floor, would make a nice wood shop. 22x44 greenhouse. 2 story 4 bdrm home. Has been completely remodeled from the bottom up in the modern timber-frame style. Lots of exposed beams and timbers. New $35,000 poured concrete foundation. New siding, windows, kitchen, bathroom & floors. Farm sits atop a small valley. Very quiet & scenic. Close to shopping, hospitals, schools, yet in the country. Would make a very nice hobby farm, raise beef or horses, grow a big garden, & enjoy hunting & fishing. Laid back country living at its’ best. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Reducedd from m $199,0000 too $175,000 2313 3 - Investmentt Property. 75 acres of bare land, near Cortland, NY. Mins from I81. 33 acres all in one field. Flat to gently rolling excellent well drained soils, good farm ground, currently rented to local farmer at $50 per acre. Balance of land is woods, excellent deer & turkey hunting. Small pond with ducks and geese. Property has a half a mile of road frontage and the gas rights to convey. This is a great investment property. Great location. Close to Syracuse, Cortland, Cornell College, and beautiful Finger Lakes area of NY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Askingg $145,000. Owner would consider financing.

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Calendar of Events NEW ENGLAND NOTE: Calendar entries must arrive at the Country Folks office by the Tuesday prior to our publication date for them to be included in the calendar of events. Email: jkarkwren@leepub.com

JAN 9 & 11, FEB 6 & 8, MAR 5 & 7 Connecticut Farm Energy & Assistance Workshops Locations as follows: • Jan 9 - 10 am - Noon. Tolland Co., UConn Extension/Tolland Ag Center, 24 Hyde Ave., Vernon, CT • Jan 11 - 4-6 pm. New Haven Co., USDA Field Office, 51 Mill Pond Rd., Hamden, CT • Feb 6 - 2-4 pm. Hartford Co., USDA Rural Development Office, 100 Northfield Dr., 4th Floor, Windsor, CT • Feb 8 - 6-8 pm. Middlesex Co., UConn Extension Center, 1066 Saybrook Rd., Haddam, CT • Mar 5 - 10 am - Noon. Litchfield Co., UConn Extension Center, 843 University Dr., Torrington CT • Mar 7 - 4-6 pm. New London Co., USDA Rural Development Office, 238 West Town St., Norwich, CT Register today. Call 860345-3977 or e-mail ctfarmenergy@aol.com. On Internet at www.CTFarmEnergy.org JAN 10 Maine Organic Farmers & Gardners Assoc. (MOFGA) Day at Maine Agricultural Trade Show Augusta Civic Center, Augusta, ME. Presentations & discussion groups cover-

(2) 2000 & 2001 Int. 4900’s, single axle, heavy duty, automatic, $7,500 OBO. Also dump bodies from 10’ to 24’ & hyd. components. Call 802-758-2396 or email lawtonfamily@gmavt.net ing a wide range of sustainable agriculture subjects. Free & open to the public. MOFGA members are encouraged to attend the Association’s annual meeting at 1:30 pm. Contact Meagan Damon, e-mail meagan.damon@maine.gov. JAN 11 Special Farm Family Relationships Webinar 3 pm. EST. “Dealing with the complexity of family and business relationships that exist on family owned farms,” the webinar will cover these discussion points: • Estate Planning - active and non-active family members in the farm business; • Farm Transition - ownership and control; • Organization - multiple family members working together; and • Exit strategies for the retiring farmer without a successor. Question should be submitted to c.merry@agconsul tants.org at least 10 days prior to the event. JAN 12 Farm to School & Farm Based Education: Benefits of Kids Learning on Farms Call 978-318-7871. On Internet at www.farmbased education.org JAN 14 NOFA 25th Annual Winter Conference Worcester State University, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA. Contact Cathleen O’Keefe, e-mail wc@ nofamass.org. On Internet at www.nofamass.org/con ferences/winter/index.php JAN 18 Southeast Agriculture Mediation Workshop: Conflict Resolution Skills The Carver Public Library, 2

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 37

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Page 38 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

Calendar of Events Meadowbrook Way, Carver MA. 6-8 pm. Call 508-2952212 ext. 50 or e-mail balexander@semaponline.org On Internet at http:// semaponline.org. JAN 20-21 16th Annual VT Grazing & Livestock Conference Lake Morey Resort, Fairlee, VT. Featuring local, regional and national speakers on multiple species grazing management & production. Several workshops. Contact Jenn Colby, 802-656-0858 or e-mail jcolby@uvm.edu. On Internet at www. uvm.edu/pasture. JAN 20-22 NOFA-NY Annual Conference: The Cooperative Economy Saratoga Hilton & City Center, Saratoga Springs, NY. Contact Katie NagleCaraluzzo, 585-271-1979

ext. 512 or e-mail register@nofany.org. JAN 22-24 The National Mastitis Council (NMC) 51st Annual Meeting TradeWinds Island Grand Resort, 5500 Gulf Blvd., St. Pete Beach, FL. For dairy professionals from around the world to exchange current information on udder health, mastitis control, milking management and milk quality. Call 727-3676461. On Internet at www.nmconline.org JAN 25 Vermont Sheep & Goat Association Annual Meeting Barre, VT. Contact Jane Woodhouse, 802-592-3062. JAN 25-26 Northeast Pasture Consortium (NEPC) Annual Meeting Century House Hotel & Conference Center, Latham, NY. Topics are nutrient management, silvopasture, results from grazing trials and more. Contact Becky Casteel, 304-

293-2565 or e-mail becky.casteel@mail.wvu.edu JAN 26 2012 Dairy Farmers’ Banquet Champlain Valley Exposition (Hamlin Room). Come celebrate with Vermont highest quality dairy farmers and those who support them! Vermont’s highest quality milk awards, Finley Award and Dairy Farm of the Year will be presented. Tickets $10 in advance or at the door. Seating is limited! Contact Nathan Miller, 802-5452320 or e-mail kettltop@ gmavt.net. JAN 27 & 28 4th Annual Winter Greenup Grazing Conference Century House Hotel & Conference Center, Route 9, Latham, NY. This year’s conference will feature speakers on Wye Angus genetics, grazing behavior, branding your farm’s products, leasing land to graze, extending the grazing season and more. Contact Lisa Cox, 518-765-3512.

JAN 31 USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Training Program Massachusetts Farm Bureau Federation Office, 249 Lakeside Dr., Marlboro, MA. 12:30-5 pm. Registration deadline Jan. 20. Contact Doreen, 413-545-2254 or email dyork@umext.umass. edu FEB 1-4 2012 Cattle Industry Convention & NCBA Trade Show Nashville, TN. Advanced registration is open until Jan. 11, 2012. To register visit www.beefusa.org or contact Kristin Torres at ktorres@ beef.org. FEB 9-11 Soil and Nutrition: An Education and Coalition Building Conference First Churches, 129 Main St, Northampton, MA. On Internet at www.nofamass.org/ seminars/winterseminar.php

FEB 14-16 45th Annual World Ag Expo International Agri-Center, 4450 South Laspina St., Tulare, CA. The Expo is the largest annual agricultural show of its kind with 1,600 exhibitors displaying cutting edge agricultural technology and equipment on 2.6 million square feet of show grounds. On Internet at www.WorldAgExpo.com FEB 18-20 2nd Annual Beginning Farmer Conference Amway Grand Plaza Hotel & DeVos Place Convention Center, Grand Rapids, MI. Beginning farmers and ranchers interested in all types of agriculture are encouraged to attend. The conference provides an opportunity for attendees to network with other farmers from around the country and learn from experts about how to start and maintain a thriving farm or ranch business. For more information, including online registration and hotel information, visit

http://2012bfrconference.ev entbrite.com or e-mail questions to info@start2farm.gov. FEB 25 6th NH Grazing Conference Holiday Inn, Concord,NH. Featuring Kathy Voth on “Training Livestock to Eat Weeds” and Brett Chedzoz on “Benefits of Silvopasturing.” Contact Bill Fosher, 603-399-9975 or e-mail Bill@edgefieldsheep.com. FEB 25 Agriculture & Food Conference of Southeastern Massachusetts Bristol County Agricultural High School, Dighton, MA. 8:30 am - 5 pm. Registration is $35 for farmers; Register online or call 508-295-2212 ext. 50. MAR 9-12 ABCs of Farm Based Education: A Project Seasons Workshop for Farmers Shelburne Farms, VT. Call 978-318-7871. On Internet at www.farmbasededuca tion.org

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ASA tells story of success for soybean growers in 2011 American Soybean Association (ASA) farmer-leaders recently reviewed some of the key accomplishments from a year that saw ASA serve soybean farmers by protecting and increasing the market value and opportu-

nities for U.S. soybeans. “ASA members play an effective role in domestic and international policy development,” said ASA President Steve Wellman, a soybean producer from Syracuse, NE. “Working with our state affiliates and industry partners,

ASA advanced soybean farmer interests in numerous areas in 2011.” The essential elements of ASA’s 2012 Farm Bill proposal that would help farmers manage risk were included in the Farm Bill developed by the House and Senate

Agriculture Committees in 2011. “Even though the Super Committee process failed, ASA’s collaborative work with Ag Committee leadership and the progress made on a revenue program that complements crop insur-

ance will be key to maintaining our forward momentum toward a Farm Bill next year,” said ASA Chairman Alan Kemper, a soybean producer from Lafayette, IN. Kemper served as ASA President in 2011. ASA successfully

Make Plans Now to Attend the EMPIRE STATE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE EXPO and DIRECT MARKETING CONFERENCE Oncenter • Syracuse, NY

LIMITED BOOTH SPACE AVAILABLE CALL TODAY!! 800-218-5586

NEW FOR 2012 • Third Day Added • NYS Flower Industries

Don’t Miss These Exhibitors . . .

2012 SESSIONS WILL INCLUDE:

• Flower Production • Flower Marketing • Labor • Potatoes • Tree Fruit • Tomatoes & Peppers • Cultural Controls • Direct Marketing • Pesticide Safety • Vine Crops • Leafy Greens • Cover Crops • Soil Health • Reduce Tillage • Berry Crops • Cabbage • Cole Crops • Food Safety • Onions • Garlic • Peas & Snap Beans • Greenhouse & Tunnels • Pesticide Safety • Sweet Corn

Acadian AgriTech • 910 Adams County Nursery, Inc • 115 Advanced Sprayer & Water Tech • 931, 932, 933, 934 Agraquest, Inc • 705 Agricultural Data Systems, Inc • 602 Agro One • 421 Amaizeingly Green Value Products, ULC • 108 American Takii, Inc • 709 Andre & Son, Inc / Nature Safe • 114 Applied Agricultural Technologies • 214 Arctic Refrigeration Co. • 518 BASF - The Chemical Company • 402 Bayer Crop Science • 201, 300 BCS Shop • 325, 424 BDI Machinery • 403, 405 Bejo Seeds, Inc • 320 Belle Terre Irrigation, LLC • 519, 521, 523 Biagro Western Sales • 700 Blackberry Patch • 106 Burgess Baskets • 107 Business Lease Consultants, Inc • 604 CAS Pack Corporation • 103 Clifton Seed Co • 303 Community Bank, NA • 924 Community Markets • 200 Compac Sorting Equipment • 423, 425, 522, 524 Conklin Agro Vantage • 806 Cornell Pesticide Management Education Program • 804 Cornell University-NYSAES • 100 CropCare Equipment by Paul B LLC • 719, 721, 816, 818 Crop Production Services • 600 Country Folks Grower • 1014 Dow Agro Sciences • 606 DuBois Agrinovation, Inc • 503 DuPont Crop Protection • 909, 911 Durand-Wayland • 205 Empire Tractor • 117, 119, 121, 216, 218, 220 Farm Family Life & Casualty Insurance Co • 101 Farmer’s Choice Foods • 915 FB Pease • 102 Fingerlakes Trellis Supply • 605, 607

Food Bank Assoc of NYS • 504 Frontlink, Inc • 941, 942 Gowan Company • 501 Grimes Horticulture • 304 Growers Mineral Solutions • 319 Growers Supply • 217 Growth Products • 210 GVM, Inc • 723, 725, 820, 822 Hansen-Rice, Inc • 904 Harris Seeds • 901 Haygrove Tunnels, Inc • 307 Hill & Markes, Inc • 808 Hillside Cultivator Co., LLC • 301 Hillside Orchard Farms • 419 InterCrate Inc • 603 IPM Laboratories, Inc • 112 J&M Industries, Inc • 703 Kepner Equipment, Inc • 1005, 1006 Koppert Biological Systems • 805 Kube Pak Corp • 706 Lambert Peat Moss, Inc • 938 Lansing Sales & Service, Inc • 929 Lee Shuknecht & Sons, Inc • 906 Lucas Greenhouses • 520 Maier Farms • 305 Mankar Ultra Low Volume Sprayers • 1000 Marrone Bio Innovations • 701 MAS Labor H-2A, LLC • 203 Mid-Lantic Labeling & Packaging • 903 Mike Weber Greenhouses, Inc • 809 Miller Chemical & Fertilizer Corp. • 316 Monte Package Company • 206 N. M. Bartlett, Inc • 801, 803, 900, 902 Natural Forces, LLC • 221 Natural Industries • 321 New York Center for Agricultural Medicine & HealthNYCAMH • 623 Nichino America, Inc • 506 Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York • 109 Nourse Farms, Inc • 707 NTI Global • 1001

NY DOL - Rural Employment • 122 NYS Department of Ag & Markets • 1013 NYS Department of Ag & Markets-Crop Insurance Education • 204 NYS Flower Industry • 111 NYS Vegetable Growers Association • 950 O. A. Newton • 819, 821, 920, 922 OESCO, Inc • 525, 624 Oro Agri Inc • 202 Paige Equipment Sales & Service, Inc • 711, 713, 810, 812 PCA - Supply Services • 418 Penn Scale Manufacturing Co • 116 Pennsylvania Service & Supply, Inc • 937 Phil Brown Weldin Corp. • 323 ProducePackaging.com® • 502 RE & HJ McQueen • 209, 211, 213, 215, 308, 310, 312, 314 Reed’s Seeds • 407 Rupp Seeds, Inc • 406 Rockford Package Supply • 302 Seedway, LLC • 318 Siegers Seed Company • 400 Sinknmore Div - Polyjojn Enterprises Corp • 618 Spectrum Technologies, Inc • 625 Stark Bro’s Nurseries & Orchards Co • 207 Stoke Seeds, Inc • 401 Stokes Blueberry Farms & Nursery • 212 Summit Tree Sales • 507 Suterra, LLC • 505 Syngenta • 702, 704 Targit Sales Associates, LLC • 807 Tew Manufacturing Corp • 935 The Horticultural Society • 907 Treen Box & Pallet • 919 Tuff Automation • 802 USDA NY Agricultural Statistics Service • 113 Valent U.S.A. Corp • 306 Van Ernst Refrigeration • 620 VirtualOne • 500 Wafler Nursery • 404 Wessels Farms • 601 White’s Farm Supply, Inc • 619, 621, 718, 720

For trade show and exhibiting information, please contact Dan Wren, Lee Trade Shows, P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428

800-218-5586 or e-mail dwren@leepub.com

For Registration Information go to https://nysvga.org/expo/register/ For Exhibitor Information go to www.leetradeshows.com

The 2012 Empire State Fruit and Vegetable Expo is sponsored by: New York State Vegetable Growers Association Empire State Potato Growers New York State Berry Growers Association New York State Farmers’ Direct Marketing Association

New York State Horticultural Society Cornell University Cornell Cooperative Extension NYS Flower Industries

January 9, 2012 • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • Section A - Page 39

January 24-25-26 2012

pressed for passage of free trade agreements with South Korea, Colombia and Panama that represent nearly $3 billion in additional agricultural exports. ASA also worked to maintain access for U.S. soybean exports to the European Union (EU) by addressing the EU’s Renewable Energy Directive. ASA worked to protect the GPS signals and equipment important to farmers by urging additional testing of the interference caused by a proposed nationwide broadband network. “Record U.S. soybean production and export values and record biodiesel production were clear indicators of the benefit of ASA’s longterm efforts to increase both domestic and international market demand,” Kemper said. “While we are proud of our work, this is a shared record of accomplishment that was made possible by the work of ASA, our state affiliates, the soybean checkoff at both the national and state levels, and our industry partners.” “ASA had a highly successful year in 2011 for our members and soybean farmers, and 2012 promises to be a year full of challenges,” added Wellman. “ASA will continue its close involvement in the development of the new Farm Bill; defend biodiesel’s renewable fuel standard and work to extend the biodiesel tax incentive; fight regulatory overreach; and increase market access for U.S. soybeans.” See ASA’s complete summary of accomplishments for soybean growers in 2011 at www.soygrowers.com/policy/ASA _2011Accomplishments.pdf

Page 40 - Section A • COUNTRY FOLKS New England • January 9, 2012

WINTER 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY Good Living Living and and Good Good Farming Farming –– Connecting Connecting People, People, Land, Land, and and Communities Communities Good

Feature Articles Slaughter Daughter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 6 Raw Milk, Moo-n Shine, and Risk Management . . .Page 17 Pretty in Pink: Grow Edible Ginger! . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 17 On-Farm Poultry Processing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Page 18

Supplement to the NH Farm Bureau publication The Communicator

WINTER 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY Good Living Living and and Good Good Farming Farming –– Connecting Connecting People, People, Land, Land, and and Communities Communities Good

Page 10

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Small Farm Quarterly

Youth Page

The Youth Pages are written by and for young people. Many thanks to the 4-H Teens from St. Lawrence County who contributed to this issue. We believe there's a bright future for young farmers in the Northeast. Whether you live on a farm or only wish you did, we'd love to hear from you!

