Central New York Dairy & Livestock Team

Cornell Cooperative Extension

Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery,
Otsego & Schoharie Counties

The Agriculture…Agriculture is an important industry in Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Otsego and Schoharie Counties.  The dairy and field crop industry represents over seventy percent of the agricultural product sold.  Because the land resources in the region are naturally suited for dairy and field crop production the potential for increased agricultural production exists.

The Team Mission… The Central New York Dairy and Field Crops Team was formed to work with this important industry. The mission of this Extension team is to provide high quality educational programs that address the needs of dairy and field crop producers in Chenango, Fulton, Herkimer, Montgomery, Otsego and Schoharie Counties. The team consists of a Dairy Specialist and a Field Crop Specialist, working the six-county region.

The Education…Educational activities provided by the team to the agricultural community emphasize not only technical subject matter but also resource management and problem solving. Teaching techniques emphasize small groups that allow for interaction among participants and instructors. The participants learn how to solve their own problems through the experiences of others. Training sessions are made as “hands on” as possible with the use of classroom activities, field demonstrations and farm tours. At every stage of the educational process achieving profitability while meeting personal and business goals is stressed.

• Introduce the principles of Precision Feed Management to provide cows the necessary nutrients to maintain profitability and environmental sustainability
• Help farm operators improve cow comfort and health and increase labor efficiency through remodeling or building new dairy facilities.
• Bring to dairy producers the latest information regarding dairy nutrition.
• Assist crop producers with species selection and developing profitable crop rotations while emphasizing the use of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques.
• Provide training on nutrient management so producers make the best use of plant nutrients while protecting the environment.
• Five Extension associations covering six counties participate as partners in the Central New York Dairy & Field Crops Team.

Chenango County
CCE in Chenango County
99 North Broad St
Norwich, NY 13815
607-334-5841

Fulton and Montgomery Counties
CCE in Fulton and Montgomery Counties
55 E Main St # 210
Johnstown, NY 12095
518-762-3909 or 866-762-3909

Herkimer County
CCE in Herkimer County
5657 State Rte 5
Herkimer, NY 13350
315-866-7920

Otsego County
CCE in Otsego County
123 Lake St
Cooperstown, NY 13326
607-547-2536

Schoharie County
CCE in Schoharie County
173 South Grand St
Cobleskill, NY 12043
518-234-4303

Kevin Ganoe

Kevin Ganoe is the field crop specialist and team leader. He received his BS in Plant Science from Penn State University and a Master's of Science in Agronomy also from Penn State. Kevin was previously the field crops agent for Erie and Crawford counties in Pennsylvania for thirteen years. He also worked as a research aid to the corn specialist at Penn State.

Kevin can be reached at: 315-866-7920 x 230 or khg2@cornell.edu

David Balbian

Dave Balbian is the dairy management specialist on the team. He received his Bachelors Degree in Agriculture Education from Cornell University and his Masters from the College of Saint Rose. Prior to his appointment, Balbian was a Territory Manager for Nutrena Feeds out of the Port of Albany Mill covering six counties. He has previous extension experience working for Cooperative Extension in Saratoga and Rensselaer counties as the dairy agent.

David can be reached at: 518-312-3592 or drb23@cornell.edu