In 2002, New York state was the number three dairy producer in the nation with an industry value of $121 million. Furthermore, Cayuga County was the third ranked county statewide in total dairy sales with $80 million annually.
An important element to this successful local industry is the use of manure on fields as fertilizer.
By using manure to fertilize crops, farmers save tremendously on the cost of buying commercial fertilizers.
Along with the use of manure comes the concern of runoff of nutrients, primarily phosphorus, to our local waters.
Phosphorus runoff affects watershed health because it changes the quality of the water and accelerates weed growth.
The excessive amount of weed growth decreases the amount of oxygen available in the waterbody, stressing fish and other aquatic species.
In some cases, large numbers of fish have perished because there is not enough oxygen in the water.
Phosphorus is an essential element to dairy cows, as well as humans. In a dairy cow, phosphorus is obtained through the type of feed.
Different types of feed vary in the levels of phosphorus it contains.
Phosphorus is required at all stages of a dairy cow's life, but the requirements are particularly high when the cow is lactating, in early growth and for reproduction.
Due to the concerns of phosphorus loading on local waterbodies and to avoid runoff from spreading, many farmers are enlisting the help of Certified Crop Advisors.
These advisors run several tests and look at the content of phosphorus in the farm's manure and feed, the type of soil and slope of the fields, and the type of crop that will be planted.
After running a series of tests and formulas, a plan is built to manage the amount of manure that can be spread on each field.
The results are presented in a formal report called a Certified Nutrient Management Plan or CNMP. This gives the farmer the optimum amount of manure that will benefit his crops, but will avoid unnecessary runoff.
The farmer will benefit by having better crop yields, spending less on commercial fertilizers, having less risk of runoff, and saving time by spreading less manure or spreading fewer times.
It is recommended that plans be updated on a regular basis. Soil samples should be taken at least once every three years or if a major change on the farm has occurred, like a change in the type or number of animals, change in feed or new fields planted on.
If you are interested in more information on crop and manure management and/or technical assistance programs offered to Cayuga County farms, contact the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District at 252-4171.
Jessica Miles is the Owasco Lake Watershed inspector.
By using manure to fertilize crops, farmers save tremendously on the cost of buying commercial fertilizers.
Along with the use of manure comes the concern of runoff of nutrients, primarily phosphorus, to our local waters.
Phosphorus runoff affects watershed health because it changes the quality of the water and accelerates weed growth.
The excessive amount of weed growth decreases the amount of oxygen available in the waterbody, stressing fish and other aquatic species.
In some cases, large numbers of fish have perished because there is not enough oxygen in the water.
Phosphorus is an essential element to dairy cows, as well as humans. In a dairy cow, phosphorus is obtained through the type of feed.
Different types of feed vary in the levels of phosphorus it contains.
Phosphorus is required at all stages of a dairy cow's life, but the requirements are particularly high when the cow is lactating, in early growth and for reproduction.
Due to the concerns of phosphorus loading on local waterbodies and to avoid runoff from spreading, many farmers are enlisting the help of Certified Crop Advisors.
These advisors run several tests and look at the content of phosphorus in the farm's manure and feed, the type of soil and slope of the fields, and the type of crop that will be planted.
After running a series of tests and formulas, a plan is built to manage the amount of manure that can be spread on each field.
The results are presented in a formal report called a Certified Nutrient Management Plan or CNMP. This gives the farmer the optimum amount of manure that will benefit his crops, but will avoid unnecessary runoff.
The farmer will benefit by having better crop yields, spending less on commercial fertilizers, having less risk of runoff, and saving time by spreading less manure or spreading fewer times.
It is recommended that plans be updated on a regular basis. Soil samples should be taken at least once every three years or if a major change on the farm has occurred, like a change in the type or number of animals, change in feed or new fields planted on.
If you are interested in more information on crop and manure management and/or technical assistance programs offered to Cayuga County farms, contact the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District at 252-4171.
Jessica Miles is the Owasco Lake Watershed inspector.