Your success is our success! We host a variety of educational workshops and Field Days to give berry growers like you the tools you need to protect and improve your crops, learn the latest in farming techniques, and market your business. We also keep you up-to-date on other industry events.

Other Events

Various dates, December-February

Lunch & Learn Webinar Series

Virtual

Nourse Farms, a trusted leader in berry plant production, is launching a new Lunch & Learn Webinar Series designed to equip growers with practical strategies to maximize crop health, yields, and profitability. All are free to attend. To register, visit NourseFarms.com/pages/webinars.

December 4: Starting Strong: Matching the Right Plants to the Right Places 
January 22: Choosing the Right Production System for Your Goals 
February 19: Do This, Not That – Practical Tips for Berry Crop Success 

December 10-11

High Tunnel Production Conference

West Lebanon, NH

Whether you are a new or experienced high tunnel grower, plan to join UMaine, UNH, and UVM for this two-day event. Come learn from experts and other farmers, talk with vendors, and see their products at the trade show. This conference will offer useful information for high tunnel growers and agricultural service providers of all experience levels and all crops. Register at extension.unh.edu/event/2025/12/high-tunnel-production-conference-enhance-your-tunnel-vision.

Various dates & locations in December

Labor Roadshow IX

The Agricultural Workforce Development Council of New York State, in partnership with Cornell Agricultural Workforce Development, is excited to announce Labor Roadshow IX—a series of in-person and online events designed to keep New York’s agricultural employers informed and prepared for today’s labor challenges. This year’s Roadshow will feature two webinars and four in-person meetings across the state. Registration will open later this fall. For questions, contact cu-agworkforce@cornell.edu.

January 7-10

NASGA 2026 Meeting & Conference

Savannah, GA

The North American Strawberry Growers Association (NASGA) will be meeting in conjunction with the Southeast Regional Fruit & Vegetable Conference. The conference will offer premium opportunities to network, learn about latest advancements in research, and hear about emerging technologies in the strawberry industry across North America. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to participate in the expansive trade show as well as educational sessions presented by the SE Regional Conference. Register at nasga.org/n-american-strawberry-growers-conference.htm.

January 14-16

Empire State Producers Expo & Becker Forum

Geneva

New exciting changes coming this year. Small fruit sessions will be returning and possibly others. More sessions are planned for each day this year. More details to follow at nysvga.org/2026-empire-state-expo/.

February 11-12

NARBA Raspberry & Blackberry Conference

San Luis Obispo, CA

The 2026 Conference will offer premium opportunities to network, learn about latest advancements in research, and hear about emerging technologies in the caneberry industry. We will also offer a farm tour of the Santa Maria berry growing region. Register at raspberryblackberry.com/conference/2026-san-luis-obispo/#2026Conference.

February dates TBD

Eastern NY Fruit & Veg Conference

Stay tuned for more details!

Tuesdays from February 24-March 31

Cornell Small Farms Courses BF 123: Growing Uncommon Fruit

Virtual

This course will help you determine whether incorporating uncommon fruit into your operation is the right decision for you. We’ll walk you through all aspects of this decision, from possible fruits and appropriate site selection to marketing and profit potential, plus the advantages to including woody perennials into your farm plan. Many of these fruits can be successful in a forest farming setting, so are attractive to people with an interest in agroforestry. Expand your understanding of these promising crops and how they could improve your farm’s ecosystem while possibly also supporting your bottom line. This 6-week course is designed as a companion to the BF 122: Berry Production course, but you do NOT have to take BF 122 before taking BF 123. Register at smallfarmcourses.com/p/bf-123-growing-uncommon-fruit.

On demand

Tackling Heat Stress in Fruit Production – Innovative Strategies for a Changing Climate

Rising temperatures pose a serious challenge to fruit production, impacting plant health, yield, and quality. This discussion will explore the science behind heat stress, its effects on fruit crops, and groundbreaking solutions to mitigate damage. Learn how strengthening plant cuticles can be a game-changer in protecting against extreme heat, ensuring resilience and productivity in an unpredictable climate. More info & register at https://event.webcasts.com/starthere.jsp?ei=1711254&tp_key=6ca8dd6e8a.

On demand

Employee Engagement Virtual Workshop

Regardless of size or seasonality, every agritourism business seeks to create a culture that attracts, nurtures, and keeps employees engaged in their operation from year to year. This Virtual Workshop highlights three farms that illustrate a level of successful employee culture that we can all take lessons from to emulate in our own operations. More info & register here.

On demand

Pruning & Training of Berries, Kiwifruit, and Grapes

Webinar series

Join Bernadine Strik, professor of horticulture at Oregon State University, for this multicourse, on-demand series. Designed to provide all the information you need to prune and train berry crops, the series includes 4 to 8 self-paced narrated lectures totaling up to 2.5 hours on table grapes, kiwifruit, and berries—including raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. Register for just one module or get a discount on the series.