Charley Martinez, an assistant professor from the University of Tennessee, will be previewing what 2025 has in store for beef producers at the upcoming Lancaster County Cattle Feeders Day.

It takes place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Jan. 28 at the Lancaster Farm and Home Center. The cost is $20.

Brandon Reeves, executive director of the Cattlemen’s Insurance Agency, will talk about risk management considerations beef producers should consider in the new year. Also, Colin Woodall, CEO of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, will talk about the election’s potential impact on the beef industry. 

Other speakers include Tara Felix, Penn State beef specialist, and Dr. Lowell Midla of Merck Animal Health, who will be talking about biosecurity. Speaking of biosecurity, guests are asked to wear clothing and boots that haven't been in the barn.

Register online at extension.psu.edu or call 1-877-345-0691. Participants may also walk in and pay by check or cash the day of the workshop.

The registration deadline is Jan. 27. More information is available at extension.psu.edu.

Ag forum set for Jan. 9

The 193rd Annual Meeting and Agricultural Forum, hosted by the New York State Agricultural Society, will be held Jan. 9 at the OnCenter in Syracuse.

The forum is an opportunity for farmers and other key partners to examine how emerging trends and technological advancements are helping shape the future of agriculture. Ag Commissioner Richard Ball will deliver the “2025 State of Agriculture Address” and provide an update on New York state’s ongoing efforts to support farmers and agricultural businesses.

The forum includes a full day of panels and guest speakers. The theme is “Trends, Tech and Teachable Moments.”

Eric Schilling and Dennis Buckmaster will kick off the morning keynote sessions. Schilling focuses on new innovations in the sustainability marketplace as director of the U.S. dairy business unit for Elanco. Buckmaster, a professor of agricultural and biological engineering and Dean’s Fellow for Digital Agriculture at Purdue University, coordinates and supports work to collect data for improved agriculture and food systems.

Todd Lighthall, executive director of the New York State FFA Leadership Foundation, will lead a celebration of the 100th anniversary of New York FFA.

In the afternoon, Yu Jiang will talk about how Cornell AgriTech is harnessing significant advancements in artificial intelligence and robotic systems to better understand disease resistance, in-season disease and weed management, harvesting, and postharvest quality assessment.

Jiang is an assistant professor of systems engineering and data analytics for specialty crops in the School of Integrative Plant Science at Cornell University. He leads the Cyber-Agricultural Intelligence and Robotics lab.

The afternoon session panel, moderated by Buckmaster, will highlight “The Delicate Dance of Using Technology Intelligently.” He will be joined by Heidi Lott of Lott Farms LLC; Brett Chedzoy, regional forester with Schuyler County Cornell Cooperative Extension and forest manager for Cornell’s Arnot Teaching and Research Forest; and Kristen DeMarree of Donald DeMarree Fruit Farm.

Those who register before Dec 20 will save $25. To register or learn more about the event, visit nysagsociety.org.

Corn improvement conference set for Feb. 6-7

If you’re interested in exploring the latest in corn research, best practices and trends shaping the 2025 growing season, mark your calendars for Feb. 6-7.

Penn State Extension’s 76th annual Corn Improvement Conference will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Penn State Technology Support Building, Room 22C, 300 Science Park Road in State College. 

This event is for crop consultants, farmers, students, and academic and Extension professionals. 

It will cover the latest research on best management practices for corn grain and silage production; an overview of the successes and challenges of the 2024 growing season, and what it means for the future; and upcoming trends and innovations shaping 2025. 

Space is limited. Registration by Jan. 24 is required. 

The registration fee is $70.   

More information about the conference is available on the Penn State Extension website at extension.psu.edu.