2017 Cover Crop Survey Analysis Released

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Photo Courtesy SARE

The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program (SARE) has released the 2016-2017 Cover Crop survey

Cover Crops Boost Yields and Weed Control

Following the use of cover crops, farmers reported increased yields of corn, soybeans and wheat, and improvement in the control of herbicide-resistant weeds, according to a nationwide survey. In addition, the survey of 2,012 farmers showed acreage planted in cover crops has nearly doubled over the past five years.

Survey participants—88 percent of whom use cover crops—reported that after cover crops:

  • Corn yields increased an average of 2.3 bushels per acre, or 1.3 percent;
  • Soybean yields increased 2.1 bushels per acre, or 3.8 percent;
  • Wheat yields increased 1.9 bushels per acre, or 2.8 percent.

This marks the fifth consecutive year in which the survey reported yield increases in corn and soybeans following cover crops (find previous surveys at www.sare.org/covercropsurvey). It is the first year the survey team was able to calculate the impact of cover crops on wheat yields. The poll was conducted by the Conservation Technology Information Center (CTIC) with help from Purdue University and funding support from SARE and the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA).

Download the full report.

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What To Do With Fall Leaves ?

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fall_imageHappy Fall all! It is that time of year again for Leaf (Leaves) Management. What do you do with your leaves can affect the water bodies nearest to your homes.

How so? Check out this article for some more information!


http://www.almanac.com/blog/natural-health-home-tips/what-do-fall-leaves

Filed Under: District News

Governor Cuomo Announces $50 Million Available to Support Water Quality Protection Projects on New York Livestock Farms

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Program Will Help Large Livestock Farmers Meet New Environmental Requirements

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that $50 million in grant funding is available, over three consecutive application rounds, to help New York livestock farms implement water quality protection projects. The funding is a part of the Governor’s historic $2.5 billion Clean Water Infrastructure Act of 2017, which invests unprecedented resources for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure and other water quality protection across the state, including funds to ensure proper management and storage of nutrients such as manure on farms.

“By providing New York’s farmers with the resources they need to be successful, we are supporting New York’s economy and growing jobs while taking steps to protect the state’s vibrant natural resources,” said Governor Cuomo. “This funding is critical to ensuring New York’s water is preserved and protected while helping farmers across the state to meet environmental standards to secure a cleaner and healthier tomorrow for all.”

County Soil and Water Conservation Districts can apply for the CAFO Waste Storage and Transfer System Program on behalf of eligible farmers. The maximum award amount per proposal is $385,000, which includes funding for engineering and construction expenses. Grants will help Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation-permitted farms offset the cost of water quality protection projects, such as manure storage construction, site preparation and associated best management practices.

New York State has more than 500 CAFO farms, most of which are dairy farms with 300 or more cows. CAFOs can also include associated livestock operations such as beef, poultry and equine farms. Projects funded will also help farmers meet the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s new environmental requirements first announced in January.

The full press release can be found here.

Filed Under: District News

International Coastal Clean Up Sodus Point Beach September 16th

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Be a part of the world’s largest coastal clean up!

Each year as part of the Ocean Conservancy effort, groups organize to pick up beach trash and report the findings.

September 16th Sodus Point Beach

9:00 A.M – NOON

Refreshments will be served.

Thank you to our partners & sponsors

SOS Save Our Sodus,NASP Neighborhood Association of Sodus Point and FLLOWPA.

 

SEE YOU ON SATURDAY!

 

 

Filed Under: District News

Sean Drum Eagle Scout Project

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sean-drum-with-daniel-and-matthew-russotti-from-troop-262-blue-bird-houses-august-2016

Sean-Drum with-Daniel and Matthew Russotti from Boy Scout Troop 262

Sean and Cooper hanging bird feedersSean Drum of Webster Boy Scout troop 262 has built a handicap accessible bird blind at the Trail of Hope in Lyons.

Sean says he wanted to serve people who may have a hard time getting to parks and seeing nature.

This was all a part of his Eagle Scout project.

A bird blind is another way to look at the birds. A bird blind lets us see the birds without them seeing us, which prevents them from being scared away by the observers. The nesting boxes were supplied by WCSWCD.

 

In October there will be a dedication  at the Trail of Hope located at 9 Manhattan St. in Lyons. Take Exit 42 off New York Thruway, take Rt. 14 North into the Village of Lyons. Take a right onto Clyde Rd, turn left onto Manhattan St. The Trail of Hope will be on your right.  For more information about the project click here to download a brochure.

Filed Under: District News
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