Save the Date for the First Annual NYS Farm to School Summit!

By Katie Sheehan-Lopez, MPH, Regional Farm to School Coordinator, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Harvest NY

The Inaugural NY Farm to School Summit will take place in Syracuse, NY on November 21st and 22nd, 2024 with optional pre-summit field trips on November 20. The Summit will have sessions for all farm to school stakeholders including farmers and producers, food service directors, educators, school administrators, and more! The sessions will be wide-ranging and suitable for stakeholders just starting out in their Farm to School journeys, or those who have been working in the field for many years.  

Trade Floor 

To foster NY business-to-business relationships, Thursday, November 21 will feature a large trade show exclusively featuring: 

• Producers of NY products, where schools and other institutions can sample products. 

• Support service organizations designed to support Farm to School program development.  

If you are interested in joining us on the trade show floor as vendor, check below for pricing tiers and stay tuned for information on registration.  In the meantime, if you have questions about the trade show, please contact me directly at kms369@cornell.edu or 845-340-3990 x334. 

Call for Workshop Proposals 

We are also seeking proposals for high-quality educational workshops that allow for information sharing and peer-to-peer learning opportunities for all Farm to School stakeholders including farmers and producers, food service directors, educators, school administrators, and more. Workshops should be tangible, practical, and give attendees a call to action. They should also align with the summit theme: It Takes a Village: Cultivating Community in Farm to School. Please feel free to submit multiple proposals.  If you have a great program you would like to share, find more information here.  Proposals are due May 1.   

Sponsorship 

Sponsorship opportunities will also be available.  More information will be coming soon. 

This Summit is made possible thanks to USDA Federal Formula Funds and the NYS Education Department. Summit planning and development is being guided by a Steering Committee comprised of representatives from the following organizations:  American Farmland Trust, Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY, Julie Raway, NY Agriculture in the Classroom, NY Farm Bureau, NY School Nutrition Association, NYC Mayors Office of Urban Agriculture, NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, NYS Education Department, Our Core 

This project has been funded at least in part with Federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.   

2024 Empire State Expo Berry Session Presentations

At the 2024 Empire State Expo, a variety of experts presented recent findings on berry studies and trials. They’ve kindly shared their presentations with us, which you can access here by clicking on the link beneath each photo. From trends in bramble culture to blueberry pruning, managing anthracnose resistance, and a unique rotating cross-arm trellis system, these presentations represent some of the newest and most innovative techniques in berry growing.

Caneberry Variety Update, by Courtney Weber, Cornell University

Trends in Bramble Culture, by Marvin Pritts, Cornell University

Blackberry Rotating Cross-Arm Trellis, by Timothy Stanton, Stanton’s Feura Farm

Fruitworm Review, by Anna Wallis, NYS IPM

Pruning Blueberries for Optimum Yield and Planting Longevity, by Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP

Blueberry Disease Management, by Kerik Cox, Cornell AgriTech

Preventing and Managing Strawberry Anthracnose Resistance, by Scott D. Cosseboom, Hudson Valley Research Laboratory

Advancing Strawberry Production in the Northeast: Update on Findings, by Laura McDermott & Elisabeth Hodgdon, CCE ENYCHP

Anaerobic Soil Disinfection and Biofumigation in Perennial Strawberry Systems, by Anya Osatuke, CCE, Harvest NY

Low Toxicity Strawberry Trial: Results from 2023, by Anya Osatuke, CCE, Harvest NY

2024 Eastern New York Fruit & Vegetable Conference

This year's conference will have sessions devoted to tree fruit, vegetables, grapes, small fruit, agritourism, and cut flowers. Topics Topics include winter protection for strawberries, soil-borne disease management, SWD and other pests, fungicides, and updates on spraying.  There will also be a trade show both days, so you can see the newest products from your favorite vendors.

Wednesday, February 21

Small fruit session 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Tree fruit session 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Grape session, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Agritourism session, 1:20 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

 

Thursday, February 22

Tree fruit sessions, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Vegetable sessions, 9:15 a.m.-3:40 p.m.

Cut flower session, 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

Agritourism session, 1:15 p.m.-3:30 p.m.

Register for the conference here.

More details:

DEC pesticide recertification credits will be available for multiple sessions. Attendance throughout the entire session is required for DEC credits.

Trade show vendors will be set up in the Fort Orange Courtyard and the King Street Courtyard. Over 20 exhibitors will be present to visit with growers from 8:00am until 5:30pm on February 21 and 8:00am until 2:00pm on February 22.

Lunch. A hot buffet lunch will be available in the Fort Orange Ballroom. Lunch is included with your conference registration.

Lodging. Individual guests may call the hotel directly to book rooms at the discounted rate using the local number provided below. Reservations must be received no later than Monday February 12, 2024, to get the discounted rate. When requesting a room, guests may refer to the Group Code: FRU. Call 518-869- 8100 directly to make your reservation.

