Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Alert

In December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds in the Pacific flyway (migratory bird path). Since that time, states in the central and Mississippi flyways have also experienced poultry death losses from Avian Influenza virus. The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in backyard and commercial poultry flocks.

It is believed that Avian Influenza virus is spread by wild ducks and geese. Since the different North American flyways used by these birds overlap with each other it is logical to assume that it is only a matter of time before these highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses that first appeared in the Pacific flyway show up in the Atlantic flyway.

Protect your birds with Good Biosecurity

Flock owners should strengthen their biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza virus into their flocks. One of the best things you can do to prevent your birds from being infected with this virus is to protect them from coming in contact with wild or migratory waterfowl. Also, keep your poultry away from any source of water that may have been contaminated by wild birds. Don’t use surface water (such as pond water) as a drinking water source for your poultry. Avoid visiting other poultry farms and auctions. If you do, be sure to change your clothing and footwear before working with your own birds.

Remember, Avian Influenza virus can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, geese and guinea fowl, as well as a wide variety of other birds. It does not seem to make wild waterfowl sick but seems to be shed in their manure. It can be very deadly to domestic poultry. So, protecting your poultry from direct contact with wild ducks and geese and contact with water contaminated by these birds or contact with equipment and footwear contaminated with manure from wild waterfowl is critical to protecting your flock. 

More information on Avian Influenza virus is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.

PENN EXTENSION ANNOUNCES DAIRY FARM BILL MEETING DATE IN MONTROSE

The Penn State Extension Dairy Team will host an information session in Susquehanna County on the Margin Protection Program also known as the MPP- Dairy on Tuesday, October 28^th at the County Office Building in Montrose from 10 am till noon.  Registration is not required, but appreciated by calling the Susquehanna Office at 570-278-1158 or register online. 

The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) which is the USDA agency responsible for the administration of the MPP-Dairy. Extension Educators and representatives from the Center for Dairy Excellence will be on hand to answer questions on the program and walk through farm examples and the online decision tools developed by Dairy Markets and Policy members. Producers are encouraged to bring their production histories from their co-op from the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 to help determine MPP-Dairy coverage levels.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Heather Weeks at 717-240-6500 in advance of your participation or visit.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other protected groups. Nondiscrimination: http://guru.psu.edu/policies/AD85.html

More information on the dairy title of the farm bill can be found at the Penn State Extension Dairy Team’s website, or by going to http://fsa.usda.gov/FSA.

Blue Ridge Pre-K visits Brant’s Dairy Farm

Sixty-five pre-kindergarten students from Blue Ridge Elementary School recently visited Brant’s Dairy Farm located near Susquehanna.  The trip was to celebrate completion of the classes’ “In the City, In the Country” unit.  The unit begins by teaching the aspects of country life and farming. The children learn about different types of farms and what they produce. They then learn about cities and how products produced on the country farms gets transported to the city for people to buy.

In preparation for the field trip each of the classes were a visited by Susquehanna County Dairy Maids Reese Allen and Alexis Parks.  Miss Allen and Miss Parks taught students about where milk comes from and how dairy products are produced.  They also talked about the importance of eating a minimum of three dairy servings daily.  Both Allen and Parks are fourth grade students at Blue Ridge Elementary School.     

Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman
talked to Blue Ridge Pre-K students in the milk house
during their field trip to Brant's Dairy Farm. 

When the students arrived at the farm they were welcomed by farm owners Keith and Pam Brant and their four-year old son Kyle.  The Brant’s had a variety of helpers to assist with the tour including farm employees Curtis Travis, Lisa Zurn, and Maria Diaz. The Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman and Dairy Promotions Committee Members Michelle Kowalewski and Evie Goff also aided with teaching students and answering many questions during the tour.  During the field trip to the farm they had the opportunity to see how a cow is milked, learn how much cows eat, and see the bulk tank, where milk is stored on the farm before it is picked-up.  One of the most popular stops along the tour was visiting the calves that were born at the farm!  At the conclusion of the tour students got to see the farm tractors and enjoy a yogurt dairy snack provided by the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman!

This is the second year in a row that Mrs. Whitehead and Mrs. Hobbs’ Pre-K classes were able to visit Brant’s Dairy Farm in coordination with their “In the City, In the Country” unit.  According to Mrs. Whitehead, “This field trip is a great life connection for our students to experience.” 

4-H Achievement Night and Leaders Recognition Celebration Held

     Susquehanna County 4-H held its Annual 4-H Achievement Night and Leaders Recognition Celebration at Mountain View High School, on November 9^th. The evening began at 6:00 with an excellent covered dish dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone! It was a great evening of celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of our Susquehanna County 4-H meetings, as well as the many hours of service of our volunteer leaders!

     The Awards Program began with a welcome, the pledges, and recognition of our special guests.  Several members of the Susquehanna County Extension Board were in attendance, as well as members of the Youth Program Advisory Committee (YPAC). Also in attendance were Commissioner Al Hall, and Extension District Director Bob Hansen.

     Our 4-H Achievement Night is a night to honor Susquehanna County 4-H members for their accomplishments throughout the year.  The first awards given were the Livestock Project Book Awards, which were presented by 4-H Leader Charlie Clark of the DES 4-H Club.  These awards are given to the 4-Hers that complete and hand in their 4-H Livestock Books, and do the best job.  Winners in the Senior Division were Champion: Emily Supancik, North Jackson Ag, Reserve Champion: Rebecca Hricko, Elk Mountain Community, and Honorable Mention: Evan Aldrich, North Jackson Ag.  Winners in the Junior Division were Champion: KayLeen Conklin, North Jackson Ag, Reserve Champion: Jamie Supancik, North Jackson Ag, and Honorable Mention: Katelyn Supancik, North Jackson Ag. In the Rookie Division, Champion was awarded to John Tyler, DES, Reserve Champion: Trever Graham, DES, and Honorable Mention to Adriana Zebrowski, of North Jackson Ag. 

