Workshop to focus on unusual forage crops such as turnips, kale and broccoli Sept. 18 in Heuvelton
Monday, September 14, 2009, 4:55pm
HEUVELTON -- Cornell Cooperative Extension will hold a field meeting about crops not usually thought of as forage crops at the farm of Gary and Sheryl Crowe, 1572 County Rte 15, on Friday, Sept. 18 at 10 a.m.
There is growing interest in brassica crops for forage among grazing farmers. Forage brassica crops are closely related to vegetables like turnips, kale, broccoli, and cauliflower. They are palatable to livestock and have high levels of digestible energy, and are bred for high yields and tolerance of grazing.
High quality forages are a key to sustainable production of ruminant animals like dairy cows, beef cattle, and sheep. With good management, grazing is the cheapest way to harvest top quality forage.
Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County was the recipient of a grant from NE SARE (Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Development) to carry out variety trials and research into establishment methods for these crops.
Attendees will see a forage brassica variety trial and will learn about the results of other trials held this summer around the North Country. There will be opportunity for questions and discussion about how these crops could be useful on different types of grazing farms. Lunch will be served, sponsored by Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative and the New York Organic Dairy Initiative. The event is free and open to the public, including lunch.
The Crowe farm is 2.4 miles south of Heuvelton or 2.4 miles north of Rensselaer Falls. Pre-registration is preferred but not required. For more information or to register, contact Stephen Canner at Cooperative Extension at 379-9192, ext. 233.
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