Berry growing

Using AI for Grant Proposals and Business Plans

Closeup of glass bowl holding fresh strawberries and blueberries

By Liz Higgins, CCE-ENYCHP

Although if you have been following this program, this may be old news, but if you looked at the deadline last month and decided you couldn't make it and are now having second thoughts you have another chance to apply. Farmers who want to participate in the program now have about until April 24 to report their 2025 acres to USDA FSA, which is the first step to participate in the program.

Information about payment rates for specific crops is still not available - Given that over 90 crops are listed as eligible, I suspect that USDA is waiting to see what crops actually apply for the program before they calculate and announce payments. No sense spending lots of time calculating a payment rate for a crop with very few acres reported.

According to USDA's press release “After full consideration of requests from specialty crop producers, industry leaders and members of Congress, Secretary Rollins made a responsive, Farmers First decision to reopen the acreage reporting period for the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers program,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam. “We’re committed to doing what it takes to keep specialty crop producers economically viable and gathering accurate acreage reporting data is critical to making sound FSA program policy decisions. Reopening the reporting period ensures that every eligible producer has a fair opportunity to participate and that we deliver assistance where it’s needed most.” 

Given that many specialty crop farms do not report acres to USDA FSA, routinely (unlike commodity crop farms) it is not surprising that farms and USDA FSA field offices needed more time to reach out to farms not in the system and get them enrolled.

I covered information about what is needed to apply in last month's newsletter. To learn more Farmer Bridge Assistance (FBA) Program | Farm Service Agency (scroll to the bottom to learn about specialty crops). You can learn more about reporting acres to USDA FSA on this website. Also contact your local USDA FSA office.


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2026 Pest Management Guidelines Availability Statement from Cornell

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Cut and whole strawberries spilling out of a white bowl onto wood counter

Notice about 2026 Pest Management Guidelines

Highlighting its commitment to quality and long-term sustainability, Cornell Integrated Pest Management’s Pesticide Safety Education Program has announced a pause in production of the 2026 Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines.

Cornell IPM Director Alejandro Calixto said this temporary measure is the result of a comprehensive reimagining process facilitated by Illume Projects of Ithaca, which included end-user interviews, internal surveys and sales data analytics.

“It became clear to us that we cannot continue producing the guidelines and fully restructure them at the same time,” Calixto said. “By pausing production, we can dedicate all available resources and time to rebuilding the production process, ensuring that when we re-launch in 2027, the guidelines will reflect a modernized approach built around the grower and other user experience.”

A series of annually updated reference manuals produced by Cornell IPM and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS), the Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines are widely used by farmers, agronomists, crop consultants and extension educators in New York and throughout the Northeast. They include information about current IPM recommendations, pesticide options, cultural practices, nutrient management, disease, insect and weed identification and resistance-management strategies.

Calixto and Pesticide Safety Education Program Lead Mike Helms will spearhead efforts to restructure the guideline process over the next 12 months, with a goal of launching a more streamlined, user-friendly version in 2027.

Limited copes of the 2025 guidelines remain available for purchase here, while supplies last. The 2026-2027 Greenhouse Guidelines will be available.

For more information contact Helms at mjh14@cornell.edu. Feel free to reach out to Heather at 518-925-3089 or hjk77@cornell.edu if you want to further discuss!

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New Produce Safety Rule Requirement Now in Effect for Small Operations

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Pints of strawberries lined up in a wooden crate

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets reminds farmers that a revised requirement under the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Produce Safety Rule is now in effect for small farm operations as of April 6, 2026.  The requirement includes the need for farms that are covered by the Produce Safety Rule to complete a pre-harvest agricultural water assessment.  The water assessment will help farms identify potential food safety concerns and make risk-management decisions.