     Next, Cathy Bewley, of the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club, made the Dairy Award Presentations. The Best Owned and Bred animals for 2013 were exhibited by Sabrina Clark and Kyle Vanderfeltz.  These two 4-Hers bred and own their 4-H projects, and were presented with embroidered jackets for their excellent accomplishments! Also receiving recognition in the Dairy Program were Emory Bewley, Kyle Vanderfeltz, Patrick Curley, and Alex Bonavita for exhibiting the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Holstein, as well as the Grand Champion Jersey and the best bred and owned junior Milking Shorthorn at the PA State Junior Dairy Show in Harrisburg.  Lastly, Cathy recognized the winners of the Dairy Project Books.  Winners in the Senior Division were Emily Supancik, North Jackson Ag, and Cassie Clark, DES.  The Junior Division was won by Emory Bewley, North Jackson Ag, Reserve Champion was Jamie Supancik, and Honorable Mention was Katelyn Supancik.  In the Rookie Division, Champion was won by Kyrston Swingle of DES, and Reserve Champion was won by Corey Vanderfeltz of DES.  Great job to all our Dairy kids on their excellent year!

     Cathy then introduced 4-H Leader Heather Charles, from the Blue Ribbon Drive Horse and Pony Club to

Connie Oliver, Sarah Carpenetti,
Kelly Oliver and Alex Carpenetti

present the Horse Awards.  First, she recognized Austin Graham of the Blue Ribbon Driven Club for securing the highest number of sponsors as well as the highest dollar amount to be used towards the Horse 4-H Program. Next, Heather awarded embroidered horse sheets to 4-H Leader Connie Oliver, and members Kelly Oliver, Alex Carpenetti, and Sarah Carpenetti for participating in the State Competitive Trail Ride held in Huntingdon County, where they all placed very well.  And lastly Heather very proudly announced that we had two first place winners at the State Horse Show.  Corrin Raynor received first place in Hunter Under Saddle, Pony, and Austin Graham had the first place Draft Type Pony. 

North Jackson Pin Thimblers
4-H Members

     The program then moved on to the individual member awards.  4-H Leader and YPAC member Krista Naylor of the Franklin Hill Community 4-H Club made the presentations.  She awarded the Outstanding

News Reporter Award to KayLeen Conklin of the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club. Kaylee submitted nine articles to the newspaper!  Next Krista presented the Project Diversity Award to Zeb Swartley of the Borderline 4-H Club.  Zeb completed seven different 4-H projects, and exhibited them at the 4-H Building at the Harford Fair. 4-H window promotion displays were also honored at this time, and were presented to Franklin Hill Community, North Jackson Ag, CloverPups, Jackson Pin Thimblers, and Blue Ribbon Driven. 

     DES 4-H Leader LouAnn Kiefer presented the Club Spirit Awards.  Each 4-H Club was encouraged to choose one member who has shown the most improvement, been the most helpful, or stood out in this project year for any reason.  The winners are as follows: Awesome Archers-Kassie Wilbur, Baconeers-Kyle Chidester, Bits N Bosals-Myranda Polcha, Blue Ribbon Driven-Dana Nunemacher, Borderline-Zeb Swartley, Born to Show-Austin Bonavita, Bowbridge Shepherds-Dempsey Hollenbeck, Deckertown-Alex McDonald, DES-Brooke Arnold, Dimock Community-Andy Swetter, Elk Mountain-Katelyn Zembrzycki, Green Grove-Cynthia Eichelberger, Franklin Hill-Lily Naylor, Jackson Pin Thimblers-Madison Towner, New Beginnings-Tracee Canfield, North Jackson Ag-Emory Bewley, Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts-Megan Leamon, Rough N Ready Riders-Katelyn Kveragas, Schooley Pond-Cheyenne Horn, and Sizzlin’ Steaks-Lauren Clancy.  LouAnn also presented the Blue Ribbon Club Awards.  These are the Susquehanna County 4-H Clubs that have kept track of their clubs activities, and submitted the Blue Ribbon application in October. This year, six clubs participated.  Red Ribbon Club Award winners were Jackson Pin Thimblers, DES, and Franklin Hill Community.  The Blue Ribbon Club Award winners were North Jackson Ag, Awesome Archers, and Blue Ribbon Driven.  Great job to our participating clubs!

4-H Project Completion Bike Winners:
Caleb Eichelberger and Marissa Horn

     Michelle Kowalewski, Penn State Extension Educator, then took the microphone to talk about our 2013 State and National Contest Participants.  She recognized the ten 4-H members that participated in PA State 4-H Achievement Days, and recognized two 4-H members that participated in National 4-H events.  Evan Castrogiovanni, Born to Show 4-H Club, was a member of the 2013 PA State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest.  Evan won the State Competition, and competed at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in Madison, WI, where his team was 2^nd, and Evan was the 7^th High Individual.  Our other National Contest participant was Rachel Serfilippi of the Clover Pups 4-H Club. Rachel took part in the PA State 4-H Forestry and Wildlife Day, and qualified to be on the State Team.  This allowed her to take part in the 4-H and FFA Wildlife Habitat Education Program held in Indiana where her team was placed 3^rd overall, and Rachel was the 6^th High Individual! Lastly Michelle very excitedly presented a really special award.  This is the second year that bicycles have been graciously donated to the 4-H program, and given randomly to members that have completed their projects.  One first year member was chosen, and one member from all other 4-Hers.  This year’s winners were Marrisa Horn, of the Schooley Pond 4-H Club, and Caleb Eichelberger from the New Beginnings 4-H Club! And many thanks to our anonymous donor!

