Agriculture Commons^™

Organic Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Haley Jean, Erica Cummings, Hillary Emick

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated twenty-two hard red spring wheat varieties to determine which would thrive in organic production systems in the Northeast. The trial was stablished at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont. Varieties that did not perform well in previous years were eliminated from the 2017 trial and new varieties were added.

Winter Barley Seeding Rate, Cover Crop And Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl, 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. Winter barley has not been traditionally grown in the Northeast …

Soybean Cover Crop Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program investigated the impact of various cover crop mixtures on a subsequent soybean crop’s yield and quality at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. Soybeans are grown for human consumption, animal feed, and biodiesel and can be a useful rotational crop in corn silage and grass production systems. As cover cropping expands throughout Vermont, it is important to understand the potential benefits, consequences, and risks associated with growing cover crops in various cropping systems. In an effort to support the local soybean market and to gain a better understanding …

Sunflower Planting Date X Variety Trial Dr. Heather, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Nate Brigham, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl

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 pest control strategy that has been shown to avoid pests is through manipulation of planting date. To evaluate the impacts of altered planting dates on sunflower pests and yields across varieties, an on-farm trial …

Industrial Hemp Fiber Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl, Erica Cummings, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and reemerging in worldwide importance as manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The fiber has high tensile strength and can be used to create a variety of goods. Hemp consists of two types of fiber: bast and hurd. The bast fiber are the long fibers found in the bark of hemp stalks and are best suited for plastic bio-composites for vehicles, textiles, rope, insulation, and paper. The hurd fiber …

Organic Winter Malting Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Hillary Emick

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

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 the fall 2016, UVM Extension, in collaboration with the Winter Malting Barley Trial (WMBT) testing network, conducted a winter malting barley trial to evaluate yield and quality of …

Organic Soybean Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Amanda Gervais, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team evaluated yield and quality of short season soybean varieties at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. Due to the short growing season in Vermont, little research has been conducted on soybeans and the insects and diseases that can affect their harvest yield and quality. Soybeans are grown for human consumption, animal feed, and biodiesel. In an effort to support and expand the local soybean market throughout the northeast, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crop and Soils (NWCS) Program, as part of a grant from the Eastern Soybean …

Using Winter Rye As Forage In Corn Silage Systems, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Nate Brigham, Julija Cubins, Abha Gupta

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Producing sufficient high quality forage throughout the year is becoming difficult given current economic and environmental pressures. Farmers are looking for strategies to improve yield and quality of their own forage to reduce the financial burden of purchasing feed off-farm. In addition, with increasing focus on managing farm nutrient balances for environmental reasons, farmers are also looking to decrease the importation of additional nutrients from feed onto their farms. One strategy for accomplishing this is utilizing winter grains, such as winter rye, as forage crops. These crops could be grazed or harvested in the fall to extend the grazing season, …

Heirloom Winter Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated 20 heirloom winter wheat varieties to determine which varieties thrive in organic production systems in northern Vermont. 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 was the sixth year that this trial was conducted in Vermont.

Oat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Haley Jean, Erica Cummings, Hillary Emick

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Oats (Avena sativa L.) have a long history of production in the Northeast. Although most oats are planted for a cover crop or forage, grain oats are a potential revenue source for farmers. According to the 2007 census, about 200 acres of land in Vermont is cultivated for oat grain production, with an average yield of 1747 lbs ac-1. With the exception of hull-less varieties, oats need to be de-hulled before being used for human consumption and further processing is required to make oatmeal, steel cut oats, or oat flour. Since 2009, the University of Vermont Extension Program has conducted …

Organic Spring Barley Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings, Hillary Emick

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 2017, UVM Extension in collaboration with the Eastern Spring Malting Barley Nursery (ESBN) testing network conducted a spring malting barley trial to evaluate yield and quality of …

Barley Weed Control Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Demand for local, organic grains has been increasing in recent years as businesses such as flour mills, malt houses, and bakeries have grown and developed business models to include a higher proportion of local ingredients in their products. The organic grains industry requires the use of innovative strategies to control weeds and address disease issues to grow grains in the most efficient manner. In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program conducted the second year of a trial to evaluate the impact of row spacing and cultivation on weed pressure and barley yield and quality.