Traveling with 4-H through Horticulture Contest by Heather Tweedie, 4-H Horticulture Club, St. Lawrence County I just got back from San Diego, California. Now, let me tell you how I got there. I live on an organic dairy farm with my family in a small town in Northern New York. I have been in the 4-H horticulture program for 8 years now. The first year I did the horticulture ID contest at our County Fair and I really enjoyed it. The next year I did the contest again at the County Fair and was put on the New York State Fair team for St. Lawrence County. I continued doing this for a few years. I also am in a 4-H Horticulture Club. Bill McKentley, my leader, takes us on walks through his nursery and shows us all of his plants. We hold monthly meetings at his nursery where he talks to us about plants. When I was 15, I qualified to go to the national contest at the convention for the National

by Heather Tweedie, 4-H Horticulture Club, St. Lawrence County Being born and raised on a farm has taught me many things. One of the most important is probably my work ethic. I hate to leave things unfinished, or not do my best at whatever I'm doing. I take my work ethic with me to school. My schedule is full and my classes give a lot of homework, but I try to never let my teachers down. I get my work done to the best of my abilities and because

of that I get good grades. This is all a result of my learned work ethic. I also involve myself in a lot of extra activities such as sports and clubs. One club that has given me a lot is 4-H. I've been in 4-H for seven years and it has taught me a lot. I show cows every year. I have participated in public speaking competitions which have helped me be more open to giving presentations and speaking to groups. Just recently I spoke at a youth food summit

Get Connected! CT: UConn Cooperative Extension • 860-486-9228 ME: UME Cooperative Extension • 800-287-0274 MA: UMass Cooperative Extension • 413-545-4800 NH: UNH Cooperative Extension • 603-862-1520

I have a small business selling plants which I have started in our greenhouse from seedlings that I have purchased. I would like to expand the business next year. Without being in 4-H, I would not have been able to go to all these places and do all these things. Thank You 4-H for giving me these experiences!

4-H and Farming

More information about the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Youth Development program can be found at: http://nys4h.cce.cornell.edu

Find your local Cooperative Extension office

Junior Horticulture Association. The first year I went to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The next year I went to Cleveland, Ohio. This year I went all the way to San Diego, California. I had never been to California. My family and I traveled by train. I had a really great time and saw many new things. I was able to go to the San Diego Zoo, the biggest zoo in the country. I also went to Sea World!

For more information on how to join 4-H visit http://nys4h.cce.cornell.edu/about%20us/Pag es/JoinUs.aspx

January 9, 2012

NY: Cornell Cooperative Extension • 607-255-2237 PA: Penn State Cooperative Extension • 814-865-4028 RI: URI Cooperative Extension 401-874-2900 Heather Tweedie at the National Horticulture Contest in San Diego

VT: UVM Cooperative Extension 866-622-2990

about farming. I've shown pigs and rabbits, as well as participated in other 4-H functions outside of the fair. 4-H helps me be a better leader. I am the president of the Kow Kraze 4-H club and I have helped at different events in leadership positions. 4-H is helping to prepare me for the outside world and helping me be a better, more well rounded person. I don't know where I would be today if it weren't for 4-H and the farm.

For more information on the 4-H Dairy Project visit http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/ 4H/dairycattle

Dairy Farming and 4-H by Mia Brown, St. Lawrence County Growing up on a dairy farm and being in 4-H has given me some great opportunities. Doing chores on the farm has taught me about hard work. Through 4-H, I have been involved in the Dairy Bowl competition, representing my county at the regional contest for three years and last year at the State level at Cornell. I learned how to judge dairy cattle and compete at the local competitions at the St. Lawrence County and Hammond Fairs. Best of all, I have been able to show 6 different Holstein calves over my years in 4-H (I owned 3 of them). I have steadily improved my placing in dairy showmanship.

Sadie and her Grand Champion Jersey at Hammond Fair

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I now have goals for myself through the farm and 4-H. I have become interested in the Brown Swiss breed and look forward to getting my own Brown Swiss calf in November. I want to continue to improve in dairy cattle judging and dairy showmanship. I want to be on the St. Lawrence Senior Dairy Bowl Team in 2012 and would like to qualify for the State competition again. And my biggest goal is to be a large animal vet or run my own organic Holstein and Brown Swiss herd. All this has happened because of 4-H and living on a farm!

For More information on the 4-H Vet Science Project visit http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/vetsci

Mia Brown showing her calf at the Hammond Fair

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January 9, 2012

Page 11

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Speeches, Service, and Sheep by Meaghan Pierce, Jolly Ranchers 4-H club, St. Lawrence County

II have been in 4-H for 4 years. I enjoy making and showing my projects. In 4-H, you get to try different activities like public presentations and community service. In public presentations, you pick a topic, create a speech about it, and present it to an audience. In community service, you do voluntary service for the benefit of the community. I enjoy 4-H very much. Everything about it is fun. But I think one of the most fun things about 4-H is showing sheep.

My family owns a Suffolk sheep farm and I have grown up among the animals there. My 2year old sheep's name is Florence, and I've been showing her at county fairs. We raise meat sheep, but also raise chickens and a calf each year. Life on a farm is hard work, but it is also fun. I have chores to do every day, and I have to have patience around the animals. There is also time for fun, like jumping in the haymow, and playing with the baby lambs. A farm is a great place to be a 4H-er.

For more information on the 4-H Sheep project visit http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/ 4H/sheep

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What It Means To Me by Carmen Kenney, Just Equestrian 4-H Club, St. Lawrence County Being on a small farm and in 4-H can mean a lot of things for a person. There are so many different programs and projects that a person is bound to find something that they like! For me, it means that I can spend a lot of time expanding my knowledge of different animals and their way of life. In my 4-H Club, "Just Equestrian", we are working on getting back to the basics of horses, like what they eat and how to care for them. It's great for me to learn those things because I'd like to attend Cornell University to become a large animal veterinarian. 4-H has furthered my knowledge of farming life too. I live on a small farm with my family, and being in 4-H gave me new suggestions and information that I use at my own home. Last year I attended a 4-H event which taught me about making maple syrup. I came home from that event and gave some great suggestions to my parents who applied them to our own maple syrup production. I liked that event so much that I even made my 4-H public presentation on the subject! Another reason why I love being in 4-H is the people I get to see, meet and become friends with. If I ever have any questions I know that I can always ask someone, whether it is a 4-H educator or a leader to get helpful answers or advice. I have also made so many great friends! I love attending 4-H events because I get to be with my good friends, make some new friends, and learn new information about things that I may never have heard of before. 4-H means that I will be better prepared for my future. 4-H introduces me to new subjects that I really enjoy and want to further my knowledge in. 4-H means that I have lifelong friends who will stand beside me. Living on a small farm along with 4-H has led me to the job that I want to do, in the field of large animal veterinary care. 4-H means so many things to me that it would be almost impossible to name them all!

For more information on the 4-H equestrian project visit http://www.ansci.cornell.edu/4H/horses

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Meaghan fitting her sheep at the Hammond Fair

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January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT

http://hwwff.cce.cornell.edu/ The Resource Center has a list of self-guided tutorials that include web text and images, video clips, power point presentations, and links to other on-line information sources.

Save the Unicorns and Farm the Forest

Or visit MacDaniels Nut Grove during a field day or workshop! Our website is: http://www.hort.cornell.edu/mng/index.html

A Forest Farming Primer By Bryan Sobel Through forest farming, I can help to save the Unicorns (Aletrisfarinosa) and you can too. Forest farming is the cultivation of high value specialty crops under the forest canopy. For those of you not familiar with Aletrisfarinosa, also known by 'Unicorn Root', it's a perennial flowering herb found in open woodlands.

plants has in the past led to over harvest. Plants like the Lady Slipper Orchid, Wild Leeks (Allium tricoccum), American Ginseng, and yes, the Unicorn too, have all been put in danger of extinction due to over-harvesting and habitat destruction. If you would like to learn more about forest farming, visit "The How When and Why" Forest Farming Resource Center at

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Mushrooms are a great forest product that can supplement your farm income. Photo by Dhwani Wiman Here in Ithaca, NY at Cornell University, we are developing an educational, demonstration Forest Farming site called the MacDaniels Nut Grove. This site incorporates specialty Hickory trees (Carya sp.) using selections grafted by a former professor, Dr. MacDaniels, that were a part of cultivar trials over half a century ago. These Hickories, mixed with Black Walnuts (Juglansnigra), make the upper canopy portion of our forest farm. The second layer, below the canopy, consists of trees like Paw Paw (Asiminatriloba), Elderberry (Sambucas sp.), and Service Berry (Amelanchier sp.). The third layer consists of trailing canes and small shrubs like Aronia, Currants (Ribes sp.), and black cap raspberries (Rubusoccidentalis). The lowest level of our forest farm contains perennials such as American Ginseng (Panaxquinquefolius) and Goldenseal (Hydrastiscanadensis), as well as various species of mushrooms, like Shiitake (Lentinulaedodes). We have also been able to incorporate ornamental plants such as two species of the endangered Lady-Slipper Orchid (Cypripedium sp.). While these are just a handful of species we are exploring on the research farm, you local cooperative extension office may be able to suggest varieties that are right for your woodland environment and farm plan. Collectively, species grown under the forest canopy are often referred to as Specialty Forest Products. These niche products have multiple uses: culinary, medicinal, and cultural. If you decide to incorporate SFP's into your farm plan, consider starting out on a smallscale until you have gained an appreciation for the ecology behind the species you are working with. Lack of sensitivity or knowledge for the proper cultivation and harvest of forest

Bryan Sobel is a Graduate Student at Cornell University, specializing in Forest Farming and Food Quality. He would like to promote a transition to a sustainable agriculture society with roots in cultural heritage. He can be reached at bds229@cornell.edu

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January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Page 13

NON-DAIRY LIVESTOCK

Winter versus Spring Lambing By Ulf Kintzel In past decades it was common wisdom to lamb in the barn during the winter months in January and February. It was heavily promoted as the right thing to do. The wisdom was that farmers had time to give their flock the attention they needed during winter months, before the busy spring planting season arrived. However, in areas that experience winter with temperatures below freezing and snow, one needs to have a barn, winter feed, and the equipment to feed the sheep. It is labor intensive and costs money. In the last decade or so there has been a strong shift towards spring lambing on pasture. Lambing on pasture is assumed to be both less expensive and less labor intensive. Furthermore, a hands-off approach is now being promoted, where sheep lambing on pasture is unassisted and unsupervised. Of course, that is an extreme that I don't recommend and for discussion sake this extreme will not be part of this article. I seem to have ignored the common wisdom, twice! When I farmed in New Jersey, I used to lamb on pasture in the spring when everyone had already lambed in the barn. For the past five years I have been in upstate New York and started to do more and more lambing during the winter months in the barn. Who is right and who is wrong? Truth be told, it all depends on your farming operation, specifically your market. There is no right or wrong answer that applies to everyone.

a time of year when others sold out because they ran out of pasture. This allowed me to fetch premium prices in early winter and especially around Christmas when supply was low and demand was high. Now I am in my sixth year in upstate New York and face a completely different scenario. My customer base is very diverse. Two large customers are distributors supplying high end restaurants and stores with my grass-fed lamb, which need a steady supply for as long as they can, with very high demand during the vacation months of July and August and well into September. Demand slacks off as Thanksgiving draws near. This customer base almost dictated that I had to change my lambing cycle. I now have a lambing season in January, a second lambing season in March and a third lambing season in late April and early May during which my replacement ewes lamb. This staggered lambing season allows me to provide finished lambs from June through November. The more I can spread it out, the more lambs each individual distributor will buy. In fact, the buyers prefer a year-round supply but grass-fed lamb is a seasonable business in my view. Since these lambs are raised entirely on pasture they fetch a premium price, my competition is limited, and sales are as certain as anything in a free market system can be. Therefore, it was a necessary step to change from spring to winter lambing. Since at my new site, I have a barn and adjacent pasture instead of limited and rented barn space, as I did in New Jersey, this change came with little additional cost.

There are various markets for lambs, differing greatly when it comes to lamb size, required availability, means of raising them, geographic region of the country, and other factors. Thus, there can be no one-size-fits-all marketing approach - which will determine when to lamb. Let me go through two examples at my own farm to illustrate how to determine your lambing cycle. When I farmed in New Jersey, my primary outlet was a local livestock auction in Hackettstown about one and a half hour driving distance from New York City. At this auction, there were numerous bidders from "the city" (referring to New York City) that ran butcher shops or supplied ethnic groups. The prices at the auction varied greatly. Summer prices were the lowest, winter prices and early spring prices the highest. While there was always a huge demand for lambs at Easter and Greek Easter, the supply was also very high. The price spiked for a very, very brief period. Then it declined steeply and rapidly. On the other hand, the Christmas market and winter market for heavier lambs was equally strong but supply lacked behind demand, which led to reliably high prices from December through February for heavy lambs. Considering these conditions, I lambed in my later years in New Jersey during the month of April when the weather was favorable enough to lamb on pasture with very little requirement and cost for barn and equipment. I extended my grazing season by renting harvested hayfields during the months of November through March and was able to finish lambs at low cost during

Winter lambing requires a well-planned system since barn space is often limited. What about the additional cost? In my case the additional cost was feeding second-cutting hay to the ewes that lamb in the winter instead of the cheaper first-cutting hay that they received in previous years when these ewes lambed in the spring. There are a few more items like electricity cost for light and water heaters but there was no major additional expense that was cost-prohibitive. The additional cost of fancier hay for the winter months amounts to up to $5 more per lamb which is less than four percent of the sales price. If I were to buy a tractor or build another barn or were to buy any other big piece of equipment in order to make it happen, my calculation would be different. There are many other possible scenarios to market your lambs. There are many who sell feeder lambs or small sized lambs to ethnic groups. In those cases, spring lambing on pasture makes the most sense. Others sell hot house lambs at Easter. Naturally, these farmers must lamb in the winter.

Spring lambing is far less labor intensive. Photographs by Ulf Kintzel What about the additional labor? It is a fact that spring pasture lambing is by far much less labor intensive than winter lambing. On the other hand, there is much more additional work to do in the spring than there is in the winter. That means I have time to spare in the winter while I usually don't seem to have enough time any other season of the year. So, I spend my time in the winter lambing sheep and building bird houses.

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In summary, there is no universal truth as to when lambing makes the most sense. It all depends on the individual farm and its particular market. Perhaps next time you read an article about the benefits of lambing during a certain period of the year versus another, ask yourself if it makes sense for your particular farm with your particular market.

Ulf Kintzel owns and manages White Clover Sheep Farm (www.whitecloversheepfarm.com) in Rushville, NY where he breeds grass-fed White Dorper sheep. He offers breeding stock and freezer lambs. He can be reached at 585-554-3313 or by email at ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com. Copyright 2011 Ulf Kintzel. For permission to use either text or photographs please contact the author at ulf@whitecloversheepfarm.com.