     The next portion of the program was to honor our 4-H Volunteer Leaders.  It began with special recognition of our 2013 Susquehanna County Summer Intern, Rachel Smarkusky.  Rachel worked from May until August, and contributed greatly to our summer 4-H Programs!  Next to be honored were the first year volunteer leaders. In attendance were Michelle Conklin, North Jackson Ag, Dana Empet, North Jackson Ag, Amelia Heath, Jackson Pin Thimblers, Abigail Hricko, Charissa Hricko, Brad Sebring, all from Elk Mountain Community, Megan Hewitt and Kathy Whitmore from Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts, Joni Miller, Blue Ribbon Driven, and Kandy Tyler, DES and Dimock Community 4-H Club.  Two leaders with five years of experience were in attendance. They were Heather Charles, of Blue Ribbon Driven, and Charlie Clark of the DES 4-H Club.  Ten year leaders receiving recognition were Kim Clark, DES, Owen Bewley, North Jackson Ag, and Jennifer Joines, Rough N Ready Riders.

Dick Stewart receiving recognition
for 25 year of service to 4-H.

Receiving his 25 Year Leader Award and a standing ovation was Dick Stewart of the Borderline 4-H Club. 

     The last awards presented for the evening were scholarships and awards given to senior 4-H members that are either moving onto college or into the work force.  The Outstanding Dairy Member was won by Cassie Clark of the DES 4-H Club.  Cassie is a freshman at Penn State studying Agribusiness.  The Outstanding Horse Member was awarded to Ashlynn Cobb of the Rough N Ready Riders.  Ashlynn is studying Russian and International Studies at Juniata College.  Two other horse scholarships were awarded to Katelyn Kveragas who is attending SUNY Broome with hopes of becoming an equine vet. Also receiving the horse scholarship was Abigail Leamon from Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts.  Abigail began studying at SUNY Delhi this fall in the Veterinary Science Technology program.  The Youth Program Advisory Board (YPAC) was very excited to award four scholarships this year.  They were awarded to Brianna Smarkusky, who attends Wilkes University and is pre-med/biology student, Devon Greenwood who is studying to become a LPN, Cassie Clark, Katelyn Kveragas, Abigail Leamon, and Ashlynn Cobb. Lastly, the Susquehanna County Outstanding 4-Hers were presented.  This year the recipients were Cassie Clark and Matt Wood.  These two 4-Hers are ones that have put in extra time and effort, and have developed right along with the program!  Congratulations to all our award winners!  The Susquehanna County Achievement Night and Leaders Recognition Celebration was a fun night, and an excellent way to celebrate how 4-H makes the best better! 

Cassie Clark
2013 Outstanding 4-H Member
Outstanding 4-H Dairy Member

2013 4-H Scholarship Recipients

Connecting the Faces of Penn State Extension and What We Do in Susquehanna County

Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County is part of an educational network that gives people in all 67 counties across the state access to the University's resources and expertise.

Extension is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments.  Through this county-based partnership, Penn State Extension educators, faculty, and local volunteers work together to share unbiased, research based information with local residents.

Meet the faces of Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County:

Michelle Kowalewski, Extension Educator

Michelle Kowalewski, Ag Enterprise Educator
Agricultural Entrepreneurship State Program Team

Michelle has been with Penn State Extension since December 2006, starting as a Dairy/Ag Enterprise Extension Educator with part of her time being dedicated to youth dairy and livestock programs.  Today, Michelle's program area specialties include:

• Meeting with clients that are looking for more information on starting a new ag business enterprise or developing a value added food business.  Michelle has brought program offerings to Susquehanna County for Penn State's Food For Profit Workshop in 2013.  In 2014, she will offer Exploring the Small Farm Dream for individuals interested launching a small farm enterprise.  
• Additionally, she enjoys working with local producers in expanding direct marketing ideas and concepts.  Susquehanna County has developed "A Guide to Farm Products" that helps consumers producers that market their products locally.  
• Delivering program materials related to Farm Business Management, including Farm$en$e, a finance and production education course which will be offered statewide staring in December running through March.
• Currently, Michelle manages a blog site for her state program team: Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Marketing, Management and Industry News for Farm and Food Businesses.
• Lastly, she continues to support the Susquehanna County 4-H Program with concentrated efforts in the dairy and livestock project areas.  

Abby Onyon, 4-H/Youth Development Educator
4-H Volunteer Development State Program Team

Abby Onyon, Extension Educator

Abby started in Susquehanna County in February 2013 as the 4-H Educator.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program; she was a ten year 4-H member and currently serves as a volunteer leader with the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club.  Abby's passion for 4-H has helped strengthen our county 4-H program.  Here are some recent stats about 4-H in Susquehanna County and accomplishments of our youth:

• Susquehanna County 4-H consists of 425 youth members (ages 5-18) and 110 screened adult volunteers.
• This year 4-Hers completed over 800 projects and entered them at the Harford Fair in the 4-H Building.
• In Susquehanna County we provide camps and clinics beyond the club level for youth focusing on officers training, livestock, dairy, horse and shooting sports.  These events not only draw members from Susquehanna County but surrounding counties.  
• 45 youth and 10 adults participated in a 5-day over night camp called Camp Brule over the summer as part of a 5-county 4-H camping experience.  
• Youth members have competed on a county, district, state and national level in numerous project areas, including livestock, dairy, horse, shooting sports, wildlife, clothing & textiles.

Kimberly Grace, Administrative Assistant and co-coordinator for Penn State Master Gardener Program in Susquehanna County

Kim Grace, Administrative Assistant

Kim has served as administrative assistant for Penn State Extension for the last 16-years.  Her duties and roles include not only supporting educators, 4-H members and leaders, but volunteers of the Penn State Master Gardener Program.  Her expertise in website management and computer technologies are extremely valuable!  Kim is the lead contact when folks call or visit the Susquehanna County office.  Kim diligently works to answer clients questions and concerns and utilizes the network of resources to direct clients to the appropriate educator across the state to provide unbiased, science based answers to questions.  She also supports educators in other counties as part of the district Extension model.  