Organic Heirloom Spring Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl, 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 current 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 …

Organic Winter Wheat Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Hillary Emick, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program evaluated 21 winter wheat varieties to determine those that perform best in organic production systems in northern Vermont. The trial was established at the Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, Vermont.

Small Grain Disease And Insect Pest Scouting Report, Heather Darby, Ann Hazelrigg, Gabriella Maia, Erica Cummings

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

A survey of small grain diseases and insect pests were conducted in Vermont, New York and Massachusetts during the 2017 growing season. Pests were scouted on seven Vermont farm locations in the towns of Alburgh, Berlin, Bridport, North Ferrisburgh, North Troy, Shelburne, and Shoreham, as well as in Essex, New York and Northfield, Massachusetts. Winter and spring wheat (heirloom and commercially available), as well as spring barley and spelt, were scouted between spike emergence and flowering, and again at the soft dough growth stage. Disease and insect samples were taken and identified with assistance from the University of Vermont (UVM) …

The Efficacy Of Spraying Fungicides To Control Fusarium Head Blight Infection In Spring Malting Barley, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings

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 180 microbreweries and 37 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 …

New York And Vermont Corn Silage Hybrid Trials, Heather Darby, Joseph Lawrence, Allison Kerwin, Thomas Overton, Margaret Smith, Michael Van Amburgh, Michael Dineen, Sherrie Norman, Keith Payne, Dan Fisher

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

The New York corn silage hybrid trials expanded in 2017 with a total of 72 hybrids tested and the addition of three locations. Twenty-three hybrids were entered into the 80-95 day relative maturity group (Early-Mid) and were tested at two locations in NY (Hu-Lane Farm in Albion and the Willsboro Research Farm in Willsboro) and one location in VT (Borderview Farm in Alburgh). Forty-nine hybrids were entered into the 96-100 day relative maturity group (Mid-Late) and were tested at two locations in NY (Greenwood Farms in Madrid and the Musgrave Research Farm in Aurora) and one location in VT (Borderview …

The Efficacy Of Spraying Organic Fungicides To Control Fusarium Head Blight Infection In Spring Wheat, Heather Darby, Erica Cummings

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

There is a high demand for locally grown wheat for baking purposes throughout the Northeast. One major obstacle for growers is Fusarium head blight (FHB) infection of grain. This disease is currently the most important disease facing organic and conventional grain growers in the Northeast, resulting in loss of yield, shriveled grain, and most importantly, mycotoxin contamination. A vomitoxin called deoxynivalenol (DON) is considered the primary mycotoxin associated with FHB. Eating contaminated grain with DON concentrations greater than 1ppm poses a health risk to both humans and livestock. The FHB spores are usually transported by air currents and can infect …

Beneficial Exclusion Experiment, Heather Darby, John Bruce, Abha Gupta, Freddy Morin, Scott Lewins

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

There are over 400 acres of hops currently in production within the Northeast with many new growers coming onto the scene. While hop production in the Northeast continues to rebound, many farmers are looking for additional information and clarity on how pests can impact their crop production. Compared to the Pacific Northwest and other hop growing regions around the world, we do not currently have a clear understanding of the role and impact that beneficial insects have within our hop yards. It is particularly important to quantify the benefit that natural enemies provide in order to help determine economic and …

Hop Germplasm Study, Heather Darby, John Bruce, Abha Gupta, Scott Lewins, Freddy Morin

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Until now, commercial hop (Humulus lupulus L.) production has not occurred in the northeast (NE) region of the United States for 150 years. Vermont production peaked in 1860 when the state produced 289,690 kg of dried hops (Kennedy 1860). A combination of the spread of hop downy mildew, the expansion of production in western states, and prohibition laws from the 1920’s contributed to the decline of the 19th century NE hop industry. Today, the Pacific Northwest states of Washington, Oregon, and Idaho remain the dominant hop production sites of the U.S. However, hop production in non-traditional regions is growing and …