Additional hotels in the area include:

• The Hilton Garden Inn, 800 Albany Shaker Rd. | 518-464-6666

• Red Roof Inn, 188 Wolf Rd. | 518-459-1971

• Best Western Albany Airport Inn, 200 Wolf Rd. | 518-458-1000

January 23 Berry Sessions at the 2024 Empire State Growers Expo

The Empire State Growers Expo, January 23-24, will have a full day of berry programming on January 23. Moderated by Laura McDermott of CCE ENYCHP and Anya Osatuke of CCE HNY, the Berry Sessions will be held in-person at the On Center in Syracuse. 1.5 DEC credits will be available for each session.

Session 1 – Brambles – 9:00– 10:30 a.m.

• 9:00 Courtney Weber of Cornell will provide an update on new raspberry and blackberry varieties. Disease
  resistance and horticultural characteristics that are important to insect management will
  be included.

• 9:30 Novel Approaches to Cane Berry Production. Dr. Pritts will explain some of the newer production practices being used across the country. These practices will help growers better manage disease and insect pests, while also improving productivity. The focus of the talk will be on pruning and trellising
  practices that improve airflow and sunlight.

• 10:00 Growing Blackberries in NY – Is it Worth Trying? Tim Stanton of Feura Farm in Feura Bush, NY, presents his experience in working with blackberries for the first time. By employing a version of the rotating cross-arm trellis, along with cultivar choices, he has been able to reliably produce blackberries on his farm.

• 10:30 Adjourn

Session 2 – Blueberry – 11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

• 11:00 Fruitworm Review – Maggots, Fruit Flies and Worms. Anna Wallis, NYS IPM and Cornell, will review fruit worm life cycles and management strategies for controlling these families of blueberry pests.

• 11:30 TracCloud – Improving Berry Pesticide Management. Juliet Carroll, NYS IPM and Cornell, and the original designer of TracBerry, will introduce and guide growers through the updated version of this pesticide tracking software.

• 12:00 Blueberry Disease Management Review – Kerik Cox of Cornell will discuss the major diseases for NYS blueberry plantings and explain control strategies. Diseases likely to be covered include cane blights, fruit rots and viruses.

• 12:30 pm Adjourn

Session 3 – Strawberry – 2:00– 3:30 p.m.

• 2:00 Strawberry Research Update – Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest, NY, and Laura McDermot, CCE ENYCHP, will update growers on recent research results focused on 1) Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation, an organic soil fumigation method; 2) new approaches to winterizing strawberries in the northeast; 3) using low tunnels with June bearing strawberries to reduce pesticide applications; 4) organic fungicide materials for strawberry disease control.

• 2:45 Preventing & Managing Strawberry Anthracnose Resistance – Scot Cosseboom, Cornell, will discuss ongoing research looking at managing fungicide resistance in anthracnose disease on June bearing and day neutral strawberries.

• 3:30 Adjourn

Visit the Expo website for more information.

Register for the Expo here.

Register today for Labor Roadshow VII

Registration is open for Ag Workforce Development Council’s Labor Roadshow VII. Four regional events will cover topics such as how the new NYS Marijuana Law affects the workplace, state and federal employment law compliance, farm safety and OSHA compliance, updating payroll, and workforce development. The topic of overtime will be discussed, including the 2024 NYS tax reimbursements for overtime, payroll systems, and compliance.

Programmed events will run from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on each date. Registration is required, and payment of $65 per person is collected on site. Visit the Labor Roadshow website.

Labor continues to be the primary challenge for many farm businesses and Labor Roadshow VII tackles those challenges head-on with topics including:

• Experienced labor attorneys to address managing in a union environment, complying with equal employment laws, and managing regulatory audits.

• How the new NYS Marijuana Law affects the workplace.

• State and federal employment law compliance.

• Overtime: the new 2024 NYS tax reimbursements for overtime, payroll systems, and compliance.

• Farm Safety and OSHA compliance.

• Workforce development: finding your future staff.

• Updating your payroll system to stay in compliance.

Dates and locations:

NORTHERN NY: DECEMBER 13 | Old McDonald’s Farm, Sackets Harbor

EASTERN NY: DECEMBER 15 | Greenwich Elks, Greenwich

CENTRAL NY: DECEMBER 19 | Cornell Agritech, Geneva *ONLINE OPTION: on this date only, you can register to attend via Zoom.

WESTERN NY: DECEMBER 20 | Genesee Community College, Batavia

Featured speakers:

• Attorney Joshua Viau, Fisher Phillips Law Firm

• Nick Donofrio, New York Regional Office US Department of Labor / OSHA

• Farm HR Managers Panel

• NYS Department of Ag and Markets

• NYS Department of Taxation

Cornell Webinar Series Research on Customer Spending at NY Farmers Markets

Do you sell at a farmers market or your own farm store in New York?  Are you interested in getting assistance with using and analyzing point of sale data to boost sales and revenues?