Susquehanna County is part of District 4, the Endless Mountains District, which includes Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties.  District 4 is lead by Bob Hansen who serves as an administrative liaison between the county and the university.  He also brings knowledge and expertise in forest resources and maple syrup production.

In Susquehanna County, our Extension staff is small but remember the resources to the entire University are at our finger tips!  For more information about Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County, contact our office at 570-278-1158 or visit our office at 88 Chenango Street, Montrose, Pa.

Walter & Marilyn Race Recognized as 2013 Susquehanna County Friends of Extension

Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County recently recognized Walter and Marilyn Race, Meshoppen as the 2013 Friends of Extension Award recipients at the joint annual awards dinner held in conjunction with the Susquehanna County Conservation District on October 8, 2013.

Walter and Marilyn have been avid supporters of Penn State Extension Programs for decades.  Both have served as 4-H leaders for over 30 years in the areas of shooting sports and horse program areas.  They are currently resource leaders in the Blue Ribbon Driven 4-H Horse and Pony Club.  Additionally, Marilyn is a 10-year Master Gardener Volunteer and Walter has served on the 4-H Youth Program Advisory Committee.    

Walter & Marilyn Race are picture with Michelle Kowalewski,
Penn State Extension Educator. 

Penn State Extension to Offer Food for Profit Class in Montrose

Have you ever been told that your favorite homemade bread, or salsa, is “good enough to sell?” Do you have additional fruit or vegetables from your farm or home garden that you would like to make into a commercial product?  Penn State Extension’s Food for Profit, is a one-day workshop to help you work through the maze of local and state regulations, food safety issues, and business management concepts that all must be considered in setting up a commercial food business.  The course will be held at the White Oak Restaurant, Montrose on Tuesday, October 1^st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

How Can Food for Profit Help Me?

Food for Profit will take you step-by-step through the entrepreneurial process. It will provide you with the information and skills to assess if your idea will be something that will sell at a profit. Conducting a feasibility study (to see if yours is a good business idea), performing marketing research, and beginning to draft a business plan are a few of the concrete tools taught by certified instructors and business experts. By attending this class, you can learn how to evaluate the opportunities on paper before you look for funding or take action (saving money and time).

Who Should Attend the Course?

If you want to develop the skills to be innovative and visionary in your business – to grow your food venture - you will enjoy and benefit from this course. If you’re searching for innovative ideas about how to get your enterprise off the ground, this program is for you!

Registration Information:

Food for Profit will meet from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm., on Tuesday, October 1st at the White Oak Restaurant, 416 South Main Street, Montrose. The tuition cost of $45 per person includes all materials and lunch.  Pre-registration is required by September 24, and may be accomplished on-line at http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/entrepreneurs.  

For further information about workshop content, contact Extension Educator in Susquehanna County, Michelle Kowalewski at 570-278-1158. Pre-payment and registration are required for this popular workshop. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.

New Manure Management Requirements for all Farms

From Penn State Extension Field Crop News, March 6, 2012 issue written by Doug Beegle, Soil Fertility

Since 1972 the Clean Streams Law in PA has required all farms that produce or use manure to have a manure management plan based on the DEP Manure Management Manual. In the past, this requirement has mainly been enforced based on complaints or actual pollution incidents. However, as a result of new pressures in the Chesapeake Bay watershed to do more to help clean up the Bay DEP has revised the Manure Management Manual and is requiring that all farms that produce or use manure must have a written manure management plan based on this manual. Farmers that have an Act 38 plan or a CAFO plan already meet these requirements.

To meet these requirements, Manure Management Plans (MMP) can be developed by the farmers themselves, for their own farm and do not need to be submitted for approval. The Manure Management Manual (MMM) provides for a simplified, manure management plan based on tables of acceptable manure rates for a variety of crops and manures. Alternatively, for more flexibility in determining manure application rates, farmers could use nutrient balance sheets (NBS) which require some calculations, but are much more site specific. Nutrient balance sheets and documentation are available in paper or spreadsheet formats. The MMM also covers setbacks from water, winter manure spreading restrictions, requirements for barnyards and feedlots, pasture management, record keeping, and manure storage and handling requirements. A farmer could choose to have a certified planner develop a more formal nutrient management plan (NMP) that would meet the state nutrient management law regulations (Act 38 plan). These plans provide for a much more site specific and user customized plan. Regardless of the type of plan, records of plan implementation must be kept and the plan and records must be made available for inspection by DEP or the Conservation District on request.

The Manure Management Manual and supporting information is available at: http://panutrientmgmt.cas.psu.edu/manure_management_program.htm. Penn State Extension has initiated an educational effort to help farmers meet these new requirements. Many extension educators and conservation district staff have been trained in developing these plans and can be of assistance to farmers. Also, local workshops are being planned to guide farmers through the process of completing a MMP for their farm. At these workshops, the requirements of each section of the MMP will be explained followed by “planning” time during which each farmer will complete that section of the MMP for their own farm. The goal is to have each farmer leave with a MMP that is well on the way to being completed. While all farmers may not completely finish the MMP during the workshop, they will know what additional information or help they need, where to get that information and help, and how to finish the plan. An on-line version of this workshop is also being developed to assist farmers who can’t attend a workshop and want to develop an MMP on their own. Extension equine educators are developing a similar educational program targeting horse owners. Finally, an important component of these plans is a farm map with fields, manure storages and environmentally sensitive areas identified. To facilitate this mapping, a simple on-line mapping program called PAOneStop has been developed by Penn State Extension. Farmers can create farm maps that will meet state requirements by visiting: http://paonestop.org/.