Page 14

LOCAL FOOD

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

AND

January 9, 2012

MARKETING

Faces of our Food System: FarmieMarket Get to know a local food distributor in our new 2012 interview series By Becca Jablonski Over the past decade, direct marketing has become very popular, and for good reason. Selling directly to the customer brings back a higher return and the satisfaction of a personal relationship, among many other advantages. But the time and talent to show up in person, peddling your products one by one, isn't always the most efficient way to make sales. Meanwhile, as the local food system continues to explode, many distributors or 'middlemen', are sprouting up to help get the small producer's products to market. Selling wholesale to the right distributor can save on the costs of direct marketing and move a larger quantity of product in an efficient manner. Who are these distributors? They are a diverse crowd using new models and reviving old ones. We'll be getting to know a different one each issue, so that you can get familiar with the methods these "middle" entrepreneurs are using to move local foods to markets and decide if selling to a distributor is right for you!

For our first profile, Becca Jablonski spoke to Sarah Avery Gordon, the founder and owner of FarmieMarket.com. FarmieMarket.com is an online farmers' market that allows customers to place orders and have local food delivered to their door. FarmieMarket.com started in Albany County, NY and has now spread to Schenectady, Rensselaer and Saratoga Counties. The goal of FarmieMarket.com is to keep small farms in business by limiting their costs associated with marketing. Q: Why did you start FarmieMarket.com? A: I started marketing products for my family's farm online. My family's farm was struggling after my mother, the farm's business manager, passed away, and I didn't want my dad to have to take an off the farm job. So, I set up a website and a facebook group. In the first month our sales doubled. More of our farming friends were interested in my help marketing their farms, so I set up a central marketplace-Heldebergmarket.com. We started with 8 producers-mostly friends I knew in the areapeople that made really quality products. When I started talking to more small farmers, I found that many experience the same barriers marketing their products through weekend farmers' markets. Many small farms are really mom and pop operations, and for them to have to sacrifice one or two members of the farm to go to farmers' markets (which may be all of the farm labor), it is just too much. Farmers' markets in the capital district often have really high fees - like up to $600 which can also be a barrier for some people. Plus, the more successful farmers' markets in our region take place in the summer, when people like my dad are too busy bailing hay. My dad would love to go to winter markets, but many don't have enough foot traffic. By grouping small farms together and marketing our products through a central website we can gain some synergy and overcome many of these barriers. Q: The original FarmieMarket was the Heldeberg Market. Why did you decide to expand? A: Because I had people calling me from all over the Capital Region, but I didn't have the ability to work all of them into my Heldeberg Market schedule. In wanting to serve more farmers and more customers, I made the decision to divide and conquer. Now I have three FarmieMarkets, and serve each territory on a different day. Q: What has the response from customers been? A: Awesome! I have been getting a lot of word of mouth referrals. I have picked up a lot of customers that are very steady they order every week or every other week. Q: It must be difficult to operate three markets. What are your biggest obstacles to business efficiency? A: It's a lot of juggling, but I've been really fortunate to use technology to make it efficient. I set up a program that automatically tallies my orders each week and emails farmers their sales reports. The farmers get the products ready and bring them to the drop site and I don't have to worry about anything. This way I don't have to email producers in the middle of the night - the technology is working while I am sleeping. Q: Wow, you seem to be really computer savvy. How did you learn to set up an online market? A: We had a computer in the house at a really early age. My grandfather bought a computer in 1987! I have never had formal computer training, but I have good intuition about how to use it and how to figure things out.

Q: Do you have any plans for further expansion? A: I do actually. I have received requests from all over the country. A few national farming blogs have picked up on the market - The Greenhorns (http://www.thegreenhorns.net/) and Seedstock (http://seedstock.com/) have both run articles on the market. The FarmieMarket concept is really gaining traction, so I am actually going to organize an educational series this winter to give entrepreneurs the skills they need to set up FarmieMarkets in their area. My plan is to keep everything under the FarmieMarket umbrella, but each individual market will have its own local flavor - in Rensaleer County, for example, the market is called Uncle Sam's Farmer Stand since it is the birth place of Uncle Sam, but it is still a FarmieMarket. Q: What types of products do you sell through FarmieMarket.com? A: We have a full range of grass fed beef, grain finished beef (as long as the grain is grown on the farm), pastured pork, lamb, eggs. I am really trying to focus on value added products. We have lots of seasonal vegetables. I work with a few farmers who have greenhouses and high tunnels so we can offer products year-round. We are also diversifying into prepared foods. I am working with a local chef on this. Dairy is coming this spring. Q: Are there products that you have been unable to find (I know there are always farmers looking for new product ideas)? A: Yes, there are. That is one thing that is cool about the market - I have all of this information about what we have available/how much farmers produce, and I have done a bunch of research about what could be grown in the area and isn't. I had a meeting for my farmers last winter and we quickly realized that collectively we were growing too much zucchini. There are lots of products I would like to try to get - more beans for example. I recommended growing beans to a farmer I work with; he planted kidney, black and yellow beans this summer, and has already sold out. Q: If farmers are interested in selling product through FarmieMarket.com, how should they contact you? A: They can actually go to the website, and on the front page of the website there is a button that says "Farmers: Join the Revolution!". They should print out the application, fill it out, and mail it to me and I will get back to them as soon as I can.

Becca Jablonski is a PhD student at Cornell University conducting food systems research. She may be contacted at rb223@cornell.edu. Thanks to the following funders for their support of local food distribution research: the Cornell Center for a Sustainable Future, NESARE, and the Cornell Small Farms Program.

Sarah Avery Gordon Making a Snowy Delivery

January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Page 15

DAIRY

Howland Dairy Benefits from Whole Farm Analysis Project By Lisa Fields The Whole Farm Nutrient Analysis Program (WFA) came along at the right time for Rob Howland of Candor, NY. Howland's 74 cow dairy is one of eleven farms in the WFA project, an initiative of Cornell's Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP). The WFA identifies opportunities for change in nutrient inputs or allocations that could benefit the environment and the farm's bottom line. The nutrient efficiency of a farm's component areas are measured and analyzed with an integrated approach. Howland described his reaction when approached by his Extension Field Crops Specialist, Janice Degni to participate in the project. "I immediately said that I would. I was aware of the concerns in society about the environment, and as a dairy farmer, business economics are always a personal concern. This farm has a fairly large land base, and I was questioning where in the crop system I would get the best return from my time and dollars." There are several stand-alone tools used to evaluate a farm's nutrient status that tend to analyze a particular sector of the farm. An objective of the WFA project is to combine those tools and extract the data that are most essential for assessing nutrient status and providing valuable information to the farmer. Patty Ristow, Extension Associate with the NMSP, explained the WFA process, "The first step is to compile accurate and relevant information to analyze the farm's nutrient status. On the field side this consists of three key tools: a Whole Farm Nutrient Mass Balance (NMB), soil fertility analysis of all the fields, and nitrogen measures termed adaptive N management in corn fields."

plete, but Ristow noted that its role is crucial. "The NMB diagnostics have helped illustrate to farm management teams and environmental regulators that our farms' management changes are greatly reducing the amount of nutrients that could affect water resources. By tracking changes over time a powerful message is delivered from the whole farm perspective." Howland commented further, "At first I didn't find the NMB to be useful. Getting the data together was tough, because it didn't fit with my record keeping system. After about two years I made some adjustments in tracking forage inventory, and that's helped both the NMB data needs and my feed system. I started tracking my baleage more specifically as to time of cutting and the field it came from. As yields have increased from the same number of acres, sales of baleage are taking nutrients off the farm as well as providing income. I now view hay quality as a nutrient efficiency issue as well as an economic one. The NMB also shows that I buy the same amount of feed as before the project, but I make more milk now from 74 cows than I did several years ago with eighty." A complete stall renovation in Howland's barn also contributed to increased milk production from fewer cows. The integration of forage quality with crop exports and increased milk sales has led to a reduction in nutrients remaining on the farm. Ristow commented on the diagnostic impact of the program's approach to soil nutrient analysis. "WFA summarizes and displays the results across an entire farm. This shows a clear picture of where approximately 70% of nutrients brought onto the farm as feed ultimately end up in the form of manure. Uneven distribution of nutrients on cropland indicates an opportunity to change manure spreading and fertilizer application practices."

The NMB provides a mechanism for tracking nutrient use efficiency across the whole farm year after year. The analysis covers four farm production sectors: milk, animals, crops and feed. The NMB diagnostic reports quantify the net major nutrients that remain after subtracting nutrients exported from those imported to the farm.

During team meetings farm data were reviewed to identify nutrient status of the farm and potential opportunities to improve. Howland noted that the soil fertility information from the WFA was immediately useful. "I knew those fields close to the barn would have high nutrient levels, but the project showed me those levels over time. I have a much clearer idea of how much manure should or shouldn't go on the various fields. Some of our hill fields are nutrient hungry, and now we prioritize spreading there whenever the weather allows."

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nomic sense to him and clearly benefit his business. If farmers can't readily draw conclusions from the information we provide, it's unlikely to be applied to management decisions." The project takes nutrient management a step farther by utilizing two adaptive management tools for nitrogen in corn fields. The Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test (ISNT) can be taken prior to crop planting and predicts the soil's ability to supply N to the crop by determining the amount available to mobilize from the pool of organic N. The Corn Stalk Nitrate Test (CSNT) is a nitrate analysis of the bottom portion of the corn stalks at harvest time. It tells the story of how the prediction of N supply and use of fertilizer and/or manure played out in reality. These two tools together allow for fine-tuning of N applications over time and on a field by field basis. Looking to the future, the program hopes to integrate economic measures from Cornell's Dairy Farm Business Summary into the WFA diagnostics, identifying factors of profitability that correlate with nutrient efficiency. This could provide financial documentation to the benefits seen by WFA participants. Ristow commented: "The changes made as a result of tracking the NMB and fine-tuning nutrient distribution and nitrogen use on corn often result in reduced purchases and alleviate excessive nutrient levels that may affect water resources. It's a win-win scenario for the farm's economics and the environment. " Howland summarized his opinion of the WFA project." Participating in this type of project raises your level of consciousness as it puts the farm's nutrient use facts in front of you. If something looks high, you have the tools to consider how to change that." Noting the fit between the WFA project and his business philosophy, he added, "It's important to know what the issues are that can affect your business. You can't farm in a vacuum."

The year-end data summary requires routine record-keeping for each production sector. That can make it challenging to com-

The Agri-Mark dairy cooperative works year-round for higher farm milk prices, better markets and effective dairy legislation on behalf of our Northeast dairy farm families. For more information on working with other farm families for higher on-farm milk prices, contact our Membership Department toll-free at

Rob Howland used the Whole Farm Analysis tools to identify current nutrient status of the farm and to identify potential opportunities to improve.

Ristow noted the impact of Howland's participation on the project's development. "Rob's input has been a tremendous help in creating report formats that are useful management tools. His feedback was vital, because the information must make eco-

Lisa Fields is an independent consultant in Agronomy and Farm Management and resides in Worcester, NY. She may be reached at lafields@hughes.net.

About the Nutrient Management Spear Program The Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP) is an applied research, teaching and extension program for field crop fertilizer and manure management on dairy and livestock farms. It is a collaboration among faculty, staff and students in the Department of Animal Science, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and PRO-DAIRY. Our vision is to assess current knowledge, identify research and educational needs, facilitate new research, technology and knowledge transfer, and aid in the on-farm implementation of strategies for field crop nutrient management including timely application of organic and inorganic nutrient sources to improve farm profitability while protecting the environment. An integrated network approach is used to address research, extension and teaching priorities in nutrient management in New York State. For more information on NMSP projects and extension/teaching activities, visit the program website (http://nmsp.cals.cornell.edu) or contact Quirine Ketterings at qmk2@cornell.edu or (607) 255-3061.

Page 16

GRAZING

Why I Graze By Sally Fairbairn

ter to me, lots of flower gardening, other farm chores and of sign of not enough lime. Seeing the Violets reminds me of the summertime perfume of wild thyme in certain places - that definitely means not enough lime. I usually move my heifers every day. That's quite intensive management for rotationally grazing open heifers. It is one of my ways of dealing with understocking. By taking an area out of the grazing rotation early to be harvested, I am forced to better utilize what is left. Also, I feel that I need to check them daily just to be sure everything is OK. I've been at this long enough (about 18 years) to have had lots of problems, but most of them of my own making. While understocking can be a big problem, my biggest worry is a drought. I can do a lot of things, but I can't make it rain! My success as a grass farmer has been built on adequate rainfall. Here in the Catskill Mountains we can count on that nearly every year. Sometimes it's a bit of a stretch between thunder showers in July, but plan a picnic and you can usually attract an afternoon soaking. During those dry times I try to extend my rest time by feeding some hay. I think I'm doing the right thing, but the heifers aren't impressed, nudging a bale until it rolls down the hill into a fence, and then grubbing the sward a little closer.

If dairy farming continues to be part of the agricultural base in Upstate New York it will be because prescribed grazing has been adopted by many farmers. It makes economic sense to have cows harvest as much of their forage as possible, especially with today's high energy costs. But you need to be a top manager to get top tier results. That is why it is so important to have help available.

Our water system is above ground with miles of black plastic pipe hugging the stone walls, taking the water from a spring on the top of the farm (over 2000') to the many paddocks below. It is so steep we have a couple of tanks that serve as reserves, but whose real purpose is to break the pressure so the pipes are not blown apart. We placed the pipelines through wooded areas as shortcuts. In the fall I open all the valves and drain the system; in the spring I put it all back together. The springtime part is one of my favorite jobs on the farm. I count on those hikes to bring me closer to the woodsy environment that surrounds my pastures. I'm on the lookout for Dog-toothed Violet, and Early Blue Violet, which could be a

By changing paddocks often, I maximize my grass and protein yield. course, spending time with my hubby of 40 years. I'm a happy person, living on a farm surrounded by green pastures, sparkling streams, and clean young dairy animals. A bit of heaven in the Catskills.

For more information on the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative please contact Karen Hoffman at 607-334-4632 x116 or karen.hoffman2@ny.nrcs.gov. For assistance with planning or starting up a grazing system contact your local USDANRCS or county Soil and Water Conservation District.

See us in Building 3 Booth E-353A

In 2011, we had a cool, damp spring that was good for lush grass growth. One of the biggest problems in intensively managed rotational grazing is understocking. My usual carrying capacity is about 22 - 25 open heifers on my hilly, thin-soiled 25 acres of pasture. My numbers around mid-spring were well below that. I had to be careful not to let the grass get ahead of me and wind up with hay - very poor grazing! I hate cutting hay on my pastures, but with so few heifers it is my only way of preventing the ungrazed grass from getting too mature. Most of our pastures are too steep to be mechanically harvested efficiently and safely, so we tend to harvest the same one or two every time we get in this bind. When I give over an area for harvest it means fewer passes through with my heifers, therefore not enough animal impact, not enough manure deposited. Whining isn't my usual way, but I hate to see good pasture go to waste.

January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Call today for your installation: Winter time may be a good time to turn your cows out for a day of renovating.

Call today to pick your installation date 717-442-8850

I don't measure anything, but I pay attention to how my heifers look. Are their bellies full? Do they seem happy?