Commissioner Ball said, “The Produce Safety Rule provides our growers with a comprehensive, preventative approach to food safety on the farm.  Our growers take great care in producing food the right way and already implement many of these food safety practices, whether it be through participation in the voluntary NYS Grown & Certified program or the USDA’s Good Agricultural Practices programs.   And, while the Department has long been working with our New York farms that need to meet these requirements, we want to remind them of this new effective date and that we are here to help them as needed.”

As part of the new agricultural water assessment requirement, farms will need to consider several elements, including location and nature of the water source; water distribution system used; the degree to which the system is protected from possible sources of contamination; the type of application method; the time interval between the last direct application of agricultural water and harvest; and other elements, such as testing.  Additional information can be found here.

Dr. Betsy Bihn of the Produce Safety Alliance, Cornell University, said, “There is a free on-demand video training for growers who need information about the new agricultural water assessment requirements and we have been conducting new trainings throughout New York State to help growers learn how to minimize risks in their agricultural water.”  This information is available at the Produce Safety Alliance and National GAPs Program websites.

The Produce Safety Rule sets standards for growing, harvesting, packing, and holding of produce, and applies to covered fruits and vegetables normally consumed raw, such as apples, carrots, lettuce, onions, and tomatoes. The Produce Safety Rule does not apply to produce rarely consumed raw (such as winter squash) or produce grown for personal consumption.

The Produce Safety Rule requires that covered farms have to ensure that agricultural water that is intended to, or likely to, contact covered produce or food-contact surfaces is safe and of adequate sanitary quality. It is one of seven areas that farmers must comply with as part of the Produce Safety Rule.

The Produce Safety Rule establishes standards for:

  • Agricultural water

  • Biological soil amendments of animal origin

  • Health and hygiene

  • Domesticated and wild animals

  • Equipment, tools, and buildings

  • Training

  • Sprouts

Accompanying these areas are certain record-keeping requirements that document compliance with requirements, including for training, agricultural water quality systems inspection, agricultural water assessment, use of biological soil amendments of animal origin, cleaning and sanitizing practices, and any other required practices. The production of sprouts has different requirements than for other covered produce, so producers are encouraged to be aware of those differences. These practices are confirmed through an inspection conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

As of today, farms that are covered by the FSMA’s Produce Safety Rule that are expected to be in compliance with the new pre-harvest agricultural water rule requirements and subject to inspections, unless they have a qualified exemption, include large farms with an average annual monetary value of produce sold during the previous three years of more than $500,000 and small farms (less than $500,000 and more than $250,000). Very small farms (less than $250,000 and more than $25,000) have until April 5, 2027 to comply with these new requirements. All farms are already subject to other Produce Safety Rule requirements, including those for harvest and post-harvest agricultural water.

The Department has been implementing the new produce safety standards as required by FSMA since it was signed into law on the federal level to encourage a proactive, preventative approach to food safety on farms.  Department staff has been conducting outreach and actively educating New York farms that are required to meet these new standards and performing the required inspections.

Additional information on FSMA can be found on the Department’s website.  Questions about this new requirement for small farm operations, or the Produce Safety Rule in general, can be directed to Steve Schirmer at (315) 487-0852 or steve.schirmer@agriculture.ny.gov.

—New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

Apply to take part in FreshConnect CSA for SNAP Grant Program

–By New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets

New York State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball announced that New York organizations may now apply for the latest round of the FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program. This program will help Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants in New York gain increased access to weekly shares of fresh, locally grown produce through Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiatives by covering up to half the cost for recipients, while encouraging purchase of local product that supports New York’s farmers and producers. FreshConnect CSA for SNAP is one component of Governor Kathy Hochul’s goal to boost demand for New York agricultural products, bolster New York’s food supply chain, and ensure all New Yorkers have access to fresh, local foods.

Commissioner Ball said, “All New Yorkers deserve access to fresh, nutritious foods, grown right here in New York State. The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program is a great example of connecting the dots between our farmers and our consumers, helping to ensure that New Yorkers using SNAP can access CSA shares full of delicious locally grown produce. This program feeds our families and supports our farmers, and I encourage eligible organizations to consider applying.”

