Regional study focuses on markets for small grains, soybeans and pre-cut straw

The Northern New York Agricultural Development Program, in collaboration with Cornell University, is funding research on markets for small grains, food-grade soybeans and straw production.

"High grain prices in recent years have generated a surge of grower interest in producing small grains, particularly wheat, for local and regional buyers," said Michael H. Davis, who manages the Cornell University E.V. Baker Agricultural Research Farm in Willsboro and field trials at the W.H. Miner Institute in Chazy.

Northern New York processors involved in the project include Champlain Valley Milling in Westport (Essex County) and North Country Farms LLC in Pamelia.

Mr. Davis manages small grain variety trials of spring and winter wheat, triticale, spring barley and oats at the research farm in Willsboro.

"Our current trials are evaluating the performance of established varieties from area seed companies, such as JGL Seeds, Seedway and Program, as well as advanced lines and recently released varieties bred by Dr. Mark Sorrells at Cornell University," Mr. Davis said.

Data collected for each variety includes heading date, plant height, lodging (bending to the ground) score, yield, percent moisture, and bushel weight.

The research trials also include an evaluation of pre-cut straw production.

"The premium prices paid for clean straw in the Northeast have led to increasing interest in growing small grains solely for the straw," Mr. Davis said. "Pre-cut straw production could prove to be a profitable crop option for Northern New York farmers."

Pre-cut straw is straw harvested after the crop has headed, but before the grains have filled. Properly harvested pre-cut straw that has been bleached to a yellow or off-white color before baling is generally longer, cleaner and brighter than wheat straw baled after combining, and, Davis says, as a result commands a higher price.

"The relatively tall winter triticale and rye varieties are particularly promising as they have high straw yields and fewer lodging problems when harvested before grain filling," Mr. Davis said.

He said farmers have also shown significant interest in growing spring grains, such as oats and barley, as pre-cut straw crops.

Organic production of food-grade soybeans is also a focus of research trials at the E.V. Baker Agricultural Research Farm.

"We are growing food-grade soybean varieties selected in consultation with regional soybean processors and marketers and obtained from seed companies in the U.S. and Canada. The trial plots are on the farm's certified organic acreage," Mr. Davis said.

"Our objective is to identify varieties that perform well in organic cropping systems and meet the quality demands of the marketplace. Potential markets include regional grain dealers in New York, Vermont and Canada, in addition to a food-grade soybean processor in Vermont."