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Full-Text Articles in Agriculture
Crowning And Training: Early Season Hop Yard Maintenance In The Northeast, Heather Darby, Lily Calderwood
Crowning And Training: Early Season Hop Yard Maintenance In The Northeast, Heather Darby, Lily Calderwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Early season hop yard maintenance includes several critical tasks including crowning and training. These are essential agronomic practices that influence hop plant growth and, therefore, hop yield and quality.
Vegetable Fertility Management Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Zieglar
Vegetable Fertility Management Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Zieglar
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Many organic vegetable producers have been relying heavily on livestock composts as a source of fertility on farm. Often, high rates of compost are applied to meet the nitrogen (N) needs of crops. When this strategy is implemented it can lead to over application of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). As an example, a grower may apply poultry manure at 6 tons ac-1 for 3 consecutive years. This contributes 225 lbs ac-1 of P per year, where vegetable crop removal of P ranges from 10-80 lbs ac-1 per season. In this scenario, there is an over application of P, leading …
Dry Bean Pest Scouting Report, Heather Darby, Lily Calderwood
Dry Bean Pest Scouting Report, Heather Darby, Lily Calderwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
A survey of dry bean pests was conducted on farms in Vermont during the 2015 season. Pests were scouted on four Vermont farm locations in the towns of Alburgh, North Hero, Glover, and Danby. Disease and insect samples were taken and identified with assistance from the UVM Plant Diagnostic Laboratory. The primary and secondary fungal and bacterial diseases documented on dry beans in Vermont are listed in Table 1.
Organic Hop Variety Trial: Results From Year Five, Heather Darby, Julian Post Post, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Scott Lewins, Sara Ziegler
Organic Hop Variety Trial: Results From Year Five, Heather Darby, Julian Post Post, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Scott Lewins, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Hops production continues to increase throughout the the Northeast. While hops were historically grown in the Northeast, they have not been commercially produced in this region for over a hundred years. With the lack of regional production knowledge, a great need has been identified for region-specific, science-based research on this reemerging crop. The vast majority of hops production in the United States occurs in the arid Pacific Northwest on a very large scale. In the Northeast, the average hop yard is well under 10 acres and the humid climate provides challenges not addressed by the existing hops research. Knowledge is …
Long Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Long Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team evaluated yield and quality of 54 long season corn silage varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. Long season corn can be difficult to grow in Vermont due to limited Growing Degree Days (GDDs) accumulated throughout the growing season. In addition, wet springs and falls are becoming more common, delaying corn planting and complicating harvest timing. However if planted early, long season corn can produce high yield and quality by maximizing the entire growing season. While the information presented can begin to describe the yield and quality …
Organic Heirloom Spring Wheat Seeding Rate Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Organic Heirloom Spring Wheat Seeding Rate Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
University of Vermont Extension began its heirloom spring wheat project in 2007 to determine whether heirloom varieties developed before 1950 could thrive in Vermont’s climate. Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat as they feel it has better flavor, while many farmers are also interested in heirloom wheat varieties as they may have superior genetics that are better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. Several producers have asked questions about the best agronomic practices for cultivating heirloom wheat. It is unclear if heirloom wheat will require lower seeding rates as compared to modern day varieties. Seeding rates …
Spring Barley Seeding Rate And Interseeding Trial, Heather Darby, Julija Cubins, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Spring Barley Seeding Rate And Interseeding Trial, Heather Darby, Julija Cubins, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
With the revival of the small grains industry in the Northeast and the strength of the localvore movement, craft breweries and distilleries have expressed an interest in sourcing local barley for malting. Malting barley must meet specific quality characteristics such as low protein content and high germination. Many farmers are also interested in barley as a concentrated, high-energy feed source for livestock. Depending on the variety, barley can be planted in either the spring or fall, and both two- and six-row barley can be used for malting and livestock feed.