The FreshConnect CSA for SNAP program helps SNAP participants working with awarded organizations better access CSA shares. Funding provided to eligible applicants, such as not-for-profit organizations, Indian tribal organizations, public educational institutions, and local or municipal governments will partially subsidize the cost of weekly CSA shares sold to SNAP participants, lowering the cost to consumers while still purchasing the food from the farmer at full price. Up to 50% of the cost of a weekly share purchased by a SNAP recipient with their SNAP benefits may be paid by awarded organizations through this program.

Awards for this opportunity will be made on a rolling basis until funds are depleted. A total of $250,000 in funding is available through this Request for Applications. Applications may request a minimum of $25,000 and a maximum of $50,000 for the project to be considered.

Applications must be submitted by 3:00 pm on July 22, 2025. To provide an overview of the program for potential applicants, a webinar was held on March 18, 2025. A recording of the webinar is available at meetny-gov.webex.com/meetny-gov/ldr.php?RCID=355d6897dfbdedfc540bc9b2972269f7.

Learn more at agriculture.ny.gov/rfa-0367-freshconnect-csa-snap-program-2025.

Download the most recent Strawberry Production Guide

A dew covered strawberry plant with one ripe and one unripe berry atop a plastic weed barrier

Intended as a comprehensive resource for both novice and experienced strawberry growers in northeastern North America, the University of New Hampshire’s Strawberry Production Guide provides information on all aspects of strawberry culture.

The second edition has been updated and revised throughout, and includes expanded and new information on variety selection (Ch. 3), production systems (Ch. 4), harvesting, handling and transportation (Ch. 12), marketing (Ch. 13) and budgeting/economics (Ch. 14). In addition, a new section on diagnosing problems in strawberry plantings has been added (Ch. 15).

Download the guide here.

Orde, K. and B. Sideman (Eds.). 2023. Strawberry Production Guide for the Northeast, Midwest, and Eastern Canada. University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension, Durham, NH.



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Prepare for immigration enforcement at your farm

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Flashing blue lights on top of a police car

By Richard Stup, Cornell University

This post originally appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

With the new administration ramping up, there are reports of increased US. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border patrol activity in upstate New York. This comes on the heels of well-documented and highly public ICE actions over the weekend. Employers are advised to take action immediately to be sure your business and employees are as prepared as they possibly can be for any immigration enforcement. Consider the following resources:

Of course, employees may also be affected by immigration enforcement actions. Employers should have a list of all employees’ emergency contacts to inform if the employee is picked up. Likewise, all employees should have a farm contact to inform if they are picked up by ICE.

The National Employment Law Project is an employee-centric organization that has also published guidance for employers and employees in “Employer Guide: What to Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace,” available in multiple languages. Among other things, this publication states the following advice for employees:

  • Employees are not obligated to speak with ICE agents, and may best protect their rights by remaining silent.

  • Employees should stay calm during an enforcement action.

  • Do not run or otherwise resist, because running from ICE may indicate that immigration laws were violated.

Finally, be sure to view our I-9 resources.

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Attend the 2025 Becker Forum on Wednesday, 2/5, in Geneva

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The New York State Vegetable Growers Association (NYSVGA) is pleased to announce the 2025 Becker Forum, a key event for agriculture professionals, will be held on Wednesday, February 5, at Cornell AgriTech, Jordan Hall, in Geneva. This year’s forum will focus on crucial topics for farm operators, including H-2A visa fundamentals, immigration enforcement, and heat safety in agriculture.

The Becker Forum, an annual gathering of growers, farm managers, and industry experts, offers a comprehensive program tailored to address the most pressing challenges facing the agricultural community today. The day will feature a series of informative sessions designed to equip attendees with the tools and knowledge they need to navigate these complex issues successfully.

Program Highlights:

  • H-2A Fundamentals: How to Use H-2A On A Dairy or Crop Farm
    Learn how the H-2A program can support both dairy and crop operations by bringing in seasonal foreign labor. Experts will walk through the processes, benefits, and challenges involved.