By changing paddocks often, I maximize my grass and protein yield. I then add some (very expensive) low protein grain, fed on my daily trips to the pastures. I don't try to get technical about ADF and all that stuff. I don't measure anything, but I pay attention to how my heifers look. Are their bellies full? Are they getting bigger? Gaining weight? Do they seem happy? If they are not happy in a pasture, they are not full and there is a lot of uneaten grass. If heifers are not happy, you can leave them in there for several days and they still won't eat what they don't like - they'll keep chewing on the good stuff and really hurt its potential for regrowth. I've learned: if they won't eat it, mow it and leave it. Better stuff is encouraged to grow through the mulch that you will have left behind. I'm getting old enough (Social Security is only a year or so away) that I can choose how I spend my time. I blend grazing heifers with watching my grandkids' softball games, babysitting as needed, volunteering for the organizations that really mat-

Small Farm Quarterly is Recruiting! We are looking for several new members to join the Small Farm Quarterly Editorial Team, and we are always looking for new writers and photographers. We are especially looking for editors and writers from outside of New York State, so that we can improve our coverage of New England and Pennsylvania small farm issues and innovators. All SFQ editors and writers are volunteers. If you're interested, please contact Violet Stone at 607-255-9227 or vws7@cornell.edu

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We Want To Hear From You We welcome letters to the editor Please write to us! Or send a question and we’ll do our best to answer it. We’re also looking for beautiful, interesting and/or funny small farm photos to print. Write or email Violet Stone, Cornell Small Farms Program, 15A Plant Science Building, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853 vws7@cornell.edu

January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Page 17

HORTICULTURE

Pretty in Pink: Grow Edible Ginger! An introduction to growing and eating edible ginger (Zingiber officinale) for fun and profit By Susan Anderson The sickle makes its way quickly and quietly through tall, healthy green foliage. The air smells pleasantly of ginger and earth. I hear the sound of roots giving way as Hugh Johnson and Dan Kelly pull hands of young ginger from the soil. Bright pink bud scales adorn the creamy white rhizomes of the freshly dug crop. The farm I am visiting is Puna Organics on the Big Island of Hawaii. Baby Ginger is truly beautiful in paradise but it can grow well anywhere in the United States. Hugh and Dan are growing edible ginger. It is used as a spice, a medicinal herb, and flavors many teas, drinks and confections that we commonly consume. Current scientific literature points to ginger (and turmeric, the spice high in curcumins) as having cancer-fighting properties. These properties are owed to the phytochemical compounds in ginger, namely gingerols, shogaols and zingerone, that give ginger its spicy and medicinal qualities. Aside from the anticarcinogen compounds in ginger, studies have proven that ginger is effective in treating nausea, motion sickness and morning sickness. Ginger, as well as turmeric, has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine (holistic and natural medicine of Hinduism that teaches healing and prolonging of life). Both of these rhizomes are easy to grow, cultivate and market. In addition to growing and marketing mature and immature edible ginger, Puna Organics is also growing seed ginger, much to the advantage of farmers on the mainland! This seed is certified organic, disease-free and ships from the farm in Hawaii right to those who order on the mainland that want to try their hand at a phenomenal crop. Hugh and Dan are always

seeking new varieties of ginger. Their newly developed Ruhi (pronounced Rue-hee, meaning "soul" in Urdu, it is the name of a poet friend of Hugh's) is a selection Hugh made over the last 15 years of ginger from Indian origins. It initiates foliage growth quickly, makes larger rhizomes quicker and is, thus, more suited to the shorter season in the continental U.S. Ruhi has the characteristic pink bud scales when harvested for baby ginger. At maturity the flesh is yellow at the growing tips with blue flesh at the base of the rhizome. Ruhi seed pieces will be readily available for the 2012 growing season. There are limited quantities of a Hawaiian yellow ginger and Thai ginger (galangal). Puna Organics also offers seed for turmeric -- a variety that is robust in rhizome growth, yield, gingerols and curcumins... but that's a whole other article in itself! Ginger in the grocery store is grown to maturity for anywhere from nine to eleven months. The ginger that we can grow in the continental United States is harvested earlier, during the young stage of rhizome growth, at about 5-8 months (referred to as Baby Ginger or young ginger). Baby Ginger is delicious! It has the characteristic bite of ginger without being hot or overpowering. The texture is akin to hearts of palm, tender yet toothsome, because the thick skin and tough fibers running through it have not yet formed. In addition to all the other things that can be done with mature ginger, immature ginger can be pickled and candied. Ginger pickles are a splendid accompaniment to Sushi, cooked greens, grilled chicken, and grains. And, last but not least, the skin accented with neon pink scales, stands out like a beacon at market! For these reasons Baby Ginger is highly appreciated by chefs and consumers alike and com-

DAIRY

Raw Milk, "Moo-n Shine", and Risk Management By Jason Foscolo When planning to profit from an agricultural activity like selling raw milk, farmers often fail to take seriously the risks of regulatory non-compliance. Meteorological or market risks figure far more prominently in the minds of farmers everywhere. Yet the business of food production, and dairy in particular, is one of the most highly regulated industries in the United States. Compliance with production regulations is itself a form of risk management. Within New York state, the on-farm sale of raw milk is legal. Permits are available from the Commissioner of Agriculture and Markets which allow the permit-holder to sell raw milk provided that a number of conditions are met. Sales must be made directly to a consumer, and must also be made on the farm where the raw milk is produced. Further, a sign must be conspicuously placed near the point of sale which reads: "NOTICE: Raw milk sold here. Raw milk does not provide the protection of pasteurization." (Chapter 1, New York Code of Rules and Regulations, Section 2.3). The on-farm sale requirement severely limits the market reach of a raw milk operation. New York dairies may be tempted to circumvent these restrictions using a variety of novel legal and organizational arrangements. These methods are colloquially known as "moo-n shine" strategies and have recently received significant press cov-

erage on National Public Radio and various other media outlets. An example of such a strategy uses a "cow share" program in which shares of a cow or cow herd are sold to members of a "corporation" of consumers in exchange for a cash payment. "Dividends" are paid to membership in raw milk and raw milk products like cheese and yogurt. In another raw milk scenerio, producers label their bottles as "pet-food", but sell them with the tacit knowledge they are unquestionably destined for human consumption. The media coverage of these methods has been highly deferential and uncritical. This can be a problem for a New York based dairy operation because the coverage oversimplifies the very complex and thorough web of regulations which govern the sale of milk in this state. It would thus be unwise for any New York based dairy operation to adopt one of these arrangements without very careful consideration. The laws regulating the sale of milk products in the state of New York are written quite comprehensively and prohibit these types of "moo-nshine" arrangements. The dairy laws are written broadly enough so that the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets may regulate every transfer of raw milk, regardless of the underlying economic transaction. It is required that every person who "offers for sale or otherwise makes available raw milk for consumption by consumers shall hold a permit to sell raw milk issued by the commissioner." "Otherwise makes available" for

Susan Anderson with Baby Ginger in Hawaii Photo by: Dan Kelly

Baby Ginger With Tops Trimmed Photo by Dan Kelly during, there is a sense of tropical wonder when tending this crop. It might be the smell as one walks by the plants, it could be the rhizomes peeking out of the soil surface waiting to be hilled, or the splendor of pulling something pink out of the soil could be the climax for some. For most growers, though, the reaction that they get at market, from chefs, from wholesalers, is priceless. Customers stare in awe at the pink rhizomes and ask, "Is that ginger?"

Harvesting Baby Ginger in Hawaii Photo by Hugh Johnson mands a high price. Baby Ginger is perishable and cannot be shipped all over the world like mature ginger, but is great purchased locally. It lasts about two weeks at room temperature after being harvested, washed and trimmed. After a couple weeks it will have lost it's neon look but is still fine for processing or home use. It can be frozen for later use, too. Bring frozen rhizomes out of freezer to refrigerator to thaw for use of entire rhizome; otherwise, grate frozen rhizome into recipe and put right back into the freezer. Ginger is susceptible to some diseases and it has cultural requirements that are different from typical vegetable crops. However, once the learning curve has been surpassed, and even consumption covers other types of raw milk transactions which may not look like the narrowly defined retail model. The law more broadly regulates the simple transfer of raw milk between different parties, regardless of how the money moves back and forth between the buyer and the dairy. Under this regulation, even the gifting of raw milk may be a prohibited transaction. In 2010, the Appellate Court for the Third Judicial Department1 used this language to rule against the cow-share arrangement used by Meadowsweet Dairy to distribute raw milk products to its membership. The court determined that distributing milk via a cow sharing scheme fell within the meaning of the phrase "otherwise makes available" for consumption. Courts have yet to review whether pet food labeling schemes can effectively mask the sale of raw milk for human consumption. Given the comprehensive drafting of the statute, it is prudent to assume this stratagem will fail because of the "otherwise make available" language in the regulation. Mislabeling laws pose a further concern for "pet food" method of distribution. Food is mislabeled or misbranded if its labeling is false or misleading (Agriculture and Markets Law ยง 201(1)), subjecting dairies to further regulatory liability. Violating the raw milk laws can have quick, ruinous financial consequences for a suspected dairy. The Department of Agriculture and Markets has a vast amount of regulatory authority to interfere with the operation of dairies which do not comply with the raw milk laws. Under Section 20 of the Agriculture and Markets Law, agents of the commissioner "shall have full access" to any farm, factory, business or facility suspected of violating the raw milk or any other Department regulation. (Agriculture & Markets Law ยง 20).

My visit to Puna Organics was simple -- to learn the nuances of growing edible young ginger and pass it along to farmers on the mainland. Hugh Johnson has been farming organic ginger for nearly 20 years. Dan Kelly, his business partner, has been in the horticulture business for over a decade and working with Hugh for almost five years. Hugh and Dan together have forged a way to offer clean, organic ginger seed to the masses. Edible ginger is a delight; discover for yourself!

Susan Anderson owns East Branch Ginger, which represents Puna Organics on the mainland. Ginger seed pieces can be ordered from East Branch Ginger's website eastbranchginger.com or by calling 207-313-4358. Seed is shipped directly from the Big Island of Hawaii right to your door. Section 202-b of the law also empowers department agents to seize, impound, or destroy food products which may be unsafe, adulterated, or even mislabeled. (Agriculture & Markets Law ยง 202-b). A discussion of whether laws prohibiting the sale of raw milk on a wider basis are over- bearing and unnecessary has no place in a thorough, dispassionate risk management analysis. The dairy laws of the state of New York, as well as the power of state officials to investigate and impound the property of those suspected of violating them, are significant obstacles to the offfarm sale of raw milk. Be skeptical of any scenerio that promises the law to circumvent the law, and accurately assess the potential risks of your agricultural activity. 1 The Third Department covers the counties of Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselear, Schoharie, Sullivan and Ulster

Jason Foscolo is a general practice attorney specializing in food and agricultural law issues. If you would like to talk to him about the legal aspects of making great food, including raw milk, he may be reached any time at (479) 799 - 7035, or at jason@jasonfoscolo.com.

Don't get too relaxed about regulations! Photo by Lorraine Lewandrowski

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LOCAL FOODS

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

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January 9, 2012

MARKETING

The Challenges and Rewards of On-farm Poultry Processing By Sam Anderson When's the last time you saw "locally grown" stamped on a chicken at the grocery store? How many restaurants do you know that tell you who raised the duck on their menu? The market is out there-pasture-raised broilers can fetch over $30 per bird-but the supply isn't keeping up. So what's the holdup? If you've ever tried to raise and sell poultry for meat, you already know the culprit: processing. USDA allows farmers raising fewer than 20,000 chickens or 5,000 turkeys per year to process their own birds on-farm. It's up to states to decide how much to regulate beyond that. Some states, like New Hampshire and New York, are relatively lax; others, like Massachusetts and Connecticut, ask more of producers before allowing them to process and sell poultry on their own farm. Until recently, most small poultry farmers in Massachusetts have chosen between two options: pay up to build and license their own onfarm slaughter facility, or operate under the radar. It was only two years ago that a reasonably close USDA facility came online, but even that one is in Vermont. The other option is to rent a mobile poultry processing unit, or MPPU, essentially a "chicken slaughterhouse on wheels" that travels to individual farms (with the blessing of the state Department of Public Health), allowing farmers an avenue to legally process and sell their own birds. Several MPPUs are in various stages of operation around the Northeast. In Massachusetts there are two state-approved "mainland" units managed by New Entry Sustainable Farming Project and New England Small Farm Institute, and another operated by Island Grown Institute on Martha's Vineyard. While on-farm processing is available to producers who may not have any other (legal) way to bring poultry to market, many producers have shown a hesitation to get involved with it. There are three main challenges that scare farmers away from legal on-farm processing-and possibly, in turn, from starting a poultry business at all. The financial commitment. If you are building your own facility to meet regulatory standards, depending on what you already have in place, you could find yourself running up a bit of a bill.

NEW FARMERS

Second Life Farming By Mason Donovan The age old question of, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" is typically directed towards children, but has been coopted by a much older population these days. There are many factors influencing the decision to pick up all that you have known and choose a second career. Corporate loyalty gave way to massive layoffs breaking the unwritten cradle to grave job contract. Industries disappeared as others materialized; forcing one to rethink their path to retirement. For Joe Pustizzi, owner of Pustizzi Farm in Boscawen, NH, it was just time to get out of the rat race. An entrepreneur at the early age of 21, Joe started a textile manufacturing business in Lawrence, MA. Over a period of 17 years, he acquired a successful business with global distribution, registered patents and trademarks, and all of the headaches associated with the continual pursuit of corporate growth. "You just get tired," Joe said with a long sigh. When it was time to consider a second career, there was no doubt in Joe's mind he "wanted to be or do something outside." This urge familiar with many of us wanting to be closer to the land

Anytime you spend $20,000 (and it could be less or quite a bit more, depending on your setup), it's obviously a commitment, and that could be a problem if you aren't ready to say with certainty that you will be running a poultry business for at least the next few years. However, if you are able to make that commitment, building your own facility may save you a bundle in the long term compared to hauling each batch to a processing plant. It also enables you to process smaller batches throughout the season rather than concentrating your birds into three to five larger batches, saving you both transportation costs and freezer space. Part of the idea of renting an MPPU is to avoid the financial commitment of building your own facility. Producers sometimes balk at the rental fee and, in Massachusetts, the $225 annual cost of a state slaughter license. The new MPPU's rental fee in 2011 was $175 per use for 100 or fewer birds, adding $25 for each additional 50 birds ($200 for 150 birds, $225 for 200 birds, etc.). This means that in order to process three batches of 150 birds, we paid a total of $825 in rental and license fees. This sounds like a lot at first, but it only comes out to $1.83 per bird; even adding the costs of ice, utilities, assorted supplies, and transporting the MPPU, we still came in well under the $5 per bird (plus transportation) we would have paid at the nearest USDA facility. The regulatory hassle. In states like New York and New Hampshire, this may not be a big issue; in Massachusetts, it often is. In order to have licensed on-farm poultry processing, even with state-approved MPPU, the producer must apply for a state slaughter license with the Department of Public Health and get approval from the local Board of Health. We had to do it ourselves this year, and yes, it's a bit of a hassle. However, the upshot is that once you get over that initial hurdle, it gets much easier. If your alternative is to go out behind the barn and process on the down-low, you can't sell those birds at a farmer's market or farm stand, and you run the risk of getting in trouble-a hard risk to quantify in a farm business plan. Producers who are already doing this sort of processing may be worried that they'll get in trouble if they go to the regulators to ask about how they can become licensed, but we have found that the regulators are much less interested in busting well-meaning farmers than in helping them. led to the purchase of a 227 acre plot of land, of which only 7 acres was immediately farmable. The rest was either wooded or not properly drained. "My grandfather was in the produce business and my grandmother and mother always had a garden for the household table. However, that was the extent of my farming knowledge or experience." When asked why he picked New Hampshire, Joe simply stated, "It was close to family and that was important to me." With his work cut out for him, he knew a close support network would be needed as well. The most difficult tasks he anticipated were land clearing and soil management. Turning 7 acres into 13 productive acres of fruit and vegetables with an additional 10 plus acres into hay crop took approximately 6 years. He adopted online marketing awareness trends by building the farm website, http://www.pustizzifruitfarm.com, and creating a Facebook presence. Now into his third season of selling, Joe hit an unanticipated challenge. "People have a lot of choices ranging from their own gardens to supermarkets. I needed to give them a reason to make the visit out to my farm." The challenge of attracting more farm stand traffic led to his ever growing agri-tourism business. It isn't enough to provide someone with a fresh off the vine tomato; they also want an experience to go with it. Joe considered the ever popular corn mazes and outdoor sporting events. By networking with a local goat farmer, he came up with the idea of a haunted goat hike: You hike up the hill to

Massachusetts' newest Mobile Poultry Processing Unit saw its first year of operation in 2011. Photo by Sam Anderson The logistical hassle. There's no way around it: processing poultry is a pain. That's a point which cannot easily be massaged. Michael Pollan did a nice job of idealizing the do-it-yourself approach in Omnivore's Dilemma, but the truth is that slaughtering, plucking and eviscerating a chicken is an inherently messy job. However, farmers are as equipped as anyone to deal with that aspect, and with the right people, processing day can actually become a sort of unorthodox, characterbuilding social event. Pete & Jen's Backyard Birds in Concord, Mass. ("Jen" happens to be New Entry's director, Jennifer Hashley) draw crowds of 20 or more volunteer helpers each processing day, from all walks of life. At our own processing days, we attracted 8 to 12 volunteer workers by making it an educational event. The bigger issue is the stress involved in ironing out the details before processing day: ordering supplies, coordinating workers and customers, transporting and setting up the unit (if using an MPPU), and dealing with all the little things that seem to come up right before processing day. It's easy to get anxious about something going wrong on processing day, but it seems that your best bet is to make a list, check it twice, and then accept the infallible golden rule of processing day: that whatever you do to prepare, something will not go according to plan. All you can do is be ready to deal with it. I may not be painting a very rosy picture, but believe it or not, there are also upshots to the experience of processing your own birds. For some, the biggest advantage is the complete transparency of it. As the producer and the processor, you control every step of the way, and you can see to it that the job is done to your standards. That transparency can be an important selling point for your customers, too, and can even bring you a bit of attention: the last two seasons, the four main producers using the MPPU have all been featured in a news story, from the local paper to NPR. It may sound sentimental, but one of the most valuable aspects of processing your own birds is

The Mobile Poultry Processing Unit set up for processing day in Dracut, Massachusetts. Photo by Jennifer Hashley

On-farm processing lets the producer ensure that birds are handled with care. Photo by Jennifer Hashley the satisfaction and sense of accomplishment you should feel afterwards. Sure, on-farm processing might lower your costs and help you market your birds, and it has to make sense for you financially; but don't be surprised if you feel especially proud of the end product as you hand it off to your customers. For more information about the Massachusetts MPPUs or small-scale poultry processing in general, please visit http://nesfp.nutrition. tufts.edu/resources/mobilepoultry.html, email sanderson@comteam.org, or call 978-654-6745.