Locally in Susquehanna County, contact Willie Keeney with the Susquehanna County Conservation District at 570-278-4600 ext. 284 for more information about new manure managment requirements.   

Managing Flood Damaged Crops

Recent high water has caused much flooding in lowland fields. This has raised many questions about how to manage these crops. Based on previous experience with floods in Pennsylvania and other Northeastern states, we can expect several key issues:

• Affected fields will contain a lot of debris and plants will have a lot of soil on them.
• Conditions will be dusty and dirty during harvest.
• Farmers can experience extra costs from wear on shear bars, knives and bearings. The silage made from flood damaged fields can range from acceptable to black or rotten.
• Decreased milk production and performance is likely when flood damaged crops are fed.

If fields sustain flooding and significant damage, contact the crop insurance adjuster to document the loss before taking action to remedy the situation. Consider contacting the local FSA office to report losses as well.

Below are some recommendations and observations that may help in making harvesting and marketing decisions.

Corn for Silage

• Corn destined for silage will be more at risk for fungal and bacterial contamination. Take steps to promote good fermentation, such as heavy inoculation and extra packing in the silos. A good fermentation will kill many (but not necessarily all) pathogens in the silage.
• Target the least affected fields for silage and harvest above the silt line to avoid soil contamination.
• Avoid chopping corn for silage that has considerable dirt or silt on it.
• Segregate any corn chopped for silage so that it can be evaluated before feeding. Forage should be tested before feeding, paying particular attention to dry matter percent, starch, ash, mycotoxins and fermentation profile.
• Silage and high moisture corn from these fields should be evaluated at feed-out and animal health should be closely monitored. Soil contamination alone may not be a serious animal health factor, but contamination from manure, sewage treatment plants and other chemicals is unknown and could vary from one situation to another.
• In all cases try to minimize the soil contamination and during feed-out, attempt to dilute these forages with normal quality forages as much as possible.

Hay and Pasture Crops

• Soil and organic matter on forage crops can also lead to fermentation issues, increased ash, decreased digestibility, and animal health problems, especially for horses.
• Avoid pasturing or harvesting silt laden forage crops if at all possible.
• If pastures are grazed, don’t allow the animals to graze the plants too close to the ground because the majority of the contamination will be in that area of the plant.
• It might be best to mow the previously flooded pastures and wait for them to regrow before grazing.
• Mowed forage that has been lying in the field for more than one week should simply be chopped and blown back onto the field, particularly if it is showing signs of molding (forage is slimy).
• Roots in soil flooded for 2 to 3 weeks may die from suffocation (no oxygen available for the roots to respire).
• Root diseases such as Rhizoctonia or Phyotphtora can increase in wet soils and lead to thinned stands next year.
• Avoid pasturing or harvesting silt laden forage crops if at all possible.

Corn for Grain

• Harvesting for grain is likely a better option than for silage where flooding has occurred.
• Combine air filters likely will need to be changed more frequently. Operators should take steps to avoid breathing the dust.
• Harvest when the fodder is dry to help limit the dirt in the grain. Monitor the dirt in the corn coming into the bin and avoid the worst sections of fields.
• Harvesting high-moisture corn at the drier range of acceptable levels could improve the ability to clean dirt from the corn.
• The expected quality of grain is uncertain and should be monitored. The potential for crop contamination by flood waters could affect the marketability of grain and silage. Check with grain brokers for more information on marketability as it becomes available.
• Monitor for sprouting. Some river bottom fields are prone to bird damage and often have some sprouting risk. The flood may exacerbate the problem. Try to adjust the combine to remove most of the sprouted grain.
• Monitor for molds. Corn from flood-damaged fields should be evaluated for grain quality and kept separate if there are indications of molds. Mold and mycotoxin levels can be determined by most feed testing laboratories and used as guidance in marketing.
• The risk of molds and sprouting is likely a function of the exposure to the water and stage of growth. Corn that was under water will have an increased risk for molds and bacterial rotting. This may be more pronounced in corn that was already drying down (<40% grain moisture) and then took on moisture during the flood.
• Monitor for bacterial stalk rots. Fields that remained flooded for more than 12 hours are most at risk for stalk rots.
• The crop may mature more rapidly under these conditions, since corn that has been stressed when near maturity often seems to dry down fast.
• If the grain is deemed unfit for animal use, then it will be necessary to pursue crop insurance claims. If producers expect a claim, they should consult with an adjuster prior to harvest.

Other Crops

• Soybean crops likely will experience increased harvest losses and increased machinery problems during harvest. Many soybeans may be impossible to harvest due to lodging and debris. Monitor grain quality prior to harvest.

In summary, flood-damaged crops are at risk for quality and harvest losses, but by monitoring and managing carefully, we may be able to salvage some of them, reduce losses and obtain resources for recovering from the situation.

Prepared by: Greg Roth, Jud Heinrichs, Craig Altemose, Virginia Ishler and Marvin Hall, Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences and Dairy and Animal Science.

22nd Annual Susquehanna County Dairy Day

The 22nd annual Susquehanna County Dairy Day will take place on Friday, March 4th at Elk Lake High School. Dairy Day is organized by Penn State Cooperative Extension in Susquehanna County and the Dairy Day Committee.

The event kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and concludes by 3:30 p.m. Dairy Day will be filled with educational presentations, free health screenings, commercial exhibitors, lunch, and a well stocked dairy bar; which includes milk, cheese, and ice cream. Last but certainly not least, plan to join us at 2:00 p.m. for the famous pie baking contest and auction.