  • Producer Perspectives on H-2A
    Hear directly from agricultural producers who have successfully utilized the H-2A program, offering valuable insights into real-world applications and challenges.

  • I-9 and Immigration Enforcement
    Understand the latest updates on I-9 compliance and immigration enforcement, ensuring your farm is adhering to all federal regulations.

  • Washington Policy Update
    A comprehensive briefing on current and upcoming legislative changes that may impact agriculture, labor, and immigration policies.

  • H-2A Tax Preparation
    Learn about the tax implications and best practices for managing H-2A wages and related costs.

  • Heat Safety in Agriculture
    Discuss strategies for keeping workers safe in extreme heat conditions, a critical issue for those working in outdoor agricultural environments.

  • Union Update by Grow NY Farms
    Stay informed on the latest union activities and labor issues in the New York State agricultural industry.

Schedule:

  • 8:30 AM – Check-in opens

  • 8:50 AM – Program begins

  • 4:30 PM – Program concludes

The Becker Forum provides a unique opportunity for networking, professional development, and staying up to date with the latest industry trends and regulations. This event is a must-attend for anyone involved in farm management, labor, or agriculture policy.

Registration:
ADVANCED REGISTRATION
$90/person

WALK-INS
$120/person

For more information and to register for the event, please visit nysvga.org/expo/information.

Contact:
For inquiries, please contact the NYS Veg Growers Association at nysvegetablegrowers@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 Becker Forum at Cornell AgriTech!

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New York State Honeyberry Conference to be Held in Mexico, NY

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Farmers attending a conference on honeyberry production

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County (CCE Oswego County) and Cornell Cooperative Extension Harvest NY (CCE Harvest NY) will be hosting a state-wide conference on a new emerging fruit called Honeyberry, also known as Haskap (Lonicera caerulea). The conference will be held on Saturday, June 29th from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the CiTi BOCES campus located in the town of Mexico, NY. Honeyberries are a dark blue color, like blueberries, but with a distinct oval shape. The taste is most associated with raspberry and blueberry, while also containing its own distinctive flavor. The fruit can grow in USDA Plant Hardiness zones 1 to 8 and can survive up to 30 years or longer if properly managed. What makes the fruit unique is that it ripens from the middle of June through early July. This allows the fruit to sit comfortably between the strawberry and blueberry season. When fully mature plants can produce 6 to 10 lbs. of berries, which can be eaten as a fresh fruit or made into value-added products.

 

Native varieties are found in northern regions of the globe, including in Europe, Russia, and Japan, as well as parts of the US and Canada. In fact, the USDA Agricultural Research Service indicates that Lonicera caerulea L. var. villosa is a native subspecies located throughout Canada, as well as Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, New York, and New England areas. The first groups to cultivate this fruit were Russian and Japanese growers. In fact, the Japanese have grown them for well over a century. Recently, however, improved cultivars bred from the University of Saskatchewan in Canada have allowed for a niche industry to form, and there is a lot of interest in establishing this fruit in New York as a specialty crop. One of the main challenges, however, is the lack of education and awareness. Therefore, the goal of the conference is to help fill in some important knowledge gaps for interested growers and lay out a possible vision of the future.

 

The conference will cover the history of the fruit, best growing practices, processing, value-added production, and marketing. Guest speakers will include growers and researchers from the US and Canada, including Dr. Bob Bors from the University of Saskatchewan. Attendees will also be able to network and attend an optional farm tour immediately after the conference.