Sam Anderson is the Livestock and Outreach Coordinator at New Entry Sustainable Farming Project in Lowell, Massachusetts.

the pumpkin patch where you pick your pumpkin and have the goat haul it back for you. Along the way there are fun and educational stops. Everyone has a good time, including the goats that get loads of petting and treats. Pustizzi Farm now has 3 goat related events a year, a haunted farm event and maple sugar weekends. Joe realized, "The local market demand for fruits and vegetables is not financially at a long-term sustainable level." Agri-tourism allows Pustizzi Farm to acquire a bigger share of local purchasing power while reaching out to a larger geographic base. "Diversification is key." People are willing to travel more for an event than a pint of blueberries. Asked for his advice for other second career farmers, Joe quickly answered, "Do your homework!" He easily invested more than twice what he expected. The work is "strenuous on your body and you don't get sick days." Joe suggested volunteering on farms and getting to know your local farming organizations. The Cooperative Extension became one of his biggest resources for information. He currently works with four separate organizations in an average year for knowledge, support or assistance. Ask him about next year's crops and Joe's eyes light up. "There is nothing like looking at a freshly planted field on a nice spring day." The work is hard, but rewarding. Instead of the chair at the end of an executive board table, Joe now sits up high in his John Deere thinking "this is what I want to be when I grow up."

Signs of an Expanding Farm Business Photo by Mason Donovan Mason Donovan owns a hay farm in Boscawen, NH and founded The Yard Project organization to protect farmland, promote sustainable organic practices and assist local farmers. He can be reached by email at FirstYard@ TheYardProject.com.

Thinking about farming as a second career? Here are three places you can start your research: â&#x20AC;˘ Local: Visit local to the region you want to farm. Different regions provide different opportunities and challenges from regulatory to market to growing conditions. â&#x20AC;˘ Volunteer: Spend a weekend on a farm in each season of the year so you get a better understanding of the changing needs of the farm as well as start to establish your network. â&#x20AC;˘ Cooperative Extension: Hands down the best resource for any first time or long time farmer. Every state has one. http://www.csrees.usda. gov/Extension/ The Northeast has some of the best educational resources for those wanting a jump start in farming. UVM, UNH and Cornell all offer education for the beginning farmer. The Northeast Organic Farming Association (www.nofa.org) also has a beginning farmers program in every state in our region.

January 9, 2012

STEWARDSHIP & NATURE

Farmscapes For Birds, Part 2 By Margaret Fowle Audubon Vermont is working with the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS) on two exciting programs, called the Forest Bird Initiative (FBI) and Champlain Valley Bird Initiative (CVBI). Both programs engage landowners in managing their land to protect a number of priority bird species in the region. Through these programs, forest, shrubland, and grass landowners are given the tools they need to make decisions about land management that benefit both the land and nesting birds.

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

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Habitat Incentive Program (WHIP) contract to assist in the development of early-successional habitat (young forests) for bird species such as Chestnut-sided Warbler and White-throated Sparrow. This habitat condition was deemed to be lacking on the property and the surrounding landscape. Fred's application was approved, and through a site visit that included Mary Beth Adler and Ryan Smith from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department, consulting forester Paul Harwood, and Steve Hagenbuch, two areas totaling approximately 4 acres were identified for conversion to early-successional habitat. In the years following implementation Audubon Vermont hopes to be able to monitor the bird response to this management practice.

In the Fall issue, I talked generally about Audubon's programs. In this follow-up article, I highlight some success stories from the field.

According to Fred, "I feel fortunate to have Audubon Vermont involved with bird habitat on my land. In addition to the detailed report I received, providing me with customized, documented information about what birds dwell on my land, I've been able to continue my relationship with Audubon, which has been very helpful when new questions arise. The report has been useful in working with NRCS and the local river partnership in seeking funds to help support bird habitat on my land."

Forests In Tunbridge, Vermont, Fred Pond has been working with Audubon Vermont's Forest Bird Initiative, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, and his consulting forester to provide high quality bird habitat as part of the management of his 140 acres. Audubon Vermont conservation biologist Steve Hagenbuch completed a habitat assessment for the property in 2008. One of the recommendations included in the report was to apply for a Wildlife

Early Successional Shrublands Curt Alpeter qualified for a WHIP contract to manage for early successional habitat and to remove invasive honeysuckle and buckthorn on his 42 acre property in Charlotte, Vermont. Danny Peet from NRCS invited Audubon biologist Mark LaBarr to visit the site and assist in developing a conservation plan that would include work that would benefit priority shrubland bird species. Dave Adams from the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department also joined

Remembering Summer's Bounty Welcome to our new photo essay feature! For 2012, we'll be bringing you seasonal images from the Whole Systems Design Research Farm in the Mad River Valley region of Vermont. The farm is a demonstration site to test out regenerative food, fuel, and shelter systems that operate on current solar energy. To learn more about the farm and Whole Systems Design, visit http://www.wholesystemsdesign.com

Enjoy the delicious aromas from summer's abundance when you open your preserves this winter. Featured in the photo from left to right are: cranberry preserves, garlic, hawthorne-seaberry preserves, kombucha, and shitake mushrooms. Photo by Ben Falk

Audubon biologist and a landowner discuss forest management options Photo by Kristen Sharpless the efforts. In addition to this visit, Mark conducted bird surveys on the property and located priority species such as Golden-winged Warbler. Mark provided Curt and NRCS with a written assessment and then worked with Adams to fine tune areas delineated for NRCS practices. Thickets of native shrubs were marked to be saved and areas of heavy invasive infestation were marked for removal. In addition, shrubland habitat that was reverting back to forest was identified and slated for manual clearing and brushhogging. Mark has since conducted post treatment bird surveys to assess the effectiveness of the work done and determine how the birds have responded. Curt has subsequently re-enrolled in WHIP to create additional early successional habitat on his property. Grasslands Audubon biologists Mark LaBarr and Margaret Fowle have been working with NRCS to help promote the EQIP Grassland Bird Management practice. This practice has paid landowners up to $135 per acre for 3 years for performing an early hay cutting (before May 31) and waiting 65 days before the next cut. The payment is intended to compensate landowners for loss in quality of the hay from the delayed second cut. Qualifying fields must be high quality habitat for grassland birds so they are rectangular or square in shape, at least 20 acres in size, and have less than 10% reed canary grass. The 65-day waiting period has been proven to be enough time to allow any nesting grassland bird species such as Bobolinks or Eastern Meadowlarks to renest before the next cut. This is significant in that agriculture is maintained on the field (up to 3 cuts of hay per season) while providing breeding success to grassland birds nearly equal to fields not cut during the breeding season. Margaret Fowle completed a habitat assessment for a former dairy farmer in Shelburne, Vermont in 2010. The farmer's hayfields appeared to meet the criteria for the EQIP Grassland Bird Management practice. Fowle and Danny Peet from NRCS met the landowner in the fall of 2010 to assess whether or not one or both fields would qualify. In the end, one 24-acre field qualified and was contracted in EQIP and the Grassland Bird Management practice is scheduled to begin in the spring of 2012. The other field did not meet the required qualifications due to the wetness of the soils and a large hedgerow that was growing in a portion of the field's center. Audubon Vermont hopes to be able to monitor the success of the prescribed cutting schedule with the landowner this coming spring. Unfortunately, due to a national initiative for payment consistency, the EQIP Grassland Bird Management practice has been discontinued in Vermont and elsewhere for 2012, so no new early/late cut contracts will be signed. Audubon Vermont is working closely with NRCS staff to reinstate this practice for 2013 and beyond. NRCS in Vermont still offers the traditional and quite successful grassland bird conservation practices for delayed mowing which involves no cutting until August 1. More information on these projects can be found at http://vt.audubon.org/ under Science and Conservation. If you would like to visit personally with Fred Pond about his experiences with fostering bird habitat you can contact him by mail at PO Box 64, Tunbridge, VT 05077 or email pondfc@yahoo.com. To locate your local Audubon service center, see http://www.audubon.org/locations/type/304. More information on NRCS programs and contact information for your local service center can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov

Margaret Fowle is a conservation biologist at Audubon Vermont in Huntington, VT. She can be reached at mfowle@audubon.org or (802) 434-3806.

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January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY - WINTER 2012 TABLE OF CONTENTS SMALL FARM PROGRAM UPDATE Cornell Small Farms Program Update ........................................................Page 3

BOOK NOOK Winter Reads: Water and Natural Gas, by Jill Swenson.................................Page 4

COMMUNITY AND WORLD Slaughter Daughter, by Lindsay Debach ........................................................Page 6

DAIRY Consider Deep Pack Barns for Cow Comfort and Manure Management, by A. Fay Benson .....................................................................................Page 5 Howland Dairy Benefits from Whole Farm Analysis Project, by Lisa Fields .........................................................................................Page 15 Raw Milk, “Moo-n Shine”, and Risk Management, by Jason Foscolo .....Page 17

GRAZING Turning Sand into Soil, by Anne Lincoln ......................................................Page 8 Why I Graze, by Sally Fairbairn ...................................................................Page 16

HORTICULTURE Pretty in Pink: Grow Edible Ginger!, by Susan Anderson ........................Page 17

LOCAL FOODS & MARKETING Faces of our Food System: FarmieMarket, by Becca Jablonski ..............Page 14 The Challenges and Rewards of On-farm Poultry Processing, by Sam Anderson ..................................................................................Page 18

NEW FARMERS Second Life Farming, by Mason Donovan .................................................Page 18 New Farms Sprouted through Conservancy Lease Program, by Michael Charmeides .........................................................................Page 20

NON-DAIRY LIVESTOCK Winter versus Spring Lambing, by Ulf Kintzel ..........................................Page 13

NORTHEAST SARE SPOTLIGHT Establishing Northern Honeybee Colonies, by Aaron Englander..............Page 9

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY Good Farming and Good Living — Connecting People, Land, and Communities Small Farm Quarterly is for farmers and farm families — including spouses and children - who value the quality of life that smaller farms provide. OUR GOALS ARE TO: • Celebrate the Northeast region’s smaller farms; • Inspire and inform farm families and their supporters; • Help farmers share expertise and opinions with each other; • Increase awareness of the benefits that small farms contribute to society and the environment. • Share important research, extension, and other resources. Small Farm Quarterly is produced by Lee Publications, Inc., and is distributed four times a year as a special section of Country Folks. Volume 10 publication dates: January 9, April 2, July 2 and October 1, 2012. EDITORIAL TEAM: • Violet Stone, Cornell Small Farms Program Managing Editor • Anu Rangarajan, Cornell Small Farms Program Editor in Chief • Laura Biasillo, Broome County CCE New Farmers • Jamila Walida Simon, NYS 4-H Youth Development Program Youth Pages • Sam Anderson Livestock • Gary Goff, Cornell Natural Resources Department Forest and Woodlot • Martha Herbert Izzi, Vermont Farmer New England Correspondent • Betsy Lamb, CCE Integrated Pest Management Program Horticulture • John Thurgood, USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service-Vermont Stewardship and Nature • Nancy Glazier, Northwest NY Dairy, Livestock and Field Crops Team Grazing • Jill Swenson, Swenson Book Development Community and World • Michelle Podolec, NE Beginning Farmer Project Coordinator Farm Technology

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FOR SUBSCRIPTION INFORMATION CONTACT Tracy Crouse, Lee Publications, Inc., PO Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 888-596-5329 subscriptions@leepub.com FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION CONTACT: Laura Clary, Lee Publications, Inc., 518-673-0118 or 800-218-5586, ext. 118 or lclary@leepub.com SEND YOUR LETTERS AND STORIES TO: Cornell Small Farms Program 15A Plant Science Building, Cornell University , Ithaca, NY, 14853 607-255-9227 • vws7@cornell.edu About copyright: The material published in Small Farm Quarterly is not copyrighted unless otherwise noted. However, we ask that you please be sure to credit both the author and Small Farm Quarterly.

RESOURCE SPOTLIGHTS Save the Unicorns and Farm the Forest, by Bryan Sobel .......................Page 12

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS:

STEWARDSHIP & NATURE Farmscapes for Birds, Part 2, by Margaret Fowle .....................................Page 19 Photo Essay: Remembering Summer’s Bounty ......................................Page 19

Cornell Small Farms Program www.smallfarms.cornell.edu 607-255-9227 www.cce.cornell.edu www.cals.cornell.edu

TECHNOLOGY ON THE FARM Winter Homework? Take an Online Class!, by Betsy Lamb .......................Page 7

YOUTH PAGE Traveling with 4-H through Horticulture Contest by Heather Tweedie.........Page 10 Dairy Farming and 4-H, by Mia Brown .......................................................Page 10 4-H and Farming, by Sadie Smith ...............................................................Page 10 Speeches, Service, and Sheep, by Meaghan Pierce .................................Page 11 What It Means To Me, by Carmen Kenney..................................................Page 11 Cover photo: Welsh harlequin, Indian runner and Khaki cambell ducks roam free at the Whole Systems Research Farm in Moretown, VT. Photo by Ben Falk.

NYS 4-H Teen Program www.cce.cornell.edu/4h 607-255-0886 www.nrcs.usda.gov 802-865-7895

ABOUT OUR ADS... All advertisements in Small Farm Quarterly are managed by Lee Publications. Cornell’s Small Farms Program, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and other Small Farm Quarterly sponsors and contributors do not endorse advertisers, their products or services. We receive no revenues from advertisers. To find out how your business or organization can advertise in Small Farm Quarterly, contact: Laura Clary, Lee Publications, 518-673-0118 or 800-218-5586, ext. 118, lclary@leepub.com

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January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

NEW FARMERS

New Farms Sprouted through Conservancy Lease Program By Michael Chameides In 2010, the US imported 164.4 million pounds of "fresh garlic" and garlic imports continue to rise. However, in 2012 there will be a hundred or so people in the Hudson Valley who will be getting fresh local garlic from Great Song Farm in Milan, NY. This fall, Great Song is completing its first growing season and is planting a plot of garlic to be harvested next year. The farmers at Great Song don't own the land where they are planting their garlic and their other vegetables. They obtained the use of the property through Columbia Land Conservancy's (CLC) Farmer Landowner Match Program. The program matches farmers seeking land with landowners who want their land farmed. CLC helps the farmer and landowner create a lease agreement that is mutually beneficial. Farmers may provide services, money, or crops in exchange for access to quality farmland. Everybody wins, including area residents who have increased access to local, healthy food. Like many of today's young farmers, the three farmers at Great Song didn't grow up farming. Jen Carson was a social worker, Anthony Mecca studied computer science and literature, and Lisa Miskelly (who just joined the farming team at Great Song) didn't work on a farm until after college. As beginning farmers, they each worked at a variety of farms around

the US and Canada. Jen and Lisa overlapped at Hawthorne Valley Farm in Harlemville, NY before going on to work at separate farms. After years of farming, both Jen and Anthony decided they wanted to run their own farm and partnered on a new venture. The cost of purchasing land, however, was a barrier to them. This is a problem for many young farmers. "Many of the young people who work with me on my farm hope to run their own farms one day, and most see acquiring land as the biggest obstacle," says Benjamin Shute, coowner and manager of Hearty Roots Farm in Red Hook, NY and co-founder of the National Young Farmer's Coalition. "That's how I felt too, before I was able to rent some land from a farmer to get my vegetable operation started. Now we are trying to buy our own land, but it has been very challenging due to the very high land prices in the Hudson Valley." CLC developed the Farmer Landowner Match Program to help address the challenges farmers are facing regarding access to land. At the heart of the program is a database that contains profiles of farms that may be available for lease and profiles of farmers looking for land and their specific needs. When a possible match is identified, CLC staff work with the interested parties to help them establish productive and long-term relationships. CLC also runs workshops that help people learn how to

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Anthony Mecca prepping the draft horses navigate the farmer landowner arrangements, including leases, insurance, and the Agricultural Property Tax Assessments. "CLC's match program allowed us to connect with landowners around Columbia and Dutchess County," says Jen. "Without CLC's Farmer Landowner Match Program, we would most likely not have met Larry and Betti Steel, from whom we are leasing the 80 acres of vegetable field, pasture, and woodland." This past year, Great Song Farm had 80 members in its CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, where members pre-purchase a share in the harvest and fill up a heaping basket of vegetables every week at the farm. Jen and Anthony particularly value the community aspect of providing food. Anthony remarked how pleasurable it was to hang out during the food pick-ups and chat with the members. He explains, "Farming allows the human being to connect deeply to the surrounding world, to form an intimate relationship with soil, plants, animals, and fellow human beings that is mutually supportive." Their approach to farming appeals to the landowners. "Like most successful marriages, the key ingredients are shared values and visions for the future," remarks Larry Steel. "There has to be mutual respect for each other and for the land and property. My wife and I have found these things with Jen Carson and Anthony Mecca. In addition, their farming practices reflect their vision for a sustainable future." Great Song uses organic farming practices and reduces its carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels by employing animal power. Rather than using a tractor, they use Kate and Sunny - Suffolk Punch Draft Horses - who are responsible for most of the tilling and heavy lifting on the farm.

