This week, although short due to the Fourth of July holiday on Monday, was quite busy. I was able to accomplish work on my field balance project while also attending several events.
Going through the week:
- Tuesday was the most productive day, I made great progress on my field balance project for one farm and will soon begin working on a presentation showing results. After completing this farm, I plan to work on three other farms.
- Wednesday, I joined Janice for a pasture walk at a custom heifer grower’s operation. Here we saw how intensive pasture management with rotational grazing can be low input and very beneficial for the heifers and the pastures themselves. Pasture management is very important to acknowledge for our industry; I found this was very beneficial to attend.
- Thursday, the NMSP team visited the Bel Canto Farm to tour and understand the diverse operation they run. This farm raises Kunekune pigs, who are excellent grazers and pasture managers and also provide great quality meat! Highly recommend reaching out to them for a visit to learn more about their unique animals.
- Friday, Molly and I were asked to help at the Cortland County Fair to assist in the dairy cattle showing and judge the youth Iron Chef competition. This was a great opportunity to engage in a community event and interact with those involved.
It is nice to work on a team that is able to get out of the office and see what is happening out in the industry and community. All events that I have attended thus far have been educational and impactful for myself and our industry. I encourage those involved in agriculture, or interested, to continue or begin attending events such as these!