Cover Crop Mix In Corn Silage Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Cover Crop Mix In Corn Silage Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
While growing corn silage, it is important to plan for soil health management during the season. Cover cropping is one way to prevent soil erosion, maintain and/or improve soil nutrients, improve soil aggregation, prevent nutrient loss from runoff, and increase water retention. Such soil improvements can promote conditions that add resiliency to a crop, especially in light of extreme weather patterns that may affect yields. It can be challenging to grow cover crop into corn silage without having proper interseeding equipment, or correct timing, so that the cover crop will be able to survive. In this trial, our goals were …
Heirloom Dry Bean Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Heirloom Dry Bean Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Dry beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), a high-protein pulse crop, have been grown in the Northeast since the 1800’s. As the local food movement continues to diversify and expand, consumers are asking stores to carry more and more locally-produced foods, and dry beans are no exception. Currently, the demand for heirloom dry beans has far exceeded the supply. In an effort to support and expend the local bean market throughout the northeast, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils (NWCS) Program, as part of a USDA NE-SARE Partnership Grant (PG15-045), established trials in 2015 to evaluated heirloom dry bean varieties …
Corn Cropping Systems To Improve Economic And Environmental Health, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Corn Cropping Systems To Improve Economic And Environmental Health, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, UVM Extension’s Northwest Crops & Soils Program continued a multi-year trial at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT to assess the impact of corn cropping systems on overall health and productivity of the crop and soil. Yields are important, and they affect the bottom line immediately and obviously. Management choices involving crop rotation, tillage, nutrient management, and cover crops also make differences in the long term. Growing corn with practices that enhance soil quality and crop yields improves farm resiliency to both economics and the environment. This project evaluated yield and soil health effects of five different corn …
European Hybrid Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
European Hybrid Corn Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted a grain corn variety trial in 2015 to provide unbiased performance comparisons of rapidly maturing European hybrid grain corn varieties developed in Eastern Europe for regions with short growing seasons similar to Vermont’s climate. It is important to remember that the data presented are from a replicated research trial from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. These varieties are being trialed to evaluate their suitability to the Vermont climate.
Vermont Organic Silage Corn Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Vermont Organic Silage Corn Performance Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
The University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted an organic silage corn variety trial in 2015 to provide unbiased performance comparisons of commercially available organic silage corn varieties. It is important to remember that the data presented are from a replicated research trial from only one location in Vermont and represent only one season. Crop performance data from additional tests in different locations and over several years should be compared before making varietal selections.
Reduced Tillage Corn Trial, Heather Darby, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Hillary Emick, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Reduced Tillage Corn Trial, Heather Darby, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Hillary Emick, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Minimum tillage practices have significant potential to reduce expenses and the potential negative environmental effects caused by intensive tillage operations. Conventional tillage practices require heavy machinery to work and groom the soil surface in preparation for the planter. The immediate advantage of reduced tillage for the farm operator is less fuel expense, equipment, time, and labor required. It’s also clear that intensive tillage potentially increases nutrient and soil losses to our surface waterways. By turning the soil and burying surface residue, more soil particles are likely to detach from the soil surface and increase the potential for run off from …
Manure Incorporation And Reduced Tillage Corn Trial, Heather Darby, Julija Cubins, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Manure Incorporation And Reduced Tillage Corn Trial, Heather Darby, Julija Cubins, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Timely manure incorporation can reduce nutrient losses to the atmosphere and surface runoff. Keeping valuable nutrients, like nitrogen, in the soil can help reduce the purchase of expensive commercial fertilizers. Reduced tillage corn is becoming more common as growers recognize the benefits to soil health and water quality. There are many options to implement reduced tillage including no-tillage, striptillage, and vertical-tillage, as well as a plethora of strategies and technologies to implement these techniques. No-tillage planting uses metal coulters to cut a slot for the seed, rather than tilling the soil. Strip-tillage opens a strip 8-10” in both directions from …