Photos by Michael Chameides As the demand for local food continues to increase, there are 47 farmers in CLC's database looking for land in the area. To date, Farmer Landowner Match Program has led to 18 successful new and expanded farm ventures. "If you are a landowner, you should really consider leasing to a farmer," says DeWayne Powell who leases 46 acres to Threshold Farms in Philmont. "Aside from the tax benefits, it's a terrific sense of accomplishment that you are doing something to preserve good farmland." Landowners entering into a lease agreement with a farmer can lead to significant reductions in the expense of owning and maintaining land. The partnership with the farmer may include cash, crop sharing, and/or assistance with upkeep of their land. Many landowners with working farms are eligible for reduction in property taxes. The Farmer Landowner Match Program is just part of a larger mission to ensure that farming remains a central part of the local economy and landscape. CLC holds conservation easements on 21,300 acres which permanently protects the natural characteristics of the land, including soil resources. Approximately 1/3 of this land is working farmland. CLC is currently working with Columbia County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board to craft a plan to support and promote local agriculture. For more information on CLC's Working Farms program, contact Marissa Codey at 518.392.5252, ext. 211 or marissa@clctrust.org, or visit http://clctrust.org/working-farms/.

Michael Chameides is an Outreach Associate with the Columbia Land Conservancy. He can be reached via phone at 518.392.5252, ext 204 or email at micheal@clctrust.org.

Jen recently started training their oxen to do some of this work as well. Jen guides Dick and Jane, the oxen, through training exercises where she teaches them to follow her body language and to refrain from grazing while they are working. They are generally very calm and obedient. However, Jen says that when they are pulling things that they get really into it and it's a challenge to get them to slow down. They also show their personality with their active interactions with humans. Dick is vocal and often calls out when people walk by; and Jane is likely to lick anybody who gets within licking range, which is about 6 inches. Great Song Farm plans to provide food for more people next year. In addition to their weekly pick-ups at their farm in Milan, they are teaming up with Lineage Farm - in Philmont, NY- to provide 30 to 60 member shares in Poughkeepsie, NY. Compared to Northern Dutchess and Columbia County, the Poughkeepsie area has more people and less farms, so it's a natural fit that local farms will provide food to their neighbors to the south.

Jen Carson plants garlic

January 9, 2012

Cornell Small Farms Program Update Winter Online Courses for Beginning Farmers Open for Registration The long dark days of winter are the perfect time to dream and plan for the next growing season, and if you're already farming, to organize your records and look back at how last season went. We offer several online courses to help you with this. To learn more about each course, please visit http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses. From this site you can see our full calendar of courses, learn more about our instructors, see answers to Frequently Asked Questions, read details for each course, and even visit a sample online course. Courses often fill very quickly, so don't miss your chance to sign up today! Help us Help You! Beginning Farmer Barrier Id Survey Phase 2 Phase 2 has finally opened! This survey is for both beginning farmers (including youth as young as 10!) AND service providers. The information gathered in this (and Phase 1) of the Beginning Farmer Barrier ID survey will be freely shared with beginning farmer service organizations throughout the nation, and will help inform future programs, grant applications, and events. Please help by taking a few minutes to respond to the survey and and share widely with your fellow growers or educators. Find the survey at: https://cornell.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_e5s9Jknd8dj43IM More information about the Northeast Beginning Farmer Project and our work is available at http://nebeginningfarmers.org/ Thank you so much for your time and help!

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Grazing Dairy Production Recordbook If you are a grazing dairy, a new resource is available to help you make daily notes about milk production, grazing rotation, grain and forage feeding, weather and herd health through the entire year. The tool is intended to help highlight which management practices work best on your farm. This can only be done with teamwork, so use the recordbook to provide benchmarks of performance during discussions with your nutritionist, vet, other consultants, partners, family or employees. To order a free copy, send an email to vws7@cornell.edu. The book was developed by the NYS Grazing Lands Conversation Initiative in

Message from the Managing Editor This year we are celebrating a decade of bringing you Small Farm Quarterly! We certainly have seen an explosion of growth in homesteads, micro-enterprises, and small farms over the past ten years here in the Northeast. From backyard chickens to farm dinners, the revival in small-scale food production is reconnecting people to the land and contributing toward the growth of healthy, thriving rural economies. One of the biggest trends we've seen over the past decade is a rising interest from the youth farming generation. Thanks to the Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program through the US Department of Agriculture, organizations to facilitate the technical training and foster enthusiasm of this generation are sprouting up all across the country. I encourage you to read "Slaughter Daughter" by Lindsay Debach in this issue - a personal reflection of a young woman's full circle appreciation for her father's craft as the owner of a small slaughter facility. I

collaboration with the Cornell Small Dairy Project Team and the South Central NY Dairy and Field Crops Program. Sustainable Farm Energy 'Virtual Tours' Posted Online! Many of you weren't able to attend the series of Sustainable Farm Energy Field Days we hosted last Fall. Over 120 people gathered on four farms around New York that featured smallscale solar electric, solar thermal, wind, grease-power, and many other energy saving/producing technologies. We all took home ideas about how to become more energy self-sufficient and reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. A virtual tour of each farm is now available in the form of a photo essay. Visit www.smallfarms.cornell.edu to see the tour. think this story is representative of many in this next generation of farmers. Rural youth often leave their communities only to realize their admiration for the skill and perseverance of the farmers and food entrepreneurs back home. You'll notice a few new features in the magazine this year. A new column titled "Book Nook" will suggest interesting reads on a topic relevant to small farmers. Also new this year is a "Photo Essay" feature bringing you images of the season. How does the expression go? 'Sometimes an image can say one thousand words?' What do you think? As always, we love to hear from you. Drop us a line anytime! Best wishes, Violet

Violet Stone

FAMILY

A Memoir: The Milk Must Get Through By Ron Maclean One morning when I was about 9 years old, I woke to a snowstorm that crept in during the night. When that happened, in the Central New York winter months, during the late 1940's, the first thing families did was to turn the radio on to hear if school was cancelled. Yes, this day would be a snow day. The blizzard lasted several days, closed schools and caused havoc with local dairy farmers that needed to transport their raw milk to a milk plant in our village - Clinton, NY.

The Queensboro Milk Processing Plant in the village of Clinton accommodated the many dairy farmers operating in the surrounding area. The milk from the farms was routinely transported to the plant, processed and then carried by bulk transport - tractor trailers- to bottlers. It was critical to get the milk from the farms in a timely manner to avoid spoilage. Trucks that normally transported milk from the farms to the milk plant could not do so during the multi-day storm. At the time, milk was stored in metal "milk cans" with snug fitting tops. Instead of trucks, the dairy farmers

How can I get Small Farm Quarterly? Country Folks subscribers automatically receive SFQ four times a year at no extra cost. Country Folks is delivered weekly for $47 per year. SFQ-only subscribers receive just the 4 issues of Country Folks that contain the SFQ insert for only $5 a year.

During blizzards, dairy farmers hauled milk to village plants on sleds, pulled by tractors or teams of horses. Photo by Library of Congress hauled the filled milk cans on sleds, pulled by tractors for those who had one or by teams of horses for those who didn't. Farmers shared equipment to make sure all milk got to the plant.

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This storm had an impact on small dairy farmers: interrupting the normal milking process, requiring extra time away from the farm to deliver the milk to the station and the extra effort required to handle large amounts of snow around the farm. Whatever price they were paid for their milk, it probably wasn't enough!

Bulk orders: You can order multiple copies of any issue for just 10Â˘ a copy! Minimum order is 50. Orders must be placed at least 4 weeks before the publication date

With schools closed, many youngsters spent their free time in the "great outdoors." You could go ice skating at the outdoor rink if you were willing to keep up with snow removal. Or sledding if you were willing to pack down the snow.

To find out more, contact: Tracy Crouse Country Folks Subscriptions P.O. Box 121, Palatine Bridge, NY 13428 1-888-596-5329 email: subscriptions@leepub.com

Some of us came up with a different idea. We could ride farmer sleds used to transport milk to the plant during these weather conditions. In the mornings, after donning warm clothing, two or three of us would muster somewhere near the milk plant to ask drivers hauling milk if we could ride back to the farm with them after emptying their milk cans, providing they were going to make another trip back to the milk

plant that day. If they agreed, we would hop onto the sled for a fun trip out to the country. The trips were long and the snow blew so hard on the open back of sleds that it would cake onto our scarves, hats and coats. These cold conditions did not matter for kids our age; it was something different to do. At the farm, we would help re-load milk cans and then return sometime in the afternoon by sled on the way to the milk plant in the village. I do remember one time we ended up having to walk back to the village because for some reason the farmer could not make the return trip as planned. That resulted in a very long exhausting trek back to the village through rather deep snow. This creative way to spend time off from school only lasted until snowplows could clear the snow-drifted country roads. However, for that short time it was an exciting way to be outdoors riding sleds...and not have to pull them back up a hill!

Ron Mac Lean grew up in a small village surrounded by farms in Central New York. He is now retired and lives in the Finger Lakes Region of the state.

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January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

BOOK NOOK

Winter Reads: Water and Natural Gas Winter brings us indoors and the weather provides an overdue excuse to sit down and pick up a book. But which one? This column will offer a review of the newest and best books on a particular topic of general interest to the readers of Small Farm Quarterly. Hydrofracking and the risks to our agricultural watershed provide the subject for this inaugural column. "Thousands have lived without love, not one without water," W.H. Auden, First Things First. Water matters to farmers. So do oil and mineral rights on agricultural land. Years past, these leases paid the taxes on the land when crops didn't. The Marcellus Shale deposits of natural gas in the Northeast are now being extracted using the force of water and sand mixed with a secret toxic mix of chemicals to fracture the shale and release the gas. Greed, jealousy, betrayal, anger and fear dominate this emotional landscape.

One of my favorite non-fiction writers, Alexandra Fuller, portrayed the culture and climate of a community in Wyoming where hydrofracking offered the only jobs in town. In The Legend of Colton Bryant she tells the true story of a young man's life cut short in an industrial accident. Capturing the complexities of social and family conflicts around these companies coming into farm country, Fuller adheres to a larger truth. The jobs and economic development promised by the wildcat life are too little and cost too much. Those who maximize profits in the water and gas industries take advantage of a dwindling non-renewable supply that cannot meet a growing demand. Pitting citizens against each and niggling over the specifics of the techniques and methods is to avoid the larger question of the unsustainable nature of such a model of economic development. Nearly a decade ago, Vandana Shiva brought focus to the global political economy of water as the new oil in her book Water Wars: Privatization, Pollution and Profit. Last year Bill McKibben's

Author, biologist and poet, Sandra Steingraber wrote the last chapter in her new book, Raising Elijah (2011) about high-volume slickwater hydraulic fracturing moving into upstate New York communities and her struggles to find ways to protect her children - and all children - from the toxic, ecologically unstable world. In her earlier books, Living Downstream and Having Faith, the environment and its desecration are made personal in her voice resembling a modern day version of Rachel Carson. The Ripple Effect: The Fate of Freshwater in the 21st Century by Alex Prud'homme, Four Fish: The Future of the Last Wild Food, by Paul Greenberg, Elixir: A History of Water and Humankind by Brian Fagan, and Water: The Epic Struggle for Wealth, Power and Civilization by Steven Solomon, are four books published on this matter in the last three months. All these books sound the alarm bells and the writers tell these stories in a compelling manner. All four are fascinating reads for a snowy day. As we continue in vain to find new sources of fossil fuels to serve an unsustainable economy, we waste water. As agricultural sciences professor David Pimentel of Cornell University reports, it takes seventeen hundred liters of water to produce one liter of ethanol. This includes both the water required to grow the corn and the water required for the industrial, chemical production of ethanol. The water required for hydrofracking natural gas is much greater than that required in biofuel production. Both industrial processes produce toxic wastewater that further destroys freshwater sources. "Fracking makes water disappear," wrote Steingraber in her way of making the biology clear to those who are not physical scientists. The added chemicals alter water irrevocably into a toxic stew. Steingraber points to the obvious but still inconvenient truth: "Sooner or later, the gas will run out." These things we know for certain. "Sure thing number three: Accidents happen," wrote Steingraber. Those in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, have experienced a tractor trailer carrying an acid used in hydrofracking overturn in their community. And in Dimock, Pennsylvania, the accidental groundwater contamination happened without a crash or a bang.

Join the Cornell Small Farms Program on Facebook! You can now receive small farm news, events and much more on Facebook! This venue will help us to continue providing great resources to the Northeast community without cluttering your email inbox! Visit Cornell Small Farms Program on Facebook and click the “Like” button to see our resources pop up in your newsfeed.

Natural gas drilling

Photo by Helen Slottje

Cornell University Press just released the most recent book on this topic, Under the Surface, written by Tom Wilber. A reporter for the Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin, Wilber covered business, health, and environmental issues the past 17 years. Wilber interviewed scientists and key stakeholders on all sides of this issue. He offers an intimate view of the controversy between those who see the Marcellus region as a new economic engine to boost the languishing economy and those who foresee environmental disaster, devaluation of land, degradation of water and the ruin of the landscape and rural way of life. His evenhanded treatment gives voice to the varied con-

stituencies, including farmers tempted by the prospects of income but worried about the ecological consequences. Under the Surface is the latest, and perhaps best, book to address the issues of hydrofracking and water we now face in our communities. Next month, the best new memoirs about life on a small farm.

Jill Swenson is the president of Swenson Book Development, LLC, based in Brooktondale, NY. She may be reached at jill@swenbooks.com or 607-539-3278.

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Seamus McGraw, End of Country, offers the first memoir written about hydrofracking in the Marcellus Shale region in the northeastern corner of Pennsylvania. McGraw is from Dimock, Pennsylvania, and it's his mother's farmland where now a methane leak continues to leak and contaminate their well and the groundwater. But don't assume McGraw is an opponent of hydrofracking even though he is a journalist. He advised his mother to sign the lease and leans over backwards to provide a balanced account of how this issue doesn't have a right or wrong side, but is a chronicle of the end of a way of life in the countryside.

Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet made global climate change a foregone conclusion with mounting evidence that we are past the tipping point. There are no snowcaps left on the Andes Mountains and the fate of freshwater sources is seriously in peril. McKibben points to our First World wasteful ways with water in the U.S., comparing us to the first class passengers on the Titanic.

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By Jill Swenson

January 9, 2012

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SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

DAIRY

Consider Deep Pack Barns for Cow Comfort and Manure Management By A. Fay Benson Small dairy farm operators may soon be confronted by the prohibition of winter spreading of manure. Any farmer looking to update their barns should consider a design that can accommodate a deep bedded pack (DBP) system. A DBP system incorporates animal feeding and manure storage into one open barn, and can be especially helpful to smaller grazing farms. It generally consists of a foundation of concrete or hard clay. There may be a layer of gravel and then a bedding pack of straw, hay, sawdust or well-chipped wood shavings. Manure and urine mix into the bedding that remains in place for several months and is generally cleaned out once a year. A deep pack system is different than a composting pack that is aerated in the barn daily by tiller or turning. Biologic activity taking place 5-7 inches deep in the pack provides the heat that cows enjoy through the winter months.

