SAFE WINTER AND WET WEATHER MANURE SPREADING
We are currently in a season that presents significant risks for manure applications. This winter has brought unique conditions not seen in recent years, so it’s crucial to adhere to winter and wet weather manure spreading guidelines. Please ensure you follow the recommended winter spreading plans to help mitigate any potential issues. Read more here.
HIGHLY PATHOGENIC AVIAN INFLUENZA
According to the NY State Ag & Markets Website as of March 12th, 48 flocks in New York State have tested positive for HPAI since February 2022. The Department is working closely with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) on a joint incident response and is also collaborating with partners at the Department of Health and Department of Environmental Conservation.
The detections of HPAI in New York prompt reminders for commercial and hobby poultry farmers to increase their biosecurity measures to help prevent the spread of the disease. The Department encourages all poultry producers, from small backyard to large commercial operations, should review their biosecurity plans and take precautions to protect their birds. Poultry biosecurity materials and checklists can be found on the USDA’s “Defend the Flock” website.
The Watershed Agricultural Council would like to remind Watershed farmers that flocks in the following NYC Watershed counties have tested positive: Putnam, Dutchess, Westchester and Delaware. Please practice biosecurity and report any sick birds to the USDA. To report sick birds, unexplained high number of deaths, or sudden drop in egg production, please contact the Department’s Division of Animal Industry at (518) 457-3502 or the USDA at (866) 536-7593.
UPCOMING FARMER EDUCATION EVENTS
The following farmer education events are made possible by our partnership with CCE Delaware County.
Spring Small Ruminant Meeting
March 19 @ 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
MTC Community Room, 61 Academy Street, Margaretville, NY
Marketing Your Farm’s Products
March 25 @ 5:30 pm – 8:45 pm
Andes Fire Department Meeting Hall, 5259 County Road 1, Andes, NY
Manure Road Show 2025
March 31 @ 10:00 am – 2:30 pm
Hobart Community Center, 80 Cornell Ave, Hobart, NY
For more events visit our website here.
Read these stories and more in the March 2025 News here.