Cool Season Annual Forage Mixtures Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Cool Season Annual Forage Mixtures Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated yield and quality of five cool season annual forage species and five mixtures at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. In the Northeast, cool season perennial grasses dominate the pastures and hay meadows farmers rely on throughout the season. In the fall, perennial pasture declines in yield and quality. The addition of cool season annual forages into the grazing system during this time, can help improve the quality and quantity of forage and potentially extend the grazing season. Recently, there has been a growing interest in utilizing …
Perennial Forage Trial Dr. Heather, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Perennial Forage Trial Dr. Heather, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program initiated a trial investigating forage yield, quality, and nitrogen use efficiency of cool season perennial grasses alone and in combination with red clover. The grass species selected were orchardgrass, timothy, brome, and meadow fescue. These grasses were chosen as they have been shown in previous research to have adequate survivability and forage production in this region compared to other species such as perennial ryegrass or festulolium. The goal of this trial is to evaluate these species not only for forage yield and quality, but also nitrogen use efficiency …
Short Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Short Season Corn Silage Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team evaluated yield and quality of short season corn silage varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. While short season corn is an obvious choice in areas that accumulate fewer Growing Degree Days (GDDs), it also has a place in longer season areas. Growing a shorter season variety can allow for more time in the fall to adequately prepare the soil for winter by applying manure and planting cover crops, thereby minimizing nutrient and soil losses. In addition to these benefits, past UVM Extension variety trials have shown …
Forage Brassica Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Forage Brassica Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Forage brassicas can provide a near-concentrate type diet late in the grazing season. This allows for an extra grazing opportunity after summer annuals are harvested or to supplement perennial cool season pasture during the fall months. These crops can provide a high-quality feed in a short period of time, fitting well into rotations of other crops, extending the grazing season, and reducing reliance on expensive commercial feed inputs. In 2015, the University of Vermont’s Northwest Crops & Soils Program conducted a forage brassica variety trial to evaluate yield and quality of this annual crop.
Cereal Rye Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Julija Cubins, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Cereal Rye Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Julija Cubins, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
The interest in growing cereal rye for grain to be sold as cover crop seed, or to other value-added markets (distillers and bakers), has increased considerably. As a result, farmers and end-users are requesting yield and quality information on cereal rye varieties. In 2015, University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils (NWCS) Program conducted a variety trial to evaluate yield and quality of cereal rye. The varieties were Huron, Spooner, and one variety that was not specified (VNS).
Summer Annual Forage Mixtures Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Summer Annual Forage Mixtures Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated yield and quality of six summer annual forage species and five mixtures at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. In the Northeast, cool season grasses dominate the pastures and hay meadows farmers rely on throughout the season. With the onset of hot summer weather, these grasses enter dormancy and slow in production leading to what is generally referred to as the “summer slump.” Given this decline in productivity, organic producers still must provide animals with 30% of their dry matter intake (DMI) from pasture over at least …
Small Grain Disease And Insect Pest Scouting Report, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood
Small Grain Disease And Insect Pest Scouting Report, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
A survey of small grain diseases and insect pests were conducted in Vermont and Massachusetts during the 2015 growing season. Pests were scouted at six Vermont farm locations in the towns of Alburgh, Berlin, Bridport, North Troy, Shelburne, and Shoreham, as well as in Northfield, Massachusetts.