The third-generation farm milks a herd of 85 Jerseys on an 80percent forage diet. From November to May the cows are housed in a 60-foot-wide, 120-foot-long, hoop-top barn. Straw is added for clean bedding twice a day. Approximately a bale and a half is used per day. I arrived for my second visit to the farm in August, just as the compost piles were being aerated with a tractor-powered turner. The pack is moved from the barn in June after crop work is completed and the first cutting of hay is harvested. Jack uses a dump truck to move the manure from the barn to long rows in a field for composting.

"Our cows love the bedded pack barn with its thick cushy bedding and wide open space to kick up their heels," Kate Whittemore writes in her farm blog. "Most of our cows will choose the bedded pack at night over the pasture."

Vermont Pack Barns Show Results Deep bedded pack barns have been used in Vermont since the state prohibited winter spreading of manure in 1995. During a visit to Jack Lazor's organic Butterworks Farm in Westfield, VT, in January, I observed the pack's effects on cow comfort. The pack at Jack Lazor's registered a cozy 80 degrees F. The bedding pack rises over time as more and more bedding is added throughout the winter. If watering systems are used on the pack to accommodate multiple groups, they need to accommodate this rise by placing a coil of water line underneath the waterer. As the pack rises, the waterer is lifted up. If there is only one group of animals or if all animals can get to the feed alley, then the waterers should go there. This past summer I visited Jack's farm again. The 350-acre farm was established in 1979 making door-to-door deliveries of its own yogurt and cottage cheese. Today the farm includes its own granary, yogurt and cheesemaking with product distribution throughout Vermont and New Hampshire.

Pros of a Deep Bedded Pack System * Comfortable environment reduces lameness and provides for deep and restful sleep that in turn positively impacts milk production. * Manure storage with less capital investment and less labor requirement than liquid storage * Pack manure mixed with extra carbon is a better soil nutrient then raw manure from typical manure storage. * Particularly adapted to grazing dairies since barns are used only 6 months and allow plenty of time to clean * An option for out-dated dairies looking for build a combined housing-feeding barn with manure storage

Keep in Mind * As with any type of housing structure, adequate bedding and good milking hygiene help manage the pathogens naturally found in a bedded pack system. * Side retaining walls need to be strong enough to contain 4-6 feet of the pack and stand up to cleaning. Cow access, animal grouping, and travel-to-the-feed-alley patterns can be managed by electric fences which reduce manure in bedded areas. * Good ventilation - whether the barn is positioned to take advantage of geography for natural wind ventilation or uses mechanical assistance with fans - helps keep the cows healthy, the pack dry, and odors down. * Opinions differ on just how much room should be allowed per cow, but it is generally advised to allow for 70-85 to 100 sq. ft. per animal which is higher than freestall style housing. Breed, age, and animal condition impact that decision-making when planning a new barn. The general consensus is the more room the better, making a DBP system better suited to smaller herds.

Jack Lazor's deep pack barn cleaned out for summer. The waterers have approximately six inches of line underneath so the waterers rise as the pack rises with more bedding applications. Photo by A. Fay Benson

While using chopped hay in the pack was less expensive, it was more labor intensive and not as dry, and "since hay is in short supply this year, we plan to use a layer of bark and kiln-dried sawdust this winter," Kate says.

Ben and Kate Whittemore's organic dairy herd grazes with Dead End Farm's new deep bedded pack barn in the background. Photo by Kate Whittemore

Kate and Ben built the new barn with cow comfort and health as their primary concerns. They were also interested in the soil health benefit of the aged manure compared to slurry. "We are waiting on results of a comparison of nutrients between the two, but I have to think the additional organic matter in the bedded pack adds value to our fields," she says.

He does not go through the required process to produce Certified Organic Compost. He is mainly interested that the manure becomes "aged" so that it has stabilized most of the nutrients and is easier to spread in the fall. Jack explained his reasoning for this timing with a question. "When does nature apply its carbon and nutrients to the soil?" Carbon and nutrients (like dead grass, leaves and decaying roots) are applied in the fall and decompose through the winter so they can be used in the spring for new growth. I asked Jack about the significant expense of the straw for the pack: $80 every other day plus the labor of composting the pack. Jack said that the return is in the positive effect on the soil and soil nutrients. (Since my visit, Jack has started harvesting his own straw, reducing his expense) "Raw manure is hard on the soil and the environment. Many of the nutrients are volatile or water soluble. When straw, which has a high ratio of carbon, is added, more of the volatile nutrients are captured and stored", Jack explains. These stored nutrients undergo the biological activity of composting which stabilizes them and minimizes run-off in a heavy rain. New York Farm Adds Pack Barn in 2010 In 2010, Ben and Kate Whittemore of Dead End Farm in Candor, NY, built a 70x250-foot bedded pack barn with a 16foot feed alley and 16-foot scrape alley. The Whittemores operate an 80-cow organic dairy, raise grass-fed beef cattle and pigs, and have a free range flock of laying hens. They sell products from the farm by appointment and at area farmers' markets. They were recognized as Super Milk producers in 2010.

Cows relax as farmers tour a deep bedded pack barn in Vermont. Photo by A. Fay Benson Check on Funding Assistance Because of the environmental benefits of a bedded pack system, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) may offer funding incentives for designs that pass their engineering specifications. Contact your local NRCS office to learn more.

A. Fay Benson, a dairy owner for 20 years, is a Small Dairy Support Specialist with Cornell University's South Central NY Regional Team, Project Manager of the NY Organic Dairy Initiative, and a member of the NY Crop Insurance Education Team. He can be reached at the Cooperative Extension office in Cortland, NY, at 607-753-5213, afb3@cornell.edu. Freelance agricultural writer and publicist Kara Lynn Dunn assisted with the development of this article.

Resources for more Information Bedded Pack Management System Case Study by John M. Thurgood, Paula C. Bagley, Challey M. Comer, Daniel J. Flaherty, Jason Karszes, Mariane Kiraly, Cornell University Department of Applied Economics and Life Sciences, September 2009

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Conservation and Producer Benefits of a Bedded Pack Management System by John M. Thurgood, Cornell Cooperative Extension, and Brian K. LaTourette, Watershed Agricultural Council, 2007

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NRCS Fact Sheet: Compost Bedded Pack Dairy Barns, June 2007 Video: Milking Time at Dead End Farm, Candor, NY, http://vimeo.com/31955654

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Page 6

COMMUNITY

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

AND

January 9, 2012

WORLD ceased to remind me of what I had left behind. It wasn't until I'd been in a place where my identity was no longer defined by the butcher shop that I realized there was something more to it I'd been missing.

Slaughter Daughter By Lindsay Debach My father is a butcher. He doesn't have a potbelly or drape strings of sausages from his hands. He doesn't have a mustache or wear one of those little straw hats, either. He does boast that he could skin a cow at the age of 10, can strip the meat from a carcass down to the bones and can season ham and bacon to perfection. Like his father before him, who started the Leona Meat Plant in 1963, he's been in the family meat business his whole life. There was no question who would take over the shop once my grandfather retired. My Dad and Uncle became managers of the place in the early 80's. Since I was old enough to remember, I've known what the inside of a cow looks like, the way a pig twitches as it dies, and that there are exactly 50 cocktail wieners to a pound. Often we'd watch as people came to drop off animals for the slaughter: cows, pigs, sheep, and on rare occasions, even ostriches would stare blankly from behind the white slats of the holding pens. Whenever friends came over, the visit always included a trip down to the shop, where they'd gawk in amazement at the sides of beef hanging in the cooler, the cow heads in the bone barrel out back, and the puddles of blood that got washed off the kill floor. But the fact is, the blood stains on my Dads' white apron and coat never deterred me from giving him a hug. I accepted that fact that my Dad cut carcasses all day, that the dog licked his shoes clean some nights when he came home from work and that the knives in our kitchen were always sharp. Being a vegetarian is something that I'd never be able to do with an honest heart. A summer job, a steak on the table, a topic for my college entrance essays: the meat plant served as a backdrop to my youth. I don't remember how old I was the first time my Dad asked me to help out in the shop, but I remember it involved measuring bits of cubed beef into one-pound bags. At first, I was pretty impressed with my new post. The oversized butcher coat and apron that I wore swathed me in white and I felt important. But after ten minutes of grabbing the chilled meat chunks and fumbling them into their plastic receptacle, I was -- to put it gently -- over it. My hands felt like they were going to fall off, and the smell of raw beef gave me a taint of nausea. Working at the meat plant never did regain its novelty. From 5th grade on, my brother, sister, cousins and I spent our last day of school each year in one of the plant's coolers doing what we came to refer to as "clamming." Around the beginning of June the town Vets Club would have their annual clam bake and would order all of their mollusks through the Leona Meat Plant. The gritty clams came to us on a truck in bushel bags of 400 or so, and it was our job to dump them out, wash them, and bag them up by the dozen in little white cheese cloth bags so they could properly bake. While the rest of our class was out enjoying the first hours of summer vacation, the Debach kids were stuck in a meat cooler freezing our fingers trying not to cut ourselves on broken clam shells. In December, it was ring bologna: we'd have to grab it off the racks where it cooled after coming out of the smoke house, and then cry-o vac every ring. If we needed money, if Dad needed help, if Mom wanted us out of the house, we'd work at the meat plant. There was always something to do, and if you couldn't find anything then, as Dad used to say, "you can always slice bacon!" During high school, in order to afford a class trip to England, I made the jump from part-time help to full-time employee when I agreed to work for the entire summer in the retail part of the plant. Somewhere between counting out Hormel Cocktail Smokies and slicing the chipped beef I decided that as soon as I could help it, I wouldn't ever have anything to do with this place again. I saw butchering as a dirty, smelly, vomit-inducing occupation. One so unglamorous that I was embarrassed to tell people what my Dad did for a living.

I was tapped on the shoulder with this realization on a summer visit home. It was about two months after I'd moved to the city. On a hot and muggy July morning I took my Dad's invitation to come down to the pasture to help herd our grazing beefers from one end of the field to the other so they could eat fresh grass. Traipsing behind Dad in over-sized muck boots and dodging the occasional cowpie, I watched as he opened one gate and closed another, talking to the cows in a half-serious voice. He laughed as they literally ran into the pasture with fresh grass. He was so invested in it, these were more than just animals, this was his and my Uncle's pride and joy. And that's when it hit me: maybe this butchering thing wasn't just the bloody mess that I saw on the killfloor. Maybe there was something dignified about it. My Dad knew this trade inside and out; from the cows' favorite type of clover to how to properly tie-up a crown roast. My Uncle too. They've perfected their craft over their entire lives, and the skills that they have are not only rare, but foster a tradition that began before sustainability became a commodity. I came back to the city after that trip with the notion that there was something more to what my Dad did, and that it was honorable.

Lindsay Debach poses in between some pig carcasses in the Leona Meat Plant cooler. dorm gave me an even harsher reminder of my past. On the afternoon that my parents were to come get me at school, the family car happened to be having some motor trouble. Even in my relief to be leaving college for the summer, I was mortified when my mother and father arrived outside my dorm in a refrigerated meat truck. The "Leona Meat Plant" insignia and Hereford cow slogan shone boldly against the minivans and SUVs of the other "normal" families. I transferred to a college out near Chicago; a good 15-hour drive from home and from the family business. I came home less often, talked to Dad less often, and little by little, managed to conceal my charcuterie roots. Throughout college I tried not to think about the butcher shop and how the only time I could spend with my father was to put a white coat on and work beside him. How in high school, my friends got to work at the pool while I swept floors and bagged liver. I let fade from my memory how many times I'd slipped on the bacon-greased floor and the near-fatal incident of getting hit in the head with a swinging meat hook. The summer after I graduated from college, I moved home. Confused and daunted by the prospect of choosing a career path, I opted to work at the one place where I knew I'd always have a job: Leona Meat Plant. But this time I wasn't bagging chickens or wrapping ground beef. I worked in the office, answering calls, chatting with customers about whether or not they wanted their pork shoulder cut into steaks or left as a roast. But, I started wondering what on earth I was doing with my life. So, I left. In May 2008, I packed my bags to come to New York City. Initially, I was swallowed by the excitement of living in New York, a new job, a new social circle. But upon each successive visit home, I'd be met with a father and former boss who never

Still I couldn't seem to erase the Leona Meat Plant from my identity. During move-in day at college, my roommate gave a silent stare in the direction of the cardboard container of books I'd just plopped on the floor. They were in a huge box that I had taken from the meat plant and that had probably - in its initial incarnation - housed a rib eye or a top round. "Is that blood?" my new roommate asked me. I looked up from unpacking and confirmed that yes, it was blood, and that no, it wasn't human. My Dad was a butcher. Move-out day from the

Brothers Chick and Mike Debach, owners of Leona Meat Plant, with fresh cut beef carcasses in the back ground.

I took every opportunity when I came home to be around the process; whether it was moving the cows, or looking at the fresh sides of beef hanging in the cooler. On a snowy night just before Thanksgiving, my eagerness to learn more brought me back to that muddy cow pasture. The snow blew across the thin spotlight beam and illuminated the pasture before me. My Uncle and Dad yelled muffled orders to each other as they herded a hearty group of cows through a gate and to the 1200lb. bale of hay that awaited them. The rowdy bunch eagerly stepped up to the mound of food and began grazing, ignoring the blizzard that dusted their thick winter coats. The men looked on like proud parents. I followed my Dad into the meat plant where he and his brother eagerly inspected the beef killed earlier that day. In a small walk-cooler with sterile white sides and a cement floor, they focused their attention on the 6 sides of fresh beef hanging on the rusty steel rail. "They're filled out nicely...this one looks really good...nice cover on the shoulder...I bet we could get at least $1200 for him." It's a language I've heard all of my life, but that I still don't understand. Or rather, one that I never chose to learn that of killing, meat and making money. I pulled off my glove and reached out to touch one of the chilling carcasses. The waxy, congealed flesh was lukewarm and sticky under my hand. A hard coating began to form in the cooler's chill, almost like an orange that's been peeled and left out. With talent fostered by years of experience, my Dad and Uncle can read these lines of fat and muscle as a map. In humility and earnest, they practice their craft; not to be noticed or capitalize on a growing food trend. But as a living and way of life. I returned to the city jaded. Not by the meat plant I once resented but to the "scene" around me. In my hip Brooklyn neighborhood, weekly butchering classes were attended by hundreds of eager city dwellers and a white meat apron was the new black. Meat specialty shops sprung up, with a novice meat cutter behind a sturdy butcher block, casually wielding a cleaver and moving slow enough to pose for the photographer in the room. But did these "foodies", these "rock star butchers" heralded by The New York Times and the food blogs know what it was to shoot a cow? Had they ever loaded boxes of beef until their back muscles gave out? Now I'm coming to terms with the "slaughter daughter" that I am, with the fact that only because of the long days my Dad spent on the kill floor was I afforded the opportunity to go to college, or the connections in New York; the very places I practiced hiding my identity. My father may not be making the front page of any paper, or the buzz of the butchering blogosphere, but he practices his craft because it is what he knows, and knows it well. He's not concerned about anyone watching. And I can now honestly say, neither am I.