 

The cost to attend this all-day event is $40 per person. Registration is required and seating is limited. Registration includes entry into the conference and an opportunity to try fresh honeyberry fruit. Attendees will also be able to sample value-added products, including honeyberry jam, gelato, and juice. Registration fees do not include lunch. Registered attendees will receive a follow up email with the conference agenda and a list of restaurants within driving distance of campus. There are also numerous hotels and other accommodations in the area for those wishing to stay overnight. To learn more about the conference or to register please go to the CCE Oswego website at: https://thatscooperativeextension.org/events/2024/06/29/nys-honeyberry-conference

 

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County would like to thank CiTi BOCES for making their facilities available for this event. For more information on this event, please contact Joshua Vrooman, Agriculture Educator for CCE Oswego County at jwv33@cornell.edu or 315-963-7286 ext. 200 or Anya Osatuke, Small Fruits Specialist for CCE Harvest NY at aco56@cornell.edu or 607-752-2793.

Need help pricing your berries? Cornell has the answers.

Woman's hand holding ripening berries still attached to the plant

Do you need help pricing your berries? You might want to look at New York’s 2022 berry prices. Cornell conducts a berry pricing survey across New York State every two years. This project provides averaged, statewide berry prices and trends to berry growers so they can better manage their business.

Access the pricing guide here.

The next price survey will be coming out this fall. Please watch for it in the mail. The survey is sponsored by the NYSBGA.

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Funding Opportunity: Rural Energy for America Program (REAP)

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Farmers pruning berry plants in a greenhouse

By Cornell CCE-ENYCHP

The program provides guaranteed loan financing and grant funding to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or to make energy efficiency improvements. Agricultural producers may also apply for new energy efficient equipment and new system loans for agricultural production and processing. There are 2 application periods in 2024: April 1-June 30, 2024, and July 1 - September 30, 2024. There are two types of projects, renewable energy systems and energy efficiency improvements.

Funds (loans and grants ranging from $2,500 to $1million) may be used for the purchase and installation of renewable energy systems, such as:

• Biomass (for example: biodiesel and ethanol, anaerobic digesters, and solid fuels).

• Geothermal for electric generation or direct use.

• Small and large wind generation.

• Small and large solar generation.

Funds (loans and grants ranging from $1,500 to $500,000) may also be used for the purchase, installation and construction of energy efficiency improvements, such as:

• High efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems (HVAC).

• Insulation.

• Lighting.

• Cooling or refrigeration units.

• Doors and windows.

• Electric, solar or gravity pumps for sprinkler pivots.

• Switching from a diesel to electric irrigation motor.

• Replacement of energy-inefficient equipment.

Agricultural producers may also use guaranteed loan funds to install energy efficient equipment and systems for agricultural production or processing.

What type of funding is available?

• Loan guarantees (80%) on loans up to 75 percent of total eligible project costs.

• Grants for up to 50 percent of total eligible project costs.

• Combined grant and loan guarantee funding up to 75% of total eligible project costs.



Contact your state USDA RD energy coordinator for more information. 

Download Your Agritourism Checklists to Help Manage Liability for On-Farm Visits

By Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Agritourism can be a fun and rewarding experience for landowners. With some careful planning and foresight, agritourism can provide supplemental revenue to a farm or become its main source of revenue.

Whatever your plans may be, make sure to do your homework. The excitement of a new idea or a new enterprise should not take the place of careful planning.

Kendra Meyer, a program specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program, recently published two fact sheets that help guide owners of agritourism enterprises through critical decisions that must be made.

“Getting Started in Agritourism” is a three-page checklist that covers basic considerations such as legal issues, food regulations, visitor accommodations, farm emergency preparedness, biosecurity, pesticide safety, public play area safety, employee management and marketing practices.

“Iowa Agritourism Business Start-up and Licensing Guide” is a two-page checklist that covers the legal and regulatory requirements of starting and licensing a business in Iowa.

[Editor’s note: although these guidelines were developed with Iowa businesses in mind, they still have helpful information for agritourism operations in all states.]

“These checklists help agritourism destination owners and workers take a look at simple but important tasks when creating or reviewing an enterprise,” said Meyer. “It is critical for the business and its success to make sure liability and regulatory requirements are met.”

Both documents are focused on risk management, according to Meyer, and are intended to simplify the process. Both also contain hyperlinks to state and federal entities involved with agritourism.

