American Agriculturist’s poll of more than 300 farmers at New York Farm Show affirmed USDA’s March planting intentions report for the Northeast states: Some 66% of Northeast farmers randomly sampled from the poll indicated they were not cutting back on 2016 corn acreage, compared to 2015. Virtually none planned to reduce corn nitrogen or plant populations.

One reason for the poll result was that 76% of those farmers taking the poll raised beef, dairy cattle or poultry. And that’s why Northeast states with the strongest livestock industries posted the largest increases in prospective corn plantings – despite glum corn price prospects.

Conservation BMPs on the rise

KEEPING IT COVERED: No-till teamed with cover crops is one of the best ways to control weeds, cut runoff erosion and build soil health.

Perhaps the bigger story is that 66% of those polled say their neighbors are increasing use of best environmental management practices. This is in response to federal and state pressure to clean up the Chesapeake Bay and Lake Champlain watersheds.

They cited increased use of no-till, methane digesters and precision manure management. Another 26% were uncertain; only 8% responded “no”.

Some 64% indicated they would be using cover crops this year. Species cited include: alfalfa after wheat, oats, rye, triticale and wheat. Another 12% were undecided. Only 24% indicated they wouldn’t be using cover crops.

Of those affirming their use of cover crops, 66% indicated they would plant about the same acreage as in 2015. But 34% plan to increase cover crop acreage this year.

Do your part, Pa. farmers!

If you farm or own land in Pennsylvania, you still have time to report what you’re doing to enhance water quality. Complete the best management practices survey being conducted by Penn State University’s College of Ag Sciences to verify progress being made by farmers in cleaning up the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

If you haven’t already done it, Pennsylvania Ag Secretary Russell Redding urges you to not out it off. The survey is available through April 30 and can be accessed at survey.psu.edu/farmbmp. All names and location information about your farm operation will be kept completely confidential. You have nothing to lose and all to gain.

For more on the additive advantages of no-till plus cover crops, click on

Cover crops pay back 7 ways in no-till’s stealth mode and Why no-till isn’t enough to build healthy soils