Matt LeRoux and Todd Schmit at Cornell’s Agricultural Marketing Research Program are working with NY’s farms to collect data using POS in direct-to-consumer channels and continue to recruit more farms for the project.  The project seeks farms that sell their own fruit & vegetable crops, fresh cut flowers, mushrooms, dairy, or meat products at farmers markets and/or their own farm store/stands (eligible stores/stands are staffed, not honor-system). Farm participation requires collecting all sales transactions at markets in real time with the Point-of-Sale (POS) software Square. In return, participating farms receive personalized reports with suggested marketing techniques aimed at increasing farm revenue. Project participants also receive one-on-one consultation and technical assistance from the research team.

The Cornell team will use the data to create weekly price reports showing prices on selected fruit and vegetable crops, dairy products, and meat cuts from farmers markets around the state which will be shared with USDA AG Marketing Service for inclusion in their price reporting. For participation, farms will be paid $25 for each week of sales data that they submit on time. Full details will be discussed during the Week 1 webinar.

To orient farmers to the project, a 2-part webinar series is planned for Thursdays, October 5 & 12 from 6:30-8:00 PM. The webinars are appropriate for any farmers market or farm stand/store vendor interested in or currently using the Square POS system.

Week 1: Research on Customer Spending at NY Farmers Markets: 

Early Results and Farmer Recruitment

Grocery stores have long used scanner data to inform marketing techniques. Now farmer-friendly point-of-sale software gives farmers similar potential to collect detailed sales data. Learn how Cornell researchers are using this technology to study consumer spending and inform marketing opportunities for farms to increase daily sales. Then hear how farmer Becca Rimmel of Bottom Land Farm in Berkshire, NY uses Square to help inform market and production decisions. Leave this workshop with specific takeaways and tips for your own sales methods.

Week 2: How to Set Up and Use Square, A Practical Guide 

We’ll walk you through, click-by-click, the basic functions to set up Square so that the data it collects is useful to your farm and the Cornell research team. We’ll cover how to set up locations, product categories, items, and pricing for products sold by weight or unit. This webinar will be recorded so attendees can play it back (and pause as needed) when setting up their own Square.

Registration: Any farm is welcome to attend one, or both, of these webinars using a single registration. Farms that would like to participate in the POS research are encouraged to attend. Register for one or both of the webinars here.

Instructors: Matt LeRoux, Extension Associate, Cornell University and Becca Rimmel, farmer at Bottom Land Farm will present.

A short article about the team’s similar research with produce vendors can be found here.

Questions about the project can be directed to Matt LeRoux, Extension Associate at mnl28@cornell.edu

This material is supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture under award number 2021-68006-33891 and Hatch under 2021-22-156. From the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Registration Open for Employee Development and Training Course

Submitted by Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development has opened registration for a new online course in the Supervisory Leadership Certificate Program. Offered for the first time, “Employee Development and Training” course materials release and registration closes on March 3, 2023. Live weekly Zoom sessions will be held 3 to 4 PM EDT each Thursday from March 9 through April 13. Continuing education credits are offered. Course cost is $275 and spaces are limited.

Find information and registration for the Agricultural Supervisory Leadership certificate courses here.

“I hope participants will gain practical tools that they can put in their supervisory skills toolbox. They can pull these tools out and use them to build a great workplace and solve problems. Ultimately, we want farm managers to be just as confident about their ability to lead people as they are about their ability to manage farm production,” said Dr. Richard Stup, Agricultural Workforce Development Specialist.

Employee Development and Training is the course you’ve been waiting for! Identify training needs. Understand learning styles. Design and plan learning experiences that accommodate learner needs. Develop effective training skills and techniques. Evaluate learning results and training effectiveness.

“We’re always looking for ways to improve labor management and leadership skills and we encourage our employees to take courses too,” said Bob DiCarlo, FaBa Farms, who took the Managing Performance course, and his employee took Organizing Work for High Quality Results. “We’re focused on continuous improvement. One of the big pluses has been getting to have time to learn from people not in the same agriculture industry and to talk through real-life situations. The breakout Zoom sessions were worthwhile. It was helpful for me to talk through situations and for our employee too. It's easy to say I’m busy but pick the course that would be of most interest. When you push your comfort zone, it returns the most. We’re continuing to see the importance of stepping away from daily tasks on the farm to see the bigger picture.”

The Agricultural Supervisory Leadership Program includes a series of courses that help farm supervisors and managers learn and apply human resource management practices and leadership skills that foster rewarding workplaces and drive business results. Confident managers who thoughtfully apply leadership and management skills improve employee performance, develop teams, reduce employee turnover, and increase employee engagement. The six courses within the certificate series offer extensive practice and engagement activities to build confidence and skill sets.

Who should attend?

This course, and the whole certificate program, is appropriate for both new and experienced farm supervisors and managers, and those preparing to become supervisors. All participants learn leadership concepts and practice skills that improve their ability to build a positive workplace and get results through leading others.

How to attend?

The course is taught online, but you can still actively engage with other learners. Watch prerecorded presentations on your own schedule, and engage with classmates and instructors during weekly, live discussion sessions. Participation in the live sessions is highly encouraged and provides a valued opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and networking. Continuing education credits are offered.