Meyer formed the checklists in response to comments shared from participating farmers, as well as the agritourism bus tours held the last two summers. The tour, as well as the checklists, are all part of a grant she received from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education program.

Both publications are available for free on the ISU Extension Store. For more information, Meyer can be reached at ksmeyer@iastate.edu or 515-294-9483.

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Farm Grants to Become Available via USDA Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program

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By Elizabeth Higgins, Business Specialist, Cornell Cooperative Extension, ENYCHP

Here is some updated information about this program. Applications are not being accepted yet, but there is now a little more information about how the program will work. 

Using RFSI funding, NYS Ag and Markets will partner with Farm and Food Growth Fund (led by Todd Erling of HVADC), to administer the grant program to fund projects that expand statewide capacity and infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of targeted local and regional agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). 

NYS Ag and Markets will also partner with Northeast Farmers of Color Land Trust to provide technical assistance to producers and conduct supply chain coordination activities.  

Grant Opportunities

Two grant opportunities will be available for New York agricultural businesses: 

Infrastructure Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding infrastructure for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of locally produced agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Applications may be submitted for projects ranging from $100,000 - $3,000,000. Applications must include match funds of 50% or 25% for historically underserved groups. 

Equipment-Only Grants: This competitive opportunity is focused on funding equipment for the aggregation, processing, manufacturing, storing, transporting, wholesaling, or distribution of agricultural food products (excluding meat and poultry products). Eligible applicants may request awards in the amount of $10,000 - $100,000. No match is required for Equipment-Only Grants. 

Applications are expected to open this spring.    

Agriculture Energy Audit Program - NYSERDA 

NYSERDA offers free energy audits to identify energy efficiency measures for eligible farms and on-farm producers, including but not limited to: dairies, orchards, greenhouses, vegetables, vineyards, grain dryers, and poultry/egg. In addition, greenhouse facilities can receive a free benchmarking report that describes their energy use intensity and benchmarks their facility against an anonymous aggregate of peer facilities. Farms must be customers of a New York State investor-owned utility and contribute to the System Benefits Charge (SBC). Please check your current electricity bills. Due Date: Continuous 

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

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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.   

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H-2A Wage Rates & SOC Codes Explained

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By Richard Stup, Cornell University, reprinted from the Ag WorkForce Journal 

The 2024 Becker Forum was hosted by New York State Vegetable Growers Association on Monday, January 22, 2024. At the event, recent changes to the H-2A program were discussed in detail, including from U.S. Department of Labor’s senior H-2A administrator, Mr. Brian Pasternak. Mr. Pasternak shared incredibly important information with the audience and I want to revisit a few key points here. Much of this message is good news, especially the fact that most H-2A jobs will still fit into the traditional AEWR pay rates. However, employers must carefully describe jobs by using the task language from O*NET as detailed later in this message. Note that everything presented here is for education purposes only and is not legal opinion.

U.S. DOL issued a “Final Rule” effective November 2022 that changed how program wage rates apply to some H-2A jobs. Essentially, it makes certain H-2A jobs such as supervisors, mechanics, some heavy truck drivers, and other jobs subject to wage rates that reflect the broader economy, not just farm jobs. These wages come from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupation Employment Wage Survey (OEWS). Generally, these OEWS wages are higher than the farm AEWR wages, so employers are keen to keep most H-2A jobs under the farm AEWR. The following slides are from Mr. Pasternak’s presentation. The column on the left shows the “Big 6” farm jobs with standard occupation classification (SOC codes) that remain under the farm AEWR rates.



The slide below provides a link to the USDOL website that provides the current AEWR and OEWS wages. In the right column it explains that one H-2A job requested by an employer, depending on the job tasks required, could be subject to more than one SOC code. H-2A employers must be very careful about the tasks they list in the job description for H-2A jobs, because these tasks will be used the state and federal agencies to determine which SOC codes apply, and thus which wage rates.