Educational workshops will be available throughout the day. All who attend a workshop at Dairy Day will receive a special Dairy Day gift. Come and learn more about topics related to natural gas including Financial Management Update: Estate, Gift, and Property Taxes, presented by John Becker of Penn State’s Department of Ag Economics and Rural Sociology. Dave Messersmith from Penn State Cooperative Extension in Wayne County will present a workshop on Negotiating Gas Pipeline Right-of Ways.

Shane Kleiner and Peter Tarby of the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Agency will update producers on Nutrient Management Regulations.

A Pesticide credit workshop will be offered by Mark Madden, Penn State Cooperative Extension in Sullivan County. 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. The session will be worth one core and one category pesticide credit and will cover What’s New for Corn Weed Control in 2011? And Sprayer Calibration and Math Made Easy!

Lastly, learn more about on-farm safety with a workshop and demonstration by Joe Fuller, Penn State Cooperative Extension in Susquehanna County. Mr. Fuller’s workshop entitled “OUCH – Farmstead Safety,” will review a variety of dangers on the farm and how to protect your family. This will serve and an introduction to his upcoming Tractor Safety Workshop to be offered this spring. Youth are encouraged to visit the “Farm Safety for Kids!” workshop. The hands-on demonstration will show youth safety tips to remember on the farm.

The Susquehanna County 4-H will also showcase the various club’s projects that 4-H has to offer. Members of the 4-H County Council will do hands-on activities with kids related to the following 4-H projects: plant science, crafts, wildlife, and bowling!

Lunch will be available to those interested. The cost is $3 per person and children under 5 are free. Lunch reservations are REQUIRED by calling the Extension Office at 570-278-1158. Reservation deadline is 12:00 Noon, Friday, February 25th. Individuals making reservations can pay at the door for their lunch.

Are you interested in entering the Dairy Day Pie Contest? Guidelines for the 2011 Dairy Day Pie Contest are as followed:

1. Submit one pie per participant

2. Pies should be in a 9-inch aluminum pie plate

3. Bring your pie to the stage in the gym by 11:00 a.m. on Dairy Day

4. The top four adults and top two youth will receive prizes

5. Please pre-register for the contest by calling the Extension Office, 278-1158!

6. Anyone is eligible to enter the contest, youth or adults, farm or non-farm folks!

The Pie Auction will take place at 2:00 p.m. in the gymnasium. Proceeds from the auction will be divided equally between the Susquehanna County 4-H Dairy Program and the County Dairy Princess and Promotion Program. Join the excitement as the pies are auctioned off by bidding and you will have a delicious pie to take home and will have supported youth of Susquehanna County!

For more information about the Susquehanna County Dairy Day contact Penn State Cooperative Extension in Susquehanna County at 570-278-1158.

Federal Estate Tax & Planning Update Webinar

The Federal Estate Tax has been an issue of discussion and concern among farm owners for decades. In December of 2010, the Estate Tax law was modified by the Congress. Farm owners need to understand the implications of these changes on their current and future estate planning.

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Team of Penn State Extension will present a free one hour webinar on this subject on Thursday, February 24^th, beginning at 12:00 p.m. The online discussion will be led by John C. Becker, Professor of Agricultural Economics and Law within the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology at Penn State University. The webinar is FREE!

Participants must have a “Friends of Penn State ID” in order to access the webinar. This ID can be obtained from the following website: https://fps.psu.edu/. The web address for the webinar will be:  For more information, send an email message to Keith Dickinson, Agricultural Business M  https://breeze.psu.edu/estatetaxupdate/.anagement Educator, at krd16@psu.edu.

NEW DEP Regs Will Affect Ag Operations

Recent changes in Pennsylvania’s regulations and the Department of Environmental Protection’s policies will affect agricultural operations in Susquehanna County. These changes come under the “Clean Streams Law,” which affects all farms and non-farms producing or using manure.

All users and producers of manure are required to have a manure management plan. The plan must detail how you will protect surface and ground water. The plan must also address the amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus that could be applied per acre, set backs from surface and ground waters, winter application procedures, barnyard runoff, pastures and storage or stacking areas.

A certified planner is not required however there are some advantages to using a certified planner versus doing the plan yourself. By using a certified planner the restrictions of where and when manure can be spread is going to be significantly different than if a certified planner is hired to develop the manure management plan. For example, without a certified planner a 150 foot manure setback from all waters would be required. Whereas, if a planner is involved and if the proper conditions present themselves and the proper best management practices are installed, such as a 35 foot wide vegetated buffer is maintained around surface waters then a 35 foot setback would be sufficient to protect the water.

Even if you have been following the manure management manual and or the State Conservation Commissions ACT 38 regulations, there have been some changes made to the following items: allowable application rates, winter spreading procedures, year round manure application setbacks, barnyard runoff controls, manure storage, manure application records, infield stacking procedures and pasture stocking rates. These changes are still being finalized and manuals and guidance are not available in print. So, be aware that there may be more to come.

For more information contact the Willie Keeney, Susquehanna County Conservation District at 570-278-4600 ext. 284. To learn more details about this policy change attend a workshop at the Susquehanna County Dairy on Friday, March 4th at 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m. in a classroom. All workshop attendees will receive a special Dairy Day gift for attending!

Learn Tools for Farm Financial Record Keeping during Webinar Series

Managing your farm’s financial records requires knowing which tools to use, and how best to use them.

The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Team of Penn State Extension will present the Managing Your Farm Recordkeeping Toolbox webinar series, starting January 26. This webinar series is designed for producers, financial managers, and bookkeepers. Participants will learn the principles of financial record keeping and how to obtain and interpret financial statements for better decision making.

Topics to be explored include the relationship between assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity and how to record transactions and financial statements using financial ratios. Instructors are: Penn State Cooperative Extension Educators Erin Cuprinka, Keith Dickinson, Mark Douglass, Robert Goodling, Andrew Martin, and Miguel Saviroff.

