In New York State, more than 60% of the over seven million acres of available farmland is used for crop production. Thirty five percent of the agricultural product sales in the state are crops. New York ranks second in the nation for corn silage production, and the top field crops are hay, haylage, shelled corn and soybeans. Small grains such as buckwheat and oats and speciality crops like sunflowers are also grown in the state.
Weather and pest-related damage to crops pose a real threat to production and the financial stability of farmers. Extension agricultural educators and Cornell faculty work together to provide farm owners with information on topics such as crop nutritional needs to maintain soil fertility, weed control with minimal use of herbicides and the sound use of environmental management practices.