STAMFORD, DELAWARE COUNTY, NY --
A dairy farm discussion group is meeting at the Albano Dairy Farm on Tuesday, February 28 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Hosted by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County (CCE-DC) and the Watershed Agricultural Council, topics for the afternoon farm tour and discussion include the farmer's experience with the new Anderson grain bagger for high moisture corn; the use of BMR corn silage; plans for new dry cow housing; and on-farm soybean processing for oil and extruded meal.
"Farmer Frank Albano will also talk about the positive effects of the new Canadian tie stall system he installed two years ago," says Meghan Filbert, CCE Dairy Livestock Educator. "This new barn configuration has had a positive effect on the herd and milk production. This session builds upon the successful grain production session held at the Catskill Regional Dairy Livestock and Grazing Conference held last month. When we bring farmers together, they get a chance to get off the farm, see how others are running their operations, and maybe pick up something new to bring back to their farm." Most of the Watershed Agricultural Council's Farmer Education Program offerings are conducted by CCE of Delaware County and include farm educators throughout the watershed.
The Albano Dairy is located on State Route 23 between Stamford and Grand Gorge. The farm tour and discussion group is free to interested dairy farmers. For questions, special needs, or to sign up, call Kim Holden at 607-865-7090. For upcoming events, visit the Council's events page at www.nycwatershed.org.
The Watershed Agricultural Council assists private landowners to improve their farm and forest lands in order to protect clean drinking water for nine million New York City residents. The Council works with nearly 1,000 property owners in developing conservation plans and applying those practices in accordance with farm and forest management plans. The Council champions the working landscape model by holding over 20,000 acres in conservation easements. Landowners use a variety of best management practices, tools and approaches, such as conservation easements, to keep property within a working landscape.
Working with farmers, agribusinesses, forest landowners, forest industry professionals and others, WAC seeks to enhance both business profitability and environmental stewardship. The Council also supports strong, viable agriculture and forestry businesses through its "Buy Local" branding campaigns, Pure Catskills. The Council accomplishes its work in land conservation and water quality protection within the New York City watershed region by embracing partnerships with other nonprofit organizations, government agencies and community stakeholders to achieve its purpose.
Along with the oversight provided by the Board of Directors, the WAC partners with agencies such as Cornell Cooperative Extensions, Soil & Water Conservation Districts, the US Department of Agriculture, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services, the US Forest Service and other nonprofit organizations to guide and implement its programs. The WAC is funded by The New York City Department of Environmental Protection, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service and other federal and foundation sources. For more information, visit www.nycwatershed.org.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County providesequal program and employment opportunities. For more information, visit www.cce.delaware.org