Hop Harvest Timing, Heather Darby, John Bruce, Scott Lewins

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In the Northeast, hop harvest generally begins in mid-August and continues through mid-September. Harvest date is primarily dependent on the hop variety but weather can delay or hasten maturation and impact when harvest will occur. In addition to weather, various pests, such as spider mites and downy mildew, can similarly impact harvest timing. The time at which you harvest hops can affect the various qualities of your finished product. Alpha and beta acid content peaks before many essential oils have fully developed. Delaying harvest can provide time for these oils to develop but increases the amount of time the hops …

Industrial Grain Hemp Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Erica Cummings, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and reemerging in worldwide importance as manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The crop produces a valuable oilseed, rich in Omega-3 and other essential fatty acids that are often absent in western diets. When the oil is extracted from the seed, what remains is a marketable meal co-product, which is used for human and animal consumption. The fiber has high tensile strength and can be used to create cloth, …

Industrial Cannabidiol Hemp Report, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Erica Cummings, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and re-emerging worldwide importance as medical providers and manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. Hemp grown for all types of end-use (health supplement, fiber, and seed) contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Hemp varieties intended to produce a health supplement contain relatively high concentrations of a compound called cannabidiol (CBD), potentially 8-10%. CBD has purported benefits such as relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures, spasms, and other conditions. The …

Industrial Grain Hemp Planting Date Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Erica Cummings, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and reemerging in worldwide importance as manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The crop produces a valuable oilseed, rich in Omega-3 and other essential fatty acids that are often absent in western diets. When the oil is extracted from the seed, what remains is a marketable meal co-product, which is used for human and animal consumption. The fiber has high tensile strength and can be used to create cloth, …

Conventional Soybean Performance Trials Summary, Heather Darby

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Conventional short maturity (000 – 2.0) soybean varieties in Alburgh, VT

Planting Date: 6/1/2017

Harvest Date: 10/20/2017

Industrial Hemp Fiber Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Abha Gupta, Erica Cummings, Lindsey Ruhl, Sara Ziegler

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of cannabis sativa L. The crop is one of historical importance in the U.S. and reemerging in worldwide importance as manufacturers seek hemp as a renewable and sustainable resource for a wide variety of consumer and industrial products. The fiber has high tensile strength and can be used to create a variety of goods. Hemp fiber consists of two types: bast and hurd. The bast fiber are the long fibers found in the bark of hemp stalks and are best suited for plastic bio-composites for vehicles, textiles, rope, insulation, and paper. The hurd fiber are …

Soybean Planting Date X Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Erica Cummings, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

In 2017, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Team investigated the impact of planting date and variety on soybean yield and quality at Borderview Research Farm in Alburgh, VT. Due to the short growing season in Vermont, little research has been conducted on soybeans and the insects and diseases that can affect their harvest yield and quality. Soybeans are grown for human consumption, animal feed, and biodiesel. In an effort to support and expand the local soybean market throughout the northeast, the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crop and Soils (NWCS) Program, as part of a grant …

Organic Soybean Performance Trials Summary, Heather Darby

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Conventional short maturity (0.00 – 2.0) soybean varieties in Alburgh, VT

Planting Date: 5/31/2017

Harvest Date: 10/28/2017

Winter Canola Variety Trial, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler, Hillary Emick, Amanda Gervais, Abha Gupta

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Winter canola is a relatively new crop to the Northeast. The majority of the canola grown in North America is grown in the Midwestern U.S. and Canada for both culinary oil as well as biodiesel production. Winter canola is planted in the late summer where it grows through the fall before entering a period of dormancy for the winter. The following spring the plants resume growth and seed is harvested during the summer months. Winter canola could potentially be a useful crop to growers in the Northeast for diversifying rotations, farm products and markets, and producing fuel on farm. However, …

Milkweed Production Trials, Heather Darby, Sara Ziegler,, Amanda Gervais, Abha Gupta, Lindsey Ruhl

Northwest Crops & Soils Program

Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) is a plant native to North America and has recently become the focus of conservation programs as milkweed is the sole food source for the Monarch butterfly larvae. Milkweed has long been a foe of agricultural operations and as a result, populations have been on the decline throughout the United States. To increase the abundance and scale of conservation plantings of milkweed, the Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) has developed an incentive program to compensate landowners for establishing perennial monarch habitat including planting milkweed. Landowners in northern Vermont have a unique opportunity to expand milkweed acreage …