The webinar series will consist of seven weekly one-hour webinars. Participants will have the opportunity to do ‘homework’ between sessions to practice the skills learned during each webinar, and submit the homework to instructors for feedback. Participants can register for one session at a time, or the entire series for a discount. The cost to participants for this program is $20 per session or $100 for the entire series of seven webinars.

Advance registration is required. To register online or for more information on the program, refer to the following website: http://pafarmrecords.com/. Registration is available by phone by calling 1-877-489-1398 (toll free). For more information about the program, contact Mark Douglass in the Penn State Extension Office in Jefferson County, at 814-849-7361, or by email: mbd10@psu.edu.

This workshop is presented by the Agricultural Entrepreneurship Team, a Penn State Cooperative Extension initiative.

A Guide to Farm Products: Calling All Producers!

Since 2008, Penn State Cooperative Extension has produced a booklet called A Guide to Farm Products which is a directory of family farms, farmers' markets, vegetable, maple, and honey producers, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA's) farms, u-pick farms, Christmas tree growers, wineries, restaurants, grocers, and other businesses that sell locally produced farm products within Susquehanna County.

This widely-popular guide is updated annually and so far includes over 45 local businesses.  We would like to extend the offer for your "farm" to be included.  The piece will include a short description of the farm or business along with products available and hours of operation, if open to the public and its location on a map of the county.  The guides are placed throughout the county and are also available online at http://susquehanna.extension.psu.edu/Horticulture/farmer%20products%20brochure%20new%20format.pdf

Today's consumer is increasingly looking to buy farm products directly from the grower.  When buying directly from local farmers and shopping and dining at those businesses which support local farmers, consumers are getting the freshest, best tasting food, contributing to a strong local economy and helping preserve our landscape.  It is the hope of those gathering the information that shoppers will make a connection with healthy fresh food, their neighbor farmers who grow it and those markets and businesses that support them by using locally grown food.

Susquehanna County has a number of farm stands, farm markets, orchards, and CSA farms where residents can purchase fresh produce.  Please help us in compiling this guide by calling the Cooperative Extension Office at 570-278-1158 and requesting a network form, http://susquehanna.extension.psu.edu/Horticulture/FarmNetworkForm.pdf,  and map marking your location.  you can mail the completed forms back to us by January 31, 2011.  We are planning on having the booklet published by early spring.

December Preparation for Cattle Herds

December for many cattle producers means much preparation for winterizing their herds. What is on your checklist for this month? Nutrition and winter feeding, body condition evaluation, and calving issues should all be on your list.

December is the perfect time to evaluate your cow’s body condition. Cows that will be calving should have a body condition score that is between 5 and 7. Cows that have scores of less than a 5 should be on a separate diet to condition them with adequate nutrition for calving. If feasible, separate your cows into production classes and feed according to their body condition score and production needs.

If you have not already started, prepare your winter feeding program for your cows. Hay and feed supplements are usually the most expensive in your budget. Evaluate your winter forage supply by determining lowest to highest quality hay. Mid pregnancy cows should receive the lowest quality of forages while late pregnancy cows should receive medium quality and the highest quality hay should be given to calves, lactating cattle, and replacement heifers. Cows should receive 25 to 30 pounds of hay per day.

Feeding corn silage is also a good way to make sure your cows stay at a healthy body condition score. Pregnant heifers and dry cows in mid pregnancy should receive 45 to 50 pounds of corn silage plus .75 pounds of soybean meal or cottonseed meal. Dry cows in late pregnancy should receive 50 to 55 pounds of corn silage and .75 pound of soybean meal while lactating cows should be given 60 to 80 pounds of silage and 1 to 2 pounds of soybean meal. Another important part of the feeding program that sometimes is neglected is the mineral mix. All cattle should receive a free choice balanced salt mineral mix. Also, avoid underfeeding heifers or cows to achieve decreased birth weights. Doing this could cause a longer pregnancy and reduction in calf survival. Research has proven that there is no difference in birth weights or calving ease in comparing cows that are underfed and cows that are fed adequate diets.

For many producers, winter marks the start of calving season. Be sure to check all facilities and equipment that will be used during calving. If calving pens are available they should be clean and dry. A warmer environment should be prepared just in case you have chilled calves. Make sure that all calving assistance equipment is in one location and in working order. Producers should have all of these calving supplies in a ‘calving kit’ to easily grab when a cow is calving. Be prepared to check your herd frequently and keep a close watch on first time calving heifers. These heifers should be moved into a smaller area so you will be able to check them more frequently.

Be sure to prepare your herd for the winter by evaluating your winter feeding program, body condition score your herd, and organize your calving kit. For further information on winter preparation for your cow/calf herd, contact your local Penn State Cooperative Extension office.

Source: http://extension.psu.edu/start-farming

Artisan Cheese Making Class comes to the Northern Tier

The Endless Mountains RC&D Council and its partners are pleased to announce an “Artisan Cheese Making Class” on March 23-25, 2011 at the Tioga County Fairgrounds, Whitneyville.

The instructor is the well know Peter Dixon from Dairy Food Consulting located in Vermont. The workshop is appropriate for all levels of home and commercial cheese makers. Topics during the three-day workshop will include starting a creamery, properties of cow and goat milk and their use in cheese making, choosing starter cultures, making lactic curd, mozzarella, ricotta, and aged cheeses, cheese brining, cheese aging, and information about equipment and facilities. For more information about the instructor, visit his website at http://www.dairyfoodsconsulting.com/. 

Registration cost for PA residents of Bradford, Lycoming, Susquehanna Sullivan, Tioga, and Wyoming Counties is $100, all others is $350.  The cost of registration covers instruction, course manual, and lunch each day.  Registration for the workshop will close on March 9th.  A block of rooms has been reserved at the Comfort Inn in Mansfield, reservations must be made by November 28th.   

