Recent flooding events in NYS may contribute to increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases if wet conditions persist without killing frosts. In particular, West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) disease has already been detected in horses, dogs and some wildlife in NYS. Increased mosquito activity may increase the risks in areas already struggling with flood recovery.

Download the September 1 issue of Checking the Back Forty plus some post-hurricane information.

This letter from Commissioner Martens to Commissioner Aubertine outlines the suspension of discharges from 8/27 through 9/4 due to the excessive rainfall caused by hurricane Irene. The letter also addresses questions about disposal of bulk tank milk that cannot be picked up or becomes unrefrigerated due to power outages.

This message is for farmers and others of the ag sector who have experienced impacts from Hurricane Irene that will require filing insurance claims and related tax issues.

What to do if you have crop damage from Hurricane Irene.

Dear growers, farm market managers and vendors,

Even though hurricane Irene has passed, the havoc that she created remains.  Our hearts go out to those that lost crops and property.  Unfortunately we have more bad news for those that are victims of flooding.  According to the Food and Drug Administration, foods exposed to flood waters are considered “adulterated” and should not enter the human food supply.   In addition, crops and other food commodities exposed to flood waters would not be acceptable for use in animal feed.  Food safety is now our major concern. 

What does this mean?  It means that any of your crops in which the edible portion  was covered with flood water cannot be sold for human consumption, especially those fields that were flooded with river or stream water since there is no way to assess the microbial and chemical contaminants that may be present.  We are telling you this for your own protection.  No one wants to be responsible for causing a food borne illness.  A food borne illness event could result in further loss of life, the shutting down of farmers markets and possibly the loss of your property and other assets.  

Cornell Cooperative Extension's Capital Area Ag/Hort Program Team has issued a special emergency edition newsletter. See attachment.

Major topics include CAFO, the U.S.  Army Corps of Engineers, and Dealing with Flooded Vegetable Fields.

Farmers are reminded that prior to cleaning up or destroying crops in flooded fields, check with your crop insurance and/or your local Farm Services Agency (FSA) representatives regarding exact documentation to certify losses, procedures for initiating claims, possible financial assistance.

Cornell University Cooperative Extension will present a two-part succession planning workshop Sept. 17 and Oct. 22 in Rensselaer County.

Few challenges faced by family forestland owners, farmers, ranchers, and other land-based family businesses are more important than the issue of passing the land and its responsibilities on to the next generation. Many small landowners want to preserve their family lands but don’t know how to involve family members in ownership and operation of their land.

Ties to the Land: Planning for the Future of Your Woodlands will be facilitated by Dr. Shorna Broussard Allred of Cornell University Cooperative Extension and will provide effective tools families can use to decide the future of their land. 

With presentations by two leading experts, practical exercises, and expert panel discussions, the workshop will coach families to develop techniques and communications skills they need to address the tough issues.

 Multiple family members and generations are encouraged to attend. Each family will receive a copy of the Ties to the Land workbook & companion DVD.

The workshop is $40 per person ($10 per each additional family member). Participants must attend both of the sessions. 

This time of year, the CCEFM Master Gardeners say to watch your tomatoes for the tomato hornworm. “Hand picking the hornworms on infested plants in the garden gives good control, and is especially useful in small gardens,” a Cornell University Insect Diagontic Laboratory fact sheet says. If hornworm are too numerous, insecticides such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) can be used.

Master Gardeners also advise to keep tomato moisture constant.

With rainfall somewhat reduced and the tomato crop coming in, prevent blossom end rot by keeping the moisture fairly constant. Use a thick layer of mulch and water the plants deeply once a week. Blossom end rot is caused by a calcium deficiency which in turn is caused by uneven watering.

Also, give tomatoes an extra dose of nitrogen in August to strengthen the plants leafy structure and to help ward off early blight.

For more garden tips on read the CCEFM Master Gardner fact sheet August Garden Tips.

The Cornell University Recycling Agricultural Plastics Project currently has it BigFoot baler is currently on display at the Saratoga County Fair. It will be at the Washington County Fair August 22-28 and staffed during weekday afternoons.