The Peru Gazette

Chazy, NY; Canton, NY – The impact of climate change on Northern New York agriculture is on the agenda of the 2014 North Country Crop Congresses: Tuesday, February 18 at W.H. Miner Agricultural Research Institute, Chazy, NY, and Wednesday, February 19, 9am-3pm, at the Best Western University Inn in Canton, NY.

Dr. Allison Chatrchyan, the new director of the Cornell Institute for Climate Change and Agriculture, will present thoughts on the impact of climate change and variable weather will have on Northern New York farming systems in the near and distant future.

Dr. Chatrchyan will present historical climate data and suggest how NNY farmers may integrate climate change into farm system planning for reduction of risk, and seize the production opportunities the changing climate may present.

The annual 9am-3pm Crop Congress educational programs also include Dr. Russ Hahn of Cornell University.  Dr. Hahn, a Crop and Soil Sciences professor, will provide his latest research findings on herbicide-resistant weeds, mixed grass-legume seedings using Round-Up Ready alfalfa and some timely aspects of acetochlor herbicide.

Dr. Quirine Ketterings, director of the Cornell Nutrient Management Spear Program, will share the latest results of double crop forage research trials on farms across New York State.

Mike Hunter, a Northern New York Field Crops specialist with CCE in Jefferson and Lewis counties, will discuss late-season forage planting alternatives.

Anita Figueras, a Farm Business Management specialist with CCE St. Lawrence County, will present the latest crop insurance options.

A hot lunch will be available for $5 at the Miner Institute Crop Congress, which also includes a small trade show. Pre-registration is encouraged, call 518-846-7121.

The cost to attend the Canton Crop Congress is $25 per person pre-registration by February 7 or $30 at the door. Lunch and educational materials are included in each registration. You must attend the entire program to receive the DEC credits. Anyone who needs DEC credits to retain a pesticide certification license should register soon at 315-379-9192, ext. 234.

The North Country Crop Congresses are co-sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties. Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County provides equal program and employment opportunities. If you have any special needs to attend the Canton Crop Congress, please call Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County at 315-379-9192.