For more information contact the Endless Mountains RC&D Council at 570-265-5288, ext. 118.

Beef Quality Assurance Chute Side Training at Applewood Farm

The Pennsylvania Beef Council will be conducting a Chute-Side training session on November 18, 2010. Applewood Farm owned by Jeff and Ann Nogan in Scott Twp. will be hosting the event. The address to Applewood Farm is 127 Tompkinsville Road, PA. There will be refreshments provided with the Chute-Side beginning at 6:00 p.m.


The Chute-Side training session includes information about record-keeping, animal welfare, proper injection site and proper drug handling on the farm. This is a good educational event that is very hands-on. We will be having a veterinarian from Penn State come to perform the necropsy.

Chute-Side training is the second part of a two-part program that enables producers and others to become certified in the PA Beef Quality Assurance program. The BQA program is designed to improve the value and quality of beef by training producers in best management practices.


If you haven’t already completed the classroom training, which is the first part of certification, please feel free to still come. The classroom component of the certification can be done online at http://www.pa-bqa.org/ . This can be done before or after you attend the chute-side training.


Please confirm your attendance by calling Nichole Hockenberry at the PA Beef Council, 1-888-423-3372 or via email at nhockenberry@pabeef.org.

Farm Business Succession Workshop Scheduled

The decisions involved in the process of planning for the succession of a farm business from one generation to the next or from one owner to another are among the most critical set of decisions that a farm manager can make in his or her lifetime. Issues such as planning for the transfer of business decision making responsibilities, managing the impacts of estate, inheritance and capital gains taxes, and deciding how to divide farm assets among multiple heirs can be difficult for most farm managers to work through. The ability of a farm to continue through the generations depends, in part, on the development and implementation of a sound and detailed farm succession plan.


The Agricultural Entrepreneurship Team of Penn State Extension will conduct a workshop for farm families in Susquehanna County who wish to learn more about how they can successfully accomplish their goals related to farm business succession. The instructors for this workshop are individuals who are familiar with the legal issues, tax consequences, family concerns and farm profitability issues that farm families in Pennsylvania must consider every day.

The workshop will be held via video-conference on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 in the County Office Building, 81 Public Avenue, Montrose. The workshop will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A fee of $25 per person will be charged to help offset the cost of meals and program materials. Pre-registration for this workshop is required. For more information please contact Michelle Kowalewski at 570-278-1158 or via email, mec190@psu.edu for more information.

Penn State encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 570-278-1158, in advance, of your participation or visit. Penn State Cooperative Extension programs are open to all regardless of their ability to pay. Please contact us if you require reduced or waiver of fees to attend this educational program. This material is based upon work supported by USDA/NIFA under Award Number 2007-49200-03888.

Social Networking for Agricultural Businesses

Are you interested in learning how social networking tools can benefit your agricultural business?  Curious how Twitter and Facebook can allow you to stay connected to your customers?  Learn how blogs, YouTube, and podcasts can help you share your farm story and market your business and products.

Join us for a series of four webinars (each held twice) over the course of seven weeks.  Each webinar will address at least one social networking tool and how it can be used by farms and other ag businesses.  The final webinar will highlight how an actual farm has successfully integrated the use of several social networking tools. 

Social Networking For Agricultural Businesses Schedule:

1. Introduction to Social Networking & Twitter - October 6th at 10:00 a.m. or October 12th at 2:00 p.m.
2. Facebook - October 14th at 10:00 a.m. or October 21st at 2:00 p.m.
3. YouTube, foursquare, blogs & podcasts - October 26th at 10:00 a.m. or November 2nd at 2:00 p.m.
4. Putting it All Together - November 8th at 2:00 p.m. or November 18th at 10:00 a.m.

The URL for all webinars is https://breeze.psu.edu/socialmedia/.

Please note, to participate in any webinar you will need to use must have a "Friends of Penn State" account.  Sign up for a "Friends of Penn State" account at https://fps.psu.edu/.  Signing up takes less than five minutes!

9th Annual "Day on a Dairy Farm" Event




Evergreen Lane Farm - The Tompkins' Family

     The 9th annual Day on a Dairy Farm will be held Saturday, October 9, 2010 from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Evergreen Lane Farm located on Mitchell Road near Montrose, Pa.  Evergreen Lane Farm is owned and operated by the Tompkins family - Mark, Cindy, Trevor, and Mariah. 

     The event, Day on a Dairy Farm, is organized in part by the Susquehanna County Dairy Promotions Court.  The court consists of the 2010-11 Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Olivia Mitchell, 2010-11 Susquehanna County Alternate Dairy Princess Allison Kiefer, Dairy Ambassadors Mariah Tompkins, Callie Curley, Lydia Watkins, Dairy Maids Madeline Mitchell, Cassidy Greenwood, and Ali Teel.   



Susquehanna County Dairy Promotion Court

     Day on a Dairy Farm is an educational and fun event full of activities for all ages and it's FREE!

     Come on out and enjoy a tour of the dairy facilities, learn how MILK gets from the cow to your dinner table, find out why you need "3 Every Day," play dairy trivia, visit the petting zoo, take a horse drawn wagon ride, enjoy delicious dairy foods including milk, cheese, and much more!

     For more information contact the Dairy Promotion Committee members Evie Goff, ecg4@psu.edu or 570-278-1212 or Mary Puzo, puzofamily@yahoo.com or 570-278-4704.

     Directions to Evergreen Lane Farm: From Montrose take State Route 29 North approximately three miles, turn right onto Mitchell Road.  The farm is located on the approximately one mile on the right.  From the New York State line, Mitchell Road is located approximately 10 miles south on Route 29. 

     Farm Address: 650 Mitchell Road, Montrose, PA  18801