Course instructors include:

• Richard Stup, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development Specialist

• Elizabeth Higgins, Ag Business Management/Production Economics Extension Specialist with the Eastern New York Commercial Horticulture team

• Libby Eiholzer, Bilingual Dairy Specialist, Cargill

• Bob Milligan, Cornell University Professor Emeritus

• Kaitlyn Lutz, Bilingual Dairy Management Specialist

• Jay Canzonier, Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development Extension Support Specialist

Direct questions to Rachel McCarthy, Agricultural Supervisory Leadership Coordinator, at rachel.mccarthy@cornell.edu.

Courses in the Supervisory Leadership certificate program can be taken in any order and include:

• Transitioning to Supervisor: Develop essential communication skills and manage conflict. Lead a multi-cultural team. Build an effective workplace culture.

• Organizing Work for High Quality Results: Create an efficient and high-performing workplace. Develop clear expectations and standard operating procedures. Delegate effectively. Diagnose and correct performance problems.

• Managing Performance: Understand motivation. Harness the power of performance feedback and coaching. Build clear and effective workplace communications. Set safety expectations. Conduct effective performance improvements.

• Ethics and Employment Regulations for Supervisors: Implement responsible and ethical labor practices and understand why this matters for agriculture. Recognize and prevent sexual harassment. Understand and follow minimum wage and overtime laws. Implement Equal Employment Opportunity laws to prevent discrimination and harassment. Use an employee handbook. Handle employee discipline and termination.

• Employee Development and Training: Identify training needs. Understand learning styles. Design and plan learning experiences that accommodate learner needs. Develop effective training skills and techniques. Evaluate learning results and training effectiveness.

• Staffing and Organizing Your Team: Develop job descriptions. Learn how to find potential employees, interview and select the right people. Implement new hire documentation, employment authorization, and onboarding: bringing new employees into the business successfully and productively.

Take Part in the 2023 CCE ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

After three years of virtual programming, the CCE ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference is back in person in Albany, February 22 and 23. Get ready for two full days of informative sessions, many of which will offer DEC credits, and a trade show.  After Wednesday sessions, enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and networking with vendors, conference attendees, and your peers at the attend the Trade Show Social. 

Register by February 12 to save money and ensure your room booking at a reduced rate. Click here for more information and to register.

Here’s this year’s agenda:

2023 CCE ENYCHP Fruit & Vegetable Conference

February 22-23, 2023

The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center
660 Albany Shaker Rd., Albany

Tuesday, February 21, 2023: Pre-Conference Produce Safety Grower Training Course, 8:15am-5:00pm 

Wednesday, February 22, 2023: 

• Tree Fruit Sessions, 9:00am–4:00pm

• Small Fruit Sessions, 9:00 am-3:30pm

• Vegetable Sessions, 9:00 am–4:00pm

• Join us after the sessions for our Trade Show Social, held in the Fort Orange Courtyard

Thursday, February 23, 2023

• Tree Fruit Session, 8:30am-12:00pm

• Vegetable Sessions, 9:00am-3:00pm

• Grape Session, 9:00am–12:00pm

Conference costs: Pre-conference Food Safety training is $65/person.  Regular conference registration starts at $80/person/day for ENYCHP contributors. Discounts for multiday and multiple attendees from same farm are available. Walk-in registration is $130 per person per day. Register by February 15 for the best rates! 

Lodging:  Group rate of $149 per night per room at The Desmond. The deadline for this reduced room rate is February 12th. 

Free Mental Health First Aid Trainings for Ag Communities of New York State

Did you know that farmers are more likely than the general population to die by suicide?

NY FarmNet is collaborating with county Cornell Cooperative Extension offices this fall to offer free, full day, in person Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) courses. Farmers, agribusiness workers, and anyone who interacts with the agricultural community in New York is encouraged to attend. Trainings run from 8am to 5pm, and lunch will be provided from a local eatery with a one hour break.

Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. You’ll build skills and confidence you need to reach out and provide initial support to those who are struggling. You’ll also learn how to help connect them to appropriate support.

After the course, you will be able to:

• Recognize common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges.

• Understand how to interact with a person in crisis and connect them with help.

• Use self-care tools and techniques.

The instructors for these courses are part of a recently trained cohort that work within the NY agricultural community. They include representatives from NY FarmNet, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Farm Bureau, Young Farmers Coalition, NY Center for Ag Medicine and Health (NYCAMH), and Black Farmers United NYS. 

Scheduled full day MHFA trainings for this fall include:

Tuesday, October 18 in Hudson/Columbia County

Wednesday, October 19 in Cortland/Cortland County

Friday, October 21 in Ithaca/Cornell University/Tompkins County

Tuesday, October 25 in Middletown/Orange County

Wednesday, November 2 in Binghamton/Broome County

Monday, November 7 in Lockport/Niagara County

Tuesday, November 8 in Fonda/Montgomery County

To register, go to www.nyfarmnet.org/trainings. If we don’t yet have a training scheduled in your area, check back soon, or contact NY FarmNet at 1-800-547-3276 or nyfarmnet@cornell.edu.