The Efficacy Of Spraying Fungicides To Control Fusarium Head Blight Infection In Spring Malting Barley, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler
The Efficacy Of Spraying Fungicides To Control Fusarium Head Blight Infection In Spring Malting Barley, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Public interest in sourcing local foods has extended into beverages, and the current demand for local brewing and distilling ingredients is quickly increasing. One new market that has generated interest of both farmers and end-users is malted barley. This only stands to reason since the Northeast alone is home to over 175 microbreweries and 35 craft distillers. Until recently, local malt was not readily available to brewers or distillers. However, a rapid expansion of the fledgling malting industry will hopefully give farmers new markets and end-users hope of readily available malt. To date, the operating maltsters struggle to source enough …
Organic Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Organic Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
University of Vermont Extension began its heirloom spring wheat trials in 2007 to determine whether heirloom varieties developed before 1950 could thrive in Vermont’s climate. Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat for flavor, perceived health benefits or its history, while many farmers are interested in heirloom wheat because it may have superior genetics better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. Production of heirloom wheat may also provide a farmer with a value added market with increased returns. This variety trial was established to determine heirloom spring wheat varieties that are suitable for production in Vermont’s growing …
Summer Annual Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Summer Annual Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Warm season grasses, such as sorghum x sudangrass crosses, sudangrass, millet, and teff, can provide quality forage in the hot summer months, when cool season grasses that make up most pastures and hay meadows in the Northeast are not as productive. The addition of summer annuals into a rotation can provide a harvest of high-quality forage for stored feed or grazing. Generally, summer annuals germinate quickly, grow rapidly, are drought resistant, and have high productivity and flexibility in utilization. The UVM Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted this variety trial to evaluate the yield and quality of warm season …
Organic Heirloom Winter Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Organic Heirloom Winter Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Many consumers are interested in heirloom wheat for flavor, perceived health benefits, or its history, while many farmers are interested in heirloom wheat because it may have superior genetics better adapted to the challenging growing conditions in the Northeast. Production of heirloom wheat may also provide a farmer with a value added market with increased returns. This variety trial was established to determine heirloom winter wheat varieties that are suitable for production in Vermont’s growing conditions. This was the fourth year that this trial was conducted in Vermont. These projects were funded through the UNFI Foundation that has set a …
Organic Spring Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby
Organic Spring Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
With the revival of the small grains industry in the Northeast and the strength of the locavore movement, craft breweries and distilleries have expressed an interest in sourcing local barley for malting. Malting barley must meet specific quality characteristics such as low protein content and high germination. Depending on the variety, barley can be planted in either the spring or fall, and both two- and six-row barley can be used for malting. In 2015, UVM Extension in collaboration with the Uniform Eastern Spring Malting Barley Nursery (UESMBN), conducted a spring malting barley trial to evaluate yield and quality of 20 …
Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Susan Monahan, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
In 2015, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated twelve hard red spring wheat to determine which varieties thrive in organic production systems. The trial was established at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont. Several varieties that did not perform well in previous trial years were eliminated from the 2015 variety trial. Newly released varieties were also sought for evaluation.
Sunflower Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Sunflower Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Sunflowers are being grown in the Northeast for their potential to add value to a diversified operation as fuel, feed, fertilizer, and an important rotational crop. However, pest pressures from seed-boring insects, disease, and birds can limit yield and quality, making the crop less viable for existing and potential growers. Addressing some of these pest pressures with agronomic management strategies may help mitigate yield losses. One cultural pest control strategy is manipulation of planting date. To evaluate the impacts of altered planting dates on sunflower pests, an on-farm trial was designed and implemented by the University of Vermont Extension’s Northwest …
Sunflower Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Sunflower Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Lily Calderwood, Julija Cubins, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Julian Post
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Although sunflowers are a relatively new crop in the Northeast they have potential to add value to diversified operations providing fuel, feed, fertilizer, and an important rotational crop. Some sunflower varieties have also been gaining popularity for their potential to produce high quality edible oil. The major sunflower production region of the U.S. is the northern Great Plains, so most of the available production and agronomic management guidelines are from this region. Identifying varieties and management practices of sunflower that are suited to the local climate is essential to viable crop production and expansion of the sunflower acreage in the …
Flax Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Flax Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lily Calderwood, Erica Cummings, Julian Post, Sara Ziegler
Northwest Crops & Soils Program
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is a multi-purpose crop grown for its fiber, oil (linseed oil), and meal. The importance of flax as a major crop in the United States dropped drastically in the 1980’s when latex paints replaced linseed oil based paint. Recently there has been renewed interest in flax, both for human consumption and for animal feed, for its high levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This variety trial was established to determine what flax varieties can grow and thrive in Vermont’s climatic conditions.