Following are a few examples of the different H-2A wage rates that could be applied in New York. Note that if a higher wage rate is applied, then that rate must be paid for every hour that an employee works, not just when they are performing the higher skill task.


Certainly, the OEWS wages are higher than the FLS-based AEWRs, for this reason, it is important for employers to carefully and accurately describe their positions in their H-2A applications. Fortunately, the vast majority of farm jobs should still fit under the Big 6 SOC codes. The slide below shows typical tasks in the left column that are all under the Big 6, in the right column it shows tasks that would likely move the job into the higher-paid OEWS category.



It is important for employers to become familiar with SOC codes and the descriptions found in O*NET Online, because this is where the job descriptions and specific task lists for certain jobs can be found. Employers can directly use the words from the O*NET descriptions to describe the jobs in their H-2A applications. Following are direct links to O*NET descriptions of the Big 6 agricultural jobs:

The slide below provides directions to O*NET Online in the left column. In the right column it focuses on drivers and encourages employers to provide details about any driving duties listed.


Mr. Pasternak shared a clear example in the slide below that most driving duties in H-2A jobs should fit into the Big 6. The red text below describes most driving duties and would fit into SOC codes 45-2092 and 45-2091. Now, if a worker was assigned to drive a regular bus route for other H-2A workers, or required to have CDL and deliver farm product over-the-road to distant deliver points, then these would likely be driving duties that fall outside of the Big 6 codes.


In summary, the Becker Forum communicated a lot of critical information this year. Much of it was good news clarifying that most H-2A work will fit into the Big 6 codes. Work closely with your H-2A advisors to accurately describe jobs in your applications. If you believe a job should fit into the Big 6, and all the tasks can be found in the Big 6 descriptions in O*NET, then be sure to insist on this position if the NYS Department of Labor makes a different determination or denies your application, you can also appeal to USDOL.

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The post H-2A Wage Rates & SOC Codes Explained originally appeared in The Ag Workforce Journal.

Discoloration in blueberry leaves: what does it mean?

Photo by Western Arctic National Parklands, CC BY 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons

Adapted from Cornell’s Berry Diagnostic Tool

 

If you’ve noticed unusual colors, mottling, or spots on your blueberry leaves, chances are the plant is suffering from one of these common issues or pathogens.

 

Pale green leaves

This may indicate a nitrogen deficiency, which is common in blueberries. The uniform light coloring may be accompanied by a reduction in shoot growth, number of new canes, and yield. Nitrogen-deficient leaves may develop early fall color and drop.

 

Yellow leaves

If the yellow is interveinal, and there isn’t browning, this indicates iron deficiency. It begins in young leaves, and caused by high soil pH (greater than 5.2), which results in the blueberry plant’s inability to use iron and subsequently produce chlorophyll.

 

Yellow leaves with browning

If the leaves show interveinal yellowing and browning, it may indicate cane death or dieback. If the canes are not dying, it may be related to herbicide injury, Botrytis stem and leaf blight, mummyberry shoot blight, potassium deficiency, overfertilization, or drought stress.

 

Splotchy yellow leaves, possibly accompanied by pink and pale green

This patchwork pattern is most often caused by ophiovirus. The leaves may appear crinkled, and the discoloration can vary from branch to branch.

 

Reddish-purple or maroon leaves

As a response to cooling temperatures, blueberry leaves turn maroon in the fall. But they may develop a reddish-purple color in the spring if the weather is cold. The discoloration usually disappears as the weather warms up. A darker purple hue is attributed to phosphorous deficiency, but this is rarely observed in the field, as blueberries have a low phosphorus requirement.

 

Red leaves

If the reddening is interveinal, suspect magnesium deficiency, which is common in acidic soils, or viral diseases like blueberry scorch and Sheep Pen Hill disease (SPHD). The latter are more common on the West Coast and in New Jersey, but are typically observed in the spring following blossom blight.