These free trainings are made possible by funding from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food & Agriculture. They have invested nearly $25 million in addressing farmer behavioral health on a state by state basis as part of the Farm and Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN) through state Departments of Agriculture.

This work is supported by 7 U.S.C. 5936, Section 7522 of FCEA of 2008, Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN), Grant No. 2021-70035-35550, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Travel to Costa Rica with other Berry Growers in December 2022!

The Costa Rica Agritourism and Cultural Study Tour, hosted by Laura McDermott and organized by Explorations by Thor, an international travel company that specializes in agricultural tours, is scheduled for December 3-11, 2022. Don’t miss this opportunity to travel, learn and relax with other farmers. It will be a blast!

This one-of-a-kind guided excursion is an educational and entertaining way to visit another country, update your understanding of what’s happening in our industry, and network with fellow berry production and agritourism professionals. Friends and family with an interest in agriculture are also welcome. The tour includes a full itinerary, plus hotels, most meals, and in-country transportation. Guests will visit a wide variety of Costa Rican agriculture, and still have time for cultural highlights.

The trip is designed specifically for members of the berry and agritourism industry. Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 3 and out of Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) on December 11. Hotel rooms, most meals, transportation, bilingual guides, tours/technical visits, and gratuities for driver and guide are all included. Estimated pricing of $2,450 is based on double occupancy, per person.

On December 3, we’ll stay at the San Jose Hilton. Tours begin on day two. Here’s a look at the full itinerary:

On day two, we’ll visit a coffee plantation and a chocolate factory near San Jose, and enjoy some downtime in the city.

On day three, we’ll head out early to Irazu Volcano, the highest active volcano in the country. If the weather is clear, we’ll be able to see the Caribbean Sea from the crater’s rim. 

While in the highlands we’ll visit a berry farm that is growing blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, blueberries, and Aztec gooseberries or goldenberries. After lunch, we’ll visit a berry producers’ marketing co-op, and then continue to visit the Center for Tropical Agronomy Research & Education (CATIE). We’ll tour the botanical garden and enjoy a presentation about agritourism enhancement at CATIE. We’ll end at the Hotel Suerre in Guapiles, in the heart of the banana-growing region of Costa Rica.

On day four, we’ll visit Costa Rica’s “green dam,” the largest hydroelectric dam in Central America and the second-largest infrastructure project, after the Panama Canal, in Central America. Costa Rica obtains nearly 100 percent of its electricity from renewable sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, and hydroelectric. Meet with representatives and discuss how the dam is connected to the agriculture community.

We’ll visit a local farmer who has developed a side business of taking foreigners on farm tours. We will also stop at a papaya farm and meet with a former Dole agritourism director. 

On day five, we’ll enjoy a pineapple tour in the morning. After lunch, we’ll travel to and take a guided walk through La Paz Waterfall Gardens, one of the best eco parks in Costa Rica. The group will travel to a strawberry farm dedicated to agritourism in Fraijanes, and dine at a local’s home that evening. We will stay at the Hotel Martino in Alajuela that night.

On day six, we’ll depart for Guanacaste and the best beaches in Costa Rica! Enroute, we’ll visit a large-scale farm of palm oil, sugarcane, dragon fruit, rice and quarter horses. We’ll follow it with a barbecue lunch, and touring a commercial rice mill on the way to the Bosque del Mar hotel on the Pacific Ocean.

On day 7, the group will visit Hacienda El Viejo and take a guided wildlife tour boat ride in the wetlands. The evening will be free, for you to explore on your own.

On day 8, we’ll have free time to relax by the beach or take in any optional activities in the area, which include catamaran snorkel and sail, sportfishing, and ziplining. Or visit Flamingo beach via your guide and driver to do some shopping and enjoy lunch on the town. A farewell dinner in Hermosa Beach will round out the entire tour.

Participants need to arrange their own transportation into San Jose International Airport (SJO) on December 3 and out of Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR) on December 11. Hotel rooms, most meals, transportation, bilingual Guide(s), tours/technical visits, gratuities for driver and guide are all included.  Estimated pricing is based on double occupancy, per person - $2,450.

Reservation/payment deadlines: $250 nonrefundable deposit due by August 1, 2022; the remainder is due by October 15. The single supplement is $575.

Minimum capacity of 20 people must be met. Technical visits are subject to change, but replacements of equal value will be arranged. Full covid vaccination and a valid passport is required of participants.

Space is limited! Register soon to reserve your spot.  For more information, please contact Laura McDermott, lgm4@cornell.edu.  For specific tour information and help with air travel, contact Explorations by Thor, info@explorationsbythor.com, 859.459.0500.

Join Us for the 2022 Berry Session at the Empire State Producers EXPO

The Empire State Producers EXPO, January 11-13, is right around the corner. Due to the surge in covid cases, the 2022 Berry Session have been moved online. This session is scheduled for Wednesday, January 12, and will run from 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A mix of researchers, growers, and business owners will share their findings over the course of four sessions.

