Crop Comments
Posted on October 15, 2025
On Sept. 8, much of Central New York received light frosts. Fearing that such might take place, I had covered my frost-sensitive crops with tarps. Doing so proved to be a wise idea, since, come dawn, the hood of our car showed a very thin layer of ice crystals. When those melted away, I removed the ...
News
Sally Colby 
Posted on October 14, 2025
Farmers are always eager to learn about new farm technology, especially if it helps achieve production goals. One technology that’s garnering more interest is drones. Ephraim Riehl, Matthew Riehl and David Stolzfus, of RiehlWay Ag in New Holland, PA, discussed the use of drones at the annual Penn St...
News
Laura Rodley 
Posted on October 14, 2025
The Big E has been providing fairground entertainment – and agritainment – for 109 years. Bridget Kelleher, assistant director of marketing, stated, “The Big E continues to be the leading showcase for commerce, agriculture and entertainment in the Northeast.” Each evening, fairgoers enjoyed a daily ...
News
Enrico Villamaino 
Posted on October 8, 2025
A strong farm lease isn’t just a formality, it’s the foundation of a flourishing farming partnership. Whether you’re an experienced operator or a first-time farmer, a well-crafted lease prevents confusion and helps both parties stay on track. Here’s how to create a crystal-clear, ironclad lease that...
Crop Comments
jkarkwren 
Posted on October 8, 2025
The last few days of September, I saw early plantings of winter rye sprouting nicely in some Central New York counties. Happily, I see more corn growers planting autumn cover crops. The more productive title for these late season plantings is “winter forage,” a mindset which acknowledges that someth...
Country Folks
by Sally Colby 
April 1, 2026
Water is often referred to as the most important nutrient. Providing beef cattle with clear and odorless water is a good first step in meeting nutriti...
Country Folks
by Sonja Heyck-Merlin 
April 1, 2026
Maine has emerged as a national leader in researching and responding to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in agricultural land....
Country Folks
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant 
April 1, 2026
Getting ready for the planting season can feel like going to war against weeds, pests and crop diseases. To help farmers gear up for battle, Matt Pinc...
Country Folks
by Laura Rodley 
April 1, 2026
Pamela Rickenbach is owner, founder and director of Anam Cara Farm in Canaan, Maine, a sanctuary for retired, disabled and homeless workhorses. She is...