 

Red spots on the upper leaf surface

Red ringspot virus is the culprit when the leaves appear to have red spots on the upper surface and only on young shoots.

 

Purple-brown leaves and stems

Gleosporeum infection causes twig dieback and canker. The fungus can also cause necrotic lesions on leaves and succulent stems.

 

Purple-brown mottling, with crinkled leaves

Ringspot viruses, such as tomato ringspot and tobacco ringspot virus may cause crinkling, without obvious discoloration. Before suspecting a virus, confirm that other causes of leaf discoloration are not to blame. Viruses can only be definitively confirmed with a lab test.


Purple-brown at margins and unusually narrow

This “straplike” leaf shape, accompanied by purple-brown discoloration, usually means blueberry shoestring virus. Before suspecting a virus, confirm that other causes of leaf discoloration and deformation are not to blame. Viruses can only be definitively confirmed with a lab test.

 

Whitish leaves

More common on the undersides of leaves, powdery mildew can also form a whitish film on the tops. More commonly, it will cause red or brown spots on the upper surface.

 

For more information and photos of each of these blueberry plant ailments, visit Cornell’s Berry Diagnostic Tool.

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2024 Empire State Expo Berry Session Presentations

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2024 Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops Now Available

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The Cornell Cooperative Extension Pesticide Safety Education Program (CCE-PSEP), part of the New York State IPM program, is pleased to announce the availability of the 2024 Cornell Pest Management Guidelines for Berry Crops.

Written by Cornell University specialists, this publication is designed to offer producers, horticultural and chemical dealers, and crop consultants practical information on growing and managing berry crops in New York State. In addition to providing updated pesticide options for 2024, topics include general culture, nutrient management, harvesting and handling guidelines, spray application technology information, and ways to manage common berry crop pest concerns. A preview of the Berry Crops Guidelines can be seen online here.

Cornell Crop and Pest Management Guidelines are available as a print copy, online-only access, or a package combining print and online access. The print edition of the 2024 Berry Crop Guideline costs $35 plus shipping. Online-only access is $35. A combination of print and online access costs $49.00 plus shipping costs for the printed book.

Cornell Guidelines can be obtained through your local Cornell Cooperative Extension office or from the Cornell Store at Cornell University. To order from the Cornell Store, call (844) 688-7620 or order online here.

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2024 Eastern New York Fruit & Vegetable Conference

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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

Get Your 2023 Updated Version of the Berry Crop SWD Insecticide Quick Guide

spotted wing drosophila fruit fly on a raspberry

By Laura McDermott, CCE ENYCHP

By now, most growers are familiar with the Quick Guide to insecticides that are effective in preventing SWD infestation. There are a few very minor changes in this year’s version of the Quick Guide, most notably that Cyclaniliprole is labeled in blueberries and caneberries for SWD, but not in strawberries. Over the years, more materials have been made available for use on all berry crops, but notably, strawberries have fewer options.  Please always check the label for specific guidelines and restrictions. 

Get your free, downloadable copy of the current Insecticide Quick Guide here.

Download Your Free Facilitated Lease Discussion Handbook

man's hand holding a pen and signing a paper lease on a desktop

By claudia kenny, statewide director, new york state mediation program

Facilitated lease discussion is a process where landowners and farmers work together to reach arrangements that meet the needs of both groups. A facilitator provides structure, to consider and create plans based on each groups’ priorities.

Facilitators encourage you to communicate what is most important. Throughout discussions, facilitators will focus on understanding you and your context— helping you clarify what you hope to make decisions about and what your desired outcomes are—and will assist you in looking for answers that benefit all parties involved.

During the process, you may need to consult with outside experts and gather information to make informed decisions— for example, the advice of a tax expert or a business consultant.

After your sessions, we recommend a consultation with your lawyer to review any decisions that could affect your lease. We also recommend seeking their help in translating those decisions into legal language, which can then become a part of your formal lease agreement.

Download the free PDF workbook here.