Visit the Producers EXPO website to see registration and pricing information. To register for the Berry Sessions only, fill out the form and pay via PayPal ($55) here.

8:45–10:15 a.m.

The first Berry Session of the day focuses on containerized berry production. Dr. Neil Mattson (Cornell University) will go over the trends in commercially-grown greenhouse strawberries, and their applicability to Northeastern farms. Senior Extension Associate Kathy Demchak (Penn State University) will review her research on container-growing strawberries and caneberries.  

10:45 a.m.–12:30 p.m.

The second Berry Session reviews blueberry production. Researchers from the United States Department of Agriculture will present on the latest breeding efforts, and Dr. Thierry Bescanon (Rutgers University) will discuss the best approaches to manage weeds in blueberry plantings. Liz Machoff (Empire Drip Supply, and the NYSBGA board president) will explain the principles of water acidification in drip irrigation. The session will close with a meeting hosted by the New York State Berry Growers Association.  

1:30–2:15 p.m.

The third Berry Session is dedicated to the economics and sustainability of berry crop production. Business owner David Duda (Dudas Blues, and an NYSBGA board member) will discuss the role of value-added products in his business. Dr. Kris Park (Cornell University) will review a New York State pricing survey of berry growers, and provide economic insights. Dr. Heather Grab (Cornell University) will share her findings on balancing pollinator care and weed management in strawberries.  

2:45–4:00 p.m

The fourth Berry Session explores lesser-known berries and nut crops that are suitable for the Northeast. Ph.D. Candidate Samantha Bosco (Cornell University) will share her knowledge of nuts as a crop and food source. Dr. Iago Hale (University of New Hampshire) will discuss the characteristics of hardy kiwifruit when grown as a commercial crop. Coming down from Northern NY, Dr. Mike Davis will present on juneberries, and grower Duane Smith will provide a summary of his experience growing honeyberries.

View the rest of the EXPO sessions below.

Join Cornell CCE for a Fall Strawberry Workshop

Wagoner Bees and Produce, 11137 Wayne Rd., Fillmore, NY

October 20, 2021, 5:30–7:30 PM

Come join Cornell CCE Western NY for an on-farm discussion of winter preparation for strawberry beds, and a demonstration of a solar-powered harvester. Bring a dug-up strawberry plant with you for a hands-on diagnostic exercise. 

1.0 DEC credits are available in categories 10, 1a, 21, 22, and 23.

This workshop is FREE to attend! Pre-registration is requested; email Anya Osatuke at aco56@cornell.edu or call/text 607-752-2793 with your name, phone number (if available), and number of attendees.
 
AGENDA
 
5:30 PM | Welcome and Introductions & NYS DEC Credit sign-up –Lynn Bliven, CCE Allegany
 
5:40 PM | Planting Tour and Harvester Demonstration – Deb Wagoner, Wagoner Bees and Produce, Fillmore, NY

Grower-led discussion of weed control techniques including types of plastic mulch and how they are used to prevent weed infestation in strawberry systems. Irrigation scheduling and a labeling system used for cultivar tracking will also be covered.  Demonstration of mechanized strawberry harvester.
 
6:00 PM | Weed Control – Bryan Brown, NYS IPM
Fall weed control options for new and established strawberry plantings. Cultural weed control options for actively fruiting dayneutrals. Brief review of differences in herbicide applications when growing on plasticulture vs. open field.
 
6:30 PM | Fall Troubleshooting – Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest NY
Review of common late-fall pests, pathogens, and abiotic disorders in June-bearing and dayneutral strawberries. Hands-on diagnosis of strawberry crowns that growers bring to the workshop.
 
7:00 PM | Fertility Management – Anya Osatuke
Comparison of best practices for fertilizing and renovating dayneutrals and June-bearing strawberries. Overview of differences in applying N, P, and K fertilizer between field culture and plasticulture.
 
7:20 PM | Winter Mulch Application – Anya Osatuke
Review of the seasonal factors determining when to apply a winter mulch to a strawberry planting. Overview of seasonal and site factors affecting the timing of winter mulch removal in the spring.
 
7:30PM | Adjourn

2021 Berry Production Workshop

September 15, 2021, Kennedy
October 5, STEPHENTOWN
4:00pm-6:00pm

2021 season review of SWD management techniques
Free; register here.

Note: Due to severe weather, the Stephentown workshop was postponed until October 5. Sign up using the link above, then join us at The Berry Patch, 15589 State Rt. 22, Stephentown.

Join researchers, growers, and expert speakers for a two-hour review of Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) management techniques. We’ll cover the basics of SWD monitoring of adult and larvae populations and also discuss implementing a pesticide program.

This free program will focus on what has been learned about designing an exclusion netting support system that provides long-term control of SWD and maximum utility for berry farmers.

Exclusion netting is being used on field blueberries where it controls SWD while also excluding birds and moderating impacts of hail and heavy rain. Raspberries and strawberries also benefit from exclusion netting on the sides of high tunnels.