January 9, 2012

Page 7

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

TECHNOLOGY

ON THE

FARM

Winter Homework? Take an Online Class! By Betsy Lamb Winter has arrived! What can you do with those long evenings? Learn something new with distance learning! 'Distance learning' is the delivery of instruction through electronic means where the instructor and learner are geographically separate. There are a wide variety of types of distance learning but this article will focus on some of the on-line educational resources available through Cornell University that you can access on your computer. Some are scheduled classes and others are available whenever you have time. Most are available to anyone in the Northeast. Some are even free! Here's the geek speak up front - what software, hardware and plugins do you need to get started? An email account is usually essential you probably already have that. Bandwidth I'm already getting out of my depth - is how fast you can send and receive information - also indicated by connection speed. If you have a

dial up or satellight connection, online instruction isn't impossible to access, but you will need patience and the audio and video may be spotty. DSL and Cable Modems provide solid connections and allow for smooth use of all the aspects of the courses. You might also need plugins like Adobe Acrobat Reader to be able to read pdf documents in your web browser and Flash Player to be able to watch videos. Don't worry. Most distance learning programs will help you download these programs (for free!) if you don't already have them. There is a series of Beginning Farmer courses running from October to April each year with topics ranging from Guerilla Marketing or Financial Recordkeeping to the newest information on growing veggies or berries. They run about 6 weeks each, cost $175 and mix realtime on-line webinar meetings with on-yourown-time readings and activities. The annual calendar of courses is available at http://nebeginningfarmers.org/online-courses/annual-cal-

endar-of-courses/. Where else can you have direct access to experienced growers and Cornell Cooperative Extension Educators and ask them all the questions you want? The Cornell Horticulture Department offers online courses with a hands-on component. Two that might be of interest, are Organic Gardening and Plant Propagation. Check out http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/teaching/di stance-learning/index.cfm to see what is offered and when. For each course there are on-line discussions and even virtual field trips! Now you can even get pesticide credits for online courses! The Pesticide Management Education Program (or PMEP) has a series of on-line pest management courses that fulfill the requirements for Department of Environmental Conservation pesticide license recertification credits, both in core credits and in category courses. Topics include Safety Precautions with Pesticides, Personal Protection, Sweet Corn IPM, and Scouting Basics. Each module has a pre-test followed by text, photos, and other educational materials. Once you have studied the information, and spent at least an hour on the materials, you successfully complete a post test and are issued a certificate. Most courses cost $25. There are already 17 modules with new courses being added. For more information go to: http://pmepcourses.cce.cornell.edu/. Do you have forest lands on your farm? The Department of Natural Resources supports ForestConnect - an internet seminar series with free monthly broadcasts on the web at http://www2.dnr.cornell.edu/ext/forestconnect/we b.htm. They even, kindly, include a trouble-shooting page on their website to reduce connection frustration. You can learn about maple syrup production or silvopasturing, the practice of mixing cows and trees! There are archived presentations on those and many more topics. And new live webinars (web seminars!) are listed as they are scheduled so you can actively participate in the discussion by emailing questions!

Online classes can be taken right from your living room, or barn!

So how about some leadership information? There are free archived webinars on communication strategies at http://www.ecornell.com/ archived-webinars/ through eCornell. (Warning: When you sign up you might get some eCornell emails.) eCornell also has courses on Human Resources Management, Financial Management and Marketing (http://www.ecornell.com/individual-course-list) that lead to certificates in these areas. And if you'd like to earn degree credit but can't get to campus, the School of Continuing Education and Summer Sessions provides a wide range of courses in summer and winter sessions (http://www.sce.cornell.edu/dl/index.php). How about Popular Culture in the United States, 1950 to the Present to liven up those winter nights!

For more information, contact Elizabeth Lamb at 607 254-8800 or eml38@cornell.edu.

Starting a Farm? Visit our Northeast Beginning Farmers Project online resource center! Enter the ‘New Farmer Hub’ to start drafting your business plan with the help of tutorials and interactive worksheets. Find answers to common questions, browse the Guide to Farming, and check out the latest beginning farmer online courses. You can browse our events calendar, subscribe to our monthly e-news, follow our blog, or visit us on Facebook and Twitter, all from the homepage of the new site: at http://nebeginningfarmers.org

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Page 8

January 9, 2012

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

GRAZING

Turning Sand into Soil By Anne Lincoln

This article was one of four winning entries in a writing contest sponsored by the New York State Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative (GLCI). GLCI is led by a Steering Committee of farmers and agricultural professionals to promote the wise use of private grazing lands, and is funded by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service. It was sand......sand everywhere. It was like beach sand that filled the house when the windows were open on a windy day. I had to wear "goggles" over my contact lenses to keep the grit out when I walked in the yard. Some neighbors said "you can't grow anything on that sand", but this is what my husband, Dave, wanted to use for pasture for beef cows! The neighbors didn't know, though, that this was like setting down a challenge to Dave. I saw what Dave was capable of long before he decided to raise beef on our 25 tillable acres in Willsboro, NY. We had moved there in 1998 after learning we did not enjoy the sounds of close neighbors while living in town. We had both been dairy farmers in previous lives before we met in 1992 and we both still loved growing crops and animals in a quiet country setting. My first surprise occurred when Dave had spent the day leveling off a piece of land near the woods. He said he was going to build a shed for his equipment. Well, I kind of humored him, thinking to myself "that's too big a project; he will never finish it". I found I had a lot to learn about Dave. Not only did he build the shed, but over the next two years, built it bigger and bigger, even adding an enclosed workshop with a cement floor. I was obviously worried when he started talking about building a fence that "you can see through" around the fields, especially the field in front of the house. Well, that came true too! In 2004, when we had decided it was time to start getting some cattle, we looked around for someone to build a fence for us. The contractors seemed to all be too busy or too expensive, so Dave bought a post-pounder, ordered a tractor-trailer load of fence posts and went to work building a six-strand high tensile fence. OK, well, now we had a shed and a fence. What about grass? Remember, you can't grow anything on that sand! There was some wispy blue grass that was struggling to grow on the nutrient poor soil, so at least we had something to start with. However, the spark to really get things started was our neighbor, Michael Davis, who worked for Cornell. He introduced Dave to some books about grazing, including Quality Pasture by Allan Nation, Management-Intensive Grazing by Jim Gerrish, and Salad Bar Beef by Joel Salatin. Dave ate these books up almost as fast as our steers eat new grass. Dave was now full of ideas on how to grow beef on the sand. Managed grazing would allow us to watch our beef grow on lush green grass instead of what we had growing in the sandy fields. We started grazing in 2005 with a handful of Herefords, putting them in paddocks separated with temporary fencing, and moving them a few times a day. It was a start, but we had a long way to go to raise good healthy beef on that soil. Dave continued his grass education by attending many pasture walks throughout the Northeast. He went to seminars about grazing and beef cattle presented by the Cornell Cooperative Extension and other organizations. Dave was especially impressed with Darrell Emmick's presentation at "Hoof to Rail" about what was termed the "Law of Least Effort Grazing". Darrell said that it was important to relate the animal behavior to how they graze and react to each other and their surroundings. There seemed to be an emphasis in many presentations and books on observing the pastures and the animals and this has become a key in our cattle grazing philosophy. One book also mentioned it would take five years to really see an improvement in the pastures and suggested that many people got discouraged and gave up before they got to this five year mark. Well, it did take five years of grazing with about 30 Hereford and Angus cattle, moving them 2-5 times a day through small paddocks. We saw small improvements each year, but it was around year five when we really saw the results of managed grazing.

What were some of our results from managed grazing? * The soil was able to hold a lot more moisture. Prior to managed grazing, the water ran off the fields in small rivers when it rained. Now the small rivers no longer appear, even after a heavy rain. The grasses help the soil to absorb and retain moisture and keep the soil moister when the weather is warm and dry. The soil has a lot more organic matter and earthworms are plentiful. * The grass species have become more diverse and there are almost no weeds. We started with a wispy blue grass that dies out early in the summer. Without doing any seeding, the pastures now have a large variety of grasses, including orchard grass, quack grass and clover. This diversity helps keep the pasture lush and green throughout the grazing season. * The manure breaks down rapidly. Around the fourth year of grazing, Dave was walking the pasture and kicked a manure patty, something he often does to help the manure to break down faster. This manure patty was only a few days old and all crusty on the top. When he kicked it, the top flew off and there was almost nothing left underneath except a few strands and a lot of dung beetles. The patties get dung beetle holes in them now within hours after they are dropped by the cows. The dung beetles are much more active partly because we do not need to worm the cattle. * The number of grazings and the thickness of the grass increased dramatically over the five year period. By not allowing the cattle to graze too long, they don't eat the grass down to the dirt or the new shoots, thus allowing the grass to recover and develop new growth much more rapidly. Leaving four to six inches of grass in the pasture also helps to keep the animals from acquiring worm infections. In 2010, we were able to grow more animals and rotate them through the pastures more times than in any other year. The winter of 2010-2011 was long and snowy, but the pastures last spring were green and growing fast, so we are looking forward to an even better growing season in 2012!

For more information on the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative please contact Karen Hoffman at 607-334-4632 x116 or karen.hoffman2@ny.nrcs.gov. For assistance with planning or starting up a grazing system contact your local USDA-NRCS or county Soil and Water Conservation District.

July 2004. We started with sandy soils and thin, nutrientpoor grass.

First time through May 4, 2010. The grass is just getting started for the season.

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January 9, 2012

Page 9

SMALL FARM QUARTERLY

Welcome to the Northeast SARE Spotlight! SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education) offers grants to farmers, educators, universities and communities that are working to make agriculture more sustainable - economically, environmentally, and socially. Learn about whether a SARE grant would be a good fit for you. queen. Packages generally come from southern states (i.e. Georgia, Alabama, Texas) or California where the bees tend to be the Italian breed (Apis mellifera ligustica), which is not well adapted to northern climates. Other problems with packages are that the bees arrive stressed and rates of disease, parasite, and varroa mites are relatively high. Many colonies started from packages do not survive the winter.

Establishing Northern Honeybee Colonies By Aaron Englander, UMaine graduate student Erin Forbes of Overland Honey in Portland, Maine has an innovative idea for how northern beekeepers can establish healthy new colonies in time for spring pollination. Traditionally northern beekeepers rely upon packaged "Italian" breed bees from southern and western states. The package colonies tend to be stressed, have high pest and disease rates, and are poorly adapted to the northern climate. Some beekeepers use northern nuclear colonies ("nucs"), which to be healthier and better adapted, but are in short supply and not available until early-May, too late for spring pollination of many important The vast majority of Northern fruit crops. Erin Forbes' beekeepers start a honeybee colony by purchasing a "package". innovative idea is to requeen packaged colonies with a northern-adapted queen in June. In her SARE demonstration study, Erin evaluated the strength, survivability, and honey production of requeened packaged colonies compared to northern-produced nuclear colonies (aka "nucs") and southern-produced packaged colonies. Two years of results show that Erin's strategy of requeening packaged colonies is a promising method establish healthy new colonies for northern beekeepers. Introduction The yellow and black honeybee mailbox that marks Erin Forbes' driveway is the first sign that she is a devoted keeper of bees. Her drive off of an urban Portland street is wooded and feels rural winding up a hill and through dense vegetation for a quarter mile before reaching her pleasant home. Upon arrival at least a dozen hives, warmly painted with bee friendly shades of blue, green and yellow, are immediately visible in a pollination haven of flowering trees and wildflowers. The entire landscape of the 7-acre property is planted for the bee's palate and superb honey production: fields of perennial and annual native wildflowers, locust, linden, tupelo and apple trees, beach roses and clover-filled lawns. Erin Forbes is a master beekeeper with 9 years experience. She tends roughly 70 hives in Cumberland County, Maine, and teaches apiculture for the Cumberland County Cooperative Extension. The importance and necessity of honeybees is no secret. In Erin's words honeybees are a 'keystone species' that serve as a 'hingepin' for many other species. Erin says, "They pollinate plants and therefore provide food for many species up the food chain. Honeybees can be manipulated and are needed for pollination of commercial farms." However, over the past 10 years honeybees have suffered increasing health issues including varroa mites, exposure to pesticides, and Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). Problems Sourcing Honeybees in the Northeast The main objective of the SARE project was to address major problems with sourcing of honeybee colonies in Maine and New England. The vast majority of Northern beekeepers start a honeybee colony by purchasing a "package," which is a shoeboxsized box containing three pounds of adult bees and an unrelated

The other supply option for northern beekeepers is a northern raised nucleus colony, or "nuc." Overwintered "nucs" are 5-frame mini-hives comprised of a queen and her daughters, pollen, nectar and honey. "Nucs" are better adapted to the New England climate than the package colonies because they are hybrids of northern breeds (Apis mellifera mellifera). As well, the bees are less stressed because they are from one colony that has been working together already. However, "nucs" are not available until early May, too late for early-season fruit pollination in New England. In addition, northern "nucs" are in short supply in New England: roughly 2,000 are available each year, compared to the demand for well over 20,000 new colonies. "Nucs" are difficult to transport (must be picked up by the beekeeper, not shipped through the mail), $40-60 dollars more expensive per hive than packages, and have an increased tendency to swarm, which is colony level reproduction. Swarming typically occurs in the spring in healthy beehives when an older queen bee followed by a large percentage of her workers leave the hive in search of a new home. The Research Question So the question arises, how to source honeybee colonies in the northeast in a cost- and time-effective manner? Erin Forbes' idea of requeening a package hive with a northern queen is one promising alternative to the "treadmill of purchasing commercial packaged bees in the spring and losing the colony over the winter". The package hive is requeened in June when northern raised queens first become available. Honeybees live for only 60 days, so by September, the entire hive will be comprised of the progeny of the new northern queen: genetically northern breed bees, well adapted to the New England climate.

The vast majority of Northern beekeepers start a honeybee colony by purchasing a "package". For the SARE project Erin investigated the colony strength, survivability and honey-production among colonies of requeened packaged bees, traditional commercial packaged bees, and northern "nuc" bees. In her project she tested 54 hives: 18 "nucs", 18 packages, and 18 requeened packages. All of the colonies were raised with identical new hive equipment, uniform feeding regiments, and overwintering techniques. The hives were evenly distributed in 4 different bee-yards over two years. Evaluation of the hives performance was based on disease presence, parasite loads, surplus honey production, and winter survivability rates. Project Results The results were quite promising. Many more of the package colonies (requeened and conventional) produced a surplus honey crop than the "nucs" (mostly due to the high rate of swarming in the "nucs"). Honey production by the 54 colonies was measured, even though first-year colonies are not typically expected to produce surplus honey. Only 13 hives produced surplus honey. Table 1 describes the breakdown and averages of honey production. The second table presents hive strength and survivability as rated by Erin the April following hive establishment. Data from 39 hives (13 of each type) are presented because in the second year of the project one of the bee yards experienced a pesticide incident that removed a group of 15 colonies (5 of each type). Erin considered successful survival to be a rating of "strong" or "average" in early spring. Over the two-year trial, the 9 of the 13 requeened package colonies successfully survived (69%) compared with 5 of the 13 conventional package colonies (38%). The northern nucs showed the highest survival rate (10 of 13 or 77%). Disease and parasite loads were higher in the packaged hives than the "nucs", not surprisingly leading to the higher mortality rates in those colonies.

Table 1

Table 2. Results are reported for 13 hives of each type. The remaining 5 hives of each type are not included because they were at a site where pesticide damage was suspected. Disqualified colonies swarmed and did not successfully requeen. Interestingly the requeened packages seemed to better handle the higher disease and parasite loads than the conventional packages. Greater disease resistance, genetic adaptation to the northern climate, and the management technique of "breaking the brood cycle" through the process of requeening may explain the increased rates of survival and strength of the requeened packages over the conventional ones. Erin was pleased with her results and the outcome of the project. However, in an interview, Erin made it clear that "a bigger, more formal study is necessary. This study was small, and didn't 'prove' much...I can just say that these were my results with 54 colonies over 2 years. Somebody should do a 'real' study on just packages, requeened and not requeened based on my project; that would be worthwhile". Perhaps that will be the next SARE project. Looking forward, Erin stresses the importance of increasing the production of northern "nuc" colonies in New England, another potential SARE project for the northeast apiculture community. Spread the Word Overall, Erin feels that the outreach she has conducted conveying project has increased education and awareness for new and seasoned beekeepers throughout Maine and the northeast. Reflecting on the projects' influence upon apiculture, Erin said, "This was a demonstration project to get people thinking about where their bee colonies come from and the implications of their purchasing choices on bee health and vitality, regionally and nationally...I got so much good feedback, people loved it".

The passion, knowledge, Erin's entire 7-acre property is care, intuition and foresight planted for the bee's palate and that Erin applies to her beekeeping is truly inspiring and superb honey production. Photos by Aaron Englander informative. When asked what the best part of the SARE project was, Erin responded, "The actual beekeeping. I fell in love with every single colony. Even the package (colonies), I had such a crush on them. It was ridiculous. This is why I'm a beekeeper". Inside and outside the comb, this SARE project was an important step to solving major problems that restrict the sustainability, economic viability and overall success of northeastern beekeepers. With the continued hard work of Erin and other experienced apiculturists, the health of the bees and the production of their honey can improve every season. Go here to learn more details about her study and results..... http://mysare.sare.org/mySARE/ProjectReport.aspx?do=viewRept &pn=FNE10-694&y=2010&t=0

Aaron Englander is a graduate student at the University of Maine. He may be reached at aaron.englander@gmail.com.

SARE offers sustainable agriculture grants, bulletins, books, an online events calendar and many other resources. Learn more about the Northeast SARE program by visiting www.nesare.org or by contacting Northeast SARE 655 Spear Street University of Vermont, Burlington VT 05405 Phone (802) 656-0471 Fax (802) 656 -0500 E-mail: nesare@uvm.edu