January 30, 2012
Contact: Joe Lawrence, CCE Lewis, 315-376-5270; Mike Hunter, CCE Jefferson, 315-788-8450; Rick LeVitre, CCE Franklin, 518-483-7403; Eric Young, 518-846-7121 x113

2012 North Country Crop Congresses Set for February 14, 15, 21, 22

Carthage, NY – The 2012 North Country Crop Congresses will cover everything from controlling weeds to climate impact to costs.

Optimizing Forage Production with Legume/Grass Mixtures is the topic for Dr. Paul Peterson, University of Minnesota Extension Forage Specialist. Dr. Peterson’s most recent research has assessed the potential of mixtures of alfalfa with different perennial grass options.

“My research on grasses, alfalfa and alternative legumes has focused on improving yield, forage quality, stand persistence, and crop economic value,” Peterson says.

Dr. Russ Hahn of Cornell University will provide the latest information on forage crop weed management.

Climatologists with the Cornell University Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences will discuss how weather patterns affect crop production in Northern New York.

NNY Field Crops Team leader Joe Lawrence, a field crops educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension Lewis County, says, “Climate variability in general and in terms of Northern New York’s microclimates is an increasingly important interest for North Country farms. These Crop Congresses will look at how crop yield and quality are impacted by expected weather and unexpected weather patterns each year and discussion on how farms can minimize this impact.”

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s NNY Farm Business Management Team educators will share methods for tracking the true cost of crops production.

The 2012 North Country Crop Congresses will run from 9:30am to 3pm, lunch and materials will be provided. Contact your local site for registration details. The North Country Crop Congresses will be held:

• February 14, Canton Best Western, 315-379-9192
• February 15, Carthage Elks Club, 315-376-5270, 315-788-8450
• February 21: Moe’s Bar and Grill, Malone, 518-483-7403
• February 22: W.H. Miner Center Auditorium, Chazy, NY.

NYSDEC Pesticide Recertification Credits and Certified Crop Advisor Credits are pending. #