1.5 DEC credits available in categories 1A, 10, and 22.

AGENDA - STEPHENTOWN

4:00 pm | Welcome, Introductions & NYS DEC credit sign-up – Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP

4:05 pm | Brief Overview of SWD – Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP . Insect monitoring, fruit infestation monitoring, insecticide management and cultural management techniques will be discussed.

4:20 pm | Overview of Exclusion Netting – Dale Ila Riggs, The Berry Patch, and Ted Storozum, TekKnit, Quebec. Brief review of work undertaken and effectiveness of netting in open field and high tunnel systems. Discussion of adaptations made to netting material and the need for structural design.

4:50 pm | Structural Considerations When Installing Exclusion Netting – Chris Callahan, University of Vermont, and Paul Lucas, Gintec, Ontario, CA. The past two seasons has provided lots of new information about designing the support structure for Exclusion Netting. Gintec owner Paul Lucas has played a critical advisory role in this portion of the project and has decades of experience with protected agriculture systems. Cost information for the SWD exclusion netting and structure will be included. 

5:20 pm | Exclusion Netting on Fall Raspberries – Dale Ila Riggs, The Berry Patch. Research on using field netting for fall raspberries and incorporating it into a high tunnel system.

5:30 pm | Views from Other Growers – TBD. Growers that have adopted exclusion netting will share their successes and struggles with the netting. 

5:45 pm | Hands-On Removal of Netting – Attendees will watch and assist with removal of netting panels to better understand the requirements and ease of using netting. Netting storage and winter care will be discussed.

6:00 pm | Adjourn

AGENDA - KENNEDY

4:00 pm | Welcome and Introductions & NYS DEC credit sign-up – Anya Osatuke, CCE Harvest NY.

4:05 pm | Brief Overview of SWD – Greg Loeb, Cornell University. Insect monitoring, fruit infestation monitoring, insecticide management and cultural management techniques will be discussed

4:20 pm | Overview of Exclusion Netting – Greg Loeb and Stephen Hesler, Cornell University. Brief review of work undertaken and effectiveness of netting in open field and high tunnel systems. Discussion of adaptations made to netting material and the need for structural design.

4:50 pm | Structural Considerations when Installing Exclusion Netting – Stephen Hesler, Cornell University, and John Abers, Abers Acres. The past two seasons has provided lots of new information about designing the support structure for Exclusion Netting, but every farm is unique and Abers Acres owner will discuss how they installed the netting. Cost information about the SWD exclusion netting and structure will be included. 

5:20 pm  |  Exclusion Netting on Fall Raspberries – Greg Loeb, Cornell University. Research on using field netting for fall raspberries and incorporating it into a high tunnel system.

5:30 pm | Views from Other Growers – TBD. Growers that have adopted exclusion netting will share their successes and struggles with the netting. 

5:45 pm | Hands-On Removal of Netting – Attendees will watch and assist with removal of netting panels to better understand the requirements and ease of using netting. Netting storage and winter care will be discussed.

6:00 pm | Adjourn

Cornell & NYSBGA In-Depth Strawberry Substrate Workshop Sets Growers Up for Success

By Esther Kibbe
Western New York Berry Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension

Thirty growers and extension professionals spent three days in February learning about growing strawberries in soil-less (substrate) production systems. The workshop was held in Ithaca and funded by the NYSBGA and organized by the association and Cornell extension and professors.

In-depth lectures in the mornings were followed by greenhouse tours and hands-on activities in the afternoons. The workshop was taught by Dennis Wilson of Delphy, a UK- and Netherlands-based agronomy and education company. His many years of experience working with strawberry substrate growers made him confident in his recommendations of types of containers, substrate mixes, irrigation rates, and fertility protocols.

Dennis noted that almost all strawberry production in the UK has moved to substrate systems, but the fruit-quality improvement means that more than 90 percent of strawberries in the stores are grown in the UK, compared to 50 percent 25 years ago. While converting to substrate production isn’t for everyone, growers in Europe find that in addition to better-quality fruit, they are able to increase yields, harvest efficiency, and attract more labor, compared to soil-bases systems.

Cornell’s horticulture professor Neil Mattson and his team put together a great practical portion for the workshop, using plants and systems set up for graduate student Jonathan Allred’s research on strawberries’ light requirements. Workshop participants practiced measuring “drip” and “drain,” electrical conductivity, pH, and moisture levels in the substrate. There were samples of different types of substrate and media to touch and compare and plants and runners for planting demonstrations—and a chance for growers to try it themselves.

About half of the workshop participants had no experience growing crops in substrate, and the rest had experience ranging from one year to thirty years. All reported that they found the content relevant, and most said they would continue or start growing berries in substrate in the future. One participant commented, “This program was excellent and answered many questions I have been asking for years. Really appreciate the handouts and the clear presentation style, and the time and patience spent on questions.” Participant feedback was extremely positive overall, and most are looking forward to future trainings and tours related to substrate production.

Innovation Is the Focus of the 2020 Empire Producers EXPO Berry Sessions

Innovation can be profitable, but challenging. Hear how you can grow your operation by considering new methods and continuing emphasis on customer satisfaction. Join commercial berry growers from across the state on Thursday, January 16, 2020, for a full day of commercial berry education session at the Empire State Producers EXPO held at the OnCenter in Syracuse.

Berry Session I: 9:00 to 10:15 a.m.

In the morning session, Marc Poirier, of the Quebec Ministry of Agriculture will talk about Raspberry Crop Management and the Alternatives to Traditional Production Systems. Mr. Poirier will discuss the benefits and barriers to using protected culture, including different tunnel structural considerations, venting, pruning protocol, cultivar choices etc. Following this presentation, Ms. Rebecca Foltasz of NRCS will introduce and explain the EQUIP High Tunnel cost share program including the application process and reporting requirements.

Berry Session II: 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.           

During the mid-day session, Dr. Miguel Gomez starts the session off talking about his research on Customer Satisfaction with NY U-pick berry farms. The results and insights from the 2019 survey of NYS customers should be eye opening.

After that, the NYS Berry Growers Association will have their brief annual business meeting. This industry group has been very active in lobbying state government and has a lot of successes to report.

Last on the midday agenda is a talk about June bearing strawberry production in New Jersey, moving from matted row to plasticulture, by Peter Nitzsche from Rutgers. He’ll explain how and why New Jersey growers are moving towards plasticulture of their June-bearing strawberries

Berry Session III: 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.         

A discussion of organic pest management at Wegmans berry farm will kick of the final berry session of the day. Esther Kibbe, CCE Harvest NY and Mark Bowker of Wegmans in Canandaigua will discuss the steps they took to help Wegmans adopt a certified organic production system. More information about a low-spray approach to pest management will be presented with an nod to protected culture—a major aid to organic berry pest management.

Growers will finish out the day with a farmer-to-farmer opportunity to discuss the approaches they have found to be successful when embarking on organic production of berry crops. This is a difficult endeavor, but many growers are innovators and this opportunity will allow them to share their experiences while still remembering that the label is the law. We’ll also hear commentary on the efficacy of some of the newer biological products on the market.

Read the full agenda and sign up here.

A Look at Our 2017 Berry Production Workshop

We're sharing our favorite moments from our late-August Berry Production Workshop, sponsored by Cornell University and Cornell CCE. Check out our October newsletter for the full summary of the event, which brought together scientists, growers, and ag professionals from across New York State.

Join Us for a FREE Berry Production Workshop on August 29!

August 29, 2017
5:00–7:00 p.m.
The Berry Patch
15589 NY-22, Stephentown, NY

If you’re unsure whether your berry crops have been affected by SWD, or even if you just want to learn more about growing happy, healthy berries, join us for this exclusive workshop, sponsored by Cornell University and Cornell Cooperative Extension. Bring your own fruit, and test for SWD right here!

Then hear experts from Cornell University and Cornell CCE, New York State IPM, the NYS Berry Growers Association, and more on:

SWD Overview
Exclusion Netting

• Blueberry growing under netting
• Attract-and-kill baited spheres
• High-tunnel raspberries grown in excluded tunne
• Fall raspberries under netting

Weather Station Networks

• What is NEWA?
• How farmers can get their own RainWise weather station
• How applications that are part of weather data can assist farmers
• MesoNet, and how it works with NEWA

Climate Change and Protected Culture

• CICSS as a resource, and helpful tools for berry growers
• Soil health project, including how growers can get involved

Low-Tunnel Strawberry Production

• Overview of day-neutral production system
• Use of low tunnels on a diversified, direct-market farm

Wrap-Up and Q&A

This workshop is FREE to all berry growers, regardless of region or level of experience, so spread the word to your colleagues!

Register here. 
 

The Health Benefits of Berries

The Health Benefits of Berries

Vitamin and Flavoid-packed Powerhouses

Beyond their ability to add flavor to and complement a variety of savory and sweet recipes, berries are vitamin- and flavonoid-packed powerhouses. Get to know more about each berry and how it can benefit your health.

Blueberry

• Consistently ranked as one of the top antioxidant foods—twice the concentration of spinach, and three times the amount found in oranges and grapes!
• High in vitamins C and K, and manganese
• Good source of fiber
• The newest research suggests that blueberries may reduce the risk of heart attack and be beneficial in halting age-related memory decline

Strawberry

• Packed with vitamin C (one serving has 150% of the recommended daily value)
• High in antioxidants
• Good source of fiber, folate, potassium, and manganese

Blackberry

• One of the earth’s strongest antioxidant foods, with high levels of polyphenolic compounds including ellagic acid, quercetin, and cyanidins
• High level of fiber
• High levels of vitamins C and K, manganese, and folic acid

Raspberry

• Packed with fiber
• High levels of vitamin C; vitamins B1, B2, and B3; magnesium, folic acid, and iron
• High levels of antioxidants, including catechins, salicylic acid, and anthocyanins
• Contain raspberry ketone, which some preliminary studies suggest may be helpful in weight control